The Westside Gazette

They’ll Audit Your

Taxes Before They

Audit Your Ballot

PAGE 3

THURSDAY, JUNE 4 - JUNE 10, 2026

VOL. 55 NO. 18 $1.00

A MESSAGE FROM

THE PUBLISHER

Black Soldiers on D-Day:

The Heroes History

Too Often Forgot

By Bobby R. Henry Sr.,

Westside Gazette Publisher

As America prepares to commemorate the

anniversary of D-Day on June 6, we rightfully remember

the courage of the Allied forces who stormed the beaches

of Normandy, France, during one of the most pivotal

military operations in world history. Yet, too often left

out of the story are the thousands of African American

soldiers whose service and sacrifice helped make that

victory possible.

On June 6, 1944, more than 156,000 Allied troops

landed on the beaches of Normandy in an effort to liberate

Europe from Nazi occupation. Among those brave men

were African American soldiers serving in segregated

units, fighting for freedom abroad while being denied

many of the freedoms they sought to defend at home.

One of the most notable African American units

involved in the invasion was the 320th Barrage Balloon

Battalion, the only all-Black combat unit to land

during the initial D-Day assault. Their mission was

both dangerous and essential. Under enemy fire, they

deployed large balloons tethered above the beaches to

protect Allied troops from low-flying German aircraft.

Their efforts saved countless lives and helped secure the

(Cont’d on page 8)

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled

on May 28, 2026 in favor of Terry

Pitchford, a death row inmate in

Mississippi who was convicted of

the 2004 murder of a store clerk,

finding the jury selection process

in his state trial was improper

and sending the case back to

lower federal courts to reconsider.

(Photos: Joseph Perkovich and

Wikimedia Commons/Jeff Kubina).

A White Prosecutor

Kept Finding Ways

to Keep Black People

Off Mississippi Juries

— One Black Man

Spent 20 Years on

Death Row Before

the Supreme Court

Finally Stepped In



The Westside Gazette Newspaper

Congresswoman Frederica Wilson smiles alongside family members and supporters during a street-renaming

ceremony in Miami Gardens on May 29. The historic recognition honors Wilson’s decades of service as an

educator, mentor, state legislator, and member of Congress. During the ceremony, Wilson also announced

her retirement from Congress, closing a remarkable chapter in a public service career spanning more than

30 years. (Miami Gardens)

A Street, A Legacy, A Lifetime of Service:

Miami Gardens Honors

Congresswoman Frederica Wilson

By Bobby R. Henry, Sr.

Westside Gazette Publisher

MIAMI GARDENS, FL — Under

the South Florida sun and surrounded by

community leaders, elected officials, family

members, supporters, and generations of lives

she helped shape, Congresswoman Frederica

Wilson received one of the highest honors a

community can bestow — a street bearing her

name. The historic street-renaming ceremony

took place Friday in Miami Gardens, where

city officials formally dedicated a roadway

in honor of the longtime educator, mentor,

legislator, and congressional representative.

(Miami Gardens)

Exclusive interview with

Cuban Foreign Minister

“Cuba is not an enemy of the United

States, nor does it want to be“

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez at the UN

By Deisy Francis Mexidor on May 29, 2026

(Source: Prensa Latina, translation Ed Newman, Radio

Havana Cuba)

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, who

made it clear that “Cuba is not an enemy of the United

States, nor does it want to be,” answered questions from

Prensa Latina at the end of two and a half days of work in

New York, where he presented his country’s position and

denounced the military threat and the energy blockade at

a formal session of the UN Security Council convened by

China’s presidency of the body.

Prensa Latina (PL): On what basis does the United

States government insist on this narrative?

Bruno Rodríguez (BR): When the United States

But what began as a celebration of an

extraordinary legacy quickly became something

even more significant.

Standing before the crowd, Wilson

announced that after more than three decades

of public service, she will not seek another term

in Congress.

“This has been a journey, but it’s time,”

Wilson told supporters gathered for the

occasion. “The congresswoman is going to not

seek another term.” (Roll Call)

The announcement marked the end of

a remarkable political career that included

service on the Miami-Dade County School

Board, the Florida House of Representatives,


After felony

conviction,

Benjamin McNamee

built a freight

business focused

on second chances

The Crew of BJM Moving Solution (Courtesy of

TWN Studio)

(Source: Miami Times)

The South Florida entrepreneur now mentors

students and creates opportunities for formerly

incarcerated workers

Stephen Robb, Miami Times Staff Writer May 20,

2026 Updated May 20, 2026 Comments

Asked why he got into shipping, Benjamin McNamee

has a deceptively simple answer.

“Everything has to be shipped,” said McNamee,

founder and CEO of BJM Moving Solutions. “It’s a

trillion dollar industry; there’s some place in it for

me to make a living and a life for my family.”

(Cont’d on page 8 )

@TheWestsideGazetteNewspaper

Beyond

Personal

Gain:

Choosing What

Benefits All

By Bobby R. Henry, Sr

One of the greatest

challenges facing our

communities, our nation, and

our politics today is learning

the difference between what

benefits us personally and

what benefits us collectively.

Too often, we evaluate

leaders, policies, and decisions

based on a simple question:

“What have they done for

me?” While that question

may seem reasonable,

it can be dangerously

incomplete. A leader who

does something good for me

may not necessarily be good

for everyone. Personal favors,

individual advantages, and

special access can cloud

our judgment and prevent

us from seeing whether

decisions are truly advancing

the common good.

Perhaps this is where

politics becomes messy.

When personal benefits

begin to outweigh the

benefits for all, we lose sight

of justice. We become more

concerned with protecting our

own interests than ensuring

fairness and opportunity for

everyone. Yet history teaches

us that real progress comes

when people are willing to

look beyond themselves.

The Montgomery Bus

Boycott stands as one of the

greatest examples of this

principle. Rosa Parks’ refusal

to surrender her seat was

not simply about one woman

being mistreated. A negative

situation that affected one

person became the catalyst

for transforming an entire


Thursday

June 4 TH

Partly Cloudy

Sunrise: 6:28am

Fri

84°

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76°

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75°

Sunset: 8:09pm

Sat Sun Mon Tues

WESTSIDE GAZETTE IS A MEMBER:

National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA)

Southeastern African-American Publishers Association (SAAPA)

Florida Association of Black Owned Media (FABOM)

89°

79°

PAGE 2 • JUNE 4, 2026 - JUNE 10, 2026

www.thewestsidegazette.com

The Voice of the Elderly

By Jabari Bovell

In today’s fast-paced world, many teenagers and young adults

are constantly focused on what is next. Between social media,

school, sports, jobs, and friendships, life can move so quickly

that we sometimes forget to listen to the people who have

already lived through decades of experiences, the elderly. Our elders carry something that cannot

be found on TikTok, Instagram, or any trending app: real-life wisdom. They have lived through

challenges, successes, failures, and major moments in history that helped shape who they are

today. Their stories provide lessons that younger generations can learn from and build upon.

Many older adults speak from experience rather than emotion. They understand the importance

of patience, hard work, respect, perseverance, and knowing your history because they have

lived through times that demanded strength and resilience. Some experienced segregation,

economic hardships, social injustice, family struggles, and major changes in society. Despite

those challenges, they continued to move forward and create better opportunities for future

generations.

One person who represents this kind of wisdom in my life is my grandfather, Larry Clayton.

He is someone who always speaks honestly and shares lessons based on real experiences. He

doesn’t sugarcoat reality or tells people only what they want to hear. Instead, he offers truthful

advice that comes from years of learning, growing, and overcoming obstacles. In a generation

where many people

are afraid to speak

honestly, his voice

stands out because it

is genuine, thoughtful,

and authentic. He

reminds me that

respect, discipline,

accountability, and

understanding your

history are essential

to becoming a strong

individual. Sometimes

his words may be tough

to hear, but real wisdom

is not always meant to

make us comfortable;

it’s meant to help us

grow.

Teenagers today face

a lot of pressures.

From academic expectations

and social

media influence on

relationships and the

challenges of living in

an increasingly divided

society, young people

often find themselves

searching for direction.

Continue reading online at:

thewestsidegazette.com

Jabari Bovell

GOLD

LIFE

WATER

PHONE

JESUS

EVERYONE

SNAKES

TEST

MATH

CHAIR

FISH

PEOPLE

SUPER

CELL

FAMILY

YEAR

MONEY

WORD

THUMBS

MATCH

BAG

FOOD

DOG

SCHOOL

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


Ain’t That A VHIT

Just One

More Drop

By Von C. Howard

I’ve learned that being

“strong” can sometimes mean

being silent for too long.

