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FT. LAUDERDALE, FL 33310 

PERMIT NO. 1179 

GRADUATE 

TRIBUTE 

PAGE 18 

THURSDAY, JUNE 6 - JUNE 12, 2024 

VOL. 53 NO. 18 $1.00 

Marian Robinson, the 

Heart of the Obama Family, 

Remembered Fondly at 86 

Marian Lois Shields 

set out on a journey 

that was characterized 

by fortitude and 

compassion after 

emerging from the 

vibrant tapestry of 

Chicago’s South Side. 

From her early days 

as a teacher to her 

later role as a trusted 

secretary, Robinson’s 

life was a testament to 

the values of family and 

service, showcasing her 

personal achievements 

and contributions. 

By Stacy M. Brown, 

NNPA Newswire Senior 

National Correspondent 

i n m e m o r i a m 

Marian Robinson, 

mother to former First Lady 

Michelle Obama, died on 

Friday, May 31, at 86. Her 

loved ones said she leaves 

behind a void in the hearts 

of many. As a steadfast 

figure in the Obama White 

House, Robinson’s presence 

extended far beyond familial 

By Jim Saunders 

©2024 The News Service 

of Florida. All rights 

reserved; see terms. 

ties, touching the lives of 

all who knew her. 

Marian Lois Shields 

set out on a journey that 

was characterized by 

fortitude and compassion 

after emerging from 

the vibrant tapestry of 

Chicago’s South Side. 

From her early days as a 

teacher to her later role 

as a trusted secretary, 

Robinson’s life was a 

testament to the values 

of family and service, 

(Cont’d on page 14) 

Judge Nixes Florida 

Children’s Insurance Lawsuit 

TALLAHASSEE — A 

U.S. district judge Friday 

rejected a lawsuit filed 

by Florida challenging 

new federal guidelines in 

a program that provides 

subsidized health insurance 

to children. 

Tampa-based Judge 

William Jung issued a 16- 

page ruling that said federal 

law required Florida to go 

through an administrative 

process to challenge the 

guidelines. After that 

process, the state could take 

the issue to a federal appeals 

court. 

Jung denied a request 

by Florida for a preliminary 

injunction and dismissed the 

lawsuit against the federal 

Centers for Medicare & 

Medicaid Services and the 

U.S. Department of Health 

and Human Services. 

The dispute involves 

the federal Children’s 

Health Insurance Program, 

which operates in Florida 

as KidCare. The program 

provides low-cost health 

insurance to children 

whose families make too 

much money to qualify for 

Medicaid. In Florida, that 

has meant families have 

paid $15 or $20 a month for 

coverage. 

Florida filed the lawsuit 

in February, challenging 

new guidelines that would 

prevent states from cutting 

The Westside Gazette Newspaper 

What would you do with 

close to a million dollars? 

By Dixie Ann Black 

Kirk Brown can answer that 

question in his sleep. In fact, he 

has a plan, support, and as of 

today, the money. 

On Wednesday May 29 th , 

a group of loyal supporters 

gathered at Handy Inc. to 

celebrate as Kirk Brown, CEO 

of Handy Inc. received a check 

for $920,000 from the U.S. 

Department of Labor’s Reentry 

Employment Opportunities 

program. U.S. Representative, 

Debbie Wasserman Schultz, 

a senior member of the 

Appropriations Committee and 

the House of Representatives, 

presented the check. 

This YouthBuild grant 

funding will help students 

further their education and 

expand training, employment 

and apprenticeship opportunities. 

Wasserman Shultz 

commended Handy in its role 

as a safety net program, and in 

its ability to earn such strong 

support from for-profit and 

other non-profit communities. 

Locally much support 

comes also from Career Source 

Broward which has been funding 

off coverage for non-payment 

of premiums after children 

have been found eligible for 

the program. Eligibility is 

determined each year, so the 

state contends the guidelines 

could lead to coverage being 

provided for months without 

premiums being paid. 

With KidCare financed 

by the state, the federal 

government and premiums, 

the lawsuit said family 

payments play an important 

role in “maintaining the 

long-term stability” of the 

program. 

