The Westside Gazette

PRSRT STD

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

FT. LAUDERDALE, FL 33310

PERMIT NO. 1179

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13 - FEBRUARY 19, 2025

VOL. 54 NO. 2 $1.00

TRUMP

A MESSAGE FROM

THE PUBLISHER

BLACK

HISTORY

By Ramon Robinson

Kendrick Lamar delivered a halftime performance

for the ages, helping the NFL achieve a record-breaking

viewership of over 126 million people. His dynamic

stage presence, flawless lyricism, and visually stunning

production captivated audiences worldwide, making

this one of the most talked-about Super Bowl halftime

shows in history.

A Performance to Remember

Lamar took the stage with a high-energy setlist

that featured some of his biggest hits, blending deep

storytelling with breathtaking visuals. The performance

opened with an unforgettable moment as Samuel L.

Jackson, dressed as Uncle Sam, introduced Lamar in a

theatrical and politically charged segment that set the

tone for the show.

Lamar wasn’t alone on stage—he was joined by SZA

and DJ Mustard, who added even more energy and

star power to the performance. SZA’s vocals brought a

soulful contrast to Lamar’s intensity, while DJ Mustard

kept the show electrifying. Dressed in an intricate

ensemble that paid homage to hip-hop culture, Lamar

seamlessly transitioned between tracks, leaving fans in

awe. The performance was not just a showcase of music

Continue reading online at:

thewestsidegazette.com

Experts Say Trump’s South

African Land Stance

Exposes A Deep Hypocrisy

The hypocrisy is glaring. Trump,

who has spent his political career

demonizing Black and brown

asylum seekers, now fashions

himself a humanitarian for white

South Africans.

By Stacy M. Brown

NNPA Newswire Senior

National Correspondent

@StacyBrownMedia

President Donald Trump’s

latest maneuver, an

executive order to cut U.S.

aid to South Africa while

extending refugee status to



MONTH woke

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Currently,

the majority of HBCU presidents

are concerned with the

potential impact of new Trump

administration Executive Orders

against DEI and the threat of

federal funds being revoked from

their Black colleges.

By April Ryan

It is official, the Trump Administration

is hosting its White House Black History

Month Celebration this Wednesday.

This gathering of Black officials and

others happens during the Trump

administration’s anti-DEI and anti-

Submitted by Germaine Smith Baugh, Ed. D.

Urban League of Broward County

President and CEO

Dear Friends,

It is with immense pride and heartfelt

gratitude that I announce a truly remarkable

milestone: the 50th anniversary of the Urban

League of Broward County. Over the past five

decades, we have not only grown but thrived—

thanks to the unwavering support of dedicated

staff members, community partners, loyal

stakeholders, and, of course, the individuals

and families who have walked this journey

with us.

What began as a bold vision half a century

ago has evolved into something far greater than

we could have ever imagined. Our founders

had a simple but powerful mission: to make

a meaningful impact in the lives of others.

NNPA Launches National

Public Education and

Selective Buying Campaign

Washington, DC: The National Newspaper Publishers

Association (NNPA), representing the Black Press of America,

has announced the planning and implementation of a national

public education and selective buying campaign across the

nation in direct response to those corporate entities that have

dismantled their respective Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

(DEI) commitments, programs and staffing. NNPA Chairman

Emeritus Danny Bakewell Sr. explained, “Now is the time for

the Black Press of America once again to emphatically speak

and publish truth to power.”

“We are the trusted voice of Black America, and we will not

be silent or nonresponsive to the rapid rise of renewed Jim Crow

racist policies in corporate America,” stated NNPA Chairman

Bobby R. Henry Sr. “The Black Press of America continues

efforts. During this administration’s first White

House Press Briefing, January 28th, White House Press

Secretary Karoline Leavitt affirmed “we will continue to

celebrate American history and the contributions that

all Americans, regardless of race, religion or creed have

made to our great country. America is back!” Republican

Armstrong Williams says he is “optimistic” about the

Wednesday White House celebration that he is not

expected to attend.

While in New Orleans for Super Bowl activities,

Williams told Black Press USA that, Historically Black

Colleges and Universities, “strengthening families,

and strengthening business” for wealth creation will

see a “renaissance.” Currently, the majority of HBCU

presidents are concerned with the potential impact of new

Trump administration Executive Orders against DEI

and the threat of federal funds being revoked from their



Today, that mission remains at the heart of

everything we do. We’ve seen incredible growth,

innovation, and transformation over the years,

but our commitment to serving our community

has never wavered.

As we reflect on the achievements of the

past 50 years, we honor the people who have

made this journey possible—our employees,

board members, volunteers, donors, and, of

course, the people we serve. We also remember

the tenacious leadership of Margaret Roach,

the founder of the Urban League of Broward

County, and those who followed in her

footsteps. This anniversary is a celebration of

being Rooted in Impact. It is a testament to

the profound and lasting change that happens

when we work together toward a common

purpose.

In celebrating this milestone, we also



to remain on the frontline keeping our families and

communities informed and engaged on all the issues

that impact our quality of life.”

At a recent convening of NNPA member publishers

and editors, a united resolve was reached that each

member publication of the NNPA will begin a national

public education campaign coupled with the release

of research data on those America companies that

are engaging in efforts to sanction racial injustice,

inequitable polices, divisive leadership, and economic

apartheid in America.

“We note forthrightly that Black Americans spend $2

trillion dollars annually as consumers of products and

services throughout the United States,” NNPA President

and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. emphasized. “We

now must evaluate and realign to question why we

continue to spend our money with companies that do not

respect us,” Chavis continued. “This now must come to

an end. These contradictions will not go unchallenged

by 50 million Black Americans who have struggled for

Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com

Celebrating

54 Years of the

Westside Gazette

& Honoring

Black History

By Bobby R. Henry, Sr.

I’m reminded of a radio

commercial which I wrote

about concerning lactose

intolerance, again a thought

crossed my mind—what if

there were a cure for people’s

intolerance of one another?

The term “intolerance”

often refers to a physical

rejection, but what about

the intolerance that divides

us along racial, cultural, and

social lines?

For 54 years, the family

of the Westside Gazette

has been committed to

confronting this very issue—

challenging injustice,

amplifying Black voices,

and fostering unity through

truth and understanding. We

recognize that intolerance

is not merely a personal

failing but a systemic issue

that must be addressed at

its root. If science can find a

cure for lactose intolerance

by identifying its cause,

then surely, we can seek a

remedy for intolerance in our

society. The answer lies in

knowledge, in history, and in

the written words both sacred

and secular—that guide us

toward enlightenment and

healing.

As we reflect on our

journey, we recall the

sacrifices made by our

founders Levi and Yvonne

Henry and those before us—

journalists, activists, and

everyday citizens who dared

to challenge the status quo.

Like the weary travelers

of old, walking miles with

battered sandals over jagged

roads, we too have endured

hardships to ensure that the

Thursday

Feb 13 TH

Partly Cloudy

Sunrise: 6:48am

Fri

71°

49°

(Cont’d on page 10)

77°

61°

70°

54°

70°

54°

66°

47°

Sunset: 5:28pm

Sat Sun Mon Tues

73°

53°

The Westside Gazette Newspaper

@TheWestsideGazetteNewspaper

WESTSIDE GAZETTE IS A MEMBER:

National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA)

Southeastern African-American Publishers Association (SAAPA)

Florida Association of Black Owned Media (FABOM)

Depot’s “Retool Your School” #1

B-CU

PAGE 2 • FEBRUARY 13 - FEBRUARY 19, 2025

okman University

gnificant day of unity

Thursday, Jan. 18,

l and Libby Johnson

Civic Engagement

momentous occasion

er students, faculty,

, and friends to

the University’s

lishment – securing

position in Home

igious “Retool Your

ition and receiving a

,000 grant dedicated

ancement.

ler temperatures and

, the collective spirit

ost 135 participants,

epot Daytona Beach

r Therese Watsonforces

in yesterday’s

ort. Their mission

s, involving projects

ssembling bookcases

tdoor dining sets to

of Education:

rcade games, foosball

ball hoops, hockey

tennis tables. Even

er conditions couldn’t

ication, with the only

Congresswoman

Frederica Wilson’s

Statement on Reports to

Dismantle the

Department of

Education

WASHINGTON D.C. --Today, Congresswoman

Frederica Wilson, Senior Member of the U.S.

House of Representatives Committee on Education

and Workforce, released the following statement

following reports to dismantle the U.S. Department

iveness after

ated service.

e to 30,000

have been

or at least

ut receiving

ncome-driven

will now see

n.

concession being the postponement of painting and

stripping the basketball court – a minor hiccup until

more favorable weather prevails.

Kaalijah Lollar, a 16 year

Dr. William Berry, Provost old sophomore and Acting student President,

at

Miami Central High, has

expressed excitement and gratitude, stating, “We are

a wealth of talents. Her

excited about this project and gift grateful of writing, to all singing, those who

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024

During an interview on

Sunday, Feb. 18, Clyburn,

83, expressed his continued

disdain for former President

Donald Trump’s “Make

America Great Again” mantra,

asserting that the country

is already great but needs

to ensure accessibility and

affordability for all citizens.

By Stacy M. Brown



@StacyBrownMedia

Longtime South Carolina

Democratic Rep. James Clyburn

has announced his resignation

from his House leadership

position, effective immediately,

while simultaneously committing

to run for reelection. Clyburn, a

participated in the vote for B-CU. These enhancements

Never see us as gullible, naive, or slow.

will help create You more should vibrant only know and us as engaging original as spaces we for

our students to came retreat up with on the campus braids on for your a head brain to the break or

grills in your mouth

find inspiration through the downtime.”

we’re strong and stylish without a doubt so as

Home Depot’s much as “Retool you want go Your ahead and School” think we’re program,

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

Just heed this warning….

providing over $9.25 million in campus improvement

grants to Historically We ain’t Killable! Black Colleges and Universities

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


Biden credited the success

of these relief efforts to the

corrective measures taken

to address broken student

loan programs. He asserted

that these fixes have removed

barriers preventing borrowers

from accessing the relief they

were entitled to under the law.

College

Prep

adumbrate

adjective

(verb)

Word of

the Week

being 1

to foreshadow at rest; vaguely; inactive intimidate or

motionless; quiet; still: a

HOW TO USE IN A SENTENCE:

quiescent mind.

2

to suggest, disclose or outline partially

The social unrest adumbrated the French Revolution.

We ain’t killable!

By Kaaliyah Lollar

dancing, and acting is

beyond measure. Now she

has unleashed her gift of

poetry.

In times of oppression and depression, here’s

the question.

Why is the black man everyone’s unhealthy

obsession?

First they pick fights, then call the cops when

we get tight.

I know we’re able but they call us unstable

They call us despicable but what they did to us

is unforgivable.

But through each blow society gave I can tell

you one thing, We ain’t Killable!

We’re not weak, we endured the shackles and

chains.

And even now we endure the handcuffs and

pain.

“The idea of dismantling the U.S. Department

of Education is a blow to the heart of educators and

children across this nation. It’s more than a slap in

the face — it’s a declaration of war on the future of

our children, a betrayal of every teacher who pours

their soul into shaping young minds, and a cruel death sentence for students who rely on our public schools.

“Financial aid for college students? Our public school system? Equal access to K-12 and higher education?

The safety of our students? Supporting students with disabilities? All of that is on the chopping block with these

executive orders, making it clear that our leaders are willing to sacrifice the future of our children for their

gross political agendas.

staunch supporter of President

Joe Biden, said he aims to focus

on conveying the message of

inclusivity and unity that defines

the greatness of the United States.

During an interview on Sunday,

Submitted by María Alejandra Trujillo

In a vibrant display of talent, ambition, and

community spirit, the Miss Miami Gardens

scholarship competition took place at Florida

Memorial University on Saturday, February 11th.

The event, which aims to provide young women in

the community with the opportunity to compete

for scholarship funding for their education,

b r o u g h t

PRSRT STD

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID


PERMIT NO. 1179

Feb. 18, Clyburn, 83, expressed

his continued disdain for former

President Donald Trump’s “Make

America Great Again” mantra,

asserting that the country is

already great but needs to ensure

accessibility and affordability for

all citizens. He encouraged Biden

to emphasize his experience,

wisdom, and commitment to

maintaining connections with

the American people during the

upcoming presidential campaign.

“I am fond of saying, this is

a great country in no need of

being made great. We just got

to figure out ways to make this

country’s greatness accessible

and affordable for all of our

citizens. And Joe Biden is doing

that. And we have got to stay

focused on that,” Clyburn stated

emphatically.

Clyburn, who had previously

announced his intention to seek

reelection, also reiterated that he’s

only stepping aside as assistant

Democratic leader, which marks

together a

diverse group

of contestants

(Cont’d on page 14 )

Miss Miami Gardens Empowers Young

Women via Scholarship Competition Platform

The Miss Miami Gardens

scholarship competition,

held at Florida Memorial

University, offers young

women the opportunity

to compete for scholarship

funding and become role

models in their community.

Autumn Williams, the

newly crowned Miss

Miami Gardens, shares her

passion for service and her

plans to make a difference.

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



“Elon Musk doesn’t have a damn clue what he is doing. He’s running the entire U.S. government to the

ground and has no place playing dictator. It’s downright despicable. Congress is the only branch

of government that can create or destroy agencies, and Republicans are just handing over its

keys to an unelected billionaire who only cares about his checkbook, not the American people.

“Regardless of the Administration’s plan—whether it involves defunding the Department

of Education, decentralizing the department’s functions, or instructing the U.S. Secretary of

Education to devise a plan for its dismantlement—such actions are outrageous, a ploy straight

from Project 2025. Their plan reflects the lack of importance that Republicans place on our

education system. Congress must take action to ensure the U.S. Department of Education is

properly funded and continues to operate as normal. Litigation must be filed to ensure we put a

stop to this potentially unconstitutional executive action. And I will not stop standing up for our

education system until I have no soles left in my shoes to fight.

“Democrats are doing what we can to fight back, but what folks need to be doing, especially

reporters and everyday

constituents, is getting

Republican lawmakers on the

record about this decision.

Republicans are in control of

Congress, not Democrats, and

quiescent

they have the power to hold the

administration accountable.

They can’t stay silent when

they have the power to stop

something that will hurt

so many of our children.

Republicans need to leave the

Department of Education alone

[ 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.

eager to make a difference in their own

lives and in the lives of those around

them.

Among the participants, Autumn

Williams, the newly crowned Miss

Miami Gardens, stood out with her poise,

intelligence, and passion for service.

Williams expressed her desire to serve

as a role model for young girls in the

community and to use her platform to

make a positive impact.




Senators Back

Revised Social

Media Bill

By Jim Saunders

©2024 The News Service of Florida.

All rights reserved; see terms.

TALLAHASSEE — The Florida

Senate on Thursday revamped a bill

aimed at keeping children under

age 16 off social media, as a debate

continued about the proposal’s

constitutionality and whether it

would infringe on parental rights.

House Speaker Paul Renner,

R-Palm Coast, has made the bill

(HB 1) a priority, arguing that social

media is harming the mental health

of children. The Senate Fiscal Policy

www.thewestsidegazette.com

Sen. Rosalind Osgood, D-Fort

Lauderdale, supported a bill aimed

at keeping children under age 16

off social media.

Committee on Thursday approved a

series of changes that were supported

by Renner, readying the bill to go to the

full Senate.

“I believe that we have to do

something to protect our kids,” Sen.

Rosalind Osgood, D-Fort Lauderdale,


Arrest made in theft of

Jackie Robinson statue

A bronze statue of legendary baseball pioneer Jackie

Robinson was stolen from a park in Wichita, Kan.,

during the early morning hours of Jan. 25. Police

announced Tuesday the arrest of a man in the theft of

the statue that later was found dismantled and burned.

(TRAVIS HEYING/THE WICHITA EAGLE/ASSOCIATED PRESS)

By Yolanda Nails

By Heather Hollingsworth/

Associated Press

(Source Florida Courier):



Thursday

Feb 22 nd

Cloudy

Sunrise: 7:09am

Fri

74°

50°

VOL. 53 NO. 3 $1.00

NABJ-South

Florida Chapter

announces

Scholarship

Opportunities

for 2024-25

Calvin Hughes presents scholarship

to a previous year’s winner.

(Photo Credit: Gregory F. Reed, MFA)

By Community News

Releases

The National Association of

Black Journalists-South Florida

chapter (NABJ-South Florida)

currently is inviting applications

for the Dwight Lauderdale and

Rochelle Bridges Scholarships.

NABJ-South Florida remains

steadfast in its dedication to

empowering journalists and

media professionals across the

South Florida region, fostering

career growth, and upholding

excellence in journalism.

“Our chapter is committed

A 45-year-old man was

arrested in the theft of a bronze

Jackie Robinson statue that was

cut off at the ankles and found

days later smoldering in a trash

can in a city park in Kansas,

police announced Tuesday.

Ricky Alderete was taken

into custody earlier this month

in a kidnapping case and

charged Monday with four

to creating an inclusive and

counts stemming from the theft

empowering environment

and a 2022 case, records show.

where aspiring journalists can

Wichita police Lt. Aaron Moses

thrive,” said Chapter president

said there was no evidence it

Calvin Hughes, an anchor at

was a “hate-motivated crime”

WPLG-Local 10. “Building a

but rather the intent was to sell

diverse workforce begins with

the metal for scrap.

investing in and mentoring a

(Cont’d on page 17) (Cont’d on page 10)

Smitty’s Wings Sistrunk. What typically comes to

mind when you hear this place; the aroma of crispy wings,

seasoned French fries, music, and energetic chatter?

Couple that with an extraordinary field trip unfolded

at Smitty’s Wings Restaurant! In celebration of Black

History Month, students from Hope for the Future

Christian Academy ventured on a journey not just through

Chevrolet and National

Newspaper

Publishers

Association

Offer Summer Internship:

PAGE 11

75°

59°

75°

59°

71°

58°

74°

50°

Sunset: 5:52pm

Sat Sun Mon Tues

68°

53°





Words compiled by KamarJackson,

Sophomore at Dillard High School

Leia’s Mathematics

Corner

Lena baked a pizza and cut it into 8

equal slices. She ate 2 slices, and her

brother ate 3 slices. What fraction of

the pizza is left?

215

x 5

75

- 45

Created by Leia Palmer 3rd grader!

