The Westside Gazette

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18 - DECEMBER 24, 2025

PRSRT STD

U.S. POSTAGE

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FT. LAUDERDALE, FL 33310

PERMIT NO. 1179

South Florida schools get

$5.25M federal boost for

mental health services

PAGE 2

BCPS

plans school

boundary

changes and

campus c

onsolidations

for 2026–27

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VOL. 54 NO. 46 $1.00

The Iconic Tom Jenkins’

A MESSAGE FROM

THE PUBLISHER

Barbecue Set to Close

Ben Crump with Mrs Kimberly Butler, the wife of

Rev. Lewis Bulter. (Courtesy Crump Law)

Civil Rights Attorney Ben

Crump Scores $779 Million

Verdict for Black Family

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — In an America

shaped once again by racial hostility and the

rollback of diversity protections under the Trump

administration, renowned Civil Rights Attorney Ben

Crump continues to force institutions to confront the

value of Black life.

By Stacy M. Brown

Black Press USA Senior National

Correspondent

In an America shaped once again by racial

hostility and the rollback of diversity protections

under the Trump administration, renowned Civil

Rights Attorney Ben Crump continues to force

institutions to confront the value of Black life. His

latest victory, a $779.3 million wrongful death

verdict for the killing of security guard Lewis Butler,

lands as a direct challenge to a system that has long

accepted negligence toward Black workers as an

unavoidable cost of doing business.

Butler, 51, was killed during a 2023 armed

robbery at an internet café in Havana, Florida.

Evidence at trial showed that the café, operated by

Fortune MGT 2023 LLC and Manish Kumar Patel,

failed to report a previous armed robbery on October

25, 2023, during which a firearm was stolen. The

complaint alleged that the owners concealed the

earlier robbery because managers allegedly knew

illegal gambling was taking place inside. The same

stolen weapon was later used to kill Butler as he

Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com

LOCAL POLITICS

Governor

Ron DeSantis

Appoints Pascale

Achille to 17 th

Judicial Circuit

Court Bench

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL --The 17 th Judicial

Circuit is delighted to announce the appointment of

Pascale Achille to the Circuit Court bench. Governor

Ron DeSantis made the appointment on Monday to

fill the vacancy created by the August 15 th resignation

of Judge Gary M. Farmer, Jr.

“We would like to formally congratulate and

extend a warm welcome to Judge Pascale Achille on

her appointment to the 17th Judicial Circuit Court

bench,” said Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips. “We

greatly look forward to working alongside her.”

Judge Achille has worked as an Assistant State

Attorney at the Broward State

Reading

online at:

thewestside

gazette.com

By Sylvester “Nunnie” Robinson

The recent announcement that Tom Jenkins’

Barbecue will permanently close its doors

in December sent waves of emotion through

members of the Eta Nu Chapter of Omega

Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Reactions ranged

from shock and disbelief to deep remorse and

reflection. I, too, found myself needing a moment

to reconcile the news, fully appreciating that 39

years of sustained excellence—especially in an

industry where nearly 90 percent of startups

fail—is nothing short of remarkable. Lending

institutions are often hesitant, even fearful, at

the prospect of financing small, independent

food ventures.

I was privileged to sit down with co-owner

Harry Harrell, who graciously walked me

through the restaurant’s journey—from its

humble beginnings to its status as a Broward

County icon.

Since the restaurant isn’t named after

either of you, how did you come up with

the name ‘Tom Jenkins ?

“In our research, we discovered that

Haagen Daaz was named after a family

member. Inspired by that, and reflecting

our Southern roots in Georgia, Alabama,

and South Carolina, we decided to do

something similar. ‘Tom Jenkins was

actually the name of Gary’s uncle—he had

no connection to the business—but the

name just had the right ring to it.”

Contrary to my initial belief, the decision to

close was not sudden. Harry explained that the

process had been thoughtfully planned for more

than two years. He and co-owner Gary Torrence,

December 12, 2025. A celebratory group pose at the portrait installation for Mrs. Rhoda Glasco

Snead Collins. Pictured are: [seated left to right] Rhoda Glasco Foderingham, Lillian Small, and Dr.

Wilhemina King; [standing left to right] Ricky O. Stuart, Sr., Dr. Yvette Giles Stuart, Artist Kyle Butler

Harris (holding the Collins portrait), and Ken Howard. The ceremony marked the conclusion of six

months of tributes.

The Westside Gazette Newspaper

Owners Gary Torrence & Harry Harrell.

former roommates at Florida A&M University in

Tallahassee, are both turning 65 and have been

blessed to become grandparents. What we are

witnessing, Harry said, is simply the fulfillment

of long-prepared retirement plans.

Before Tom Jenkins ever had a physical

location, both men were established

professionals at IBM—Gary as an electrical

engineer and Harry as a computer programmer.

Having already experienced corporate life,

they were entrepreneurs at heart. During their

college years, they honed their culinary skills,

perfecting sauces and barbecue recipes that

became popular staples at parties and events.

Over time, these opportunities organically laid

the foundation for what would become Tom

Jenkins’ Barbecue.

The concept was rooted in a simple

philosophy: If you do what you love, you’ll never

work a day in your life. That belief fueled their

motivation. Working 80-hour weeks for someone

else, they reasoned, they might as well work that

hard for themselves. It was never about getting

rich, but about doing what they truly loved. At

the time, banks were reluctant to finance “momand-pop”

food businesses unless they were large

corporate franchises, which further underscored

the uphill battle they faced.

Harry and Gary began with a weekend

trailer business they called “Roadside Vending,”

focusing on building a loyal customer base.

They sold barbecue from that trailer for seven

years—while still working full-time at IBM. The

perseverance required was immense, and Harry

credits their success and endurance to God.

Continue reading online at:

thewestsidegazette.com

Her Opus Lives On:

Dillard Tributes Culminate

with Rhoda Glasco Sneed

Collins Portrait at

Old Dillard Museum

By Dr. Yvette Giles Stuart and

Ricky O. Stuart, Sr., Special Contributors

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL — The

Dillard High School (DHS) community,

family, and former students have spent the

last six months honoring the late, beloved

educator and choral director, Rhoda Glasco

(Cont’d on page 3)

@TheWestsideGazetteNewspaper

Broward Schools

at the Brink:

Incompetence

or Corruption—

Either Way, Our

Children Lose

Editorial

By Bobby R. Henry, Sr.

It appears that Broward

County Public Schools may

be headed toward another

superintendent search

sooner rather than later and

if history is any guide, the

damage may already be done.

Despite sound advice to

conduct a national search to

secure a qualified, seasoned

leader for the sixth-largest

school district in the nation,

the School Board chose

instead to appoint the sitting

assistant superintendent,

Howard Hepburn, following

the sudden and surprising

resignation of Superintendent

Peter Licata. I wanted to

believe that inexperience

and poor counsel were at the

root of this decision. But as

events continue to unfold, it

is becoming painfully clear

that favoritism, backroom

maneuvering, and milliondollar

decisions are being

made long before any

transparent process begins.

Two failed deals have now

exposed troubling patterns,

questionable leadership,

heavy-handed tactics, and

a culture where staff are

allegedly bullied into pushing

contracts through without

following proper rules of

engagement.

Take the multi-milliondollar

lease with HANDY,

a respected organization

that provides vital services

to youth aging out of foster

care. HANDY’s mission is

Thursday

Dec 18 th

Partly Cloudy

Sunrise: 6:43am

Fri

73°

56°

(Cont’d on page 9)

72°

57°

76°

67°

78°

71°

85°

77°

Sunset: 5:29pm

Sat Sun Mon Tues

WESTSIDE GAZETTE IS A MEMBER:

National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA)

Southeastern African-American Publishers Association (SAAPA)

Florida Association of Black Owned Media (FABOM)

80°

73°

ontinues

trides in

ent loan

their student debt. Biden

said the plan aims to create

a more affordable student

PAGE 2 • DECEMBER 18 - DECEMBER 24, 2025

44,000 teachers, nurses,

firefighters, and other public

service professionals who

relief through income-driven

repayment plans will now see

their debts forgiven.

