The Westside Gazette

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PERMIT NO. 1179

Black School Counselors

Are a Necessity.

We Don’t Have Enough...

PAGE 3

THURSDAY, MARCH 26 - APRIL 1, 2026

VOL. 55 NO. 8 $1.00

A Legacy of Purpose:

Commissioner

Hazelle P. Rogers

Celebrating 30 Years

Serving the Public

By Kaysia Earley, Esq.

Commissioner Hazelle P. Rogers’ legacy in public service

has never been measured by titles or tenure, but by the

lives she has touched and the unwavering commitment to

people. For more than three decades, she has poured herself

into public service not as a profession, but as a calling root

in community.

“I didn’t start out thinking about politics,” she shared

during our interview. “I started by showing up.” That

simple act of showing up would eventually change the

course of her life.

From the Audience to Leadership

Rogers recalls sitting in commission meetings years ago,

observing decisions that did not always reflect the needs of

the people. There were gaps in understanding, in advocacy,

and in action.

“I saw what was happening,” she said. “And I knew we

could do better.”

Encouraged by family and members of her community,

she made a bold transition from concerned citizens to

candidate.

“That step was transformational,” she explained. “It

wasn’t about power; it was about improving outcomes for

people who felt unheard.”

That same conviction would carry her through decades of

leadership, from her historic election in Lauderdale Lakes

to her service in the Florida House of Representatives,

and ultimately to her role as a respected Broward County

Commissioner.

The Power of Mentorship and Example

Behind Rogers’ rise was the influence of a local mentor,

a homeowner’s association president whose activism left a

lasting impression in the heart of Rogers.

“He was hands-on. He believed in showing up, organizing,

and making change happen,” she recalled. “He told me I

could do this,” so she did.

Though he has since passed, his legacy lives on in Rogers’

Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com

Future of Florida’s Black

History Museum in Limbo

Plans to establish a

long-awaited Black history

museum in Florida are

once again on hold after

legislation needed to

advance the project failed

to clear the state House for

a second consecutive year,

despite repeated approval

in the Senate.

A proposal sponsored

by Tom Leek, a Republican

from Ormond Beach, has

now passed the Senate in

back-to-back legislative

sessions. But the House

version, filed by Kiyan

Michael, a Jacksonville

Republican, did not receive

final approval in either

year, effectively stalling the

effort.

Under Florida law,

identical or similar bills

must pass both chambers

before heading to the

governor’s desk. Without

House approval, the

legislation has been unable

to move forward, leaving

the project in limbo .Long

(Source: Florida Phoenix)

Will the Legislature

give him a victory before

he’s term limited out of

office?

His attempt to alter

the state’s vaccine policies

for schoolchildren failed

during the now-concluded

legislative session, but

Gov. Ron DeSantis said he

remains committed to seeing

his policies pass before

having to leave his post in

January 2027.

The 2026 Regular

Session was DeSantis’

last as Governor, but the

Republican could have

as many as three more

opportunities in the form of

Special Sessions to strongarm

his policies through a

reluctant Legislature.

journey, contested location.

The proposed museum, formally known as the Florida

Museum of Black History, has been years in the making,

with lawmakers and community leaders framing it as a longoverdue

institution to preserve and showcase the state’s

African American heritage. A central point of contention

has been the museum’s location. St. Augustine — widely

recognized as the nation’s oldest city and a site deeply tied

to both slavery and early Black history — emerged as the

leading contender. Supporters argue the city’s historical

significance makes it a natural home for the museum.

However, competing interests and regional considerations


Gov. DeSantis’ resolve to pass his vaccine policies

strengthens as measles cases continue to rise

DeSantis already has

called a five-day Special

Session for congressional

redistricting.

The

Legislature also must at

some point reconvene to

agree upon and pass a state

budget after it was unable

to do so during the Regular

Session, although no official

dates have been announced.

A potential third

opportunity could be the

Special Session on property

taxes that DeSantis has

indicated he wants.

“There’s more than one

way to skin the cat on some

of this stuff,” DeSantis said

when asked about having the

Legislature address some

of his priorities this year.

“I’m committed to seeing the

policies ultimately prevail.

And we’ll look to see what

options that we have.”

DeSantis made those

remarks during a press

conference at a senior living

facility in Jacksonville,

during which he highlighted

his legislative successes

and disappointments in the

Session.

As he has done for most of

the last two years, DeSantis

criticized the House

specifically for the demise of

his vaccine proposal, which

he calls “medical freedom.”

With roughly two

weeks left in the 2026

Regular Session, House

Speaker Daniel Perez all

but declared the medical

freedom bill in the House

(HB 917) dead when he said

on March 4 that his chamber

would not consider any bills

(Cont’d on page 8)

A MESSAGE FROM

THE PUBLISHER

The fight for

the Black vote:

Engagement

or Erasure?

Speak up for those

who cannot speak

for themselves, for

the rights of all who

are destitute. Speak

up and judge fairly;

defend the rights of the

poor and needy.”

Proverbs 31:8-9 NIV

By Bobby R. Henry Sr.,

Publisher, Westside Gazette

There is a quiet storm

moving across this nation. It

does not roar like thunder. It

does not march with banners.

It does not always announce

itself in headlines. But make no

mistake, it is just as dangerous.

It is the slow, steady erosion

of the Black vote. And the

question before us is simple:

Will we be engaged… or will we

be erased?

For generations, our right to

vote has been paid for in blood,

sacrifice, and unyielding faith.

From the fields of the South

to the bridges of Selma, our

ancestors stood firm so that we

might stand free in the ballot

box.

But today, the threat is

not always chains and clubs.

Sometimes it is silence,

sometimes it is neglect and

sometimes it is the absence of

outreach where it matters most.

Let me be clear: You cannot

expect the Black community to

show up… if you never show up

for the Black community.


NNPA NEWSWIRE — Frederick Douglass understood something fundamental: identity

is not granted by paperwork. It is asserted through presence, voice and participation.

He claimed authorship over his own life in a nation structured to deny it. Today, we are

debating whether documentation should determine access to democracy.

By Dr. Julianne Malveaux

COMMENTARY:

From Reconstruction

to the SAVE Act

Frederick Douglass did not know the day he was

born.

Like many enslaved people, he was denied even

the dignity of documentation. Birth dates were

approximations. Family lines were severed. Identity


The Westside Gazette Newspaper

State Attorney Harold F. Pryor Honored for Leadership

at Broward Educators Conference

MIRAMAR, FL. — State Attorney Harold F. Pryor was

recognized for his outstanding leadership by the Broward

Alliance of Black School Educators during its annual S.L.I.C.E.

Conference in Miramar.

Pryor received the

organization’s prestigious

Excellence in Leadership Thursday

March 26

81°

award, recognizing his

th

commitment to community

impact, public Sunrise: 7:04am Sunset: 6:05pm

Sunny

71°

service, and educational

Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues

advancement. This

year’s conference theme,

“Leadership, Legacy,

& Learning: Shaping 81° 81° 81° 81° 82°

(Cont’d on page 8) 73° 73° 72° 71° 72°

@TheWestsideGazetteNewspaper

WESTSIDE GAZETTE IS A MEMBER:

National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA)

Southeastern African-American Publishers Association (SAAPA)

Florida Association of Black Owned Media (FABOM)

ort. Their mission

, involving projects

ssembling bookcases

tdoor dining sets to

rcade games, foosball

ball hoops, hockey

tennis tables. Even

er conditions couldn’t

ication, with the only

PAGE 2 • MARCH 26 - APRIL 1, 2026

iveness after

ated service.

e to 30,000

have been

or at least

ut receiving

ncome-driven

will now see

n.

will help create more vibrant and engaging spaces for

our students to retreat on campus for a brain break or

find inspiration through the downtime.”

