The Westside Gazette

PRSRT STD

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

FT. LAUDERDALE, FL 33310

PERMIT NO. 1179

FAMU

formally installs

Marva Johnson

as 13th President

on April 21st

Trump nominates

former Coast

Guard doctor

as CDC chief

Dr. Erica Schwartz

is President Trump’s

nominee for CDC Director.

THURSDAY, APRIL 23 - APRIL 29, 2026

VOL. 55 NO.12 $1.00

STEPPING ASIDE,

NOT STEPPING BACK:

CHERFILUS-

MCCORMICK

RESIGNS,

VOWS TO

CONTINUE

THE FIGHT

Congresswoman Says

Decision Protects Due

Process and Keeps Focus

on the People

By Bobby R. Henry, Sr.

U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-

McCormick has resigned from

Congress, making what she describes

as a principled decision to step away

from Washington to fully defend her

name and continue serving the people

of Florida’s 20th Congressional

District without distraction.

Rather than prolong a political

and legal battle inside the halls of

Congress, Cherfilus-McCormick

framed her resignation as a stand

for fairness, due process, and the

will of the voters who sent her to

Washington.

“THIS FIGHT IS FAR FROM OVER”

In a firm and unapologetic

resignation statement, the

Congresswoman made clear that her

decision was not about retreat—but

about refocus:

“This was not a fair process. The

Ethics Committee refused my new

attorney’s reasonable request for

time to prepare my defense. By going

forward with this process while a

criminal indictment is pending,

the Committee prevented me from

defending myself. I will not stand

by and pretend that this has been

anything other than a witch hunt. I

simply cannot stand by and allow my

due process rights to be trampled on,

and my good name to be tarnished.

Rather than play these political

games, I choose to step away so that I

can devote my time to fighting for my

(Cont’d on page 5)

Ben Crump channels book sales

into millions for Black bookstores

AFTER 75 YEARS

— SOLDIER FOUND,

HERO RETURNS

HOME

Pompano Beach Native

Corporal Joshua Corruth

Finally Accounted For

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL — For more

than seven decades, his name lived in

uncertainty. Today, it stands in honor.

Corporal Joshua “Josh” Corruth,

a native of Pompano Beach, has been

officially identified after being listed as

Missing in Action during the Korean War—

bringing closure to a story that began in

sacrifice and now ends in remembrance.

A LIFE ROOTED IN FLORIDA

Joshua Corruth was born February 14,

1930, in Bradford County (Starke), Florida,

to James “Jimmy” Corruth and Mariah Lee

Corruth.

He was the oldest child and the only son

among four siblings.

Known affectionately as “Josh,”

he carried the hopes of his family and

community long before he wore a uniform.

A YOUNG MAN WHO STEPPED FORWARD

In 1947, at just 17 years old, Josh volunteered for

the U.S. Army alongside other young men from the

Pompano area answering a call to serve that would

ultimately define his legacy.

Three years later, war would come.

As global tensions escalated, the United States

entered the Korean conflict under the leadership of

Douglas MacArthur, forming the backbone of the

United Nations Command to defend South Korea.

THE DAY HE WAS LOST

Corporal Corruth served with K Company, 3rd

Battalion in the 24th Infantry Regiment 25th Infantry

Black Micro-Schools

Deserve Recognition:

NABML Creates National

Standards and Resources

Nicole Stewart,

Founder of National

Association of Black

MicroSchool Leaders

Corporal Joshua Corruth

Division.

On October 8, 1950, during a motorized patrol

near Kwang-ju, South Korea, his unit was ambushed

by North Korean forces.

Under heavy fire the patrol was forced to retreat,

Eight soldiers were unaccounted for and Joshua

Corruth was among them.

He was never listed as a prisoner of war.

On December 31, 1952, the U.S. Army issued a

presumptive finding of death.

THE LONG ROAD HOME

In 1953, unidentified remains were recovered near

a temple in Tae Jung-ri, South Korea.

Those remains were moved through multiple

(Cont’d on page 7)

Continue reading online at:

thewestsidegazette.com

The Westside Gazette Newspaper

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE: Black families are the fastestgrowing

demographic in alternative education. Discover how the National

Association of Black Micro School Leaders is providing educators with

resources, training, and certification to launch thriving microschools.

By Dawn Montgomery, BlackPressUSA Contributor

Public school advocates and politicians typically spearhead the attack

on microschools, focusing on their perceived “lack of oversight and public

accountability.” Yet Black families are the fastest-growing demographic

in alternative education. This shift is driven by the recognition that

Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com

@TheWestsideGazetteNewspaper

Thursday

April 23 rd

Fri

78°

71°

Sunny

Sunrise: 7:03am

79°

71°

79°

72°

81°

71°

Sunset: 7:41pm

Sat Sun Mon Tues

80°

73°

81°

72°

WESTSIDE GAZETTE IS A MEMBER:

National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA)

Southeastern African-American Publishers Association (SAAPA)

Florida Association of Black Owned Media (FABOM)

PAGE 2 • APRIL 23 - APRIL 29, 2026

U Celebrates Day of Service with

e Depot’s “Retool Your School” #1

y B-CU

concession being the postponement of painting and

stripping the basketball court – a minor hiccup until

ookman University more favorable weather prevails.

ignificant day of unity Dr. William Berry, Provost and Acting President,

of success.

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

el and Who Libby Johnson Caused excited about this project and grateful to all those who

Civic America Engagement to

momentous Be “Bad”?

occasion

her students, A Real Look faculty, From a

i, and Teen friends Perspective to

the By Jabori University’s

plishment – securing

When people say America is “bad,” it’s not really about one person

position or one moment. in Home It’s deeper than that. As teens, we’re growing up in

tigious

a time

“Retool

where we’re

Your

starting to ask real questions, and one of those

questions is how did things get like this? America didn’t just become

etition this and way receiving overnight. It a was built on decisions, systems, and choices

60,000 that grant go all dedicated

the way back to the beginning. And if we’re being honest,

some parts of history are easier for people to talk about than others,

ancement.

especially when it comes to African American history. We can’t

oler temperatures ignore events like and the Transatlantic Slave Trade and slavery. Those

s, the

weren’t

collective

just moments

spirit

in history; they shaped this country in major

ways. For hundreds of years, Black people were treated as property,

lmost not 135 as participants,

human beings. And even after slavery ended, equality didn’t

Depot just Daytona appear. Systems Beach like the Jim Crow era continued to create

barriers, and honestly, some of those struggles still feel real today.

er Therese Watsond

forces who in made yesterday’s

decisions that only participated benefited people in the who looked vote for like them. B-CU. These enhancements

The truth is, many of these systems were created by people in power

critical thinking skills.

ffort. And Their the impact mission of those decisions will help didn’t create disappear; more they vibrant carried over and engaging spaces for

into the world we’re living in now.

s, involving projects our students to retreat on campus for a brain break or

But it’s not just about the past.

assembling Today, bookcases

leaders, corporations, find inspiration and even everyday through people the all play downtime.”

a

role shaping America. When

utdoor dining sets to Home

leaders care

Depot’s

more about

“Retool

power than

Your School” program,

people, or when companies prioritize money over fairness, it leads to

arcade real games, issues like foosball poverty, lack established of healthcare, in 2009, and unequal has been education. a beacon for positive change,

etball And hoops, when people hockey stay silent providing about injustice, over $9.25 it million in campus improvement

allows those problems to continue. At the same

le tennis tables. Even grants to Historically Black Colleges and Universities

time, it’s important to understand that not

her conditions everyone is part couldn’t of the problem. (HBCUs). There Beyond are people, the competition, the Office of Alumni

past and present, who have fought and continued to

dication, with the only Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com

fight for justice, equality, and change. Movements

for civil rights and fairness show us that there is

still hope. So, who caused America to be “bad”? It’s

giveness after

icated service.

ose to 30,000

o have been

for at least

out receiving

income-driven

s will now see

ven.

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.

not just one group or one generation. It’s a mix of

history, broken systems, lack of education, and

people choosing to look the other way. But here’s

the most important part, from a teen’s perspective:

If people had the power to create these problems,

then we would have the power to change them.

Our voices matter. Our actions matter. And our

generation has a responsibility to stand up, speak

out, and push for something better. Because making

America “great” shouldn’t mean going backward—

it should mean making sure everyone has the

opportunity to be great.

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



www.thewestsidegazette.com

Throwback to Brilliance: National Achievers Students Shine

at Brain Bowl Competition

The Westside community continues to

celebrate a remarkable display of academic

excellence as National Achievers students

delivered outstanding performances at this

year’s Brain Bowl Competition. From team

victories to individual honors, these young

scholars demonstrated that preparation,

discipline, and talent remain the foundation

Leading the charge, the Middle School

Math Team (grades 6–8) secured a 1st Place

victory under the leadership of Coach Nia

Whittle. Team members Kylie Benjamin,

Reagan Stewart, Emily Manyong, Riley

Coore, Caleb Tulloch, and Kole Coore

showcased exceptional problem-solving

skills and teamwork to claim the top spot.