But Jung, who was 

appointed to the federal 

bench by former President 

Donald Trump, said Florida 

needed to pursue an 

administrative challenge at 

the Centers for Medicare & 

Continue reading online at: 

thewestsidegazette.com 

Handy for over ten years. CEO Carol Hylton describes 

Handy this way, “It gives those with blemishes on their 

records, fostered teens, teen parents an opportunity to 

be elevated by exposing these youths to options other 

than college and to a variety of alternatives.” 

Brown points out that all of their corporate partners 

like Hotwire, Moss Construction and DPR Construction 

are very intentional about the success of the youth. 

“They are not just hiring an employee, they’re seeking 

to add value to a life,” he says. The Moss Foundation 

provided the first financial investment of matching funds 

to help Handy qualify for the grant. The Community 

Foundation which supports career exposure and 

placement of children of trauma into industries is also a 

key supporter. 

Forty young people will be selected per year to 


Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee Faces the Battle of Her Life 

After Cancer Diagnosis 

Now, the stalwart Texas 

representative is facing the battle 

of her life after being diagnosed 

with pancreatic cancer. 




Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee has 

fought tirelessly for groundbreaking 

legislation throughout her career. 

She authored the Juneteenth 

National Independence Day Act, 

creating the first new federal holiday 

in nearly four decades, and fervently 

By Sara Cline 

(SourceSmartNews) 

championed the Violence Against Women 

Act, ensuring its passage for the first time 

in almost ten years. Now, the stalwart Texas 

representative is facing the battle of her life 

after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. 

In a statement posted to X on Sunday, 

the 74-year-old congresswoman disclosed 

her diagnosis and treatment. “My doctors 

have confirmed pancreatic cancer, and I am 

currently undergoing treatment,” Jackson 

Lee shared. “I am confident that my doctors 

have developed the best possible plan to 

target my specific disease. The road ahead 

will not be easy, but I stand in faith that God 

will strengthen me.” 

Jackson Lee has represented Texas’ 18th 


Louisiana lawmakers 

approve surgical castration 

option for those guilty of 

sex crimes against kids 

BATON ROUGE, LA. 

(AP) - Louisiana judges could 

order surgical castration for 

people convicted of sex crimes 

against young children under 

legislation approved Monday, 

and if Republican Gov. Jeff 

Landry signs it into law, the 

state apparently would be the 

first with such a punishment. 

The GOP-controlled 

Legislature passed the bill 

giving judges the option to 

sentence someone to surgical 

castration after the person 

has been convicted of certain 


@TheWestsideGazetteNewspaper 

A MESSAGE FROM 

THE PUBLISHER 

IT WASN’T US! 

There is a way that seems 

right to a man, but its 

end is the way of death 

Proverbs 16:25 (ESV) 

By Bobby R. Henry, Sr. 

There is a torrent 

of what can best be 

described as “recency 

bias” in this longstanding 

discussion of the State of 

Black America. 

Ahistorical bigots— 

and some brainwashed 

Black individuals—are 

fervently pushing the 

personal responsibility/ 

pull-yourself-up-by-yourbootstraps/reverse 

racism 

narrative. I acknowledge 

that certain appointed 

white individuals seem 

hoodwinked, hogtied, 

and collared based upon 

some of the Trump 

theatrics and the antics 

of his sycophants. These 

individuals would like the 

rest of us to believe that 

we are unable to develop 

a coherent, cohesive 

strategy to combat the 

effects of good ol’ American 

racism. However, on the 

way to that strategy being 

developed—one which is 

being implemented and 

inflamed by idiots using 

napalm-like tactics—I 

believe it’s important to 

note that… 

IT WASN’T US… 

…who propagated the 

worldwide myth of Black 

folks’ inferiority. 

…whose founding 

documents valued a Black 

life as 60% of a white life. 