Word Search

List Compiled


BLACK HISTORY

TIDBITS

Sally Hemmings

Three U.S. presidents have

allegedly fathered illegitimate

children with slaves. The most

well-known and substantial

of these allegations relates to

Thomas Jefferson and his slave,

Sally Hemmings, who was also

the half-sister of Jefferson’s wife

Martha (with whom he had already

fathered six children).

FEBRUARY 13 - FEBRUARY 19, 2025 • PAGE 3

Decision to remove Black WWII pilots history from Air Force

training reversed

Submitted by Senait Gebregiorgis

(Source: Philadelphia Tribune)

When President Donald Trump

enacted a diversity, equity and inclusion

ban last week, a piece of history was

eliminated from U.S. Air Force training.

The Tuskegee Airmen were the

nation’s first Black military pilots who

served in World War II.

Under Trump’s DEI ban, lesson plans

about the Tuskegee Airmen, including

the women Air Force service pilots, would

no longer be part of the U.S. Air Force

training courses.

However, following public backlash,

that decision was reversed.

Montoria “Toby” Hubbard is the

president of Central Florida’s General

Daniel “Chappie” James, Jr. Chapter of

the Tuskegee Airmen Inc.

It’s named after America’s first

Black four-star general, who was from

Pensacola.

“I was both surprised but extremely

disappointed,” said Hubbard about the

initial ban. “So many folk are going to

be disappointed, and we’re hoping that

someone will change our president’s

mind,” Hubbard said.

Tuskegee Airmen, from left, Audley

Coulthurst of New York, William Johnson of

Glen Cove, N.Y., Wilfred R. DeFour of New

York, and Herbert C. Thorpe of Rome, N.Y.,

are honored by members of the New York

Assembly upon their 75th Anniversary of

the 332nd Fighter Group of the U.S. Army

Air Corps during a recognition ceremony in

the Assembly Chamber at the state Capitol,

June 16, 2016, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/

Hans Pennink, File)

The Tuskegee Airmen were the nation’s first Black military pilots. They served

in a segregated unit during World War II and completed over 1,500 missions.

Only a few of these heroes

are still alive today, including at

least two in Florida.

In a statement, the national

nonprofit Tuskegee Airmen Inc.

said in part, “We believe the

content of these courses does

not promote one category of

service member or citizen over

another. They are simply a part

of American military history

that all service members should

be aware of.”

Alabama Congresswoman

Terri Sewell had called for the

Air Force to reverse the decision,

posting on X, “The Airmen

bravely fought and died for our

freedoms before this nation even



Statement by Marcus Arbery, the Arbery Family,

and the Transformative Justice Coalition on the

Granting of the Directed Verdict For Former

District Attorney Jackie Johnson

Since 2020, February 23rd marks the day my family again relives the tragic lynching

of Ahmaud in Satilla Shores. In less than twenty (20) days, I, as a father, bear the

indescribable loss of a child. There is no word in English to describe a parent’s loss of

a child. Today’s verdict in the Jackie Johnson trial is a bitter conclusion of the fight

to hold Johnson criminally accountable. “We promised, at Ahmaud’s gravesite, that

we would fight for complete justice for him, and we will continue to fight to get Justice for Ahmaud,” said Marcus Arbery,

the father of Ahmaud Arbery.

Mr. Arbery continued, “Although we acknowledge today’s verdict, we will never accept the injustice that my youngest

son, Ahmaud, experienced during the vicious 5-minute manhunt, capture, and senseless killing. No amount of litigation

can bring Ahmaud back to life. Our family will forever be traumatized by his killing.”

“What we witnessed through this trial is the depth of collusion and corruption in Glynn County’s Police Department

and the District Attorney’s office. This case has shown that the blue wall of protection between fellow police officers and

law enforcement officials is alive and well in Glynn County and the neighboring Waycross Judicial Circuit,” says Attorney

Daryl D. Jones. Co-leader and Board Chair of the Transformative Justice Coalition.

All of the trials have been painful to watch. Our dedication to justice for Ahmaud and our

strength in God have carried us through these trials. “Many troubling occurrences surrounded the

mishandling of this case by the Glynn County Police Department and our elected prosecutor. While

Jackie Johnson’s charges may not have met the criminal system’s burden of proof, her actions

and inactions did cause pain an unparalleled burden to this family,” said Barbara R. Arnwine,

President and Founder of the Transformative Justice Coalition. Arnwine continued, “The suffering

from the delayed prosecution and stress from all of these cases will stay with the Arbery family

eternally.”

“This ordeal has underscored to our family the importance of voting for local prosecutors who

possess unbiased integrity and will keep the community’s trust in prosecuting cases,” added

Diane Arbery Jackson. Arnwine further stated that “the Arbery family has traveled across this

country encouraging communities to be involved in local elections, especially those involving

local prosecutors. Jacquelyn Johnson’s prosecution has strengthened their resolve to stay in the

fight and continue to encourage communities to vote in local elections.” As a family, Mr. Abery

stated, “We believe there is blood on the hands of Jackie Johnson, and it is the blood of my son,

Ahmaud Arbery. The lies she told have no place in law enforcement, and we remain hopeful that

the current convictions remain in place. As a family, we will also review all options, including

reviewing again her law license.”

The Arbery family thanks jury members for their time, service, and commitment to being good

citizens. We also thank all those people and organizations that have stood steadfast beside us

over these many hard years.

Our hearts will forever grieve Ahmaud’s brutal slaying! We will continue to honor his legacy

every February 23, and our bodies are blessed to breathe every day. We will continue to fight for

100% Justice for Ahmaud and will join others who are fighting for justice for their slain children

throughout this nation who are committed to equal justice and civil rights protection.

THURSDAY, MARCH 21 - MARCH 27, 2024

By Stacy M. Brown,

NNPA Newswire

Senior National

Correspondent

@StacyBrownMedia

Amidst escalating

turmoil in Haiti, a

recent exodus of U.S.

citizens fleeing the

violence underscores

broader concerns about

the humanitarian crisis

unfolding in the Caribbean

nation. As conflict rages on

in regions like the Middle

East and Eastern Europe,

voices like Dr. Benjamin

F. Chavis Jr., President of

the National Newspaper

Publishers Association,

emphasize the need

for global attention to

the suffering of people

worldwide, including

those in Haiti.

“A lot of people are

concerned about the

In a stirring celebration of 197 years of unwavering advocacy,

the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA)

convened for Black Press Week to celebrate the March 16, 1827,

founding of Freedom’s Journal. This year’s observance, which

featured the NNPA’s annual Board of Directors meeting and

a visit to the White House, resonated with the theme “Getting

Out the Black Vote.”

The NNPA is the trade association of the more than 250

African American-owned newspapers and media companies

that comprise the Black Press of America. While six new

publishers were accepted for membership, the week of activities

included the Black Press Archives and Gallery of Distinguished


PRSRT STD

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID


PERMIT NO. 1179

U.S. Citizens Flee Haiti

Amidst Escalating Chaos:

Global

Concerns

Mount

The evacuation came amid escalating chaos in Haiti, where gang attacks, looting of aid

supplies, and widespread violence reportedly have pushed the nation to the brink of

famine.

Ryan Gainer

(Source BlackNews.Com.)

suffering that’s going on

in the Middle East, and

they should be concerned,”

noted Dr. Chavis Jr. in his

State of the Black Press

Address at the National

Press Club. “But I’m also

concerned. I don’t hear a

word about the suffering

in Africa, where millions

of people are being killed

in the Congo. I don’t hear

a word about… what’s

NATIONWIDE — Ryan Gainer, a 15-yearold

Black teen with autism, was fatally shot

by deputies from the San Bernardino County

Sheriff’s Department. The incident has once

again brought attention to the use of force by

police in cases involving mental health crises

and its disproportionate impact on African

Americans. According to the Los Angeles Times,

Ryan became upset when his parents told him to

finish his chores before allowing him to play video games or listen to music.

DeWitt Lacy, a civil rights attorney representing Ryan’s family, said the

teenager’s reaction led to him breaking glass on the front door.

Black Press Week

Galvanizes Advocacy,

Celebrates Legacy,

and Mobilizes Voters

NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. adds

fire to his State of the Black Press address at the National

Press Club, NNPA Chairman Bobby R. Henry, Sr. (March

15, 2024/Mark Mahoney)

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National

Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia


More Marijuana

Licenses Backed for

Black Farmers

Sen. Tracie Davis, D-Jacksonville, led efforts to expand the number of

medical-marijuana licenses earmarked for Black farmer.

By Dara Kam ©2024 The News Service of Florida.

TALLAHASSEE — State lawmakers for the second year

in a row have signed off on expanding the number of medicalmarijuana

licenses earmarked for Black farmers, opening the

door for three applicants who lost out earlier.

Expansion of medical-marijuana licenses for Black farmers

was included in a wide-ranging Department of Health bill (SB

1582) that also addresses such issues as septic-tank inspections

and screening for newborns and pregnant women.

A provision added to the bill in the last week of this year’s

legislative session would help at least three Black farmers

who had sought medical-marijuana licenses but were deemed

ineligible to apply by state officials. (Cont’d on page 10)

When a family member called 911 for assistance,

citing Ryan’s aggressive behavior towards family

members and property damage, deputies were

dispatched to the scene. The situation escalated

when Ryan allegedly charged at an officer with a

garden tool, prompting the deputy to fatally shoot

him.

Ryan was taken to the hospital, where he was

pronounced dead.

Lacy criticized the response, stating that

the deputies should have used de-escalation

techniques, considering Ryan’s known mental

health condition. He emphasized that the use of force was unnecessary.

While the sheriff’s department claims to have quickly provided medical

Empowered To Thrive, Inc.

is ready to help

By Novice Johnson

When the word CANCER is mentioned,

many people cringe. Some of you have only

seen the damage cancer can do, and others

have been through the grueling process of

treatment and the blessings of recovery.

Deetra Sands Durham is a native of Broward

County, a graduate of Saint Thomas Aquinas

High School, Spelman College, active in Delta

Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and her

church, to name a few.

When Deetra Sands Durham was

diagnosed, went through treatments and

survived cancer, she was compelled to help

others. She decided to create a foundation that


Spelman sisters; Novice Johnson, Tina

Duke, Deetra and Pamela Williams.

would support cancer survivors, cancer care-givers and those with a vested interest.

And, after all of the research and paperwork was done, EMPOWERED TO THRIVE,

INC., was born. When asked what she hopes this organization to accomplish, she said,

“My desire is to help all women living with and beyond cancer and cancer diagnosis.

The Foundation’s efforts will provide a safe place to share and learn as a community

of thrivers, in order to support a woman’s journey. Empowered To Thrive, Inc. and its

resources of information will be open to educate and assist (Cont’d on page 12)

Desantis Signs Bill Targeting ‘Community’ IDs

Read full story online at: www.thewestsidegazette.com

The Jewish Federation

of Broward County

Congratulates

Stephenie

Whitfield

on a well-deserved

retirement.

Thursday

March 19 th

Fri

82°

74°

Cloudy

VOL. 53 NO. 7 $1.00

A MESSAGE FROM

THE PUBLISHER

How far have we

come from our

immigrant status?

‘Curse is anyone who

withholds justice from the

foreigner, the fatherless or

widow.’ Then all the people

shall say, ‘Amen!”


The Supreme Court on

Tuesday has given Texas

the approval to enforce a

new state law authorizing

police to arrest and detain

people for illegally crossing

the Mexico border.

This seems to be just in

time as the current state

of immigration policies

and the present lack of

humanitarian efforts and

scant security in Haiti will

force Haitians to flee from

harm to be imprisoned in

search for freedom.

Where can desired

dialogue be found or even

some respect as other

migrants of a different skin

color be had with tolerance,

and just solutions?

With their lives in

danger, why are Haitians

facing blocks in their trials to

enter Florida. The Haitians

are legitimate refugees

seeking shelter and shelter

as human beings. The most

sacred are placed in harm’s

way. Children and babies

are facing starvation while

the essentials of water is of

grave concern and women

are being raped while the

men are being slaughtered.

Where is the empathy

and consideration offered

to the welfare of Haitian

people who accepted

terrifying voyages at sea?

Life offers vicious

circumstances for those who

profess to want to be free.


Sunrise: 7:30am

84°

73°

PAGE 10

85°

75°

87°

71°

82°

73°

Sunset: 7:29pm

Sat Sun Mon Tues

81°

65°








Westside Gazette

Calendar of Events

Deeply Rooted

LOCAL HAPPENINGS IN

BROWARD MIAMI-DADE

AND PALM BEACH

COUNTIES

HAVE YOUR COMMUNITY EVENTS

PLACED ON THIS PAGE

email:wgproof@thewestsidegazette.com

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

Celebrate Announcements:

Call -- (954) 525-1489

Happy Birthday * Weddings * Anniversaries

Retirements * Congratulations


Please join us on Sunday, February 23,2025 at

10:30am at Harris Chapel, Inc. 2351 NW 26th Street,

Ft. Lauderdale, Fl 33311 to celebrate National

Caregivers Day. We will be honoring those in our

midst and abroad who have answered the call to

become caregivers. Our guest speaker will be Guy

Wheeler CEO of Guy Wheeler Group Therapist/

Minister and Caregiver. Refreshments will be

served immediately after service. We look forward

to having you join us.

PRSRT STD

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID


PERMIT NO. 1179

PAGE 3

Embracing Black

Men’s Voices:

Rebuilding Trust and Unity

in the Democratic Party

THURSDAY, APRIL 4 - APRIL 10, 2024

VOL. 53 NO. 9 $1.00

Dillard Center for

the Arts Visual Arts

Department

2025 Senior Art Exhibit,

Thursday, Feb. 13 from 5 to

8:30 p.m.,at ArtServe 1350

E. Sunrise Blvd in Fort Lauderdale

The annual event will feature

works by graduating

seniors Taylor Cooke, Yuonna

Delva, Anabella Ruiz,

Elizabeth Misere and Viper

Bilton. Refreshments will be

served and all sales from

artwork will go towards

each student . The $5.00

admission fee will help support

the visual arts program

at Dillard Center for the

Arts. Tickets at dca.ludus.

com

For more info contact

(754) 322-0838.

Follow @TheWestsideGazette Newspaper on

Social Media

+ WATCH episodes of the 2-Minute Warning

via YT or FB

STAY CONNECTED --


DESTINATION

SISTRUNK …

Progress for whom?

Imagine being boxed in? Overshadowed. This rendered image shows a glimpse of what could be if developers

build around the Westside Gazette building.

(Credit: AHenryMedia)


Once again, the city of Fort Lauderdale is

looking to sell off land it has acquired for the

“betterment” of the Sistrunk Corridor. Hmmm…

To its credit, the last recommended response

to the Request for Proposal was rejected. That

proposal engulfed the Westside Gazette building

on all three sides with six story rental apartments

to match the project immediately to our east -

consistent with a steady march for housing from

the east to the west on the Sistrunk corridor.

Yes, this was our punishment for not wanting to

sell our property to further housing for whom…

The Community said no, and the City listened

-barely- by a vote of 3-2.

I don’t know about you but flooding the

corridor with housing does not a destination

make. Of course, we need housing and there is a

plethora of it on the books and coming out of the

ground in and around the corridor.

Sistrunk was the historic center of economic

and entertainment for Black life in Fort

Lauderdale. The vision originally sold to the

community was that Sistrunk would return to its

glory days. We were all excited to see Broward

Cultural Division’s Destination Sistrunk’ and

“Smitty’s move to the corridor as examples.

That vision seems to be changing, slowly but

surely.

Let’s see what emerges as the winner of the next

project. Hopefully, we will have an opportunity to

weigh in before a final recommendation makes it

way to the City Commission.

We should all pay attention to what appears as

the recommended project resulting from this last

solicitation. Not solely because my building is

impacted, but our dream for Sistrunk is hanging

in the balance.

Allies Push for Trump Administration’s Focus on

“Anti-White Racism” in Civil Rights Interpretation

In response to his four criminal

indictments and 91 felony

charges, Trump has attacked

prosecutors and judges, often

resorting to explicitly racist

language. He’s labeled Black

prosecutors handling his cases

as “animals,” “criminals,” and

“racists,” using language that

resonates with his supporters

and incites further division.

By Stacy M. Brown,



@StacyBrownMedia

Donald Trump’s history is

riddled with instances of racism

and racially charged remarks,

which have only intensified as

he faces legal challenges and

seeks a return to the White

House. Despite his claims to the

contrary, Trump’s language and

White supremacy exists in the institutional structures and the social systems of the

United States. It has since and even before the birth of the United States. (Photo:

iStockphoto / NNPA)

actions consistently reveal deepseated

bigotry.

In response to his four criminal

indictments and 91 felony charges,

Trump has attacked prosecutors and

judges, often resorting to explicitly

racist language. He’s labeled Black

prosecutors handling his cases as

“animals,” “criminals,” and “racists,”

using language that resonates with

his supporters and incites further

division.


OP-ED: Why the Biden campaign

should invest in the Black Press

Black-Owned Media:

Key to a 2024

Biden-Harris

Campaign Victory

By Charles Cantu

and Dr. Benjamin F.

Chavis Jr.

NNPA NEWSWIRE

— Advertising in the Charles Cantu (left) is the founder and CEO of RESET Digital,

Black Press provides the first Black-owned DSP. Dr. Benjamin Chavis (right) is the

deeper visibility beyond President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers

the mainstream media. Association (NNPA).

It allows the Democrats

to reach Black voters who might not

otherwise encounter their campaign

messages. Moreover, national polls

may not capture the diversity of

Black communities among urban,

suburban, and rural areas. Blackowned

newspapers reach readers in

small towns, big cities, and beyond.

Advertising in these platforms is part

of a comprehensive outreach strategy

for reaching Black Americans.

President Joe Biden wouldn’t have

won the 2020 presidential election

without the Black vote. In this

Groundhog Day redo four years later,

if President Biden wants to defeat

Donald Trump again, he needs the

Black vote more than ever. The GOP

knows this and has been courting

Black men in particular, with Trump

suggesting in a bizarre and racist

remark that Black men will root for

him because they identify with his

legal troubles.

Her great uncle was killed at age 15

at the Dozier School for Boys while

a resident there.

Trump’s past is marred by

accusations of discrimination,

including a lawsuit alleging he

refused to rent apartments to

Black tenants in the 1970s. He

infamously called for the execution

of the Central Park Five, despite

their subsequent exoneration, and

has made derogatory remarks about

Native Americans, Latinos, Asians,

and other minority groups.