Excellence extended into the History

& Culture category (grades 6–12), where

another National Achievers team earned

1st Place honors. Guided by Jonathan Chu

and Ms. Cecil Comrie, students Marih

Dennis, Britney Civil, Kaidence Cochran,

Olivia Dean, and Taraji Hibbert delivered

an impressive performance that reflected

both knowledge and cultural awareness.

Individual achievements were equally

noteworthy.

Henrick-Craig Bailey and Carter

Williams earned top recognition as Word

Wizards in their respective divisions

(grades 3–5 and 6–8), demonstrating

mastery of language and vocabulary. In the

high school division, Khaleed Gordon was

recognized for excellence in the Laws of

Life Essay, highlighting strong writing and

In the Oratory Speech competition

(grades 9–12), Trinity Williams claimed 1st

Place, delivering a powerful presentation

under the guidance of Coach Chai Comrie.

These accomplishments were made

possible through the continued support of

National Achievers students proudly celebrate their first-place victories at the Brain Bowl

Competition, showcasing excellence in math, history, and academic teamwork.

Award-winning participants, including Word Wizard honorees and oratory champion

Trinity Williams, shine as they represent the strength and brilliance of the National

Achievers program.

dedicated educators and leaders,

including Jessica Sotolongo, the

College Access Team, and Division

Manager of Education Ashley

Foreman, all of whom remain

committed to creating opportunities

for student growth and achievement.

This “throwback” moment serves

as a powerful reminder: when given

the right tools and encouragement,

our youth rise to meet—and

exceed—every expectation.

Westside celebrates you.

College

Prep

Word of

the Week

heterogeneous

(adjective)

varied, diverse adjective in character

HOW TO USE IN A SENTENCE:

being at rest; inactive or

buy the swirled, or should I say

motionless; heterogeneous, type quiet; of ice still: cream.” a

quiescent mind.

“I hate having only one flavor so I always

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.

Leia’s Mathematics

Corner

Granddaddy Levi, owner of the Westside Gazette,

printed 1,500 newspapers each week for 4 weeks.

How many newspapers did he print in total?

26

x 7

94

- 32

Created by Leia P.

4th grader!


Ain’t That A VHIT

By Von C. Howard

When I think about what truly shaped me, I don’t start with

accomplishments or milestones. I start with covering. I start with my

grandmothers, my aunts, my godmother, my mother, and the many

women who loved me as if I were their own. They carried more than

responsibility, they carried me. And whether I realized it at the time or

not, their strength was rooted in faith and reinforced by the Black church.

Historically, the Black church has never been just a place we went on Sundays. It was born out

of necessity. During slavery, it was refuge and resistance. During Reconstruction and Jim Crow,

it became a place where dignity was protected and community was organized when no one else

showed up for us. During the Civil Rights Movement, it was the heartbeat of change. And through

all of that, Black women were always there, teaching, organizing, feeding, fundraising, praying, and

holding things together. Faith wasn’t theoretical. It was how we survived.

Black women carried that faith into every corner of life. They raised families in systems designed

to break them. They taught lessons without textbooks and modeled strength without applause. In the

church, they taught Scripture and self-worth at the same time. They showed us how to serve, how to

persevere, and how to keep going even when the future felt uncertain. Their endurance wasn’t loud,

but it was powerful, and it lasted.

I grew up at New Mount Olive Baptist Church, and long before I understood sermons or Scripture,

I understood safety. Church has always served, and continues to serve, as my spiritual filling station.

It’s where my faith gets refilled. But it has also always been my safe haven. I was known there, and I

am still known, watched over, corrected when needed, encouraged often, and protected always. The

women of the church filled gaps quietly and consistently, and they still do, making sure I’m seen,

supported, and covered.

As I’ve grown older, I’ve realized how much of who I am comes from what I was taught back

then. I learned that faith can hold questions. That strength doesn’t have to be hard. That discipline

rooted in love builds character. I learned that when outcomes are uncertain, showing up consistently

becomes its own kind of courage. Those lessons came from women who showed up week after

week, sometimes tired, sometimes worn, but always faithful, believing that what they poured into

us would matter.

This reflection isn’t just my story. It’s a shared one. Many of us can trace our foundation back

to women who prayed over us, fed us, checked us, and covered us, often through the church. We

remember places that felt safe when the world didn’t. Those memories aren’t just nostalgia; they’re

reminders of what works.

Today, we face new pressures, political division, economic strain, spiritual exhaustion, but the

wisdom we need isn’t new. Appreciation alone isn’t enough. We have to honor and protect Black

women and the Black church by supporting their well-being and investing in their future. If the next

generation is going to carry the mantle forward, they need to experience what carried us: a faith that

endures and a community that covers.

I’m standing because they endured. And if we’re honest with ourselves, many of us are standing

for the very same reason.

Working Together to Reduce Black Maternal Mortality

(Source: CDC Women Health)

At a glance

Black Maternal Health Week is recognized

each year from April 11-17 to bring attention

and action in improving Black maternal

health. Everyone can play a role in working

to prevent pregnancy-related deaths and

improving maternal health outcomes.

Most Pregnancy-Related Deaths are

Preventable

Each year in the United States, hundreds

of women die during pregnancy or in the

year after. Thousands more have unexpected

outcomes of labor and delivery with serious

short- or long-term health consequences. Every

pregnancy-related death is tragic, especially

because more than 80% of pregnancy-related

Covered by Faith:

Where the Black Woman and

the Black Church Shaped Us

deaths in the U.S. are preventable. Recognizing

urgent maternal warning signs, providing

timely treatment, and delivering respectful,

quality care can prevent many pregnancyrelated

deaths.

Racial Disparities Exist

APRIL 23 - APRIL 29, 2026 • PAGE 3

Black Girl Speaks Celebrates 20 Years with

Anniversary Performance in South Florida

Miramar, FL — The groundbreaking

one-woman show

Black Girl Speaks returns to the

stage for its 20th Anniversary

performance on Friday, May 15,

2026 at 7:00 PM at the Miramar

Cultural Center (2400 Civic

Center Place, Miramar, FL 33025).

Founded in November 2005,

Black Girl Speaks began as a

powerful one-woman show and

has since evolved into a global

movement dedicated to the holistic

healing, empowerment, and

amplification of the voices of Black

Girls and womxn. This milestone

performance celebrates two

decades of storytelling, cultural

expression, and community

impact.

Written, directed, and coproduced

by Talitha Anyabwelé,

Black Girl Speaks blends spoken

word, monologues, music, and

movement to bring to life the

layered, nuanced experiences

of Black womanhood. While

the production has been

performed across the country and

internationally, this marks its

first presentation in the South

Florida region.

Each performance of Black

Girl Speaks is intentionally

unique. This special anniversary

installment, titled Black Girl

Speaks: Grown Woman Edition,

will also feature renowned star

of the Roxanne Shanté biopic,

Roxanne Roxanne, and star of

Journal for Jordan with Michael

B. Jordan, Chanté Adams. This

rendition offers a deeply reflective

and powerful experience designed

for audiences ages 16 and up.

“This show is for the

community, from the community, about the community,”

says Anyabwelé. “It is an invitation to witness, to feel, and

to truly understand the beauty, complexity, and humanity

of Black women’s lived experiences.”

With its signature blend of vulnerability, truth-telling,

and artistic expression, Black Girl Speaks continues to

create space for dialogue, healing, and transformation.

If you love Black women, this show is for you. If you

don’t, this show is especially for you — because you will

when you leave. To know us,

truly, is to love us.

Audiences are invited to

join the Black Girl Speaks

movement and actively support,

protect, and empower Black

Girls and womxn through

presence, partnership, and

participation.

Black women are three times more likely

to die from a pregnancy-related cause than

White women. Multiple factors contribute to

these disparities, such as variation in quality

healthcare and underlying chronic conditions.

Social determinants of health prevent many

women from racial and ethnic minority groups

from having fair opportunities for economic,

physical, and emotional health.

Working Together to Reduce Black

Maternal Mortality

During Black Maternal Health Week, learn

how you can support pregnant women in your life

to reduce factors that contribute to pregnancyrelated

complications and

death.

Pregnant women and their families can:

• Talk to a healthcare provider if anything

doesn’t feel right or is concerning.

• Know and seek immediate care if

experiencing any of the urgent maternal

warning signs, including severe headache,

extreme swelling of hands or face, trouble

breathing, heavy vaginal bleeding or

discharge, overwhelming tiredness, and more.

These symptoms could indicate a potentially

life-threatening complication.

• Share recent pregnancy history during



aAAA

Westside Health Brief

Marsha Mullings, MPH

April APRIL 13, 2026

This Week in Health: Sexual Assault Awareness

Good evening, Marsha. I’m glad you reached

out with this request — sexual assault

awareness is a deeply important topic, and a

clear, compassionate article can help

communities feel informed, supported, and

empowered. Here’s a short, accessible piece

you can use in a newsletter or community

setting.

Sexual Assault Awareness: Supporting

Survivors and Strengthening Communities

Sexual assault affects people of every age,

gender, and background, yet it often remains

surrounded by silence. Sexual Assault

Awareness Month, observed each April,

encourages communities to break that silence

by promoting understanding, prevention, and

support for survivors.

What Sexual Assault Is

Sexual assault refers to any sexual activity

that occurs without clear, voluntary consent.

