The Westside Gazette

PRSRT STD 

U.S. POSTAGE 

PAID 

FT. LAUDERDALE, FL 33310 

PERMIT NO. 1179 

From a student’s perspective: 

An Interview with 

Broward County 

Public Schools 

Superintendent 

Dr. Hepburn 

PAGE 12 

THURSDAY, MAY 30 - JUNE 5, 2024 

VOL. 53 NO. 17 $1.00 

President 

Biden’s 

Critical 

Outreach 

to the Black 

Community 

By Bobby R. Henry, Sr. 

President Joe Biden’s recent efforts to engage 

with the Black community through prominent 

organizations like the NAACP and prestigious 

institutions such as Morehouse College underscore 

his recognition of the pivotal role Black voters play 

in his political success. However, these efforts may 

fall short if they do not include direct engagement 

with Black-owned media and other influential 

platforms within the community. As the election 

season heats up, Biden’s chances of securing a 

Markeith Loyd 

Lt. Debra Clayton 

Cop Killer 

Appeals 

to U.S. 

Supreme 

Court 

©2024 The News Service 

of Florida. All rights 

reserved; see terms. 

A man sentenced to death 

for killing an Orlando police 

officer in 2017 has appealed 

to the U.S. Supreme Court, 

arguing that a prosecutor 

misled jurors during 

sentencing proceedings. 

An attorney for Markeith 

Loyd filed a petition April 

30 at the U.S. Supreme 

Court challenging a Florida 

Supreme Court decision that 

upheld Loyd’s conviction and 

sentence in the murder of Lt. 

Debra Clayton. A notice of the 

appeal was posted Thursday 

on the Florida Supreme Court 

website. Assistant Public 

Defender Nancy Ryan, an 

attorney for Loyd, contended 

that a prosecutor misled jurors 

about seeking unanimity 

in their deliberations about 

Loyd’s sentence. “Specifically, 

this (U.S. Supreme) Court 

(Cont’d on page 5) 

Photo taken on February 25, 2020, in the picture are Vice President Joe 

Biden and Publisher Bobby R. Henry, Sr. of the Westside Gazette, now 

Chairman of the NNPA. 

second term could hinge on whether he maximizes 

every opportunity to connect authentically with 

Here’s where the site of a 

new Florida Black history 

museum may be 

By Jim Turner, News Service of Florida 

A state task force made 

a recommendation on a 

proposed location. 

The museum has not yet 

been funded. 

In this June 10, 1964, file photo, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gives a young picketer 

a pat on the back as a group of youngsters started to picket St. Augustine, 

Fla. [ ANONYMOUS | Associated Press file photo ] 

TALLAHASSEE — A state task force Tuesday backed 

a St. Johns County location for a Black history museum 

over competing proposals from Central Florida and South 

Florida. 

Now, members of the Florida Museum of Black History 

Task Force must quickly determine how a St. Augustinearea 

facility would be promoted, attract charitable dollars 

and hold events to become self-sufficient. 

With a July 1 deadline to present plans to Gov. Ron 

DeSantis and the Legislature, task force members voted 

5-4 to accept rankings that put the St. Johns County 

location ahead of proposed locations in Eatonville in 

Orange County and Opa-locka in Miami-Dade County. 


‘Ingredients Are There’ 

for Busy Storm Season 

©2024 The News Service of Florida. 

All rights reserved; see terms. 

TALLAHASSEE --- With insurers, utilities 

Black Americans. 

During his Detroit visit at the local NAACP 

branch’s annual Fight for Freedom Fund Dinner, 

Biden echoed a familiar but crucial message: 

“The nation…needs all of you.” This sentiment 

was similarly emphasized in his speeches at the 

National Museum of African American History 

and Culture and as a commencement speaker 

at Morehouse College. These engagements 

highlight his appreciation for the Black 

community’s decisive support in 2020, which 

was instrumental in his victory. 

“Because of your vote,” Biden stated, “it’s the 

only reason I’m standing here as president of the 

United States. You’re the reason Donald Trump 

is the defeated former president and you’re the 

reason Donald Trump is going to be a loser again.” 

This acknowledgment is not just rhetoric; it’s a 

call to action, reminding the Black electorate of 

their power and the president’s dependency on 

their continued support. President Biden need 

not forget his meeting in South Carolina with 

Congressman Jim Clyburn when he was lagging 

way behind in the polls and immediately after 

that he met with publishers of the NNPA and 

the rest is history. 

However, while these symbolic gestures and 

high-profile speeches are significant, they are 

not sufficient on their own. Biden must ensure 

he engages with the community through every 

available avenue, particularly Black-owned 


Kenya to deploy troops 

in Haiti this week 

Kenyan President William Ruto (left) with former military chief Gen. Francis Ogolla at 

the State House in Nairobi Kenya. (Credit: Associated Press photo) 

By Ashleigh Fields 

“We Haitians have to decide who is going to be the head 

of the country and what model of government we want,” G9 

gang leader Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier told reporters. “We 

are also going to figure out how to get Haiti out of the misery 

it’s in now.” 

Since 2023, the United Nations Integration Office in Haiti 

(BINUH) reported over 8,400 direct victims of gang violence, 

up 122% from 2022. 

Chérizier, a former police officer, has been dubbed as one 

of the nation’s most notorious and influential denizens. Gangs 

like his have overtaken the country’s main airport, abducted 

hostages and released over 4,000 inmates from the two largest 

prisons, wreaking havoc on an already unstable environment. 

Port-au-Prince accounted for 83% of killings and injuries 

Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com 

and emergency-management 

officials bracing for the coming 

months, experts continue to 

predict a highly active hurricane 

season for Florida and other 

areas of the Atlantic and Gulf 

coasts. 

Echoing earlier predictions 

about the season that will start 

June 1, the National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric Administration 

on Thursday pointed to warm 

ocean waters and forecast up to 

25 named storms, with up to 13 

reaching hurricane strength and 

four to seven packing Category 

3 or stronger winds. 

Mark Wool, warning 

coordination meteorologist at 

the National Weather Service’s 

Tallahassee office, said there 

is high confidence in the latest 

forecast, which doesn’t predict 

paths of storms or potential 

landfalls. 

“All of the ingredients are 

there. We still have those nearrecord 

warm waters out in the 

Continue reading online at: 

thewestsidegazette.com 

A MESSAGE FROM 

THE PUBLISHER 

Trump: 

The Illusion 

of a President 

By Bobby R. Henry, Sr. 

In the world of politics, 

perception often trumps 

reality. This is particularly 

true in the case of Donald J. 

Trump, an entertainer who 

theatrically preformed his way 

into the presidency. As the 

difference between Trump and 

Biden becomes painfully clear 

to many of us, a significant 

number of voters are looking at 

Trump’s tenure with a growing 

sense of longing for the so 

called good old days, including 

the perception that they were 

better off economically. Today, 

polls suggest that voters in 

key swing states favor Trump 

over Biden on economic issues 

by a large margin. 

This shaded love affair for 

Trump is not based on reality, 

but the remnants of a reality 

show! It’s tied to his “TV 

made” image as a successful 

businessman, and thanks 

to the revelations from the 

“Hush Money Trial,” we can 

now add made for tabloid news 

character. His appeal was 

not in political shrewdness 

but in his ability to entertain 

audiences. His rise to the 

presidency was trademarked 

with a showman’s flair, more 

reminiscent of a traveling 

salesman selling miracle 

tonics -let me make you feel 

good - than sincere ideological 

beliefs or political power. 

Voters are inclined to 

remember the Trump era 

through memory of his 

constant repetitive selfaggrandizement, 

hypnotizing 

some with selective amnesia. 

They overlook the shadows 

cast by his past bankruptcies, 

his adulterous affairs, 

demonization of Black and 

Brown people, and the racial 

discrimination lawsuits 


Thursday 

May 30 th 

Fri 

95° 

75° 

Sunny 

Sunrise: 7:08am 

93° 

74° 

88° 

70° 

87° 

76° 

81° 

61° 

Sunset: 7:39pm 

Sat Sun Mon Tues 

90° 

76° 

The Westside Gazette Newspaper 

@TheWestsideGazetteNewspaper 

WESTSIDE GAZETTE IS A MEMBER: 

National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) 

Southeastern African-American Publishers Association (SAAPA) 

Florida Association of Black Owned Media (FABOM)

PAGE 2 • MAY 30 - JUNE 5, 2024 

www.thewestsidegazette.com 

The Westside Gazette Newspaper is honored to feature these editorial contributions made by local students. 

Today, regions spanning 

from New York to Alabama are 

experiencing a level 2 of 5 storm 

threat, indicating a slight risk of 

severe weather. This broad area 

includes several major cities, with 

Philadelphia, Baltimore, and 

Washington, D.C. facing the highest 

risk for tornadoes. The storm system 

is expected to bring damaging winds, 

heavy rain, and hail, along with the 

possibility of isolated tornadoes, 

particularly in the mid-Atlantic 

region. Meteorologists are closely 

monitoring weather patterns as conditions conducive to tornado formation are present, especially 

in the highlighted urban areas. Residents in these zones are advised to stay alert and have 

emergency plans in place, as tornadoes can develop rapidly. The National Weather Service 

has issued warnings and advisories, urging people to keep informed through local news and 

weather updates. Preparations for severe weather include securing outdoor objects, avoiding 

unnecessary travel, and ensuring that emergency kits are ready. The storm threat underscores 

the importance of weather readiness and the potential impact on densely populated areas. As 

the situation evolves, continuous updates will be provided to help communities stay safe 

and mitigate the risks associated with this severe weather threat. 

B-CU 

Celebrates Day of Service with 

e Depot’s “Retool Your School” #1 

okman University 

gnificant day of unity 

Thursday, Jan. 18, 

l and Libby Johnson 

Civic Engagement 

momentous occasion 

er students, faculty, 

i, and friends to 

the University’s 

lishment – securing 

position in Home 

igious “Retool Your 

tition and receiving a 

0,000 grant dedicated 

ancement. 

ler temperatures and 

, the collective spirit 

most 135 participants, 

epot Daytona Beach 

r Therese Watsonforces 

in yesterday’s 

fort. Their mission 

s, involving projects 

assembling bookcases 

tdoor dining sets to 

rcade games, foosball 

tball hoops, hockey 

e tennis tables. Even 

er conditions couldn’t 

ication, with the only 

iveness after 

cated Crawford. service. 

se to 30,000 

have wanted.” been 

for at least 

ut receiving 

ncome-driven 

old. 

will dream. now see 

en. 

concession being the postponement of painting and 

stripping the basketball court – a minor hiccup until 

more favorable weather prevails. 

Dr. William Berry, Provost and Acting President, 

Boyd Anderson’s 

expressed excitement and gratitude, stating, “We are 

excited about this 

Haitian 

project 

Heritage 

and grateful 

Presents 

to all those who 

By Layla Davidson * (Photo Credit: cnn.com) 

participated in the vote for B-CU. These enhancements 

will help create more vibrant and engaging spaces for 

our students to retreat on campus for a brain break or 

find inspiration through the downtime.” 

Home Depot’s “Retool Your School” program, 

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

providing over $9.25 million in campus improvement 

grants to Historically Black Colleges and Universities 

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


Biden credited the success 

of these relief efforts to the 

corrective measures taken 

to address broken student 

loan programs. He asserted 

that these fixes have removed 

barriers preventing borrowers 

from accessing the relief they 

were entitled to under the law. 

Soul of a Journey 

of Haitian Heritage 

Boyd Anderson’s Haitian Heritage 

Presents Soul of a Journey of Haitian Heritage 

through performances, traditions, and storytelling 

on May 17, 2024, at Boyd Anderson in the 

auditorium “Community Extravaganza”. 

“Congresswoman Sheila McCormick 

was delighted to attend the Boyd Anderson High School Soul of Haiti event in Lauderdale 

Lakes, where she had the opportunity to connect with community members and share 

the resources available through her office. The event provided a platform for community 

members to access valuable information and services, and Congresswoman McCormick 

was thrilled to be a part of it.” 

102-Year-Old Black Woman from Virginia 

Makes History, Finally Earns College Degree 

NATIONWIDE — At 102 years old, Sarah Simpkins has achieved her dream of earning a 

college degree as she recently graduated from Brightpoint Community College’s Early Childhood 

Education program in Chester, Virginia. 

The president outlined 

year. 

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 



Even more special, she graduated alongside her proud granddaughter, Halimah Shepherd- 

“I can’t even express my emotions right now,” Halimah told WLBT. “It was all an idea, and 

we’re here now. And I’m just so excited for my grandmother that she accomplished what she 

“I feel very wild,” Ms. Sarah said. “I feel very grateful to God for letting me do whatever I do. 

Thank you, God.” 

Returning to college was a long-time goal for Simpkins. She initially attended Allen University 

in Columbia, South Carolina, but had to drop out when she got pregnant when she was 20 years 

Ms. Sarah focused on raising her family and had 12 children, but she never gave up on her 

“It’s something that I had to do,” Simpkins said. “I’m very, very grateful that God has enabled 

me to do this.” 

KOLLEGE CORNER 

BY ONIYA ROLLE “Dorm Life” 

Transitioning to college life as a first-year student marks the end of 

playtime and the beginning of what some might call the “Big League.” 

Waking up in the dormitory can feel surreal, as the realization hits that 

you’re no longer sheltered under your parents’ roof. Gone are the days 

when simply looking cute while moving in would suffice. Regardless of the location, the 

move-in process tends to be sweltering, and you’re not the only one feeling the heat. 

To tackle this transition smoothly, my advice is to approach it with a high level of 

organization. Avoid purchasing unnecessary items and instead focus on sorting and labeling 

your belongings by section. Pre-hang your clothes if possible, and consider investing in a 

foldable dolly from Amazon, which proves invaluable not only during move-in and out but 

also for hauling groceries. 

Assemble your move-in team, and for those who want to go the extra mile, provide 

snacks, icy water, or energy drinks to keep everyone fueled and motivated. Don’t forget to 

express gratitude by sending thank-you notes for any congratulations or gifts you receive 

during this exciting time. 

Before settling into your new digs, take a moment to appreciate your new home away 

from home. Grab your gloves and embark on a cleaning spree to freshen up the space. While 

it may already appear move-in ready, a thorough cleaning with Lysol, fragrance, sweeping, 

and mopping can make all the difference. 

Once the cleaning is done, it’s time to 

start unpacking those labeled items and 

finding their designated spots. Tune into 

your favorite playlist to make the task more 

enjoyable but be prepared for it to take at 

least a day to complete. Once everything is 

unpacked, you’ll have the chance to meet 

your roommates and immerse yourself in 

the dorm life experience. 

Here are some helpful hints to navigate 

dorm life successfully: prioritize your 

needs over wants when making purchases, 

consider color patterns if you’re going for a 

themed room, and be mindful that laundry 

day requires effort. Opt for dryer sheets and 

liquid detergent to avoid complications with 

pods getting stuck in the machine. 

Ultimately, make your dorm space 

your own and ensure it’s a comfortable 

environment where you can thrive. Reflecting 

on my own journey, I ended up becoming 

a resident assistant by the end of the year, 

driven by the excitement of creating lasting 

memories with incoming first-year students. Embrace this new chapter with enthusiasm, 

and I’m excited for the adventures that await you! 

Bright Futures Celebrated: 

Students Empowered to Pursue Their Dreams 

Thanks to the Florida Lottery’s unwavering commitment to education, students were able 

to pursue their passions and attend college with the help of the Bright Futures Scholarship. 

This esteemed program has opened doors to endless possibilities for countless students, and we 

couldn’t be prouder! 

The Bright Futures students were recognized for their academic success, hard work and 

achievements. Although the celebration took place on Tuesday, May 21st, we hope you’ll join us 

in spirit and continue to support these deserving students as they strive for academic excellence. 

The Bright Futures Scholarship is a testament to the power of education and the impact it can 

have on individuals and communities. We are grateful for the Florida Lottery’s dedication to 

empowering students and helping them reach their full potential. Let’s continue to cheer on 

these bright minds and watch them soar to unimaginable heights. 

The Urban League of Broward County is a non-profit organization that empowers 

communities and changes lives. The organization’s mission is to help African Americans and 

others in historically underserved communities achieve economic self-reliance, parity, power, 

and civil rights. The Urban League’s ADVANCE programs help nearly 14,000 people every 

College 

Prep 

Word of 

the Week 

verb - adjective make a prediction about ; tell in HOW advance TO USE QUIESCENT IN A 

SENTENCE 

HOW TO USE IN A SENTENCE: 

It’s possible that other volcanoes with 

long quiescentperiods may also have 

subtle but protracted warning periods 

as well. 

being at rest; inactive or 

motionless; quiet; still: a 

quiescent mind. 

quiescent 

prognosticate 

(prog-nos-te-cate) 

[ kwee-es-uhnt, kwahy- ] 

Meteorologists prognosticate that this hurricane season will be very active. 

List compiled 

by Kamar 

Jackson, 

Dillard High 

Freshman


Two Black Teens 

Create Children’s 

Book Exposing 

Secret FBI Tactics 

Used to Neutralize 

Civil Rights Activists 

Teenagers Autumn Kendall, 14, and Aurora 

Morgan, 15, gear up for their book signing 

event debuting a children’s book that 

sheds light on historical events, featuring 

characters inspired by civil rights leaders, 

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, 

and Chairman Fred Hampton. 

Deeply Rooted 

MAY 30 - JUNE 5, 2024 • PAGE 3 

Unlike some bills that can 

pass through a process called 

reconciliation, the voting rights bill in 

its current form would need 60 “yes” 

votes to overcome a GOP filibuster. 

(Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA) 

High Court Upholds South Carolina Redistricting, 

Displacing Black Voters 

NATIONWIDE — Teenagers Autumn Kendall, 14, and 

Aurora Morgan, 15, are excited to announce the release of 

their children’s book, The Three Heroes, and their first 

book signing event in East Harlem, NY on June 4, 2024, at 

6 p.m. The Three Heroes, developed under the 3E Program 

for Social Justice and Change, is a compelling tale featuring 

characters inspired by civil rights leaders Dr. Martin Luther 

King Jr., Malcolm X, and Chairman Fred Hampton. The story 

introduces a villain resembling J. Edgar Hoover, who led the 

FBI’s COINTELPRO operations aimed at undermining these 

activists. Though the characters are fictional, the book sheds 

light on historical events and the impact of COINTELPRO. 

3E Program students, Autumn, and Aurora, created this 

book as an assignment for their 3E Program culmination 

ceremony, choosing a topic they found most compelling during 

the course. The program’s creators, Melody Michaux and 

Brandi Webb, guided the girls in successfully publishing their 

book. Written for children ages 3-11, The Three Heroes uses 

accessible language to make the complex subject matter 

easy for young readers to understand. To avoid making the 

story too frightening, terms like “gunshots” are replaced with 

“shooting laser beams.” Autumn and Aurora believe in the 

importance of early education on history, stating, “One is 

never too young to learn their history, whether good or bad.” 

The book signing event will feature live readings of 

selected excerpts, engaging conversations with the young 

authors, and opportunities for attendees to purchase signed 

copies of the book. The Three Heroes can also be purchased 

on Amazon. 

About the Program 

The 3E Program for Social Justice and Change is an 

innovative online U.S. History course designed to provide an 

inclusive education on African American history. The program 

currently integrates Google Classroom, allowing for seamless 

implementation in school curricula and offers a self-paced athome 

option for young scholars. It emphasizes critical thinking, 

ethics, empathy, and empowerment, encouraging students 

to delve deeply into the history and current state of African 

American communities in the U.S. Students are provided with 

opportunities for cultural and historical field trips, such as 

visits to the Legacy Museum in Montgomery, Alabama, and 

Black Wall Street in Tulsa Oklahoma. Additionally, they can 

learn from guest speakers, including activists, historians, and 

witnesses to impactful events like Gwen Carr, mother of Eric 

Garner, and Michael McCarty, former Black Panther Party 

member. The program’s curriculum is inspired by Brandi 

Webb’s documentary Betrayal of a Nation, which explores 

the oppressive forces against Black and Brown communities 

through a trial format. For more information about the event 

and the 3E Program, please visit 3EProgram.com 

For press inquiries, contact Brandi Webb at (347) 829- 

9262 or info@3eprogram.com 

The case, Alexander v. South 

Carolina State Conference 

of the N.A.A.C.P., No. 22- 

807, presented a complex 

challenge of distinguishing 

the roles of race and 

partisanship in drawing 

voting maps, especially as 

Black voters predominantly 

support Democrats. 

By Stacy M. Brown 

NNPA Newswire Senior 

National Correspondent 

The U.S. Supreme Court has 

reinstated South Carolina’s redrawn 

congressional map, declaring it not 

unconstitutional racial gerrymandering. 

Justice Samuel Alito authored the 

6-3 opinion, which overturned a lower 

court’s finding that the map had illegally 

removed 30,000 Black voters to favor a 

white Republican candidate in the 1st 

Congressional District. 

The decision has prompted strong 

reactions, including from Devon Ombres, 

senior director for Courts and Legal Policy 

at the Center for American Progress. 

“This ruling allows South Carolina to 

strip power away from Black voters and 

implement a congressional map that is 

clearly racially gerrymandered,” Ombres 

stated. “The majority cherry-picked 

evidence disregarded inconvenient proof 

of racial gerrymandering and substituted 

its own judgment of the facts instead of 

deferring to the court below. Worse, the 

majority makes it clear that, in the future, 

it will be more difficult to challenge 

unconstitutional racial gerrymanders.” 

The case, Alexander v. South Carolina 

State Conference of the N.A.A.C.P., No. 

22-807, presented a complex challenge 

of distinguishing the roles of race and 

partisanship in drawing voting maps, 

especially as Black voters predominantly 

support Democrats. A unanimous threejudge 

panel of the Federal District Court 

in Columbia, S.C., had ruled in early 

2023 that the state’s First Congressional 

District, drawn after the 2020 census, 

violated the Constitution by prioritizing 

race. However, the Supreme Court’s 

ruling now overturns that decision. 

The lower court had held its decision 

while Republican lawmakers appealed 

to the Supreme Court, with the parties 

urging a resolution by January 1. After 

the deadline passed, the panel ruled 

in March that the 2024 election would 

proceed under the contested map, 

acknowledging practical constraints. 

“With the primary election procedures 

rapidly approaching, the appeal before 

the Supreme Court still pending and no 

remedial plan in place,” the panel wrote, 

“the ideal must bend to the practical.” 

The disputed district, centered in 

Charleston, has been a Republican 

stronghold since 1980, except for 2018. 

The 2020 race was notably close, leading 

Republican lawmakers to strengthen the 

district’s Republican tilt post-census. 

The judges ruled that this goal was 

achieved by “bleaching African American 

voters out of the Charleston County 

portion of Congressional District No. 1,” 

moving 62 percent of Black voters to the 

Sixth District, represented by James E. 

Clyburn, a Black Democrat. 

Republican lawmakers admitted that 

the district was redrawn for partisan 

gains, but challengers, represented by 

the ACLU and NAACP Legal Defense and 

Educational Fund, argued that race was 

the primary factor. “That predominant 

reliance on race is impermissible even 

if mapmakers used race as a proxy for 

politics,” their brief stated. 

Justice Elena Kagan, joined by the 

court’s other liberal justices, dissented. 

Kagan contended that the ruling 

encourages state lawmakers to use race 

as a proxy for partisan objectives. “Go 

right ahead, this Court says to States 

today. Go ahead, though you have no 

recognized justification for using race, 

such as to comply with statutes ensuring 

equal voting rights,” Kagan wrote. “Go 

ahead, though you are (at best) using 

race as a shortcut to bring about partisan 

gains—to elect more Republicans in one 

case, more Democrats in another.” 

Due to the South Carolina case’s 

reliance on the equal protection clause 

of the Constitution, it differs from 

a comparable Alabama case that is 

subject to the Voting Rights Act. Ombres 

underscored the broader implications, 

stating, “Congress must pass legislation 

to revitalize the Voting Rights Act to 

ensure that the will of American voters 

matters—not just the will of those 

already in power.” 

Broward County Transit Ridership Surges in March 2024 

Broward County, FL: Broward County Transit (BCT) 

experienced a significant ridership increase in March 

2024, reflecting growing community confidence in public 

transportation. Systemwide boardings reached 2,250,557, 

marking a 2.3% increase over March of 2023, and a 

remarkable 7.5% year-to-date increase. This surge brings 

BCT to nearly 89.1% of pre-pandemic ridership levels, 

highlighting a positive trend. 

Fixed Route Shines with Strong Growth: 

• Fixed Route services, the backbone of BCT’s system, 

saw impressive gains. Boardings reached 2,055,273 in 

March, a 6.6% increase compared to March 2023 and 

a significant growth of 7.6% year-to-date. Notably, 

average weekday, Saturday, and Sunday boardings all 

increased with Sundays exceeding pre-pandemic levels. 

Breeze Remains Reliable Choice: 

• BCT’s convenient Breeze service maintained its 

commitment to riders. While total monthly boardings 

remained steady at 100,902, average weekday boardings saw 

a notable increase of 9.5% over March 2023. This resilience 

brings Breeze service to 73.5% of pre-pandemic ridership, 

solidifying its enduring appeal. 

Express Service Shows Promise Despite Challenges: 

• Average weekday boardings offered a promising 

sign with a 4.9% year-to-date increase. Despite shifts in the 

ridership and commuting patterns, 

BCT’s Express service remains a 

vital link for many, with ridership 

reaching 66.3% of pre-pandemic levels. 

Community Shuttles Connect and 

Grow: 

• Community Shuttles, essential 

for linking neighborhoods, showcased 

remarkable growth. Total monthly 

boardings increased by 6.6%, and 

average weekday boardings rose by 

an impressive 16.8%. This growth 

emphasizes the shuttles’ role as 

lifelines for many in the community. 

Paratransit Service Prioritizes 

Inclusivity: 

• Committed to accessibility, 

BCT’s Paratransit services saw a 

significant rise in both total monthly 

boardings (up 6.3% from March 2023) 

and average weekday boardings (up 

a substantial 27.3%). This growth 

underscores BCT’s unwavering 

dedication to serving all members of 

the community. 

Balancing Ridership with Fiscal 

Responsibility: 

• While ridership thrived, BCT 

acknowledges the financial realities 

of operations. Despite a 6% decrease 

in farebox revenues compared to 

March 2023, the commitment to fiscal 

responsibility and sustainable growth 

remains strong. Revenues currently 

stand at 82.5% of pre-pandemic 

levels, demonstrating BCT’s proactive 

approach in navigating financial 

challenges. 

Looking Beyond Numbers: A Story 

of Community: 

• BCT views these figures as 

more than just data, but rather stories 

of resilience, determination, and 

community spirit. Every boarding 

represents a journey, every increase 

a triumph, and each milestone a 

testament to the enduring strength of 

Broward County Transit. 

“We are thrilled to see ridership 

steadily climbing across all our 

services,” said Broward County 

Transit CEO/General Manager Coree 

Cuff Lonergan. “This growth reflects 

the increasing importance of reliable 

and accessible public transportation in 

our community. We remain committed 

to providing efficient, affordable, and 

sustainable options for all residents.”

PAGE 4 • MAY 30 - JUNE 5, 2024 

Westside Gazette Calendar 

of Events 

FAMU NAA 

FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL UNIVERSITY NATIONAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION 

Deeply Rooted 

LOCAL HAPPENINGS IN 

BROWARD MIAMI-DADE 

AND PALM BEACH 

COUNTIES 

HAVE YOUR COMMUNITY EVENTS 

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#HurricanePrep this past week, mark your calendars for the 

Hurricane 

Preparedness Open 

House! 

Saturday, June 8th, 

10AM-2PM. 

“ African American 

Research Library & Cultural 

Center 

2650 Sistrunk Blvd, 

Fort Lauderdale 

No registration 

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MAY 30 - JUNE 5, 2024 • PAGE 5 

**City of Deerfield Beach Celebrates New Braithwaite Center for Active Aging** 

City of Deerfield Beach were thrilled to announce the Grand Opening of the New 

Braithwaite Center for Active Aging located at 325 N.W. Second Avenue. 

By Staff Writer 

The City of Deerfield 

Beach recently celebrated 

the grand opening of the 

Braithwaite Center for Active 

Aging, formerly known as 

the Deerfield Beach Center 

for Active Aging. The event 

featured free food, speeches, 

a ribbon-cutting ceremony, 

tours of the 22,000-square-foot 

center, and a standing-roomonly 

crowd. 

The Braithwaite Center has 

been providing a welcoming 

environment for senior citizens 

and Alzheimer’s patients for 

several months. The longawaited 

ceremony showcased 

a beautiful and functional 

building steeped in local 

history. Notably, in 1929, the 

Broward County School Board 

built a three-room elementary 

school for Black students on 

this site at Northwest 1st 

Avenue and Northwest 2nd 

Street. 

The center offers a wide 

range of activities for seniors 

aged 55 and older. Also under 

construction on the same 

campus is the Bezos Academy, 

a nearly 5,000-square-foot 

preschool funded by tech 

billionaire Jeff Bezos. This $1.9 

million project will provide free 

tuition for 40 students and 

offer year-round, all-day care in 

a Montessori-style setting. The 

preschool, originally slated to 

open early this year, will admit 

students through a lottery 

system, with applications 

available on the Bezos Academy 

website. The previous preschool 

associated with NE Focal Point 

(the former name for the city’s 

senior center) closed in 2021 

due to COVID-19, having been 

a community staple for many 

years. 

The senior center’s 

completion is part of a series 

of city building projects. Shiff 

Construction has been awarded 

a $2.3 million contract to 

remodel city hall, including 

storm drainage and parking 

lot improvements, an exterior 

facelift, remodeling of the 

commission chambers and firstfloor 

lobby, a new fire alarm 

system, and fortifying the roof, 

doors, and windows. 

Two other public facility 

improvements have also 

been completed. The West 

Community Center at 520 S. 

Powerline Road underwent a 

$843,700 renovation and will 

open next week. Additionally, 

the $1.3 million playground at 

Central Crystal Heights Park, 

located at 1333 S.W. 24 Terrace, 

will officially open on the same 

day at 4 p.m. 

Nearing completion is 

the $11 million rebuild of the 

Johnny Tigner Recreation 

Center in Oveta McKeithen 

Park. The new two-story, 

21,000-square-foot building 

will feature banquet space and 

recreational activities. 

At the ribbon-cutting 

ceremony held on Saturday, 

No One Seems to Know Why Black Women Are Plagued 

with Fibroids. Here’s What We Can Say for Sure 

By Dr. Nsisong Asanga 

Fibroids usually start after 

puberty. Most women are 

diagnosed with them between 

18 and 50 years but some 

cases happen earlier than that. 

Older research showed that 

Black women were 10 percent 

more likely to have fibroids 

than white women by age 50 

(80 percent versus 70 percent). 

But we don’t know why the 

numbers are different. There 

have been limited studies 

looking into the reasons for this 

difference. 

One problem is that Black 

women aren’t adequately 

recruited into scientific research. 

“Family history, environment, 

and age are known factors 

affecting fibroid growth, 

information on genetics is 

limited. And because so few 

Black women are included in 

clinical trials and those trials 

are sometimes performed 

in locations with very few 

women of African descent, 

the research,” says Dallas 

Dr. Yolanda Lawson, 124th 

President of the National 

Medical Association. 

Over time, several factors 

have been linked with fibroids, 

but the links haven’t been strong 

enough to prove causation. 

“Many studies have tried to 

determine why Black people 

are more prone to developing 

fibroids, but there are no 

definitive answers yet. Certain 

genes have been correlated with 

fibroid growth, but studies of 

these genes have not included 

a representative sample of 

Black people,” according to Dr. 

Michelle Louie, a minimally 

invasive gynecologic surgeon in 

Phoenix, Arizona. 

An older study linked 

fibroids in African-American 

women to hair relaxers. In the 

study, published in the National 

Library of Medicine women who 

used hair relaxers were 17% 

more likely to have fibroids and 

the risk went up for every year 

of relaxer use. The study hasn’t 

been repeated in other Black 

populations but experts think 

chemicals in relaxers known as 

phthalates are responsible for 

the increased risk because they 

can disrupt hormone balance. 

Research also found stress 

to influence the growth of 

fibroids. Women who had 

experienced sexual, physical, 

or emotional abuse as children 

were more likely to have 

fibroids. However, emotionally 

supportive, loving relationships 

could provide some protection. 

Other factors linked to a higher 

risk are age, having a mother 

who had fibroids, obesity, never 

being pregnant, high blood 

pressure, vitamin D deficiency, 

taking hormone replacement 

therapy after menopause, and 

certain food preservatives (such 

as butylated hydroxytoluene 

commonly found in cake mixes, 

dehydrated potatoes, and 

potato chips.) 

The results for smoking, 

drinking soybean milk, and 

oral contraceptives were 

unclear. But research showed 

that alcohol, particularly beer, 

raises fibroid risk possibly 

because it can increase 

estrogen-like compounds 

known as phytoestrogens in 

the body. Caffeine (as found 

in coffee) was also linked to a 

higher risk in younger women 

who drink a lot of it. 

On the other hand, another 

older study found that eating 

fruits and vegetables may help 

reduce risk. In that study, 

women who ate four or more 

fruits per day were 10 percent 

less likely to have fibroids when 

compared to women who ate no 

fruits or vegetables a day. In 

Westside Health Brief 

Marsha Mullings, MPH 

May 28, 2024 

May 11th, at 9 a.m. at the 

Braithwaite Center, community 

mem-bers were invited to 

explore the facility with guided 

tours. Convenient parking and 

shuttle service were provided. 

Tensions arose at a 

recent city meeting when 

commissioners debated various 

issues. After heated exchanges 

between Commissioner Moss 

and Commissioner Perkins, 

Mayor Rex Hardin called for 

a ten-minute recess to restore 

order. Post-recess, Perkins 

expressed a desire to work 

collaboratively for the city’s 

betterment. 

Cop Killer Appeals to U.S. Supreme Court from Front Page 

disallows argument that misleads jurors as to 

the role they play under local law in the capital 

sentencing process, and misleads them in a 

way that allows them to feel less responsible 

than they should for the life-or-death decision,” 

the petition said. “Here that line was crossed. 

The prosecutor argued that the jurors 

should, or must, do their best to achieve 

unanimity as to the ultimate question before 

them, a position inconsistent with Florida’s 

substantive law.” The Florida Supreme 

Court rejected that argument and others in a 

another study, fish was also 

found to reduce risk compared 

to red meat or ham. 

Exercise may help reduce 

risk, with studies showing that 

women who get more than two 

hours of exercise a week have 

lower fibroid risk, and those 

who exercise more than 7 hours 

a week have the lowest. 

Pregnancy also protects 

against fibroids. Women who 

had three pregnancies were 

five times less likely to have 

fibroids than women who 

had never been pregnant. 

Dr. Lawson also says we 

need more research into 

fibroids and their occurrence 

in Black women. Meanwhile, 

she encourages women to do 

what they can to lower risk 

by managing their weight, 

getting enough vitamin D, and 

exercising. 