…who made it AGAINST 

Thursday 

June 6th 

Fri 

95° 

75° 


Sunny 

Sunrise: 7:08am 

93° 

74° 

88° 

70° 

87° 

76° 

81° 

61° 

Sunset: 7:39pm 

Sat Sun Mon Tues 

90° 

76° 

WESTSIDE GAZETTE IS A MEMBER: 

National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) 

Southeastern African-American Publishers Association (SAAPA) 

Florida Association of Black Owned Media (FABOM)

ve signals a unified front within the party, 

PAGE 2 • JUNE 6 - JUNE 12, 2024 

ve values. As the 2024 election landscape 

on to step back from his own presidential 

cking Trump adds a noteworthy chapter to 

epublican politics. 

idson - Photo credit: cnn.com 

en Unveils New 

ing Student Loan 

Relief Measures, 

ssing 3.7 Million 

eneficiaries 

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

On the eve of Hunter Biden’s gun trial, 

a federal judge has significantly impacted 

the defense’s strategy by blocking crucial 

evidence and a key witness. Hunter Biden, 

son of President Joe Biden, faces charges 

related to false statements on a federal gun 

application in 2018, where he allegedly 

lied about his drug use. The defense had 

intended to introduce evidence of his efforts 

at rehabilitation and to call a prominent 

expert witness to testify on the effects of 

addiction on judgment. However, the judge 

ruled that such evidence and testimony 

would be irrelevant to the core issue of 

whether Biden knowingly 

provided false information 

on the gun application. This decision limits the defense’s ability to argue that Biden’s 

addiction issues influenced his understanding of the form’s requirements. The ruling 

comes as a significant blow to Biden’s defense team, who now must navigate the trial 

with fewer avenues to mitigate the charges against him. The trial’s outcome could 

have substantial legal and political ramifications, given Hunter Biden’s high-profile 

status and the ongoing scrutiny of his and his family’s activities. The judge’s decision 

emphasizes the narrow focus of the trial on the specific allegations of falsehoods in 

the gun application process. 

ouncing the 

t cancellation 

onal 74,000 

rrowers. The 

ntributes to 

ing relief the 

has provided 

3.7 million 

arlier this 

nnounced the 

plementation 

vision under 

for Voluntary 

VE) plan, 

ministration 

3.6 million 

canceling 

debt. Biden 

ims to create 

able student 

Submitted by Cindy Huddleston 

By Layla Davidson * Photo credit: cnn.com 

loan repayment structure 

while providing life-changing 

support to students and their 

families. 

“Today, my administration 

approved debt cancellation 

for another 74,000 student 

loan borrowers across the 

country, bringing the total 

number of people who have 

had their debt canceled under 

my administration to over 3.7 

million Americans through 

various actions,” Biden said 

in a statement on Jan. 19. 

The beneficiaries of the latest 

round of relief include nearly 

44,000 teachers, nurses, 

firefighters, and other public 

service professionals who 

In 2023, Congress established Summer 

Electronic Benefit Transfer, or Summer EBT, a food 

assistance program for children in families with 

low income. The program provides each eligible 

child a total of $120 (or $40 per month) in grocery 

assistance during the summer when school is out, 

to supplement summer meal programs. In 2024, 

36 states participated in Summer EBT, including 

Arkansas, Indiana, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, 

Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. 

Florida is not among the states administering 

a Summer EBT program this year. However, 

in a letter addressed to state leaders, 185 faithbased 

organizations, food pantries, anti-hunger 

organizations, child advocacy groups, and others 

indicated they are optimistic Florida policymakers 

will resolve any “fiscal and logistic barriers” to a 

Summer EBT progam in 2025. 

Summer EBT would likely provide over 2 

million hungry children in Florida with roughly 

$259 million in federal food assistance. To get 

federal funding needed to administer 2025 

Summer EBT, Florida must submit the necessary 

paperwork to USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service 

(FNS) by August 15, 2024. 

Below, Florida Policy Institute outlines some of 

the reasons why Summer EBT should be a priority 

for Florida policymakers in 2025: 

B-CU Celebrates Day of Service with 

Submitted by B-CU 

Bethune-Cookman University 

celebrated a significant day of unity 

and service on Thursday, Jan. 18, 

at the Michael and Libby Johnson 

Center for Civic Engagement 

(CCE). This momentous occasion 

brought together students, faculty, 

staff, alumni, and friends to 

commemorate the University’s 

recent accomplishment – securing 

the fourth position in Home 

Depot’s prestigious “Retool Your 

School” competition and receiving a 

substantial $60,000 grant dedicated 

to campus enhancement. 