It can involve physical force, coercion,

manipulation, or situations where a person is

unable to give consent. It is never the

survivor’s fault. Understanding this definition

helps communities recognize harmful

behaviors and support those affected.

The Impact on Survivors

Survivors may experience emotional, physical,

and psychological effects that can last long

after the incident. Feelings of fear, shame,

confusion, or isolation are common. What

makes a difference is compassionate support,

access to professional care, and a community

that believes and stands with survivors.

Prevention Starts With Awareness

Everyone has a role in preventing sexual

violence. Prevention includes:

• Promoting consent as a clear, ongoing,

and respectful agreement between all

participants.

• Challenging harmful attitudes that

normalize harassment or minimize

survivors’ experiences.

• Creating safe environments in schools,

workplaces, faith communities, and

social spaces.

• Speaking up when witnessing

inappropriate or unsafe behavior.

How Communities Can Support Survivors

Survivors often say that the first response

they receive shapes their healing journey.

Listening without judgment, offering

reassurance, and connecting someone to

trained professionals can be powerful acts of

care. Community organizations, crisis centers,

and healthcare providers offer confidential

support and resources.

A Shared Commitment

Raising awareness is more than a yearly

observance — it’s a commitment to safety,

dignity, and respect. When communities

learn, speak out, and support survivors, they

help build a culture where sexual violence is

not tolerated and healing is possible.

If you’d like, I can help you tailor this for a

specific audience — such as parents, faith

communities, or older adults — or shape it


Westside Gazette

Calendar of Events

Deeply Rooted

LOCAL HAPPENINGS IN

BROWARD MIAMI-DADE

AND PALM BEACH

COUNTIES

HAVE YOUR COMMUNITY EVENTS

PLACED ON THIS PAGE

email:wgproof@thewestsidegazette.com

Call -- (954) 525-1489


Broward County Library Named Florida's

2026 Library of the Year

- Additional awards received for marketing and

intellectual freedom -

BROWARD COUNTY, FL - Broward County Library (BCL)

received three awards from the Florida Library Association

(FLA), including the 2026 FLA Library of the Year. Additional

honors include the 2026 FLA Intellectual Freedom Award

and the 2026 FLA Communications Excellence Award. Additionally,

the Westside Gazette newspaper, nominated

by Broward County Library, received the FLA Library Media/Business

Partner of the Year Award.

"Winning Library of the Year and these prestigious honors

is a testament to our staff's dedication to innovation, intellectual

freedom, and to providing Broward County residents

with a full range of outstanding informational, educational,

and recreational library services and resources,"

says Broward County Library Director Allison Grubbs.

Broward County Library - Library of the Year Award

Broward County Library is an award-winning library system

that connects with the community through innovative,

enriching partnerships, programs, and initiatives;

promotes inclusion, equity, and freedom of access to information;

provides cutting-edge technology and training;

and encourages staff development by offering employees

a range of educational opportunities. In FY25, BCL's

37 branches were open 90,000 hours and welcomed over

five million visitors. BCL also registered 100,000 new library

cards for a total of 1.4 million library cardholders, reaching

approximately 70% of the county's population.

Watch the library's video Annual Report to learn more.

Black History Saturday School Communiversity Series - Intellectual

Freedom Award

Black History Saturday School Communiversity Series is a

multi-generational initiative created and hosted by Broward

County's African American Research Library and

Cultural Center that provides, free monthly Black History

classes that are open to all. Black History Saturday School

embodies the core tenets of intellectual freedom by providing

an open platform where diverse histories are preserved

and disseminated freely.

Freegal Quest - Communications Excellence Award

Broward County Library's Freegal Quest was a threemonth

marketing campaign designed to increase customer

awareness and usage of Freegal, a free streaming

music service offered by Broward County Library. It used

a multi-channel approach with print, social media and

digital marketing, programming, outreach, and the use of

staff as brand ambassadors or "Freegal Wizards." The results

were a 154% increase in new users and a 33% increase in

number of songs streamed.

1. The Westside Gazette - Outstanding Library Media or

Business Partner Award

Since the early 1970s, the Westside Gazette, the region's

oldest Black-owned newspaper, has been a cheerleader

and champion of Broward County Library, consistently

publicizing its services and events and promoting fundraising

efforts. Under the leadership of publisher Bobby Henry,

Sr., the Gazette recently donated 50 years of historic back

issues for BCL to digitize, archive and make accessible to

the public. The project was featured in the February 2026

issue of the BCL Magazine and in an accompanying video.

The awards will be presented at the upcoming 2026 Florida

Library Association Conference on May 6 in Orlando, Florida.

In celebration of this honor, Broward County Library will

release a commemorative "Library of the Year" library card

that will be available to the public later this year.

About Broward County Libraries

Broward County Libraries Division, named 2026, 2020 and

2015 Library of the Year by the Florida Library Association,

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

library systems in Florida. Broward County Libraries Division's

37 locations provide convenient access to a full

range of innovative and cost-effective services that satisfy

the changing needs of the people of Broward County for

information, education and recreation. Visit our website,

Broward.org/Library, or follow Libraries on Facebook and

X.

*The Libraries Division is a service of the Broward County

Board of County Commissioners.

(954) 357-5520

LibraryMarketing@Broward.org

The Westside Gazette:

Strengthening Community Bonds Through the

Power of Local Journalism.

Follow @TheWestsideGazette Newspaper on Social Media +

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

STAY

CONNECTED --



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:


Broward County’s

Largest African

American Owned and

Operated Newspaper Serving

Broward

- Miami-Dade

and Palm Beach Counties

Mailing Address:

545 N.W. 7th Terrace

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311

OFFICE (954) 525-1489

FAX: (954) 525-1861

E-MAIL ADDRESS:

wgazette@thewestsidegazette.com

ttaylor@thewestsidegazette.com

wgproof@thewestsidegazette.com

PUBLISHER

brhsr@thewestsidegazette.com

PROUD MEMBERS OF THE:

NATIONAL NEWSPAPER

PUBLISHERS

ASSOCIATION (NNPA)

AND FLORIDA ASSOCIATION

OF BLACK OWNEDMEDIA

The Westside Gazett

Newspaper is

Published Weekly

by Bi-Ads. Inc. DBA

Subscription Rates:

$50 Annual $1.00 per copy

CREDO -The Black Press

beieves that American best

leads the world away

from racial and national

antagonisms when it accords

to every person, regarless of

race, color or creed, full

human and legal rights.

Hating no person, feaing no

person, the Black Press strives

to help every person in the

firm belief that all are hurt as

long as anyone

is held back.

LETTERS TO THE

EDITOR GUIDELINES

We welcome letters from

the public. Letters must be

signed with a clearly

legible name along witha

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.

The rush to eulogize

Justin Fairfax only proves

just how vulnerable Black

women really are

Former Lt. Governor of Virginia Justin

Fairfax shot and killed his wife, Dr. Cerina

Wanzer Fairfax, and himself on Thursday.

Virginia Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax presides over the

Senate at the Virginia State Capitol, February 7, 2019

in Richmond, Virginia. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty

Images

By Kay Wicker

(Source: The grio)

Editor’s note: The following article is an op-ed, and

the views expressed are the author’s own. Read more

opinions on theGrio.

In the early hours of Thursday, April 15, Virginia’s former

lieutenant governor, Justin Fairfax, shot and killed his wife

of 19 years, Dr. Cerina Wanzer Fairfax, in their home before

turning the gun on himself. By noon, the 47-year-old disgraced

politician was being eulogized like a saint by several people

who once knew him.

Several posts addressed him as a “dear brother,” while in

others, he was described as “smart,” “thoughtful,” and even as

a “gracious individual.” It didn’t take long for outrage to follow.

As many Black women have since taken to their platforms

to call out those early reactions, underneath that outrage lurks

a real feeling of disappointment because, as disturbing as the

response is, it isn’t new.

Again and again, with men who have caused real harm,

often to Black women, society rushes in to protect their

humanity instead of acknowledging the harm they have

caused. We’ve seen this with figures like Chris Brown, R. Kelly,

Dr. Dre, Russell Simmons, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Eric Adams,

and others. However, those character references don’t clarify

what happened — they just complicate the narrative and risk

reshaping how the violence is understood.

In the hours after the news broke, initial framing from

authorities said it was “a domestic situation” tied to a “messy”

divorce, inadvertently placing blame beyond the scope of a man

who chose violence. Meanwhile, multiple fraternity brothers of

his, including commentator Roland Martin, who came to his

defense, went so far as to imply it was because of his mental

health and not society’s penchant for violence against Black

women. Then there’s fellow politicians like former Republican

delegate Tim Anderson, who have even begun revisiting his

past allegations of sexual assault and the way those claims

arrived, as he was gaining political traction, effectively derailed

his political future.

In 2019, as he was still serving as Virginia’s Lt. governor, he

faced sexual assault allegations from one woman who claimed

the assault occurred while they were both students at Duke in

2000, and another who claimed it occurred in 2004 while they

were at the Democratic National Convention. There were calls

for him to resign, which he refused, and instead pushed back

hard, denying the allegations and calling for a full criminal

investigation. He finished out his term and ran for Governor in

2021, but lost to Terry McAuliffe.