And for women who have 

fibroids, she advises them 

to seek medical care early. 

“Not all fibroids are equal. 

Management plans can vary 

based on the fibroid location, 

size and symptoms, age, and 

desire for future pregnancy. If 

you are diagnosed with uterine 

fibroids, it is very important to 

work with your gynecologist to 

determine a specific treatment 

plan,” Lawson said. 

November decision. In 2017, Florida lawmakers 

passed a measure to require unanimous jury 

recommendations before defendants could be 

sentenced to death, though they eliminated 

the unanimity requirement in 2023. Attorney 

General Ashley Moody’s office, in a filing 

Thursday, asked the U.S. Supreme Court for 

an extension of time to file a response to the 

petition. Loyd shot Clayton after she spotted 

him in a Walmart store while he faced an 

arrest warrant in the murder of Sade Dixon, 

who had been pregnant with his child. 

New Florida Black 

History Museum 

from Front Page 

The museum has not been 

funded. 

Sen. Bobby Powell, a West 

Palm Beach Democrat who 

didn’t vote in favor of using 

the scoring process, said the 

goal is to get a museum that 

serves more than a regional 

location. 

“We are hoping for a big 

museum, a huge museum 

that benefits the entire state,” 

Powell said. 

Task Force member Tony 

Lee later said, “If the state 

would like to fully fund their museum, I wouldn’t stand in 

their way.” 

Before the meeting, the St. Johns County location was 

ranked highest by task-force members based on individual 

scoring of eight potential sites. Eatonville came in second. 

The task force then voted narrowly Tuesday to approve those 

rankings. 


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PAGE 6 • MAY 30 - JUNE 5, 2024 

WESTSIDE 

GAZETTE 

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Levi Henry, Jr.: 

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CREDO -The Black Press 

believes that America can best 

lead the world away from racial 

and national antagonisms 

when it accords to 

every person, regardless of race, 

color or creed, full human and 

legal rights. Hating no person, 

fearing 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 

publication. 

The Westside Gazette reserves the 

right to edit letters. Letters should 

be 500 words or less. 

Support My Plan to 

Win Elections Through 

National Parks 

By Audrey Peterman 

Nothing will convince Black Americans that we must 

go out and vote in the General Elections than to visit the 

National Park System and see things they can’t believe exist 

on Earth, much less in their own country. I know this from 

experience because since I first saw the national parks in 1995, 

few Americans have been more dedicated than me to ringing 

the bell. When I saw what had been hidden from me, I felt so 

overwhelmed and so indignant that I resolved I would not stop 

until EVERYBODY knew. 

No. I think it’s more important than almost anything to 

break open the mystique of the National Parks and show all 

Americans who we are, and what we must be proud of. To help 

make this happen in the fastest possible way, I have devised 

a Plan to introduce Black influencers to the National Parks 

by early fall, so that they can stream their message out to the 

world. I’m inviting everyone who cares to do all you can to help 

make it happen. 

The Plan enables the culture-shapers to experience the 

wonders of Zion, Bryce, and Grand Canyon National Parks 

alongside members of the Diverse Environmental Leaders 

Speakers Bureau. Wowed as they travel together from Las 

Vegas experiencing vistas of increasingly stunning beauty, they 

will stream the reality of a new world, a new face of America, 

back to the nation. 

Why is this important? 

Besides the shock of discovery, the influencers will learn 

that the two political parties are 180-degrees apart in their 

support for the parks and the preservation of historic sites. A 

recent survey of voting patterns of Members in the House of 

Representatives graded ONE Republican as “A,” while more 

than 200 Democrats earned A’s. To me this is the plainest 

illustration of where the parties stand. 

The tours will continue in the Northeast, starting at Boston 

National Historic Park and The Boston African American 

National Historic Site and visit the spot where Crispus Attucks 

was shot dead, launching the Revolutionary War. Driving 

to Valley Forge National Historical Park, Philadelphia Tour 

Park where Black and Brown men and women serving in 

General Washington’s Continental Army went through virtual 

damnation, lacking even shoes and leaving bloody footprints on 

the snow. We’ll visit the Monument to Black Patriots installed 

by members of Valley Forge Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma 

Theta Sorority. 

A visit to Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell will be 

followed by a tour of National Historic Sites in Washington, 

DC, including the Boundary Stones that mark the place where 

the genius Benjamin Banneker laid out the Capital, and 

Frederick Douglass National Historic Site where his slippers 

still lie under his bed. 

The tour will culminate with a visit to the White House 

National Park, and a visit to Members of Congress to deliver 

our urgent message for conservation and protecting the 

environment for all people. 

The Plan includes creating a documentary that will be 

submitted to the African American Museum of History and 

Culture on the Washington Mall. A media manager will coordinate 

the flow of information to the media and the public. 

As a writer for The Westside Gazette since 1985, my 

husband Frank and I have kept a steady flow of information 

to the public about social issues and, since 1995, the national 

parks and environment. We have a track record of putting 

on multiple events in national parks that have recognizable 

positive influence on the movement. If you feel you can help, 

please contact me Audrey@Audreypeterman.com or visit 

Delnsb.com. 

What conflict resolution experts 

wish universities knew about conflict 

By Melinda Burrell 

The protests roiling our campuses 

reveal a great deal about us as a country. 

Emotions are easily triggered, many of us 

are comfortable being angry, and most of us 

need help to handle conflict constructively. 

We’re in a tumultuous year, likely with 

more protests ahead. Conflict resolution 

experts say that these protests, these 

conflicts, are an opportunity for growth. 

People are invested and want to act. Understanding conflict 

phases and behaviors is a big help to turning conflict into 

moments of productive conversations rather than escalating 

anger. 

What are the phases and behaviors of escalating conflict? 

First, conflict is dynamic. It often starts about one issue but 

changes and grows. We pull in more people to our side and with 

more people, more issues are at play. 

Second, emotions take over. We dig into our positions, 

becoming convinced we are absolutely right. We lose the 

ability to analyze and to think creatively. We fall back on old 


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. 

Trump’s Narcissism, White 

Privileges, & Filthy Lies 

“America has nurtured and harvested a white supremacy 

ideology since its existence. Now divided and threaten 

from within, it faces a perilous fate!” 

John Johnson II, 05/29/24 

By John Johnson II 

It’s beyond comprehension that former 

president Trump, indicted on felony 

charges for attempting to overturn the 2020 

election results, is receiving treatment as 

though he’s entitled to presidential white 

privileges. One could easily conclude that 

this current felony charge is more egregious 

than had he faced charges of first-degree 

murder or as an accomplice to Jeffery 

Epstein. Despite displaying narcissism, 

exploiting unconstitutional white privileges, he’s spreading 

filthy lies as contemptible as filthy flies. 

One should note that there just might be a correlation between 

Trump’s filthy lies and flies. Reverso Dictionary defines filthy 

lies, as an idiom, meaning, “full of filth; very dirty, obscene, 

unpleasant, and vicious. 

Filthy flies tend to breed in garbage/ feces seeking unpleasant 

odors and food. Trump’s speeches filled with filthy lies about 

Black people, immigrants, political opponents, and judges he’s 

facing galvanizes his supporters. Additionally, ex-GOP Adam 

Kinzinger has alleged Trump emits unpleasant odors. He 

claims Trump “reeks with several unsavory scents including 

armpits, ketchup, and butt.” 

Hence, anyone possessing morality, absent racism, and 

earned at least a grade of C in Civics, should conclude that 

Trump’s odorousness and immorality are more disgusting 

than his characterizations of immigrants. These despicable 

qualities attributed to Trump not only denigrate the image 

of the presidency, but also the Republican Party if it had any 

integrity. 

Republican Congresspersons and MAGA supporters 

condoning Trump receiving presidential white privileges are 

dangerous. Also, for them to overlook his spreading of filthy 

lies is as contemptuous as harboring and harvesting filthy flies 

in the White House. 

Trump has already packed SCOTUS with six complicit and 

unethical justices. They’re openly poised to shield him from 


The Gantt Report 

Gaza 

By Lucius Gantt 

I have not opined at all about the conflict 

between Israel and Palestine. I haven’t 

written anything because I have very close 

friends, and former high school classmates, 

who are Jewish and more than a few 

business associates that are Palestinian. 

However, I believe civilians on both sides of the conflict have 

suffered enough, cried enough, and died enough! 

To me, the conflict doesn’t look like a “war”, it looks more like 

a land grab. 

I agree, the perpetrators of the mass killings that took place 

at a concert in Israel should be captured and appropriately 

sentenced but the hunt for terrorists should not include death 

sentences for innocent women, children, and non-combatants. 

The columnists you love and enjoy, mostly rubber stamp the 

scenarios spread by political and religious spokespersons on 

both sides. 

From my viewpoint, Gaza, the West Bank, and other areas 

where Palestinians currently live; have resembled how Black 

South Africans lived under the apartheid rule of Dutch 

colonizers. 

In both cases, the land grabbers, colonialists, exploiters, and 

oppressors had rights that the victimized residents did not 

have and could not get. 

They couldn’t complain about their subservient status, they 

couldn’t mount challenges about their living conditions, and 

they couldn’t legally organize to oppose or fight the powers that 

were in the country that treated them so terribly. 

They couldn’t hold meaningful positions in the governments, 

they couldn’t decide what students could study and learn, 

they couldn’t travel freely in their homelands, they couldn’t 

vote for the political candidates of their choices, they couldn’t 

control their country’s mineral, agricultural and other natural 

resources in their occupied cities and/or tribal lands. 

When South Africans got fed up with the apartheid 

governmental misconduct, Black South Africans rebelled and 

fought back in every way that they could. 

I don’t agree with the tactics shown by members of Hamas 

that resulted in the deaths of Jewish concertgoers and I don’t 

agree with the response from the highly powerful Israeli 

military forces. 

Young Americans have been encouraged to oppose the U.S. 

government’s actions, or non-actions, as it relates to the use of 

American weaponry in the Gaza “war” zones. 

Well, TikToc and other social media sites are not the best 

place for young people to understand what Palestinians have 

experienced since 1948 when Western, and or, European 

governments arbitrarily decided to take a small part of 

Palestine and create what is now Israel. 

The conflict discussed in today’s column is primarily about 

land. Palestinians had the land and Israel is taking the land 

from its original landowners. 

Don’t get it twisted; most of my Jewish friends don’t hate 

Palestinians and most Jews in Israel don’t hate Palestinians. 

Most of the Jews I know hate the way Israel leader Benjamin 

Netanyahu is bowing down to the members of the Zionist, 

right-wing members of his governmental cabinet. 

The world will not know peace until the basic human rights 

in Israel are available to all people in conflicting areas without 

regard to race, religion, or national identity. 

More and more non-combatant men, women, and children 

will continue to experience air strikes, cluster bombs, tank 

fires, and bullet fires as long as Netanyahu remains the Israeli 

government leader. 

It’s time for Netanyahu to go! 

Two states are the only solution. 

Beyond Stupid 

By Winslow Myers 

Stupid, . . 

. from French 

stupide (16c.) 

and directly 

from Latin 

stupidus 

“amazed, 

confounded; dull, foolish,” 

etymologically “struck 

senseless,” from stupere “be 

stunned, amazed, confounded 

. . .” 

—www.etymonline 

The first, and only, time, 

as an inexperienced father, 

I called my five-year-old son 

“stupid,” I could feel how it 

stung him. Never again, at 

least with children. 

And yet when our gorge rises 

at the needless suffering of the 

powerless and the blindness 

of the powerful, sometimes 

only the word stupid suffices. 

There are many aspects 

of international relations 

that make me feel stupid 

in the “stunned, amazed, 

confounded” sense—like the 

1953 British-CIA coup that 

removed Iran’s democratically 

elected leader, Mohammed 

Mossadegh, engendering bad 

karma that continues to this 

day. 

Or Vietnam, where smart 

strategists like Kissinger 

forgot that the Vietnamese 

and the Chinese had been 

rivals for a millennium, and 

so the “domino theory” didn’t 

apply. 

Or the second Gulf war. 

Saudi Arabia has emerged 

as much more of a player in 

9/11 than we thought. The 

leadership of the United 

States was sufficiently 

confounded by the destruction 

of the twin towers to engage 

in war with the wrong 

countries, costing hundreds of 

thousands of lives and untold 

treasure. 

And now Netanyahu, 

the hapless leader of a great 

nation, is unable to get out of 

the way of his own dead-end 

vengefulness. 



Welcome to 

the Beloved 

Community 

By Robert C. Koehler 

W e 

will not 

evolve 

into the 

future 

w i t h 

closed 

minds. 

And 

nothing 

closes 

the human mind 

– either individually or 

collectively – like the 

weapons of war . . . and the 

freedom to use them. Step 

one: Dehumanize those you’re 

about to kill (i.e., accuse 

them of being the worst of 

who you are, as exemplified 

by, among so many others, 

our old pal George W. Bush, 

who declared that America’s 

enemies “view the entire 

world as a battlefield” and 

proceed to turn the entire 

world into a battlefield). 

But there’s a far deeper 

irony here as well – a positive 

irony, according to Martin 

Luther King. Consider the 

fourth of his six principles of 

nonviolence: 

“Nonviolence holds that 

suffering can educate and 

transform. Nonviolence 

accepts suffering without 

retaliation. Unearned 

suffering is redemptive 

and has tremendous 

educational and transforming 

possibilities.” 

This is not yet a principle 

that has entered the collective 

human consciousness. It is 

not a principle at the core of 


thewestsidegazette.com



BUSINESS 

UNITY IN THE 

COMMUNITY DIRECTORY 

Cell: 754-234-4485 

Office: 954-733-7700 ext. 111 

Fax: 954-731-0333 

Kenneth R. Thurston 

REALTOR, CPM, CAM 

4360 W. Oakland Park Blvd Email: ken@acclaimcares.com 

Lauderdale Lakes, FL 33313 

Web: www.acclaimcares.com 

Submitted by Anthony practicing skills-based hiring 

Brunson Submitted P.A. by Anthony Brunson, and creating P.A. new-collar jobs. 

A recent Cengage Group Right for you? 

survey Are reported there that any 41% of To determine whether your 

respondents misconceptions would that prefer to business should consider 

get you’ve a certificate had that about would new-collar hiring, consider 

instantly payroll? Did qualify you end them up for these steps: 

an finding in-demand out the reality job rather 1. Drop your assumptions 

than of the obtain situation a college after degree. about people with fouryear 

These experiencing people a are series excellent 

degrees. College 

candidates of unfortunate events? “new-collar graduates may have a 

worker” Hopefully, positions. your answer broader perspective of the 

is no, What but is whether a new-collar you world — a good thing — but 

worker? have been According duped to by Indeed, that perspective may not be 

new-collar nonfactual jobs information are associated or not, staying relevant informed to every is job. the key to 

with protecting industries yourself. So, where keep reading 2. Assess for a chance whether to separate your 

employees fact from fiction develop when running their payroll industry for is your suitable business. for skillsbased 

Let’s 

technical get started! and soft skills, often 

hiring. Currently, 

in technology industries, most new-collar jobs are 

through Myth 1: All salary nontraditional employees in are exempt technology, from the software, rules 

education of overtime paths. pay. In other engineering and health care, 

words, This is not applicants always the case. are Try not but to that assume does not that preclude one person the 

considered in particular for is open exempt positions from the approach’s rules of overtime applicability pay just to 

even because though he they or she do not holds have a a certain other job industries. title. Remember that 

B.A., the misclassification B.S., or graduate degree. of employees 3. Rethink — whether job categories intentional at 

Instead, or accidental the — can company unleash your countless business. issues, What from are back the 

practices wages and skills-based attorney fees hiring, to fines actual and additional skills a job taxes. requires? Avoid Is 

considering misclassifying aptitude employees and at all a costs, college and or graduate ensure that degree all 

insight employees to determine benefit from excellent overtime truly pay when needed applicable. to perform the 

job candidates. 

tasks? 

Myth This 2: You approach have to aligns meet an 4. exact Rewrite PTO job quota descriptions at all 

with times. the results of a recent for positions that fall into 

Harvard Provided time Business off is a School versatile this employment category, benefit. removing While the 

and certain Accenture companies survey are abandoning that college formalized degree accruals requirement in favor 

shows of paid that time a off, four-year others are degree opting and for unlimited emphasizing PTO policies. instead It’s 

does recommended not boost that productivity you maintain the some skills, level of aptitudes documentation and 

for without jobs making that can the be process done overly capabilities cumbersome. needed That for way, the 

without employees those can make degrees. use IBM, of this benefit job. Include with ease. both hard and 

which coined the term “new soft skills. 

collar” Myth 3: back It’s impossible in 2016, has for vendors 5. Broaden to work your with hiring small 

been businesses. joined by companies like network to include community 

Aon, Cleveland Clinic, Delta colleges, trade schools and so 

Air Contrary Lines, to Merck a few decades and Bank ago, whether forth. Also your consider workforce employees entails 

of five America or 1,000 in people, successfully there is little already to no at difference. the company. Payroll You 


MAY MAY 23 30 -- MAY JUNE 29, 5, 2024 • PAGE 7 

Payroll New-Collar Myths Workers: Exploded A Trend That Federal Embraces judge halts Diversity new 

CFPB rule on credit card late 

fees $14 billion in annual 

consumer savings at risk 

By Charlene Crowell 

May 14 was the day that the 

Consumer Financial Protection 

Bureau (CFPB) was set to 

implement a new rule that would 

save credit card holders an 

estimated $14 billion each year. 