Despite cooler temperatures and 

overcast skies, the collective spirit 

prevailed as almost 135 participants, 

led by Home Depot Daytona Beach 

Store Manager Therese Watsonexperience. 

Murray, joined forces in yesterday’s 

successful effort. Their mission 

was ambitious, involving projects 

ranging from assembling bookcases 

and indoor-outdoor dining sets to 

constructing arcade games, foosball 

tables, basketball hoops, hockey 

sets, and table tennis tables. Even 

adverse weather conditions couldn’t 

deter their dedication, with the only 

5 Reasons Florida Policymakers Should Prioritize 

2025 Summer EBT 

KOLLEGE CORNER 

BY ONIYA ROLLE “Social Media” 

1. Summer EBT takes up the slack during the 

LeapFrog and she knew it.” 

summer when children are not able to receive free 

a decade of dedicated service. 

Learning to read at age 3 and solving 

meals at school. 

math problems at age 4, E’leese’s academic 

Many children Additionally, with low income have close access to free 30,000 prowess led her to now graduate high 

lunch during the school year through the National school at just 12 years old. 

School Lunch 

individuals 

Program (NSLP). 

who 

However, 

have 

during 

been 

“It’s just kind of surreal,” E’leese 

the summer in when repayment school is out, children for no longer at least told WDBJ7. “I believe it’s mostly because 

receive free meals through that program. Summer of my support system, like my friends, my 

EBT ensures 

20 

that 

years 

families 

without 

continue to 

receiving 

have mom, my church community.” 

resources to 

Academic excellence runs in the 

relief keep these through children from income-driven 

going hungry 

family, with E’leese’s older brother 

during the summer. 

repayment plans will now see graduating high school at just 16 years 

old. Their friendly rivalry pushed E’leese 

2. Summer EBT their and debts other nutrition forgiven. programs work to exceed expectations. 

as a team. 

Summer EBT was specifically designed 

to work jointly with other food assistance 


College 


www.thewestsidegazette.com 

Home Depot’s “Retool Your School” # 

have earned forgiveness after 

DHS & ALL BC • CLASSES OF 71 

Scholarship Recipients (L to R:) Nya Payne-Grant, Bernard Woods, Scentavua 

Bellamy and Terrell Mitchell. 

“Gratitude is literally one 

of the few things that can 

measurably change people’s 

lives” 

On behalf of our Class 

President, John Odoms, 

I would like to take this 

opportunity to thank each 

of our Classmates for your 

donations and participation 

in supporting our Class 

Scholarship Fundraising 

Fish Fry. 

I would like to express 

my sincere gratitude for 

your support & donations 

which has helped provide 

(4)-$500 Scholarships to 

students which will assist 

in lightening their financial 

burden. Thank you 

Prep 

concession being the postponement of paintin 

stripping the basketball court – a minor hiccu 

more favorable weather prevails. 

Dr. William Berry, Provost and Acting Pre 

expressed excitement and gratitude, stating, “ 

excited about this project and grateful to all tho 

To ensure you don’t miss out on service opportunities and 

prime moments, as well as interactions with people who can 

make an impact on your matriculation giving you that boost of 

confidence and encouragement you may need social media 

proves indispensable in today’s collegiate landscape. Gone 

are the days when relying solely on newspapers sufficed for 

campus updates; now, platforms like Instagram, Facebook, 

TikTok, and more serve as dynamic hubs for staying abreast 

of campus events, shifts, and noteworthy occurrences. 

As a freshman, I initially underestimated the role of social 

media in my college journey. Yet, I swiftly recognized its pivotal 

role in navigating the intricacies of campus life. Whether I 

sought information on dining options or opportunities for 

community involvement, social media emerged as my trusty 

companion, granting me instant access to a wealth of knowledge at my fingertips. 

However, it’s crucial to exercise discernment in our social media usage. Not all content 

is uplifting or constructive. Thus, it’s imperative to curate our feeds, gravitating towards 

accounts that inspire personal growth and positivity. By actively engaging with such content 

and connecting with like-minded individuals, we cultivate a supportive online community 

that enriches our college experience. 