It’s as though, for some, the real tragedy is that a Black

man, who may have had the potential to be president, got

caught up in allegations, and not that his story ends in this

violent tragedy at his own hands. What’s getting lost, however,

is Cerina. A woman who lost her life at the hands of someone

who once promised to love her. A woman who had been a dentist

with her own practice, a mother of two, a thriving member of

the community, a friend, and a daughter.


my neighbors in Florida’s 20th district. I hereby

resign from the 119th Congress, effective

immediately.

But let me say this plainly: we should be very

careful about the precedent we are setting. In this

country, we do not punish people before due process

is complete. We do not allow allegations alone to

override the will of the people. That is a dangerous

path, and one that should concern every American,

regardless of party.

To my constituents, it has been the honor

of my life fighting for you in the U.S. House of

Representatives. Thank you for standing with me

and fighting alongside me. This fight is far from

over.”

Her message underscores a broader concern

about how public officials are treated during ongoing

legal proceedings and whether political processes

should outpace the courts.

A DECISION ROOTED IN STRATEGY AND SERVICE

While the U.S. House Committee on Ethics

was moving toward disciplinary action, Cherfilus-

McCormick’s decision to resign effectively removes

the congressional process from the equation allowing

her to focus squarely on her legal defense and her

continued advocacy in the community.

Deeply Rooted


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

the right to publish Views and Opinions by Contributing Writers that may

not necessarily reflect those of the Staff and Management of The Westside

Gazette Newspaper and are solely the product of the responsible

individual(s) who submit comments published in this newspaper.

How do we transcend war?

By Robert C. Koehler

“A whole civilization will die tonight, never

to be brought back again.”

Let’s listen again to these viral words, as

they hover over the planet . . . as they hover

over, good God, the future. Finally, finally, the

time has come for every last one of us to release the question

these words force on us, from the privacy, from the cynicism,

of our hearts, and collectively scream it until it begins to orbit

Planet Earth: How do we transcend war?

The words, of course, are those of Donald Trump, U.S. president

and perhaps the most powerful and troubled human being on

the planet, whose finger has access to the “nuclear button.” The

words are part of several social media posts he let loose last

week, as his pointless war on Iran continued spiraling out of

control. Iran was fighting back. It closed the Strait of Hormuz,

creating financial chaos around the world.

This was his post on Easter Sunday (April 5): “Tuesday will

be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one,

in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Open the fucking strait,

you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell — JUST WATCH!

Praise be to Allah.”


The deception behind

Trump’s war on Iran

By Sophia Gonzalez

Americans have seen this pattern

before. A president moves toward war.

Intelligence is stretched. Foreign allies

make the hardest push. Friendly media

turn selective images into political

permission. Then ordinary people pay

the price.

That is why the debate over Trump’s

attack on Iran should not be reduced

to one man’s impulse. It was meant to

deceive. On one side was a long-running

campaign by Benjamin Netanyahu to frame Iran as a problem

to be solved militarily, not diplomatically. On the other was an

information ecosystem that tried to present military escalation

as if it were a gift to the Iranian people. Even one of the key

public claims used to justify confrontation looked shaky:

Reuters reported that Trump’s assertion that Iran would soon

have missiles capable of hitting the United States was not

backed by U.S. intelligence.

Netanyahu’s role was not incidental. Axios reported that a

Feb. 23 phone call from the Israeli prime minister gave Trump


War crimes

By John LaForge

“It is the plot and the act of aggression which

we charge to be crimes.”

- Supreme Court Justice Robert H. Jackson

With Spain and Austria refusing to allow

their airspace to be used for the massive,

unprovoked U.S. bombardment of Iran, there is international

denunciation of this illegal action; and the initiation of the U.S.

carpet bombing of Iran is clearly unlawful in view of the UN

Charter, the Kellogg Briand Pact, the Geneva Protocol, and the

Nuremberg Charter of 1945.

Yet the charge of “illegality” is weak and papery considering

the thundering condemnation of any such war of aggression by

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Robert H. Jackson in his opening of

the Trial of the Major War Criminals in Germany in late 1945,

which stands as one of history’s most significant authorizations

of international law and order. Unvarnished facts regarding of

thousands of U.S. bombing raids against Iran’s cities, and the

resulting thousands of casualties and fatalities, show that the

aggression is not just illegal but criminal. Jaywalking is illegal.

Bombing schoolgirls is criminal.

In Justice Jackson’s Nov. 21, 1945 opening statement he

noted, “A basic provision of the Charter is that to plan, prepare,

initiate, or wage a war of aggression, or a war in violation

of international treaties, agreements, or assurances, or to

conspire or participate in a common plan to do so, is a crime.”

He reminded the court that for 20 years, “The Geneva Protocol

of 1924 for the Pacific Settlement of International Disputes …

declared that a war of aggression constitutes an international


CHERFILUS-MCCORMICK RESIGNS, VOWS TO CONTINUE THE FIGHT from Front Page

Supporters say the move may indicate that she

desires to avoid a prolonged political spectacle, a

commitment to clear her name through the proper

legal channels and a determination to stay connected

to the people she serves.

A FAMILIAR MOMENT—AND A NEW OPPORTUNITY

For South Florida, the vacancy recalls the

transition following the passing of the late

Congressman Alcee Hastings in 2021 a moment that

brought a crowded field of candidates and renewed

civic engagement.

Cherfilus-McCormick emerged from that

competitive process, earning the trust of voters in a

district known for its strong political voice and deep

community roots.

Now, with another special election on the horizon,

the district once again stands at a crossroads—

one that could energize voters and shape the next

chapter of leadership.

COMMUNITY FIRST—THEN AND NOW

Throughout her tenure, Cherfilus-McCormick

positioned herself as an advocate for Healthcare

access and equity, economic opportunity for working

families and support for Caribbean-American and

underserved communities.

AMERICA’S

SELF-RIGHTEOUS

FOREIGN POLICY

HYPOCRISY

“America has

historically

extolled its

democratic

exceptionalism

while intervening

in the sovereignty

of other nations.”

John Johnson II 04/22/26

By John Johnson II

America does not whisper

its values to the world—it

declares them with thunder.

Freedom. Democracy.

Justice. Yet beneath those

declarations lies a foreign

policy record that tells a

far more unsettling truth:

America often exports

instability while branding

itself the guardian of order.

Nowhere is this contradiction

more visible than in its

decades-long relationship

with Iran.

The hostility did not begin

with chants in the streets of

Tehran. It began in 1953,

when the United States

orchestrated the overthrow

of Iran’s democratically

elected leader, Mohammad

Mossadegh, through

Operation Ajax. His offense

was reclaiming Iran’s oil

from foreign control. In

response, America replaced

democracy with monarchy,

installing Mohammad Reza

Shah Pahlavi—a ruler whose

regime governed through

repression while serving

Western interests.

That act alone reshaped

Iranian history. But it was

only the beginning.

During the Iran-Iraq War,

the United States supported

Saddam Hussein, even as

chemical weapons were

deployed against Iranian

forces. In 1988, the U.S. Navy

shot down Iran Air Flight 655,

killing 290 civilians. There

was no apology that matched

the magnitude of the loss—

only explanations that failed

to heal the wound.

Then came economic warfare.

Billions in Iranian assets

frozen. Sanctions are designed

not merely to pressure a

government, but to suffocate



Her resignation, she insists, is not a departure

from that mission but a recalibration.\

WHAT COMES NEXT

A special election will be called to fill the vacant

seat, setting the stage for what could be another

highly competitive race.

Meanwhile, Cherfilus-McCormick’s legal case

will move forward, where she has stated she intends

to fully contest the allegations and defend her record.

EDITOR’S NOTE: LET THE PROCESS PLAY OUT

In moments like this, it is important to remember

a fundamental principle:

Allegations are not convictions. Due process

matters.

As the legal system does its work, the people

of South Florida are left to weigh not only the

circumstances but the character, record, and resolve

of those who seek to represent them.

For Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, the message

is clear that she may have stepped away from

Congress—but she has not stepped away from the

fight.

Stay with the Westside Gazette—“A Positive

Paper for a Positive People”—as we continue to

follow this story and its impact on our community.


BUSINESS

UNITY IN THE

COMMUNITY DIRECTORY

133 N. State Road 7

Plantation, Fla. 33317

(Corner of Broward Blvd. & State Rd. 7

(954) 587-7075

FRED LOVELL, Lic. Opt.

(Over 30 Years in Optics)

* $29.50 - Single Vision

*$44.50 - Bifocal * $89.50 - Progressive

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

Deeply Rooted


Implementation of GASB Statement No. 103:

What Governments Need to Know Now

Submitted by Anthony Brunson P.A. Certified Public

Accountants & Business Advisors

As state and local governments move through 2026 financial

reporting cycles, GASB Statement No. 103 is no longer just on

the horizon, it is here. Effective for fiscal years beginning after

June 15, 2025, the standard now applies to June 30, 2026 year

ends, making this the first widespread implementation year for

many governments.

This update represents the culmination of a multi-year

reexamination of the reporting model originally established

under GASB Statement No. 34. While not a complete overhaul,

Statement 103 introduces meaningful changes to presentation

and disclosures aimed at improving clarity, consistency, and

decision-usefulness.