There have been seasons

in my life when I felt like a

glass filled right to the brim.

Work responsibilities. Family

obligations. Community commitments.

Church. Leadership.

Deadlines. Expectations were

both spoken and unspoken. I

was grateful for all of it. Truly

grateful. But if I’m honest,

there were moments when I

wasn’t just busy, I was full.

Not fulfilled. Full.

And when you’re that full, it’s

rarely a major crisis that pushes

you over. It’s something small.

A misunderstood comment.

A delayed response. An extra

request added to an already

packed schedule. Just one

more drop and suddenly your

tone changes. Your patience

shortens. Your energy shifts.

You don’t recognize yourself in

your own response.

I’ve sat in my car a few minutes

longer than necessary before

walking inside, just trying to

gather myself. I’ve gone quiet

in rooms where I’m normally

engaged. I’ve answered simple

questions with more edge

than the situation deserved.

Not because I didn’t care but

because I was at capacity.

And what makes that space

heavier is how easily it’s

misinterpreted.

When I’ve pulled back to protect

my peace, it has sometimes

been labeled disengagement.

When I’ve said no, some

heard selfishness instead of

stewardship. When I’ve grown

quiet, others assumed distance

rather than depletion. But the

truth was simpler: I was trying

not to spill.

Accumulation without release

will do that to you. Being

dependable, reliable, and

available can quietly become

unsustainable if you never

pause to pour some of it out.

Strength, when left unchecked,

can turn into silent strain.

And I know I’m not alone in

that.

Parents feel it. Professionals

feel it. Students feel it.

Caregivers feel it. Leaders

feel it. Anyone who carries

responsibility for others

knows what it means to

operate at the edge of their

capacity. The details differ,

but the internal dialogue is

often the same: If one more

thing happens, I don’t know

how I’ll respond.

Managing life at the brim

requires honesty with myself

first. I’ve had to admit that

resilience is not infinite.

That rest is not a reward for

exhaustion. That boundaries

are not betrayals. They are

wisdom.

Sometimes that means

saying no without a long

explanation. Sometimes it

means turning the phone off.

Sometimes it means having

a hard conversation. And

sometimes it simply means

sitting still long enough to

feel what I’ve been ignoring.

I’m still learning. I don’t

always get it right. There are

days I hold too much and spill

anyway. But I’m beginning

to understand that spilling

doesn’t mean I’m broken, it

means I reached a human

limit.

Life will always try to add

just one more drop. The

growth comes in recognizing



Imagine you bank at a financial institution where

nobody checks whether the numbers add up, the

software hasn’t been updated since 2005, and the

company running your account was caught bribing

auditors to keep their contract. You’d snatch your

coins and run.

Now imagine that institution is American

JUNE 4, 2026 - JUNE 10, 2026 • PAGE 3

A Salute to Congresswoman Frederica Wilson:

A Legacy of Service, Style, and Substance

As Congresswoman Frederica Wilson announces

her retirement after more than three decades of public

service, our community pauses to honor a woman

whose impact extends far beyond the halls of Congress.

Congresswoman Wilson has been a relentless

advocate for the people she served, a champion for

education, a defender of working families, and an

unwavering voice for those too often overlooked.

While many know her for her signature hats, history

will remember her for the countless lives she touched

through her leadership, compassion, and commitment

to justice.

Her work through the 5,000 Role Models of

Excellence Project helped shape generations of young

men and women, providing guidance, mentorship,

and hope where it was needed most. Long before

mentoring became a popular political talking point,

Congresswoman Wilson was investing in the future of

our children and proving that leadership begins with

service.

Throughout her career, she never forgot where she

came from or who she represented. Whether fighting

for federal resources, advocating for education funding,

addressing healthcare disparities, or speaking truth to

power, she remained steadfast in her commitment to

South Florida and communities across the nation.

Congresswoman Wilson’s retirement marks the

end of an extraordinary chapter in public service,

but her legacy will continue through the students

she inspired, the families she helped, the leaders she

mentored, and the communities she strengthened.

On behalf of the Westside Gazette family, we thank

Congresswoman Frederica Wilson for her years of dedicated service,

her courage, her authenticity, and her unwavering belief in the

power of people. She has left an indelible mark on our community

and our nation.

As she passes the torch to a new generation of leaders, we

celebrate not only what she accomplished but the path she cleared

for others to follow.

Well done, Congresswoman Wilson. Your legacy is secure, your

impact immeasurable, and your service deeply appreciated.

Thank you for showing us what leadership with purpose looks

like.

— Bobby R. Henry, Sr., Publisher, Westside Gazette

They’ll Audit Your Taxes Before They Audit Your Ballot

democracy.

Nathan Taylor didn’t set out to be an election

watchdog. The cybersecurity professional and

Army veteran was minding his business until

Election Night 2024, when over 200 bomb

threats—traced to Russian

email domains—targeted

polling locations concentrated

in swing-state cities. Taylor

started digging. What he

found wasn’t just alarming. It

was structural.

Taylor co-founded the

Election Truth Alliance

(ETA), a nonpartisan volunteer outfit of data

scientists, cybersecurity experts, and statisticians.

Using peer-reviewed methods developed to detect

fraud in Russian elections, ETA applied the same

(Cont’d on page x)

PAGE 4 • JUNE 4 - JUNE 10, 2026

Westside Gazette

Calendar of Events

Deeply Rooted

LOCAL HAPPENINGS IN

BROWARD MIAMI-DADE

AND PALM BEACH

COUNTIES

HAVE YOUR COMMUNITY EVENTS

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Happy Birthday * Weddings * Anniversaries

Retirements * Congratulations


The Women of Veterans Affairs

(WOVA) invites all men and women

of the military (past or present)

to become a member of our organization

whose mission is to provide

to the Veteran and their family

members available resources and

counseling. Our organization engages

the community through giving

back with such programs as our

scholarship program that provide financial

support to our most deserving

high school graduating students with a focus on those

enrolled in JROTC; our annual Christmas toy give away,

and through partnership with other community agencies

enabling WOVA to assist in changing the lives of military

veterans and their families providing them with an understanding

of their benefits and available services.

You may contact WOVA via vettejohnson@hotmail.com.

sparkle51@bellsouth.net or call the WOVA office at (954)

496-4815.

Support The Westside

Gazette and help us

continue sharing OUR

story. By subscribing

today, you’ll gain

access to our finest

journalism and play a

vital role in securing the

future of our newspaper.

Subscribe now!

(954) 525-1489

Follow @TheWestsideGazette Newspaper on Social Media +

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

STAY

CONNECTED --


You are not alone,

God’s Precious WidowsElevating Widows Support Group

Meet every 4th Saturday 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

2300 N.W. 22nd St.Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311

Fellowship HallNew Birth House of Prayer for all People.

Contact Eular Nelson (954) 595-9338


WESTSIDE

GAZETTE

Bobby R. Henry, Sr.

PUBLISHER

NEWSPAPER STAFF

Sonia Henry-Robinson

COMPTROLLER

Tawanna C. Taylor

ADMINISTRATIVE ASST.

Pamela D. Henry

SENIOR EDITOR

Arri D. Henry

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Carma L. Henry

COMMUNITY NEWS

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

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CREDO -The Black Press

beieves that

American best lead the

world away from racial

and national antagonisms

when it accords to

every person, regarless

of race, color or creed,

full human and legal

rights. Hating no

person, feaing no person,

the Black Press

strives to help every

person in the firm belief

that all are hurt as long

as anyone

is held back.

LETTERS TO THE

EDITOR GUIDELINES

We welcome letters from

the public. Letters must

be signed with a clearly

legible name along with

a compete address and

phone number.

No unsigned

letters will be considered

for publiction.

The Westside Gazettere

serves the right to edit

letters. Letters should be

500 words or less.

WHITE SUPREMACY IDEOLOGICAL PLOT

“Those who remain silent and wait for a child

to save democracy believes in Fairy Tales and

the abominable white-supremacy-ideology.”

John Johnson II 06/03/26

By John Johnson II

The history of America is not credible

without examining the enduring influence

of white supremacy as both an ideology

and a political plot. At its core, ideology has

historically pursued two objectives. First,

it promoted the belief that white people

occupied a superior position within society. Second, and perhaps

more as a deceitful and delusional strategy, it sought to convince

poor and working-class white Americans that they shared a common

destiny with wealthy white elites. Despite they often suffered the

same economic hardships experienced by Black Americans and other

marginalized groups.

This illusion of inclusiveness proved politically powerful. If poor

whites believed the illusion that race mattered more than economics,

they would be less likely to unite with Black people and other

disadvantaged citizens to challenge concentrated wealth and power.