‘It was worth the wait’:

SC State University to

graduate 1st mechatronics

engineering student

barriers preventing borrowers

from accessing the relief they

were entitled to under the law.

www.thewestsidegazette.com

College

Prep

Word of

the Week

q

synchronization

adjective

(noun)

being definition: at the rest; act or state inactive of making things or

happen at the same time, rate, or in perfect

motionless; quiet; still: a

ensuring orderly operation and consistency

quiescent HOW TO USE IN A SENTENCE: mind.

unison, like an orchestra or data across devices,

“The senior will perform a remote

synchronization withthe firm’s server”

It’s p

long

subt

as w

South Florida schools get

$5.25M federal boost for

mental health services

By Jovani Davis

(Source Caribbean National

Weekly)

Florida Congresswoman

Frederica Wilson has helped

secure $5.25 million in federal

funding to expand mental

health services in Miami-

Dade County Public Schools

and Broward County Public

Schools, with the funding to

be distributed over a four-year

period.

According to Wilson’s office,

the funding includes $4 million

for Miami-Dade County Public

Schools and $1.25 million

for Broward County Public

Schools. The money will

support partnerships aimed at

training school-based mental

health service providers for

employment in schools and

local educational agencies.

“We are in a mental health

crisis in this country, and

our children are carrying the

weight of it,” Wilson said.

“Over the past decade, suicide

rates among young people

have been rising, depression

is rising, and too many of our

children are hurting in ways

we don’t always see. When

children spend the majority

of their days in schools, we

should have mental health

professionals who can support

them.”

Wilson emphasized that

many students lack access

to mental health resources

outside of school and that

schools are often the first line

of support. “No one asks, ‘Are

you okay?’ We don’t always

know what our children are

walking into when they leave

school or what happens when

they are alone with their

friends,” she said, adding

that low-income students,

students of color, LGBTQ+

youth, and other marginalized

communities face compounded

mental health challenges due

to systemic barriers.

“As a former principal, a

former educator, and through

my work with the 5000 Role

Models of Excellence, I’ve seen

it up close,” Wilson said. “Too

many of them suffer in silence

because no one gave them the

space to speak or told them

that they are loved. That’s why

schools must be part of the

solution, especially at a young

age when emotional, social,

and cognitive development is

taking shape.”

For Broward County

Public Schools, the funding

Moncks Corner, South Carolina, native Omar Shaheed III completed four industrial

internships en route to completing his degree.

By Sam Watson

ORANGEBURG, S.C. — As

industries race toward smarter

systems and automation, South

Carolina State University is

preparing engineers who can keep

pace. Leading the way is Omar

Shaheed III, the university’s

first mechatronics engineering

graduate.

The 23-year-old will walk

across the stage during SC State’s

Dec. 11 Fall Commencement

exercises as not only the first

graduate of the program, but also

its first enrolled student.

“I’m very excited because it’s

been a long time coming, but

more so because it means a lot

to Dr. (Hasanul) Basher and the

program that someone finished,”

Shaheed said.

Dr. Hasanul A. Basher,

professor and chairman of

SC State’s Department of

Engineering Technology, has

noted that industries increasingly

will support Broward’s PATH Forward program — the Psychologist

Advancement and Training Hub — which expands the pipeline of

credentialed school psychologists. Over a 48-month period, the program

will support three Broward County Public Schools employees through

graduate program completion and certification, fund 23 full-time

school psychology interns, and provide certification exam support for

all participants.

The project is expected to result in 26 total certifications, a 25

percent increase in schools served by trained school psychology

personnel, more than 20,000 hours of student mental health services,


seek engineering graduates with skills in both mechanical

and electrical systems.

A path shaped by opportunity and patience

Shaheed, a Moncks Corner, South Carolina, native,

graduated from Berkeley High School in 2020 before

enrolling in SC State’s electrical engineering technology

program.

When Basher approached him about switching to

the new mechatronics engineering program — then still

being developed — Shaheed agreed, despite never having

heard of the discipline. He signed on in good faith and

excelled along the way thanks to internships with SC

State industry partners.

SC State’s College of Science, Technology, Engineering,

Mathematics and Transportation (STEM-T) launched

the degree in 2023.

Mechatronics engineers design, test and manufacture

smart systems in robotics, assistive technology, humanmachine

interaction, manufacturing and unmanned

systems.

“Seeing Omar Shaheed become the first graduate

of our mechatronics engineering program is a powerful

reminder of what SC State is building for the future,”

SC State President Alexander Conyers said. “His

success represents both personal achievement and the

university’s commitment to preparing engineers who

are ready to meet the demands of a rapidly changing

world.”

Modern mechatronics also integrates aviation,

artificial intelligence, telecommunications and

cybersecurity, offering broad career pathways.

“It did take a lot of patience with being the first



List compiled by Kamar Jackson,a junior at Dillard High School

Leia’s Mathematics

Corner

Santa has 540 pieces of

wrapping paper. He uses 9

pieces to wrap each gift.

How many gifts can Santa

wrap?

25

x 8

56

- 45

Created by Leia P.

4th grader!


Ain’t That A VHIT

Being Anchored:

In Faith,

In Integrity,

In Peace,

In Humbleness,

In Love

By Von C. Howard

There’s something powerful

about being anchored. Not

just physically, but spiritually,

mentally, and emotionally.

It’s what has kept our people

grounded through generations,

when the world shifted,

when the winds blew, when

the storms of life seemed too

heavy to bear. Whether you

picture a small ship fighting

to stay steady in deep waters,

or a palm tree bending but not

breaking beneath fierce winds,

the message remains timeless:

when your roots run deep, you

may bend, but you will not

break.

Life, much like the sea, is

unpredictable. Some days bring

calm waters; others toss us

about with no warning. There

are moments when peace feels

distant, and strength feels

spent. But being anchored in

faith means trusting that no

matter how rough the seas,

God still has His hands on the

wheel. Faith whispers, “I may

not see it now, but I know God

is guiding me through.” That’s

what has sustained us over the

years, faith that carried our

ancestors through storms we

can only imagine, faith that

keeps us moving when our

own feet grow tired.

To be anchored in integrity

is to remember who we are and

whose we are. It’s standing

firm on what’s right, even when

compromise seems convenient.

Integrity is what held our

families and communities

together, when our word

meant something, when our

name carried weight, and

when we taught our children

that character counts even

when nobody’s looking. Like

an anchor beneath the surface,

integrity holds us steady when

life’s waters rise.

Being anchored in peace

doesn’t mean life is calm, it

means we’ve learned how

to find calm in life. It’s the

unbothered heart that stays

grounded when chaos tries to

take over. Like a palm tree

rooted deep in Florida soil,

peace allows us to move with

life’s winds instead of breaking

beneath them. We may lose

a few leaves along the way,

but our roots, our connection

to God, to family, and to

community, keep us strong.

To be anchored in

humbleness is to recognize

that real strength often shows

up as quiet surrender. Palm

trees don’t resist the wind;

they bend with it. Likewise,

humility allows us to yield,

when necessary, to learn when

we’d rather lead, and to trust

God’s timing over our own.

Humility reminds us that

success doesn’t have to shout;

it just has to stand tall and

steady.

And then there’s love, the

anchor of all anchors. Love is

what binds faith, integrity,



Florida Families Can Help Neighbors and

Celebrate an Energy-Efficient Holiday

Tips to Save Energy All Season Long and a Chance to Win

Holiday Energy-Efficiency Kits for 80 Floridians

Florida Power & Light (FPL) is combining holiday spirit with energy awareness

this season through its Care To Share® initiative and interactive House of Savings

experience.

FPL’s Care To Share program provides customers facing financial hardship with

up to $750 during a 12-month period to help pay the FPL bill.

FPL’s House of Savings challenge is designed to make learning about practical

energy-saving tips interesting for all ages. The interactive experience takes

customers on a virtual home tour to spot energy-saving opportunities by interacting

with items like the thermostat or fridge.

As part of this online experience, Floridians can make a difference by helping

neighbors in need while learning ways to save energy during the holidays.

For every House of Savings game completed by a registered player from now

through Dec. 22, FPL will donate $5 to the Care To Share® financial assistance

fund, up to $10,000. These funds will provide vital emergency assistance funds to

Floridians who are facing crisis situations.

Pay Holiday Energy-Efficiency Forward

In addition, participants have a chance to win one of 80 Holiday Energy-Efficiency

Boxes, valued at $150 each. Each box includes practical items designed to make

the holidays brighter while using less energy. Winners can also nominate another

registered Floridian to receive a box, spreading the holiday cheer, all season long.

Winners can choose from two themed energy-efficient prize boxes, including:

• Kitchen: Smart outlet, toaster oven and LED-lit wreath.

• Outdoor: LED string lights, outdoor timer outlet, solar lawn stakes, and

snowflake window clings.