Besides, beyond mere information dissemination, social media serves as a potent tool 

for forging connections and nurturing relationships. Whether through joining campus 

groups, participating in virtual events, or reaching out to fellow students, these platforms 

facilitate networking and collaboration in unprecedented ways. 

So, don’t hesitate to charge up your battery and seize the opportunities afforded by 

social media to stay plugged into your college community. Whether you’re a freshman 

navigating the twists and turns of campus life or a seasoned student seeking to expand 

your network, harnessing the power of social media is paramount for staying informed, 

engaged, and empowered throughout your collegiate journey. With social media as your 

ally, you’ll be primed to seize service opportunities, savor memorable moments, and 

perhaps even engage in interactions with renowned figures that enrich your college 

participated in the vote for B-CU. These enhanc 

will help create more vibrant and engaging spa 

our students to retreat on campus for a brain b 

find inspiration through the downtime.” 

Home Depot’s “Retool Your School” pr 

established in 2009, has been a beacon for positive 

providing over $9.25 million in campus impro 

grants to Historically Black Colleges and Univ 

(HBCUs). Beyond the competition, the Office of 

Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazet 

12-Year-Old Black Girl from Florida 

Makes History, Graduates High School 

NATIONWIDE — E’leese Shelton, a 

12-year-old African American girl from 

Tallahassee, Florida, has made national 

headlines after graduating from high 

school at such a young age. 

According to her mom, E’leese showed 

exceptional skills from the age of 2. She 

said, “I got her a LeapFrog tablet, and 

we didn’t know that she was self-taught 

until it was telling her to do the letters, 

uppercase, lowercase letters, and we 

didn’t realize that she knew all of it. I did 

not teach her any of it. She just had the 

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. 

Word of 

the Week 

The president outlin 

broader achievements 

administration in sup 

students and bor 

including achieving th 

significant increases 

Grants in over a decade 

Continue reading onl 

thewestsidegazette. 

adjective adjective - not permanent; brief duration; HOW temporary TO USE QUIESCENT IN 

SENTENCE 

HOW TO USE IN A SENTENCE: 

Not all coaches would have favoured the It’s permanence possible that other volcanoe 

of class over the transitory nature of form. 

long quiescentperiods may also 

quiescent mind. 

subtle but protracted warning p 

as well. 

being at rest; inactive or 

motionless; quiet; still: a 

“She told him that she was going to 

outdo him,” their father Fred said. “So, 

she stuck to her word.” 

Her brother, E’ven, expressed pride 

in his sister’s accomplishment, saying, 

“The best thing that you could hope for 

somebody that you love is for them to do 

something better than you. That’s just 

what we hope for the next generation.” 

Looking ahead, E’leese plans to attend 

Tallahassee Community College before 

transferring to Florida State University 

to pursue her dream of becoming a 

pediatrician. Remarkably, she aims to 

start medical school at 16 or 17 years old. 

“I feel excited to go on and embrace 

that journey,” E’leese shared. 

quiescen 

transitory 

(tran-si-to-ry) 

[ kwee-es-uhnt, kwahy- ] 

“Deerfield Beach High 

School students have 

accomplished a remarkable 

milestone by completing 

the two-year Big Brothers 

Big Sisters School to Work 

Mentoring Program in 

partnership with JM Family. 

Under the mentorship of our 

dedicated associates, these 

students acquired essential 

skills and valuable insights 

from various JM Family 

teams, including Human 

Resources, Marketing, and 

Health and Wellness. We 

are eager to welcome a new 

group of students this fall 

and continue empowering 

the next generation of 

leaders!” 

List compiled 

by Kamar 

Jackson, 

Dillard High 

Freshman


Tennessee Representatives Justin 

J. Pearson, Justin Jones to Speak 

at Democratic Black Caucus of 

Florida’s 41st Annual Conference 

By Louis C Ward 

State Representatives 

Justin J. Pearson and Justin 

Jones, both members of the 

Tennessee Three, will be the 

keynote speaker and special 

guest respectively at the 

Democratic Black Caucus 

of Florida’s (DBCF) 41st 

Conference June 7 through 

9, 2024 at the Rosen Centre 

Hotel at 9840 International 

Drive, Orlando, Florida. 