Instead of questioning economic inequality, they perceived their

struggles through the lens of racial competition.

Throughout American history, political leaders have frequently

exploited these divisions. A frequently cited example emerged from

the presidency of Ronald Reagan. The image of the so-called “welfare

queen” became a powerful political symbol. Although welfare recipients

came from multiple racial backgrounds, attention disproportionately

focused on Black recipients. The result was a political climate that

made reductions in social welfare programs easier to justify.

Today, critics argue that a similar strategy now occupies the

landscape. Rather than encouraging solidarity among workingclass

Americans across racial lines, political rhetoric often directs

frustration toward immigrants and other minorities. Meanwhile, the

economic and political influence of billionaires and powerful interests

continues to expand.

According to these critics, the strategy relies upon four

interconnected tactics. The first is delegitimization, achieved through

propaganda, media manipulation, and the erosion of public trust

in independent institutions. The second is legal and institutional

neutering, including gerrymandering, voter suppression efforts, and

the weakening of political opposition. The third is criminalization,

in which legal institutions functioned as tools for punishing or

intimidating political opponents. The fourth is disenfranchisement,

reducing the political influence of groups viewed as obstacles to

maintaining power.

The power of this strategy lies not in improving the lives of ordinary

people, but in persuading struggling white citizens that their true

enemies are other struggling people. If Black Americans, poor whites,

immigrants, and other marginalized groups continue to remain weak

and divided, they are less likely to recognize the strong economic and

political interests they share.

As America approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding, the

nation faces a troubling reality. Political polarization, racial mistrust,

economic inequality, and institutional distrust have produced

divisions that observers believe rivals the turbulent periods in

American history. While the circumstances differ from those that led

to the Civil War of 1861, the level of social and political fragmentation

has become increasingly alarming.

The lesson of history is clear: democracy is strongest when ordinary

people recognize their common interests. It is weakest when fear,

resentment, and division prevent those same citizens from building

coalitions capable of holding power accountable.

Truthfully, white supremacists, do you not realize that you’ve been

“had, suckered, and bamboozled?” What’s even crazier, you’ve allowed

your racism and hatred to cause you to turn a “ blind eye” to the

truth. Instead of holding the perpetrators accountable, you attack

Black people and immigrants. If you’re told at the beginning of a

B rated movie its plot, you can easily predict its ending. Now that

you know the plot of the white supremacy ideology, are you wise and

courageous enough to no longer allow yourselves to become perceived

as a mindless MAGA cult.

Yes, the truth can be painful! But buckle-up and ask yourselves,

“Who gave trillions of tax cuts to billionaires, gutted the federal govt.,

looted the Treasury, criminalized the DOJ, awarded billions in private

contracts to cronies, and attempted to hide peoples’ sufferings with

pageantry and grotesque monuments? You see! White supremacy

is like a doubled edged sword; it cuts both ways. “Poor whites and

Black/marginalized minorities also bleed. Racism won’t fill-up your

gas tank, buy groceries, or even pay your cable TV bill; It never has

and never will!

YOU ARE THE JUDGE!

Why Trump

blinked on Iran

By Sophia Gonzalez

Donald Trump did not suddenly become

a dove. He did not wake up one morning

converted to the wisdom of Quincy Adams,

George Kennan, or the old conservative

suspicion of crusading wars. When he paused another planned attack on

Iran, the public explanation was diplomatic: Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and

the United Arab Emirates had urged restraint; Pakistan had carried

a proposal; talks had become serious enough to justify delay. That

explanation is true as far as it goes. It is not enough.

The deeper story is that Washington’s military calculus has changed.

The old assumption—that Iran could be bombed, contained, humiliated,

and then brought quietly to the table—has met the hard surface of reality.

American power remains immense. But immensity is not the same as

usability. A superpower can destroy a great deal and still fail to produce a

political result worth the price.

That is what the Iran crisis has exposed. Trump’s hesitation was not

merely a bow to Arab pressure. It was an admission, however reluctant,

that another round of strikes might not restore deterrence at all. It might

accelerate the very erosion of deterrence that the war was supposed to

prevent.

The Pentagon’s problem is no longer simply target selection. It is

predictability, exhaustion, and escalation. Open-source military tracking

has shown how much of America’s naval, bomber, tanker, and missiledefense

capacity has been drawn into Operation Epic Fury. Defense

assessments have also raised questions about depleted U.S. interceptor

stocks and the burden Washington has carried in defending Israel from

Iranian missile fire. These are not the markers of a cheap war. They are the

markers of a war consuming the machinery needed for other theaters for

Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com

Deeply Rooted

JUNE 4 - JUNE 10, 2026 • PAGE 5

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

the right to publish Views and Opinions by Contributing Writers that

may not necessarily reflect those of the Staff and Management of

The Westside Gazette Newspaper and are solely the product of the

responsible individual(s) who submit comments published in this

newspaper.

FRANKLY SPEAKING

We know what

hasn’t worked,

let’s try something

different.

By W. Frank Wilson

In an earlier post addressed to

my fellow Greeks I spoke about the 501c3 designation is in

reality a line drawn to control our behavior

But, true to that old Common Meter hymn, I was a wandering

sheep, I did not love the fold I did not love my shepherd’s voice

I would not be controlled, we cannot continue to use 501c3 as a

problem let’s see the opportunity! What you talking about

Frank?

Can’t we establish a common cause organized body that

shows no fraternal or sororetal affiliation but is guided by

the principles of Black Unity? More specifically Voting Unity,

Candidates selection unity,

HBCU cooperative support unity and beyond?

You know the story of how Buffaloes run toward the storm

As individual organizations we are forced to run away from

the storm but our Buffalo mentality and behavior can change

some outcomes

If not now, when? If not us who?

Rest assured I am in no way overlooking folk who are not

Greek because to change our Outcomes we need everyone’s

Input!

Around the world, global solidarity and

cooperation are remarkably popular

By Lawrence S. Wittner

One of the curious ironies of our

time is that, although many politicians

spout heated nationalist rhetoric,

rail against foreign nations, and

belittle international cooperation, this

approach to international affairs is not

at all what most people want.

The climate of aggressive

nationalism is clear enough. In nations

around the globe, demagogues (usually of a rightwing variety)

whip up xenophobia, preach superpatriotism, demand vast

military buildups, and―if holding public office―often launch

invasions of other nations under the banner of restoring an

allegedly glorious national past.

But what is often overlooked is that, across the planet, most

people favor a very different way of engaging with the world. In

late 2025, Focaldata, a major research company commissioned

by the Rockefeller Foundation, conducted a landmark

survey of 36,405 people across 34 countries. The resulting

report, Demanding Results: Global Views on International

Cooperation, revealed that 55 percent of people worldwide

“believe their country should cooperate on global challenges

even if it means compromising on national interests.” If

international cooperation was proven to solve global problems,

public support jumped to 75 percent. Respondents viewed

such cooperation as essential for food and water security, jobs,

health, trade, and climate.

Other opinion surveys confirm the widespread nature of

internationalist sentiment. An Ipsos poll conducted between

February and April 2026 found a substantial increase over the

previous year in support for global solidarity and cooperation,

with net disagreement shifting to net agreement. Among the

more than 22,000 adults in the 31 countries surveyed, nearly

two-thirds now supported the claim that, “for certain problems,

like environmental pollution, international bodies should have

the right to enforce solutions.” Some 42 percent (a plurality)

agreed with the idea that “my taxes should go towards solving

global problems.” And nearly four out of 10 respondents (a

plurality) endorsed the statement: “I consider myself more a

world citizen than a citizen of the country I live in.”


Suffering And Frustration Continue

Because The Iran War Won’t End

By James B. Ewers Jr. Ed.D.

Every day in recent months we have watched

in real time the twists and turns of the war in

Iran. You can see it through different prisms.

Regardless of your view, the Iran war isn’t over

yet. Will it be over soon? That is a question that

is waiting to be answered.

The war with Iran began February 28th

without a formal declaration of war by Congress.

Israel was a partner of the United States in the

war effort. There was a time when Israel was

taking a more active role. Its Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu was

more visible and giving more directions. This is my opinion.

Now, we are in the month of June. Schools are out and commencements

are over, yet the war continues. Families are broken forever with only the

memories of loved ones. Heaviness of mind and spirit serves as a constant

reminder.

Ceasefire, Strait of Hormuz, pause, negotiating, and nuclear weapons

are all words and terms that we know quite well. We, the American people

don’t know about troop withdrawals, treaties or permanent solutions

because we aren’t at the table. As a result, we have a very limited view

of this war’s timetable. We only know what we read and what we hear.