Tips for a Holiday-Ready, Energy-Efficient Home

As Floridians get their homes into the holiday spirit, FPL is also offering simple

energy saving tips to keep bills as low as possible this holiday season:

1. Deck the halls with LED string lights to save nearly a dollar per string of

lights per month as they use 80% to 90% less energy and last 10x as long as

incandescent. Consider adding solar powered lighting to your holiday décor,

which uses zero energy.

TALLAHASSEE, FL – This holiday season, a

Tallahassee son honors his late father’s legacy

with a heartwarming Lifetime Holiday Movie.

The film “Deck the Hallways” is a story of family,

tradition, and hope shaped by the lessons of a

lifetime. Along with encore airings on Lifetime

through the holiday season, it is available to

stream on-demand, on the Lifetime app & the

Lifetime website: https://play.mylifetime.com/

movies/deck-the-hallways.

Gregory Anderson, a Tallahassee native and

Florida A&M University alumnus, wrote the

screenplay earlier this year in Tallahassee while

caring for his father, Dr. Osiefield Anderson.

This experience helped shape the emotional pulse of the film through the

themes of celebrating life, cherishing memories, honoring old traditions,

and embracing new ones. “The story became about everything Dad taught

me, about honoring what matters, celebrating the people we love while we

have them, and finding ways to keep their spirit alive,” Gregory says.


DECEMBER 18 - DECEMBER 24, 2025• PAGE 3

2. Plug your lights and inflatables into an outlet timer and program

them to turn off automatically when you’re asleep. Running a

medium-sized inflatable overnight costs an average of $4.90 extra

per month, which adds up with multiple inflatables.

3. If you opt for inflatables, consider a smart power strip to avoid

phantom energy usage, which draws from decorations that appear

off and can cost the average household as much as $100 per year

(or $16 during the holiday season).

4. Go energy free and decorate for the holiday with ornaments,

wreaths, ribbons and pathway decorations.

5. Making holiday treats? Consider using a small appliance instead

of the oven like a microwave, toaster oven or air fryer whenever

possible. These use about one-third the power of an oven broiler.

For more tips, programs, resources and rebates, customers can go to

FPL.com/WaystoSave, where they can access FPL’s savings tools like the

Energy Manager and House of Savings.

The Carr Report: Black men droppin’ out of college —

Why we need to unlearn this!

Tallahassee Native & FAMU Alum: Writer

Gregory Anderson penned the new Holiday

movie “Deck the Hallways” on Lifetime The

movie is dedicated to the memory of his

late father Dr. Osiefield Anderson, beloved

former FAMU Professor

By Damon Carr

(Source: ADW)

Her Opus Lives On: Rhoda Glasco Sneed Collins from FP

Snead Collins, with heartfelt tributes. The

celebrations achieved their final, poignant

milestone on Friday, December 12, with

the installation of her official portrait at its

permanent home, the Old Dillard Museum.

Mrs. Collins, who directed the Dillard High

School Community Chorus from 1977 until

1992, left an indelible mark on generations of

students, instilling in them a deep appreciation

for music and excellence. High standards

defined her career — she led DHS choruses

to “superlative ratings” during the 1950s and

1960s and ultimately retired three separate

times, serving Dillard, Nova, and Parkway

Middle Schools. Beyond the classroom, Mrs.

Collins was an inspired community servant,

holding a master’s degree from the University

of Pennsylvania and remaining deeply

connected to her students long after leaving

the classroom.

A Portrait’s Journey

The official recognition began in June and

unfolded with several key events across the

city:

• Saturday, June 21: The formal unveiling of

Mrs. Collins’ portrait,

created by artist Kyle

Butler Harris, took

place at the Dillard

Class of 1960’s 65th

class reunion. The

painting was unveiled

by Mrs. Collins’ nieces, Patricia Glasco West

and Rhoda Glasco Foderingham, for members

of the esteemed Class of 1960.

• Sunday, December 7: The portrait was

formally presented to the wider Dillard

community at the Soulful Celebration’s

Holiday Festival. The honor of unveiling the

work fell to Patricia Glasco West and the

artist, Kyle Butler Harris.

• Friday, December 12: The last, poignant

ceremony took place as the portrait reached its

final destination—the Old Dillard Museum.

Artist Kyle Butler Harris and Rhoda Glasco

Foderingham, Mrs. Collins’ niece, collaborated

to hang the portrait. Ms. Foderingham also

provided

touching reflections

on



Walk on any college campus today

and look around. You’ll see classrooms

filled with energy, student centers

buzzing with life, and young adults

grinding toward their futures. But look

closely, and you’ll notice something

missing—Black men. Our pres ence

isn’t just low… it’s shrinking. Fast.

Right now, Black men make up

only about 4.6 percent of all college

students in Ameri ca. In a nation of 19

million students, we’re barely visible.

And even at our celebrated HBCUs—

institutions built by us and for us—

the picture isn’t brighter. Black male

enrollment at HBCUs has dropped

roughly 25 percent since 2010. That’s

not just a dip. That’s a full-blown

crisis.

Every brother missing from

campus rep resents one less potential

graduate, one less high-earning

household, one less leader pouring

back into the community. When the

educational pipeline shrinks, the

paycheck shrinks, and the future

shrinks right along with it. This isn’t

just about education. This is about

economics, wealth, and survival.

This Isn’t Just a School Problem—It’s

a Generational Wealth Problem

Let’s talk numbers—real numbers

that expose the financial impact.

Only about 40 percent of Black men

who start a bachelor’s degree finish

within six years.

That means 6 out of 10 walk away

with:

aAAA

No degree

Student loan balances

Limited career options

Lost lifetime earn ing potential

That’s the worst fi nancial

combination possible—debt with no

credential. A de gree still matters in

America, especially for Black people

who often lack the resourc es and

connections to benefit from the “it’s

not what you know, it’s who you know”

blueprint.

Higher education opens doors to

high er-paying careers, better benefits,

and greater mobility.

According to Federal Reserve data,

the median earnings of someone with

a bach elor’s degree are roughly 65

percent higher than someone with only

a high school diplo ma. Over a lifetime,

that’s close to one mil lion dollars more

in earnings.

A million dollars! That’s enough

to buy a home, fund a business,

eliminate debt, in vest for retirement,

and change the future for the next

generation. When brothers drop out,

that million doesn’t disappear—it just

goes to someone else.

And the ripple effect hits entire

neighborhoods:

Fewer Black homeowners

Fewer Black in vestors

Fewer Black en trepreneurs

Fewer mentors for young men

Fewer leaders in high-earning industries

Education is a wealth multiplier.

When we fall out of the pipeline, Black

wealth leaks with us.



This Week in Health: Healthy Spending Over The Holidays

The holiday season is a time of joy and

celebration. Yet it can also bring financial

stress if we spend more than we can

comfortably afford. Practicing good money

habits helps you to focus on what truly

matters: connection, gratitude, and wellbeing.

In this issue, we present some tips on

practicing good money habits over the holiday

season.

1. Set a Realistic Budget

• Decide in advance how much you can

afford to spend overall.

• Treat your budget like a wellness plan

— it’s there to keep you balanced.

2. Prioritize Meaningful Gifts

• Focus on thoughtful, personal presents

rather than expensive ones.

• Focus on the value that the gift may

bring, not the price tag.

3. Shop Smart

• Compare prices online before heading

to stores.

Westside Health Brief

Marsha Mullings, MPH

December 15, 2025

• Take advantage of seasonal discounts

but avoid impulse buys.

• Make a list and stick to it — just like a

healthy grocery plan.

4. Manage Holiday Meals

• Plan menus ahead to avoid

overspending at the supermarket.

• Reduce food waste by using leftovers

creatively.

5. Travel Wisely

• Book tickets early to secure better

rates.

• Consider alternative travel dates to

avoid peak prices.

• If possible, stay local. Celebrate with

family and friends in your community.

6. Practice Conscious Generosity

• Support charities or community

initiatives that align with your values.

• Set aside a fixed amount for donations

so giving remains joyful, not stressful.

7. Keep Perspective

• Remind yourself that holidays are

about connection, not consumption.

• Practice gratitude daily — it shifts focus

from what you spend to what you

share.

• Financial health is part of overall

wellbeing, just like nutrition and

exercise.

Healthy spending is about balance. By

planning ahead, and focusing on meaning

rather than material excess, you can enjoy the

holidays with less stress and more joy.


Westside Gazette

Calendar of Events

We are just 7 days away from our annual Winter Wonderland

at Westwind Park, and we look forward to celebrating

the season with you.

Join the City of Lauderhill Parks & Recreation for an

evening filled with holiday activities, festive entertainment,

and fun for the entire family.