During his presidency, the twiceimpeached

Trump promoted racist

narratives, such as suggesting

immigrants from certain countries

were undesirable and pushing the

debunked “birther” conspiracy theory

against Barack Obama. He enacted

policies like the Muslim ban and

targeted fair housing rules, all while

using inflammatory language to sow

fear and hatred.

Trump’s rhetoric has encouraged



The 2024 national elections will

be the most consequential elections in

American history. The Black Press and

the Black Vote will be determinative

factors in the outcome of the elections

this year.

Insider Intelligence predicts that

campaigns will spend more than $12

billion on advertising during this

election cycle, a new record. Dollar

for dollar, the biggest ROI the Biden

campaign can get is by advertising

in Black-owned and -operated

newspapers and media. Specifically,

this means the Black Press—the more

than 200 Black-owned newspapers

and their respective websites. There

are also more than 1000 other kinds

of Black-owned media that include

websites, podcasts, CTV channels, and

radio stations.

It’s not just the Biden-Harris

campaign. Democrats down the ticket

Tananarive Due has written

multiple Black horror stories during

her career but none compared to her

stumbling upon a horrific story that

was even beyond her imagination.

And this horror story was real and

was surprisingly close to home.

“It all started in 2013 when I

received a call from the Florida State

Attorney’s Office. I was advised of an

investigation into the old Arthur G.

Dozier School for Boys in Marianna,

Florida and my mother’s uncle, Robert


Thursday

April 4 th

Partly Cloudy

Sunrise: 7:08am

Fri

82°

60°


Horror writer’s novel based on

Dozier School

atrocities

By Stefany Strong

FLORIDA COURIER

81°

64°

79°

68°

79°

68°

81°

61°

Sunset: 7:39pm

Sat Sun Mon Tues

81°

73°






THURSDAY, MAY 2 - MAY 8, 2024

Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles gets choked

up as she speaks at a press conference.

PRSRT STD

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID


PERMIT NO. 1179

‘Tragic loss’

Charlotte officials mourn 4 law

enforcement officials killed

By Kevin Shalvey

(Source Smartnews)

A procession of police cruisers

with their lights flashing followed an

ambulance through Charlotte, North

Carolina, late on Monday, as the

emergency vehicle carried the body of

one of the four law enforcement officials

killed earlier in the day.

Officer Joshua Eyer’s body was

being transported from the hospital

to the Medical Examiner’s Office, law

enforcement said on social media.

A Tribute to Sam “Samborghin161x” Bruce

By Sylvester Robinson

If the name Samborghinil6lX seems

perplexing, relax. In hindsight, after reading

about Sam “Pop” Bruce’s life, never has a

more apropos moniker been coined. You

see, Sam’s accomplishments as an Athletic

prodigy demanded a nickname befitting his

talents so being compared to one of the most

expensive, engineered automobiles was both

prophetic and perfect. Representing the

Westside Gazette and publisher Bobby R.

Henry, Sonia Henry-Robinson and I accepted

an invitation to attend an event, a misnomer

if ever there was one, in honor of a young

man affectionately known as Pop, sponsored

by his loving, devoted mother, Mrs Tracye

Wilkerson. Others in attendance included

family members, teammates, schoolmates and

friends. Salad Boss, located on the first floor

Medicaid Class Action Gets Go-Ahead

By Jim Saunders

©2024 The News Service

of Florida. All rights

reserved; see terms.

TALLAHASSEE — A

federal judge has cleared the

way for a class-action lawsuit

that alleges Florida did

not properly inform people

before dropping them from

the Medicaid program after

a COVID-19 public health

emergency ended.

“Our prayers are with Officer Eyer’s

family and the families of the three

other officers who lost their lives in the

line of duty today,” the police said.

Eyer, of the Charlotte-Mecklenberg

Police, and the three other law

enforcement officials were shot and

killed as they attempted to serve two

warrants in Charlotte on Monday, city

officials said.

A man, later identified by authorities

as Terry Clark Hughes, Jr, 39, allegedly

began firing at about 1:30 Monday,


U.S. District Judge Marcia

Morales Howard last week

issued a 70-page order that

rejected arguments by the

state that the case should

not proceed as a class action.

Howard also denied a state

request for a continuance of a

trial scheduled to start May

13.

The lawsuit, filed in August

in Jacksonville and revamped

in January, stems from a

process that the state started

in spring 2023 to determine

whether more than 5 million

people enrolled in Medicaid

remained eligible for benefits.


The process came after

the end of the federal

COVID-19 public-health

emergency — a three-year

period when the state

effectively could not drop

people from Medicaid.

Attorneys for Medicaid

beneficiaries contend that

a lack of proper notice

about the discontinuation

of coverage violated

due-process rights and

a federal Medicaid law.

In part, the lawsuit

seeks an injunction to

block continued use of

the disputed notices and



EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

How Are We Doing Toward That Goal?

By W. Steven Barnett, Ph.D.,

senior co-director, and

founder, National Institute

for Early Education Research

NNPA Newswire -- Despite

strides in preschool enrollment

across the country, access to

quality early education remains

inequitable and heavily skewed

by geography, according to

our new National Institute


(NIEER) analysis. State-by-state

disparities in preschool access,

quality, and funding are widening

each year as some states take leaps

forward while others still do not

have a program. How each state

chooses to move forward—and

whether the federal government

helps—will determine how much

real progress is made in helping

America’s three- and four-yearolds

access quality preschool.

of the newly minted Boys & Girls

Club on Sistrunk Boulevard,

served as the perfect venue for

this heartwarming book/signing

tribute to a son whose life ended

In last week’s edition of the historical

account and tribute to the 70th

Anniversary of the Zeta Chi Chapter of the

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., one of its

founding members was inadvertently left

out of the history. Mr. Reuben Simmons,

whose home was used as the chapter’s first

meeting place in its founding days.

Mr. Rueben Simmons attended and

graduated from Clark College in 1951.

Miss Arc Broward 2022 title winners (l-r)

Little Miss Arc Broward Sophie Smith

and Miss Arc Broward Anelisse Lastre.

(Photo courtesy of Arc Broward)

NIEER just released its 2023

State of Preschool Yearbook, which

annually tracks state-funded

preschool enrollment, funding,

and quality across states. This

year’s report shows that during

the 2022-2023 school year states

enrolled over 1.63 million children

in preschool, marking a 7% surge

compared to the preceding year.

Preschool enrollment reached 35%

of four-year-olds and 7% of threeyear-olds,

with state expenditures

reaching $11.73 billion, an 11%

increase from 2021-2022 when

adjusted for inflation.

Despite progress, most states

still need to catch up to their

pre-pandemic level of preschool

enrollment. We believe the

research is crystal clear that

children who attend high-quality

preschools are better prepared



tragically too soon. At the time

of his ascension as an athletic

prodigy, and indeed he was,




ZX HISTORY

Fri

82°

60°

Deeply Rooted

Mr. Rueben Simmons worked for the

Fort Lauderdale News as a News Reporter for

the Negro Community News.

Brother Simmons worked as a Master

Abstractor for the Lauderdale Title and

Abstract Co.

He owned a printing company called

Simmons and Son, until he took ill in 1985.

Brother Reuben Simmons died March

27, 1988.

VOL. 53 NO. 13 $1.00

A MESSAGE FROM

THE PUBLISHER

Jumping out

of the pan into

the fire

However, if my people, who

are called by my name, will

humble themselves, pray,

search for me, and turn from

their evil ways, then I will

hear their prayer from heaven,

forgive their sins, and heal

their country.

2 Chronicles 7:14 (GW)


I will express my concern

about the erosion of democracy,

the loss of freedom of speech,

and the rise of authoritarian

tendencies both domestically

and internationally.

I’m worried about the

indoctrination of young

people and the erosion of

their identities in pursuit of

something else.

It’s indeed troubling to

witness historical patterns

repeating themselves, such

as the violence on college

campuses reminiscent of

events like Kent State

and South Carolina State

Universities where a total of

seven students were killed

three on South Carolina State

and four on Kent State.

Reflecting on past mistakes

is crucial to avoid repeating

them, but it also requires

vigilance and proactive efforts

to uphold democratic values.

It’s important to question the

narratives and actions that

lead to such outcomes and to

nurture environments where

freedom, equality, and critical

thinking thrive.



Thursday

May 2 nd

Partly Cloudy


Miss Arc Broward Pageant Contestants

to Shine on Stage at The Parker in May

11th annual event brings

together South Florida

community to empower young

women with disabilities

Submitted by Amy

Hoffman, Pierson Grant

Public Relations

SUNRISE, FL -- A

season of unforgettable

and heartwarming

experiences will culminate

in an extraordinary

moment in the spotlight

for 15 young girls and

teens with disabilities

during the 11th Annual

Miss Arc Broward Pageant,

presented by Pediatric Associates,

on Sunday, May 19 at 2 p.m.

Sunrise: 7:08am

81°

64°

79°

68°

79°

68°

81°

61°

Sunset: 7:39pm

Sat Sun Mon Tues

81°

73°





Join us in honoring

the contributions and

achievements of Black

judges in our community

during this special Black

History Month celebration

on Thursday, February

13, 2025 from 5:30 p.m. –

7:30 p.m. at NSU Shepard

Broad College of Law, 3070

Shepard Broad Way, Davie,

FL 33314. Free (Parking

will be validated) Beverages

and Apps included. Register

at: BROWARDBAR.ORG/

CALENDAR


The 17th Judicial Circuit & Broward

County Bar Association Present

Black History Month: A Celebration of Our Black Judges

Unity in Action:

Empowering Fort

Lauderdale’s Native African

American Community for

Collective Success

By Lt. Ken Roland

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL A

rising tide lifts all boats. This ageold

wisdom serves as a powerful

reminder that when one of us

thrives, we all thrive. Recently,

the call to action is clear: it is time for the native

African American citizens of Fort Lauderdale to

unite, support one another, and build a stronger,

more prosperous community.

The Power of Collective Action

For decades, the African American community

in Fort Lauderdale has contributed to the city’s

culture, economy, and history. Yet, many still

face challenges, including economic inequality,

lack of generational wealth, and barriers to

business ownership. The key to overcoming these

obstacles lies in collaboration, investment in local

Black-owned businesses, mentorship, and civic

engagement.

When we support each other by choosing to shop

at Black-owned stores, uplifting local entrepreneurs,

and advocating for equitable policies, we create a

self-sustaining ecosystem where wealth

and opportunity flow within our own

community.

Investing in Our Future

A major priority must be economic

empowerment. Fort Lauderdale’s African

American community must embrace

financial literacy, cooperative economics,

and real estate ownership. Community

banks, credit unions, and investment

groups can be tools for collective economic

growth.

Local business leaders and

professionals are encouraged to mentor

young entrepreneurs, ensuring they have

the knowledge and resources to succeed.

Similarly, supporting Black educators and

programs that promote STEM education,

trade skills, and higher education will

prepare the next generation to take charge

of their futures.

Strength in Civic Engagement

Change happens when voices are heard

and votes are cast. Native African American

citizens must take an active role in shaping

policies that impact their neighborhoods.

From attending city commission meetings

to advocating for affordable housing

and small business funding, community



We See

Expertise

Trust begins with expertise. At Broward Health, our specialized

teams are always ready for you. Drawing on advanced training

and a commitment to collaboration, our clinical experts deliver

the personalized, high-quality care you deserve. Learn more

about expertise you can trust at BrowardHealth.org.

PERSONALIZED COMPREHENSIVE INNOVATIVE

TREATMENTS CLINICAL EXPERTISE CARE OPTIONS

C2645-29_BH_Brand25_Walters_Gazette_13.25x10.75.indd 1

1/31/25 5:07 PM


WESTSIDE

GAZETTE

Bobby R. Henry, Sr.

PUBLISHER

NEWSPAPER STAFF

Sonia Henry-Robinson

COMPTROLLER

Tawanna C. Taylor

ADMINISTRATIVE ASST.

Pamela D. Henry

SENIOR EDITOR

Arri D. Henry

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Carma L. Henry

COMMUNITY NEWS EDI-

TOR

Sylvester “Nunnie’

Robinson SPORTS

Editor

Elizabeth D. Henry

CIRCULATION

MANAGER

NoRegret Media

WEBMASTER

Carma T. Taylor

DIGITAL SPECIALIST

Eric Sears

IT SPECIALIST

Ron Lyons

PHOTOGRAPHER

Levi Henry, Jr.:

PUBLISHER (Emeritus)

Yvonne Henry: EDITOR

(Emeritus)

WEBSITE:


Broward County’s

Largest African

American Owned and

Operated

Newspaper Serving

Broward - Miami-Dade

and Palm Beach Counties

545 N.W. 7th Terrace

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 5304

Fort Lauderdale,FL 33310

OFFICE (954) 525-1489

FAX: (954) 525-1861

E-MAIL ADDRESS:

MAIN

wgazette@thewestsidegazette.com

EDITOR

pamlewis@thewestsidegazette.com

COMMUNITY DIGEST

wgproof@thewestsidegazette.com

PUBLISHER

brhsr@thewestsidegazette.com

PROUD MEMBERS OF

THE: NATIONAL

NEWSPAPER

PUBLISHERS

ASSOCIATION (NNPA)

AND FLORIDA ASSOCIATION

OF BLACK OWNEDMEDIA

The Westside Gazett

Newspaper is Published

Weekly by Bi-Ads. Inc. DBA

Subscription Rates: $50

Annual $1.00 per copy

CREDO -The BlacPress

beieves that American

best lead the world away

from racial and national

antagonisms when it

accords to every person,

regarless of race, color

or creed, full human and

legal rights. Hating no

person, feaing no person,

the Black Press strives

to help every person in

the firm belief that all are

hurt as long as anyone is

held back.

LETTERS TO THE EDTOR

GUIDELINES

We welcome letters from

the public.Letters must

be signed with a clearly

legible name along with

a compete address and

phone number. No

unsigned letters will be

considered for publiction.

The Westside Gazette

reserves the right to edit

letters. Letters should be

500 words or less.

When They Tell You

About Their Own,

Believe Them

By Dr. Wilmer J. Leon, III

(TriceEdneyWire.com) - “I

don’t know who you are and I

don’t know why you like this

guy (Trump). I think what you

like about him; he appears to

be strong and the rest of us are

weak… That’s what he’s selling…

Here’s what you’re buying…He’s

a race-baiting, xenophobic religious

bigot. He doesn’t represent

my party. He doesn’t represent

the values that the men and women who wear the uniform are

fighting for... He’s the ISIL man of the year.” Sen. Lindsey Graham

(R-S.C.) on CNN 2015

There are periods in history… epochs, distinctive periods in

time marked by notable events, that in many instances signal

change. Columbus stumbling upon the Americas where Indigenous

peoples had been living for thousands of years. The

French Revolution, the Industrial Revolution, the invention of

the semiconductor, WWII, the Civil Rights era, etc.

In many instances, one may not realize that they’re living in

the historic moment. It’s only upon reflection that you realize

the significance of the time. There are other periods, I call them

Oppenheimer moments, where you know that you are in the

moment. The first atomic bomb was tested on July 16, 1945.

The bomb, nicknamed “Gadget”, released 18.6 kilotons of power.

We are told that Dr. J. Robert Oppenheimer, upon watching

the first ever atomic bomb explode, quoted a line from Hindu

scripture; the Bhagavad Gita, “Now I am become Death, the destroyer

of worlds”. Oppenheimer knew he was in the moment.

As we look at the current geopolitical landscape, we find ourselves

firmly in the grips of the second Trump administration.

There is a dramatic decline in the status of America, both domestically

and internationally. The economic outlook is uncertain.

America is funding a war in Ukraine and a genocide in

Gaza. Homelessness, unemployment and incarceration rates


The Promise of America and

the Demise of Foreign Aid

By Volker Franke

Dreams shattered. Hopes crushed.

Visions for a better future destroyed.

Possibilities replaced with anguish,

anxiety and fear. All with the stroke of a

sharpie.

President Trump’s Executive Order

to reevaluate US foreign aid suddenly

halted hundreds of humanitarian

assistance projects in countries around

the world that had been promised help,

support and hope.

Until January 27, 2025, I have been directing a USAIDfunded

locally led development program in Liberia, when

suddenly the Trump Administration’s Stop Work Order

brought our efforts to a halt. Our “Hope for a better Future”

program builds psychosocial and conflict resolution skills that

enable participants to dream of and envision a better future

for themselves and for the communities they live in, and to

take concrete steps to pursue those dreams and create those

futures.

Novel about the Hope approach is that we offer only a process

that brings participants together to create better futures; the

content of those futures and the steps towards them are agreed

upon by participants and their neighbors. As the process takes

hold and communities take their own steps toward overcoming

their biggest challenges, they become more resilient and selfreliant.

The more self-reliant communities are the less outside

assistance they will need.


The Trump-Musk Outlaw Regime–The Scorecard So Far

By Mel Gurtov

In just two weeks, Donald Trump,

Elon Musk, and their minions

have managed to alienate, disrupt,

disparage, and defy Americans and

foreign friends alike. They have openly

mocked Congress, the Constitution,

the rule of law, and the virtues of

diplomacy, all for self-serving ends.

Here are five cases that summarize

what they have done so far, why they

are so dangerous, and why resistance

is necessary.

Lawlessness

Trump’s first administration ended in lawlessness. Now it

begins that way. Though we were all alerted as to what Donald

Trump would do in his first days in office, it’s still shocking

when he does it. Here’s a partial list:

• He has issued a clearly illegal and (according to a federal judge)

“blatantly unconstitutional” executive order that disregards

the 14th Amendment to the Constitution and is racist to boot:

eliminating citizenship by birth in the case of babies born

to parents in the US illegally. (Another judge has issued a

nationwide injunction to block the order, saying “no court in

the country has ever endorsed the president’s interpretation.”)

• His transition team says the US will not grant asylum

to people crossing the border illegally, in plain violation

of international law that calls for granting asylum

to people who have a reasonable fear of persecution.

• His declaration of a national emergency at the Mexico


Deeply Rooted


The Westside Gazette, under the Management of BI-ADs, Inc., reserves

the right to publish Views and Opinions by Contributing Writers that

may not necessarily reflect those of the Staff and Management of

The Westside Gazette Newspaper and are solely the product of the

responsible individual(s) who submit comments published in this

newspaper.

TALKING WITH YOUR GOD

By Dr. John Johnson II

According to the Bible,

prophets served as emissaries

between the people and

God. Scriptures teach us

that God speaks through life

experiences we encounter.