Almost and close are words we hear attached to ending this engagement.

Our side says one thing and the other side says another thing. So, we just

sit and we just wait.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, “The president expressed his

desire to make a deal. He’s either going to make a good deal or no deal.

But that may take a little while, I mean a few more days.”

He added, “The straits need to be open, unimpeded, without tolls. And

obviously that needs to happen immediately as soon as anything is agreed

to.”

We know that the country of Pakistan is involved in the peace talks

between the countries. Key leaders for Pakistan are Interior Minister

Syed Mohsin and Army Chief Asim Munir. So far with Pakistan at the


A MESSAGE FROM

THE PUBLISHER

from FP

system. The goal was not

special treatment for a

select few. The goal was

justice for all.

Thousands sacrificed.

Many walked miles to work.

Some lost jobs. Others faced

threats and intimidation.

Yet they remained

committed because they

understood something we

often forget today: true

leadership seeks the good of

the whole community, not

merely the comfort of the

individual.

The boycott succeeded

because people were willing

to place principle above

personal convenience. They

understood that when

justice prevails for the

least among us, everyone

benefits.

This lesson is deeply

rooted in Scripture.

In Isaiah 1:17, God

commands His people

to “learn to do right;

seek justice. Defend the

oppressed. Take up the

cause of the fatherless;

plead the case of the widow.”

Notice what God does

not say. He does not tell

us to seek advantage for

ourselves. He does not tell

us to protect only those who

can help us. Instead, He

directs our attention toward

those who are vulnerable,

overlooked, and unable to

repay our kindness.

The oppressed, the

fatherless, and the widow

represented the people with

the least power in society.

God’s concern was not about

preserving privilege. His

concern was about ensuring

justice.

The same call remains

before us today.

Who are the oppressed

in our communities? Who

are the children without

advocates? Who are the

elderly, the struggling

families, the forgotten

neighborhoods, and the

unheard voices? Seeking

justice means refusing to

ignore their plight. It means

challenging systems that

harm them and supporting

efforts that lift them up.

This is not merely social

responsibility. It is spiritual

responsibility.

As followers of Christ,

we are called to reflect the

heart of our Father. We are

called to care about what He

cares about. We are called

to champion causes that

extend beyond our personal

interests.

We must also recognize

another truth: not everyone

is meant to help us fulfill

our individual purpose.

Some people will support us,

some will challenge us, and

some will simply be part of

our journey. Yet when each

person fulfills the purpose

God has placed before them,

everyone benefits from the

result.

Dr. Martin Luther King

Jr. fulfilled his purpose.

Rosa Parks fulfilled hers.

Countless unnamed foot

soldiers fulfilled theirs.

Their sacrifices created

opportunities that benefited

generations they would

never meet.

That is the model we

should pursue.

When choosing leaders,

supporting causes, or

making decisions that affect

our communities, we should

ask not only, “What does

this do for me?” but also,

“What does this do for us?”

We should measure success

not by personal gain but by

collective progress.

Justice has never been

about securing a better seat

for ourselves. It has always

been about making room at



PAGE 6 • JUNE 4 - JUNE 10, 2026

BUSINESS

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Deeply Rooted


Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce President and CEO

G. Eric Knowles Named Florida Small Business Advocate

of the Year by SBA South Florida District Office

Submitted By Jessica Garrett

MIAMI, FL -- G. Eric

Knowles, president and CEO

of the Miami-Dade Chamber of

Commerce, has been named the

2026 Florida Small Business

Advocate of the Year by the U.S.

Small Business Administration

South Florida District Office as

part of its National Small Business

Week honors.

The statewide recognition celebrates

Knowles’ leadership, advocacy

and long-standing commitment

to strengthening small

businesses, expanding economic

opportunity and supporting

entrepreneurs throughout Miami-Dade

County and across

Florida.

National Small Business

Week took place May 3-9, 2026,

recognizing outstanding small

businesses, entrepreneurs and

community leaders across all 50

states, U.S. districts and territories.

Since 1963, the president of

the United States has proclaimed National Small Business Week to honor the small businesses that serve as the job creators,

builders and innovators of America’s economy.

Knowles was selected among the SBA’s 2026 State Award Winners, joining honorees recognized for their contributions to business

growth, community impact and economic development. Through his leadership at the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce,

Knowles has championed programs, partnerships and resources designed to help small owned businesses, entrepreneurs and

small business owners access capital, build capacity and compete in an evolving marketplace.

The SBA South Florida District Office announced the 2026 honorees in advance of National Small Business Week, which will

include local events, training opportunities and celebrations designed to connect entrepreneurs with resources to start, grow and

succeed.

As president and CEO of the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce, Knowles has helped position the organization as a leading

resource for Small businesses and diverse entrepreneurs, while continuing to advocate for inclusive economic growth throughout

South Florida.

The SBA South Florida District Office also recognized additional award winners, including Florida Small Business Manufacturer

of the Year Michael Guidoboni of Spectrum Custom Molds & Manufacturing Inc.; Florida Small Business Community Partner

of the Year weVENTURE Women’s Business Center; and South Florida District Small Business Person of the Year Carla D.

Boyce of EFCO USA Inc.

Details about National Small Business Week, award winners and related events are available at www.sba.gov/NSBW and

www.sba.gov/events.

About the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce

The Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce is committed to promoting economic development, business growth and advocacy for

small businesses and entrepreneurs throughout Miami-Dade County. Through programming, partnerships, education and access

to resources, the Chamber works to strengthen businesses, create opportunities and advance economic equity across South

Florida.

FRANCINE

Your Tailor

Alterations For

Men & Women & Kids

Cell: (754) 274-8537

A: 784 NW 91st Terrace

Advertise Here

Have Your Business Card Placed On This Page

For more information, call (954) 525-1489

Against the Grain II

Thankfully the Trump

administration does a

full reverse on FEMA

By Vaughn Wilson

We are officially in the 2026 hurricane

season and Florida residents

should be alarmed. Not just at the

warming temperatures which has

heated the accelerant known as the

Gulf waters, but because the FEMA

response we’ve all needed and grown

accustomed to has not been in place.

Several cities and states have suffered

drawn out disappointments as

the gutting of FEMA left them without

a federal safety net for natural

disasters.

With Elon Musk at the helm of the

fledgling Department of Government

Efficiency (DOGE), the billions of

dollars stacked in FEMA, estimated at 15.1 billion, to be doled

out to states upon formal requests for emergency funds, were

held. The funds would become a portion of the money Musk

would claim he cut from the government as nothing more than

a slush fund.

While President Trump himself was not a fan of FEMA and

campaigned on getting rid of the agency, it was Kristi Noem

who sent FEMA into dormancy. She would not sign releases

of emergency funds that frustrated Democrats and Republicans

alike. It was the threats by Republican congressmen and

Senators that really brought this to light as it not just being

another dysfunctional relationship between the country’s two

major parties. Real disasters in the areas these elected officials

left their constituents looking at them for answers and

they pressed Trump for a resolution.

The National Center for Atmospheric Research has been targeted

for dismantling by the Trump Administration. Likely due

to Musk’s ill-advised recommendation. This action enraged national

meteorological societies as it crippled their ability to save

life, property and the economy. In our area, the contracts for

sea monitoring devices used by the National Hurricane Center

went unpaid. Fortunately, private companies have stepped in

and deployed their water-based drones to try and fill the gap

of the lost atmospheric information due to the Department of

Homeland Security’s absence of investment. These are critical

elements of storm prediction and path predictions.

In an article published by E&E News, the challenges FEMA

will face has been exaggerated over the last year. “FEMA has

lost a lot of higher level people with a lot of experience and a

lot of knowledge over the past year and a half,” said Josh Morton,

emergency management director in Saluda County, South

Carolina, and current president of the emergency managers’

group. “FEMA staffing all the way around has dropped drastically.”

In a dramatic turn of events, the very man who led FEMA

during its better times, Cameron Hamilton, has been tapped

to resume his top position at FEMA after being fired by the

Trump administration in May of 2025. I couldn’t make this up.

However it looks, the bottom line is the Trump Administra-


‘Alligator Alcatraz’ could be

emitting hundreds of tons of

toxic gases, new case claims

A new lawsuit claims Florida’s ad hoc Everglades immigrant

detention center could be emitting hundreds

of tons of toxic gases without a permit. (Official White

House Photo by Daniel Torok).

By Liv Caputo-May

(Florida Phoenix)

The so-called “Alligator Alcatraz” detention center could be

pumping hundreds of tons of toxic gases into the atmosphere

without a permit, Florida environmentalists suing the state

claimed in a new court filing.