The rule would provide savings 

of $220 per year on average for 

people who are charged late 

may fees. find Instead, you have a federal overlooked district based management is 

well-qualified 

judge imposed a employees temporary increased diversity in the 

simply injunction because that halted they the do rule’s not workforce. There is no lack of 

have implementation. 

four-year degrees. talent if companies shift from 

6. Consider Reactions to the providing injunction the traditional valuing of a 

apprenticeships, marked a clear divide internships between college degree. U.S. Census 

and corporate training business programs interests data from 2021 reports that 

for that people claimed and with cheered the right a legal about 65% of Americans aged 

aptitudes. victory while These many government 

types of 25 or older do not hold a college 

programs and consumer can create groups a vibrant saw the degree; these individuals 

pool decision of trained as harmful candidates. to the more are than more 167 likely million to identify consumers as 

7. who Make have credit the cards. program a racial minorities. Many of the 

companywide CFPB seeks initiative. to lower credit This card individuals late fees in to this $8 per population month, 

means instead of gaining the current buy-in $32 from now charged have the by a skills, $1 trillion aptitude industry and 

the that entire has steadily leadership jacked team, up the insights price of to delinquent become new-collar fees for 

from years. Further, CEO the to rule the would line only workers; apply what to card they issuers lack that is 

managers. have one million or more accounts. opportunity. It would also allow these 

very Another large issuers benefit an of opportunity skills- 

to justify future proposed 

increases by showing the CFPB actual costs incurred. 

Speaking on behalf of the Biden administration’s ongoing 

efforts to end a variety of junk fees, spokesman Jeremy 

Edwards said, “We are disappointed that a court sided with 

House Republicans, big banks and special interests to hit pause 

on a critical measure to save American families billions in junk 

fees.” 

“It is disappointing that the court has granted this last-ditch 

effort by the banks to prevent these critical limits on credit 

card late fees from going into effect next week,” said Chuck 

Bell, advocacy program director for Consumer Reports. “Credit 

card companies have been bilking consumers out of billions of 

dollars in excessive late fees for far too long.” 

“The financial burden of late fees falls most heavily on 

people living paycheck-to-paycheck, low- and moderate-income 

consumers, and people of color,” continued Bell. “CFPB research 

has found that people with low incomes pay proportionately 

bigger fees because they FOR tend SALE to have smaller credit card 

balances.” REAL SOUR SOP 

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raised costs for most credit card users and made it harder for 

businesses to CONTACT: meet consumers’ 954-200-0727 

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PAGE 8 • MAY 30 23 - JUNE MAY 29, 5, 2024 

CHURCH DIRECTORY 

First Baptist Church Piney Grove, Inc. 

4699 West Oakland Park Blvd., Lauderdale Lakes, FL 33313 

(954) 735-1500 - Fax (954) 735-1999 

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS 

Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM 

Church Website: www.fbcpineygrove.org 

Dr. Ezra Tillman, Jr. Senior Pastor 

WORSHIP SERVICES 

Sunday ..... 8:00 AM & 11:00 AM In Person Virtual 

Sunday School.......9:30 AM In Person 

Bible Study on Wednesday.......11:30 AM & 7:00 PM In Person & Virtual 

"Winning the World for Jesus" 

Harris Chapel Church, Inc. 

Rev. Stanley Melek, M.Div 

e-mail: harrischapelinc@gmail.com 

2351 N.W. 26th Street 

Oakland Park, Florida 33311 

Church Telephone: (954) 731-0520 

SERVICES 

Sunday Worship........................10:30 AM 

Church School................................................9:00 AM 

Wednesday (Bible Study).........11:00 AM to 7:00 PM 

Living Waters Christian Fellowship 

Meeting at Central Charter School Building #5 

4515 N. St. Rd. 7 (US 441) 

(954) 295-6894 

SUNDAY SERVICE: 10 AM 

Iwcf2019@gmail.com (Church) 

lerrub13@gamil.com (Pastor) 

Rev. Anthony & Virgina Burrell 

Jesus said, ‘‘let anyone who is thristy come to Me and drink.” (John 7:37) 

Mount Hermon A.M.E. Church 

Reverend Henry E. Green, III, Pastor 

401 N.W. 7th Terrace, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 

Phone: (954) 463-6309 Fax: (954) 522-4113 

Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM 

Email info@mthermonftl.com 

SUNDAY CHURCH SERVICES 

Worship Service....................................9:00 AM 

In person/www.mounthermonftl.or/YouTube Live/FaceBook 

Church School.............................9:30 AM 

BIBLE STUDY: Wednesday........................10:00 AM 

Bible Study Wednesday ...............7:00 PM via Zoom 

Meeting ID: 826 2716 8390 access code 55568988# 

Daily Prayer Line.............................6:00 AM 

(716) 427-1407 Access Code 296233# 

(712) 432-1500 Access Code 296233# 

New Mount Olive Baptist Church 

Dr. Marcus D. Davidson, Senior Pastor 

400 N.W. 9th Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 

Office (954) 463-5126 - Fax: (954) 525-9454 

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS 

Monday- Friday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM 

WORSHIP SERVICES & BIBLE STUDY 

Sunday In Person ..............8:00 AM 

Sunday 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, Leaership, Owenership and Worship 

Fellowship, Ledership, Ownership and Worship 

As we F.L.O.W. To Greatness! 

Mount Nebo Missionary Baptist Church 

2551 N.W. 22nd St., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 

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

(954) 733-3285 - Fax: (954) 733-9231 

Email: mountnebobaptist@bellsouth.net 

Website: www.mountnebobaptist.org 

WORSHIP SERVICES & BIBLE STUDY 

(In Person) 

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

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

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

“Reaching Our Wrold One Persons At A Time” 

Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church 

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

1161 NW 29th Terrace; Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 

P.O. Box 5545; Fort Lauderdale, FL 33310 

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

mzbc2011@gmail.com - www.mtzionmbc1161.com 

Sunday School...................................................9:00 A.M. 

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

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

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

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

New Birth Baptist Church 

Catheral of Faith International 

Bishop Victor T. Curry, M. Min., D. Div. Senior Pastor/Teacher 

ORDER OF SERVICES 

Sunday Worship.............................9:30 AM 

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

Tuesday Bible Study...................7:00 PM 

Wednsday Bible Study..................10:30 AM 

(305) 685-3700 (0) * (305) 685-0705 (f) 

www.nbbcmiami.org 

Deeply Rooted 

New Creation Baptist Church In Christ 

r.curry7me@gmail.com 

Drive-Up Sunday Worship - 10 AM 

4001 North Dixie Hwy. 

Deerfield Beach, FL 33064 

(954) 943-9116 

newcreationbcic@gmail.com 

Williams Memorial CME Church 

644-646 N.W. 13th Terrace 

Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33311 

Office: (954) 462-8222. Email: inf@wmsfl.org 

Reverend Errol Darville, Pastor 

E-mail: erroldarville@gmail.com 

WORSHIP SERVICES and BIBLE STUDY 

In person, Zoom; 646-558-8636 ID: 954-462-8222, Stream: Facebook Live @ WMCMECHURCH 

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

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

Tuesday Prayer Meeting...............7:00 PM 

Tuesday Bibke Study................7:30 PM 

"Celebrating over 100 years of SERVICES" 

St. Ruth Missionsary Baptist Church 

145 NW 5th Avenue 

Dania Beach, FL 33004 

(954) 922-2529 

WORSHIP SERVICES 

Wednesday (NOON DAY PRAYER.......................12- 1 PM 

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

Website: www.struthmbc.org 

"Celebrating 115 Years of Service" 

Victory Baptist Church Independent 

Pastor Keith Cunningham 

2241 Davie Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 

Church: (954) 284-9413 

Sunday School .................................................9:45 AM 

Worship Service Sunday Morning..................................11:00 AM 

Sunday Evening Service.........................................6:00 PM 

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

Wednesday Evening Bible Study & Prayer ........................7:00 PM 

Saturday Morning Soul Winning/Visitation..............10:00 AM 

Men’s Fellowship (Every 2nd & last Tuesdays)................6:00 PM 

Ladies Fellowship (the last Saturday of each month)..........................5:00 PM 

Youth Fellowship (Every Friday)...............6:30 PM 

Discover GOD Let Us Help You Find The Way To Jesus Christ 

We STRIVE to PROVIDER Ministries that matter Today to Whole Body of Christ, 

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

“Celebrating over 85 Years of FAITH and FAVOR! 

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

Shaw Temple A.M.E. Zion Church 

Rev. Dr. William Calvin Haralson, Pastor 

522 N.W. 9th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 

Church: (954) 647-8254 

Email: AMEZ522@Yahoo.com 

SERVICES 

Sunday School.................................................10:15 AM 

Sunday Morning Worship.................................11:00 AM 

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

“Reaching beyond the four walls touching lives, touching communities”. 

Jesus Christ Ministry Of Faith, Inc. 

Jesus Loves You 

Join Us Sundays 

at 9 AM 

477 NW 27 Avenue 

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 

JCMOFINC@gmail.com 

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! 

Romans 10:13 


Every Christian's Church 

SUNDAY @11:00 am 

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

Bible Trivia 

‘Test Your Bible Knowledge' 

1. 1) The King study David of was The not Doctrine allowed Of to The build Scripture the temple. is called? Why? 

2. 2) The Who study gave King of The David Doctrine the written Of God plans is called? to build the temple? 

3. 3) The What study was of the The weight Doctrine (tons) Of of Man gold, is silver called? and other materials 

The used study in building of The the Doctrine temple? Of Sin is called? 

4. 

5. 4) The Where study is it of found The Doctrine the Bible Of Salvation when Jesus is called? 

His body a 

6. temple? The study of The Doctrine Of The Holy Spirit is called? 

7. 5) The Complete study the of The following Doctrine verse: Of ‘What? The Church Know is ye called? not that your 

8. body The is……………………………. 

study of The Doctrine Of Angels is called? 

9. 6) The Complete study the of The following Doctrine verse: Of The ‘ And Last I saw Things no temple is called? therein…………….. 

The 7) Who answers eventually will be destroyed provided the in next ‘Great week’s Temple’ issue! of King Solomon? 

**Biblical 8) For 400 note** years There Israel had is a only relationship a tent, the between tabernacle the body, as the 

soul house and of God. spirit. Was God’s God interest satisfied in the with human a tent and body tabernacle is shown in as 

the His house? Doctrine Of Divine Healing. If Jesus heal the sick, so can 

you. It is the will of God for His people to seek Divine Healing. 

** Biblical It is a solemn note** command. 

During construction of Solomon’s temple 

scripture says that the sound of any tools were absent while it 

was in building (1Kings 6:7) 

Mrs. Bessie Brown, 

a resident 

of Isola, Ed Dwight, 

Mississippi, 

America’s First Black 

just 

Astronaut Trainee, 

celebrated 

Reaches Space at 90 

108 years 

of life! 

Answers – 1) 1 Chronicles 28:3; 2) 1 Chronicles 28:19; 3) 1 

Chronicles 29:7-8 (GNB) 190 tons of gold, 380 tons of silver, 675 

tons of bronze, 3750 tons of iron; 4) John 2:19-21; 5) 1Corinthians 

6:19; 6) Revelation 21:22; 7) Nebuchadnezzar – 2 Kings 

25:1-9; 8) Yes – 2 Samuel 7:5-7; 

The liftoff from Blue Origin’s 

West Texas launch site was 

the company’s first passenger 

More than 77,000 Sign 

flight in nearly two years. 

Petition for Justices Alito 

and Thomas to Recuse in 

Capitol Attack Cases 

Following a report from The New York Times 

that highlighted potential conflicts of interest 

for the conservative justices, MoveOn 

launched the petition 

Historians noted that officials created the Electoral 

College to give slave states more power and to keep 

an agent of England’s King George from becoming 

president. 

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National 

Correspondent@StacyBrownMedia 

A petition calling for conservative Supreme Court Justices 

and noted Donald Trump supporters Samuel Alito and Clarence 

Thomas to recuse themselves from major cases related to the 

January 6, 2021, Capitol attack has amassed 77,000 signatures 

as of 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 21. Following a report from The 

New By Stacy York Times M. Brown, that highlighted NNPA Newswire potential conflicts Senior of National interest 

for 

Correspondent@StacyBrownMedia 

the conservative justices, MoveOn launched the petition. 

The Times reported that an upside-down American flag, a 

symbol associated with the twice-impeached and four-times 

indicted Ed Dwight, Trump’s the false pioneering claims of African election American fraud, was who displayed came 

outside close to Alito’s becoming home America’s in January first 2021. Black The astronaut flag appeared six 

outside decades the ago, Alito achieved residence his in long-awaited Alexandria, Virginia, journey on into January space 

17, at the just age days of after 90. Trump On Sunday, supporters May stormed 19, Dwight, the Capitol. along Alito with 

told five the crewmates, Times that soared the flag aboard was Blue “briefly Origin’s placed” New there Shepard by his 

wife rocket. during a disagreement with neighbors. 

The liftoff revelation from has Blue again Origin’s raised West concerns Texas launch about site Alito’s was 

impartiality the company’s as the first Supreme passenger Court flight considers in nearly two two significant years. 

cases: This one approximately addressing charges 10-minute against suborbital the January flight 6 rioters etched and 

another 

Dwight’s 

determining 

name in history 

whether 

as the 

Trump 

oldest 

can 

person 

claim immunity 

to reach space, 

from 

prosecution on election interference charges. Justice Thomas 

surpassing Star Trek actor William Shatner, who held the 

also faces scrutiny for his involvement in cases related to the 

2020 record election, at age 90 particularly until Dwight’s because journey. his wife, Ginni Thomas, 

contacted Dwight’s Trump fellow officials passengers and lawmakers, included venture urging capitalist them to 

overturn Mason Angel, the election French results. craft brewery founder Sylvain Chiron, 

entrepreneur MoveOn’s petition Kenneth argues Hess, that Alito aviator must be Gopi held accountable 

Thotakura, 

for and what retired they describe accountant as a Carol breach Schaller. of ethics. “He Together, must recuse they 

himself experienced immediately a brief but or transformative be removed by journey Chief Justice as the rocket John 

Roberts, ascended and over the 347,000 Senate feet, Judiciary crossing Committee the Kármán must line, swiftly the 

investigate internationally and take recognized action on boundary conflicts of of interest,” space. After the petition a few 

states. moments of weightlessness, the New Shepard booster 

landed 

Rahna 

smoothly 

Epting, 

near 

MoveOn’s 

the launch 

political 

site, 

action 

with 

executive 

the crew 

director, 

capsule 

emphasized the need for immediate action to restore public 

following under two of its three parachutes. 

trust in the Supreme Court. “The only way to begin to restore 

any Emerging trust in the from Supreme the capsule, Court—and Dwight to ensure expressed any his semblance elation, 

of shaking a fair his hearing fists in on triumph. Trump’s 

Cont'd on Page 9


More than 77, 000 sign Petition for Justice Cont’d from Page 8 

baseless immunity claims—is for Justices Alito and Thomas to recuse themselves, or be removed 

by Chief Justice Roberts,” Epting said. 

He criticized Chief Justice John Roberts for failing to address these “conflicts of interest,” 

contributing to the Supreme Court’s lowest public approval ratings ever. “Justice Roberts’ failure 

to act—and allow these conflicts to go unchecked, has put the Supreme Court at its lowest public 

approval ever, with the public losing trust in the institution’s integrity and seeing it as the tool 

of a partisan right-wing agenda that it is,” Epting added. 

The petition also calls for the Senate Judiciary Committee to investigate the alleged conflicts 

of interest and consider impeachment if necessary. “Our country and our democracy deserve 

better,” Epting asserted. 


Deeply Rooted 

MAY 30 - JUNE 5, 2024 • PAGE 9 

VIEW OBITUARIES ONLINE AT 


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

Acknowledgments/ Announcements: 

In Memoriam * Death Notices * Happy Birthdays 

Card of Thanks* Remembrances 

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

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

Hall of Fame basketball legend Bill Walton dies at 71 

Walton won two college national championships and 

two NBA titles during his career 

Two-time NBA champion and Hall of Famer Bill Walton has died of cancer at the 

age of 71. (Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via 

Getty Images) 

Ian Casselberry 

Contributing writer 

The world of basketball has lost one of its most colorful 

characters. Hall of Fame basketball legend Bill Walton 

has died at 71, the NBA announced Monday, after battling 

cancer in recent years. 

Born on Nov. 5, 1952, in La Mesa, Calif., just east of San 

Diego, Walton had a renowned college career at UCLA under 

iconic coach John Wooden. During his career in Westwood, 

the 6-foot-11 center won two national championships 

(in 1972-73) and three national college player of the year 

awards, and was a three-time All-American. His teams lost 

only four games in his three seasons as a varsity player 

(freshman were not allowed to play back then), going 86–4 

overall. 

His success continued in the NBA. The No. 1 overall pick 

in the 1974 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers, he won 

an NBA championship in 1977 and MVP award (averaging 

18.9 points and 13.2 rebounds) in 1978. But he struggled 

with chronic foot injuries that limited him to 209 games (out 

of a possible 328) played in four seasons. 

After sitting out the entire 1978-79 season to protest how 

his and his teammates’ injuries had been treated, Walton 

signed with the San Diego Clippers as a free agent. He 

played in only 169 games over six seasons, missing two full 

campaigns due to foot injuries. 

In 1985, Walton was traded to the Boston Celtics. He 

played a career-high 80 games during the 1985-86 season 

and won another NBA championship and Sixth Man of the 

Year honors for a team with Larry Bird, Kevin McHale and 

Robert Parish. Walton played 10 games the following season 

and retired after injuries prevented him from playing the 

1986-87 campaign. 