They also speak of how God

spoke directly with Abraham,

Moses, Elijah, and countless

others. Scriptures revealed

that these people heard God’s

By Lt. Ken Roland

Fort Lauderdale, FL February 2025


THURSDAY, JUNE 20 - JUNE 26, 2024

PRSRT STD

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID


PERMIT NO. 1179

Is illiteracy Black America’s Public Health Enemy #1?

Low-income Floridians with

sickle cell disease

will have access to new gene therapies

The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration approved both sickle cell disease gene

therapies for Medicaid coverage on June 14, 2024. (Photo by TEK IMAGE/SCIENCE PHOTO

LIBRARY via Getty Images)

‘It gives us so much hope

and inspiration, especially for

our younger children’

By Jackie Llanos

(Source: Florida Phoenix)

Raising a child with sickle cell

disease during the 1990s, there wasn’t

much hope for Kemba Gosier, a Miami

resident, that she could make her

daughter’s unbearable pain go away.

Now, Floridians with sickle cell

disease are closer to a functional cure

after health care officials authorized

Medicaid coverage for newly FDAapproved

gene therapies.

Officials with the Florida Agency

for Healthcare Administration voted

Friday to cover both breakthrough

Lenora Howze,

Executive/Advertising

Director for the

131- year- old AFRO-

American Newspapers

welcomes Bobby

Henry, Sr., chair of the

National Newspaper

Publishers Association

(NNPA) at BWI. Henry,

Publisher of the

Westside Gazette in Fort

Lauderdale, Florida.,

is in Baltimore for

NNPA’s Annual

Convention on

June 19-22.

therapies, offering relief for more

than 7,000 low-income people with

subsidized health insurance in the

state, according to a report from the

agency. The staggering cost of the

therapies left people in the sickle cell

medical community wondering how

accessible the one-time treatment

would be; it can cost up to $3.1

million.

The more than 7,000 Florida

Medicaid patients represent about

half of the state’s total population

living with sickle cell. A 2023 study

in Blood, a journal of the American

Society of Hematology, placed the

number of cases in Florida at 13,886,

the highest in the nation. Most people

living with sickle cell disease in the


By Jim Saunders

©2024 The News Service of Florida.

All rights reserved; see terms.


voice because they had pure

hearts.

An examination of scriptures

tells us that God told Abram

to leave his father’s household

because he would become

father to many Nations;

Moses was told to tell the

Israelites: “I AM WHO I AM;”

and Elijah was told to return

home and prepare another

Title: As Billionaires Dominate

Miami, Fort Lauderdale’s

Millionaires Could Transform

Underserved Neighborhoods

As Miami’s waterfront transforms

into an exclusive playground for

billionaires, many millionaires are

migrating north to Fort Lauderdale,

drawn by its luxury real estate, growing

economy, and vibrant cultural scene.

Over 2,500 millionaires now call Fort

Lauderdale home, creating a unique

opportunity: What if these wealthy

individuals turned their attention to the

city’s historically underserved neighborhoods?

Imagine if each millionaire adopted a single street in the

struggling Northwest area and funded scholarships for every

resident. For many families, the cost of higher education is

an insurmountable barrier, trapping generations in a cycle of

poverty. A single millionaire’ s commitment could fund dozens

of students college tuition, leading to better job opportunities

and economic mobility for entire communities.

A Tax-Friendly Solution to Economic Disparity

Philanthropy isn’t just a moral good; it’s also a smart

financial move. Charitable donations, including scholarship

funds and business grants, are tax-deductible. For Fort

Lauderdale’s wealthy elite, investing in these communities

wouldn’t significantly impact their lifestyle, but it could

transform lives.

Beyond scholarships, these millionaires could take a

more entrepreneurial approach. What if they funded startup

businesses in the area, offering seed capital to aspiring

entrepreneurs? Local residents with ideas for restaurants,

retail stores, or tech startups often lack access to funding. A

small-business grant could create jobs, encourage innovation,

SURGEON GENERAL

CALLS FOR HEALTH

WARNINGS ON SOCIAL

MEDIA PLATFORMS

PAGE 5

Abortion

‘Statement’

Ruling On Hold

TALLAHASSEE — An appeals court Monday kept

on hold a ruling that would require a revamped “financial

impact statement” that will appear on the November

ballot with a proposed constitutional amendment about

abortion rights and refused to fast-track the issue to the

Florida Supreme Court.

The 1st District Court of Appeal approved the state’s

request for a stay of a ruling by Leon County Circuit

Judge John Cooper and rejected a suggestion by the

Floridians Protecting Freedom political committee that

the dispute be sent to the Supreme Court — a move that

would have essentially skipped consideration of the case

by the appeals court. Floridians Protecting Freedom is

helping lead efforts to pass the abortion amendment.

Monday’s order did not explain the appeals court’s

decisions, but it was the latest twist in a legal battle

about the financial impact statement.

Financial impact statements appear with ballot

initiatives to provide estimated effects of the measures

on government revenues and the state budget. A state

panel issued the financial impact statement for the

abortion proposal in November 2023.


Two former senior aides have

revealed that Trump discussed

executing Americans, including his

own staff, for disobedience.

By Stacy M. Brown

NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent




PAGE 2

Ex-Trump Officials Confirm

Talk of Executions,

Potential Bloodbath if He

Beats Biden In November

Having already been convicted of 34 felony charges this year, facing

nearly 60 other felonies, and found responsible for sexual assault, new

details have emerged about the twice-impeached and four-times indicted

former President Donald Trump’s extreme and violent rhetoric, and the

retribution he will seek if elected again.

Two former senior aides have revealed that Trump discussed executing

Americans, including his own staff, for disobedience. With Trump

declaring that he’ll be a “dictator on Day 1,” the revelations provide more

insight into the authoritarian wrath a second MAGA presidency would

unleash on America.


Ms. Robinson’s 12-Year

Summary of Accomplishments

After dedicating 12 years

to her role, Mrs. Casandra

D. Robinson, the esteemed

and Proud Principal of the

Historic Dillard High School,

received unexpected news

during a brief meeting on

Friday, June 10, 2024. She

was informed that effective

July 1, 2024, she would be

transferred to another high

school less than five miles

from her current location.

Mrs. Robinson, while sad to leave the Dillard community,

is more than equipped with the skill set needed to meet

the demanding challenges that await her as the new

and first Black principal of Plantation High School.

Mrs. Robinson, a dedicated servant and leader of the

Dillard community, has demonstrated an unmatched

passion for teaching and learning. Her commitment,

shared leadership, and winning personality have been

the cornerstone of her success at Dillard High School.

During her tenure she has been recognized with

numerous awards and accolades. As Principal, she has

spearheaded countless educational and community

initiatives, too many to list them all. However, below

are a few standout moments from her tenure at Dillard

High School 6-12: (Cont’d on page 12)

A Broward Sheriff’s Office deputy took his

own life in South Miami-Dade, BSO says

BSO didn’t name the deputy, but said, he “has been employed at the Broward Sheriff’s Office for

16 years and was off duty at the time of his death.”

Read article online at: thewestsidegazette.com

CORRECTED ONLINE: There were misspelled names in the article “ARTFUL MINDS” by Dixie Ann Black

We apologize for the errors and have corrected the names online at www.thewestsidegazette.com

prophet called Elisha, 1 Kings

19: 15-18 Verses.

If individuals through their

faith believe these things

to be true, then they surely

should believe that their

God would and will continue

to talk to those with pure

hearts. However, we must all

remember that a pure heart

doesn’t mean one has to be

free of all sins, just a believer

with faith.

Remaining grounded in

my faith, and the belief that

God continues to talk to those

who are willing to engage

in a sincere conversation,

I began a conversation.

Since I’m sharing one of my

conversations, I decided to

discuss openly only three

questions I asked God.

One, I asked God how can

I lose weight? Immediately,

subconsciously I heard a

voice saying, “Consume less

calories and exercise more.”

This answer made sense.

Secondly, I asked God, “How

could I save more money?

Immediately, subconsciously

I heard a voice saying,

“Pay yourself first before

paying creditors and never

accumulate more debt than

you can manage. This made

sense as well.

Thirdly, I asked God, “How

can Black people change their

plight in life?” Immediately,

there wasn’t any response.

I said that I thought the

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.

Approves Major Disaster

Declaration for Florida

Bill Fletcher, Jr., said white extremist

violence is being driven by white

men who feel marginalized in the

country they regard as their own.

(Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA)

CHECK OUT PAGE 14

Thursday

June 20 th

Fri

89°

82°

VOL. 53 NO. 20 $1.00

A MESSAGE FROM

THE PUBLISHER

For some

it’s a game

of deception

“When he speaks graciously,

believe him not, for there

are seven abominations in

his heart; though his hatred

be covered with deception,

his wickedness will be

exposed in the assembly.”

Proverbs 26:25-26


As the United States

stands on the edge of a

precipice, staring down the

barrel of potential civil strife,

it is crucial to reflect on

the state of our democracy

and the peril it faces. At

the center of this storm is a

former president who has

been convicted of 34 felonies,

charged with sexual abuse

and defamation of writer E.

Jean Carroll and alleged to

have incited an insurrection.

His actions have sown division

and fear, conspiring with our

adversaries and seeking to

disenfranchise Black and

Brown communities. The

sheer audacity of this man,

who, instead of seeking

forgiveness, continues to

spread lies and propaganda,

even in sacred spaces like

Black churches, is an affront

to the very essence of our

nation’s values.

For Black Americans, the

stakes could not be higher.

The erosion of our rights

and the persistent threat

of bigotry hang over us like

a dark cloud. The former

president’s visit to a Black

church, not to reconcile but

to perpetuate falsehoods,

is a stark reminder of the

contempt with which he

regards our communities. It

is a call to action, a plea for


Rain

Sunrise: 7:08am

87°

81°

88°

80°

87°

82°

Sunset: 7:39pm

Sat Sun Mon Tues

88°

80°





89°

79°

Continue reading

online at:



BUSINESS

UNITY IN THE

COMMUNITY DIRECTORY

The Changing Role of the CFO


STS TAX STS TAX

SERVICES INC. in in association with

Johnnie Smith, Jr.

Jr.

Enrolled Agent

Agent

Franchise ranchise Tax Tax Professional

Professional

* Tax Preparation * Accounting * Payroll

*Tax Preparation *Accounting *Payroll

3007 W. Commerical Blvd., Suite 204

3007 W. Fort . Commercial Lauderdale, FL Blvd., 33309

Suite 204

Tel. Fort (954) Lauderdale, 730-2226 - Fax: FL 730-2036

33309

Tel. (954) 730-2226 Cell (954) 303-5779

- Fax: (954) 730-2036

johnnie.smith@hrblock.com

Cell (954) 303-5779

johnnie.smith@hrblock.com

www.hrblock.com

www.hrblock.com

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

Submitted by Anthony

Brunson, P.A. Certified

Public Accountants &

Business Advisors

We have experienced so much

business disruption in recent

years, and one change that

should not be overlooked

is the new role of the chief

financial officer.

Business success means

keeping both customers

and employees happy, but

recently the priority has

shifted to employees. This

change has been fueled

largely by the COVID-19

pandemic. According to the

U.S. Chamber of Commerce,

there are nearly 3 million

fewer Americans working

today than there were in

February 2020. This loss of

manpower is magnified by

the shift to remote and hybrid

work, which comes with a

different set of expectations

and norms than in the pre-

COVID-19 workplace.

There are many examples

of how the labor shortage is

affecting people’s everyday

lives. For example, an upstate

New York regional health

center temporarily closed

12 locations at least partly

due to staffing issues. The

result is that patients have

a longer wait for services

and employees are stretched

to meet the need. The CFO

of that organization must

find ways to maintain

productivity and profitability

in challenging circumstances.

This is just one example. With

the worldwide talent shortage

predicted to reach up to

85 million people by 2030,

CFOs need to rethink how

they measure productivity.

Additionally, the metrics

typically used by CFOs to

measure productivity are

affected by remote work.

Know the numbers

Many company leaders



133 N. State Road 7

Plantation, Fla. 33317

(Corner of Broward Blvd. & State Rd. 7

(954) 587-7075

* $29.50 - Single Vision

*$44.50 - Bifocal * $89.50 - Progressive

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

FRED LOVELL, Lic. Opt.

(Over 30 Years in Optics)

Family Matters Planning

& Consulting LLC

“Family Protect Before

You Need It”

Home-Auto-Commerical-

Disability-Health-Life-Annuity

Burial Trust - Final Expense

Gina Hankerson

Consultant

Funeral Pre-Arrangements

Angelic Monument Headstones-Quality,

Fair Pricing & Fast Production time

Document Preperation-Wills-PoA-Living Wills

Remote Online Notary

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

Info@FamilyMattersInsuranceagency.com

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

By Roman Robinson

Fanbase: A Safe Haven

for Creators in an Era

of Censorship and

Manipulation

In a digital landscape

increasingly controlled by

government regulations

and corporate interests,

social media platforms have

strayed far from their original

promise of open connection

and free expression. Instead,

censorship, algorithmic

manipulation, and the

amplification of divisive

content have become the

norm. For many creators,

Fanbase is no longer just

an alternative—it’s the only

option.

The Harsh Reality of Big

Tech Censorship

As a former content

moderator for YouTube, I

witnessed firsthand the extent

to which content is removed,

not necessarily for violating

guidelines, but often due to

government influence and

shifting political interests.

Major platforms have become

tools for silencing dissent,

shaping public opinion, and

prioritizing profits over

people. The recent push to

ban TikTok under the guise

of national security concerns

is just another example

of this overreach. The

administration’s willingness

to suddenly reverse course

and allow TikTok to operate—

only if American interests

could own a stake—exposes

the real motivation: control

and financial gain.

Beyond governmental

influence, social media

giants have long engaged

in manipulative practices.

Take Facebook’s infamous

emotional experiment, where

the company deliberately

altered users’ feeds to see

if it could influence their

emotions. The findings?

Social media isn’t just a tool—

it’s a psychological weapon,

shaping moods, perceptions,

and behaviors without user

consent.

Why Fanbase is the

Answer

Unlike the platforms that

profit off controversy and

manipulation, Fanbase was

built with creators in mind.

Founded by Isaac Hayes III,

the platform allows users to

fully monetize their content

without relying on ad revenue



THURSDAY, JULY 11 - JULY 17, 2024

Shown at the commemoration and

balloon release L-R is Marvin Boone

and Ron Davis (Charles Betts Photo)

DeSantis

Rejects

Gun Violence

Directive

By Mitch Perry

Florida Phoenix

Gov. Ron DeSantis is once again

declaring that Florida won’t go

along with a directive from the

Biden administration, this time

in regard to the advisory on gun

violence announced this week by U.S.

Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy.

Murthy, the nation’s top doctor,

declared gun violence a public health

crisis last week and released a 39-

page report called “Firearm Violence:

A Public Health Crisis in America.”

In it, he reports how gun-related

injuries have become the leading

cause of death for children and


Viaola Fletcher, 110, and Lessie Benningfield Randle,

109, are the remaining survivors of the massacre.

Absolute Foolery of

Subjective Mainstream

Media, Nervous Democrats,

and Project 25 Fascists

PRSRT STD

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID


PERMIT NO. 1179

Biden’s two-page letter, which his

campaign released, emphasized his

resolve to stick with it and rally the

party against the twice-impeached

former President Donald Trump,

who has been convicted of 34

criminal felony charges, massive

business fraud, and a jury found him

responsible of sexually assaulting a

woman.

By Stacy M. Brown,

NNPA Newswire Senior National

Corres. @StacyBrownMedia

In a resolute stand against

President Joe Biden’s age

and misperceptions of cognitive

decline have set off a selfdestructive

political firestorm

within the Democratic Party, causing a dramatic

shift towards favoring former President Donald

Trump despite his impeachments, 34 felony



ATTORNEY ACCIDENT SETTLEMENTS

($10,000) LOANS $1,000-$5,000

FORECLOSURE $10,000

for your move to another residence

Bankruptcies... Criminal... Immigration...

JOBS... $800 Weekly. Locate car accidents

Joanna Power, P.A.

Divorces... Civil Rights.... Wrongful Death

(754) 210-0093

Biden Defies Calls to Step Down

Asserts Commitment to 2024 Presidential Race

President Joe Biden (Official White House Photo by Hannah Foslien)

mounting pressure from within his

party, President Joe Biden declared

on Monday, July 8, that he is “firmly

committed to staying in the race,”

directly addressing congressional

Democrats who have recently

suggested he should withdraw from

the 2024 presidential election.

Biden’s two-page letter, which his

campaign released, emphasized

his resolve to stick with it and

rally the party against the twiceimpeached

former President Donald

Trump, who has been convicted of

34 criminal felony charges, massive

business fraud, and a jury found him

Attorneys for the last two survivors of the

1921 Tulsa Race Massacre urged the Oklahoma

Supreme Court recently to reconsider their

dismissed case and appealed to the Biden

administration for help.

Viaola Fletcher, 110, and Lessie Benningfield

Randle, 109, are the remaining survivors of the

massacre, where up to 300 Black people were

killed, and over 1,200 homes, businesses, and

churches were destroyed by a white mob in

Tulsa’s Greenwood District, known as Black

Wall Street.

The women filed a petition for rehearing

after the court’s 8-1 vote upheld a district

court’s dismissal of their case. “Oklahoma, and

responsible for sexually assaulting

a woman. “The question of how we

move forward has been well aired

for over a week now,” Biden wrote.

“And it’s time for it to end. We have

one job. And that is to beat Donald

Trump.”

The letter follows a private

conference call where five senior

House Democrats expressed their

belief that Biden should step aside,

adding significant pressure on

the President and his advisors.

However, Biden firmly rejected

those calls, noting the importance

Oklahoma high court decision challenged by

last known survivors of Tulsa Race Massacre

Mainstream media’s

increasingly favorable treatment

of Trump, coupled

with internal Democratic

nervousness and unrest, has

added to the turbulence,

increasing the possibility that

America will elect its first selfdeclared

dictator.

By Stacy M. Brown


National Corres.

@StacyBrownMedia

PAGE 3 SEE ARTICLE ON PAGE 5


the United States of America, have failed its

Black citizens,” the women stated, recalling the

violence and destruction they witnessed.

Attorney Damario Solomon Simmons

called on the U.S. Department of Justice to

investigate the massacre under the Emmett

Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act of 2007.