Below is a practical, implementation-focused overview of what

matters most right now.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A)

One of the most significant changes affects MD&A. While

it remains required supplementary information (RSI), its

structure is now more defined and its expectations more

rigorous. MD&A must be organized into five required sections:

• Overview of the financial statements

• Financial summary

• Detailed analyses

• Significant capital asset and long-term financing activity

• Currently known facts, decisions, or conditions

In practice, early implementations in 2026 are showing a

clear shift away from boilerplate language. Regulators and

auditors are expecting governments to go beyond reporting

changes and instead explain the underlying drivers. MD&A

should function more like an executive briefing, focused,

analytical, and forward-looking.

Unusual or infrequent items

Statement 103 eliminates the categories of “extraordinary”

and “special” items. Instead, governments must report unusual

or infrequent transactions or events.

For 2026 reporting, a key implementation focus is presentation:

• Report inflows and outflows separately and on a gross basis

• Present as the final flow(s) before the net change in resource

flows

• Apply across government-wide, governmental fund, and

Black Law Workforce Hits Decade

Low Under Trump Anti-DEI Shifts

Following the 2026 NALP report, experts warn that

the systematic dismantling of DEI policies under

the Trump administration is reversing a decade

of progress for the Black middle class.

proprietary fund statements

This change enhances

comparability across governments

and improves visibility into one-time

or nonrecurring activities, something

stakeholders increasingly expect in

the current environment.

Proprietary fund statement

For business-type activities

(BTAs), Statement 103 introduces

a clearer and more consistent

framework for distinguishing

operating and nonoperating revenues and expenses.

Nonoperating items now explicitly include:

• Subsidies (with noncapital subsidies presented separately)

• Contributions to endowments

• Financing-related revenues and expenses

• Gains/losses from disposal of capital assets and inventory

• Investment income and expenses

As governments implement this in 2026, many are finding

that revenue and expense classifications require reevaluation,

particularly for utilities, healthcare entities, and higher

education institutions with diverse funding sources.

Major component unit information

Governments are now required to present each major

component unit separately in the statement of net position and

statement of activities, unless doing so reduces readability.

If separate presentation becomes impractical, combining

statements should be presented after the fund financial

statements. Early adopters are carefully balancing transparency

with usability, especially where multiple component units

exist.

Budgetary comparison information

Statement 103 standardizes how budgetary comparison

information is presented:

• Must be reported as RSI using a single method

• Must include:

o Variances between original and final budgets

o Variances between final budget and actual results

Additionally, governments must explain significant

variances in the RSI

notes. For 2026, this



NOTICE OF ACTION

Broward

BEFORE THE BOARD OF NURSING

IN RE: The license to practice Registered Nursing

FRANCINE

Your Tailor

Alterations For

Men & Women & Kids

Cell: (754) 274-8537

A: 784 NW 91st Terrace

Plantation, FL 33324

WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 18: U.S. President Donald Trump

speaks in the Oval Office after signing an Executive Order

April 18, 2026 in Washington, DC. The executive order directs

the Food and Drug Administration to issue new guidance on

the use of psychedelic drugs intended for clinical trials for

U.S. veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stres Disorder. 2

(Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

By Mahalia Otshudy

(Source Roots)

If there was any proof needed that President Donald Trump’s

dismantling of DEI policies is working to harm the Black

workforce, look no further than a new study from the National

Association for Law Placement. The study shows the number

of associates of color has fallen by a staggering percentage,

making the barriers of entry harder for Black professionals…

again.

According to the report, representation for summer law

associates of color has fallen by 12.9% compared to last year,

but it gets worse. According to the NALP report, which came

out at the end of March, the percentage of summer associates

of color within law firms was at a “record high” in 2024 but

still below half at 43.07%. Now, that gap is even wider with a

percentage of 37.53% in 2025.

DEI specialist Randi B has been ringing the alarm for some

time now, but this proves what she has been saying all along:

Trump’s plan to dismantle the Black middle class has been

working like a charm.

“It’s at its lowest level since 2020,” she said of the data. “The

percentage of associates of color had its first decline since 2010.

Black associate representation is 3.1 percent lower than last

year and is at its lowest percentage since 2015,” she said.

This comes just one year after the Trump administration

dismantled DEI policies in the federal workforce. That move

led to the loss of 300,000 jobs for Black women by August, and

the Black federal workforce continues to shrink.

The federal workforce has historically been a stable source

of employment for Black Americans. However, fewer have

remained since Trump’s anti-DEI policies kicked in and the

government implemented aggressive budget cuts in 2025.

According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, Black

unemployment is at the highest it has been since 2021.

The NALP’s latest report isn’t just a trend in one sector.

Instead, it serves as unequivocal proof that the Black workforce

is weakening at a fast rate, with the main reason being Trump’s

anti-DEI tactics.

The National Association for Law Placement case study

also states that the number of Black associates fell by 0.2%,


Abiola T. Oni, R.N., A.K.A. Abiola Aloba, R.N.

2201 S. Sherman Circle, Apt. D-509

Miramar, FL 33025

CASE NO.: 2024-38215

LICENSE NO.: RN9526138

The Department of Health has filed an Administrative

Complaint against you, a copy of which may be obtained

by contacting, Philip Crawford, Assistant General Counsel,

Prosecution Services Unit, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin #C65,

Tallahassee Florida 32399-3265, (850) 558-9829.

If no contact has been made by you concerning the above by

May 28,2026, the matter of the Administrative Complaint will

be presented at an ensuing meeting of the Board of Nursing

in an informal proceeding.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act,

persons needing a special accommodation to participate

in this proceeding should contact the individual or agency

sending this notice not later than seven days prior to the

proceeding at the address given on the notice. Telephone:

(850) 245-4640, 1-800-955-8771 (TDD) or 1-800-955-8770

(V), via Florida Relay Service.

NOTICE OF ACTION

Broward County

BEFORE THE BOARD OF NURSING

IN RE: The license to practice Nursing Assistance

Cotasha K. Orange, C.N.A.

908 SW 15 th Terrace, Apt. 2

Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33312

CASE NO.: 2023-33264

LICENSE NO.: CNA355426

The Department of Health has filed an Administrative

Complaint against you, a copy of which may be obtained

by contacting, Philip Crawford, Assistant General Counsel,

Prosecution Services Unit, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin #C65,

Tallahassee Florida 32399-3265, (850) 558-9829.

If no contact has been made by you concerning the above by

May 28, 2026, the matter of the Administrative Complaint will

be presented at an ensuing meeting of the Board of Nursing

in an informal proceeding.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act,

persons needing a special accommodation to participate

in this proceeding should contact the individual or agency

sending this notice not later than seven days prior to the

proceeding at the address given on the notice. Telephone:

(850) 245-4640, 1-800-955-8771 (TDD) or 1-800-955-8770

(V), via Florida Relay Service.


CHURCH DIRECTORY

Bethel A.M.E. Church

Bethel A.M.E. Church

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

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

RD

405 405 NW NW ESTHER ESTHER ROLLE ROLLE (3 ) AVENUE (3rd) AVENUE

POMPANO BEACH, FL 33060

POMPANO BEACH, FL 33060

(954) 943.6220

email: bethelamepompano@gmail.com

email: bethelmepompano@gmail.com

Church Office Hours: Tuesday- Thursday 10 a.m. to 4 pm

SUNDAY WORSHIP ........10AM

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

SUNDAY

TUESDAY BIBLE

WORSHIP......10AM

STUDY....... 7PM

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

CHRIST

Zoom ID 7066533918

Zoom ID: 7066533918

bethelpompano.org

bethelpompano.org

COMMUNITY

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!

CULTURE

CHURCH ANNOUCEMENTS

NEW BETHEL A.M.E. CHURCH

959 DELLA TOBIAS AVE., CLEWISTON, FL

Reverend Clarence Honor and

First Lady Charlann

Jackson Honors, Esq.

SUNDAY WORSHIP

SERVICE..... 10:00 a.m.

MEETING ID 7871410293

PASS CODE bethel2

TUESDAY NIGHTS BIBLE STUDY ..............

6:00 p.m.

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


(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”

Mrs. Avis Boyd-Gaines,

Owner, Funeral Director

& Embalmer

Mr. Bon M. Boyd,

Chief Executive Officer


Williams Memorial C.M.E. Church

Bible Trivia

‘Test Your Bible Knowledge'

Pastor David E. Deal, Jr.

646 NW 13th Terrace


Phone: (954) 488-0079 Email: wmcmecfl@gmail.com

Website: www.wmsfl.org

Reverend Gloria W. Dixon, Pastor

Email: gdixon5 @ bellsouth.net

WORSHIP SERVICES & BIBLE STUDY

In person, via Zoom; ID: 954-462-8222, 646-558-8636

Stream Facebook Live @ WMCMECHURCH

Sunday School ................................. 9:00 AM

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

Wednesday Bible Study..................... 7:30 PM

Tuesday Prayer Meeting......................7:30 PM

"Celebrating Over 100 years of Service"

Mrs. Alexis Gaines-Sullivan,

Funeral Director,

Insurance Agent & Preneed

Every Christian's Church

SUNDAY @11:00 am

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

How well are you with numbers? Today’s trivia questions are all

about the numbers.

1) How many healed lepers returned to thank Jesus?