Friday, December 19, 2025

6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Westwind Park | 4550 NW 82nd Avenue, Lauderhill, FL

Event Highlights:

• Food trucks

• FREE hot cocoa and popcorn

• Cookie decorating

• Train rides and bounce houses

• Holiday sweater contest

• Movie in the Park: Elf

• Photos with Santa and friends

This event is FREE and open to the public. Bring your family

and friends for an enjoyable evening in the park.

We look forward to seeing you at Winter Wonderland!

For more information, please contact (954) 572-1471.

Deeply Rooted

LOCAL HAPPENINGS IN

BROWARD MIAMI-DADE

AND PALM BEACH

COUNTIES

HAVE YOUR COMMUNITY EVENTS

PLACED ON THIS PAGE

email:wgproof@thewestsidegazette.com

Call -- (954) 525-1489

Happy Birthday * Weddings * Anniversaries

Retirements * Congratulations

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

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WESTSIDE

GAZETTE

NEWSPAPER STAFF

Bobby R. Henry, Sr.

PUBLISHER

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COMPTROLLER

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ADMINISTRATIVE ASST.

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SENIOR EDITOR

Arri D. Henry

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Carma L. Henry

COMMUNITY NEWS

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Robinson SPORTS

Editor

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(Emeritus)

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regarless of race, color or

creed, full human and legal

rights. Hating no person,

feaing no person, the Black

Press strives to help every

person in the firm belief

that all are hurt as long as

anyone is held back.

LETTERS TO THE

EDITOR GUIDELINES

We welcome letters from

the public. Letters must

be signed with a clearly

legible name along with

a compete address and

phone number.

No unsigned letters will be

considered for publiction.

The Westside Gazettere

serves the right to edit

letters. Letters should be

500 words or less.

America’s Government

and Capitalists

Function as Social

Assassins

“When America’s government and Capitalists

function as social assassins, the fate of the “republic”

lies in the hands of the people.”

John Johnson II 12/17/25

By John Johnson II

Pundits frequently remark on the

warm and friendly relationship between

Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump. In

explanation, some suggest that Putin

possesses compromising material on

Trump. Others point to their autocratic

style and their rightwing agendas.

But another factor plays a role in the Putin-Trump

bromance: their embrace of great power imperialism.

For example, their aggressive policies toward Ukraine and

Venezuela are remarkably similar. Putin began his takeover

of Ukraine by charging that its government was controlled by

“fascists” and, moreover, that its closer relations with Western

Europe would irreparably damage Russian national security.

Similarly, Trump has sought to overturn the Venezuelan

government, arguing that it is controlled by drug traffickers

and represents a significant menace to U.S. national security.

In fact, both national leaders seem to be driven by more

traditional concerns. Before Ukraine’s recent independence,

that land, for centuries, had been part of the Russian empire,

and, through reconquest, Putin has sought to restore Russia’s

imperial glory. As for Trump, the flimsiness of the drug

trafficking charges and his obsession with military power and

fossil fuels suggest that he is primarily concerned with using

military power to oust a stubbornly independent regime and,

thereby, gain control of Venezuela’s oil reserves, the largest in

the world.


Deeply Rooted

Friedrich Engels introduced the concept

of “social murder” in 1845, describing a

system where the avoidable deaths of

workers were the predictable outcome

of societal and economic neglect.

Although the industrial landscape has

changed, this concept remains painfully

relevant today. In modern America, the

government and capitalists act as social

assassins through policies that lead to

avoidable premature deaths.

In other words, Engels’ concept of social murders is alive and

well—not through factory smog, but through stagnant wages,

lack of affordable housing, gutted regulatory protections,

denial of healthcare, indiscriminate tariffs, and the intentional

suppression of voting rights. These avoidable tragedies,

including deaths, are the foreseeable outcomes of systemic

social, political, and economic oppression. If the government

and capitalist policies are not addressed, the consequences are

as lethal as any direct act of violence.

Before proceeding further, hopefully readers will fully

understand and embrace why this government and capitalists

are characterized as social assassins. This article offers a

kaleidoscope printed image of how the policies of these two

sectors contribute to avoidable suffering and deaths of people.

The term assassin is used because the government and

capitalists know exactly who they’re harming. Assassins in

other words, know their targets!

America’s government historically established policies

that targeted Black people and other ethnic groups. Slavery

and slave codes defined enslaved Black people as property.

Jim Crow laws legalized racial segregation; followed by

redlining which denied Black people access to owning homes.

Policies established during the 20 th and 21 st to target Black

people included redlining extension, GI Bill Exclusion,

Voter Suppression, Racial Gerrymandering, and Targeted

Surveillances.

The current Administration has focused on initiating policies

that roll back policies aimed at creating a more diverse and


Frankly Speaking

How about the No way in the hell prize?

By W. Frank Wilson

What I don’t know is probably

enough to fill several books ,but,

this one thing I think I know

is there has never been anyone

engaging in self promotion for the

Nobel Peace Prize like the orange

one.

Not lost fatually in this self

-promotion is his obsession with

Barack Obama.

This Mental Midget, Courage and Caring Challenged,

Empathy Empty, Incompetent Idiot is more suited for need,

not campaign for the ACE prize, Anal Cavity Extraordinaire!

Scripture reminds us “ He who will be greatest among you

must first be a servant”.

Trump serves Trump and expects everyone else to do the

same. He has no use for anyone or anything that doesn’t

serve his interests, wants, needs and egotistical agenda!

If you have to tell people how great you are perhaps you aren’t.

That FIFA peace prize was a pacifier

given in hope that he would go away…Fat Chance!!!

Great power imperialism or democratic

global governance?

By Lawrence S. Wittner

DECEMBER 18 - DECEMBER 24, 2025 • PAGE 5

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.

The Gantt Report

I Told You To Follow The Money

By Lucius Gantt

I told you what was happening, and

you read it. You called me “crazy” and

now you regret it!

Ukraine and Venezuela are hot topics

in today’s news for the same reasons.

Both countries are in the midst of military

activity because of economic greed!

“Oh, Ukraine is a Democratic nation

that was invaded by Russia”, claims Negro

podcasters, news hosts, and internet

influencers.

Yes, Russia is striking Ukrainian civilian communities, but

the Kremlin is not bombing schools, churches, and hospitals for

fun, Russia wants Ukraine’s most lucrative resources.

Russia has already taken most of the Ukrainian coastline,

and they will not stop seizing land and assets until they can get

all the Ukrainian resources, like the rare earth minerals and

agricultural commodities in the nation.

Tell me, why would the United States abandon a Democratic

ally when a delivery of Tomahawk missiles and increased

Russian economic sanctions would help Ukraine tremendously?

Missiles and sanctions are unlikely to happen because

members of Congress are afraid of Trump, just like Trump is

afraid of Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

Trump has to embrace and support Russia because Putin

can stop Trump’s money grabs in its tracks!

Americans are worried about video releases and file releases,

but leaders of a variety of nations, have intel on all members

of Congress.

Now, Venezuela is a little different story.

You’ve been led to believe that attacks on Venezuelan

fishermen is about drugs. Well, you can’t load a fishing boat

with drugs and drive a small fishing boat to the United States

without being seen and/or intercepted by the Coast Guard,

Navy, or other law enforcers. The country of Venezuela is not


Democrats Should Look

to Southern Victories for

National Roadmap

By Kevin Harris and Richard McDaniel

Now that the government shutdown has temporarily ended,

Democrats can take stock of the 2025 election returns and

assess what the results mean for the 2026 midterms. In a year

when national political narratives were dominated by noise, it

was the South—not Washington, not the coasts—that delivered

the clearest lessons for Democrats. The South was the star of

the 2025 elections and Democrats should invest meaningful

resources to further position southern states.

Democrats certainly should not dismiss the lessons from New

York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s resounding victory.

Mamdani’s relentless focus on affordability and expanding the

electorate is necessary for Democratic success. Nor should we

ignore the gains achieved among latino voters in New Jersey

who swung back heavily into the Democratic column this year.

However, the party’s strongest, most instructive victories

didn’t come from the traditional blue enclaves of New York

City and New Jersey. We learned far more from southern

battlegrounds and historically conservative terrains across

Virginia, Georgia and even Mississippi. These states, often

dismissed as too idiosyncratic or too culturally distinct to shape

national strategy, in fact reflect the electorate Democrats must

persuade to win back Congress and reclaim the White House.