“Bill Walton was truly one of a kind,” NBA commissioner 

Adam Silver said in a statement. “As a Hall of Fame player, 

he redefined the center position. His unique all-around skills 

made him a dominant force at UCLA and led to an NBA 

regular season and Finals MVP, two NBA championships 

and a spot on the NBA’s 50th and 75th anniversary teams.” 

“What I will remember most about him was his zest for 

life,” Silver added. “Always upbeat, smiling ear-to-ear and 

looking to share his wisdom and warmth.” 

Walton was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall 

of Fame in 1993 and the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 

2006. 

“Beyond his remarkable accomplishments as a player, 

it’s his relentless energy, enthusiasm for the game and 

unwavering candor that have been the hallmarks of his 

larger than life personality,” said UCLA head coach Mick 

Cronin in a statement. 

“As a passionate UCLA alumnus and broadcaster, he 

loved being around our players, hearing their stories, and 

sharing his wisdom and advice. For me as a coach, he was 

honest, kind, and always had his heart in the right place. I 

will miss him very much. It’s hard to imagine a season in 

Pauley Pavilion without him.” 

Generations of basketball fans likely know Walton better 

as an eccentric basketball broadcaster. For the first 20 years 

of his broadcasting career, he called college and NBA games 

for CBS, NBC, the Clippers and ESPN/ABC. 

After a three-year absence while recovering from back 

surgery (alleviating injuries that went back to his playing 

career), Walton returned as a full-time analyst for ESPN. 

He also called NBA games on NBC with Marv Albert, Greg 

Gumbel and Steve “Snapper” Jones. 

Frequently going on tangents that had little or nothing 

to do with the action on the court — which sometimes 

referenced recreational drug use, bizarre trivia, his love of 

the Grateful Dead and his political beliefs — Walton became 

an enormously popular color 

commentator. Play-by-play 

partners including Dave 

Pasch and Jason Benetti 

had to frequently maintain 

a deadpan sense of humor 

knowing that Walton 

could go anywhere with 

storytelling and analysis. 

In 2009, Walton was named 

as one of the top 50 sports 

broadcasters of all time by 

the American Sportscasters 

Association. 

“Bill often described 

himself as ‘the luckiest guy 

in the world,’ but anyone 

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Mrs. Avis Boyd-Gaines, 

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who had the opportunity to 

interact with Bill was the 

lucky one,” ESPN president 

Jimmy Pitaro said in a 

statement. “He was a truly 

special, giving person who 

always made time for others. 

Bill’s one-of-a-kind spirit 

captivated and inspired 

audiences during his second 

career as a successful 

broadcaster.” 

Music is 

critical in our 

lives and 

culture. 

It’s the 

inspirational 

that drives us. 

It’s also the 

window to 

our souls. 

It’s a reflection 

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we are, what 

we stand for 

and where 

we’re going. 

-- Bill Walton 

Position 

Full-Time Operations Administrative Assistant – Apply within 

Salary 

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Job Description 

This full-time position will provide administrative and operational 

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death certificates, veterans cemetery requests and social security 

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services and ceremonies 

- Scan and process photographs 

- Prepare letters, certificates and other written 

correspondence 

- Answer telephones and greet guests Requirements: 

- The ideal candidate must possess; excellent verbal and 

written communications skills; strong time management skills 

and multi-tasking abilities; exceptional computer literacy: Microsoft 

Office and data-entry, (additional Microsoft Publisher, Adobe 

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- In addition, the ideal candidate need to encompass and 

value the following personal and professional attributes: Confidentiality, 

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Initiative, Dependability, and Honesty. 

Obituaries 

Death and Funeral Notices 

A Good Sheperd 

Funeral Home Services 

Janet 

D. Smith 

Funeral 

Service 

will be held 

June 1st at 

New Covenant 

Deliverance. 

McWhite’s Funeral 

Home Services 

Agusti’n D. 

Bernal- 

Lo’pez 

Funeral 

Service 

was held 

May 27th 

at McWhite’s 

Funeral 

Home. 

Michael 

J. Lopez 

Funeral 

service 

was held 

May 21st at 

McWhite’s 

Funeral 

Home 

Chapel. 

Lucille Griffith 

Funeral 

Service 

was held May 

28th 


Funeral Home 

Chapel. 

Annie Lue 

Mullings 

Funeral 

Service 

was held 

May 25th 


Funeral Home 

Chapel. 

Maureen 

Poyser 

Funeral 

Service 

was held May 

25th 


Funeral 

Home 

Chapel. 

Sgt. Shawn 

Cowan 

Skinner 

Funeral 

Service 

was held 

May 25th at 

First Baptist 

Church Piney 

Grove. 

Trust 

in the 

Lord 

with all 

your heart 

and lean 

not on 

your own 

understanding. 

In all 

your ways 

acknowledge 

Him, and 

He will 

make 

your paths 

striaght. 

Proverbs 3:5

PAGE 10 • MAY 30 - JUNE 5, 2024 

Deeply Rooted 


Commissioner 

Christian Caban 

By Vaughn Wilson 

(Mega Ace Media) 

Following the greatest 

tornado damage in Leon 

County since 1945, Leon 

County Commissioner 

Christian Caban put forth a 

proposal to the Leon County 

Commission to utilize $1 

million to afford to assist in 

disaster relief. At the time 

the proposal was made, much 

of the county was still reeling 

from the effects of what was 

reported to be up to three 

twisters that decimated areas 

of Tallahassee. The quick 

thinking and expeditious 

action by the county staff has 

been a breath of fresh air for 

many. 

Areas like Railroad 

Square, Florida State, Florida 

A&M, Woodville, and Capital 

City Country Club will never 

look the same as snapped 

and uprooted trees littered 

the south side of Tallahassee. 

Caban, who serves District 

2 which was greatly affected 

by the storm, acted quickly 

understanding that residents 

SERVICE 

CHANGES 

EFFECTIVE SUNDAY, 

JUNE 9 

CHANGES TO ROUTES: 

Caban’s proposal comes at a time of great need in Leon County 

needed help from somewhere to return to some level 

of normalcy. 

“I am aware that FEMA support would step in at 

some point, but it was important that we understand 

the needs and challenges of our residents. Our 

residents need help now. It’s in our legal purview to 

do that,” Caban said. 

The Targeted Emergency Assistance Microgrant 

(TEAM) program is open for applications and will 

help those in the unincorporated areas of Leon 

County. The program even caught the attention of 

national news agencies who commended the county 

on its quick resolution for its residents. 

“I am really proud of what we did working together. 

It’s a testament to the commission’s collegiality to 

work together and serve our community well. I am 

extremely impressed that staff turned around this 

Source: The Daily Iberian 

The Biden-Harris Administration 

announced today 

the approval of $7.7 billion in 

additional student loan debt 

relief for 160,500 borrowers. 

These discharges are for three 

categories of borrowers: those 

receiving Public Service Loan 

Forgiveness (PSLF); those 

who signed up for President 

Biden’s Saving on a Valuable 

Education (SAVE) Plan 

and who are eligible for its 

shortened time-to-forgiveness 

benefit; and those receiving 

forgiveness on income-driven 

repayment (IDR) because of 

fixes made by the Administration. 

This action comes as 

more than 8 million borrowers 

have been helped by the 

SAVE Plan. That includes 

4.6 million with a $0 monthly 

Call Customer Service at 954-357-8400 • TTY 954-357-8302, Florida Relay: 711 

JUNE 2024 

Scan here for 

schedules 

2 16 18 19 20 31 40 

EXPRESS 

42 48 50 72 441 106 

ROUTE 

For new schedules: Broward.org/BCT/Schedules • Wi-Fi available 

implementation in short order. The meeting was 

last Tuesday night and we’re already accepting 

applications for the resources,” Caban said. 

Caban felt Leon County residents, in particular 

his district, needed some support after the storm’s 

immense damage. “I am never one to put districts 

against one another, but all three tornadoes affected 

our district. As I attend relief distribution events 

and talk to residents, some have lost everything or 

most of what they have,” he said. 

While it was not a unanimous vote, it passed by 

a 6-1 margin. Some have expressed a concern that 

it might diminish FEMA assistance. The TEAM 

initiative is aimed at supporting things that might 

not normally be covered by insurance. 

Small businesses as well as individuals can 

apply for assistance. The resources are meant to 

be a non-traditional grant that would be vetted by 

the application process, but quickly get funds in the 

hands of those in need of assistance to recuperate. 

While some wonder if it will have adverse effects, 

those in need have no time to wait on what could 

be coming. I applaud Caban, the Leon County 

Commission, and the Leon County staff for rushing 

to the aid of those who elected them. While at the 

polls, you often think about who is there for you and 

what did they do to help you in your time of need. 

Residents needed help and Leon County stepped in 

to provide some assistance. While it is not meant 

to solve the disaster relief of Leon County in its 

entirety, that amount of support could keep some 

households functional and some small businesses 

doors open. 

Vaughn Wilson Mega Ace Media, LLC./HBCU 

Biden-Harris Administration Announces Additional $7.7 

Billion in Approved Student Debt Relief for 160,000 Borrowers 

Biden-Harris Administration has now Approved $167 Billion 

in Relief for 4.75 Million Borrowers across the Country 

payment. 

Today’s announcement 

brings the total loan forgiveness 

approved by the 

Biden-Harris Administration 

to $167 billion for 4.75 million 

Americans. Thanks to this 

Administration’s efforts more 

than one out of every 10 federal 

student loan borrowers 

The Institue for Women’s 

Policy Centers 

has now been approved for 

some debt relief. This action 

builds on President Biden and 

his Administration’s efforts 

to provide debt relief to as 

many borrowers as possible 

as quickly as possible. 

“The Biden-Harris Administration 

remains persistent 

about our efforts to bring student 

debt relief to millions 

involving his family’s real estate business. 

They forget the erratic trade policies and the 

significant tax cuts that disproportionately 

benefited the wealthy while ballooning the 

national deficit. 

The selective amnesia extends to Trump’s 

mixed economic performance. While he points 

to certain economic indicators that were strong 

during his tenure, these successes were often 

continuations of trends that began under the 

Obama administration, which he will never 

admit. Moreover, his administration’s handling 

of the COVID-19 pandemic was an economic 

disaster not to mention the significant number 

of Black, Brown and elderly people that lost 

their lives due to his ineptitude. 

For me, a particularly concerning aspect 

of this shaded love affair is the miseducation 

of Black and Brown voters about Trump’s 

supposed economic contributions to their 

communities. The narrative that Trump 

“brought checks to the hood” is a fallacy that 

more across the country, and 

this announcement proves it,” 

said U.S. Secretary of Education 

Miguel Cardona. “One 

out of every 10 federal student 

loan borrowers approved 

for debt relief means one out 

of every 10 borrowers now has 

financial breathing room and 

a burden lifted.” 

Recently, the U.S. Department 

of Education (Department) 

also announced an 

update on the timing of the 

payment count adjustment. 

This administrative fix ensures 

borrowers get credit 

for progress borrowers made 

toward IDR forgiveness 

and PSLF. Borrowers who 

would benefit from consolidating 

now have until June 

30, 2024, to apply to consolidate. 

Borrowers can find 

out more about the payment 

count adjustment at: https:// 

studentaid.gov/announcements-events/idr-account-ad- 

justment 

The debt relief announced 

today is broken down into the 

following categories: 

• $5.2 billion for 66,900 

borrowers through fixes to 

PSLF: The Administration 

has now approved $68 billion 

in forgiveness for more than 

942,000 borrowers through 

PSLF. 

• $613 million for 

54,300 borrowers through the 

SAVE Plan: This relief will go 

to borrowers enrolled in the 

SAVE Plan who had smaller 

loans for their postsecondary 

studies. Borrowers can receive 

relief after at least 10 

years of payments if they originally 

borrowed $12,000 or 

less. Each additional $1,000 

in borrowing adds 12 more 

months until forgiveness. All 

borrowers on the SAVE Plan 

receive forgiveness after 20 



President Biden’s Critical Outreach 

to the Black Community from Front Page 

media outlets, which have the credibility and reach to influence and inform Black voters on a 

grassroots level. The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), with its network of 

250 Black-owned newspapers and a collective reach of over 18 million readers weekly, represents 

a critical platform that Biden cannot afford to overlook. 

The initial hiccup with scheduling a meeting with the NNPA should serve as a cautionary 

tale. While understandable, such setbacks must be swiftly addressed. The NNPA has the 

infrastructure and the audience to effectively disseminate Biden’s message and policies to the 

Black community, providing a vital link that large, mainstream media often miss. Engaging 

with the NNPA is not just a strategic move; it’s an essential one. 

Moreover, appearing on Black-owned talk shows like Roland S. Martin’/Roland Martin 

Unfiltered, and attending conventions like the NNPA’s June gathering would provide Biden 

with direct access to the community’s concerns and aspirations. These forums offer more than 

just visibility; they offer a chance for genuine dialogue and trust-building, which are crucial in 

a political landscape where every vote counts. 

In the high-stakes game of politics, failing to engage with these essential platforms is akin 

to playing Russian roulette with his presidency. Biden must leverage every opportunity to 

communicate his administration’s achievements and future plans, particularly in a way that 

resonates with Black Americans who feel their concerns are often sidelined. 

As the election approaches, President Biden’s outreach strategy must evolve from symbolic 

gestures to substantive engagement. By working closely with Black-owned media and attending 

pivotal community events, he can ensure that his message not only reaches but resonates with 

the Black electorate. This is not merely a matter of political strategy; it is a recognition of the 

power and importance of a community that has consistently proven to be a decisive force in 

American elections. 

In conclusion, Biden’s presidency and potential re-election bid are inextricably linked to the 

Black community’s support. The path to securing this support lies in genuine, consistent, and 

respectful engagement. Only then can he hope to replicate the success of 2020 and prevent a 

political misstep that could cost him the office he now holds. 

Trump: The Illusion of a President from Front Page 

distorts the truth. While his administration 

did roll out stimulus checks as part of broader 

COVID-19 relief efforts, these were not 

targeted initiatives specifically designed to 

uplift minority communities but rather part 

of a nationwide response to an unprecedented 

crisis. The last time I checked, people who 

looked like me were going to jail because of 

some dealings with those “stimulus checks”. 

The truth is that Trump’s wider economic 

policies did little to address systemic inequities 

affecting Black and Brown communities. His 

tax cuts largely benefited the wealthy, and 

his administration’s attempts to dismantle 

the Affordable Care Act threatened to strip 

millions of Black, Brown, and poor white 

Americans of their health insurance. His 

peddled Opportunity Zones, intended to 

motivate investment in distressed areas, often 

ended up benefiting affluent developers who 




Deeply Rooted 

MAY 30 - JUNE 5, 2024 • PAGE 11 

Black Woman who Survived a Plane 

Crash earns Master’s Degree in Business 

NATIONWIDE — Meet 

Kechi Okwuchi, a survivor 

of a devastating plane 

crash in Nigeria, who years 

later, successfully earned 

her Master of Business 

Administration (MBA) with 

distinction. Despite enduring 

severe burns covering much 

of her body, Okwuchi defied 

the odds and pursued her 

education with determination. 

On December 10, 2005, 

a tragic plane crash caused 

the death of 107 out of 109 

passengers. Okwuchi, only 16 

at the time, sustained thirddegree 

burns over 65% of 

her body and had only a 30% 

chance of survival. 

Okwuchi was airlifted to 

Milpark Hospital in South 

Africa for urgent medical 

care, and later to Shriners 

Hospitals for Children in 

Texas, where she underwent 

more than 100 surgeries to 

reconstruct her injuries. 

Despite her challenges, 

Okwuchi returned to college in 

2009 and went on to graduate 

with top honors in Economics 

from the University of St. 

Thomas in 2015. 

Recognized for her 

academic excellence, Kechi 

was invited to join several 

prestigious honor societies, 

including the International 

Economics Honor Society. 

Beyond her academic 

achievements, Okwuchi is 

a multi-talented individual, 

excelling as a singer, 

songwriter, business 

consultant, and inspirational 

speaker. Her book, ‘More 

Than My Scars,’ further 

emphasizes her message of 

strength and self-acceptance. 

In 2019, Okwuchi and 

her story captured the hearts 

of many on America’s Got 

Talent: The Champions, 

earning a spot as a finalist 

through Simon Cowell’s 

Coconut Creek native supports the 

Navy’s submarine force in Guam 

Chief Petty Officer 

Juliana Gomez (Photo 

by Mass Communication 

Specialist 1st Class Bryan 

Niegel) 

By Mass Communication 

Specialist 1st Class Jerry 

Jimenez, Navy Office of 

Community Outreach 

U.S. NAVAL BASE GUAM 

– Chief Petty Officer Juliana 

Gomez, a native of Coconut 

Creek, Florida, serves the 

U.S. Navy aboard USS Frank 

Cable. 

Gomez graduated from 

Stoneman Douglas High 

School in 2006. 

The skills and values 

needed to succeed in the Navy 

are similar to those found in 

Coconut Creek. 

“I grew up in Colombia and 

it’s very diverse,” said Gomez. 

“That helped me adapt to the 

military. “Growing up, my 

grandfather always taught 

me to gain knowledge, which 

also helped me in my career 

and helps me to advise junior 

sailors so they can advance in 

their careers.” 

Gomez joined the Navy 

17 years ago. Today, Gomez 

serves as a chief machinist’s 

mate. 

“I joined the Navy to have 

a better future for myself and 

my family,” said Gomez. 

Frank Cable, an 

expeditionary submarine 

tender manned by a hybrid 

crew of sailors and civilian 

mariners, provides critical 

maintenance capabilities to 

the U.S. Navy’s submarine 

force in the Pacific. 