Home Depot’s “Retool Your School” program,

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

providing over $9.25 million in campus improvement

grants to Historically Black Colleges and Universities

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


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.

A TEEN PERSPECTIVE:

www.thewestsidegazette.com

Spreading Positivity in a World That Needs It

By Jabari Bovell

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

Continue reading online at:

thewestsidegazette.com

In today’s world, it can sometimes feel like negativity is everywhere.

From social media arguments to stressful news stories, it’s easy to get

caught up in frustration and anger. But one thing we often forget is that

positivity can be just as powerful. A single encouraging word, a smile, or a

small act of kindness can brighten someone’s entire day.

As a teen, I’ve noticed how much people my age deal with—school

pressure, social media comparisons, and figuring out who we want to be.

Because of that, spreading positivity is more important than ever. When

we choose to lift each other up instead of tearing each other down, we

create a stronger community. Something as simple as complimenting a

friend, helping someone who’s struggling, or just listening when someone

needs to talk can make a huge difference.

Positivity doesn’t mean ignoring problems. It means facing challenges with hope and believing things can get

better. Faith, family, and community can help us stay grounded and remind us that we’re not alone. When we

focus on gratitude and encourage others to keep going, we build a culture where people feel supported instead

of judged.

The truth is, positivity spreads. When one person chooses kindness, it inspires others to do the same. If more

of us decided to lead with compassion and understanding, our schools, neighborhoods, and communities would

feel very different. It starts with one person, one moment, and one choice to bring light instead of darkness.

In a world that often focuses on the negative, being a positive voice is powerful. And sometimes, that voice

might be exactly what someone else needs to hear.

College

Prep

vitriolic

adjective

(adjective)

Word of

the Week

mean, nasty and caustic as the worst acid;

being at rest; inactive or

even lead to violence.

motionless; quiet; still: a

HOW TO USE IN A SENTENCE:

quiescent mind.

vitriolic words can hurt feelings, break hearts and

“She was subjected to vitriolic abuse after

posting a picture of herself online”

quiescent

[ kwee-es-uhnt, kwahy- ]

HOW TO USE QUIESCENT IN A

SENTENCE

It’s possible that other volcanoes with

long quiescentperiods may also have

subtle but protracted warning periods

as well.

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

Leia’s Mathematics

Corner

During Women’s History Month, the class read 48 books about

famous women leaders.

They read the books over 6 days how many books did they

read each day?

67

x 6

89

- 26

Created by Leia P.

4th grader!

Word Search

List Compiled

by Kamar

Jackson,

Freshmen

at Dillard

High School


MARCH 26 - APRIL 1, 2026 • PAGE 3

Ain’t That A VHIT

From Doing to Guiding:

The Quiet Shift of Maturity

By Von C. Howard

I have been spending more time

reflecting on the way I move through

life and the roles I assume along the

way. Lately, I have become more

aware that I am transitioning from

being primarily a bridge builder to

learning how to be a bridge tender.

This shift has not come from having

all the answers, but from realizing

how much there still is to learn.

For much of my journey, I leaned

heavily into doing. I often felt a

strong sense of urgency, sometimes

necessary, sometimes self-imposed. I have tried to build bridges

with urgency. Not recklessly, but with a genuine desire to help

close gaps and remove obstacles. When I noticed barriers, I felt

compelled to respond quickly. At the time, it felt like responsibility.

In reflection, I now see it was also a belief that my involvement

was always required.

That realization has been humbling.

Doing can be productive, but it can quietly become a measure

of worth. I equated movement with impact and presence with

purpose. While much of that effort came from good intentions, I

am learning that effectiveness is not always about how quickly we

act, but about how thoughtfully we pause.

This season has challenged me to rethink the assignment.

The bridges built along the way were never meant to spotlight

who constructed them; they were meant to create passage. Once

a bridge exists, it does not need constant rebuilding, it needs care.

Tending requires watching, listening, adjusting, and trusting that

the foundation is strong enough to hold people who may cross

differently than I would have.

Being a bridge tender is quieter work. It asks for patience instead

of urgency. It requires resisting the instinct to step in too quickly.

It means allowing others the dignity of discovery, even when the

path includes missteps. This has not been easy for me, but it has

been necessary.

Doing is often visible. Tending is often unseen.

For younger people, this reflection is not a discouragement from

building. It is an invitation to build wisely. Build bridges rooted in

integrity, preparation, and curiosity. Build with care, knowing that

effort matters, but intention matters just as much.

For those in the middle of the journey, you may recognize the

tension of doing and guiding at the same time, still constructing

while slowly learning when to release control. That tension is not

failure; it is formation.

And for those further along the path, tending the bridges you have

built is not a lesser role. It is a vital one. Maintenance protects

access. Quiet wisdom prevents collapse. Presence without

interference can be the greatest gift you offer.

This season of reflection brings to mind A Change Is Gonna

Come, not because change is dramatic, but because it is inevitable.

Growth invites transition, and transition invites humility.

Over time, bridges intersect. What one person builds connects to

what another extends. Together, they form networks of opportunity

none of us could create alone. But bridges only remain useful if

they are cared for, maintained so others can cross and, in time,

build bridges of their own.

That is the shared work of the bridge builder and the bridge tender.

One creates access. The other preserves it. Together, they offer a

blueprint for maturation.

And to anyone reading this who finds themselves somewhere on

that bridge, building, tending, or learning how to let go, this is the

affirmation: you are not behind, you are not irrelevant, and you

are not alone. Where you are is where growth is happening.

Your role matters in this season, just as it has in every season

before.

Black School Counselors Are a Necessity.

Only 8% of school

counselors were

Black in 2025.

By Alvin Buyinza

Research shows that Black

students are more likely to

academically succeed when

they work with a Black

school counselor. But, there

is a severe shortage of these

professionals due to educators

feeling racially isolated and

unsupported.

Gabrielle Brundidge knew

she wanted to be a school

guidance counselor since she

was a teenager. The idea first

came to her while discussing

college plans with her guidance

counselor, Ms. Garcia, during

her senior year at Northview

High School in Johns Creek,

Georgia.

“She was Hispanic, and

it was my first time having a

school counselor that looked

like me,” says Brundidge,

38, who is Black. With her

patience and knowledge of the

college application process, she

says, Garcia “didn’t make me

feel as though I was smaller

than what I was dreaming of.”

Years later, Brundidge is

paying it forward to middle

schoolers at Lee Roy Myers

Middle School in Savanna,

Georgia. Students at the

majority-Black school need

it more than most: many

of the students come from

underserved neighborhoods

that struggle with crime.

Amid hardships at home

and teenage growing pains,

Brundage says her students

need most is encouragement.

“I want to be that person

that just uplifts them, that

tells them, ‘Hey, if you do your

work here, stay focused, you

can go anywhere,” she says.

Why Are There So Few Black

School Counselors?

But there aren’t many of

her around. Though guidance

counselors are critical to

shaping a student’s academic,

emotional, and career

development, the American

School Counselor Association

reports that fewer than one

in 10 guidance counselors are

Black, a significant decline

since 2020. And the number of

Black educators entering the

profession is continuing to fall.

That’s despite ACSA

research showing that Black

students matched with a

Black counselor are more

likely to succeed academically

and enroll in college after

graduation.

In 2020, according to

the ACSA, about 11% of its

members identified as Black

or African American. That

percentage fell to 8% in 2025.

Dr. Tylon Crook, an

assistant professor of

counselor education at Sacred

Heart University, said one

We Don’t Have Enough

Research shows when Black students work with Black school counselors

they are more likely to academically succeed. (Credit: monkeybusinessimages)

of the many reasons Black

school counselors leave the

profession is that they feel

isolated being the only Black

person in their role, and are

not given the support they

need.