The DOJ declined to comment.

The lawsuit sought restitution under

Oklahoma’s public nuisance law, arguing Tulsa

should compensate for the destruction and the

city’s financial gain from promoting the historic

Greenwood District. They proposed creating



She Is Praiseworthy - Proverbs 31:29

Maude Lewis Storr, “99 Years

of Living and Giving”

As a woman born in what is known as “The Greatest Generation”

(1925), Maude Lewis Storr has traveled many

miles and many roads. Roads and destinations

that were influenced by the words spoken to

her by the great Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune

saying to her “Make Your Mother Proud.”

A native of Florida, Maude Lewis

Storr grew up in the country…Alachua

County near Gainesville, Florida. At

the age of 9, her father passed leaving

her mother a widow with six children.

Guided by the training of her mother,

Maude Lewis Storr graduated from high

school at age 16 as the valedictorian of

her class. She continued her studies

at what was then Florida Normal and


Thursday

July 11 th

Fri

89°

82°

VOL. 53 NO. 23 $1.00

A MESSAGE FROM

THE PUBLISHER

Black, Brown

and People

of Difference

Have the

Most to Lose

You must trade an eye for

an eye , a tooth for a tooth,

a hand for a hand, a foot for

a foot 25 a burn for a burn, a

bruise for a bruise and a cut

for a cut. Exodus 21:24-25


In recent times, unsettling

trends in American politics

have begun to surface,

painting a dire picture for

the future of democracy in

this nation. The shadow of

Project 2025 looms ominously

over the landscape of power,

threatening to unravel the

very fabric of our society

and upend the fundamental

rights and freedoms that we

hold dear, particularly for

Black, Brown, women and the

LBGQT+ communities.

One disheartening aspect

of this unfolding narrative

is the swift abandonment

of principles by certain

Democrats who have chosen

to jump ship on President

Biden after a single lackluster

debate performance. In stark

contrast, the deafening

silence from both sides of

the political aisle regarding

the continued campaign of a

man as morally compromised

as Donald Trump is truly

confounding. A convicted


Industrial Institute ( now

Florida Memorial University)

receiving an Associate of Arts

Degree. She then earned her

bachelor’s degree from Tuskegee

University. Her unwavering

love for education motivated

her to pursue and earn a

master’s degree in education


Rain

Sunrise: 7:08am

87°

81°

88°

80°

87°

82°

Sunset: 7:39pm

Sat Sun Mon Tues

88°

80°





89°

79°

Continue reading

online at:



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


(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”.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 - SEPTEMBER 25, 2024

PRSRT STD

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID


PERMIT NO. 1179

Ayanna Pressley: ‘Stay Woke’ About

Project 2025’s

Weaponization of the DOJ

Former President Donald Trump

may not cosign Project 2025,

but the founding member of

the Stop Project 2025 Task

Force says don’t believe it.

By Christina Carrega

The tone of this year’s presidential

election may have shifted since Joe

Biden ended his reelection bid and

passed the baton to Vice President

Kamala Harris. Still, Democratic

lawmakers say voters must ward off

the threat of another Donald Trump

presidency and the ideology of his

supporters.

“People should stay woke,” Rep.

Ayanna Pressley, a founding member of

HAITI

Amidst its crisis of legitimacy, the

Haitian government has found it

difficult to retake power and preserve

calm. The violence in Haiti has spread

to ten departments, and the interim

administration there widened the

country’s state of emergency just one

day before Blinken’s arrival.

(Source: New York Carib News)

Secretary of State Antony

Blinken visited Haiti to

the Stop Project 2025 Task Force, told

Capital B in a recent phone interview.

Project 2025 has been coordinated at

every level, she added.

“The same mega donors that are

influencing Justice [Samuel] Alito

and Justice [Clarence] Thomas with

lavish gifts are the same mega

donors who bankrolled The Heritage

Foundation’s Project 2025,” she said.

Although Trump’s campaign has

tried to distance itself from Project

2025, Pressley and others say the

manifesto’s ideas — written by Trump

associates and published in April 2023

— are sprinkled throughout the former

president’s plans. Trump started

posting videos of his policy ideas, if he

were to return to the White House, in

December 2022, and called it Agenda

47. (Cont’d on page 10)

Blinken on Visit Announces US

Support for Peace Keeping Force

demonstrate American backing for

an international initiative aimed

at reducing gang-related violence

in the Caribbean country.

On September 5, 2024, Blinken

landed in Port-au-Prince, where

he presented a fresh round of

assistance to refugees and met

with interim prime minister Garry

Conille.

Blinken informed reporters, “At

this critical moment, we do need

Civil Rights Legend Myrlie Evers Endorses

Kamala Harris For President

“Harris Embodies What Medgar

Evers Fought And Died For”

JACKSON, MS -- Myrlie Evers,

civil rights leader, first female chairman

of the NAACP, author, activists and

widow of civil rights icon Medgar Evers

today announced her endorsement of

Kamala Harris for President in a new

video, citing her commitment to justice,

equality, and the ongoing fight for civil

rights.

“Kamala Harris embodies the

values that my husband Medgar Evers

dedicated his life to—justice, equality,

and the belief that America can and

should be better,” says Myrlie Evers.

“Her vision for this country aligns with

the ideals Medgar fought for, and

that’s why I am proud to endorse her



Javion Magee was

found dead at the

base of a tree in

North Carolina

JAVION MAGEE

(Photo Credit: Youtube/ ABC 11)

it difficult to retake power and



His family

demands

answers

By Amari Apple

(Source: Rolling Out)


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!

Jesus Christ Ministry Of Faith, Inc.

Jesus Loves You

Join Us Sundays

at 9 AM

477 NW 27 Avenue


JCMOFINC@gmail.com

Pastor David Deal, Jr.

The tragic death of

Javion Magee, a Black man

from Chicago, has sparked

outrage and concern within

the community and beyond.

Found on Sept. 11 at the

base of a tree in Henderson,

NC, with a rope around his

neck, the circumstances

surrounding his death have

raised serious questions

about transparency and

justice.

Details of the Incident

According to reports

from ABC 11, Magee was in Henderson to make a delivery to a local

Walmart when he was found dead. His family, who resides in Chicago,

is demanding answers from the Vance County Sheriff’s Office

regarding the nature of his death. Sheriff Curtis R. Brame stated that

the investigation is ongoing but emphasized that they do not believe

foul play was involved.

Brame further claimed that Magee had purchased the rope at the

Walmart prior to his death, but he did not provide additional details

when pressed by reporters. He strongly refuted claims circulating on

social media that Magee’s death was a lynching, stating that the rope

was not tied in a noose and that there was no evidence of swinging

from the tree.

more funding, we do

need more personnel

to sustain and carry

out the objectives of

this mission.”

Since President Jovenel Moise

was assassinated in July 2021,

gangs have taken control of large

areas of Haiti. Eighty percent

of Port-au-Prince, the capital, is

included in this estimate.

Amidst its crisis of legitimacy,

the Haitian government has found

Pediatrician Creates

First Ever Black-Owned

Virtual Autism Clinic

for Kids in the U.S.

PAGE 5


Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited

Haiti to demonstrate American backing for

an international initiative aimed at reducing

gang-related violence in the Caribbean

country.

Congresswoman Frederica Wilson Hosts

Successful Discussion on Community Prevention

Don’t Build a Jail for Me: Prevention, Not Detention and Policing in the Black

Community was the theme for The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s

The New Beginning

Embassy of Praise

Every Christian's Church

SUNDAY @11:00 am

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

Bible Trivia

‘Test Your Bible Knowledge'

The Fort Lauderdale

(FL) Chapter of

The Links Celebrate

50 Years

of Excellence!

PAGE 18

VOL. 53 NO. 33 $1.00

A MESSAGE FROM

THE PUBLISHER

speaking

truth to

power


Pastor Jimmy Witherspoon

and his wife, Candice,

attended a Broward School

Board meeting on Tuesday to

recount a disturbing incident.

A few weeks ago, just before

midnight, police arrived

at their home following a

report that Witherspoon had

threatened Anna Fusco, the

president of the Broward

Teachers Union (BTU).

Witherspoon strongly denies

the accusation, asserting

that he only spoke candidly

about the state of the union

and called for Fusco to resign

or be removed. He believes

this incident is part of a

larger effort to target him,

suggesting that some district

staff, including Dillard High

School principal Alfred

Broomfield, are involved.

As the story unfolds,

the situation becomes

increasingly absurd. Initially,

Broomfield claimed that

Hepburn instructed him

to remove Witherspoon

from school during an

investigation. Later, he

claimed he didn’t know who

gave the order. Now, the

narrative has shifted to a case

of mistaken identity, with

Broomfield asserting that

the call to Witherspoon was

intended for someone else.

School Board member

Alston mockingly responded

to these shifting explanations

with a knowing grin,

signaling his disbelief. The

ensuing discussion led to two

public records requests from

Alston and Brenda Fam. The

superintendent promised

to investigate the details

thoroughly. If conducted


Thursday

Sept. 19 th

Partly Cloudy

77°

89°

53rd Annual Legislative Conference. Congresswoman Frederica Wilson led a pivotal discussion

along with featured panelists L-R: Al Sharpton, Moderator; Omari Hardwick, Award-winning Actor

and National Spokesperson for 5000 Role Models; Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson, Founder Sunrise: 6:55am Sunset: 7:51pm

of US Commission on Social Status of Black Men and Boys; Kristen Clark, Esquire, US Assistant Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues

Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division ; Quentin Williams Founder and CEO of Dedication to

Community; Benjamin Crump, Esquire, Black America’s Attorney General; Becky Pringle, President

of the National Education Association; Lawrence Tate, Award-Winning Actor and Community

Activist; and Michael Duvall, National Executive Director of Boys, Young Men of Color.

75° 76° 77° 78° 78°

Read full article online: thewestsidegazette.com

88° 88° 89° 87° 88°







The month of February is known as the month for lovers. Today’s

questions are inquiring what the Bible says about love quotes.

1) “Let all your things be done with love.

2) “So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three…

3) “How fair is thy love, my sister, my spouse! How much….

4) “Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning……

5) “And above all these things put on love………

6) “As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you…..

7) “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love…

8)“A friend loveth at all times, and a brother……..

There were several couples depicted thru-out Bible. My favorite 10

couples are: 1) Abraham & Sarah (2 Adam & Eve (3 Boaz & Ruth (4

Elkanah – Hannah & Peninnah (5 Rebecca & Isaac (6 Joseph & Mary

(7 Jacob & Rachel (8 Zechariah & Elizabeth (9 Samson & Delilah

(10 David & Bathsheba

Answers – Question 1 – 1st Corinthians 16:14 Question 2 – 1st

Corinthians 13:13 Question 3 – Song Of Songs 4:10. Question 4 –

Proverbs 7:18 Question 5 – Colossians 3:14 Question 6 – John 15:9

Question 7 – Romans 12:10 Question 8 – Proverbs 17:17

ArtServe’s Exhibit "Burnout and Black Artists:

Emotional Sustainability in the Arts" Explores the

Complex Emotional Landscape of Black Artists

Submitted by Samantha

Vannuys

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL

Exhibitor Art Cartwight (Artist),

ArtServe Partnership Manager

Jennifer Gettinger, and

ArtServe CEO Jason Hughes

pose in front of one of the artist’s

colorful works.

-- (February 5, 2025) – ArtServe

recently celebrated the opening of

its first exhibit of 2025, “Burnout

and Black Artists: Emotional

Sustainability in the Arts,” bringing

together a diverse audience from

the local South Florida community

for an evening of live music, dance

and thought-provoking art.

Sponsored by Florida Power &

Light Company (FPL), this exhibit,

open through March 28th, dives into

the emotional struggles that Black

artists face. It looks at the weight of

trauma and pain, and how the pressure

to constantly create around

these themes can be exhausting.

"Burnout and Black Artists" also

shines a light on the need for emotional

sustainability—showing that

it's important to move beyond trauma

and focus on growth. The exhibit

pushes for a more holistic view

of the Black experience, opening

up important conversations about

emotional well-being and personal

discovery.

The opening reception was held

at ArtServe’s gallery in Fort Lau-

Continue reading online at: www.

thewestsidegazette.com and see

more photos

Continue reading

online at:



Harry Stewart Jr., Decorated

Tuskegee Fighter Pilot, Dies at 100

The Tuskegee Airmen National Historical Museum confirmed retired Lieutenant

Colonel Harry Stewart Jr.’s death, saying he passed away peacefully at his home

in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.

Insert photo: Mr. Fredrick Henry and Lt. Col. Harry

Stewart, both documented original Tuskegee Airmen

and WWII veterans, were honored during the renaming

of Birch St. to “Tuskegee Airmen Way” at Selfridge Air

National Guard Base, on February 27, 2018. Photo by

Master Sgt. David Kujawa USAF.

(Source: The National WWII Museum)

Retired Lieutenant Colonel Harry Stewart Jr., a decorated

combat pilot of the 332nd Fighter Group and one of the last

surviving Tuskegee Airmen, has died. He was 100 years old.

The Tuskegee Airmen National Historical Museum confirmed

Stewart’s death to the Associated Press, saying he passed

away peacefully at his home in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, on

Sunday.

Before the Tuskegee Airmen, no African American had ever

been a US military pilot. At First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt’s

insistence, the first African American fighter squadron

was created in 1941. The 99th Fighter Squadron and the

332nd Fighter Group came to symbolize African American

participation in World War II. Overall, the 992 Tuskegeetrained

pilots logged over 15,000 sorties and nearly 1,600

fighter missions over Nazi-occupied Europe, protecting B-24

bombers from aircraft fire and destroying enemy targets.

Stewart was born in Newport News, Virginia, and grew up

in Queens, New York. As a child, he was fascinated with flying,

building balsa wood model airplanes and becoming a member

of the Junior Birdmen of America.

In 1942, Stewart dropped out of high school and volunteered

for aviation cadet training in the US Army Air Forces. He

made high marks in his entrance and aptitude exams and won

admission into the aviation cadet program.

Sent to Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama in April 1943

for flight training, Stewart was commissioned as a Second

Lieutenant in July 1944 at 19 years old. After a brief leave,

he was transferred to Walterboro Army Air Field for several

weeks of intensive fighter tactics training before being shipped

to Italy.

Stewart was assigned to the 302nd Fighter Squadron, 332nd

Fighter Group, Fifteenth Air Force, in Italy, flying 43 combat

missions in North American P-51 Mustang fighter aircraft.

During one mission on April 1, 1945, Stewart was one

of eight “Red Tail” P-51s assigned to escort B-24 bombers

enroute to St. Pölten, Austria. The mission went off without


Hip-Hop Mourns the Loss

of Irv Gotti, Murder Inc.

Founder Dies at 54

By Stacy M. Brown


National Correspondent @

StacyBrownMedia

Hip-hop icon and record

executive Irving “Irv Gotti”

Lorenzo Jr., the mastermind

behind Murder Inc. Records,

has died at 54. The cause

of death has not been

announced, though Gotti

had battled diabetes-related

issues and suffered multiple

strokes in recent years.

Def Jam co-founder

Russell Simmons was among

the first to pay tribute, calling

attention to Gotti’s impact

and the broader health crisis

affecting Black men and

women.

“Brothers and sisters,

please don’t let Irv Gotti go

without acknowledging the

tragedy of his death and

the state of Black health in

America,” Simmons urged.

“This talented, beautiful,

happy, curious, enthusiastic

spirit has left his body way

too soon. I am sure God will

receive him with love. To

the Black men and women

of America still here to face

Harry Stewart Jr. Courtesy Harry Stewart.

this crisis, the epidemic of

chronic diseases and illnesses

is a result of America’s food

industry poisoning you and

the normalization of bad diets

and lack of self-care. Those



A Good Sheperd's

Funeral Home

& Cremation Services

Central

Carolyn Spann-

McBride

Funeral Service

will be held

February 22nd

at Church of God

Christian Center.

Rae’ Quan

Smith

Funeral

Service

will be held

February 15th

at Mt.

Pleasant

Baptist Church.

Kenneth

Williams

Funeral Service

will be held

February 22nd

at Full

Deliverance

Baptist Church.

Deeply Rooted

James C. Boyd

Funeral Home Services

Minister

Rhonda Levon

Armstrong –

69

Funeral

Service was

held February

8th at James C.

Boyd Funeral Home with Rev.

Joyce D. Wright

officiating.

Sandra “Bae

Bae” Jones –

71

Funeral

Service was

held February

8th at New

Covenant

Deliverance

Cathedral with Rev. Jerry

Freeman

officiating.

VIEW OBITUARIES ONLINE AT


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

Acknowledgments/ Announcements:

In Memoriam * Death Notices * Happy Birthdays

Card of Thanks* Remembrances

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

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

Obituaries

Death and Funeral Notices

Cherly Lynn

Stanley – 68

Funeral

Service was

held February

8th at Shaw

Temple A.M.E.

Zion Church

with Pastor

Calvin Harrison officiating.

Derrick Robert Thompson, Sr.

- 80

Funeral Service

was held

February 5th at

James C. Boyd

Funeral Home

with Pastor

Leonard Newton

officiating.

Leon Harry

Washington – 67..

McWhite’s Funeral

Home Services

Gregory

Thomas

Bradford

Funeral

Service was held

February 8th

at McWhite’s

Funeral Home

Chapel.

Venora Isola

Clarke

Funeral Service

was held February

8th at Praise

Tabernacle

International.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 - SEPTEMBER 25, 2024

Amidst its crisis of legitimacy, the

Haitian government has found it

difficult to retake power and preserve

calm. The violence in Haiti has spread

to ten departments, and the interim

administration there widened the

country’s state of emergency just one

day before Blinken’s arrival.

(Source: New York Carib News)

Secretary of State Antony

Blinken visited Haiti to

PRSRT STD

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID


PERMIT NO. 1179

Ayanna Pressley: ‘Stay Woke’ About

Project 2025’s

Weaponization of the DOJ

Former President Donald Trump

may not cosign Project 2025,

but the founding member of

the Stop Project 2025 Task

Force says don’t believe it.

By Christina Carrega

The tone of this year’s presidential

election may have shifted since Joe

Biden ended his reelection bid and

passed the baton to Vice President

Kamala Harris. Still, Democratic

lawmakers say voters must ward off

the threat of another Donald Trump

presidency and the ideology of his

supporters.

“People should stay woke,” Rep.