Frank Cable’s primary 

clients are the four Los 

Angeles-class attack 

submarines homeported 

in Guam, but the ship can 

also provide repair and 

logistic services to other 

Navy ships like cruisers and 

destroyers. The submarine 

Pembroke Pines Native Supports the 

Navy’s Submarine Force in Guam 

Zuluaga graduated from 

Somerset Academy in 2021. 

The skills and values 

needed to succeed in the Navy 

are similar to those found in 

Pembroke Pines. 

“I learned to follow orders 

exactly how they are written, 

to a T,” said Zuluaga. “My 

last chief really drilled into 

my head that everything is 

written in blood. Those rules, 

regulations, and guidelines 

are what they are because 

mistakes have already been 

made and refinements have 

already taken place.” 

Zuluaga joined the Navy two 

years ago. Today, Zuluaga 

serves as an electrician’s 

mate. 

“I joined to make it a career,” 

said Zuluaga. “I was interested 

in special warfare, but I had to 

renounce dual citizenship and 

then wait two years to put in 

my package to try and attend 

Basic Underwater Demolition 

U.S. NAVAL BASE GUAM 

- Petty Officer 3rd Class 

Juan Zuluaga, a native of 

Pembroke Pines, Florida, 

serves the U.S. Navy 

aboard USS Frank Cable. 

(Photo by Mass Communication 

Specialist 1st Class) 

School.” 

Frank Cable, an expedit- 

ionary submarine tender 

manned by a hybrid crew of 

sailors and civilian mariners, 

provides critical maintenance 

capabilities to the U.S. Navy’s 

submarine force in the Pacific 

Frank Cable’s pri-mary clients 

are the four Los Angelesclass 

attack submarines 

homeported in Guam, but the 

ship can also provide repair 

and logistic services to other 

Navy ships like cruisers and 

destroyers. The submarine 

tenders provide maintenance, 

temporary berthing services 

and logistical support to 

submarines and surface ships 

in the Pacific Ocean as well 

as the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, 

Arabian Sea and parts of the 

Indian Ocean. 

With a crew of more than 600, 

Frank Cable is 649 feet long 

and weighs approximately 



tenders provide maintenance, 

temporary berthing services 

and logistical support to 

submarines and surface ships 

in the Pacific Ocean as well 

as the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, 

Arabian Sea and parts of the 

Indian Ocean. 

With a crew of more 

than 600, Frank Cable is 

649 feet long and weighs 

approximately 23,493 tons. 

With 90% of global 

commerce traveling by sea 

and access to the internet 

relying on the security of 

undersea fiber optic cables, 

Navy officials continue to 

emphasize that the prosperity 

of the United States is 

directly linked to recruiting 



golden buzzer. 

In 2023, Okwuchi reached 

another milestone as she 

graduated with distinction, 

earning a Master of Business 

Administration (MBA) 

in Economics from the 

University of St. Thomas in 

Texas. 

“Look who finally walked!! 

Meet Kechi Okwuchi, official 

MBA graduate,” she posted 

on X, where a lot of people 

celebrated her success with 

her. “Thank God and thank 

you, @stthomashouston” 

Kechi Okwuchi 

Reflecting on her journey, 

Kechi emphasizes the 

importance of authenticity 

and self-acceptance. 

“I don’t hide behind 

anything. I don’t hide how I 

am, how I look at the world. 

I want people to feel like 

they can be their genuine 

selves in any given situation 

because that’s the way that 

they’re supposed to be. That’s 

the way to be really happy 

in this world,” Okwuchi 

told Essence. 

Black Teen From Louisiana Named 

Valedictorian and Receives Nearly 

$1M in Scholarships From 13 Colleges 

NATIONWIDE — 

Cur’Dericka Rice, a 17-yearold 

African American girl from 

Monroe, Louisiana, graduated 

valedictorian with a perfect 

Family Fights for Legacy in Co-Op Board Takeover 

The late Beverly Pierre-Louis surrounded by her family; Daughter Louise Lyn stands 

behind her in an orange T-shirt. 

(Courtesy of Louise Lyn) 

By Joshua Ceballos 

(Source: Miami Times) 

By Joshua Ceballos 

Beverly Pierre-Louis, a 

78-year-old mother of six, died 

in 2021. After she passed, her 

children discovered something 

they didn’t know about their 

mom: she was a homeowner. 

She had two units in her 

name that the family said 

they weren’t aware of because 

she struggled with mental 

illness in her later years. 

“Before our momma 

passed away, she suffered 

from dementia. It’s not a 

pretty sight. I think she 

wasn’t aware of a lot of stuff 

she had,” Louise Lyn, one of 

Pierre-Louis’ daughters, told 

WLRN. 

As soon as they found 

out, Pierre-Louis’ kids moved 

to get the property in their 

names, but they hit a snag: 

A co-op board had taken 

possession of the units and 

wouldn’t talk to the family. 

To make matters worse, the 

apartment complex where 

their mother had lived was 

put up for sale, and was at risk 

of redevelopment in a Miami 

neighborhood threatened by 

gentrification. 

A mural in the Town Park 

Village cooperative apartment 

complex in Miami’s historic 

Overtown. 

Pierre-Louis lived at Town 

Park Village – a low-income, 



4.0 GPA and a remarkable 

33 on her ACT. What’s more, 

she earned nearly $1 million 

in scholarships from 13 

universities. 

Rice attributes her success to 

the support and guidance of 

her teachers and parents. 

“Walking into college, goals 

that I have are just to keep 

my head on straight and 

continue to make the people 

around me proud. But, as 

far as academics, I’m just up 

for the challenge because I’m 

ready to be challenged, and 

do the best that I can,” Rice 

told KNOE. 

In the fall of 2024, Rice 

will begin her college 

career at Louisiana Tech 

University, where she plans 

to pursue a degree in chemical 

engineering. Her ambition is 

driven by a desire to combat 

environmental pollution and 

minimize its impacts. 

Moreover, Rice encourages 

others to chase their dreams 

no matter what. 

“Even if you don’t think 

it’s possible, you should still 

strive to excel and go beyond 

whatever the goal may be, 



PAGE 12 • MAY 30 - JUNE 5, 2024 

Deeply Rooted 


From a student’s perspective: An Interview with 

Broward County Public Schools 

Superintendent 

Superintendent Dr. Hepburn 

By Jacy Nails, Student Reporter Westside Gazette 

There are emotions of both excitement and uncertainty when a new 

superintendent is appointed. Although change is natural, it’s not always 

predictable how this change will turn out to play. Given this, I recently 

received the honor to take a visit to the Kathleen C. Wright Administration 

Center, to speak with Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn, the new 

leader in charge of guiding Broward County Public Schools into a brighter 

future. Conversing with him in his office allowed me to gain insight 

into Dr. Hepburn’s current and future goals and projects that will affect 

Broward County Public Schools educators, students, and the community. 

It proceeded as follows: 

J. Nails: Greetings! And thank you so much for allowing me to speak with you today. My 

first question for you is: What is your backstory, and how did you get into the field of education? 

Dr. Hepburn: “Well, I grew up in Western Palm Beach County in Belle Glade, Florida. 

I used to run around cane patches and 

ditches all the time in my youth with my 

buddies. I got an academic scholarship 

to go to UCF, as a Biology major because 

I wanted to be a field biologist and go out 

to discover new things. I stayed outside, 

and to this day I just love doing things 

as an outdoorsman. 

At the tail end of my senior year, I 

started looking for jobs and I found out 

that most of the people in the fields of 

work in which I was interested, stayed 

in them until they retired, so it wasn’t 

anything open at the time. A best friend 

of mine who I went to high school with 

who was an education major said to me 

“Hey! Why don’t you come and teach 

and change your biology major to a 

science education degree?” So that’s 

what I did, but I only expected it to be 

a temporary lifestyle for me. However, I 

ended up teaching every science under 

the sun and loving every second of it. 

Additionally, people began to see a lot 

of talent in me and appointed me to 

different roles. 

I went from being a Dean, to an 

Assistant Principal, then a Principal, 

to a Supervising Principal, and now I 

am currently the proud Superintendent 

of Broward County. Growing up in my 

hometown it took a village, and a lot of 

people who were invested in me. People 

Jacy Nails is a 

junior at Dillard High 

School, where she is 

the treasurer of the 

National Honor Society, 

and President of the 

Dillard Commercial 

Music Group. 

Superintendent Hepburn and Jacy Nails 

who were not educated, wanted to ensure, as we are assuring you students, to make sure that 

you have opportunities in the future and that we are doing everything that we need to do to 

make things happen. 

With every young person I encounter, I always try to put blessings on them and open doors 

for them. Somebody else should be a superintendent in the future that looks just like me, and 

beyond!” 

J. Nails: Nice to hear! As a High School student, myself. I would like to know what your goals 

are for student achievement for the students of Broward County Public Schools? 

Dr. Hepburn: “Great question! I have a couple things in mind for student achievement. First 

being to expose students to more accelerated opportunities. As I dive into the data of Broward 

County Public Schools, I see two things: there’s academic gaps and there’s opportunity gaps. 

Academic gaps are very palpable, as we see the disparities between our Black and Hispanic 

students vs. our white students. The question is…What’s going on here? Is the quality and 

instruction the same? Is the quality of resources the same? 

In many cases some of these questions are not equitable, so I plan to make sure that I’m 

developing my central office team to ask the right questions and look for the right things when 

they’re visiting schools. Providing the right professional development to build a capacity of 


Memorial Services Set for Wilmington 

Ten Member Willie Earl Vereen 

Vereen, who had battled liver cancer and endured years of dialysis, 

died at 5:30 a.m. while in hospice care. His death marks the passing of 

another key figure in the fight for racial justice in the 1970s. 

By Stacy M. Brown, 

NNPA Newswire Senior 

National Correspondent 

A memorial service for 

Willie Earl Vereen, a member 

of the political prisoner 

group Wilmington Ten, was 

held on Tuesday, May 28, at 

the Temple of Truth Light 

and Life in North Carolina. 

Vereen died on Saturday, May 

25, at the age of 69. A viewing 

will be held later at John H. 

Shaw’s Son Funeral Home 

at 520 Red Cross St. Family 

members have scheduled a 

Wednesday funeral. 

Vereen, who had battled 

liver cancer and endured 

years of dialysis, died at 5:30 

a.m. while in hospice care. 

His death marks the passing 

of another key figure in the 

fight for racial justice in the 

1970s. 

The Wilmington Ten 

were a group of civil rights 

Willlie Earl Vereen, standing fourth from the left. 

activists wrongfully convicted 

in 1971 for the firebombing 

of Mike’s Grocery Store and 

shooting at firefighters. The 

group, comprising nine Black 

men and one white woman, 

included Wayne Moore, Ann 

Shepard, James McKoy, 

Marvin Patrick, Reginald 

Epps, Jerry Jacobs, Connie 

Tindall, William Wright, 

and National Newspaper 

Publishers Association 

(NNPA) President and CEO 

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. 

Wilmington was a 

flashpoint for conflict during 

a time of racial unrest, with 

violent clashes between black 

activists and organizations 

supporting white supremacy, 

like the Ku Klux Klan. Racially 

biased legal proceedings and 

prosecutorial misconduct 

were the leading causes of 

the Wilmington Ten’s false 

accusations and subsequent 

convictions. 

The activists received 

harsh sentences, with their 

total prison terms amounting 

to 282 years. They spent 

almost a decade in prison 

before a federal appellate 

court overturned their 

convictions in 1980. The 

court cited prosecutorial 

misconduct, including 

suppressing evidence and 

coercing false testimonies. 

Amnesty International 

declared the Wilmington Ten 

“prisoners of conscience” in 

1976, bringing international 

attention to their case. The 

organization’s support, 

alongside public statements 

from American Ambassador 

to the United Nations Andrew 

Young, who described the 

charges as “trumped up,” 

underscored the political 

nature of their imprisonment. 

In 2012, North Carolina 



Dillard High School Hosted its 2024 

Senior Awards Night Program 

On Tuesday evening, May 21, 2024, Dillard High School hosted its 2024 Senior Awards 

Night Program in the gymnasium under the leadership of Principal Casandra D. Robinson. 

The event, led by Master of Ceremony Mr. Jimmy B. Witherspoon included the Pledge of 

Allegiance, a performance by the Dance and Step team, the ACE Diploma Presentation, National 

Honor Society Awards, Silver Cord Awards, and the recognition of the top 10% of students. 

Scholarships ranging from $250 to $15.000 were presented to deserving students, names 

of students here by various organizations, including: 

- All About Healthy Living 

Foundation 

- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 

(Chi Psi Omega, Upsilon Xi Omega, 

and Zeta Rho Omega Chapters) 

- Atlantic Charter Scholarships 

- B Phi D Fraternity Inc. 

- Beta Phi Delta Foundation 

Scholarship 

- Broward College 

- Broward Technical College 

- Broward General Medical 

Scholarship 

- Broward Alliance of Black School 

Educators (BABSE) 

- Carlton B Moore Scholarship 

- Chris Priester Book Scholarship 

- Creative Arts Unity Foundation 

- Dart Foundation 

- Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 

(Broward Chapter) 

- Dillard Class of 1964-1997 

- ETA NU Foundation of Omega 

Psi Phi, Inc. 

- Fort Lauderdale Rotary Club 

Scholarship 

- Fort Lauderdale Black Police 

Association 

- Foundation of Levy Body Dementia 

- Issac Bruce Foundation Scholarship 

- J’Marie Project Scholarship 

- Kiwanis Club of Central Broward 

- Smitty Wings of Sistrunk 

- Avry Stock Sisters Investment Club 

- The Cigar Gang Scholarship 

- Coral Springs Craft Guild 

- TLC Truck & Equipment 

- Take Stock in Children 

- The “W” Group of SFL US Army 

Scholarship 

- US Army Scholarship 

- US Marines Scholarship 

- ZETA Dove Foundation Inc. 

- Unity in the Community Scholarship 

- US Navy Scholarship 

On May 4, 2024, on the stunning Fort 

Lauderdale Beach, Dexter Murray 

proposed to Khadeeja Dooling with their 

family by their side. From left to right: 

Shonna, Khadeeja, Delores, Dexter, Sean, 

and Vanessa.


Deeply Rooted 

MAY 30 - JUNE 5, 2024 • PAGE 13 

Meet Randy Corinthian 

Submitted by Bold Journey.com 

We recently connected with Randy Corinthian and have shared our conversation below. 

Randy, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, 

for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, 

can you share where you get your resilience from? Resilience can come from various sources, 

and inspiration from their surroundings can significantly influence many. Throughout my 

life, I have found inspiration within my environment. Observing family, friends, and others 

throughout the world community endure hardship has taught me the meaning of perseverance, 

especially when faced with adversity. I learned about faith and how to manifest more favorable 

outcomes through faith and work. I often drew upon the adage, “What doesn’t kill me only 

makes me stronger.” 

The music, the singing, hand clapping, and the beating of the drums during church services 

also instilled a sense of resilience in me. The uplifting music, the communal spirit of hand 

clapping, and the rhythmic beats of the drums created a sense of unity, support, and strength 

within me. These experiences helped me develop resilience by providing a source of comfort, 

motivation, and extreme optimism during challenging times. 

Drawing upon the inspiration and sense of community I experienced throughout my 

environment was a powerful way to cultivate resilience in adversity. By connecting with these 

memories and the emotions they evoke, I have always found the strength and determination to 

overcome obstacles and persevere through difficult circumstances. 

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back 

into some of the other questions, we had for you. Thank you for the opportunity to share more 

about myself and my journey. In business and investing, I have been focused on building a 

diversified portfolio that spans real estate, stocks, and the tokenization of tangible world assets. 

By carefully selecting these assets, I aim to create long-term wealth and financial stability for 

myself and my family. The dynamic nature of these markets presents exciting challenges and 

opportunities that keep me engaged and motivated to learn and grow as an investor. 

I am deeply involved in the work of an arts organization (Old Dillard Foundation, Inc.) 

celebrating its 30-year milestone! Over the years, I have dedicated myself to supporting 

various causes and initiatives that positively impact society. Through our efforts to support 

the foundation, we have been able to effect meaningful change in areas such as education, 

healthcare, and environmental conservation. As we commemorate three decades of service, I 

am committed to furthering our mission and expanding our reach to help more individuals and 

communities in need. 

In my artistic career, I have honed my craft as a musician and songwriter, focusing on 

creating new music for release. I am passionate about using music to self-express and connect 

with others. In addition to producing and releasing new material, I am actively working to 

expand my performance opportunities to include festivals, tours, and other exciting venues 

worldwide. Music can inspire, uplift, and unite people from all walks of life, and I am dedicated 

to sharing my art with a broader audience. 

My professional pursuits in business, nonprofit work, and the arts are driven by a desire to 

make a positive impact, create value, and pursue my passions to the fullest. I am grateful for 

the opportunities I have had thus far and look forward to continuing to grow and evolve in these 

areas. I appreciate your interest in my story, and I am excited to see what the future holds on 

this labyrinthian journey. 

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that 

were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their 

journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these? 

Musical Proficiency: Developing strong musical skills and proficiency is essential for any 

musician. This includes mastering your instrument or voice, understanding music theory, and 

having a good ear for music. Continuously practicing and honing your musical abilities will help 

you express yourself creatively and connect with your audience. 

Creativity and Artistic 

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Expression: Creativity is a 

key quality that fuels musical 

innovation and expression. 

Thinking outside the box, 

experimenting with different 

musical ideas, and expressing 

your emotions through music 

are essential to a successful 

music journey. Cultivating 

your artistic vision and 

finding your unique voice as 

a musician can set you apart 

and resonate with listeners. 