Research shows that

Black school counselors at

mostly white schools are often

subject to microaggressions.

He also mentioned that many

Black school counselors grow

frustrated with the K-12

education system.

A Cultural Touch to Working

With Black Students

Dr. Bernell Elzey Jr.,

a senior official with the

Louisiana School Counselor

Association, said that the

shortage of Black school

guidance counselors means

that Black students will lose

out on professionals who

understand their culture and

can relate to them.

Elzey recalled that

he intervened on behalf

of a Black boy who was

disciplined for yelling at a

white school administrator.

The administrator saw the

boy in the hallway after class

had started and yelled at him

to get going; the boy yelled

back that he was on his way,

but the administrator cited

him for being disrespectful.

Elzey, however, explained

to the administrator that the

boy’s response wasn’t meant



2026 Africana Arts & Humanities Festival

We, Too, Sing America: Reflections on 250 Years

Saturday, March 28 -

11:00am - 8:00pm

Dr. Kellie Carter-Jackson,

Historian and Author

African American Research

Library and Cultural Center

Gallery B, Auditorium,

Dianne Bienes Seminar

Room # 1, Michael Bienes

Seminar Room #2, Lobby

The Africana Arts &

Humanities Festival (AAHF)

is the signature annual

cultural and intellectual

convening.

The Africana Arts

& Humanities Festival

(AAHF) is the signature

annual cultural and

intellectual convening of the

African American Research

Library & Cultural Center

(AARLCC), a nationally

recognized institution

dedicated to preserving,

celebrating, and advancing

the global Black experience

through

research,

scholarship, arts, and

community engagement.

AAHF brings together

authors, scholars, artists,

performers, and families

for a multi-day celebration

of Black culture,

history, creativity, and

storytelling. The festival

blends lectures, literary

events, performances,

Dr. Karsonya “Kaye” Whitehead,

President, Association for

the Study of African American

Life and History, Inc.

youth activations, family

programming, and curated

cultural installations that

illuminate the richness of the

African diaspora.

The 2026 theme, “We, Too,

Sing America: 250 Years of

Black Life and Culture,” draws

inspiration from Langston

Hughes’ “I, Too,” affirming the

dignity, resilience, and rightful

presence of Black voices in the

American narrative. This year’s

programming will highlight

historical perspectives,

contemporary scholarship,

artistic excellence, and

intergenerational learning.

For a complete schedule and to

register, visit Eventbrite.

Dr. Karsonya (Kaye)

Wise Whitehead: President,

Haiti TPS at a Crossroads as Supreme

Court Weighs Future of Protections

As federal officials signal a shift in policy, the future of Temporary

Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti now rests with the nation’s highest court.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has stated that conditions

in Haiti no longer meet the requirements for TPS designation. However,

the Supreme Court of the United States is expected to determine whether

those protections can legally be terminated.

In the meantime, a federal court order remains in effect, keeping

TPS-related work permits for Haitian nationals valid through March 27,

2026. The temporary extension provides critical stability for thousands of

individuals and families while legal challenges continue.

Employers are advised to reflect the March 27, 2026 date on Form

I-9 documentation and include the notation “per court order” to ensure

compliance with current federal guidance.

Advocates say the decision carries high stakes for immigrant communities,

particularly in South Florida, where many Haitian families live and work.

Supporters are encouraging residents and employers alike to stay informed

and engaged as the legal process unfolds.

Community members can learn more and support ongoing advocacy

efforts to extend TPS protections for Haiti by visiting: https://flic.fyi/

TPSHaitiSM

#HaitiTPS #ProtectTPS #HaitianCommunity #ImmigrantRights

#ImmigrantJustice

Dr. Kellie Carter-Jackson,

Historian and Author

Association for the Study of African

American Life and History (ASALH)

Dr. Whitehead is a nationally respected

public historian, cultural critic, and

educator whose work centers Black

public memory, racial justice, and

social transformation. As President of

the Association for the Study of African

American Life and History. (ASALH)—

the organization founded by Carter

G. Woodson—she plays a leading

role in shaping national discourse

around Black history and its public



A MESSAGE FROM THE PUBLISHER from FP

Across Florida and this

nation, we are witnessing

policies, practices, and patterns

that are reshaping access to the

ballot. Registration hurdles.

Mail-in ballot confusion.

Signature mismatches. Polling

changes.

But beyond policy—there

is something even more

troubling: A growing lack of

intentional engagement.

Where are the investments

in Black-owned media?

Are we only good for the free

public service announcements

in our newspapers, on our

platforms, in our communities?

Where are the candidates

who understand that outreach

is not optional—it is essential?

Too many have mistaken

proximity for presence and

have confused visibility with

accountability.

Let me say what needs to

be said: If you are not speaking

directly to Black voters through

trusted Black institutions,

then you are not truly trying to

reach them.

And if you are not trying to

reach them, then what exactly

are you trying to do?

This is not just about

politics. This is about power.

The Black vote has always

been the moral compass of this

democracy. We have pushed

this nation to live up to its

promises, even when those

promises were not extended to

us.

But power unused is power

surrendered.

And disengagement,

whether intentional or

accidental, leads to the same

destination: Erasure.

So, I ask our elected

officials…I ask those seeking

office…I ask those entrusted

with administering our

elections: Are you investing

in the very people who will

determine the future of this

democracy?

Advertising in Black-owned

media is not charity. It is not

optional. It is a responsibility.

Because when you invest

in the Black Press, you invest

in informed voters. When you

invest in informed voters, you

strengthen democracy.

And to our community,

I say this: Do not wait to be

invited to participate in your

own future.

Check your registration.

Renew your vote-by-mail

ballot.

Make sure your signature

matches.

Know your polling place.

Help a neighbor.

Bring someone with you.

Because the ballot is more

than a piece of paper; it is a

declaration of presence.

We stand at a crossroads.

One path leads to engagement

to power, to progress, to

participation. The other leads

to erasure quiet, gradual, and

devastating.

The choice is ours.

But understand this: If you

don’t speak to the people, don’t

expect the people to speak for

you at the ballot box.

And if we do not fight to

protect our vote, we risk losing

more than elections.

We risk losing our voice.

Before You Vote (Know This):

• Confirm your voter

registration status

• Renew your vote-by-mail

request

• Ensure your signature is

consistent

• Know deadlines, Florida is

strict

• Seek trusted help, don’t

guess

We are deeply rooted. We

shall not be moved.

But we must always be heard.


Westside Gazette

Calendar of Events

YAEGER PLAZA

Groundbreaking Ceremony

Save The Date

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

1177 NW 62nd Street

Miami, FL

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


Were you a patient of or born in The Yaeger Clinic? We’d love to see you at this event!

Please reply to RSVP

Contact: Ivan Yaeger, Chief Executive Officer The

Yaeger Companies

(305) 751-4208 / (305) 342-3005 cell

Environmental Scholarship

Applications are NOW

OPEN! Our Environmental

Services Department is

excited to once again

offer four environmental

scholarships to deserving

Pompano Beach high

school graduates—proudly

sponsored by Coastal Waste

and Recycling ELIGIBILITY:

• Must be a Pompano

Beach resident • Planning

to continue education at a

post-secondary program •

Passionate about protecting and preserving our environment

Application deadline: April 17 at 11:59 PM Full details are in

the online application: https://www.pompanobeachfl.gov/

government/solid-waste-and-recycling Questions? Email

Hop into spring fun with

us! Join us for our annual

Spring Egg Hunts happening

at parks across the city!

Enjoy egg hunts, photos

with the Spring Bunny, arts

and crafts, games, music,

food, and more. Don’t forget

to bring your own basket!