The federal lawsuit, brought by the Center for Biological Diversity,

asks the Southern District of Florida to declare that

Florida’s emergency managers have violated the Clean Air Act

and to fine them more than $120K per environmental violation

per day.

It’s the Center’s second lawsuit targeting the Everglades detention

center’s operations over environmental concerns, and

comes one month after its first case was kicked back to a lower

court.

“Upon information and belief, and even using conservative

estimates, collectively the generator sets and lighting towers

have the potential to emit … no less than 509 tons of carbon

monoxide per year [and] no less than 204 tons of [nitrogen oxides],”

the suit reads.

The document points to an October environmental assessment

commissioned by the Florida Division of Emergency

Management, revealing that the facility requires more than

100 diesel-powered lighting towers and between 25 and 200

diesel-powered generators. These consume more than 7.6 million

gallons of fuel annually, the report says.

The account was made public in March after environmental

groups sued DEM — the agency in charge of the facility — for

thousands of public records it said were being kept secret in

violation of Florida law.

The assessment found that DEM needed to obtain a special

air quality permit required for large facilities that emit “significant”

levels of air pollution, called a Prevention of Significant



CHURCH DIRECTORY

Bethel A.M.E. Church

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

405 NW ESTHER ROLLE 3RD

AVENUE

POMPANO BEACH, FL 33060

(954) 943-6220

email: bethelamwpompano@gmail.com

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

SUNDAY WORSHIP ..... 10AM

TUESDAY BIBLE STUDY..... 7PM

Zoom ID: 7066533918

bethelpompano.org

CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS

NEW BETHEL A.M.E. CHURCH

959 DELLA TOBIAS AVE., CLEWISTON, FL

Reverend Clarence Honor and

First Lady Charlann

Jackson Honor, Esq.

SUNDAY WORSHIP

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

MEETING ID 7871410293

PASS CODE bethel2

TUESDAY NIGHTS BIBLE STUDY......

6:00 p.m.

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

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 Services"

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 PROVIDER Ministries that matter Today to Whole Body of Christ,

not only the Believers, but also for those stranded on the “Jericho Road”!

“Celebrating over 85 Years of FAITH and FAVOR!

Come to the WILL.....We’ll show You the WAY: Jesus the Christ”

Mrs. Avis Boyd-Gaines,

Owner, Funeral Director

& Embalmer

Mr. Bon M. Boyd,

Chief Executive Officer

Pastor David E. Deal, Jr.

JUNE 4 - JUNE 10, 2026 • PAGE 7

Every Christian's Church

SUNDAY @11:00 am

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

Bible Trivia

‘Test Your Bible Knowledge'

Angelology is defined as the study of angels. The word

angel, whether taken from the Hebrew mal’ak or from

the Greek angelos, means messengers. Today our trivia

will be on angels.

1) Angels were climbing up and down this structure in

Jacob’s dream

2) An angel with a sword blocked the path of this

prophet and his donkey?

3) An angel cared for this depressed prophet, telling

him to “Get up and eat”.

4) An angel touched this prophet’s lips with a burning

coal?

5) An angel kept these animals from munching on

Daniel?

6) An angel sprang this disciple from prison, though he

was chained between two guards?

7) Angels took care of Jesus after this desert ordeal?

Answers – 1) Genesis 28:12 ; 2) Numbers 22:21-35 ; 3) 1st

Kings 19:5-8 ;

4) Isaiah 6:6-7 ; 5) Daniel 6 ; 6) Acts 12:5-11 ; 7) 1-11

A Street, A Legacy, A Lifetime of cont'd from FP

the Florida Senate, and ultimately the United States

Congress, where she has represented South Florida since 2011.

(Wikipedia)

For many in attendance, however, Wilson’s greatest legacy

extends beyond elected office.

Long before she became known nationally for her colorful

hats and passionate advocacy on Capitol Hill, she was known as

an educator who believed every child deserved an opportunity

to succeed. Her signature initiative, the 5,000 Role Models of

Excellence Project, has helped transform the lives of thousands

of young men by connecting them with mentors, opportunities,

and hope. Wilson announced that in retirement she plans to

continue expanding the program across the nation. (Roll Call)

Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava praised Wilson’s

impact on the region, calling her “a true daughter of Miami”

and noting that few public servants have left a legacy as deep

and far-reaching throughout South Florida. (The Floridian)

Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried echoed those

sentiments, describing Wilson as a pillar of the community

whose legacy will be measured not simply by legislation

passed, but by the lives she touched and the doors she opened

for future generations.

For South Florida’s Black community, Wilson’s career

represented more than political achievement. She became

one of the most recognizable voices advocating for educational

equity, economic opportunity, voting rights, healthcare access,

and resources for historically underserved communities.

Throughout her tenure, she secured millions of federal

dollars for South Florida projects while remaining deeply

connected to the neighborhoods she represented. Her offices

in Miami Gardens, North Miami, Miami Beach, and West

Park became known as places where constituents could seek

assistance and be heard. (Congresswoman Frederica Wilson)

The street renaming serves as a permanent reminder of a

woman whose influence stretches far beyond the boundaries of

any single roadway.

As attendees gathered around the newly unveiled street

sign, many reflected on a career defined by service, advocacy,

and an unwavering commitment to her community.

“Not everyone gets to see their flowers while they’re here,”

one supporter remarked. “Congresswoman Wilson has earned

every one of them.”

For generations to come, residents and visitors traveling

through Miami Gardens will pass a street carrying the name

of a woman who dedicated her life to opening pathways for

others.

And perhaps that is the

most fitting tribute of all.

Mrs. Alexis Gaines-Sullivan,

Funeral Director,

Insurance Agent & Preneed

The Lord is my

Light and my

Salvation -

whom shall

I fear?The Lord

is the

stronghold

of my life - of

whom shall be

afraid?

Psalm 27:.1

PAGE 8 • JUNE 4 - JUNE 10, 2026

ByBIN

(Source: BIN)

Clarence

B. Jones,

Man

Behind 'I

Have A

Dream,'

Dead At

95

Clarence B. Jones has died.

According to NBC News, Jones — confidant to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and one of the

architects of the 1963 "I Have a Dream" speech — died on Friday (May 22) at an assisted living

facility in Cupertino, California. He was 95.

From 1960 to 1968, Jones served as King's personal lawyer and strategic adviser, helping draft

major speeches — including the opening lines of the "I Have a Dream" address — and guiding

key decisions during the height of the Civil Rights Movement.

He was also one of the key organizers of the March on Washington, where more than 250,000

people gathered on the National Mall on August 28, 1963.

His fingerprints are on some of the most consequential moments in American history. When

King was jailed in Birmingham in April 1963, it was Jones who smuggled notes out of the cell —

notes that would become the "Letter from Birmingham Jail," King's landmark declaration that

people have a responsibility to follow just laws and a duty to break unjust ones.

Jones was also part of the legal team that won the landmark 1964 press freedom case New

York Times v. Sullivan, in which the Supreme Court ruled that public figures must prove "actual

malice" to win a defamation case.

In the years after King’s death, Jones became the first Black partner in a Wall Street brokerage

on the New York Stock Exchange, later became the principal owner and publisher of the

New York Amsterdam News, and went on to teach at both Stanford University and the University

of San Francisco, where he co-founded the Institute for Nonviolence and Social Justice.

In 2024, President Joe Biden awarded Jones the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's

highest civilian honor, saying Jones "wielded a pen as a sword and gave words to the movement

that generated freedom for millions of people."

Even at 95, Jones never stopped fighting. Just weeks before his death, he called out President

Trump's push to redraw congressional maps as a direct assault on Black voting power.

"More powerful than the march of mighty armies," he said, "is an idea whose time has come."

Rev. Al Sharpton said it plainly: "So many of us owe a great debt to Clarence Jones.

Black Soldiers on D-Day: The Heroes History Too cont'd from FP

Deeply Rooted

beachheads that would become the gateway to the liberation of Europe.

African American soldiers also served in critical support roles that proved indispensable to

the success of the Allied campaign. They transported supplies, unloaded ships, built roads and

bridges, operated communication systems, and cared for wounded soldiers. Though often denied

the opportunity to serve in frontline combat positions, their work ensured that Allied forces had

the resources needed to continue their advance across France and into Germany.

Among the heroes of D-Day was Waverly B. Woodson Jr., a young Black Army medic who

treated dozens of wounded soldiers while under heavy enemy fire. Even after being wounded

himself, Woodson continued providing medical care for nearly 30 hours. His extraordinary

bravery saved lives and exemplified the dedication of African American servicemen throughout

the war.