2) How long was Jonah in the belly of the fish?

3) How many books in the Bible are credited to Moses?

4) The total years Jacob worked so he could marry Rachel?

5) How tall was Goliath?

6) The times Naaman was told to dip in the Jordan River?

7) How many verses are in the famous “love chapter” of 1st Corinthians?

8) The number of soldiers Gideon used to rout an army of thousands?

9) The number of disciples Jesus sent out two by two?

***Biblical fact**** Old Testament laws included building instructions

or building codes for flat-roofed houses. (Deut. 22:8)

Answers – 1) Luke 17:12-19; 2) Jonah 1:17; 3) Hint-Torah; 4)

Genesis 29:20-35; 5) 1 Samuel 17:4; 6) 2 Kings 5:14; 7) 1 Corinthians

13; 8) Judges 7:1-7; 9) Luke 10:1

AFTER 75 YEARS

— SOLDIER FOUND,

HERO RETURNS

HOME

FROM FRONT PAGE

identification efforts in

Japan and were eventually

laid to rest as “Unknown” at

National Memorial Cemetery

of the Pacific

For decades, the identity

remained unresolved.

IDENTIFIED AT LAST

In December 2018, as

part of renewed recovery

efforts, those remains were

reexamined.

Through advanced forensic

science and DNA testing, the

Defense POW/MIA

Accounting Agency confirmed

The remains belonged to

Corporal Joshua Corruth.

On March 13, 2025,

more than 75 years after he

was lost, Josh was finally

accounted for.

A NAME HONORED

Corporal Corruth’s name

has long stood among the

honored which are Engraved

on the Courts of the Missing

in Honolulu and inscribed

on the Korean War Veterans

Memorial Wall in Washington,

D.C.

Now, his story is no longer

one of absence—but of return.

THE HOMECOMING

After more than seven

decades, Josh is coming home

to South Florida.

FUNERAL SERVICE

Thursday, April 23, 2026 –

10:00 AM

James C. Boyd Funeral

Home, Inc.

INTERMENT

(Full Military Honors)

Thursday, April 23, 2026 –

1:00 PM

South Florida National

Cemetery

A COMMUNITY CALLED TO

REMEMBER

This is more than a funeral.

This is a homecoming.

Family, veterans,

community leaders, and

residents are invited to stand

in witness as a soldier once

lost is finally laid to rest with

the honor he earned.

THE GAZETTE REFLECTION

At the Westside Gazette,

we often say we are “the

keepers and recorders of our

history.”

This is that history.

A young Black man from

Pompano Beach, Florida,

Stepped forward at 17, Served

his country in a segregated

military, Gave his life in a

distant land And waited 75

years to come home.

Now, we say his name—

not in absence, but in truth:

Corporal Joshua Corruth.

Not missing. Not forgotten.

Finally home.

PAGE 8 • APRIL 23 - APRIL 29 2026

Former Dominica Minister

Ian Pinard dies at 54

(Source: CNW)

Former Dominica government minister and public sector executive

Ian Pinard has died at the age of 54. Reports indicate

he passed away at his home in the early hours of April 17,

2026. His death brings to a close a public career that spanned

elected office, party leadership, and senior roles within Dominica’s

state institutions.

Pinard first entered Parliament following the 2005 general

election, representing the Soufrière constituency on the Dominica

Labour Party (DLP) ticket. He did not contest the 2009

election but returned to frontline politics in 2014, regaining his

seat and being sworn in as Minister for Public Works and Ports

on December 12 of that year.

His tenure in government ended in March 2016 when he

resigned amid allegations of inappropriate conduct, later stepping

down as Member of Parliament in April following his reported

arrest and release on bail.

A by-election was subsequently held, with Denise Charles

emerging as the DLP candidate with Pinard’s endorsement

and campaign support.

After leaving elected office, Pinard remained active in public

administration, serving as acting general manager at Petro

Caribe Dominica.

He later re-emerged in political leadership in November 2024

when he was elected vice president of the DLP, and was subsequently

appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Dominica Air

and Seaport Authority (DASPA), succeeding Benoit Bardouille.

Pinard’s passing marks the end of a career that moved between

electoral politics and senior administrative leadership

within Dominica’s public sector.

Former Jamaican Minister and

Attorney Hugh Hart dies at 96

By Jovani Davis

(Source: CNW)

Hugh Hart, a former government

minister and distinguished

attorney, has died at

the age of 96, plunging Jamaica’s

legal and political communities

into mourning.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness

paid tribute to Hart, noting

his decades of service to

Jamaica in both public office

and the legal profession.

Holness said Hart “helped

to shape important areas of

national development” during

his time in government, serving

as a member of the Senate

from 1980 to 1993, Minister

of Mining and Energy from

1983 to 1989, and Minister of

Tourism from 1984 to 1989.

During much of that period,

his brother-in-law Edward

Seaga served as prime minister.

“He also brought strong

leadership to several key institutions,

supporting growth

and stability across critical

sectors of our economy,” Holness

said in a tribute posted

on social media.

“As an attorney, he was

widely respected for his work

in commercial law and his

guidance in matters of taxation,

real estate, and corporate

restructuring. His

impact extended beyond the

courtroom, influencing policy

and governance in meaningful

ways,” the prime minister

added.

“Jamaica has lost a committed

servant of the people. We

honour his life, his work, and

his contribution to the nation,”

Holness said.

Hart was born on Decem-

ber 26, 1929, in St Andrew to

Clinton Hart and Eily deCordova-Hart.

He attended Munro

College from 1940, where

he excelled academically and

in sports, before studying at

The Queen’s College, Oxford,

where he earned a Master’s in

Law while representing the

institution in cricket, hockey,

and tennis.

He was called to the Bar at

Gray’s Inn in 1953 and admitted

as a solicitor in Jamaica

in 1956.

Hart was a founding partner

of the law firm Hart

Muirhead Fatta and was recognized

internationally as

one of Jamaica’s leading commercial

lawyers by Chambers

Global and the International

Financial Law Review.

A Good Sheperd's Funeral Home

& Cremation Services Central

Charles Brown

Celebration

Of Life

will be held

April 18th at

Covenant

Missionary

Baptist

Terriana Gayle

Viewing

will be

held April 25th

at

Full

Deliverance.

Ann McCray

Celebration

Of Life

will be held

April 25th

at

South

Chapel.

Anthony

McCormick

Celebration

Of Life

was held

April 18th at

Word of the

Living God

Ministries.

Moses Pitter

Viewing

will

be

held

April 28th

at the Chapel.

Deeply Rooted

Casey Myers Love And Grace

Funeral And Cremation Service

He also served on several

major corporate boards across

Jamaica and the Cayman

Islands, including Jamaica

Flour Mills, the Jamaica

Bauxite Institute, Carreras

Group Limited, the Petroleum

Corporation of Jamaica,

and the Bauxite & Alumina

Trading Company Limited.

During his tenure as mining

minister, Hart faced major

challenges amid a downturn

in the global alumina market

and the closure of key operations

in the 1980s. Working

alongside Seaga and senior

technocrats, the government

implemented emergency

measures to stabilize the sec-



Obituaries

Death and Funeral Notices

McWhite’s Funeral Home


VIEW OBITUARIES ONLINE


Announcements:

*In Memoriam *Death Notices *Happy Birthdays

*Card of Thanks *Remembrances

Lashonda

Daniels

Arrangements

are

forthcoming.

Felicia Hayes

Celebration of

Life was held

April 13th at

Gospel Arena

of Faith

Tamarac.

James

Herrington

Funeral

Service will be

held April 25th

at

Revival Faith

Center.

Ronni Thomas

Service

will be

held April 25th

at

Gospel

Arena.

Nevill

Thompson

Arrangements

are

forthcoming.

Dennisha

Latoya Allen

– 40

Celebrating

the Lif was

held April

17th at

James C.

Boyd’s

Memorial Chapel with Rev.

James Polk officiating.

Roseta S.

Edmond - 65

In Loving

Memory

was held

April 18th at

Renaissance

Evangelical

Baptist Tabernacle with

Pastor Charly Clervius

officiating.

Rev. Levi

Henry, Jr.

– 94

Special

Funeral

Edition

was held

April 17th

at New Mount Olive

Baptist Church

withRev. Dr. Marcus D.

Davidson officiating.

Jonathan

Mobley – 59

Funeral

Service

was held

April 16th

atJames C.

Boyd

Funeral

Home.

(954) 525-1489

Edward Darnll

Smith – 65

Homegoing

Celebration

of Life was held

April 18th at

James C. Boyd’s

Memorial

Chaple with Min . John

Everett officiating.

Mother Otha

Williams – 91

Celebration

of Life was

held April 18th

at Zion Rest

Church of

God by Faith

with

Superintendent Jimmy

McDuffie officiating.

Odilis

Bonhomme

In Loving

Memory

was held

April 18th at

McWhite’s

Funeral

Home

Chapel.

Vera Evans

Duncan

In Loving

Memory was

held April 18th

at Merrill

United

Methodist

Church.

Dorothy

Ma Dorr

Hankerson

Forever In

Our Hearts

was held

April 17th

at True

Pentacostal

Church of God in Christ.