Friday, March 27, 4–7 PM

| Carter Park, 1450 W. Sunrise

Blvd

Sunday, March 29

11 AM – 2 PM | South Side

Cultural Arts Center, 701 S. Andrews Ave

12 – 3 PM | Croissant Park, 245 W. Park Dr

1 – 4 PM | Riverland Park, 950 SW 27th Ave

2 – 5 PM | Lauderdale Manors Park, 1340 Chateau Park Dr

parks.fortlauderdale.gov/special-events/spring-egg-hunts

We’ll see you there!

#WeAreFTL City of Fort Lauderdale

Follow @TheWestsideGazette Newspaper on Social Media +

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

STAY

CONNECTED --



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

WESTSIDE

GAZETTE

NEWSPAPER STAFF

Bobby R. Henry, Sr.

PUBLISHER

Sonia Henry-Robinson

COMPTROLLER

Tawanna C. Taylor

ADMINISTRATIVE ASST.

Pamela D. Henry

SENIOR EDITOR

Arri D. Henry

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Carma L. Henry

COMMUNITY NEWS

EDITOR

Sylvester “Nunnie’

Robinson SPORTS

Editor

Elizabeth D. Henry

CIRCULATION

MANAGER

NoRegret Media

WEBMASTER

Carma T. Taylor

DIGITAL SPECIALIST

Eric Sears

IT SPECIALIST

Ron Lyons

PHOTOGRAPHER

Levi Henry, Jr.:

PUBLISHER (Emeritus)

Yvonne Henry: EDITOR

(Emeritus)

WEBSITE:


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LETTERS TO THE

EDITOR GUIDELINES

We welcome letters from

the public. Letters must be

signed with a clearly

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compete address and

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A letter of hope

Today I met a man by the name of Major AIRD.

Bobby, I felt compelled to write you because what I witnessed

in him stirred something deeper than admiration—it stirred

hope. When Major AIRD arrived at Martin Correctional Facility,

he carried a title that demanded authority and respect: Major,

overseer of security. But those who have observed his tenure

quickly realized he brought more than rank—he brought vision.

He saw beyond the walls and beyond the rigid routines of

confinement. Where others might see only records and rap

sheets, he saw potential. He saw men capable of transformation

if only they were given the proper tools, guidance, and trust

necessary to succeed. From the outset, he operated with a

confidence in the men he serves—a belief that they are more

than the worst decisions they have made.

I have watched with my own eyes as men in this facility

have begun taking slow, deliberate steps toward investing

mentally, spiritually, and emotionally in a different future. For

many of them, hope had long been swallowed by the quicksand

of hopelessness these environments often create. Yet because

there is someone within the administration willing to aid

and assist in building a culture of growth rather than mere

containment, something has begun to shift.

The initiatives Major AIRD is striving to implement could

not exist without the support of leadership above him—his

warden and his colonel. It is my hope that somewhere there

are wardens and colonels who will recognize that when they

empower men like Major AIRD to live out the vision placed

within their hearts, they become partners in transformation.

They help create environments where caterpillars become

butterflies, where the overlooked become leaders, and where

those once defined by destructive patterns become men of

purpose and contribution.

This letter is written as a reminder to men like you and those

you influence who observe the erosion of servant leadership

that such leadership still exists. In times when meaningful,

compassionate, yet disciplined leadership seems rare, Major

AIRD stands as proof that it is still possible.

Through vision, courage, and commitment, he demonstrates

that leadership can be a force for profound, lasting change—

even behind prison walls.

But Bobby, the most important reason I share this with

you is not simply to highlight one man. It is to remind us that

one person can make a difference in this world. The moment

we, individually or collectively, begin to doubt that truth is the

very moment we start excusing ourselves from the burdens and

responsibilities that accompany the divine assignments placed

on our lives.

Each of us occupies certain spaces—whether within

institutions, communities, families, or quiet corners of influence.

In those spaces, we are called to lead, to build, to encourage,

and to transform. Watching Major AIRD has reminded me that

when a man accepts that calling without apology or fear, the

impact can ripple far beyond what he may ever see.

There were two men crucified on crosses next to Christ. One

rejected Him and one embraced Him. Christ told the man who

embraced Him that in exchange for his faith, he would be the

first person to enter into paradise with Him. So the very first

person that God chose to enter into paradise with Christ after

His resurrection was a convict on death row—a man whom

society said was no longer worthy to live. A man whom society

said was beyond the point of any possible redemption was

the very first person that Christ deemed worthy to enter into

paradise.

It is my hope that Major AIRD is a representation of a body

of social leadership that still has confidence in the power of

redemption in the lives of men who have been abandoned by

society.

Respectfully, Damian.

Frankly Speaking

Evil is in his DNA, Dangerous Nonsensical Ambition

By W. Frank Wilson

Over promise, under deliver and blame

someone else that’s your President.

There’s no one more ignorant than Trump

except MAGA supporters.

Don’t follow the masses because

sometimes the “M” is silent and you find

yourself storming the

Capitol, supporting voter suppression, cheering for ICE and

thinking that invading Iran was smart!

This President in the midst of all this chaos and corruption

and conspiracy theories and complicit relationships, finds time

to sign an Executive Order that was intended to keep him in the

news more than anything else. This bullschitt about no football

games competing with Army and Navy is just another attempt

to put his footprint on every phase of America’s landscape.

The bone spurs in his feet that kept him from

military service obviously moved upward to his brain that

should have kept him out of the Oval Office.

I wonder how many of those 70 million voters who trusted

Trump are now seeing what we saw and voted against?

For Donald Trump, ignorance is bliss

By Bruce Altschuler

In 2016, when reporter Katy Tur asked Donald

Trump about his false claim that he saw

thousands of Muslims in New Jersey cheering

the 9/11 attacks, he replied, “I have the world’s

greatest memory. It’s one thing everyone agrees

on.” However, when asked about this remark

under oath in a deposition during the Trump

University lawsuit, he replied, “I don’t remember that.” Simply

put, Trump has not a great memory but a greatly convenient

memory that he uses to avoid accountability. Here are a few of

many possible examples.

After Marco Rubio answered “of course” when asked whether

everyone in the United States was entitled to due process, Kristen

Welker asked Trump whether he agreed.” I don’t know,” he

replied, I’m not a lawyer.” Apparently, he had forgotten the

oath to uphold the Constitution, including its Fifth and Fourteenth

Amendments, that he had taken twice.

Trump claimed that when Iran “hit Qatar, Saudi Arabia,

UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait Nobody expected that.” There seems little

doubt that at least some of Trump’s advisers had informed

America’s Pinnacle Of

Immorality: The Epstein

Files and the Diversionary

War in Iran

By John Johnson II

History occasionally produces moments

when a nation is forced to confront a

disturbing reflection of itself. In early

2026, the United States appears to be

facing such a moment—one in which

the exposure of elite corruption and the

sudden escalation of war intersect in

ways that challenge the nation’s moral

credibility.

America’s “holy Grail” of exceptionalism

is shattered by the shielding of the Epstein

files and the diversionary war with Iran. Over a thousand young

girls were sexually abused while the perpetrators remain free.

Still, the untimely diversionary war with Iran injures and kills

thousands to change the headline as though it’s merely a video

game.

How can this Congress turn a “blind eye” to Epstein’s victims

and a war cloaked in deceptions? Do they view young girls

as the chattel property of rich white men to sexually abuse

without fearing accountability.

The controversy surrounding the Epstein files has become

more than a legal matter; it has evolved into a symbol of a

deeper institutional decay. The files represent a network of

influence and privilege surrounding the late financier Jeffrey

Epstein, whose criminal enterprise revealed how wealth and

power can create a protective barrier against accountability.