Following D-Day, African American soldiers became the backbone of the famous Red Ball

Express, a massive transportation network responsible for delivering fuel, ammunition, food,

and supplies to advancing Allied forces. Nearly three-quarters of the drivers in the Red Ball

Express were Black soldiers. Without their tireless efforts, the Allied advance could have stalled,

potentially changing the course of the war.

The story of Black soldiers during World War II is also a story of contradiction. These men

fought against the racist ideology of Nazi Germany while serving in a segregated U.S. military.

They wore the uniform of a nation that often denied them equal treatment, equal opportunity,

and equal rights.

This reality gave rise to the “Double V” campaign championed by the Black Press: Victory

over fascism abroad and Victory over racism at home. African American newspapers across the

country called attention to the courage of Black servicemen and the hypocrisy of asking them to

fight for democracy overseas while denying them full citizenship in America.

The contributions of these soldiers helped lay the foundation for the modern Civil Rights

Movement. Their service challenged long-held stereotypes, demonstrated extraordinary

patriotism, and strengthened the argument for equality in American society.

As we honor the heroes of D-Day, we must ensure that the stories of Black soldiers are

not relegated to footnotes in history. They were not merely participants in one of the world’s

greatest military operations; they were essential to its success.

Their courage on the beaches of Normandy and throughout Continue reading online at:

Europe reminds us that freedom has often been secured by those thewestsidegazette.com

After felony conviction, Benjamin McNames built a freight cont' d from FP

Before he decided to start his own business, McNamee was simply looking for a well-paying

job where he’d be appreciated. But there was one obstacle: a criminal conviction.

He recalls one particular service industry job.

“The job was low paying, but I had to work,” McNamee said. “My bosses, they undervalued

me all the time, and I had to support my family as well. So it was like, do I accept just any

job because I have to support my family? That made me understand that I needed to create

something for myself. I needed to create income stability, create my own work path, my own

entrepreneurial spirit.”

When McNamee attended Florida A&M University in 2011, he was involved in a fatal

hazing incident with other marching band members. He was found guilty of third-degree felony

manslaughter and hazing causing death. After serving 60 days in prison awaiting sentencing, a

judge gave him ten years of probation.

McNamee later wrote a book titled “No Hazing, No Bullying: The Ben McNamee Story,”

and now tours high schools to tell students about the mistakes he made and the unintended

consequences of hazing rituals.

“I let them know exactly my story upfront,” McNamee said. “I bring my chains. I bring my

handcuffs. I let them know this is something that you don’t want to be involved in.”

His work talking to students ultimately shaved five years from his probation.

Despite taking a hit from the cost of diesel fuel, McNamee said his business is doing well. He

has contracts with national and multinational companies like Amazon and Wayfair, and he’s

tripled his revenue.

He also said moving freight gives him more time with his family.

“When I was working (past jobs), I worked 12-hour shifts and back-to-back shifts,” McNamee

said. “At that time my son was born, and it was like, I got to see him, got to say ‘what’s up’ to

him, but I gotta take a nap because I need to get ready for work. I appreciate what I have even

more.”

But knowing how difficult it is for formerly incarcerated people to become employed, he’s

working on making his business a felon-friendly workplace.

He said he’s been setting up a pipeline for drivers from local truck driving schools.

“Some of them, they have a good driving record, and they just need a chance,” McNamee

said.

He pointed to his friend Junior, who was convicted of a felony and served time in prison. Now

that he’s out, Junior and McNamee have been helping each other

out.




Obituaries

Death and Funeral Notices

VIEW OBITUARIES ONLINE

at www.thewestsidegazette.com

Announcements:

*In Memoriam *Death Notices *Happy Birthdays

*Card of Thanks *Remembrances

Peabo Bryson, Beloved Singer

of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and ‘A

Whole New World,’ Dead at 75

The Grammy-winning singer was

known for his towering ballads,

including “I’m So Into You,” “Let

the Feeling Flow,” and more

By Charisma Madarang

(Source: The Vibe)

Marselle Washington for Marco Imagery

His family confirmed the news to Rolling Stone, stating

the veteran singer died following a stroke and “transitioned

peacefully at 5:00 p.m. ET on the evening of Tuesday, June 2,

2026, surrounded by the love of his family and those closest to

him.”

“We are tremendously moved by the outpouring of love,

prayers and support from fans, friends, and colleagues around

the world,” the family said in a statement. “While our hearts

are broken, we find comfort in knowing how deeply Peabo was

loved and how many lives were touched by his voice and his

generous spirit. His legacy and music will live on for generations

to come.”

Born on April 13, 1951, in Greenville, South Carolina,

Bryson began his professional music career following high

school. After touring with Moses Dillard in the late 1960s, he

released his debut album, Peabo, in 1976, and signed with

Capitol Records a year later. He would return to Capitol after

a stint with Elektra Records, Continue reading online at:

where he lent his vocals for the thewestsidegazette.com

Exclusive interview with cont'd from FP

government uses this fallacious and ridiculous argument of the

supposed threat, what it intends is to manipulate American,

Cuban, and world public opinion.

What it wants is to try to justify a policy that is genocidal,

a crime against humanity, a form of collective punishment—all

recognized under international law. They are trying to justify a

fuel blockade that causes extraordinary humanitarian damage

and are trying to prepare public opinion to blame the Cuban

government for the effects that the measures it has taken are

precisely and deliberately designed to produce.

It is pure slander, a fable, but one that must be taken

seriously because U.S. imperialism is aggressive, and we must

take its threats seriously and always prepare for the worstcase

scenario, even though Cuba will do everything possible to

avoid a military escalation.

Cuba is not a threat to the United States government, nor

to its national security or foreign policy, firstly because it is a

small island and the United States is a nuclear superpower.

Secondly, because Cuba has a profound commitment to peace.

It is part of the principles of the Cuban Revolution; it is a

peaceful people. It is a country that has always contributed to

preserving international, hemispheric, and regional peace and

security, and has made very important contributions to peace,

such as the peace processes in Colombia.

It was in Havana, precisely, where the heads of state and

government of the entire region signed the proclamation of all

of Latin America and the Caribbean as a zone of peace, which

is one of the great contributions of Army General Raúl Castro

Ruz to the foreign policy of the Cuban Revolution.

This proclamation has since become enshrined as an

essential element of international law and is constantly

referenced in the debates, narratives, and documents adopted

by the states of the region, in the composition of the Community

of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), and in other

regional and subregional groups.

Furthermore, Cuba is not an enemy of the United States,

nor has it ever intended to be. It does not wish to be so in any

way, firstly because there are deep, affectionate, and fraternal

ties between the Cuban people Continue reading online at:

and the people of the United thewestsidegazette.com

A Good Sheperd's Funeral

Home & Cremation

Services Central

Robert

McCray -80

Celebration

Of Life

was held

May 30 th at

AGS South

Location.

Tanyeka

Miller

Memorial

Service

will be held

June 17 th

a Mt. Nebo.

Gregory Keith

Bynes, Sr – 62

Celebration

Of Life was

held May 30 th

at First Baptist

Church

Piney Grove

with Rev.

Roosevelt M. Bynes

officiating.

Laisner Devilas

– 89

Funeral

Service

was held

May 30 th

at James

C. Boyd’s

Memorial

Chapel.

Leroy

L.”Donald”

Ivey - 69

Forever In

Our Hearts

Celebration

was held

May 31 st at

James C.

Boyd’s Memorial Chapel

with Rev. Dr. Charles Fisher

officiating.

Eva Romer

Perez – 80

In Loving

Memory

was held

May 29 th

at The

Sanctuary Church FTL

with Pastor Dwayne Black

officiating.

Roy Mizell & Kurtz

Funeral Home

Elizabeth

Jones – 97

Homegoing

Celebration

was held

May 30 th at

Mount Nebo

Missionary

Baptist Church

with Rev. Danny L. Mckenzie

Sr. officiating.

Darlene

Simmons – 67


The Sound of Moving Forward

How Broward Health’s Occupational Therapists

Help Patients Reclaim Their Lives After a Stroke

By Hannah Gulics

From imbalance to

cognitive impairment, strokes

often leave life-altering

effects. Therapy is crucial

in helping people relearn

how to live their lives with

independence, purpose and

dignity after this traumatic

brain injury.

Following a life-altering

stroke, 29-year-old Jaqavius

Rogers discovered the power

of occupational therapy

through his work with

Broward Health Occupational

Therapist, Crystal Moss, MS,

OTR/L.