The US National Security Strategy

paper puts Europe on edge

By Mel Gurtov

Kevin Harris and Richard McDaniel

The Trump administration has issued a

National Security Strategy (NSS) document

that fundamentally transforms US relations

with Europe. Traditional closeness is out;

open hostility to liberal governments and

alignment with far-right parties are in.

Europe, says the document, is facing the

“stark prospect of civilizational erasure”

because of immigration and climate change

policies.

The document pledges US support for like-minded

“patriotic” parties across the continent to prevent a future

in which “certain NATO members will become majority non-

European.”

Without naming them directly, the document says the

United States should be “cultivating resistance” across Europe

by supporting political parties that fight against migration

and promote nationalism. That describes several right-wing

populist parties like Reform U.K. in Britain and the Alternative

for Germany (AfD).

“We want Europe to remain European, to regain its

civilizational self-confidence and to abandon its failed focus on

regulatory suffocation,” the NSS says.

To judge from recent US statements, one would think the


What “America

First” leaves out

By Winslow Myers

T h e

2025 paper

entitled

National

Security

Strategy of

the United

States

of America gives some

insight into the circle-thewagons

mind-set of the

Trump administration. Not

unexpectedly, the overall

emphasis is on smoothing

the workings of the global

marketplace in order to

benefit American business

interests, including the

behemoth defense industry.

The tone is enthusiastically

transactional. The paper

explains pretty clearly, at

least by implication, why

Trump tilts toward Russia

and away from Ukraine:

more lucrative deals can be

effected with Putin than with

Zelenskyy, though a “peace”

deal could enable commercial

deals with both.

The paper exhibits a



We Are Wide

Awake And Not

Dreaming In

This Economic

Nightmare

By James B. Ewers Jr.

Ed.D.

America,

this is not a

dream. The

economy

has nosedived.

We are on

the floor

below the

basement. Buying has become

trying. Selling is at a

standstill.

“Can’t find no work, can’t

find no job my friend. Money

is tighter than it’s ever

been. Say, man, I just don’t

understand what’s going on

across this land” are lyrics

sung by iconic singer, Marvin

Gaye in 1971. That’s many

years ago and much has

changed in this country.

While these lyrics were

written some years back,

they have relevance to many

people today. The economy

is a painful reality to many

Americans. Affordability has



When Big Tech’s

Thirst Threatens

Our Health, We

Must Demand

Better

By Ben Jealous

In Morrow

County,

Oregon,

families

are living

through a

crisis. According

to a Rolling

Stone

investigation, mothers

have suffered miscarriages.

Neighbors are battling rare

cancers.

Local officials have raised

concerns about dangerously

elevated nitrate levels in

the community’s drinking

water following the siting of

a nearby Amazon data center.

The investigation reports that

the facility’s massive water

consumption—up to five

million gallons per day—may

have accelerated nitrogen

migration into the aquifer

faster than natural filtration




BUSINESS

UNITY IN THE

COMMUNITY DIRECTORY

Serving South Florida for Over 40 Years

Management Sales Rentals

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

Deeply Rooted


Bank of America Commits $250M to Address Hunger and Other

Basic Needs for Families in Communities Around the Country

By Lynnfaye

(Source Jacksonville Free Press)

Commitment Over the Next Five Years Includes $5 Million

of Immediate Assistance for Families in Local Communities

Across the U.S. | Bank of America recently announced a $250

million commitment over the next five years to support families

and individuals experiencing food insecurity and other basic

needs in communities nationwide. This investment builds on

the company’s long-standing support in this area, as it currently

provides annual philanthropic funding to more than 1200

organizations that focus on combatting hunger and other related

needs.

As part of its new commitment, Bank of America will deliver

$5 million to nearly 100 nonprofit organizations currently

addressing urgent food needs for individuals and families. This

move will help ensure these organizations can address increasing needs at the local level.

“Our ongoing commitment to the needs of the local communities where we work and live is foundational to who we are at

Bank of America,” said Sheri Bronstein, Chief People Officer at Bank of America. “We work closely with food banks, food pantries,

and other basic needs-focused organizations every day, and this new commitment builds on decades of giving, volunteering, and

partnership.”

In addition to philanthropic support, Bank of America employees plan to volunteer more than 100,000 hours between now and

the end of the year to assist organizations focused on hunger relief and other critical services. Bank of America will also match

employee contributions, dollar for dollar, to organizations focused on combatting hunger in the communities it serves.

Bank of America:



BCPS plans school boundary changes and campus

consolidations for 2026–27

By Sheri-kae McLeod

(Source Caribbean Nationaly Weekly)

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For more information, call (954) 525-1489

Broward County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Howard

Hepburn has formally recommended 11 changes to school

attendance area boundaries and school usage for the 2026–27

school year, including multiple school consolidations, boundary

shifts, and campus reconfigurations.

In a memo dated December 12, 2025, and addressed to School

Board members, Hepburn said the recommendations are based

on staff reviews of boundary considerations, community input,

deliberations by the School Boundary Advisory Committee,

and discussions held during the School Board workshop on

December 8, 2025.

Among the proposed changes are the consolidation of

several elementary and middle schools, with affected campuses

transitioning to other district uses. Sunshine Elementary School

would be consolidated into Fairway Elementary School, while

Panther Run Elementary School would be consolidated into

Chapel Trail Elementary School and Silver Palms Elementary

School. Palm Cove Elementary School would be consolidated

into Lakeside Elementary School and Pines Lakes Elementary

School.

North Fork Elementary School would be consolidated into

Croissant Park Elementary School, Dr. Martin Luther King

Jr. Elementary School, Thurgood Marshall Elementary School,

and Walker Elementary School. The North Fork campus would

also be transitioned to another use.

At the secondary level, the superintendent recommends

consolidating Plantation Middle School into Plantation High

School and reconfiguring Plantation High as a sixth- through

12th-grade school. Bair Middle School would be consolidated

into Westpine Middle School, with both middle school campuses


FRANCINE

Your Tailor

Alterations For

Men & Women & Kids

Cell: (754) 274-8537

A: 784 NW 91st Terrace

Dr. Howard Hepburn, Superintendent of Broward

County Schools.

Trump Klan Puts Forward a

Credit Rule That Could Take

America Back Decades

BLACKPRESSUSA

NEWSWIRE — The

Consumer Financial

Protection Bureau,

David told the

Black Press of

America’s Let It Be

Known, is proposing

a rule that would

strip away key

fair lending

protections and

make it far more

difficult to prove

discrimination in

the credit market.

Donald Trump

By Stacy M. Brown, Black Press USA Senior National

Correspondent

On a cold Friday morning, with coffee still warm and the

country already tired, Alphonso David spoke without ornament,

naming a danger that has followed this country for generations

and never truly left.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, David told the

Black Press of America’s Let It Be Known, is proposing a rule

that would strip away key fair lending protections and make it

far more difficult to prove discrimination in the credit market.

The proposal would eliminate disparate impact as a tool for

enforcement, narrow how discrimination and discouragement

are defined, and restrict special-purpose credit programs

that have helped expand access to homeownership and small

business lending for people long excluded from financial

markets.

“This is a public service announcement for anyone that cares

about economic opportunity in the United States,” David said.

“The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which is being

run by the architect of Project 2025, Russell Vought, is trying

to dismantle systems that ensure that people can get access to

credit.”

David, one of the nation’s leading civil rights advocates,


WANTED OLD COPIES OF

THE WESTSIDE GAZETTE

Seeking

Westside Gazette editions

from the 1970s –1990s

for digitizing.

All borrowed copies

will be returned after

scanning.

Call (954) 525-1489

or email

wgazette@thewestsidegazette.com.


CHURCH DIRECTORY

Deeply Rooted

Have Your Church Announcements Placed

In Our 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

Rev. Danny L. McKenzie, Sr., Senior Pastor

2251 N.W. 22nd St., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311

P.O. Box 122256, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312

Church: (954) 733-3285 - Office: (954) 733-3606

Email: mountnebobaptist@bellsouth.net

Website: www.mountnebaptist.org

SCHEDULE OF SERVICES

Sunday School ..........................8:30 A.M.

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

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

"A Great Place To Worship"

Celebrating 100 Years of Blessing!! 1925-2025

Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church

Dr. James B. Darling, Jr., Pastor/Teacher

1161 NW 29th Terrace; Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33310

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

mzbc2011@gmail.com - www.mtzionmbc1161.com

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS

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

WORSHIP SERVICES

Sunday Worship...................................................10:15 A.M.

Communion Service (1st Sunday) .........................10:15 A.M.

2nd & 4th Tuesday Night Prayer Workshop/Bible Study................7:00 P.M

Wednesday Night Prayer Service.......................6:30 P.M.