For many observers, the scandal reflects a troubling reality:

justice in America sometimes appears negotiable when the

accused occupy the highest social and economic circles.

Further, shielding of the Epstein file, denial of vindications

for his victims, and the overturn of Roe vs. Wade also reveals

the immorality of America’s Department of Criminal Justice.

By criminalizing women reproductive rights, a fetus is given

more protection than the young girls raped by Epstein. How

can a fetus deserve more protection than sexually abused

young girls?

Equally troubling to many Americans are the institutional

failures surrounding Epstein’s death in federal custody in

2019. For some, the circumstances reinforced suspicions that

powerful interests remain capable of shielding themselves

from the full reach of the law.

The sudden military confrontation raised alarms among

critics who feared that the conflict might function, intentionally

or not, as a political diversion. Within days of the conflict’s

escalation, media coverage that had once been dominated by

revelations from the Epstein files shifted toward battlefield

updates, intelligence briefings, and geopolitical speculation.

But the deeper danger lies in what happens if the American

people and their elected representatives refuse to confront

both crises honestly. If the truth surrounding the Epstein saga

remains buried while the nation marches deeper into war with

Iran, the consequences may be horrific. They could erupt at

home like a political chain reaction—a nuclear explosion within

the body of American democracy itself.

If Congress allows partisan calculation to determine whether

the Epstein revelations are fully investigated, or whether the

rush toward war is properly scrutinized, then it risks becoming

an accomplice in the erosion of American democracy.

This moment demands something far greater than silence,

distraction, or political maneuvering. It demands moral clarity.

The facts surrounding the Epstein network and the escalating

conflict with Iran must explode within the conscience of the

American people. They must ignite debate, accountability, and

fearless investigation.

Because if a nation refuses to confront corruption among its

most powerful elites and blindly marches toward war abroad,

history will record this era as the moment when democracy

itself stood at the edge of collapse—and those entrusted to

defend it chose silence instead of truth.

YOU BE THE JUDGE!

him that was likely. All they

had to do was to read Nate

Swanson’s article, among others,

“Why Iran Will Escalate,”

in the Feb. 24 issue of Foreign

Affairs.

Asked about the bombing

of a girls’ school in Iran that

killed more than 100 people,

Trump’s first response was

“based on what I have seen

that was done by Iran.” When

confronted by evidence that

the missile used was an American

Tomahawk, he tried the

even more absurd claim that

Iran “also has some Tomahawks.”

Because the only

countries with these missiles

are the US, the UK and Australia,

it hardly seems possible

that any of them sold

missiles to Iran. After the

New York Times published

details of a Pentagon investigation

finding that the American

military was responsible

for the strike, Trump fell back

to his default explanation, “I

don’t know about it.”

Asked last May about plans

to deport immigrants to Libya,

his stock response followed,

“I don’t know. You’ll

have to ask the Department

of Homeland Security.”

At a White House event last

March, a reporter asked about

the Signal chat discussing a

forthcoming air strike against



By Mel Gurtov

Another Nonexistent Threat

The Each One

Reach One

Strategy for No

Kings, March 28

By Rob Okun

With the US feeling to

many like it’s spiraling out of

control—recklessly piloted by

a White House in chaos—NO

KINGS on March 28, couldn’t

be coming at a better time.

It’s a line in the sand.

We are living through a

systematic betrayal of the

American people. The Trump

administration promised

everyday costs would drop;

instead, our economy is being

siphoned away while families

choose between heat or eat.

We were promised peace;

instead, we are embroiled

in a war no one voted for.

We were told immigration

enforcement would target the

“worst of the worst”; instead,

ICE and Border Patrol are

seizing working immigrants

from their homes. Even fiveyear-olds

aren’t immune. And

then, the unthinkable: US

citizens murdered by state

actors.

This isn’t a drill. This is an “All

Hands on Deck” emergency.

Our mission is

straightforward: “Each One

Reach One.” Veterans of

the resistance movement

are already coming to NO

KINGS. But to spur on

grassroots activists and

everyday citizens to reclaim

democracy, we need people

who have never before stood

on a protest line. We need

our neighbors, our coworkers,

distant cousins, childhood

friends.

Last April, three million

people across the country

attended Hands Off! rallies.

Rebranded in June as NO

KINGS, attendance grew

to five million. By October’s

second NO KINGS, the

numbers had swelled to more

than seven million.

More than 3000 events

in all 50 states are planned

for March 28, including 1000

cities.

Imagine the impact if every



Cuba is Trump’s next imperial project

Regime change in Cuba may be the next stop

for the Trump war machine. Here’s what he

told CNN in an interview March 6:

“Cuba is gonna fall pretty soon . . . They want

to make a deal, and so I’m going to put Marco ]Rubio] over there

and we’ll see how that works out. We’re really focused on this

one [Iran] right now. We’ve got plenty of time, but Cuba’s ready

— after 50 years . . . I’ve been watching it for 50 years, and

it’s fallen right into my lap because of me, it’s fallen, but it’s

nevertheless fallen right into the lap. And we’re doing very well.”

The justice department followed up by indicting several

Cuban officials and entities for their alleged involvement

in drug trafficking—a tactic now also being used to pursue

another Trump critic, Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro.

The authority for Trump’s threats to Cuba are contained in an

executive order on January 29, 2026. It states that “the policies,

practices, and actions of the Government of Cuba constitute

an unusual and extraordinary threat” to U.S. national security

and foreign policy. The executive order E.O. declared a national

emergency under the National Emergencies Act and invoked

the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977,

which empowers Trump to impose tariffs on foreign countries

that “directly or indirectly” supply oil to the Cuban government.

To be clear, Cuba presents no national emergency, nor is

there evidence that Cuba constitutes a threat of any kind to US

national security—no more so than Iran or Venezuela. The real

emergency in Cuba is humanitarian: the needless suffering

inflicted on the Cuban people by the US energy blockade, which

is preventing necessities such as food, medicine, and medical

equipment from reaching them.

Naked Imperialism

In a January 11, 2026, social media post, shortly after US

forces seized Venezuela’s leader, Nicolas Maduro, Trump

asserted that there would be “NO MORE OIL OR MONEY



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IN RE: The license to practice Licensed Practical Nursing

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Broward

Why year-round volunteer support

matters for Broward County’s nonprofits

By Juliet Roulhac,

Director of External

Affairs for Broward

County, Florida Power &

Light Company

Every day in Broward

County, volunteers

are powering strong

communities. Consistent,

hands-on service helps

ensure families are

supported, essential

programs remain strong and

local nonprofit organizations

can continue serving those

who depend on them.

Yet many organizations

are being asked to do more

with fewer hands. According

to the Florida Nonprofit

Alliance, about 40% of

nonprofit organizations say

they need more volunteers

to meet current demand.

Here in Broward County,

that need is clear. With

extra support, food banks

like Feeding South Florida

can distribute more meals,

youth organizations such

as Boys & Girls Clubs

of Broward County can

mentor more students,

and community groups can

keep our neighborhoods

and shorelines clean. But

many still lack the regular

volunteers they depend on

to operate at full strength.

That’s why corporate

volunteerism matters. After

decades of working alongside

nonprofit partners, Florida

Power & Light Company

(FPL) has seen firsthand

how reliable volunteer

engagement helps stretch

limited resources and reduce

operating costs. When

volunteers return month

after month, they become

trusted partners who make

it possible to plan ahead and

meet growing community

needs — whether during

hurricane season, the

holidays or throughout the

year.

In February, hundreds of

FPL employees participated

in our 18th annual Power

to Care Week, an initiative

rooted in the belief that

lasting impact comes from

showing up consistently.