Jeremie Jean

In Loving

Memory

was held

April 18th

at McWhite’s

Funeral Home

Chapel.

Devonte

J. Johnson

Celebration

of Life was

held April

18th at

Haitian

Evangelical Baptist Church.

Mother Alma

“Grandma”

Adam King

A

Celebration

of Life was

held April 18th

at Church of

God By Faith.

Jahda

Mneide

In Loving

Memory was

held April 17th

at McWhite

Funreal Home

Chapel.

Symour Rhule

In Loving

Memory

was held April

18th at Mt.

Nebo Baptist

Church.

Mishnell Martin

Warner

Celebration of

Life was held

April 18th Bathel

United Church of

Jesus Christ,

Virginia L.

Wiggins

A Celebration

of Life

was held

April 18th at

McWhite’s

Funeral Home

Chapel.

Roy Mizell & Kurtz Funeral Home

Jerold Milus

Quince – 59

Celebrating

The Life

was held

April 16th Roy

Mizell & Kurt

Worship

Center.


Deeply Rooted

Two Different Perspectives on Cannabis Use in Sports

Editor’s note: This commentary is provided by the Medical

Marijuana Education and Research Initiative (MMERI) of

Florida A&M University

At his 2021 Pro Football

Hall of Fame enshrinement,

Calvin Johnson challenged

the sports world to recognize

cannabis as medicine.

“It’s about time that we

recognize the potential of

phytomedicines — plant

medicines — to aid and

improve the mental health

and quality of life for so

many,” Johnson stated.

“These plants, primitive

in nature, provide an

alternative to their

destructive counterparts:

opioids.”

Around that time, the

National Football League

relaxed its marijuana

policy, reducing fines and

funding research into

tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) for pain

and concussion-related care. Other leagues—including the

National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball,

National Hockey League, and the National Collegiate Athletic

Association—have also moved away from banning cannabis,

though Olympic athletes still face testing.

Former college football standout Keith Davis views the shift

cautiously, especially its impact on younger athletes. A frequent

speaker at youth leadership conferences, he encourages young

people to avoid substance use and live a clean lifestyle. He

finds the current cannabis-vaping trend among youths quite

distressing.

“My mother began to use cannabis in a way that, at the

time, wasn’t really popular,” Davis recalls. “But it began to

help her with her pain.” He warns that growing acceptance—

paired with rising vaping trends—can send the wrong message.

“Especially with young high school players, a lot of them are

into this vaping... and they don’t understand the dangers of

vaping.”

In response, Florida A&M University’s Medical Marijuana

Education and Research Initiative (MMERI) is developing a

youth vaping education initiative that is preparing to launch

soon.

Visit https://bit.ly/MMERIMarch2026 to watch MMERI’s

Conversations on Cannabis Virtual Forum featuring Keith

Davis discussing “Cannabis and Sports.”

THE WESTSIDE GAZETTE

RECOGNIZE APRIL

AUTISM AWARENESS

MONTH

LEGAL NOTICES

IN THE CIRCUIT

COURT FOR THE

17TH JUDICIAL

CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR

BOWARD COUNTY,

FLORIDA

CASE NO: 26-0004191

DIVISION: 35-99

DARLINE ROMULUS, Petitioner

and

SMITH JOSEPH, Respondent

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR

DISSOLUTION OF

MARRIAGE

(NO CHILD OR

FINANCIAL SUPPORT)

TO: {name of Respondent} SMITH JOSEPH

{Respondent last known address} UN-

KNOWN

YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for dissolution

of marriage has been field against

you and that you are required to serve a

copy of your written defenses, if any, it on

DARLINE ROMULUS, whose address is

7901E B Kimberly Blvd. North Lauderdale FL

33068 on or before April 24 2026 and

file the original with the clerk of this Court

at 201 Southeast Sixth Street Room 4130,

Fort Lauderdale FL 33301before service on

Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you

fail to do so, a default may be entered

against you for the relief demanded in

the petition.

The action is asking the court to decide

how the following real or personal property

should be divided: {insert “none” or, if applicable,

the legal description of real property, a specific

description of personal property, and then

name of the county in Florida where the property

is located}

Copies of all court documents in the case,

including orders, are available at the Clerk of

the Circuit Court’s office. You may review

these documents upon request.

You must keep the Clerk of the CircuitCourt’s

office notified of your current

address. (You may file Notice of Current

Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved

Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in

this lawsuit will be mailed to the address on

record at the clerk’s office.

WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family

Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain

automatic disclosure of documents and information.

Failure to comply can result in

sanctions, including dismissal or striking of

pleadings.

Dated March 10, 2026

Brenda D. Forman

Clerk of the Circuit Court

Lesloe Santiago, Deputy Clerk

April 2, 9, 16, 23, 2026

Visit us at


For Local, National News

and Videos

ADVERTI YOUR LEGAL

NOTICE HERE.

CALL --(954) 525-1489

IT PAYS TO

ADVERTISE

IN

THE

WESTSIDE

GAZETTE

CALL TODAY --

(954) 525-1489

Westside

Gazette

CELEBRATING

JUNETEENTH

HISTORY MONTH

YESTERDAY, TODAY,

TOMORROW.

65

27

38

59

NUMBERS (2-DAY

RESULTS) Send Self

Addressed Envelope and

$10.00 to:

C.L.HENRY or S.H. ROBINSON

P.O.BOX 5304

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33310

For Entertainment

Purpose Only!

4

7 2

15

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

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

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

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

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

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

a year with many branches open 24-hours!

26

42

PROFILES


APRIL 23, 2026

14

75

75

71

48

89

32

28

13

54

49

15

Test your knowledge

about medical marijuana at

DID YOU

KNOW?

Research on cannabis as a treatment for autism

symptoms is still in its early stages. Some clinicians

report potential benefits for symptoms like anxiety

or irritability, while others caution that risks may

outweigh benefits—making individualized,

doctor-guided care essential.

SOURCE Florida A&M University Medical Marijuana

Education and Research Initiative (FAMU MMERI)

Connect with us @MMERIFAMURadio

mmeri.famu.edu/educate

MIAMI RED

420

413

HOT

LEAD NUMBER

3

Pick 2

113/167

45321

POWERBALL

09-17-36-47-64-26 3x

DP 04-29-35-40-43 21

JUNE

07

MAY

77

08

BLACK HISTORY

&

JUNETEENTH

T-SHIRTS

On Sale Now

at 545 NW 7th Terr., Fort

Lauderdale, Fl 33311

Call -- (945) 646-0330 or

(954) 525-1489

T-SHIRTS PRICES

*KIDS - $13

( ADULTS SIZES)

*SM-$13.00 * MED-$14.50

* LG $15.20 * XL-$16.00

* 2X-$17.00 * 3X-$18.00

* 4X-5X - $20.00

CASH APP

(954) 646-0330

IN MORE STYLES

AND COLOR

APRIL

49

78

09

MAR.

37

55

79

11

FEB.

28

38

56

88

12

24

29

39

57

89

13

APRIL

23

25

33

44

58

99

14

26

34

45

59

00

27

35

46

66

02

JULY

36

AUG

47 48

67 68 69

SEPT.

13

OCT.

03 04 05 06

15 16 17 18 19 22

CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES ARIES TAURUS GEMINI

02-15-39 65-64-02 44-28-12 38-17-06 23-25-14 19-07-35

CANCER LEO VIRGO LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS

38-04-20 18-41-39 27-36-09 37-58-28 91-34-39 49-54-67-

WHAT HOTS? 18-26-07-35-76

LATEST LOTTERY RESULT as of Tuesday, APRIL 23 at 5 p.m.

Pick 3

4173/2037

JACKPOT Triple Play

06-11-27-33-36-41

Pick 4 Pick 5

67623/27687

314783/346147

FANTASY 5

Mid April 21) 02-16-27-30-35

Evening April 20) 07-25-26-28-32

NOV.

DEC.

CASH4LIFE

20-25-30-52-55 4

17

22

76

00

FLORIDA MEGA MILLION

38-43-44-49-62 8

36

Doublues

LOTTO

12-23-28-29-31-36

05-08-09-17-26-37

FRUITS, FRUITS & FRUITS

SOFT SHELL SWEET & OIL

PECANS $7 a bag

ALSO BEE HONEY -- $5 A PACK

AND THE BEST BOIL & ROASTED

PEANUTS ON THE PLANET,

PERIOD! QUART BAGS $10.00.

I am sorry it had to come this No

more FREE:

Onions, Bell Peppers, Tomatoes

and Potatoes.

Prices increase as of Jan. 1, 2025

CALL FORD -- (954) 557-1203.


SPORTS

Nunnie on the Sideline

By Nunnie Robinson, WG Sports

In the NFL, the Baltimore Ravens/

Dexter Lawrence contract dilemma was

quickly resolved when the All-Pro former

Clemson Tiger was traded to the Cincinnati

Bengals for a first-round pick in the

upcoming draft, which takes place this

Thursday. At an obvious impasse, the

Ravens gave the Bengals permission to

speak with Lawrence’s agent, Joel Segal.