Persistence 

and 

Resilience: The music 

industry can be challenging 

and competitive, requiring 

perseverance and resilience 

to navigate setbacks and 

obstacles. Developing a 

solid work ethic, staying 

committed to your goals, and 

learning from failures are 

essential for success in music. 

Building a support network, 

staying adaptable to change, 

and staying motivated during 

tough times can help you 

sustain your music journey in 

the long run. 

By cultivating these 

qualities, skills, and areas 

of knowledge, musicians can 

enhance their music journey, 

grow as artists, and achieve 

their goals in the music 

industry. 

To close, maybe we can 

chat about your parents and 

NNPA 

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42 

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ARIES-Spend some time thinking about 

mutual needs. Just because it’s what you want, 

it may not be your lover’s fond desire. Give a 

little to get something that you need right now 

–someone to be with. Save the self-importance 

for another week.17, 29, 30 

TAURUS-Take the lead, especially in romantic 

matters. Throw modesty out the window. Be in 

shameless pursuit. You know that your need is 

great this week. Seek to satisfy it. Your lover 

might be surprised, but you can make the 

surprise a pleasant one.29, 34, 51 

GEMINI-Heads or tails! Go or stay! What to 

do? This week you’ll find yourself pulled in two 

exactly opposite directions. There is no way to 

satisfy both pulls. Let your friends decide. Take 

whatever suggestion comes first.41, 47, 50 

CANCER-Don’t waste time thinking about the 

past. Sure they were wrong, but what does it 

matter now. Enjoy the present. Find something 

good to do for the rest of the week. Avoid 

conflict. Nothing is so important that it needs 

to be resolved this week.23, 28, 49 

LEO-Stop thinking about work. Sure there are 

pressing matters, but they’ll wait. Tap into the 

fun side of your personality. Get deep into that 

side and stay there. Don’t keep pulling back to 

think about things that need to be fixed.30, 37, 

42 

VIRGO-Let the pleasure principal win the 

battle with your sense of duty. Give yourself 

up to the sunshine, the fresh air, the outdoors. 

Stop talking and get moving. Your own motion 

will clear your mind of things that have been 

hanging on.12, 38, 39 

LIBRA-There are so many good things to do 

that the challenge will be in deciding what to 

do and what to not do. Great place to be. Count 

your blessings -all of them and flip a coin. What 

a time to be alive. Call someone. Let them 

decide what you should enjoy first.4, 29, 38 

SCORPIO-Give yourself a chance to know 

yourself better. Let others reflect the beauty 

that is you and that will give you added 

knowledge of yourself this week. Ask for 

opinions and listen closely, making something 

good out of whatever is said.22, 27, 41 

what they did that was particularly impactful for 

you? Among the many gifts my parents bestowed 

upon me was their unwavering commitment to 

instilling the principles of hard work, dedication to 

family, stability, and establishing a solid spiritual 

foundation in my life. These values are pillars that 

have undoubtedly shaped my character and guided 

my decisions along life’s journey. 

Their emphasis on hard work has equipped me 

with the resilience and determination to overcome 

challenges and succeed. The lessons on commitment 

to family have fostered a deep understanding of 

the importance of loyalty, support, and love within 

the family unit, laying the foundation for strong 

bonds and lasting connections. Their stability has 

given me a sense of security and calm, enabling me 

to navigate life’s ups and downs confidently and 

gracefully. 

Moreover, the spiritual foundation they have 

helped me build is a source of guidance, comfort, and 

moral compass in times of uncertainty, providing 

me with a sense of purpose and perspective beyond 

the material world. 

The invaluable lessons and values my parents 

imparted to me have laid a solid groundwork for 

personal growth, meaningful relationships, and 

a fulfilling life journey. Their influence continues 

to shape my identity and choices, providing 

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SAGITTARIUS-You’ll meet someone that you 

could come to adore. Make sure you’ve laid the 

groundwork because they might not be ready 

for all the adoration that you are ready to give. 

Make sure that you don’t adore a bird in the 

bush while neglecting a bird in hand.16, 23, 40 

CAPRICORN-Being an artist doesn’t always 

mean painting a picture. This week apply your 

artistry to anything that you do. Look at life as 

an empty canvas upon which you have the skill 

to paint almost any wonderful thing that you 

want.19, 20, 27 

AQUARIUS-This week is better than last week 

for career goals. Think deeply about what you 

really want for a career. Clarity is easy to come 

by. Charm is an extremely effective tool for you 

this week. The smile is needed more than at 

any recent time.3, 20, 30 

PISCES-Believe that it is true when a friend 

or family member praises you this week. 

There is something good happening with you 

that you cannot see. Expect good news about 

a publishing, educational or legal venture. 

Romance is in the air, revel in it. 1, 43, 50 

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PAGE 14 • MAY 30 - JUNE 5, 2024 

Deeply Rooted 


STARS 

OF 

SPRING 

For the Week oF May 28 - June 3, 2024 

 

Arkansas-Pine Bluff Sports photo 

CALEB SNOWDEN: Arkansas- 

Pine Bluff high jumper enters 

next week's NCAA Div. I Outdoor 

Track & Field Championships at 

the top of his event. 

NCAA D1 AND D2 TRACK RESULTS; GRAMBLING 

WINS SWAC BASEBALL, ADVANCES; A UFL STAR 

UNDER THE BANNER 

WHaT'S GOInG On In anD aROunD BLaCK COLLeGe SPORTS 

CHRIS ROWLAND STARRING IN UFL: 

Former Tennessee State standout Chris Rowland is 

making his mark in the UFL. 

In the DC Defenders 36-21 win 

over the Memphis Showboats Sunday, 

Rowland racked up 209 all-purpose 

yards. He rushed for 10 yards on two 

carries and added 49 receiving yards 

on three catches including a 35-yard 

Rowland 

TD reception in the first quarter. 

Rowland posted another 97 yards on 

three kickoff returns including a 37-yarder and two punt 

returns for 53 yards including a 27-yarder. 

Rowland is in his first season playing for the 4-5 

Defenders. He currently leads the league with 1,341 allpurpose 

yards thru nine games. He averages 149.0 allpurpose 

yards per game, second in the league. His leagueleading 

950 kick return yards broke the Defenders' record 

of 336 yards held by former Howard standout Jequez 

Ezzard set in 2023. On the season, the 5-8, 179-pounder 

has 17 receptions for 235 yards (13.8 ypc.) and three TDs. 

Rowland is playing for head coach Reggie Barlow, 

the former Alabama State and NFL standout and former 

Alabama State and Virginia State head coach who was 

the 2023 XFL Coach of the Year. Rowland was on the roster 

of the USFL's Philadelphia Stars in 2022 and 2023. 

During his time at TSU, Rowland was a terrific allpurpose 

offensive threat. He won the Ohio Valley Conference 

Offensive Player of the Year Award in 2019 after piling up 

an HBCU record 104 receptions for 1,437 yards and 8 TDs. 

The single-season receptions mark broke the record of 103 

set by Pro Football and Black College Football Hall of 

Famer Jerry Rice in 1984. In 2019, Rowland was also the 

only player in Division I to record a touchdown via a kick 

return, punt return, reception, and rush. He also won the 

Deacon Jones Award as the top HBCU player. 

After being signed as a rookie free agent out of TSU in 

2020 by the Atlanta Falcons, Rowland also had a stint with 

the Tennessee Titans in the NFL. 

THE STAT CORNER 

WHO aRe THe BeST PeRFORMeRS In BLaCK COLLeGe SPORTS 

2024 HBCU NCAA DIV. I OUTDOOR 

TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIERS 

WEST REGIONAL QUALIFIERS 

MEN 

HIGH JUMP 

T1 - Caleb Snowden - Ark.-Pine Bluff - 2.20m 

EAST REGIONAL QUALIFIERS 

MEN 

200 METERS 

T2nd - Jamarion Stubbs - Alabama State - 19.95 

100 METERS 

9th - Jamarion Stubbs - Alabama State - 10.07 

110 METER HURDLES 

2nd - Jason Holmes - NC A&T - 13.40 

6th - Samuel Bennett - Howard - 13.52 

11th - Thomas Smith - NC A&T - 13.65 


12th - Noah Langford - Howard - 50.55 

LONG JUMP 

6th - James Brown - Grambling State - 7.61 

TRIPLE JUMP 

11th - Malachi AIken - Maryland-Eastern Shore - 15.77m 

4x100 METER RELAY 

8th - NC A&T - 39.24 

WOMEN 

4x100 RELAY 

7th - Howard - 43.55 


5th - Simone Watkins, Howard - 55.92 

albany State Sports Photo 

GILBERT & MOORE: albany State sprinters Ed Gilbert (l.) and Kibren 

Moore (r.) had a hand in all 24 points the Golden Rams scored in the 

NCAA Div. II Outdoor Track & Field Championships. 

BCSP Notes 

SIAC unveils 2024 Hall of Famers 

ATLANTA – The SIAC will honor seven 

individuals for their notable contributions to 

its member institutions during the 2024 Hall of 

Fame Induction on July 10 at the Chick-fil-A 

College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta. 

– Willie Washington | Administrator | Benedict College 

Washington has led Benedict athletics for 36 years, including 10 

years as the head men’s basketball coach and athletic director. 

As such, Washington coached the team to four NAIA national 

tournament appearances and multiple undefeated seasons. As 

athletic director, he expanded the institution’s athletics programs 

from eight sponsored sports to 14. Most notably, under his 

leadership, Benedict has experienced continued success, winning 

the most men’s and women’s SIAC Commissioners Cup titles to 

date. 

– Harold 'Bobo' Hubbard | Men’s Basketball | Savannah State 

University 

Hubbard dominated the hardwood at SSU in the late seventies, 

becoming one of the top scorers and rebounders in men’s 

basketball history, earning All-Conference, All-American, and 

conference MVP selections. 

– Dr. Kimberly Dugger | Women’s Basketball | Fort Valley State 

University 

Dugger lettered in women’s basketball at FVSU from 1986 to 

1989, helping the team to a 73-37 record over four seasons. She 

BCSP Spring Round-Up 

Bufford 

Grambling State takes SWAC baseball title; 

To play Friday in NCAA College Station Regional 

ATLANTA, Ga.- The Grambling State Tigers, the second seed from 

the West Division, pushed across two runs in the bottom of the ninth inning 

Sunday to defeat East fourth-seed Jackson State 6-5 and earn the 

title in the 2024 SWAC Baseball Tournament. 

Grambling (26-26) trailed 5-4 entering the bottom of the ninth inning 

and loaded the bases. Trevor Hatton hit a ball 

that went five feet from home plate. A Jackson State 

player could not field the ball cleanly and threw the 

ball away from the catcher at home plate. The throw 

went toward the Jackson State dugout and allowed two 

runs to score. 

Tournament MVP Cameron Bufford, a GSU 

redshirt senior third baseman, scored the game winning 

run on the throwing error. 

Rightfielder Hatton paced the GSU offensive 

attack vs. JSU contributing three RBIs on two hits including a double. 

Kyle Walker and Chris Marcellus each drove in one run. Jackson State 

(36-20) was led at the plate by Myles White who tallied two RBIs. JSU’s 

Christian Womble was charged with the loss after pitching 1.1 innings 

and allowing one earned run. GSU's Javier Martinez was credited with 

the win for vs. JSU after pitching 2.2 innings and allowing one earned 

run. 

Grambling got a three-run home run in the top of the ninth inning 

by Bufford Saturday to defeat East top seed Florida A&M 14-11 in an 

elimination game that forced the Sunday title game match up with JSU. 

Bufford was 9 for 17 with seven runs scored and nine RBIs with a triple 

and three home runs in the tournament. 

The title marked the Tigers first since the 2010 season. It also marked 

the first league title for GSU head coach Davin Pierre. 

With the win the Tigers clinched a berth in the 2024 NCAA Baseball 

Tournament and will play as a No. 4 seed in the College Station Regional 

on Friday, May 31 (12 noon) vs. top seed and host Texas A&M (43-13). 

Texas A&M is ranked third nationally in the tournament. 

No. 2 Louisiana (40-18) and No. 3 Texas (35-22) are also in the regional. 

SWAC BASEBALL TOURNAMENT 

Wed., May 22 

Jackson State 17, Texas Southern 4 

Bethune-Cookman 16, Prairie View A&M 1 

Grambling State 6, Alabama State 3 

Florida A&M 8, Southern 5 

Thurs., May 23 

Texas Southern 3, Prairie View A&M 2 

Alabama State 11, Southern 8 

Jackson State 11, Bethune-Ccookman 6 

Florida A&M 17, Grambling State 7 

Fri., May 24 

Bethune-Cookman 16, Texas Southern 0 

Grambling State 11, Alabama State 10 

Bethune-Cookman 4, Jackson State 3 

Grambling State 9, Florida A&M 3 

Sat., May 25 

Jackson State 4, Bethune-Cookman 2 

Grambling State 14, Florida A&M 11 

Sun., May 26 - Championship 

Grambling State 6, Jackson State 5 

SWAC ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM 

Juan Cruz, ALST; Ty Jackson, FAMU; Ramses Cordova, B-CU; Arjun Huerta, 

Lenny Montesano,Je-andrick Lourens, Christian Womble, JSU; Kyle Walker, 

Trevor Hatton, Mason Martinez, Cameron Bufford, GSU 

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER 

Cameron Bufford, GSU 

Nine HBCU athletes quality for NCAA 

Div. I Outdoor Track & Field Championships 

Nine black college athletes – eight men and one woman – along 

with two relay teams advanced out of regional competition last week and 

earned spots in the June 5 - 8 NCAA Div. I Outdoor Track & Field Championships 

at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon. 

Eight athletes and both relay teams emerged from the East Regional 

in Lexington, Kentucky and one athlete advanced from the West Regional 

in Fayetteville, Arkansas. (See STAT CORNER). 

Arkansas-Pine Bluff senior high jumper Caleb Snowden, the 

SWAC champion, was the lone HBCU 

athlete to advance out of the West Regional 

and the only one to finish at the top 

of his event. He tied for the top spot as he 

cleared 2.20 meters (7 feet, 21/2 inches). 

He is currently ranked as the top jumper 

in the NCAA and 10th in the US. This is 

Snowden's second straight trip to the national 

championship. 

SWAC men's 100- and 200-meter champion Jamarion Stubbs of 

Alabama State advanced in both of his signature events in the East Regional. 

He tied for second in the 200 meters with a time of 19.95 seconds, 

one of three athletes to run under 20 seconds. His time of 10.07 seconds 

in the 100 meters was ninth best. 

Three HBCU athletes advanced from the East in the men's 110 meter 

hurdles – Jason Holmes of North Carolina A&T (2nd, 13.40), Samuel 

Bennett of Howard (6th, 13.52) and Thomas Smith of NC A&T (11th, 

13.55). It was the only event with multiple black college athletes advancing. 

SWAC indoor and outdoor long jump champion James "Jet" Brown 

qualified sixth in his event with a leap of 6.1 meters. 

The lone woman to advance was Simone Watkins of Howard that 

ran 55.92 to finish fifth in the 400 meter hurdles. 

The NC A&T men's 4 x 100 meter relay team (8th, 39.24) and the 

Howard women's 4 x 100 relay team (7th, 43.55) also advanced. 

Albany State makes mark at NCAA 

Div. II Outdoor Track & Field Championships 

Albany State sprinters Kibren Moore and Ed Gilbert had their 

hands in all of the points that the Golden Rams scored at last week's 

NCAA Div. II Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Emporia, Ks. 

The pair scored nine points in the 100 meters with Moore finishing 

third in 10.13 seconds to score six points and Gilbert sixth in 10.25 

seconds for three points. They added another ten points in the 200 meters 

with Gilbert placing third in 20.65 seconds for six points and Moore finishing 

fifth in 20.80 for four points. 

Moore ran the second leg and Gilbert anchored ASU's 4x100 meter 

relay team and joined Jayvon Hutchinson and Jordan Smith in a fourthplace 

finish (39.40) for five points. 

Albany State finished tied for ninth in the men's competition with 24 

points. Pittsburg State won the men's competition with 78 points. (SEE 

graph below). 

Three black college athletes finished in the top eight in the men's 400 

meter hurdles – Sharim Hamilton of Lincoln (Mo.) was third (50.65, 6 

points), Sean Kalawan of St. Augustine's was fourth (50.92, 5 points) 

and Jaevon Riley of Claflin was sixth (51.13, 3 points). Those were the 

lone points for their teams. Rajaun Ricketts of Benedict finished sixth 

in the triple jump (3 points) and Markus White of Virginia State was 

eighth in the long jump (1 point) for their teams' only points. 

On the women's side, Lincoln's Odeshia Nanton (2nd, 8 points) and 

Maria Diamond (4th, five points) placed in the 400 meter hurdles and 

Nanton was part of the Blue Tigers 4 x 400 meter relay team that finished 

third for six points. Lincoln finished with 19 points, tied for 13th. 

Albany State's Sydney Blackburn was fifth in the discus (5 points) 

and Fayetteville State long jumper M'Smrya Seward was fifth (4 points) 

for their teams' only points. 

N C A A D I V . I I O U T D O O R T R A C K & F I E L D C H A M P I O N S H I P H B C U R E S U L T S 

MEN 

4 x 100 METER RELAY 

albany State - 4th - 39.70 - 5 points 

Jayvon Hutchinson, Kibren Moore, Jordan Smith, Ed 

Gilbert - 5 pts. 

I00 METERS 

Kibren Moore - Albany State 

3rd - 10.13 - 6 pts. 