Here in Broward County,

FPL volunteers rolled up

their sleeves to plant native

dune vegetation along the

beach, in support of South

Florida Audubon Society

and its mission to mitigate

future beach erosion and help

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habitat for sea turtles

and nesting migratory

birds and shorebirds. FPL

volunteers also beautified

the front entrance and

walkways at Apollo Middle

School in partnership with

the Broward Education

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together, enhancing the

campus environment for

students, teachers and staff.

That commitment continues

throughout the year, as FPL

volunteers contribute more

than 55,000 volunteer hours

annually working alongside

hundreds of nonprofit

partners, from preparing

meal kits for seniors ahead of

hurricane season alongside

Meals on Wheels South

Florida, LifeNet4Families

and Florida Council on Aging

to supporting programs that

help families meet basic

needs.

Strong communities

aren’t built overnight.

They’re built through steady,

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time – that lays a foundation

of volunteerism that lasts

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CHURCH DIRECTORY

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!

Deeply Rooted

Have Your Church Announcements Placed

In Our Church Directory

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

Pastor & First Lady Anthony R. Manuel

145 NW 5th Avenue

Dania Beach, FL 33004

(954) 922-2529

www.strmbc@att.net

WORSHIP SERVICES

Sunday Worship ..................................................10:00 AM

Sunday School.......................................8:30 AM

Wednesday (Noon Day Prayer) .........................12 Noon

Wednesday Night Bible Study ....................7:00 PM

Website: www.struthmbc.org

"Celebrating 118 Years of Service"

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!

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 PROVIDE 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”

by Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware

(Source: Word In Black)

Black women have been the backbone of the Black church

practically since its inception: directing choirs, teaching Sun-

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'

1) What is Moses name in Hebrew?

2) Did the cloud by day, and the fire by night lead the

Israelites during their wandering in the wilderness?

3) In the Book Of Numbers a census was performed.

What was the reason for this census?

4) Moses is the author of the first five books of the Hebrew

Bible. What is the name of the first five books?

5) Moses life is divided into three forty-year periods.

Can you name the three forty-year periods?

6) What is the third book of the Bible?

7) Moses wasn’t allowed to enter into the promise land.

What was the primary reason why?

8) Where was the promise for the Israelites?

Answers – 1) Mosheh; 2) Exodus 40:38; 3) Numbers 1:3;

4) Pentateuch; 5) forty years in Egypt, forty years in the

desert in Midian, forty years in the wilderness; 6) Leviticus;

7) Numbers, Chapter 20; 8) The land of Canaan

Black Women Built the Black

Church. Why Can’t They Lead It?

Nearly two centuries after the first Black woman

preacher, more women are called to ministry — but

tradition and bias still keep many from the pulpit.

day school, and leading the culture. Yet even though more Black

women are entering ministry, fewer than 1 in 10 leadership

positions in the Black church are held by Black women. There

has been progress, however, including Black women ministers

and a Black woman bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal

Church, who was elevated in 2000 Credit: Getty Images

While there are some who preach, others who lead, and even

an AME bishop, fewer than 1 in 10 Black church leadership

positions are led by Black women. That's despite the fact that 8

in 10 Black church congregants are Black women. Experts say

progress has been slower and uneven than expected.

Born into a free Black family in the late 1700s, Jarena Lee

was just 24 when she heard the call to ministry as a member

of the newly-formed African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Though founders banned women from the pulpit, Lee persisted:

“If the man may preach, because the Savior died for him,

why not the woman, seeing He died for her also?”

After seeing her captivate an audience with a sermon, church

leaders eventually gave Lee permission to preach.

In the nearly two centuries since Lee’s historic accomplishment,

Black women have made significant progress in ministry

across historically Black denominations. That includes the elevation

of Rev. Vashti Murphy McKenzie, the AME’s first female

bishop.

Yet even as generations of Black women quietly became the

spiritual backbone of Black denominations — organizing missionary

societies, leading choirs, teaching Sunday school, even

preaching — most pulpits and highest leadership offices in are

still overwhelmingly reserved for men.

In the Pews, Not at the Pulpit

Researchers estimate that few-

Cont'd on Page 8


Black Women Built the Black Church cont'd from Page 7

that fewer than one in ten Black Protestant

congregations is led by a woman, despite the

increasing number of women entering ministry.

Studies show most Black church congregations

are overwhelmingly female.

Talk to Black clergywomen, however, and

they say the challenge is not calling or preparation

but acceptance.

“We are a culture that has historically put

more value in the men’s voice,” said the Rev.

Dr. Erika D. Crawford, a pastor in the African

Methodist Episcopal Church and leader of its

Commission on Women in Ministry.

Rev. Christine A. Smith, a theologian, author

and senior pastor of Restoration Ministries

of Greater Cleveland, Ohio, summarized

the challenge: “We do have some very successful

African American pastors. But those women

are the exception, not the rule.”

We are a culture that has historically put

more value in the man’s voice.

Rev. Dr. Erika D. Crawford, AME CHurch

Commission on WOmen’s Minsitry

It is commonly known that the influence of

women in the Black Church has long exceeded

their official authority. Studies estimate

that women comprise between 66% and 88%

of the membership in many African American

congregations, making them the majority presence

in pews and volunteer ministries.

Yet leadership roles, particularly the senior

pastorate, have lagged behind that demographic

reality.

Overcoming Stigma

Dr. Nicole Davis, author of “Eve, Where Are

You? Confronting Toxic Practices Against the

Advancement of Women,” wrote in her book

that women “are meant to lead and serve fully

in ministry.” But she also believes that harmful

or toxic practices among male leaders hold

women back.

Davis hadn’t always felt this way. Her perspective

changed after a confrontation with her

son, who was appalled to discover the church

their family attended didn’t believe in female

pastors. While Davis knew it wasn’t right, she

had accepted it until that conversation.

Confirmation from God, in the form of her

graduate studies, followed.

“I pursued a doctorate in conflict analysis

and resolution, and studied the impact of the

patriarchal system on gender imbalance,” Davis

wrote. The research clarified “how various

female pastors overcame the stigma that I

came to accept as facts of life.”

Not long afterward, ”I changed churches and

was soon thereafter ordained to function as an

associate pastor,” Davis wrote. By embracing

her identities — specifically, her gender and

faith — Davis wrote she “can now fully recognize

my value and ministry opportunities in

all these areas” and concentrate on what truly

matters.

“It is God whom I desire to please, and I’ve

learned that He needs the women He calls to



Gov. DeSantis’ resolve to pass his vaccine policies

strengthens as measles cases continue to rise

during the last two weeks of the Session

that hadn’t already been heard by a House

Committee.

Despite Perez’s comments, the Senate

continued to debate and ultimately voted, 23-

15, to pass its version of the medical freedom

measure, (SB 1756).

The House and Senate bills were not

identical, although they shared similar

provisions. Both bills would have allowed

ivermectin to be sold by Florida pharmacists,

a permanent ban on mandates for any mRNAbased

vaccines, and establishing in statute a

non-medical exemption from immunization

requirements for school children based on a

parent’s conscience. The exemption also would

have applied to children in day care.

HB 917 also would have forced a broad

range of health care providers, including

physicians, dentists, nurses, and therapists,

to treat unvaccinated patients by amending

the statutorily created “Patient’s Bill of Rights

and Responsibilities” to make clear people

have the right to access health care regardless

of their vaccine status.

The House bill would have allowed Florida’s

Department of Health (DOH), the agency

with oversight over medical professionals, to

discipline any health care provider who refuses

to accept unvaccinated people as patients or to

treat them.

That provision was never part of the Senate

bill.