Ayanna Pressley, a founding member of

HAITI

the Stop Project 2025 Task Force, told

Capital B in a recent phone interview.

Project 2025 has been coordinated at

every level, she added.

“The same mega donors that are

influencing Justice [Samuel] Alito

and Justice [Clarence] Thomas with

lavish gifts are the same mega

donors who bankrolled The Heritage

Foundation’s Project 2025,” she said.

Although Trump’s campaign has

tried to distance itself from Project

2025, Pressley and others say the

manifesto’s ideas — written by Trump

associates and published in April 2023

— are sprinkled throughout the former

president’s plans. Trump started

posting videos of his policy ideas, if he

were to return to the White House, in

December 2022, and called it Agenda

47. (Cont’d on page 10)

Blinken on Visit Announces US

Support for Peace Keeping Force

demonstrate American backing for

an international initiative aimed

at reducing gang-related violence

in the Caribbean country.

On September 5, 2024, Blinken

landed in Port-au-Prince, where

he presented a fresh round of

assistance to refugees and met

with interim prime minister Garry

Conille.

Blinken informed reporters, “At

this critical moment, we do need

Civil Rights Legend Myrlie Evers Endorses

Kamala Harris For President

“Harris Embodies What Medgar

Evers Fought And Died For”

JACKSON, MS -- Myrlie Evers,

civil rights leader, first female chairman

of the NAACP, author, activists and

widow of civil rights icon Medgar Evers

today announced her endorsement of

Kamala Harris for President in a new

video, citing her commitment to justice,

equality, and the ongoing fight for civil

rights.

“Kamala Harris embodies the

values that my husband Medgar Evers

dedicated his life to—justice, equality,

and the belief that America can and

should be better,” says Myrlie Evers.

“Her vision for this country aligns with

the ideals Medgar fought for, and

that’s why I am proud to endorse her




FEBRUARY 13 - FEBRURAY 19, 2025 • PAGE 9

Helen Lee

Harris

Chisem

Holmes

Funeral

Service

was held

February 1st

at McWhite’s Funeral Home

Chapel.

Jerome L. Jerry,

Sr.

Roger A. Mars

Funeral

Service

was held

February 8th

at McWhite’s

Funeral

Home.

Jeremy Lloyd

Nelson

Funeral

Service

was held

February 8th

at McWhite’s

Funeral Home

Chapel.

Diana R. Rowe Funeral service

was held February 8th at

McWhite’s Funeral Home Chapel.

Javion Magee was

found dead at the

base of a tree in

North Carolina

JAVION MAGEE

(Photo Credit: Youtube/ ABC 11)

it difficult to retake power and




Roy Mizell & Kurtz

Funeral Home Services

His family

demands

answers

By Amari Apple

(Source: Rolling Out)

The tragic death of

Javion Magee, a Black man

from Chicago, has sparked

outrage and concern within

the community and beyond.

Found on Sept. 11 at the

base of a tree in Henderson,

NC, with a rope around his

neck, the circumstances

surrounding his death have

raised serious questions

about transparency and

justice.

Details of the Incident

According to reports

from ABC 11, Magee was in Henderson to make a delivery to a local

Walmart when he was found dead. His family, who resides in Chicago,

is demanding answers from the Vance County Sheriff’s Office

regarding the nature of his death. Sheriff Curtis R. Brame stated that

the investigation is ongoing but emphasized that they do not believe

foul play was involved.

Brame further claimed that Magee had purchased the rope at the

Walmart prior to his death, but he did not provide additional details

when pressed by reporters. He strongly refuted claims circulating on

social media that Magee’s death was a lynching, stating that the rope

was not tied in a noose and that there was no evidence of swinging

from the tree.

more funding, we do

need more personnel

to sustain and carry

out the objectives of

this mission.”

Since President Jovenel Moise

was assassinated in July 2021,

gangs have taken control of large

areas of Haiti. Eighty percent

of Port-au-Prince, the capital, is

included in this estimate.

Amidst its crisis of legitimacy,

the Haitian government has found

PAGE 5

Davon

Emmanuel Wood

Funeral

Service

was held

February 8th

at McWhite’s

Funeral Home

Chapel.

Pediatrician Creates

First Ever Black-Owned

Virtual Autism Clinic

for Kids in the U.S.


Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited

Haiti to demonstrate American backing for

an international initiative aimed at reducing

gang-related violence in the Caribbean

country.

Congresswoman Frederica Wilson Hosts

Successful Discussion on Community Prevention

Don’t Build a Jail for Me: Prevention, Not Detention and Policing in the Black

Community was the theme for The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s

53rd Annual Legislative Conference. Congresswoman Frederica Wilson led a pivotal discussion

along with featured panelists L-R: Al Sharpton, Moderator; Omari Hardwick, Award-winning Actor

and National Spokesperson for 5000 Role Models; Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson, Founder

of US Commission on Social Status of Black Men and Boys; Kristen Clark, Esquire, US Assistant

Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division ; Quentin Williams Founder and CEO of Dedication to

Community; Benjamin Crump, Esquire, Black America’s Attorney General; Becky Pringle, President

of the National Education Association; Lawrence Tate, Award-Winning Actor and Community

Activist; and Michael Duvall, National Executive Director of Boys, Young Men of Color.

Read full article online: thewestsidegazette.com

Elder Luscious

Daniels - 99

Funeral

Service

was held

February 8th

at Victory Place

International

Worship

Center with

Bishop Joe C. Tisdale officiating.

Willie J. Gunn

– 87

Funeral

Service was

held February

7th at New

Mount Olive

Baptist Church

with Dr. Marcus D. Davidson

officiating.

Annie Ruth

Huntley

Funeral

Service

was held

February 8th

at Roy Mizell

& Kurtz

Worship

Center.

The Fort Lauderdale

(FL) Chapter of

The Links Celebrate

50 Years

of Excellence!

PAGE 18

VOL. 53 NO. 33 $1.00

A MESSAGE FROM

THE PUBLISHER

speaking

truth to

power


Pastor Jimmy Witherspoon

and his wife, Candice,

attended a Broward School

Board meeting on Tuesday to

recount a disturbing incident.

A few weeks ago, just before

midnight, police arrived

at their home following a

report that Witherspoon had

threatened Anna Fusco, the

president of the Broward

Teachers Union (BTU).

Witherspoon strongly denies

the accusation, asserting

that he only spoke candidly

about the state of the union

and called for Fusco to resign

or be removed. He believes

this incident is part of a

larger effort to target him,

suggesting that some district

staff, including Dillard High

School principal Alfred

Broomfield, are involved.

As the story unfolds,

the situation becomes

increasingly absurd. Initially,

Broomfield claimed that

Hepburn instructed him

to remove Witherspoon

from school during an

investigation. Later, he

claimed he didn’t know who

gave the order. Now, the

narrative has shifted to a case

of mistaken identity, with

Broomfield asserting that

the call to Witherspoon was

intended for someone else.

School Board member

Alston mockingly responded

to these shifting explanations

with a knowing grin,

signaling his disbelief. The

ensuing discussion led to two

public records requests from

Alston and Brenda Fam. The

superintendent promised

to investigate the details

thoroughly. If conducted


Thursday

Sept. 19 th

Partly Cloudy

Sunrise: 6:55am

Fri

75°

88°

76°

88°

77°

89°

77°

89°

Sunset: 7:51pm

Sat Sun Mon Tues

78°

87°





78°

88°

Continue reading

online at:



9 Diabetes Diet Myths

Submitted by Medically reviewed by

Lisa Hodgson, RDN, CDN, CDCES,

FADCES, Nutrition — Written

by Annette McDermott

• Sugar and diabetes

• Carbs

• Starches

• Desserts

• Wine

• Fruit

• Diet and medication

• Fats

• Artificial sweeteners

• Outlook

Scouring the internet for reliable

information about the best diet for diabetes

may leave you feeling confused.

While there’s no shortage of advice, it’s

often challenging to discern fact from fiction.

Below, we debunk 9 common diabetes diet

myths.

1. Eating sugar causes diabetes

According to the American Diabetes Association

(ADA), eating too much sugar alone doesn’t

cause diabetes, but it may be a contributing

factor in some cases.

Type 1 diabetes is typically caused when an

environmental trigger provokes a genetic

predisposition for diabetes to express itself.

Type 2 diabetes is often triggered by various

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24 - OCTOBER 30, 2024

PRSRT STD

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID


PERMIT NO. 1179

Former President

Jimmy Carter,

who turned 100

on October 1, 2024,

voted this week as

early voting opened

up in Georgia.

He has spent the last

19 month in hospice.

risk factors, including genetics and certain

lifestyle choices.

Some other risk factors that can lead to type 2

diabetes include:

• excess weight

• high blood pressure

• sedentary lifestyle

• age, especially over 45

Sugar-sweetened drinks, such as soda and

fruit punch, are high in empty calories,

and recent studiesTrusted Source have

linked these to a higher risk of diabetes. To

help prevent diabetes, the ADA recommends

avoiding them when possible.

2. Carbohydrates (carbs) are the enemy

Carbs aren’t your enemy. It is not carbs

themselves, but the type of carb and

the quantity of carb that you eat that

is important to consider for those

with diabetes.

Not all carbs are created equal.

Those that are low on the glycemic

index (GI), a measure of how quickly

foods with carbohydrates may impact

blood sugar levels, are better choices

than those with a high GI. Some

factors that go into deciding what



Who was the first

Black first lady in the

White House?

First Lady Michelle LaVaughn

Robinson Obama is a lawyer,

writer, and the wife of the 44th

and current President, Barack

Obama. She is the first African

American First Lady of the

United States.

VOL. 53 NO. 38 $1.00


ICYMI: The Florida Department of

Health and Department of Children

and Families New Parenting

New website Strong Florida Moms will provide women

with more information on pregnancy and motherhood

Submitted by

Paige Patterson-Hughes

TALLAHASSEE, FL.

— On February 4, 2025,

the Florida Department of

Health and Department

of Children and Families

announced additional

wraparound support for life

from pregnancy and beyond

with the launch of Strong

Florida Moms. This new

initiative advances Florida’s

strong commitment to pro-life

values by further supporting

Florida women through

motherhood and providing

expanded resources on Father

First, where dads can seek

trusted information and vital

resources on fatherhood.

Whether preparing for

pregnancy, navigating the

first years of parenthood, or

seeking community support,

both sites aim to serve as

a resource for all stages of

parenting.

“Under the Governor

and First Lady’s leadership,

Florida is ensuring families

statewide have the tools

they need to ensure the

best outcomes for pregnant

women and their children,

from pregnancy through

the early years of life,” said

State Surgeon General Dr.

Joseph A. Ladapo. “Through

the resources now provided

by the Strong Florida Moms

and Father First programs,

Florida will continue to

support the lives and wellbeing

of Florida’s families,

advancing our vision that

all Floridians have the

opportunity to lead long,

healthy, and fulfilling lives.”

“In Florida, thanks to

the leadership of Governor

and First Lady DeSantis,

we are ensuring that

parents, especially expectant

parents, have resources and

information that are readily

available,” said Secretary

Shevaun Harris. “Through

initiatives like Father First

and Strong Florida Moms,

we are empowering parents

to thrive, building strong and

resilient Florida families with

confidence and support.”

Strong Florida Moms and

the expanded resources on

Father First will provide a

wide variety of information

and resources tailored to meet

the needs of Florida families.

These include what to expect

during and after pregnancy,

health care provider resources,

information on child

developmental milestones,

and answers to many of the

questions Florida moms

and dads may have about

parenting. Parents can also

find free classes and events

available statewide about

breastfeeding, developmental

milestones, safe sleep, car

seat safety, and more.

A MESSAGE FROM THE PUBLISHER from Front Page

truth is told. For over half a century, we

have carried the torch as “soldiers without

swords,” serving as a beacon of hope and an

unwavering voice for our people.

This mission has not been without

struggle. The Black Press has historically

relied on the unwavering support of its

community—readers who purchased

newspapers, churches that spread the

word, and businesses that understood the

power of advertising in Black-owned media.

Unlike mainstream publications that receive

financial lifelines, we thrive because of the

strength and loyalty of our people. Now,

more than ever, we need that support to

continue telling our own stories, preserving

our history, and shaping our future.

Black History is not just a month-long

observance, it is a living, breathing narrative

that shapes our present and future. The

Westside Gazette has been privileged to be

part of that legacy for 54 years. Through

trials and triumphs, we have remained

steadfast in our commitment to truth,

justice, and community upliftment. We owe

our longevity to our readers, supporters, and

advertisers who believe in the power of the

Black Press.

As we look ahead, let us recommit

ourselves to the principles that have guided

us thus far. Let us continue to support Black

businesses, strengthen our institutions, and

pass down the lessons of resilience to future

generations.

We are grateful for the journey, honored

by your trust, and committed to the road

ahead. Thank you for 54 years of unwavering

support. May we continue to be a blessing to

others, just as we have been blessed.

Yours in the struggle,

The Westside Gazette’s Family

KEEPING THE DREAM ALIVE

We Must Get

Kamala

Harris

and

Tim Walz

in the

White

House

By Bobby R. Henry

Reports suggest that Donald

Trump may once again attempt

to overturn an election if he loses,

with troubling signs indicating

he and his supporters are already

laying the groundwork. Experts

in a recent investigative report,

“The Very Real Scenario Where

Trump Loses and Takes Power

Anyway,” warn that Trump is

determined to seize power, no

matter the election’s outcome.

The stakes are high: if he loses,

he could face multiple criminal

charges that may result in prison

time. However, a victory could

give him the leverage to dismiss many

of these cases. For Trump, this isn’t

just about the presidency—it’s about

self-preservation.

In the face of these threats, we must

act decisively to protect democracy.

Voting is our strongest weapon, and

we need to form alliances across

communities—standing together

with Jewish communities, LGBTQ+

Haiti – Worst Mass Killing by

Gangs Forced Residents to Flee

Source: nycaribnews

the terrified, bleary-eyed inhabitants

cowered.

Louisseul François, a resident François, 41, who lost six friends and

of Haiti, vividly recalls the family members in the early morning

horrific event by saying that assault, stated, “The gangs shot at

he sprang out of bed at around anything that moved – even dogs …

three in the morning of the event They came to wipe out the whole area.

on October 5, 2024, when he It was a premeditated massacre.”

heard the first gunshots of the When François went to the scene

gang invasion and joined other later that morning with police, the

members of “the coalition,” a invaders having been driven back, he

local vigilante organization, at recalled the horrors he saw, his voice

the town entrance. Its members, quivering with sorrow.

despite their best efforts to band The attackers had broken into

together, quickly found they houses and killed anybody they could

were outmatched. They ran locate. François came and saw four

into the hills around it, where dead next to a burning home at one

intersection. Ahead, there had been

arson at a medical facility and a school.

Nineteen corpses were strewn across a

single roadway. (Cont’d on page 5)


Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. (Reuters photo.)

individuals, and anyone who values

freedom, equal justice, and the right to

choose. Every voter who opposes efforts

like Project 2025 must demonstrate our

commitment through the power of our

votes. This is how we will safeguard

democracy, counter any attempts to

sabotage the election, and ensure that

every legal vote is counted.

Experts have outlined a series of

Exonerated

Five Sue

Donald Trump

for Defamation

Over False

Debate

Remarks

Antron McCray, Kevin Richardson,

Raymond Santana, Korey Wise,

and Yusef Salaam—who spent

years in prison before their 2002

exoneration—accuse Trump of

defaming them, painting them

in a false light, and intentionally

inflicting emotional distress by

continuing to spread falsehoods

about their case.

By Stacy M. Brown



@StacyBrownMedia

The five men wrongfully convicted

in the 1989 Central Park assault case,

known as the “Exonerated Five,” have

filed a defamation lawsuit against

former President Donald Trump after

he made false statements during a

actions Trump may use to undermine

the election:

1. Spreading misinformation to erode

trust in the electoral process, already

demonstrated by multiple false claims.

2. Declaring victory on election night,

regardless of the actual results.

3. Filing lawsuits to invalidate ballots


September 10, 2024, presidential

debate. The lawsuit, filed in federal

court in Pennsylvania, claims that

the 34-times convicted Trump falsely

asserted they had “pleaded guilty”

to the crime and falsely stated they

“killed a person ultimately” during

the assault, claims that have widely

been debunked.

Antron McCray, Kevin Richardson,

Raymond Santana, Korey Wise, and

Yusef Salaam—who spent years in

prison before their 2002 exoneration—

accuse Trump of defaming them,

painting them in a false light, and

intentionally inflicting emotional

distress by continuing to spread

falsehoods about their case. The

lawsuit references Trump’s debate

comments, which were broadcast to

millions of viewers, as particularly



A MESSAGE FROM

THE PUBLISHER

The Troubling

Endorsements of

Trump and

J.D. Vance


As the political landscape

continues to divide,

endorsements from highprofile

figures can hold

significant sway, shaping

public perception and

influencing voters. In

recent weeks, an array

of Black entertainers,

professional athletes, and

even controversial figures

such as known drug dealers

and sex offenders have come

forward to endorse Donald

Trump and J.D. Vance.

While political endorsements

from celebrities are nothing

new, the troubling nature of

these specific endorsements

raises questions about the

motivations behind them

and their implications for our

society.

The fascination of celebrity

endorsements lies in their

ability to mobilize followers

who identify with the public

figures’ achievements,

cultural influence, or personal

stories. When athletes and

entertainers speak out in

favor of a political candidate,

it can feel like an extension

of their on-screen, stage or

on-field personas. However,

it is crucial to remember

that fame is not always a

mirror of moral authority or

political wisdom. The political

perspectives of such figures

should be evaluated critically.

Endorsements from

individuals with histories

of criminal activity, moral

turpitude are especially

concerning. It is essential

to ask whether such figures

should be given platforms

Thursday

Oct. 24 th

Partly Cloudy

Sunrise: 6:55am

Fri

75°

85°


75°

85

74°

85°

76

84°

78

87°

Sunset: 7:51pm

Sat Sun Mon Tues





72°

83°

aAAA

This Week in Health: Women and Cardiovascular Disease

Westside Health Brief

Marsha Mullings, MPH

February 10, 2025

greatly increase a women’s

the “silent killer,” are in women, and

—

Continue reading

online at:


America for Sale: Pam Bondi’s

Role in Trump’s Corrupt Machine

By Ramon Robinson

Pam Bondi: A Legacy of

Conflicts and Corruption

Pam Bondi, once Florida’s

Attorney General and now

a lobbyist turned political

insider, has built a career

defined by questionable

ethics, conflicts of interest,

and a trail of controversial

decisions. Her connections to

Donald Trump and corporate

giants like Pfizer have

positioned her as a key player

THURSDAY, MAY 2 - MAY 8, 2024

in a corrupt system that

prioritizes profit and power

over public service. From her

ties to foreign governments to

her stake in Trump’s media

empire, Bondi’s actions have

left countless Americans

paying the price for her

betrayals.