A deal was eventually agreed upon that

added a year and $28 million to the two

years and $42 million remaining on Lawrence’s

2023 deal, effectively making his

contract with the Bengals a three-year,

$70 million windfall. In a televised interview, Lawrence appeared

pleased and content despite all the travails associated

with adjusting to a new team and city. Don’t you find it somewhat

strange that he was traded to an organization known for

its frugal ways? Money above all else was the deciding factor,

slightly shifting the draft’s pecking order.

The NBA playoffs are in full swing, with Western Conference

favorite Oklahoma City facing the Phoenix Suns, while

the Minnesota Timberwolves attempt to eliminate Nikola Jokic

and the Denver Nuggets. The injury-plagued Lakers, sans

Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, defeated the Houston Rockets

in their series opener, surprising many. The other quarterfinal

matchup has “The Alien,” Victor Wembanyama-led San Antonio

Spurs facing the youth-laden, competitive Portland Trail

Blazers.

In the East, the Boston Celtics have early on demonstrated

their superiority over the Philadelphia 76ers, while regular-season

champion Detroit lost Game 1 to No. 8 seed Orlando,

portending a tight seven-game series. On Monday night,

the Atlanta Hawks came from 12 points down to defeat the

home-favorite New York Knicks, 107–106, tying the series at

one game each. The final Eastern Conference series has the

Cleveland Cavaliers with a 2–0 lead over Toronto, although the

games have been competitive and entertaining.

Because the playoffs are much more competitive as teams vie

for a title, now is the time to watch the NBA.

Following are the top-rated teams in the playoffs, regardless of

conference:

Oklahoma City

San Antonio

Detroit

Boston

Denver

New York

Los Angeles

Cleveland

Houston

Minnesota

Toronto

Atlanta

Philadelphia

Orlando

Phoenix

Portland Trail Blazers

My final prediction: Oklahoma City in the West, Boston in the

East, with OKC defending its ’25 championship.

In HBCU circles, FAMU’s football program was hit with sanctions

stemming from longstanding APR issues. The NCAA last

week issued FAMU football a Level II APR penalty, which

includes a postseason ban and limits on practice time for the

2026 season. President Marva Johnson vowed to take immediate

action to rectify all concerns related to student-athlete

academic progress.

Norfolk State has moved its away “money game” vs. Virginia

to Friday, September 11, 2026.

Grambling head football coach Mickey Joseph has named his

starting quarterback for the upcoming season. Jacobe Robinson,

who played at Boston College and Southern Mississippi,

will lead the G-Men in ’26.

Meanwhile, Bethune-Cookman leads the SWAC in every

conceivable preseason category, including Player of the Year

(Andrew Martinez), Pitcher of the Year (Edwin Sanchez), and

five of the top position players hail from the Wildcats. Under

the leadership of Coach Jonathan Hernandez, the Wildcats are

clearly the standard for SWAC baseball.

Mickey Joseph names

2026 starting QB ahead of

Grambling spring game

By Kendrick Marshall

(Source: HBCU Sports)

Photo: Jacobe Robinson/X

Grambling head football coach Mickey Joseph has made an

early and definitive decision at the most important position on

the field, a day before the team has its spring game.

Joseph announced Friday that transfer quarterback Jacobe

Robinson will enter the 2026 season as the Tigers’ starting

quarterback, citing the signal-caller’s command of the offense

and steady presence as key factors in the decision.

“We settled on a quarterback early,” Joseph told The Morning

Drive with Aaron and Jake on KMLB in Louisiana. “We didn’t

settle on C’Zavian Teasett early last year. This year, we settled

with Jacobe Robinson. He’s going to be our starter because he’s

a kid that has a lot of poise, but he understands the system.”

By HBCU Sports


Deeply Rooted

FAMU vows academic

overhaul after NCAA sanctions

levied on football team

Florida A&M University President Marva Johnson says

the school is taking immediate steps to strengthen academic

performance in its football program after the NCAA handed

down sanctions stemming from longstanding APR issues.

The NCAA last week hit FAMU football with a Level II

APR penalty, which included a postseason ban and limits on

practice time for the 2026 season.

That means the Rattlers would be unable to qualify for the

SWAC Championship Game, Celebration Bowl, or FCS playoffs.

Florida A&M’s four-year APR average fell below the NCAA’s

required 930 benchmark for Division I programs, according to

NCAA records.

FAMU indicated it had previously received a waiver for the

2025 season but was unable to raise its APR score to avoid

further NCAA penalties.

Florida A&M vows more academic support for athletes

Speaking to the Board of Trustees on Wednesday, Johnson

outlined the university’s plan to assess the football program

and improve support for all athletes.

“We’ve got additional corrective measures to follow,”

Johnson said during the meeting as reported by the Tallahassee

Democrat. “One of the things I want to make sure we don’t do is

make promises we don’t deliver. We need to ensure what we’re

committing to makes sense.”

Johnson emphasized early intervention and increased

academic monitoring as part of the strategy to enhance players’

classroom success, the newspaper reported.

Additionally, Johnson said the SWAC will also provide

assistance to help FAMU with APR.

Head coach Quinn Gray, in his first season as Rattlers coach,

said academics will be the program’s focal point moving

forward.

“Academics and football are not competing priorities in

our program — they are the same priority,” Gray said in a

statement after the NCAA penalties were announced. “We’ve

put systems in place for execution and accountability every

day. This ban doesn’t stop us from impacting lives or building

toward our ultimate goal of earning degrees.”

School wants long-term academic stability

Despite the setback, Johnson assured trustees and alumni

that the institution remains focused on long-term stability.

“This is about more than football,” she said. “It’s about our

student-athletes and ensuring we create a model that aligns

success in academics with performance on the field.”

The Rattlers will still play a full regular schedule in 2026,

beginning Aug. 29 at home against Albany State and ending

Nov. 21 in the Florida Classic against Bethune-Cookman.

Who is Jacobe Robinson?

Robinson, a 6-3, 225-pound

quarterback from Henderson,

Texas, joined Grambling State

as part of the Tigers’ 2026

National Signing Day Class

that included 30 players.

He previously had stops at

Boston College and Southern

Miss. A former ESPN fourstar

recruit, he threw for

over 2,100 yards and 22

touchdowns as a junior and

added 1,800 yards and 14

scores as a senior, along with

nearly 500 rushing yards and

five touchdowns at Henderson

High School.

Between Boston College and

Southern Miss, Robinson has

thrown just three passes for

23 yards.

The early commitment

marks a shift from last season,

when Grambling State

navigated uncertainty at

quarterback before eventually

solidifying the position. This

time, Joseph emphasized

clarity and continuity heading

into offseason preparations

and fall camp.

Why Robinson is the starter

Robinson’s grasp of the

Tigers’ offensive scheme

played a significant role in

separating himself from

the competition, according

to Joseph. The coach also

pointed to the importance

of leadership at the position

as Grambling looks to build

consistency on offense.

“The QB is the driver,”

Joseph said.

With Robinson now firmly in

place, Grambling State can

focus on developing offensive

rhythm and cohesion around

its new starter as the

Tigers prepare for the 2026

campaign.

Local Sports:

where talent meets

opportunity and

community Pride.

Photo: Florida A&M Football: Instagram

By Kendrick Marshall



SWAC to eliminate future non-

NCAA football opponents

Photo: Southern Athletics

The days of SWAC football teams scheduling Virginia

University of Lynchburg are coming to an end.

The conference is moving to eliminate football games

against non-Division I and non-Division II opponents beginning

with the 2027 season, a decision Commissioner Charles

McClelland says is designed to increase competitiveness across

the league.

McClelland said the conference’s membership voted in

favor of the measure as part of a broader effort to strengthen

scheduling and improve the overall product on the field.

“We’re going to eliminate playing non-Division I and non-

Division II games in football starting in the 2027 football

season,” McClelland said during an appearance on SWAC

TV at the SWAC golf championships. “So no longer are we

going to play games that don’t count.”

The decision reflects a unified stance among SWAC athletic

directors, who McClelland credited for recognizing the longterm

benefits of more competitive matchups.

SWAC wants more competitive non-conference games

By limiting schedules to Division I and II opponents, the

conference expects to enhance both team performance and fan

engagement.

“The membership came together and decided that was going

to be the best thing in order for us to grow and move forward,”

McClelland said. “As we have more competitive games, it’s

going to shift schools’ thought process.”

The move will also remove what McClelland described as

structurally misaligned contests, ensuring that every game

carries greater weight within the season.

During the 2026 season, three SWAC schools have scheduled

a non-NCAA opponent.

Southern will play Lincoln Christian University, Bethune-

Cookman will host VUL and Alcorn State will play a home

game versus NAIA Baptist College.

“It’s going to allow our teams to have more competitive

games,” he said. “It’s going to allow our fans to have more

competitive games to go watch and support.”

McClelland emphasized that the decision is part of a larger

set of strategic adjustments being made by the conference in

real time, positioning the SWAC for future growth amid an

evolving college athletics landscape.

“All of these things are changing in real time,” he said.

“We’re in the room making these strategic decisions, and we’re

able to make them because we know what’s coming around the

road.”

“You Gotta Have Confidence Within Yourself. Some

People Might Say it’s Cocky, But You Know What You’re

Capable of. And The Sky’s The Limit.

-- Lamar Jackson

The Westside Gazette

Transform your PDFs into Flipbooks and boost your revenue!

Delete template?

Save as template ?