Push coincides with increasing measles

infections

The back-and-forth over vaccine exemptions

came as the latest available DOH data show

the number of measles cases in the state

had increased to 132 as of March 7. As the

cases increase, so do the number of counties

with reported outbreaks. While most (98) of

the cases are in Collier County, there now

are confirmed cases in 13 other counties:

Alachua, Broward, Collier, Duval, Escambia,

Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Miami-Dade,

Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, and St Johns.

About 76% of the reported cases (100) are in

the 15- to 24-year age cohort.

Of the 132 cases, 15 are listed as probable,

meaning they haven’t been confirmed. All the



State Attorney Harold F. Pryor Honored from FP

State Attorney Harold F. Pryor (center) accepts the Excellence in Leadership award from members of the Broward

Alliance of Black School Educators during the S.L.I.C.E. Conference in Miramar.

Tomorrow’s Change Agents,” highlighted the role of educators and leaders in preparing the next

generation.

In accepting the honor, Pryor thanked the organization and its members for their dedication

to student success.

“I’m deeply thankful to the Broward Alliance of Black School Educators for this recognition,”

Pryor said. “Your work to promote academic success for all

children is essential and continues to make a meaningful

difference in our community.”

The S.L.I.C.E. Conference brings together educators and

leaders from across Broward County focused on empowering

students and strengthening educational outcomes.

Deeply Rooted

Obituaries

Death and Funeral Notices

A Good Sheperd's Funeral Home

& Cremation Services Central

Michael

Jermaine

Rucker, Jr.

– 25

Celebrating

the life was

held March

21st at

James C.

Boyd’s

Memorial Chapel with

Pastor Dwight Evans

officiating.

McWhite’s Funeral Home


VIEW OBITUARIES ONLINE


Announcements:

*In Memoriam *Death Notices *Happy Birthdays

*Card of Thanks *Remembrances

(954) 525-1489

Correction from last week Editor

Barrie

Beasley, Sr.

Celebration

of Life will

be held

March 21st

at Chapel.

Calvin

Bryant -

Celebration

of Life will be

held March

17th at the

Center.

Willie Mae

Dukes

Celebration

of Life,

March 28th at

New Mount

Zion

Missionary

Baptist

Elder Nathaniel

J.

Jackson, Jr.

Celebration

of Life will be

held March

28th at Fire

Baptism and

Truth 2. Edgar Walford

Celebration of Life will be

held April

Edgar Walford

Celebration

of Life

will be held

April 11th

at

Mt Nebo.

Pamela D.

Montgoery-Mack – 76.

Gerard

Nelson, Sr.

- 66

Funeral

Service

was held

March 21st

at Bethesda

Alliance Church.

Clara

Adams

Funeral

Service

was held

March

21st at

McWhite’s

Funeral

Home Chapel.

Lloyd L. Haffenden

-

Funeral

Service

was held

March

21st at

McWhite’s

Funeral Home Chapel.

Joan C.

Ingram -

Funeral

Service

was held

March

21st at

McWhite’s

Funeral

Home Chapel.

Josephine

LeBeau – 81

In Loving

Memory.

Astley H.

Lowe

Funeral

Service

was held

March 21st

at Davie

Community

Worship

Center.

Steven

Palmer – 39

In Loving

Memory

was held

March 19th

at McWhite’s

Funeral

Home

Chapel.

Ramkumarie

“Aunty

Baso”

Taisingh

Celebration

of Life

Service was

held March

20th at

McWhite’s Funeral Home

Chapel.

Roy Mizell & Kurtz Funeral Home

John M.

Thomas – 92

Celebration

of Life.

Amos

Walker, Jr.

69

A

Homegoing

Celebration

was held

March

14th at Roy

Mizell and Kurtz Worship

Center.

PSALM 103:1

PRAISE THE

LORD, MY SOUL;

ALL MY INMOST

BEING,

PRAISE HIS

HOLY NAME

From Reconstruction to the SAVE Act from FP

existed in property ledgers, not in public record.

His mother, Harriet Bailey, called him her “little Valentine,”

and Douglass later chose February 14 as his birthday — an act

of self-definition in a country that refused to define him as fully

human.

That act matters.

Douglass understood something fundamental: identity is not

granted by paperwork. It is asserted through presence, voice

and participation. He claimed authorship over his own life in a

nation structured to deny it.

Today, we are debating whether documentation should

determine access to democracy.

The SAVE Act would require documentary proof of citizenship

to register to vote in federal elections. Passports. Birth

certificates. Paper trails. Supporters frame it as administrative

protection. But the history of American democracy teaches us

that administrative mechanisms are rarely neutral.

Paperwork has always been political.

After Reconstruction, when Black political participation



Deeply Rooted

The first-in-the-nation history of Ohio’s HBCU radio station


LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE UNDER

FICTITIOUS

NAME LAW

By Shaun White

(Source: HBCU Sports)

YELLOW SPRINGS, Ohio (WYSO)

— The HBCU Radio Preservation

Project preserves and honors the legacy of Black

college radio. The WYSO effort safeguards

at-risk historical media and gathering oral

histories to explore how HBCU radio stations

serve their campuses and communities.

In recognition of Black History Month,

their series Legacy Listening: HBCU Radio

Memories features excerpts from the project’s

growing collection of oral history interviews,

focusing on WCSU, an Ohio Newsroom

member station at Central State University in

Wilberforce, Ohio.

This week we meet Charles Fox, General

Manager of WCSU, who was interviewed by

the HBCU Radio Preservation Project’s 2025

Fellow Olivia Green in August of 2025.

Interview Highlights:

Central State University’s role in the local

community

March 20, 2026

Dear Prospective Proposer:

“This is the first place I’ve been in a long

time where people have been in one place

almost all their lives, or people have come here

to go to school and are still here 20 years later.

I’ve realized the value and to appreciate what

Central State University means to people in

the community who have been here all their

lives.”

Jazz is a symbol of democracy, and so that’s

what we should remember and hold onto.

Jazz and democracy

“Adam Clayton Powell realized that whites

were coming into clubs in Harlem to hear jazz.

He saw the cross-cultural relevance of it, and

he pitched an idea to President Eisenhower

and the State Department that jazz could be a

way of promoting democracy.

So Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Dizzy

Gillespie, Dave Brubeck, were sent around

the world. And so I started in, in this current

climate, I saw that jazz is a symbol of democracy,

and so that’s what we should remember and

hold onto. I can’t

imagine the Continue reading online at:

joy that people thewestsidegazette.com

Leadership Broward Foundation Celebrates SociallyGood

Monthly networking reception benefits Ballplayers Foundation

By Maria Pierson

Leadership Broward

Foundation continues to

raise funds for non-profit

organizations during

SociallyGood, a monthly

networking reception to

showcase the amazing work

of these local nonprofits.

The most recent

SociallyGood, hosted by

Batch New Southern

Kitchen and Tap in Fort

Lauderdale, benefited

Ballplayers Foundation

Inc. which provides athletic

opportunities and experiences

to underprivileged youth

primarily in South Florida.

Ballplayers Foundation

strives to help individual

youth players in need; it is

not intended to support a

particular team.

“SociallyGood is about

building community,

generating awareness for

non-profits and raising funds

that have a direct impact on

those who need it most,” said

Leadership Broward CEO

Andrew Zullo.

To date there have been

more than 100 SociallyGood

networking events where

100% of the funds raised

are donated to the featured

non-profit. Among the

organizations that have been

beneficiaries are YMCA of

South Florida, Arc Broward,

211, Broward Education

Foundation, ArtServe,

Habitat for Humanity

Broward, Leukemia &

Lymphoma Society, Broward

College, Broward Library

Foundation, Hispanic Unity,

United Way, Business for the

Arts Broward and more.

SociallyGood events

are open to the public and

are typically held at local

restaurants, hotels and other

venues. Any business can

host or sponsor SociallyGood,

which provides great exposure

for that business.