Trump University Scandal:

Betrayal of Everyday

Americans

In 2013, Pam Bondi’s

office had the opportunity

PRSRT STD

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID


PERMIT NO. 1179

In last week’s edition of the historical

account and tribute to the 70th

Anniversary of the Zeta Chi Chapter of the

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., one of its

founding members was inadvertently left

out of the history. Mr. Reuben Simmons,

whose home was used as the chapter’s first

meeting place in its founding days.

Mr. Rueben Simmons attended and

graduated from Clark College in 1951.

Deeply Rooted

to hold Trump University

accountable for its fraudulent

practices, which scammed

thousands of Americans out

of their hard-earned money.

Many victims, including

retirees and working-class

citizens, lost their life savings

to what was promised as a

surefire path to financial

success. Instead, they were

left with mounting debts and

empty promises.

Shortly after the Donald

J. Trump Foundation made a

Chisholm was the first African American woman elected to Congress (1968) and

the first African American to make a serious run for President of the United States

(1972). She made history for her political runs and for the actions she took while

in office.

ZX HISTORY

Mr. Rueben Simmons worked for the

Fort Lauderdale News as a News Reporter for

the Negro Community News.

Brother Simmons worked as a Master

Abstractor for the Lauderdale Title and

Abstract Co.

He owned a printing company called

Simmons and Son, until he took ill in 1985.

Brother Reuben Simmons died March

27, 1988.

VOL. 53 NO. 13 $1.00


$25,000 donation to a political

committee supporting Bondi’s

re-election, her office declined

to join the multi-state lawsuit

against Trump University.

For those who were defrauded,

Bondi’s decision felt like a

slap in the face—a betrayal

of justice for personal and

political gain. This blatant

pay-to-play scheme ensured

that victims would never see

restitution and highlighted

her willingness to prioritize

political donations over justice

for everyday Americans.

Lobbying for Qatar: Foreign

Agent, American Betrayal

After leaving office, Bondi

joined Ballard Partners,

a lobbying firm with deep

ties to Donald Trump. As

a registered foreign agent,



PRESS ROOM: Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. And Stacy

M. Brown’s Groundbreaking Book On The Transatlantic

Slave Trade Calls For Action And Education

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Dr.

Chavis announced that the

book will be distributed to

schools and educational

institutions across the

country, ensuring that

students have access to an

unfiltered account of history.

WASHINGTON, D.C. –

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr.,

a lifelong civil rights leader

and president and CEO of

the National Newspaper

Publishers Association

(NNPA), has released The

Transatlantic Slave Trade:

Overcoming the 500-Year

Legacy, co-authored with

award-winning journalist

Stacy M. Brown. Published

by Select Books, this powerful

new work examines the

enduring impact of the

transatlantic slave trade and

outlines a path forward for

racial justice and economic

empowerment.

“This book is more than

history—it is a call to action,”

said Dr. Chavis. “The blood,

sweat, and tears of enslaved

Africans built the foundation

of America’s democracy, yet

their descendants continue to

face systemic injustice. The

fight is not over, and we must

arm ourselves with knowledge

to move forward.” With the

backdrop of book bans and

efforts to erase Black history,

The Transatlantic Slave

Trade stands as a crucial

resource in educating future

generations about the ongoing

effects of slavery. Dr. Chavis

announced that the book

will be distributed to schools

and educational institutions



BROWARD COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

How Are We Doing Toward That Goal?

A MESSAGE FROM

THE PUBLISHER

NOTICE OF OPENING - THREE BEDROOM WAITING LIST FOR

EVERGLADES HEIGHTS APARTMENTS

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

ONLY at Everglades Heights Apartments located at 2400 NW 22 nd Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311.

Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles gets choked

up as she speaks at a press conference.

‘Tragic loss’

Charlotte officials mourn 4 law

enforcement officials killed

By Kevin Shalvey

(Source Smartnews)

A procession of police cruisers

with their lights flashing followed an

ambulance through Charlotte, North

Carolina, late on Monday, as the

emergency vehicle carried the body of

one of the four law enforcement officials

killed earlier in the day.

Officer Joshua Eyer’s body was

being transported from the hospital

to the Medical Examiner’s Office, law

enforcement said on social media.

“Our prayers are with Officer Eyer’s

family and the families of the three

other officers who lost their lives in the

line of duty today,” the police said.

Eyer, of the Charlotte-Mecklenberg

Police, and the three other law

enforcement officials were shot and

killed as they attempted to serve two

warrants in Charlotte on Monday, city

officials said.

A man, later identified by authorities

as Terry Clark Hughes, Jr, 39, allegedly

began firing at about 1:30 Monday,


A Tribute to Sam “Samborghin161x” Bruce

By Sylvester Robinson

If the name Samborghinil6lX seems

perplexing, relax. In hindsight, after reading

about Sam “Pop” Bruce’s life, never has a

more apropos moniker been coined. You

see, Sam’s accomplishments as an Athletic

prodigy demanded a nickname befitting his

talents so being compared to one of the most

expensive, engineered automobiles was both

prophetic and perfect. Representing the

Westside Gazette and publisher Bobby R.

Henry, Sonia Henry-Robinson and I accepted

an invitation to attend an event, a misnomer

if ever there was one, in honor of a young

man affectionately known as Pop, sponsored

by his loving, devoted mother, Mrs Tracye

Wilkerson. Others in attendance included

family members, teammates, schoolmates and

friends. Salad Boss, located on the first floor

By W. Steven Barnett, Ph.D.,

senior co-director, and

founder, National Institute


NNPA Newswire -- Despite

strides in preschool enrollment

across the country, access to

quality early education remains

inequitable and heavily skewed

by geography, according to

our new National Institute


(NIEER) analysis. State-by-state

disparities in preschool access,

quality, and funding are widening

each year as some states take leaps

forward while others still do not

have a program. How each state

chooses to move forward—and

whether the federal government

helps—will determine how much

real progress is made in helping

America’s three- and four-yearolds

access quality preschool.

of the newly minted Boys & Girls

Club on Sistrunk Boulevard,

served as the perfect venue for

this heartwarming book/signing

tribute to a son whose life ended

NIEER just released its 2023

State of Preschool Yearbook, which

annually tracks state-funded

preschool enrollment, funding,

and quality across states. This

year’s report shows that during

the 2022-2023 school year states

enrolled over 1.63 million children

in preschool, marking a 7% surge

compared to the preceding year.

Preschool enrollment reached 35%

of four-year-olds and 7% of threeyear-olds,

with state expenditures

reaching $11.73 billion, an 11%

increase from 2021-2022 when

adjusted for inflation.

Despite progress, most states

still need to catch up to their

pre-pandemic level of preschool

enrollment. We believe the

research is crystal clear that

children who attend high-quality

preschools are better prepared



tragically too soon. At the time

of his ascension as an athletic

prodigy, and indeed he was,



Jumping out

of the pan into

the fire

However, if my people, who

are called by my name, will

humble themselves, pray,

search for me, and turn from

their evil ways, then I will

hear their prayer from heaven,

forgive their sins, and heal

their country.

2 Chronicles 7:14 (GW)


I will express my concern

about the erosion of democracy,

the loss of freedom of speech,

and the rise of authoritarian

tendencies both domestically

and internationally.

I’m worried about the

indoctrination of young

people and the erosion of

their identities in pursuit of

something else.

It’s indeed troubling to

witness historical patterns

repeating themselves, such

as the violence on college

campuses reminiscent of

events like Kent State

and South Carolina State

Universities where a total of

seven students were killed

three on South Carolina State

and four on Kent State.

Reflecting on past mistakes

is crucial to avoid repeating

them, but it also requires

vigilance and proactive efforts

to uphold democratic values.

It’s important to question the

narratives and actions that

lead to such outcomes and to

nurture environments where

freedom, equality, and critical

thinking thrive.


Online pre-applications will be accepted beginning Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 8:00 AM and will close on Monday,

February 24, 2025, at 4:00 PM.

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

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

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

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

PRE-APPLICATION INFORMATION (Please read carefully):

Pre-applications will ONLY be available for completion online at the following website:

(https://bchafl.myhousing.com/). If you do not have access to a computer, you may go to a public library or any other

place where computers are available to access the website to complete the pre-application.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: If you need help filling out the pre-application because of a disability that limits your ability

to access the computer application process, please send an e-mail to accommodations@bchafl.org no later than 4:00 PM

on February 19, 2025.

Families selected must be willing to move to Fort Lauderdale, FL and must meet the following guidelines:

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

Bedroom size Minimum persons per household Maximum persons per household

3-bedrooms 3 persons 6 persons

Medicaid Class Action Gets Go-Ahead

By Jim Saunders

©2024 The News Service

of Florida. All rights

reserved; see terms.

TALLAHASSEE — A

federal judge has cleared the

way for a class-action lawsuit

that alleges Florida did

not properly inform people

before dropping them from

the Medicaid program after

a COVID-19 public health

emergency ended.

U.S. District Judge Marcia

Morales Howard last week

issued a 70-page order that

rejected arguments by the

state that the case should

not proceed as a class action.

Howard also denied a state

request for a continuance of a

trial scheduled to start May

13.

The lawsuit, filed in August

in Jacksonville and revamped

in January, stems from a

process that the state started

in spring 2023 to determine

whether more than 5 million

people enrolled in Medicaid

remained eligible for benefits.


The process came after

the end of the federal

COVID-19 public-health

emergency — a three-year

period when the state

effectively could not drop

people from Medicaid.

Attorneys for Medicaid

beneficiaries contend that

a lack of proper notice

about the discontinuation

of coverage violated

due-process rights and

a federal Medicaid law.

In part, the lawsuit

seeks an injunction to

block continued use of

the disputed notices and



Miss Arc Broward 2022 title winners (l-r)

Little Miss Arc Broward Sophie Smith

and Miss Arc Broward Anelisse Lastre.

(Photo courtesy of Arc Broward)

11th annual event brings

together South Florida

community to empower young

women with disabilities

Submitted by Amy

Hoffman, Pierson Grant

Public Relations

SUNRISE, FL -- A

season of unforgettable

and heartwarming

experiences will culminate

in an extraordinary

moment in the spotlight

for 15 young girls and

teens with disabilities

during the 11th Annual


Miss Arc Broward Pageant Contestants

to Shine on Stage at The Parker in May

Miss Arc Broward Pageant,

presented by Pediatric Associates,

on Sunday, May 19 at 2 p.m.

Thursday

May 2 nd

Partly Cloudy

Sunrise: 7:08am

Fri

82°

60°



81°

64°

79°

68°

79°

68°

81°

61°

Sunset: 7:39pm

Sat Sun Mon Tues

81°

73°





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

Number of Persons in 3 4 5 6

Household

Annual Income $76,050 $84,450 $91,200 98,000

BCHA does not discriminate on the basis of Federal or local protected classes in the access to admissions procedures

or employment of its housing programs and activities and provides Equal Housing Opportunity to all.


DeSantis’ proposed $116B budget

includes cuts to Black Business

Loan Program, tax holiday for guns

Deeply Rooted

Hillmantok University: The

Digital HBCU Revolutionizing

Online Education

Hinton and her team are actively exploring

partnerships with historically Black colleges and

universities to expand opportunities and solidify

HillmanTok’s place in the educational landscape.


Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the Focus on Fiscal

Responsibility Budget for Florida’s Fiscal Year 2025-

2026 on Feb. 3. (X@GovRonDeSantis)

Submitted by Jacob Ogles, Florida Politics

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

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

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

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

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

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

a year with many branches open 24-hours!

Gov. Ron DeSantis late Sunday quietly posted budget

recommendations for the 2025-’26 fiscal year, a contrast to the

usual pomp for which budget proposals are announced.

The budget proposes several tax decreases, including

a new tax holiday for guns and ammo during the Summer

months, called “Second Amendment Summer.” It also calls

for the cancellation of more than $2 million in funding for

the Black Business Loan Program, which provides loans for

“Black business enterprises that cannot obtain capital through

conventional lending institutions but that could otherwise

compete successfully in the private sector,” according to Florida

State Statute.

The Republican apparently has an eye on austerity, naming

his proposal “Focus on Fiscal Responsibility” and calling for the

Legislature to pass a $115.6 billion budget, one $3 billion lower

than the current budget year. With the proposal, DeSantis

calls for eliminating a net 741 government positions in order to

“operate a lean and streamlined government.”

“We know what works, and we need to continue to double

down on those efforts,” DeSantis said in a press conference on

the budget.

“We’re showing that you could be fiscally responsible,

respect taxpayers and yet still deliver on the main promises

that you made and the main public needs of our people.”

Some state agencies would be hit harder under the proposal,

while others would see a boost in staffing.

While the budget eyes cuts, the General Revenue portion of

the budget is $50.2 billion, about a $383.4-million increase over

the 2024-’25 budget.

“We’ve more than tripled our rainy day fund over these last

six years. We are also proposing to continue and to expand our


Lawn Service

WE CUT LOTS ONLY

*SMALL *MEDIUM * LARGE

FREE ESTAIMATES

CALL MR. ROUSE -- (305) 796-3721

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12 - DECEMBER 18, 2024

PRSRT STD

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID


PERMIT NO. 1179

By Stacy M. Brown,NNPA Newswire Senior National

Correspondent@StacyBrownMedia

A snow day in Georgia and a viral TikTok video

unexpectedly set the foundation for what is now HillmanTok

University, a virtual learning institution that has captured the

attention of millions.

It all started when

Dr. Leah Barlow, a

professor at North

Carolina A&T, posted

a welcome video for

her African American

Studies class. What

she intended for just

36 students reached

nearly 4 million

viewers, sparking a

movement that sixthgrade

teacher Cierra

Hinton helped shape

into something much

bigger.

“I was scrolling,

and I saw ‘Ms.

Shannon’s Screenwriting

101 class,’

then Dr. Christie’s

video, and I thought,

‘Is this an HBCU? Or

did we just happen to

have all Black professors?’”

Hinton said during

an interview on Let It Be

Known. “If I’m going to be in

these fabulous courses with

all these highly qualified

professors, what school am

I in? What are our colors?

What’s our mascot? Because I

want to represent my school.”

That curiosity led Hinton,

who was joined on Let It

Be Known News by Coach

WestB, an official staff



Fort Lauderdale approves

$2M payment

to protester shot in eye

with rubber bullet

PAGE 12

VOL. 53 NO. 45 $1.00

NUMBERS

(2-DAY

RESULTS)

Send Self

Addressed

Envelope and

$10.00 to:

C.L.HENRY or

S.H. ROBINSON

P.O.BOX 5304

FORT

LAUDERDALE,

FL 33310

For

Entertainment

Purpose Only!

34

17

93

25

16

74

89

34

3

9 2

MIAMI RED

789

345

HOT

LEAD NUMBER

7

19

JUNE

69

MAY

APRIL

56

18

99

37

57

00

MAR.

26

38

43

58

02

FEB.

18

27

39

59

03

45

PROFILES

FEBRUARY

13

14

19

28

44

66

04

67

15

22

29

45

67

05

16

23

33

46

68

FEBRUARY 13, 2025

17

24

34

47

69

JULY

25

AUG

35 36

39

78

48 49 55

15

SEPT.

13

77 78 79 88

28

87

06 07 07 09 11 12

OCT.

NOV.

DEC.

75

29

14

89

48

13

17

21

54

Broward Judge

wins Bar Association

honors for ‘profound

and positive’ impact

MICHAEL A. ROBINSON

Submitted by Jesse Scheckner

(Source: Florida Politics )

Michael A. Robinson, a longtime Judge with

the 17th Judicial Circuit in Broward County,

just earned honors from the Virgil Hawkins

Florida Chapter National Bar Association.

The organization bestowed Robinson

the Justice Peggy A. Quince Judicial

Excellence Award for his “outstanding service

and significant contribution to the fair

administration of justice for all people.”

Judge Charlene E. Honeywell, a senior

district Judge with the U.S. District Court of

the Middle District of Florida, also received

the award.


By Stacy M. Brown



@StacyBrownMedia

Daniel Penny Acquitted in

Subway Chokehold Death

of Jordan Neely,

Sparking Fresh Outrage

The case has drawn comparisons to the infamous 1984 incident involving Bernhard Goetz, a white man

who shot four Black teenagers on a New York City subway after claiming he believed they were trying to

rob him.

Daniel Penny, the former Marine who

placed Jordan Neely in a fatal chokehold

on a New York City subway, was acquitted

Monday of criminally negligent homicide.

Neely, a 30-year-old homeless man with a

documented history of mental illness, died on

May 1, 2023, in an incident that drew national

attention and ignited weeks of protests over

issues of mental health, public safety, and

racial justice.

The acquittal came after a jury of seven

women and five men deliberated for five days.

Their decision followed a deadlock on a more

serious manslaughter charge, leading Judge

Maxwell Wiley to dismiss it on Friday. Penny,

26, who faced up to four years in prison,

walked free after the jury found no unanimous

consensus on his criminal liability.

Neely’s final moments were captured on

bystander video, showing Penny restraining

him with a chokehold for nearly six minutes.

Witnesses testified that Neely, a onetime

Michael Jackson impersonator, had

been shouting on the train, expressing his

desperation, hunger, and desire to return to

jail. His erratic behavior allegedly frightened

some passengers, and Penny grabbed Neely

and placed him in a chokehold.

The case has drawn comparisons to the

infamous 1984 incident involving Bernhard

Goetz, a white man who shot four Black

teenagers on a New York City subway after

claiming he believed they were trying to rob

him. Goetz’s acquittal on attempted murder

charges, despite being convicted of illegal

firearm possession, sparked fierce debates on

race, vigilantism, and self-defense. Much like

the Goetz case, Penny’s acquittal has again

highlighted the persistent racial disparities

in how the justice system perceives and

punishes acts of force, particularly when the

victims are Black.