Ed Gilbert - Albany State 

6th - 10.25 - 3 pts. 


Sharim Hamilton - Lincoln (Mo.) 

3rd - 50.65 - 6 pts. 

Sean Kalawan - St. Augustine's 

4th - 50.92 - 5 pts. 

Jaevon Riley - Claflin 

6th - 51.13 - 3 pts. 

200 METERS 

Ed Gilbert - Albany State 

3rd - 20.65 - 6 pts. 

Kibren Moore - Albany State 

5th - 20.80 - 4 pts. 

averaged a double-double every season, ending her career with 

2,068 points and 1,448 rebounds. She averaged 21.2 points per 

game her senior year and led NCAA DII in rebounding at 15.1 

rebounds per game. 

– William King, Jr. | Men’s Tennis | Tuskegee University 

King was a men’s tennis standout for TU from 1968 to 1971 and 

1974 and later became a founding member of The Commodores. 

As the band’s popularity grew, King took a break from his studies 

and tennis to pursue music endeavors with his band before 

returning to the courts in 1974 to claim the SIAC singles title for 

the Golden Tigers. 

– Mabel Sanders | Women’s Basketball | Savannah State 

University 

Sanders lettered in women’s basketball at SSU from 1988 to 1992. 

In 1991, she led the nation in rebounding with 14.5 rebounds per 

game and she maintained her dominance, leading the nation with 

14.7 rebounds per game her senior year. She was a three-time 

all-conference selection, 1991 Black College Sports Information 

Directors All-America selection, and 1992 SIAC Player of the Year. 

– Frank Walker | Football | Tuskegee University 

Walker was a defensive standout for TU football in the early 2000s 

before being drafted by the New York Giants in the sixth round of 

the 2003 NFL Draft. He contributed to the Golden Tigers winning 

three consecutive SIAC football championships from 2000 to 2002, 

and he was honored with a jersey retirement in 2013. Walker 

signed contracts with the New York Giants, Green Bay Packers, 

Baltimore Ravens, Minnesota Vikings, Tennessee Titans, and 

Dallas Cowboys, competing in 113 NFL games from 2003 to 2011 

during his professional career. 

TRIPLE JUMP 

Rajaun Ricketts - Benedict 

6th - 15.69m - 3 pts. 

LONG JUMP 

Markus White - Virginia State 

8th - 7.52m - 1 pt. 

TEAM RESULTS 

MEN 

1 Pittsburg State 78 pts. 

T9 Albany State 24 pts. 

T34 Lincoln (Mo.) 6 pts. 

T38 St. Augustine's 5 pts. 

T46 Benedict 3 pts. 

T46 Claflin 3 pts. 

T60 Virginia State 1 pt. 

WOMEN 

LONG JUMP 

M'Smrya Seward - Fayetteville State 

5th - 6.17m - 4 pts. 

– Jacoby Jones | Football | Lane College 

Jones was pivotal for Lane football 

from 2003 to 2006. As an all-purpose 

performer, he was named SIAC 

Offensive and Special Teams Player 

of the Year, and first-team all-SIAC 

in 2006. Jones was selected by the 

Houston Texans in the third round of 

the 2007 NFL Draft where he played for 

five seasons. In his remarkable 2011- 

12 season with the Baltimore Ravens, 

Jones recorded a 70-yard game-tying 

Jones 

touchdown catch in the AFC Divisional 

playoff game, keeping the team’s Super Bowl campaign alive. A 

few weeks later, he recorded the longest play in Super Bowl history 

with a 108-yard kickoff return TD in the Ravens' Super Bowl XLVII 

victory over San Francisco. In that game, Jones also scored on a 

56-yard TD reception and set the record for the most all-purpose 

yards in a Super Bowl with 290 yards – a record that still stands. 

He should have been named the game's MVP. That season, 

he received his first NFL Pro Bowl selection. Jones spent nine 

seasons in the NFL with the Houston Texans, Baltimore Ravens, 

San Diego Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers. In 2018, he returned 

to his alma mater to coach wide receivers for two seasons. 

The SIAC Hall of Fame was established in 1992 to 

preserve the esteemed history of the conference and celebrate 

the accomplishments of former student-athletes, coaches, 

administrators, and contributors. Since its inception, the SIAC Hall 

of Fame has inducted 161 distinguished honorees. 

DISCUS 

Sydney Blackburn - Albany State 

4th - 50.58m - 5 pts. 


Odeshia Nanton - Lincoln (Mo.) 

2nd - 57.62 - 8 pts. 

Maria Diamond - Lincoln (Mo.) 

4th - 59.46 - 5 pts. 

Snowden 

4 x 400 RELAY 

Lincoln (Mo.) - 3rd place -3:34.35 

Shoneal Clarke-Giddings, Shevannae Thomas, 

Odeshia Nanton, Shantae George - 6 pts. 

TEAM RESULTS 

WOMEN 

1 Pittsburg State 100 pts. 

T13 Lincoln (Mo.) 19 pts. 

T40 Albany State 5 pts. 

T45 Fayetteville State 4 pts. 

© AZEEZ Communications, Inc. Vol. XXX, No. 44


SPORTS 

Deeply Rooted 

Photo: Florida A&M University 

MAY 30 - JUNE 5, 2024 • PAGE 15 

WG 

Nunnie on the Sideline 

By “Nunnie” Robinson, Westside Gazette Sports Editor 

I don’t normally emphasize our Florida 

Panthers since hockey is relatively low on 

the South Florida sports scene hierarchy, 

but this team deserves our attention and 

appreciation. One series victory away 

from another Stanley Cup run, there is 

something positive about winning the 

first game in a series, especially on the 

road against the equally talented New 

York Rangers. After losing the next 2 

games in overtime, one in MSG and one 

at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, even 

dominating in shots on goal, the esprit de corps, effusive play 

and outstanding players give me reason to be believe that the 

Panthers are capable of overcoming the present 2-1 deficit, 

winning the Eastern Conference and even the Cup. Let’s go 

Panthers. 

Bill Walton’s sudden death from cancer has been felt 

throughout the sports world, particularly basketball. I followed 

his entire Hall of Fame career from UCLA to Portland to Boston 

and finally as an analyst. He truly was one of a kind and will 

certainly be missed. How much better would our world be if 

more people embraced his love for humanity, his enthusiasm 

for life, and his desire to make this universe a better place for 

all. 

Amateur athletics has truly become a relic of the past. 

First, the NCAA, saddled with numerous lawsuits, agreed to 

a settlement that permits athletes to be paid by the colleges 

and universities they play for. The agreement with so-called 

Power 5 conferences, in a class action lawsuit known as House 

vs. NCAA, stipulates a payout in a two-part settlement: 

distributing some $2.75 billion to athletes who competed 

before July 2021, when the NCAA first allowed athletes to 

earn money from their Name, Image and Likeness rights 

and creating a future revenue-sharing model in which 

schools could each distribute around $20 million per year 

directly to athletes. 

A Federal judge has to approve agreement which is not 

imminent. 

If you are shocked by these decisions, you will be 

flabbergasted by a Florida High Activities Association 

decision to explore the likelihood of including high school 

athletes in a pay for play system that takes advantage of 

NIL deals based on the athletes’ talent. Many questions 

will arise surrounding these mechinations. Now that the 

floodgates are wide open, I predict that an ungovernable 

state of affairs will ensue. 

If Dallas is able to close out Minnesota as Boston did 

Indiana- a 4-0 sweep - it will be historic in the annals of 

the NBA. 

One final note: a Celtics/Mavs final guarantees a Black 

head coach leading a team to a NBA championship. 

Here’s a question for the readers: Who was the first 

Black head coach to lead a team to a NBA title? 

HBCU track and field athletes make 

a statement at NCAA championships 

By Jarrett Hoffman 

(Source HBCU Sports): 

On the first day of the Division II NCAA championships, 

individual athletes and HBCU schools stood out. 

Two of the three Lincoln University of Missouri (Mo.) 

women’s athletes competing in the 400-meter hurdle 

preliminaries earned a spot in the finals. 

All competing in the first heat, Odeshia Nanton led all 

runners (third overall), running a 58.93. Maria Diamond 

finished a distant second in the heat, running a 59.47. 

Although Shevanae Thomas finished third in the heat with a 

time of 59.70, she finished 10th among all runners, 0.13 seconds 

behind the final qualifier. 

Before Nanton and Diamond advance to the 400-meter 

hurdle finals, set to take place at 5:20 p.m. ET on Saturday, 

they will have their eyes set on qualifying for the 4×400 final. 

They, along with Thomas and Shoneal Clarke-Giddings, will 

compete in the first heat of the final race of the day at 9:10 p.m. 

ET. 

St. Augustine’s leads the way in the 400-meter hurdles 

Three HBCU men’s athletes came out of the 400-meter 

hurdle preliminaries with a spot in the finals, placing among 

the top eight finishers in the field. 

Leading the pack was St. Augustine’s Sean Kalawan, who 

recorded the best time of all participants, running 51.05. 

Lincoln (Mo.)’s Sharim Hamilton, who ran in the same 

heat as Kalawan, finished third (fifth overall), setting a new 

personal best time of 51.49. 

Coming in right behind Hamilton is Claflin’s Jaevon Riley, 

who finished second in the first heat (sixth overall) with a 51.84 

time. 

The 400m hurdle finals are set for Saturday. 

However, before that, Kalawan and Riley will run as part of 

their respective schools’ 4×400 relay team at Friday 8:50 p.m. 

ET. 

Golden Rams blaze into the final round 

Albany State had a tremendous opening day, qualifying for 

the finals in two events. 

Albany State’s 4×100 men’s relay team got things going, 

running a 40.03, finishing fifth overall among 24 teams across 


Photo: Albany State Athletics 

Florida A&M students honored at 

Sports Emmy Awards for film about 

NFL Hall of Famer 

By HBCU Sports 

Grambling State social media trolls Florida A&M after Tigers’ 

SWAC baseball tournament win 

The SWAC was busy in the transfer portal in the offseason. 

Here is each school’s best get 

Orange Blossom Classic ‘is bigger than FAMU’ as focus shifts 

to new HBCU football blood 

Florida A&M University School of Journalism & Graphic 

Communication students were recognized during the 45th 

annual Sports Emmy Awards in New York for a documentary 

about the school’s most recent Pro Football Hall of Fame 

member. 

FAMU students Jonathan David, Darnell Walker, Germanie 

Bozeman, Tristian Hutton, and Jalon Howard received the 

2024 Coca-Cola HBCU Sports Production grant for the sevenminute 

documentary “Field Trip,” which portrays the late Pro 

Football Hall of Famer and FAMU alum Ken Riley. 

The project was completed under the guidance of FAMU TV- 

20 General Manager Edward Thomas. 

Howard, a current FAMU football player, Rattler, portrayed 

Riley in the film, while the other students were involved in the 

production. 

The award marks the second consecutive year FAMU 

journalism students have received recognition from the 

program. 

The winning submission was noted for its creative video and 

essay addressing the competition’s theme, “The Past, Present, 

and Future.” The film poignantly portrays Riley and his 

enduring impact on the sport. 

The students were awarded a $40,000 grant during the 

ceremony. The contest was sponsored by the National Academy 

of Television Arts and Sciences .oland the Coca-Cola Company. 

Jonathan David, “Field Trip’s” director, producer and writer, 

expressed his gratitude for the competition while reflecting 

on FAMU SJGC’s second consecutive win and lauding the 

dedication and talent exhibited by all the participating 

students. 

“This grant was established to help cultivate more diversity 

in sports, media and journalism,” David, who graduated spring 

2024. 

The Coca Cola HBCU Sports Production Grant competition, 

a collaboration with the National Academy of Television Arts 

and Sciences, was established to highlight the outstanding 

talents of Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the 

realm of sports media. 

Sports Howard University Track Team 

Mackenzie Robinson, Aiyana Gray-Williams, Kailei Collins 

and Tiffani Rae Pittman on making it to the NCAA 

Nationals! 

NBA All-Star Chris 

PaulAnnounces Teams For 2024 

HBCU Hoops Challenge 

The WSSU Alum Will Support HBCU 

Challenge Spotlighting Division I And 

Division II HBCUS at Mohegan Sun Area 

in December 

Chris Paul smiles during a charity game held at Winston- 

Salem State University in 2011. | Photo Courtesy of 

HBCU Gameday Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette. 

By “Nunnie” Robinson, Westside Gazette Sports Editor 

After coming out on the losing end of a hard fought game 

against the New York Rangers, the Florida Panthers are 

determined to even the series at 2-2 on Tuesday in Game 4 

of their best-of-7 Eastern Conference Final. It appears that 

the biggest obstacle for the Panthers to overcome is mental on 

the heels of consecutive overtime defeats at the hands of the 

New York Rangers. Alex Weinberg, center, scored the winning 

goal Sunday with 5:45 into overtime, securing the win for the 

Rangers. The game Tuesday at Amerant Bank Arena is pivotal 

for the Panthers. Going down 3–1 and heading back to MSG 

could prove challenging and almost insurmountable. 

The most egregious issue facing the Panthers is getting the 

puck in the net, past Ranger goalie Igor Starensky who has 

simply been brilliant in goal, even after facing an avalanche of 

shots on goal by the Panthers. Florida must reverse that trend 

if they are to overcome the 2-1 deficit before returning to New 

York. 

The Marlins have finally turned their season around if results 

of late can be used as a barometer. Although the Marlins 

remain in last place in the National League East with a 19- 

36 won-lost record, recent results suggest a trend upward. In 

their last 10 games they are 6-4 despite a most recent loss to 

the talented San Diego Padres. Luis Arraez, whom the Marlins 

traded to San Diego, has a .333 batting average to lead the 

Padres, compiling 12 doubles, a triple and a home run. Manny 

Machado is 12-for-38 with five RBI over the past 10 games. 

Jazz Chisholm has 11 doubles, two triples and eight home 

runs while hitting .265 for the Marlins. Christian Bethancourt 

is 5-for-16 with a double and a home run over the last 10 games. 

Also, the Marlins have a combined 268 batting average, 2.90 

ERA, and have outscored opponents by eight runs, indicative 

of better pitching and hitting. With Ronald Acuna out for the 

season after injuring his other ACL, the east appears to be up 

for grabs. If the Marlins can avoid losing 3-4 games series, they 

can make a serious run with timely and consistent pitching, 

hitting and fielding while limiting injuries to key players. 

In HBCU news, the Grambling State University Tigers, by 

virtue of their winning the SWAC baseball championship, 

punched its ticket to NCAA tournament in College Station, 

Texas, home of the Texas A&M Aggies, the region’s number 1 

seed. Louisiana, Texas & and Grambling are seeded 2, 3 & 4 

respectively. Grambling had to overcome a determined Jackson 

State team in 6-5 victory to win the SWAC championship. 

You’re invited to 

the South Florida 

HBCU Golf Classic! 

On Saturday, 

July 20, 2024 at 

the Ritz Carlton 

Naples Tiburon 

Course, 2600 Tiburon 

Drive, 

Naples, Florida 

34109. Join us at 

the Welcome Reception 

on Friday, 

July 19, 2024 

starting at 6:00 PM with a Red Carpet Welcome Reception. 

The tournament begins Saturday, July 20, 2024 starting with 

7:00 AM - Registration & Warmup; Shotgun Start at 8:30 AM. 

Lunch & Award Presentations 1:00 PM. 

**HBCU Skins Game:** 

- **Date:** Sunday, July 21, 2024 

- **Time:** 9:00 AM - Tee Time 

4 Wildcats baseball players 

named to ALL-SWAC squads 

Tanner Boccabello, Pablo Torres, Jose Gonzalez and 

Manny Souffrain earn conference honors. 

(Source DaytonaTimes): 

ATLANTA – Bethune-Cookman Baseball saw four named 

to All-Conference teams, as announced by the Southwestern 

Athletic Conference on Tuesday, May 21 in Atlanta. 

Tanner Boccabello was named AllSWAC First Team and 

SWAC Newcomer of the Year. Closer Pablo Torres was also 

named a first-teamer, as well as SWAC Relief Pitcher of the 

Year. Rounding out the Wildcats on the AllSWAC First Team 

was designated hitter Jose Gonzalez, while first baseman 

Manny Souffrain was named AllSWAC Second Team. 

In his first season with the Wildcats, Tanner Boccabello was 

the top Friday-night arm in the SWAC, finishing the season 

with a 7-2 record in 13 starts. Boccabello finished the season 

ranked 13th in the country in ERA and tops in the SWAC at 

2.79 and fifth in the country in innings pitched at 87. 

He allowed only 27 earned runs on the season, the best mark 

in the conference while also walking a SWAC-low 15 batters to 

66 strikeouts, with opposing batters hitting only .286 against 

him. Boccabello was named SWAC Pitcher of the week on two 

separate occasions in 2024, March 26 and April 9. 

On April 22, Boccabello tossed a complete-game shutout over 

Florida A&M with six strikeouts to only four hits. Boccabello 

worked into the seventh or deeper six times and into the eighth 

or later four times. He exited starts allowing no earned runs 

four times, and struck out five or more batters in a start eight 

times. 

No SWAC reliever recorded more saves than Pablo Torres, 

who notched six on the year. Torres finished third in the SWAC 

in ERA at 3.42 in 17 appearances and 23.2 total innings pitched. 

Torres struck out 29 on the season with only 12 walks, with opponents 

hitting only .159 against him with a 1.06 WHIP. 

Torres did not allow a run in 12 appearances on the season, 

Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com

PAGE 16 • MAY 30 - JUNE 5, 2024 

Deeply Rooted 

www.thewestsidegazette.com

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