Tennessee State 

Representatives Justin J. 

Pearson, Justin Jones, and 

Gloria Johnson aka as the 

Tennessee Three participated 

in a protest for gun control in 

front of the State House after 

a fatal shooting at a Nashville 

private school where three 

children and three adults 

were killed. 

Pearson and Jones 

were expelled for their 

participation. Johnson, who is white, avoided 

expulsion. Both Pearson and Jones reclaimed 

their legislative seats after a special election. 

“Democracy Will Not Die On Our Watch” 

is the theme of DBCF’s 41st Conference, said 

DBCF President Trevor Mallory, promising 

a conference with informative and exciting 

workshops, and a Saturday evening Gala with 

exuberant speakers. 

All members of the press are encouraged 

to attend and cover the State of the Caucus 

Friday evening at 6 pm, which will open 

with State Representative Justin J. Pearson, 

Orlando’s Democratic Executive Committee 

Chair, and a member from the mayor’s office. 

DBCF President Trevor Mallory will follow 

with a discussion about strategies for an 

effective DBCF, and how the organization will 

mobilize and educate Florida’s Black voters to 

win in November. 

Tennessee State Representatives Justin J. Pearson and 

Justin Jones 

The Presidential Reception will conclude 

Friday’s social evening with food, drink and 

high-spirited conversation. 

Saturday evening’s Gala is a ticketed event 

with Keynote speaker Justin J. Pearson, and 

special guest Justin Jones. Tickets for members 

of the press who want to enjoy the amenities of 

the Gala will be discounted to $100. 

Coverage by the press is free and 

encouraged. Keynote speaker Tennessee 

State Representative Pearson will begin his 

discourse at 8:15 pm. 

Other Notable events include Faith Based 

Leadership, Candidate, and Black Media 

Strategic Mini Summit Luncheon and a 

Candidate Extravaganza. 

For conference registration and other 

pertinent information, members of the press 

must call (850) 259-4735, (448) 488-4022 or 

visit WWW.DBCFlorida.org. 

Happy belated 90 th birthday to Mrs. Annie Pearl Hill 

Born May 29, 1934, Mrs. Annie Pearl Hill, continues to be active in her home town of 

Belle Glade, FL.; Former PBC educator; 1957 BCU and IU Graduate; served on numerous 

County Boards; now serves the community by delivering meals daily to members of the 

community who are unable to get out. Continues to be active in her church, New Bethel 

Baptist and her sorority, Glades Alumnae, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Received 90th 

Birthday Proclamation from Congresswoman Shelia McCormick ‘s Office, May 26, 2024, 

at her church New Bethel Baptist Church, Belle Glade, FL. Pictured l-r: Daniella Bythwood 

(goddaughter and Church Clerk), Louise Gilliard (sister), Rev. Leslie Camel (Pastor, New 

Bethel Baptist Church, Belle Glade), Annie Pearl Hill (Honoree), Derald Hill-Shirley (daughter), 

Cedric Shirley (son-in-law). 




@StacyBrownMedia 

(Source Savannah Tribune) 

President Joe Biden 

has set a historic precedent 

by appointing more nonwhite 

and female judges to 

the federal judiciary than 

any other president in 

U.S. history, a significant 

achievement in his first three 

and a half years in office. 

According to a published 

analysis of self-reported data 

from the Federal Judicial 

Center, only 13 percent of 

Biden’s Senate confirmed 

judicial appointments are 

white men. 

“I’m particularly proud 

that these judges reflect 

the diversity that is our 

country’s strength, Biden 

said in February following 

the confirmation of his 175th 

judge. 

As of mid-May, Biden 

remains the only president to 

have appointed more women 

than men to the federal bench, 

with over 60% of his judges 

being female. This surpasses 

the previous record set by 

former President Barack 

Obama, who appointed 138 

female judges during his 



JUNE 6 - JUNE 12, 2024 • PAGE 3 

Biden Makes Historic Strides in 

Diversifying Federal Judiciary 

Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson & Joe Biden (background) 

Judge Angela Martinez 

The courtroom was silent as the jury’s verdict was 

read aloud: “Guilty, guilty, guilty…” repeated 34 

times, solidifying the former president’s fate. Trump, 

who is the presumptive Republican presidential 

nominee for 2024, now faces a potential sentence 

ranging from probation to four years in prison. His 

legal team has already indicated plans to appeal, a 

process that could extend over several years. 