Wednesday Night Church School ............7:00 P.M.

"I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength"

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

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”

The New Beginning

Embassy of Praise

The Most Reverend

John H. Taylor, Bishop, Sr. Pastor

Dr. ML Taylor, Executive Pastor

4035 SW 18th Street, West Park, FL 33023

Sunday Worship Service ..................... 11:00 a.m.

Conference Line - 848-220-3300 ID: 33023

Bible Study - Tuesdays......................... 7:30 p.m.

Noonday Prayer Wednesdays..........- 12:00 noon

Come Worship With Us For Your New Begnning!

Bethel A.M.E. Church

Dr. Micah C. T. Sims, Senior Pastor & Servant Leader

RD

405 NW ESTHER ROLLE (3 ) AVENUE

POMPANO BEACH, FL 33060

(954) 943.6220

email: bethelamepompano@gmail.com

Church Office Hours: Tuesday - Thursday 10am to 4pm

SUNDAY WORSHIP......10AM

TUESDAY BIBLE STUDY........7PM

Zoom ID: 7066533918

bethelpompano.org

Pastor David E. Deal, Jr.

Every Christian's Church

SUNDAY @11:00 am

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

Bible Trivia

‘Test Your Bible Knowledge'

According to the Bible marriage is the reason that man leaves his

father and mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be

one flesh’ (Genesis 2:23). Today’s questions are about marriage.

Finish the verse:

1) Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore

God hath joined together………

2) Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love;……….

3) With all lowliness and meekness, with patience, forbearing

one…..

4) Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church

, ………..

5) Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price………….

6) But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to

marry than……..

***Bible note*** During the days of Jesus a Jewish wedding

ceremony lasted a whole week. This was an open house festival

where the entire community celebrated the couple new found

happiness.

Answer – 1) Matthew 19:6; 2) Romans 12:10; 3) Ephesians 4:2;

4) Ephesians 5:25; 5) Proverbs 31:10; 6) 1 st Corinthians 7:9

Pool of state’s future

teachers less diverse

than current workforce

The National Council on Teacher Quality states that

teacher diversity helps improve student outcomes.

CENTRAL FLORIDA PUBLIC MEDIA

By Danielle Prieur

(Source Florida Courier)

The pool of future teachers in Florida is less diverse than

the current workforce, according to a study by the National

Council on Teacher Quality, a national teacher nonprofit.

The report found almost two-thirds of the state’s teacher

preparation programs produce less diverse cohorts than the

current teacher pool.

It found that 40 of the 61 teacher prep programs in the

state are graduating fewer candidates from historically

underrepresented back-grounds.

While the number of Black and brown Floridians with

college degrees rose by 3.1% between 2018 and 2022, the share

of Black and brown teachers in the state’s workforce only grew

by 2%.

Across the country, teacher prep programs are graduating

cohorts that are more diverse than the current teacher

workforce, but these numbers are slowing as well.

Teacher diversity helps improve student outcomes, says

Ron Noble, chief of teacher preparation at the National Council

on Teacher Quality.

“Things such as increased achievement in both reading

and math, increased attendance, stronger social emotional

outcomes, and specifically for students of color, lower discipline

rates and better rates of taking advanced coursework and

graduating high school and attending college,” he said.

Along with better student outcomes, Noble said there are

benefits for the teachers as well.

“We also are starting to learn about [the] benefits to white

teachers of having the same grade Black colleagues, and the

way that those colleagues are helping them become more

effective at teaching Black students,” Noble said.

Noble says Florida can do a couple of things to make sure

future teachers of all backgrounds go into the profession,

including removing financial barriers to completing teacher

prep programs.

Here’s the full list of recommendations for Florida from his

group:

Recruitment into teacher prep. Identify people who

are interested in teaching (e.g., high school students,

paraprofessionals, career changers) and create multiple

high-quality pathways for them to become teachers. Remove

financial and other barriers to program enrollment.

Support teacher candidates to earn their license. Hold


Deeply Rooted

Heartwarming Holiday Surprise

for Three Broward Veterans


By Kristine Janata

This week, Florida Power & Light

Company’s (FPL) “elves” worked their magic,

decorating three U.S. Army veterans’ home for

the holidays with thousands of sparkling LED

lights, solar-powered displays and other

On Dec. 9, 2025, Florida

Power & Light Company

(FPL), United Way of

Broward County and A

House with Heart Homes

surprised Lauderhill

local heroes Rafel Castro,

Robert Leroy Gordon

and John Baker, all U.S.

Army veterans, with some

holiday cheer in the form

of energy-efficient décor,

including thousands

of LED lights and gifts

for each of them. This

celebration marked the

18th consecutive year of

FPL’s holiday program,

which gives back to local

heroes for their incredible

commitment to this nation

and the community.

On Dec. 9, 2025, A House

with Heart Homes Chief

Operating Officer Roxanne

Rowles stands with U.S.

Army veteran John Baker

as he is surprised at

his Lauderhill home by

Florida Power & Light

Company (FPL) “elves”

with thousands of LED

lights and other energyefficient

décor. The

heartwarming surprise

was part of FPL’s 18th

annual holiday program,

which celebrates local

heroes like Wright for

their service.

energy-efficient décor.

An annual festive tradition, this celebration

marks the 18th consecutive year of FPL’s

holiday program, which gives back to local

heroes for their incredible commitment to the

nation and their community.

On Dec. 9, 2025, Lauderhill

hero U.S. Army veteran

Rafael Castro is surprised

with gifts and a small

Christmas tree for his room

by Florida Power & Light

Company’s (FPL) volunteer

Mariela Quintanilla as part

of FPL’s 18th annual holiday

program, which celebrates

local heroes for their service

to the community. FPL also

decorated Castro’s home that

day with energy-efficient

décor which consisted of

thousands of LED lights,

battery-operated decorations

and more.

Obituaries

Death and Funeral Notices

A Good Sheperd's Funeral

Home & Cremation

Services Central


VIEW OBITUARIES ONLINE


Announcements:

*In Memoriam *Death Notices *Happy Birthdays

*Card of Thanks *Remembrances

Mother

Cotrecia Ann

Austin

Funeral

Service

will be held

December

20th

at Word of the Living

God Ministries.

Necosia

Austin

Funeral

Service

will be held

December

20th at

Church of

God Christian

Center.

Andre

Baylor, Sr.

-69

Funeral

Service

was held

December

16th at James

C. Boyd’s

Memorial

Chapel.

Douglas Euoon

Bell - 59

Funeral

Service

was held

December 13th

at James C.

Boyd’s

Memorial

Chapel with Dr.

Rosalind

Osgood officiating.

Linda H.

Clowers

Funeral

Service

was held

December

8th

at McWhite’s Funeral Home

Chapel.

Shawn L.

Fraser

Funeral

Service

was held

December

11th at

McWhite’s

Funeral Home.

Tiffany Ann

“Smiley”

Sheffield – 46.

On Dec. 9, 2025, City of

Lauderhill Commissioner

Melissa Dunn surprises U.S.

Army veteran Robert Leroy

Gordon with gifts and a

small Christmas tree for his

room. In its 18th year, this

holiday program celebrates

local heroes for their service

to the community. FPL also

decorated Gordon’s home

that day with energy-efficient

décor which consisted of

thousands of LED lights,

battery-operated-powered

decorations and more.

On Dec. 9, 2025, City of

Lauderhill Mayor Denise

Grant and Florida Power

& Light Company (FPL)

volunteer Aliayah Lawrence

decorate at the home of

U.S. Army veterans Rafel

Castro, Robert Leroy Gordon

and John Baker. This

celebration marked the 18th

consecutive year of FPL’s

holiday program, which gives

back to local heroes for their

incredible commitment to this

nation and the community.

Labor, Civil Rights, and Children’s

Advocates Mourn the Loss of Rob

Reiner and Wife Michele Reiner

ROB AND MICHELE REINER

By Natasha Dowdy Gordon



(FPL) lineman Zachary

Griffith decorates the home

of Lauderhill U.S. Army

veterans Rafel Castro, Robert

Leroy Gordon and John

Baker, as part of FPL’s 18th

annual holiday program,

which celebrates local

heroes for their service to

the community. FPL worked

with United Way of Broward

County and A House with

Heart Homes to surprise

these local veterans with

some much-deserved holiday

cheer.



(FPL) “elves” decorate

the home Lauderhill local

heroes U.S. Army veterans

Rafel Castro, Robert Leroy

Gordon and John Baker. This

celebration marked the 18th

consecutive year of FPL’s

holiday program, which gives

back to local heroes for their

incredible commitment to this

nation and the community.