To become a beneficiary

of SociallyGood, a non-profit

must submit an application to

become a community project

for the incoming Leadership

Broward class to work on.

Applications are accepted

from February through

September.

For information about

upcoming SociallyGood

and other Leadership Broward

events, visit www.

LeadershipBroward.org or

call 954-767-8866.

(L to R) Wilton Manors

Commissioner Mike

Bracchi;

Daphne

Shephard; Thomas Walser.

Leadership Broward

Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)

(3) non-profit organization,

is the exclusive leadership

organization offering

youth and local business

and community leaders at

all levels the opportunity

to connect to each other,

develop valuable skills and

make a positive impact on

their organizations and

community. Founded in 1981,



REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

RFP No. 02-25

CareerSource Broward (CSBD) is seeking proposals from staffing companie licensed

in the State of Florida to:

1. Staff the CSBD One-Stop Career Centers consisting of approximately 100

employees.

2. To serve as the employer of record for the Workforce Guidance Associates

LLC, or future company as needed, which firm provides CSBD with their One-

Stop Operator.

3. To serve as the employer of record for individuals placed in temporary jobs

following a local disaster such as a hurricane or flood.

Proposals may be downloaded from the CSBD website at:

(L to R) Tamika Weaver;

Joshua Roberts; Tresa

Chambers

history, Leadership Broward

Foundation continues to

provide premier leadership

programs, services and

initiatives that develop strong

business and community

leaders. These programs

help young, emerging and

established leaders expand

https://www/careersourcebroward.com/About-Us/Request-for-Proposals-RFP.

CSBD reserves the right to alter the RFP and application components to conform

with Federal and State regulations or to best meet CSBD needs.

Questions regarding this RFP must be submitted using the “Questions and Answers”

link, which can be found on the web page with the link to the RFP, and

must be submitted by no late than 12:00 p.m., April 3, 2026.

Proposal interested in being considered for funding must submit proposals no

later than 12:00 p.m. on April 20, 2026.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN

that the undersigned, designing to

engaged in business under the fictitious

name of JK VERSATILE DJS

intend(s) to register said name with

the Florida Department of State,

Divison of Corporations, Tallahassee,

Florida.

Name: JK Versatile Corporation

Address: 4300 North University

Drive Suite F-100

City: Lauderhill Florida 33351

March 26, 2026

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Deeply Rooted


SPORTS

Nunnie on the Sideline

By Nunnie Robinson, WSG

Sports Editor

With March Madness

in full effect, we laud

the accomplishments of

HBCU programs whose

conference championships

punched their tickets to

the NCAA Tournament—

an achievement worthy of

celebration even in the face of

daunting odds.

On the women’s side, the

Southern University Jaguars,

champions of the SWAC

and a No. 16 seed, drew the

unenviable assignment of

facing the South Carolina

Gamecocks, led by Dawn

Staley. The result—a 103–

34 rout—highlighted the

stark disparity in resources

and depth between elite

programs and smaller

HBCUs. Similarly, the

Howard Bison fell to the Ohio

State Buckeyes, 75–54, in a

game that followed a familiar

script. Home court advantage

is earned by being one of the

top 16th seeds.

Similarly with the men,

15th seeded Tennessee State

Tigers, champions of the

Ohio Valley Conference, were

overmatched by the Iowa

State Cyclones, losing by 34

points.

The Howard men, guided by

head coach Kenneth Blakeney,

secured a historic First Four

victory over the UMBC

Retrievers—the program’s

first NCAA Tournament win.

Their reward was a matchup

with the No. 1 seed Florida

Gators, where reality set in

via a 104–80 defeat. Still,

the victory carries tangible

benefits: approximately

$344,000 to the program and

an estimated $2.1 million

distributed across the MEAC.

Beyond dollars, the win fuels

alumni pride, boosts student

morale, and strengthens

recruiting pipelines.

Likewise, the Prairie View

A&M Panthers earned its

first-ever NCAA Tournament

victory, edging the Lehigh

Mountain Hawks 86–83.

Financial gains will follow,

though SWAC - with 12

members - means revenue

distribution is smaller

based on the per-school

share compared to smaller

conferences.

Which brings us to a

lingering question: why

is there no separate

championship structure in

Division I basketball similar

to the FCS model in football?

Programs at the FCS level

compete for their own

national title, creating more

realistic pathways to success.

In basketball, however, midmajors

and HBCUs are thrust

into a single-elimination

gauntlet dominated by

power conferences. A parallel

“FCS-style” tournament

could enhance competitive

balance, increase financial

opportunities, and elevate

the national profile of underresourced

programs.

Consider this: HBCUs

have appeared in 30 of 42

First Four or opening-round

games—roughly 71 percent.

From 2001 to 2010, they

participated in eight such

contests, going 1–7. The

pattern is clear. Structural

inequity persists, and a

reimagined postseason could

offer meaningful change.

Off the court, controversy

surrounds Benjy Taylor of

Tuskegee University, who

was publicly handcuffed

following a postgame incident

involving Morehouse College

personnel. Taylor now

seeks legal recourse, citing

B-CU softball off to a

good start in the

SWAC

The Bethune-Cookman softball team swept the Alabama

State University Hornets at Sunnyland Park in a threegame

series March 13-14. (B-CU Athletics)

By ANNDREAS BUTLER /

DAYTONA TIMES

(Source: Daytona Times

reputational damage and

emotional distress.

Meanwhile, the tenure of

Hubert Davis with the North

Carolina Tar Heels appears

increasingly tenuous after

a second consecutive firstround

exit, this time at the

hands of the VCU Rams.

In the NIT, a bright spot:

the Maryland Eastern Shore

Hawks captured their firstever

postseason victory,

defeating the Wake Forest

Demon Deacons 59–48.

In the NBA, the Miami

Heat continue to struggle,

dropping their fourth straight

game—the most recent on

this past Monday at home

to the surging San Antonio

Spurs, led by the electrifying

Victor Wembanyama.

Looking ahead, the Miami

Marlins open their season at

home Friday night, offering

fans a fresh start and a

reminder: sports, at its best,

remains a welcome reprieve

from the travails of the world.

The Bethune-Cookman University

Wildcats softball team

is rebuilding in 2026 with

a young squad that has 17

freshmen.

Bethune-Cookman (10-18,

6-0) has been playing well

lately, winning six of their

last seven games, including

their first six games in the

Southwestern Athletic Conference.

They currently sit

atop the SWAC East Division.

The Wildcats swept the Alabama

State University Hornets

at home in a three-game

series March 13-14.

“Honestly, I feel like having

17 freshmen; they have

no expectations. They are just

out there playing hard. They

have put in a lot of work. We

have challenged them and

pushed them hard. They are

stepping up to the challenges

and expectations,” said Laura

Watten, Bethune-Cookman’s

head softball coach.

The Wildcats have senior

center fielder Emma Bradley-Tse

(.349BA, 6RBI, 30H,

19R, 9SB).

Their pitching and catching

tandem of junior pitcher

Sofia Vallejos-Coleman (2-3,

5.25ERA, 1CG) and freshman

catcher Jasmine Manebo is

coming along.

“Sofia is a great leader. She

didn’t pitch much during her

first two years. She is a great

voice,” said Watten.

“Jasmine is strong and eager.

She has a great arm.”

More key players

Junior second baseman

Jessica Alaan and freshman

shortstop Janel Morrisey

(11RBI, 13SB, 17R) are also

playing well.

“Janel has one of the best

work ethics; she is one of the

best kids that I’ve coached

in a long time while Jessie is

one of my best leaders on the

field,” noted Watten.

There is also sophomore

outfielder Alana Cypress

(.303BA, 10RBI, 23H); redshirt

senior infielder Aysiah



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