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior 


In a historic and dramatic moment, the jury in New 

York delivered a resounding verdict on Wednesday, 

finding former President Donald Trump guilty on 

all 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. 

This unprecedented decision marks the first time in 

American history that a former president has been 

convicted of criminal charges. 

A hush fell over the courtroom late in the afternoon 

Judge Dena M. Coggins 

Guilty! Guilty! Guilty! Former President Trump 

Convicted on All 34 Felony Counts 

The twiceimpeached, 

fourtimes 

indicted, 

and now convicted 

Trump faced 

charges connected 

to a $130,000 hushmoney 

payment 

made to porn star 

Stormy Daniels in 

the days leading 

up to the 2016 

election. 

as the jury handed 

Judge Juan M. Merchan a note. “We 

the jury have a verdict. We would like 

an extra 30 minutes to fill out the forms 

if that’d be possible,” the note read. The 

jury had deliberated for 9.5 hours over 

two days after a three-week trial. 

The twice-impeached, four-times 

indicted, and now convicted Trump 

faced charges connected to a $130,000 

hush-money payment made to porn star 

Stormy Daniels in the days leading up 

to the 2016 election. The trial featured 

weeks of tawdry testimony about 

tabloid deal-making and the alleged 

sexual encounter between Trump 

and Daniels. Prosecutors argued that 

Trump engaged in a fraud against the 



On May 28 th the Local American Legion Post 220 standing in the front of the new building 

on Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The new is scheduled to open in August 2024.

PAGE 4 • JUNE 6 - JUNE 12, 2024 

Westside Gazette Calendar 

of Events 

Deeply Rooted 

LOCAL HAPPENINGS IN 

BROWARD MIAMI-DADE 

AND PALM BEACH 

COUNTIES 

HAVE YOUR COMMUNITY EVENTS 

PLACED ON THIS PAGE 

email:wgproof@thewestsidegazette.com 

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

Celebrate Announcements: 

Call -- (954) 525-1489 

Happy Birthday * Weddings 

* Anniversaries 

Retirements * Congratulations 

PARENTS AND STUDENTS: 

As the school year ends, we are prioritizing the safety of our 

students and staff by implementing additional safety measures 

during the final days of school. 

NO BACKPACKS* NO BAGS* PERMITTED ON SCHOOL CAMPUS 

Monday, June 10, 2024 

• Lunches may be brought in a small lunch box 

• Students, if you have devices or books to return to your 

school, please return them by Monday, June 3, 2024 

* NOTE: A small pouch may be allowed for personal 

hygiene items 


Broward County Library Presents Free Summer 

Learning Program 

- "Adventure Begins at Your Library" for all ages - 

BROWARD COUNTY, FL - Get ready for a summer filled with 

fun, excitement and learning at Broward County Library's 

free, all-ages "Adventure Begins at Your Library" Summer 

Learning Program, taking place from June 1st through August 

10th, 2024. 

The Library's 2024 Summer Learning Program features 

dazzling events, prizes and free entertainment for children, 

teens and adults, beginning with the kick-off event, 

the 19th Annual Children's BookFest, on Saturday, June 1st 

from 10AM-3PM at Northwest Regional Library, 3151 N University 

Drive, Coral Springs, FL 33065. 

"Adventure Begins at Your Library" with adventure-themed 

workshops, programs and classes. Along with exciting 

Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com 

Girl Power Day 

Saturday, June 8 · 6 - 10 p.m., 1000 Northwest 2nd 

Avenue Miami, FL 33136 

Girl Power Day is a tribute to 

the remarkable women and 

girls in South Florida aims to 

celebrate the strength, resilience, 

and empowerment 

of girls while supporting the 

Mama Hattie’s House Capital 

Campaign Fundraiser. Whether through leadership, creativity, 

or compassion, we come together to honor those who 

inspire us all. 