When Jaqavius arrived

at Broward Health Medical

Center in July 2024, his

vitals were alarming. He

was suffering from nausea,

shortness of breath, high

blood pressure and abdominal

pain. Soon after admission,

he became confused, lost

movement on the left side of

his body and could no longer

speak. Doctors determined

Jaqavius was experiencing a

major right-sided stroke.

Broward Health Physician

Group neurointerventional

specialist Celso Agner, M.D.,

performed an emergency

thrombectomy to restore

blood flow to his brain, which

saved his life.

Jaqavius spent two

months in the hospital, and

when he was discharged, he

left in a wheelchair without

voluntary movement in his

left arm.

After completing physical

therapy, Jaqavius began

outpatient occupational

therapy with Moss.

Rather than focusing

Crystal Moss, MS, OTR/L. and Jaqavius Rogers

solely on exercises, Moss built therapy around real-life

scenarios. Together, they practiced everyday tasks like pouring

water, vacuuming and relearning fine motor skills needed for

eating, grooming and self-care.

Jaqavius attended therapy twice a week for nearly a year

and practiced relentlessly.

Moss estimates he has regained 75% to 80% of his function,

a remarkable recovery after such a severe stroke. Today,

he drives, manages most daily activities on his own and is

considering returning to work or school.

Broward Health rehabilitation therapists support

individuals at every stage of recovery, with a shared goal of

helping patients return to the activities that matter most to

them.

To learn more about Broward Health’s comprehensive

stroke care, visit BrowardHealth.org/Stroke.

To learn more about Broward Health’s rehab services, visit

BrowardHealth.org/Rehab.

A White Prosecutor Kept Finding cont’d from FP

By Jill Jordan Sieder

(Source: Atlanta Black Star/New)

The Supreme Court on Thursday ruled in favor of a Black death row inmate from Mississippi

who has been arguing in court for 20 years that the mostly white jury that convicted him of

capital murder and sentenced him to death was unjustly composed with racial bias.

In 2004, Terry Pitchford, then 18, robbed a grocery store in Grenada, Mississippi, with Eric

Bullins, who was 16. The two Black teenagers both wielded guns.

Bullins fired three shots at the store owner, Reuben Britt, a white man, killing him.


JUNE 4 - JUNE 10, 2026• PAGE 9

The Cost of Being Black Right

Now: Trauma, Erasure, and

Collective Weight

By Dr. Carlian Dawson

(Source Arizona Informant)

My family teases me about

how much I listen to Urban View

Radio. If you don’t know about it

now you do. Lurie Daniel Favors,

Karen Hunter, and Clay Cane

are outstanding radio hosts

that speak empowerment to our

community. This article is from

a combination of discussions I’ve

never had with them, but hear

everything that is being said.

Thank you.

Many Black people are now

experiencing something difficult

to name but impossible to ignore.

It shows up as exhaustion that

sleep does not fix, vigilance

that never fully turns off, grief

without a single identifiable loss,

and a quiet sense that something

familiar is being taken away

in real time. In the midst of a

strained political climate, we are

witnessing the disappearance of

people, the dismantling of history,

and the removal of diversity,

equity, and inclusion efforts often

framed as policy decisions, but

lived as personal impact. As The

Trauma Educator and as I explained in my first book, Black Trauma What Happens to Us!, I

Pitchford also fired a gun, which was loaded with rat shot; in court, each side disputed

whether he shot at the store owner or fired into the floor.

Bullins, who was not subject to the death penalty as a minor, reached a plea agreement and

received a 20-year sentence for the homicide.

At Pitchford’s trial in a Mississippi state court, during jury selection, prosecutor Doug Evans

used peremptory strikes to dismiss four of five Black potential jurors.

Evans, who is now retired, was a prosecutor with a checkered history of striking Black jurors

for discriminatory reasons.

Florida Deputy Refused to Back Down After a One-Handed Driver Proved His Story Made

No Sense — So She Hunted Down the Bodycam and Blew His Entire Case to Pieces

In response, Pitchford’s counsel raised objections under Batson v. Kentucky, a precedent

based on a 40-year-old Supreme Court ruling that jurors cannot be excused from service because

of their race.

As Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who wrote the majority opinion for the Court explained, Batson

set up a three-part system for a trial court to determine whether a prosecutor used a peremptory

challenge based on race.

First, defense counsel must raise an objection and show how the juror strikes were based on

race. In this case, Pitchford’s attorney did so just as jury selection concluded, complaining that

11 of the selected jurors were white, and only one was Black, despite the local population being

40 percent Black.

Second, the prosector must supply race-neutral reasons for each strike.

At Pitchford’s trial, Evans argued that one juror had returned

15 minutes late to court, two others had brothers convicted of



The Joyful Cry

of New Beginnings

The sound of better care

At Broward Health, our dedicated specialists are here for you at

every stage of life, ensuring the right care is always within reach

and strengthening our community’s health for generations to come.

Learn more at BrowardHealth.org.

SUPPORT CLINICAL MODERN DELIVERY &

CENTERED ON YOU EXPERTISE POSTPARTUM SUITES

C5931-9_BH_Brand26_Baby_Gazzette_13.25c10.75.indd 1

5/13/26 5:01 PM

PAGE 10 • JUNE 4 - JUNE 10, 2026

FPL Celebrates Miami-Dade County

Public Schools Classroom Makeovers

By Natalie Fisher

MIAMI, FL - Six Miami-

Dade County Public Schools

have reason to celebrate:

some

recently received Florida

Power & Light Company’s

(FPL) STEM Classroom

Makeover

Grant for the 2025-26 school

year, while four others are

currently enjoying their

revamped classrooms after

winning the same grant for

the 2024-25 school year.

“Our students are

so excited,” said Edwin

Stajkovic, Robotics Teacher

at Orchard Villa

Elementary School. “There

is a noticeable sense of

excitement throughout the

school

each morning, as students

inquire about robotics

activities and opportunities to

visit the

STEM lab. This initiative has

significantly enhanced our

learning environment and

fostered greater enthusiasm

for education.”

FPL partnered with The

Education Fund and Miami-

Dade County Public Schools

to

celebrate the recognition of

all six schools. At the event,

each school presented how

they utilized their grant funds

or outlined plans for future

purchases and the anticipated

benefits for their students.

The schools invested in

updated technology, robotics

kits,

STEM software, desks, and

more, all aimed at enhancing

classroom learning

environments.

“These STEM Classroom

Makeover Grants represent

far more than a classroom

transformation. They are an

investment in opportunity,

Visit us at


For

Local,

National

News

and Videos

(954)

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innovation, and student

potential,” said Lourdes Diaz,

Chief Academic Officer for

Miami-Dade County Public

Schools (M-DCPS). “Through

CALL --

(954) 525-1489

our continued partnership

with Florida Power & Light

or

and The Education Fund, our

emailwgproof@thewestsidegazette.com

educators can create learning

environments that spark

curiosity,

promote

collaboration, and inspire

students to see themselves as

future

problem solvers, engineers,

and leaders. We are deeply



59

39

21

Broward County To Open More Early

Voting Sites For Upcoming Elections

By Staff Writer

FORT LAUDERDALE,

FL. – Anticipating a

substantial increase in voter

turnouts for the upcoming

midterm elections, Broward

County is expanding in-person

early voting locations.

Broward County Supervisor

of Elections Joe Scott

announced he’s planning to

open 30 more early voting sites

for the August Primary and

November’s general election.

He said the expansion is

about a 43 percent increase

from the 21 current locations.

AP Photo /Tony Dejar

The expansion also includes longer operating hours.

For the November election, each site will be open for 14 days of early voting, operating 12

hours per day.

The August primary will have nine days of early voting at nine hours per day.

“We realize that fewer people are going to vote by mail because of the efforts that the state

has made to make it harder for people to vote by mail,” Scott said. “But we can make it easier

for people to vote early, in person, by adding more (locations). We’ll have even more early voting

sites than we’ve ever had before, more communication to make sure that the public is aware that

these early voting sites are there and they can vote anywhere in the county.”

Some Democrats and voters raised concerns that ICE agents might be hanging around the

voting places.

But during a local Democratic event, Scott assured that access is restricted within 150 feet

of the polling site entrances.

Mail-in ballot requests lag ahead

of August’s Florida primary

By Phoebe Martel

(Source: WUSF)

With just over two months

to go until the primary election,

disability rights and senior

advocates fear that many

Florida voters won’t renew their

ballot requests in time to vote

from home.

In 2021, Governor Ron

DeSantis signed SB 90, a

law requiring Floridians to

renew their vote-by-mail ballot

requests after each general

election – every two years.