Javon Cooper

Funeral

Service

was held

December

13th

at AGS

Multipurpose

Center.

Travis Lavon

Parrish

Funeral

Service

will be held

December

27th at Annie

Laurie Sheppard-Smith Chapel.

Casey Myers Love And

Grace Funeral And

Cremation Service

James

Alexander

Cure

Funeral

Service

will be held

December 20th

at Cathedral

Church of God.

Darrell Rice

Viewing

was held

December 12th

at Gospel

Arena of

Faith.

Jack Chris

Jackson – 59

Funeral

Service

was held

December

13th

at James C.

Boyd’s

Memorial

Chapel with Rev.

Bernie Kemp officiating.

Danny Lee

Kinnel - 62

Funeral

Services

was held

December

13th at James

C. Boyd’s

Memorial

Chapel with

Brother

Reginald Lewis officiating.

McWhite’s Funeral

Home

Carla A. King

Williams

Funeral Service

was held

December 12th

at McWhite’s

Funeral Home

Chapel.

Roy Mizell & Kurtz

Funeral Home

Ahmard Garvin

- 48

Funeral Service

was held

at Roy Mizell

& Kurtz

Worship

Center.

Emogene Roland

Wilcox

- 81

Funeral

Service

was held

December 13th

at Mount

Hermon A,ME.

Church with Rev. Henry Greene

officiating. center.

In a tragedy that has sent

shockwaves through Hollywood

and the nation’s social justice

and labor movements, acclaimed

filmmaker, actor, and tireless

advocate Rob Reiner and his wife,

Michele Singer Reiner, were

found dead in their Brentwood

home on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025,

in what law enforcement is

treating as a double homicide.

Law enforcement later

arrested their 32-year-old son,

Nick Reiner, on suspicion of

murder, and he is being held

without bail as the Los Angeles

County District Attorney

examines charges.

The news stunned Hollywood,

where Reiner was celebrated as

a legendary actor-director, and

devastated the nation’s activists

and advocates who have long

respected his powerful voice for



William

Robinson

Funeral

Service

was held

December

13th at

Brown’s

Temple

Ministries.

Kymani

Tafari

Funeral

Service

was held

December

13th

at New

Covenant

Deliverance

Cathedral.


Deeply Rooted

Democrats question how court cases upholding

Florida’s congressional map warrant redrawing it

By Jacob Ogles

(Source Miami Times)


No congressional maps were presented at a second meeting of

the Florida House’s redistricting committee. Now, Democrats are

questioning why any would be drafted at all.

Andy Bardos, counsel for the House, told members that two

key court cases contribute to a different legal landscape than when

the Legislature last approved congressional lines in 2022. Most

importantly, the Florida Supreme Court upheld that map, which was

drawn by Gov. Ron DeSantis’ staff and broke up a seat previously

held by a Black Democrat. The other case out of Louisiana awaits a

Supreme Court ruling in the coming term.

Rep. Kevin Chambliss, a Homestead Democrat, questioned how

the Florida Supreme Court upholding the existing map merited the

reconsideration of new lines.

“That map was deemed constitutional,” Chambliss said. “If that

was conclusive to an action, then that means that’s done. So then

what is the reason why we’re doing it now? I’m confused, because

it seems like there was a conclusion there based on the court case,

and now we’re having a conversation where the second court case

isn’t even finished yet.”

Bardos stressed that the only reason the Florida Supreme Court

considered the congressional map was because civil rights groups

sued, but the legal challenge focused only on the breakup of the

North Florida seat previously represented by U.S. Rep. Al Lawson.

Justices upheld the map, but determined the prior configuration

of Lawson’s seat, itself the product of a 2015 Supreme Court

decision, improperly considered race as the predominant motivation

in drawing a district spanning from Tallahassee to Jacksonville.

“In the process of deciding that, the court articulated legal

The governor’s congressional redistricting proposal leaves no Blackmajority

voting district in north Florida.

principles that had never before been set forth by a court in

that way,” Bardos said.

For example, he said that even if lawmakers want to hold

to a nondiminishment requirement in the “Fair Districts”

amendments in Florida’s Constitution, lawmakers “can’t


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A MESSAGE FROM THE PUBLISHER from Front Page

commendable, and supporting such work is

important. But the question remains: Why would

Broward County Public Schools lease space in

another organization’s facility when the district

is hemorrhaging students, closing schools, and

sitting on underutilized or empty campuses it

claims must sell to balance the budget?

When School Board members learned that

crucial facts had been omitted or misrepresented,

they reversed course. HANDY has now filed a

lawsuit against the district, yet another black

eye for a system already struggling under the

weight of its own decisions.

Then there is the matter involving Wanda

Paul, a district administrator allegedly

circumventing established processes to keep

an unqualified vendor in contention. Staff

seemingly pressured or forced to make round

pegs fit square holes to achieve predetermined

outcomes. That is not leadership. That is

manipulation.

So, we must ask the obvious question: Is this

incompetence or corruption?

Frankly, the answer may not matter. The

consequences are the same.

We have seen this movie before in Broward.

Four of nine School Board members were once

removed, and a superintendent and general

counsel were arrested and charged with crimes.

It is not alarmist to say that another grand jury

investigation may be looming. If lessons were

learned, they are not evident.

If anything, recent developments suggest

that the district has doubled down on the very

behaviors that brought it to ruin before.

A recent audit has ignited outrage among

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parents and taxpayers, revealing systemic

mismanagement, questionable procurement

practices, and a disturbing lack of accountability.

More than 100 school construction projects

remain incomplete, including Rickards Middle

School, which astonishingly still lacks a roof

years after funding was approved.

If the audit is correct, procurement

irregularities where contracts were awarded

to bidders who failed to meet financial

requirements, with staff allegedly waving critical

safeguards to push deals through anyway. That

is not oversight, that is negligence at best and

something far worse at worst.

Critics are right to say that Broward’s budget

crisis is not about lack of money, but gross

mismanagement. As one community advocate

put it, “This is not incompetence, it’s a deliberate

pattern. They pretend to be transparent, but

their processes are designed to achieve their

desired outcomes.”

The shadow of the failed Smart Bond

program, launched in 2014 and responsible for

leadership upheaval in 2022, still looms large.

It appears that individuals connected to those

past failures continue to wield influence today.

And yet, incredibly, the district is reportedly

considering another bond referendum.

Let me be clear: Any new bond must be rejected

outright until transparency, accountability, and

ethical leadership are restored. The Board has

not earned the public’s trust. You do not reward

failure with billions more.

The audit also flags the HANDY lease as

potentially violating Florida procurement ethics

laws and public entity crime statutes, due to

inaccurate or incomplete

information provided

to the Board. These are

not minor technicalities

they are serious legal

red flags.

Meanwhile, Broward

continues to lose

students in droves.

Closing schools is a

temporary fix for a

deeper, systemic wound.

Apply the tourniquet.

Stop the bleeding. But

understand this: while

white and affluent

children will likely

survive these failures,

Black, Hispanic, and

poor children will

bear the brunt of this

lackluster leadership

and corruption.

That is unacceptable.

Community leaders are

right to demand:

• An independent

investigation into

© 2025 Feld Entertainment, Inc.

procurement practices

and leadership decisions

• A moratorium on all

new bond referendums

• Full disclosure of

pending projects and

financial commitments

The time for

patience has passed.

Parents, taxpayers, and

voters must mobilize.

Campaign against

this bond. Demand

accountability. Demand

better.

Because if we don’t,

history will repeat itself

and once again, our

children will pay the

price.

65

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Nunnie on the Sideline

Nunnie Robinson, WGS Sports Editor

The phrase ‘ It ain’t over until the

Fat Lady sings’ is profoundly prescient

and appropriate in the sports world.

Who could’ve imagined or even predicted

that so many stars would fall to

serious injury during this unpredictable

NFL season. Kansas City quarterback

Patrick Mahomes went down with

both an ACL and LCL causing concern

about his availability at the beginning

of next season. The Chief’s loss

to the Chargers knocked them out

of the playoffs for the time in 9 years.

Green Bay, having made a blockbuster trade for Micah Parsons,

lost their Swiss Army Knife to an ACL in a road loss to the

Denver Broncos. Packer star receiver Christian Watson suffered

a chest injury which prevented his return, diminishing

Green Bay’s playoff opportunities and the Rams’ Devante

Adams re-injured his hamstring in a win over Detroit. In addition,

Commanders qb Jayden Daniels has ended his injury

riddled season and multiple injuries to Bengal qb Joe Burrow

have called into question his mental state and his NFL future.