Miami-Dade County Commission Vice Chairman

Kionne L. McGhee Honors Dr. Desmond

Meade with Street Naming Ceremony

A MESSAGE FROM

THE PUBLISHER

The Trial of Daniel

Penny IN the Death

of Jordan Neely:

A Reflection of

America’s Divisions

…‘Truly I tell you, whatever

you did for one of the least

of these brothers and sisters

of mine, you did for me.’---

Matthew 25:40 (NIV)


The legal trial of Daniel Penny,

a former Marine, in the death of

Jordan Neely, a homeless Black man,

has become yet another flashpoint

in America’s ongoing struggle with

its deepest divides—race, class,

mental health, and justice. The tragic

encounter on a New York subway

between Penny and Neely has sparked

outrage, debate, and reflection, forcing

the nation to confront uncomfortable

truths about who we value, who we

fear, and how justice is applied.


CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES ARIES TAURUS GEMINI

38-17-27 42-04-11 38-35-04 09-18-05 42-08-32 67-15-08-

CANCER LEO VIRGO LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS

26-15-34 15-52-56 48-29-59 38-45-26 50-49-17 09-23-75-

WHAT’S HOT? 67-11-09-32-18

LATEST LOTTERY RESULT as of Tuesday, February 13 at 5 p.m.

Pick 2

339/400

67543

POWERBALL

02-17-18-29-43 3 3x

DP 02-21-34-38-44 19

Pick 3

0359/9750

JACKPOT Triple Play

02-10-31-40-42-45

Pick 4 Pick 5

70259/36170

145419/321270

FANTASY 5

Mid Feb. 11) 10-11-21-31-34

Evening Feb. 3) 04-06-08-25-29

BLACK HISTORY & JUNETEENTH

T-SHIRTS

ON SALE NOW

To Order T-Shirts

Call Sonia at (954) 646-0330

CASH4LIFE

13-15-17-20-55 3

11

55

Doublues

LOTTO

04-06-07-15-32-48

24-25-30-43-44-46

FLORIDA MEGA MILLION

04-24-32-41-55 16 2x

FRUITS, FRUITS & FRUITS

SOFT SHELL SWEET & OIL PECANS

$7 a bag

ALSO BEE HONEY

$5 A PACK

AND THE BEST BOIL & ROASTED

PEANUTS ON THE PLANET, PERIOD!

QUART BAGS $10.00.

I am sorry it had to come this-

No more FREE:

Onions, Bell Peppers, Tomatoes and

Potatoes.

Prices will increase Jan. 1, 2025

CALL FORD -- (954) 557-1203.

Interim President William McCormick

Gets Vote of Confidence from FMU Board

Submitted by Wands Wright

future.

Since assuming the interim presidency,

MIAMI GARDENS, FLA. -- Recently McCormick has worked diligently to foster an

the Florida Memorial University (FMU) environment of fiscal oversight, collaboration,

Board of Trustees unanimously cast a innovation, and academic excellence. His

vote of confidence in Interim President commitment to enhancing student experiences

William McCormick, recognizing his and expanding academic programs has

exceptional leadership and strategic vision already begun to yield positive results.

during his first six months in office. Under The Trustees commended his proactive

McCormick’s guidance, the university approach in addressing the challenges faced

has embarked on a transformational plan by the university, as well as his ability

that is steering FMU towards a promising to inspire faculty, staff, and students.

“The Board is confident in President

McCormick’s leadership and his ability to navigate

FMU through this pivotal time,” said Board Chair Walt


Continue reading

online at:


Submitted by Jessica Garrett Modkins

In a powerful and emotional ceremony on Friday,

December 6, Miami-Dade County Commission Vice Chairman

Kionne L. McGhee honored Dr. Desmond Meade, a visionary

advocate for justice and equality, by renaming a portion of

Southwest 268th Street (Moody Drive) as Desmond Meade

Street. The event, held at 26700 S. Federal Highway, marked

a significant moment in Miami-Dade’s history, recognizing

a man whose personal journey exemplifies resilience,


Thursday

Dec 12 TH

Fri

77°

67°

Cloudy

Sunrise: 6:48am

77°

68°

79°

69°

55°

74°

Sunset: 5:28pm

Sat Sun Mon Tues

80°

69°





80°

68°

ALL T-SHIRTS FOR SALE

CALL (945) 525-1489 or (945) 646-0330

BLACK HISTORY *BLACK LIVES MATTER

* WHITNEY HOUSTON*BREAST CANCER

* DR. KING * POSITIVE WOMAN

* JUNETEENTH

CALL FOR FORD(954) 557-1203


SPORTS

Nunnie on the Sideline

Deeply Rooted


THE WG

SPORTS CORNER

By Nunnie Robinson, Westside Gazette Sports Editor

"I’m going to Disney World", echoed

in the aftermath and exhilaration of a

resounding, dominating victory by the

Philadelphia Eagles over the defending

Super Bowl champion Kansas City

Chiefs by Jalen Hurts, arguably

the most underrated and criticized

quarterback in Super Bowl history. His

3 touchdown performance - 2 pass and

1 rush including 72 total yards rushing

- earned him the well-deserved MVP

award for SB LIX. Drafted in the second

round by the Eagles after a stellar

career at both Alabama and Oklahoma,

Jalen supplanted Carson Wentz as the

starting quarterback and in 4 years has played in 2 Super Bowls,

losing in ‘23 to the Chiefs 38-35 and winning SB LIX over the

Patrick Mahomes led Chiefs 40-22. Perhaps a cursory glance

into Jalen’s time in college and the Eagles’ offensive system

will explain or make some sense of the unmerited criticism. In

the 2018 national championship game, Nick Saban benched

a struggling Hurts, replacing him with Tua Tagovailoa in

the second half. Tua claimed his right to be the starter by

immediately throwing the BCF Championship clinching

touchdown pass to Heisman winner Devanta Smith, basically

sealing Jalen’s fate as the BAMA starter. The following season

Jalen returned to Alabama as Tua’s backup and ironically

replaced an injured Tua in the SEC Championship game ,

leading Alabama to a dramatic 35-28 conference championship

over the Georgia Bulldogs. The following year Jalen transferred

to Oklahoma, further developed his passing skills and led the

Sooners to the CFP playoffs. The assumption was that Tua was

a better passer, thus a better pro prospect.

The other consideration involves the Eagles’ offensive

scheme, a predominantly run first system based on the

acquisition and success of running back Saquon Barkley, who

amassed 2,000 yards behind a behemoth, talented offensive

line. Jalen isn’t asked to throw the ball 40 times a game.

Therefore, his numbers aren’t as gaudy as those of Lamar

Jackson, Josh Allen or Joe Burrow. If, however, a measure of

his greatness is based on SB appearances and victories, he is

the head of the class.

The assumption that the Chiefs’ defensive game involved

stopping Barkley, while simultaneously believing that Jalen

couldn’t beat them with his arm, proved a false premise. Boy,

were they mistaken. Against Kansas City, Hurts showcased

his growth and resilience as a QB by completing 17 of 22 passes

for 221 yards and two touchdowns. Jalen is the consummate

team player, motivated solely by winning. Take your bow,

congratulations on being the fourth African American

quarterback to win a Super Bowl and enjoy Disney World.

Tribute to Coach Leonard

Hamilton: a Man of God

By Rev. RB Holmes Jr.

I applaud coach Leonard Hamilton’s decision to resign at the

end of this season. The time has come when the most successful

men’s head basketball coach in Florida State University history

must give his full attention to seek God’s guidance for the next

exciting chapter in his life.

Many of us know about his unprecedented and unparalleled

accomplishments, accolades and achievements on the basketball

court. He is lauded by FSU’s president and athletic director for his

23 years of distinguished service. He broke the color barrier at the

University of Tennessee-Martin by being the first Black player and

in the Southeastern Conference by being the first Black assistant

coach.

Most of us already know about his history-making dynasty–his

record of graduating 97% of his players, his six times being named

national Coach of the Year by various organizations and his being

the fifth winningest coach in the Atlantic Coast Conference–so

let me talk about the spiritual strength and substance of coach

Leonard Hamilton.

As his pastor for 20 plus years, I know coach Hamilton to be

a man of God and a friend of God. Coach Hamilton is a faithful,

forthright and family man. His contributions to his church, the

body of Christ, this community and this country are impressive,

impeccable and inspirational.

Coach Hamilton has been a good friend, role model and trusted

adviser. He has given much of his invaluable time by singing in the

men’s special choir, encouraging young church members to pursue

their goals, speaking at retirement celebrations for members and

supporting foreign mission programs, community empowerment

initiatives and other special ministries.


Coco Gauff Donates $100K

to UNCF for HBCU Tennis

Scholarships

By Ashley Brown

(Source: HBCU Buzz)

her platform as an athlete

to uplift aspiring studentathletes

who share her

passion for education and

sports.

“Her commitment not only



THURSDAY, JANUARY 2 - JANUARY 8, 2025

By Nunnie Robinson, Westside Gazette Sports Editor

Some NFL tidbits on the heels of Super Bowl LIX.

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Devanta Smith joins an

elite group of NFL players who have won the Heisman Trophy

and a Super Bowl: Marcus Allen, Reggie Bush, Tony Dorsett,

and Charles Woodson.

The NFL draft will be held on April 24, 2025, in Green Bay,

Wisconsin. Following is the first round draft order for each

team:

1. Tennessee Titans 2. Cleveland Browns 3. New York Giants

4. New England Patriots 5.Jacksonville Jaguars 6. Las Vegas

Raiders 7. New York Jets 8. Carolina Panthers. 9. New Orleans

Saints. 10. Chicago Bears.11. San Francisco 49ers 12.

Dallas Cowboys. 13. Miami Dolphins 14.Indianapolis Colts 15.

Atlanta Falcons 16. Arizona Cardinals 17. Cincinnati Bengals

18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 19. Seattle Seahawks 20. Denver

Broncos 21. Pittsburgh Steelers 22. Los Angeles, Chargers 23.

Green Bay Packers 24. Minnesota Vikings 25. Houston Texans

26. Los Angeles Rams 27. Baltimore Ravens 28. Detroit Lions

29. Washington commanders 30. Buffalo Bills 31. Kansas City

Chiefs 32. Philadelphia Eagles

The NBA could perform a public service by eliminating the

draft lottery and awarding the first pick to the Washington

Wizards for no NBA team should be this bad and dysfunctional.

Simply follow the NFL model - teams with the worst records

get the first picks in order of finish.

The Miami HEAT are in first place with a losing record in the

lowly Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference. Soundly

defeated by the ‘24 defending NBA champion Celtics at home

on Monday night, and with the Jimmy Butler conundrum behind

them, it’s time for the Heat to find its footing, reassess

where they are compared to the better teams in the league and

Eastern Conference and carve out a path forward. The grave

concern is where the consistent scoring is going to come from.

The Heat hierarchy is experienced and intelligent enough to

figure it out.

PRSRT STD

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID


PERMIT NO. 1179


New Year Brings

10 New Laws

PAGE 3

4 B-CU softball

student-athletes

named to

All-SWAC Team


get 2 free

special

advance

screening passes

PAGE 12

VOL. 53 NO. 48 $1.00

Autumn Lockwood Makes History as the First

Black Woman to Coach in and Win a Super Bowl

By Ramon Robinson

Autumn Lockwood has

secured her place in history

as the first Black woman

to coach in and win a Super

Bowl. As the Assistant

Sports Performance Coach

for the Philadelphia Eagles,

Lockwood played a key role

in the team’s preparation

and success, culminating in

their championship victory.

Her achievement is not only

personal but also represents a

major moment in the ongoing

conversation about the NFL

moving away from exclusion

and fostering true competition

where everyone can compete.

A Milestone in NFL

Coaching

While Lockwood is the

first Black woman to reach

this milestone, she follows in

the footsteps of other female

coaches who have worked on

NFL sidelines. In 2021, Lori

Locust and Maral Javadifar

of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

became the first female

coaches to win a Super Bowl.

Lockwood’s accomplishment

adds another layer to the

increasing presence of women

in coaching roles within

the league, showing that

opportunities for women—



In a powerful testament to

the impact of community and

heritage, tennis sensation

Coco Gauff has made a

monumental $100,000

donation to the United

Negro College Fund. The gift

will fund scholarships for

students playing competitive

tennis at Historically Black

Colleges and Universities.

This initiative highlights

Gauff’s commitment to using

Jimmy Carter,

39th President

and Global

Humanitarian,

Dies at 100

How The Carrie Meek Foundation

fuels Miami’s growth, legacy

Lucia Davis-Raiford now leads the Carrie Meek

Foundation to honor her mother’s legacy.

By Amelia Orjuela Da Silva,

Miami Times Staff Writer

As the calendar turns toward

2025, The Carrie Meek Foundation

is laying the groundwork for an

expansive future that honors

the legacy of Congresswoman

Carrie P. Meek while addressing

the evolving needs of Miami-

Dade County’s communities.

From workforce development

in aviation to communitybased

safety initiatives, the

foundation is focused on building

sustainable, impactful solutions

for the region’s Black and brown

neighborhoods.

A legacy continued

Meek was a pioneering force

in American politics. As the

first Black Floridian elected to

Congress since Reconstruction,

she broke barriers when she won

the 1992 Democratic primary

at the age of 66. Over the next

decade, Meek shaped health,

education, housing, and economic

development policies to benefit

(Courtesy of The Carrie Meek Foundation)

her constituents. Even after retiring in 2002, she

continued her advocacy through the Carrie P. Meek

Foundation, which she established to expand upon

her work in Miami.

Lucia Davis-Raiford, the current president

and CEO of the Foundation and Meek’s daughter,



Carter is survived by his

four children, numerous

grandchildren and greatgrandchildren,

and a

legacy of public service that

transformed lives around

the globe. He will be buried

next to Rosalynn under a

willow tree near a pond

he helped dig in Plains.

By Stacy M. Brown



@StacyBrownMedia

James “Jimmy” Carter, the

peanut farmer from Plains,

Georgia, who became the 39th

president of the United States

and later redefined the role of an

ex-president through decades of

humanitarian work, died Sunday

at his home. He was 100. His

son, James E. Carter III, known

as Chip, confirmed the death but

provided no immediate cause.

Carter had been in hospice care

since February 2023 after battling

an aggressive form of melanoma

that spread to his brain and liver.

Carter’s wife, Rosalynn,

with whom he shared 77 years

of marriage—the longest of any

presidential couple—died on

November 19, 2023, at 96. The

couple’s final years were marked

by their enduring love, and

Carter’s last public appearance

was at Rosalynn’s funeral, where

he sat in the front row in a

wheelchair.

Born in Plains on October 1,

1924, Carter grew up on a farm,



DeSantis admin mum ahead of Jan. 1

deadline for summer food programs for kids

Florida has until Jan. 1 to tell the federal

government whether it will administer

the SUN Bucks program. Shown is

a sign at a grocery store noting the

acceptance of electronic benefit transfer,

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

California. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Submitted by

Jackie Lianos


(Source: Florida Phoenix)

D e S a n t i s

administration

officials haven’t said

whether the state will

again reject a federal

program that gives

low-income families

money for groceries

during the summer.

More than 2 million

kids in the state could

again miss out on the

SUN Bucks program,

or summer EBT, if the

Florida Department of

Children and Families

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

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

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

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

Florida could be among 12 states skipping the program next

summer. While the feds are responsible for the funds families

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

costs.

DCF officials did not reply when the Florida Phoenix asked

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

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

request for comment.


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

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National

Correspondent, @StacyBrownMedia

As Black America and other minority groups brace for hostility and

uncertainty under the incoming administration of Donald Trump, the

death of former President Jimmy Carter has reignited an appreciation

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

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

humility and service, demonstrating what true leadership can accomplish.

Carter’s presidency from 1977 to 1981 brought meaningful progress

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

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

and Urban Development and later Secretary of Health and Human

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

Nations, further demonstrating Carter’s commitment to inclusion.

His administration included a record number of Black federal judges,

strengthened rules preventing discriminatory schools from claiming

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

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

In a previously published interview, Deputy Assistant to the President

The death of former President Jimmy Carter has reignited an for Reorganization Jay Beck spoke fondly of Carter’s dedication to

appreciation for a leader who championed equality, justice, and fostering opportunity for marginalized groups. “One of the things that’s

humanity over self-interest and division. Carter, who died at 100, happened through President Carter over the years, he’s brought in

leaves a legacy rooted in humility and service, demonstrating


what true leadership can accomplish.

A MESSAGE FROM

THE PUBLISHER

Dreams can

come true

14

For God does speak—now

one way, now another—

though no one perceives

it. 15 In a dream, in a

vision of the night, when

deep sleep falls on people

as they slumber in their

beds, 16 he may speak in

their ears and terrify them

with warnings, 17 to turn

them from wrongdoing

and keep them from pride,

18 to preserve them from

the pit, their lives from

perishing by the sword.

Job 33:14-18


As we step into a New

Year, confused and uncertain,

I can’t help but wonder—

where are we truly headed?

Disaster seems inevitable

when we continue down this

path of disregard for life and

mutual respect. Wars are

fought without purpose or

preparation, and communities

are torn apart by division.

Families are pitted against

the government, citizens

against police. Who will

emerge victorious from such

chaos?

It feels as though we

are stranded on a desolate

island, straining our eyes for

a rescue ship, only to see the

ghostly figure of “The Flying

Dutchman” on the horizon.

Where is our hope? Where is

our recovery?

I reach for hope, but it feels

as fleeting as steam escaping

from a turbine—intangible,

searing, and elusive. Yet, the

strength of my spirit, shaped

by generations of resilience

and ancestral determination,

refuses to stop reaching.

Slowly, I come to realize

Thursday

Jan 2 nd

Fri

77°

67°


Cloudy

Sunrise: 6:48am

77°

68°

79°

69°

55°

74°

Sunset: 5:28pm

Sat Sun Mon Tues

80°

69°





80°

68°

Continue reading

online at:



H i s t o r y

Celebrating excellence

in every community.

During Black History Month, we honor leaders who consistently

dedicate themselves to uplifting and supporting their communities.

Through their tireless efforts, they preserve the legacy of those who

came before and pave the way for future generations to thrive.

Join us in celebrating fashion entrepreneur Ngozi Okaro, STEM

leader Dr. Calvin Mackie, Jamie Aranda, a resilient Air Force

veteran, and astronaut Ed Dwight as part of our Everyday

Excellence campaign. Their drive and achievements inspire

us all, serving as powerful reminders that success is within

reach for those who strive for it.

Find career resources to support

your own everyday excellence

at aarp.org/work

The Westside Gazette

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

Delete template?

Save as template ?