Previously, registered voters had to do so every four years.

Officials in Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties are reporting a steep drop-off in mailin

ballot requests for August’s midterm primary election.

Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley said that his office has received over

22,000 mail-in ballot requests to date.

At the same point in the 2024 general election, that figure was at 77,000.

Corley partially attributed the decline to politicians’ claims that voting by mail opens the

floodgates to fraud.

“We are going to do some outreach initiatives to remind voters that it is a safe and secure

vote and a popular way, so hopefully we’ll get those numbers back up,” Corley said.

Across the Tampa Bay region, the numbers paint a more complex picture — in Sarasota

County, the volume of mail-in ballot requests is fairly consistent with the same period in 2024.

Paul Donnelly, a spokesperson for the county’s elections supervisor, said all registered voters

received Notice of Elections mailers to remind them of the change.

In 2021, the Florida NAACP and Disability Rights Florida filed a joint lawsuit challenging

SB 90 on the grounds that its mail-in ballot restrictions disproportionately affect lower-income

individuals.

A U.S. District judge originally found the law improperly discriminated against Black voters,

but the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals later overturned his ruling.

Advocates say senior Americans and those with disabilities face socioeconomic disadvantages

that can complicate the renewal process. People with disabilities are twice as likely as their

peers to live below the low-income threshold, while adults over 65 are the highest-poverty age

group in Florida.


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SPORTS

Nunnie on the Sideline

By Nunnie Robinson, WG Sports Editor

My prognosticating suffered a deflating

blow after the Oklahoma City Thunder

fell in dramatic fashion to the youthful

but talented San Antonio Spurs, led by

budding superstar Victor Wembanyama.

If you recall, I had picked the Celtics

to represent the Eastern Conference.

The lengthy season and injuries to key

players definitely impacted the final

outcome. However, I fervently believe

the best teams—the New York Knicks

and the San Antonio Spurs—are in the

NBA Finals, led by head coaches Mike

Brown and Mitch Johnson, two African

American coaches of whom we should all

feel great pride.

Some of you may be old enough to recall that in 1990,

Michael Jordan’s mother appealed to him to endorse the

Black Democratic Senate candidate running against staunch

segregationist Jesse Helms. Jordan famously responded,

“Republicans buy sneakers too,” choosing to remain

nonpartisan.

Faced with a similar political dilemma, Wembanyama

was reportedly implored by Spurs management and the

team’s public relations staff to remain silent regarding 47’s

immigration policies and the tactics employed by ICE. Despite

his status as a French citizen working in America on a visa,

Wembanyama chose to speak publicly about what he viewed

as harmful and inhumane policies affecting immigrants with

legal status. Mr. Wembanyama, I salute you.

The Carolina Hurricanes face off against the Vegas Golden

Knights to determine the NHL champion and claim the 2026

Stanley Cup.

The Cleveland Browns traded the NFL’s best defensive

player, Myles Garrett, to the Los Angeles Rams for starting

defensive end Jared Verse, along with first-, second-, and

third-round draft picks in 2027, 2028, and 2029. The Rams are

trying to win the Super Bowl now, while the Browns appear to

be looking toward the future. Only time will tell which team

benefited more from the trade.

One of my favorite players, quarterback Russell Wilson,

has decided to retire, causing speculation about whether he

merits Hall of Fame status. Some will point to his overall

career, prolific statistics, and Super Bowl victory with the

Seahawks. Others, however, will remember his disappointing

later years with Denver, Pittsburgh, and New York, as well as

the Super Bowl loss to the Patriots. The untimely play call and

subsequent goal-line interception sealed a crushing defeat.

First, it was a terrible call, one that Wilson could have

easily rectified with a simple audible by handing the ball to

the Beast, Marshawn Lynch. Perhaps his ego clouded his

judgment. A victory in that game would have made any debate

over his Hall of Fame status a nonissue.

Politically, Democrats must win decisively; otherwise,

Republicans may challenge unfavorable results, alleging

cheating or voter fraud. The January 6 insurrection has been

compared by some observers to historical episodes of political

violence in American history, including events in Wilmington,

North Carolina; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Chicago, Illinois; Atlanta,

Georgia; and Rosewood, Florida. Violence has too often been

used throughout history as a means of resisting political and

social change.

Vote, my friends—VOTE!!!!

AJ Brown Expected To Join

Patriots This Week In Exchange

For 2028 First-Round Pick

Deeply Rooted

Ron Coleman, First Black

athlete at University of

Florida

- Six-time Southeastern Conference champion

- Florida Gators Hall of Famer

Ron Coleman was the first Black athlete on scholarship at

the University of Florida, serving as a member of the Track

and Field team. He grew up in Ocala, a child to a barber and a

teacher. His parents were both active during the Civil Rights

Movement, and his father attended the March on Washington.

He was one of the first Black students to integrate Ocala High

School in 1965. During his senior year, he set a new state record

and won the Class 2A State Championship in the Long

Jump with a jump of 24 feet and five and a half inches! Ron

continued his career at the University of Florida where he won

6 Southeastern Conference Championships in both indoor and

outdoor track and field. Coleman excelled in long and triple

jump events. Served in the United States Navy for 22 years as

a Naval Aviator from 1975 to 1997. In 2004 he was inducted

into the University of Florida Hall of Fame as a distinguished

letter winner.

Bipartisan deal floated

on college athletes’

name, image, and

likeness legislation

JUNE 4 - JUNE 10, 2026 • PAGE 11

Calling all golfers and supporters of education and mentorship!

Join the brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity,

Inc. for the Legacy of Scholars Golf Classic on Saturday,

June 6, 2026, at the beautiful Woodmont Country

Club. This impactful event supports scholarships and

the Men of Tomorrow Program, helping to develop and

empower the next generation of young leaders. Come

enjoy a day of fellowship, golf, and community impact

while supporting a worthy cause. We would love to see

our golfing brothers and community supporters on the

course!

NFC Wild Card Playoffs: Green Bay Packers v

Philadelphia Eagles by Mitchell Leff | Getty Images

By J.L. Canfora

(Source: SportsBoom)

Multiple NFL executives said over the weekend that they

believe the Eagles will trade star receiver AJ Brown to New

England this week, with one general manager saying the

Eagles will land a 2028 first-round pick for him.

The New England Patriots, who reached the Super Bowl last

season but have had a tumultuous offseason and lack premium

talent at critical positions, have been viewed throughout the

process as clear front-runners to obtain Brown.

Still, nothing is complete until the transaction is registered

with the league office, and there is always a chance another

team swoops in and surprises.

One general manager, who is not involved in the process

but has been in contact with several parties who are, said: “I

hear it’s New England for a 2028 first-round pick. He’s a good

football player, but that’s a helluva deal for (Eagles GM) Howie

(Roseman).”

The reality is the Eagles have been entertaining offers on

Brown and gauging his value since shortly after the season

ended. The high-profile player made it abundantly clear

over the course of 2025, when the Philadelphia offence failed

miserably, that he was not pleased, and the general perception

around the league all along was that he would be moved after

Memorial Day.

The Time Is, Finally, Now


Two senators have reached a bipartisan deal on legislation

dealing with college athletes' name, image and likeness

compensation. (Photo by Getty Images)

By Shauneen Miranda

(Source: Florida Phoenix)

WASHINGTON — A pair of U.S. senators reached a bipartisan

agreement on a sweeping bill aimed at tackling many of

the biggest issues surrounding how to compensate players in

college sports.

GOP Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas and Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell

of Washington state — the top members of the Senate

committee with jurisdiction over the matter — unveiled legislation

this week that aims to “restore order in college athletics.”

Meanwhile, a separate bill to set a national framework for college

athletes’ compensation remains stalled in the House after

being yanked from the voting schedule earlier in May following

unanimous opposition from the Congressional Black Caucus.

The major voting bloc rallied behind the NAACP’s call to

push back against GOP-led redistricting efforts in Southern

states via college sports, including a boycott of public universities

by athletes and supporters.

The senators’ proposal marks the latest congressional push

to overhaul the college sports world, which continues to grapple

with the fallout from the NCAA’s 2021 guidelines that allowed

student-athletes to profit from their name, image and

likeness, or NIL.

Colleges, businesses and marketers are also wrestling with a

patchwork of state NIL laws, gender inequity in NIL deals and

the NCAA’s controversial transfer portal, among other issues.

A federal judge in 2025 also approved the terms of a nearly

$2.8 billion antitrust settlement that paved the way for schools

to directly pay athletes.


"YOU GOTTA HAVE

CONFIDENCE WITIN

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

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