Suffice it to say: it is a brutal, unforgiving game.

Tua proved once again in a Monday night loss to an average

Steelers team that immobile quarterbacks can’t win

consistently in today’s NFL. The Dolphins have to scrutinize

qb and head coach to avoid continued mediocrity.

In HBCU circles, the South Carolina State Bulldogs, after

falling behind by 21 points, won the 2025 Celebration Bowl

in a thrilling fourth overtime comeback victory over the gallant

and determined Prairie View Panthers. The final score,

40-38, was SCS’s third Black National Championship. The

winning two point conversion was not void of controversy

as video replay proved inconclusive, so the call on the field

stood. Bulldog head coach Chennis Berry is proving to be a

program builder and consistent winner on any level.

I was surprised at the news that FAMU had parted ways

with James Colzie, unaware that an AD was in place. Does

that set the conditions for hiring Quinn Gray, who recently

resigned his head coaching position at Albany State after

leading the Rams to a record 12 win season and the D2

playoffs. The FAMU Hall of Famer has to be among the finalists.

Hampton University recently hired Van Malone as its next

head football coach. An assistant head coach at Kansas

State, a three year NFL veteran and a former Texas Longhorn

standout, he clearly understands the challenges that

lie ahead for the proud MEAC program.

The Top Five HBCU Final Team Ranking:

1. South Carolina State

2. Alabama State

3. Prairie View

4. Jackson State

5.Delaware State

SWAC

• Coach of the Year: Tremaine Jackson, Prairie View A&M

• Offensive Player of the Year: Andrew Body, Alabama State

• Defensive Player of the Year: Quincy Ivory, Jackson State

• Newcomer of the Year: Quincy Ivory, Jackson State

• Freshman of the Year: Chase Bingmon, Prairie View A&M

2. MEAC

• Offensive Lineman of the Year: Roger Smith, South Carolina

State

• Rookie of the Year: Raymond Moore III, Morgan State

• Coach of the Year: Chennis Berry, South Carolina State

Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz

close 2025 ranked

39th in FIFA standings

Deeply Rooted

In Photos: South Carolina

State overcomes 21-point

deficit to win 3rd HBCU

National Championship

Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/Black Press USA

Ryan Stubblefield connected with Jordan Smith on a decisive

two-point conversion in the fourth overtime, lifting South Carolina

State to a dramatic 40–38 victory over Prairie View A&M

on Saturday in the 10th Celebration Bowl, the annual clash

between the MEAC and SWAC champions.

The marathon finish began with both teams trading field

goals in the first overtime. In the second extra period, South

Carolina State’s Cornelius Davis picked off a Stubblefield pass

on the opening possession. Prairie View had a golden opportunity

to win, but Diego Alfaro missed a 31-yard field goal attempt.

Neither side managed to score during the two-point attempts

in the third overtime, pushing the contest deeper into

stressful chaos.

In the fourth overtime, Bulldogs running back Tyler Smith

hauled in a short pass from Stubblefield, was hit by Prairie

View defensive back Kamren Amao, and stretched the ball just

past the pylon for a successful conversion. The ruling immediately

sparked debate, as replays from multiple angles appeared

just as inconclusive as the live call. The ruling on the

field was eventually upheld. Prairie View’s response fell short

when quarterback Cameron Peters’ pass attempt on the Panthers’

try came up incomplete.

“Just like anybody on our offense, when the ball comes to you,

we make a play, and so Smith has always been a playmaker,”

Stubblefield said. “He’s always been ‘him’ since high school.

Since I met him last year, we’ve connected. We were activated

today. He won on his routes, and I put the ball where he could

make a play.”

How did we EXACTLY arrive here?

That controversial conversion was the final chapter in an

astonishing comeback by South Carolina State. The Bulldogs

trailed 21–0 at halftime and had managed only 80 yards of

total offense at the break. Momentum swung rapidly in the

third quarter, as South Carolina State poured in 21 points over

a span of just over six minutes to even the score. Later, down

35–28 with two minutes left in regulation, Stubblefield found

Jordan Smith on a 10-yard touchdown pass on third-and-6 to

force overtime.

Stubblefield entered the

game late in the second quarter

after starter William Atkins

IV exited with a shoulder

injury. He finished with 234

passing yards and two touchdown

throws, both to Jordan

Smith. Smith delivered a

standout performance, catching

nine passes for 152 yards,

scoring once on the ground,

and securing the game-winning

two-point conversion.

“Last year I stood right by

our locker room outside, still

in the stadium, and I watched

confetti drop on another team,

and that fueled me,” South

Carolina State Head Coach

Chennis Berry said. “And I

said, ‘If the good Lord gives

me another opportunity, that

confetti will not drop on another

team – that confetti is

going to drop on us.’ … We

knew we would be here, but

we wanted to walk away this

time with a trophy in hand.

As I stand here today, we did

just that.”

On the opposite sideline,

Prairie View quarterback

Cameron Peters threw for 412

yards and four touchdowns,

By Jarrett Hoffman

(Source: HBCU Sports)


Quinn Gray

announces departure

from Albany State

after 3 seasons

Albany State head football coach Quinn Gray Sr. has

officially announced his departure from the team in the wake

of speculation of a new coaching opportunity.

This comes following reports that he is being targeted as the

next head coach for his alma mater Florida A&M, who recently

fired James Colzie after just two seasons.

“Albany State has been nothing short of amazing to myself

and my family by giving me the opportunity to live out my

dream of becoming a college head football coach,” said Gray

in a statement posted on social media. “I am forever grateful

to Dr. Marion Fedrick for bestowing that opportunity upon

me. People often say you want to leave a place better than you

found it, and I pray that we did just that.”

Taking on the role of head coach at Albany State in December

2022, Gray led the team to a 24-11 overall record and a 20-4

conference record in his three seasons at the helm.

He helped lead the team to two SIAC championship berths,

including in his first year in 2023 and this past season.

The 2025 season was historic for the Golden Rams,

winning a school-record 12 games, claiming its first conference

championship since 2021, and advancing to the Regional Final

of the Division II Playoffs.

Before becoming head coach at Albany State, Gray spent

the previous three seasons as the quarterbacks coach at Alcorn

State.

In the midst of speculation surrounding where Gray will be

coaching next, many of Albany State’s top stars have announced

their intentions to enter the transfer portal.

These include 2025 SIAC Offensive Player of the Year

Isaiah Knowles, star running back Tiant Wyche, and SIAC

Championship MVP Tyrell Gainey.

Photo: TheSIAC/Twitter

By Ian Burnett

(Source: CNW)

Jamaica’s senior women’s

national football team will

close the calendar year ranked

39th in the world, according to

FIFA’s final women’s rankings

for 2025, a meaningful

milestone that underscores

the program’s growing

international credibility.

The finish places the Reggae

Girlz inside the global top 40

for only the second time in

their history, reaffirming their

status as one of the region’s

most competitive sides.

A season of contrasts

The journey to year’s end

was far from smooth. Between

April and June, Jamaica

endured a difficult stretch,

dropping four consecutive

matches against heavyweight

opponents Mexico, the United

States, and England. Those

results tested the team’s

depth and resilience and

briefly stalled their upward

momentum.

Yet the Reggae Girlz

regrouped decisively in

the latter part of the year,

rediscovering their attacking

edge and competitive

confidence when it mattered

most.

Strong finish fuels ranking

rise

Jamaica closed the year

with back-to-back victories,

highlighted by an emphatic

18-0 triumph over Dominica

in a Concacaf Women’s World

Cup qualifying match last

month. That commanding

performance played a key

role in lifting the team back

into the top 40 and restoring

positive momentum heading

into 2026.

The 39th-place finish marks

Jamaica’s highest ranking

since August 2023, when

the Reggae Girlz climbed

to a historic 37th following

their breakthrough run to

the knockout stages of the

FIFA Women’s World Cup in

Australia and New Zealand.

Once again, the team finds

itself operating within sight

of its all-time best, reinforcing



South Carolina State head

football coach Chennis

Berry is doused with ice

water after his team defeated

the Prairie View

A&M Panthers in the 2025

Cricket Wireless Celebration

Bowl on Saturday,

December 13, 2025 at Mercedes-Benz

Stadium in

Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo:

Itoro N. Umontuen/Black

Press USA)



TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

LOANDEPOT PARK

FEB 21 – 22

Competitors shown are subject to change. © 2025 Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

The Westside Gazette

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