Admission to Girl Power Day is free for all attendees.Attendees 

can expect to enjoy live music, networking opportunities, 

delicious food, and refreshing drinks—all while supporting a 

great cause! With the organization’s goal of empowering 

young girls to dream big, overcome challenges, and shape 

their futures, Girl Power Day will further the mission of creating 

a world where every girl, regardless of background, has the 

tools and support needed to reach her full potential. 

Greater Horizons Academy Volunteer Opportunity 

Volunteers are needed at 

this afterschool recreation 

program to assist teachers 

with the school-aged children 

who attend. You will 

assist with setting up and 

serving snacks, providing 

homework help, playing 

games, reading books, etc. It all depends on what activities 

the kids are doing that day. We really have a need for volunteers 

who can help with homework and tutoring students, so if 

you have that ability, please let the school know. 

PLEASE NOTE (High school students): During the Summer, High 

school students can volunteer from 7:30am to 5pm. And, 

during the 2023-2024 school year, High school student can volunteer 

afterschool from 3:00pm to 5:00pm. 

Sorry, Court ordered volunteers not allowed Proper attire is required 

and no ripped jeans, sandals, or flip-flops allowed. 

The opportunity date and time you are looking for is no longer 

available. Here are the next available dates and times. 

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New Obesity Drugs Are Seemingly 

Everywhere—Black Folks Feel Left 

As new weight loss drugs come to market, Black 

patients and medical experts talk about weight 

bias, body image, and lack of health insurance. 

JUNE 6 - JUNE 12, 2024 • PAGE 5 

Gustave, who was prescribed Ozempic for his diabetes, 

has had to struggle to get refills. 

(KIERRA BRANKER FOR STAT) 

By Anissa Durham 

Photo direction 

by Crystal Milner 

Jonathan Gustave was 

diagnosed with type 2 

diabetes last August after 

decades of struggling with 

his weight. To help lower 

his blood sugar levels, his 

doctor prescribed Ozempic, 

the diabetes drug that has 

become wildly popular for its 

weight loss effects. 

The drug was in such demand 

that Gustave, a 38-year-old 

Orlando resident, had to wait 

two months for the pharmacy 

to fill his prescription. A 

month and a half later, he ran 

out, and another two months 

passed before the pharmacy 

would give him a refill, and 

only for six months. 

GLP-1 drugs, a class 

that includes Ozempic, are 

transforming the treatment of 

diabetes and obesity. Studies 

have been finding they have 

benefits for heart health 

and other conditions, too. 

But many Black Americans, 

including patients like 

Gustave and medical experts, 

Michel Hobson says she 

would love to use Ozempic 

to control her diabetes and 

weight but cannot afford 

it. NITASHIA JOHNSON FOR STAT 

worry that their community 

is being left behind. They say, 

too, that the public’s obsession 

with the drugs serves as a 

reminder of how Black bodies 

are policed and judged by 

society. 

“I do feel like Black people 

face more barriers because it 

all depends on what type of 

health insurance you have,” 

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee Cancer Diagnosis from Front Page 

District in the U.S. House of Representatives 

since 1995. Now in her 15th term, she serves 

on the House Committees on the Judiciary, 

Homeland Security, and the Budget, and 

is the first female Ranking Member of the 

Judiciary Subcommittee for Crime and Federal 

Government Surveillance, a subcommittee she 

chaired during the 117th Congress. 

Her legislative achievements are extensive 

and impactful. Jackson Lee has spearheaded 

the Sentencing Reform Act, the George Floyd 

Law Enforcement Trust and Integrity Act, and 

the RAISE Act. She has also introduced crucial 

bills like the Fair Chance for Youth Act, the 

Kimberly Vaughan Firearm Safe Storage Act, 

and Kaleif’s Law. An unwavering advocate for 

women and children, she fervently supports 

the Paycheck Fairness Act and the Pregnant 

Workers Fairness Act and has championed 

outreach to minority- and women-owned 

businesses in the commercial space industry. 

Additionally, she authored the Triple-Negative 

Breast Cancer Research and Education Act. 

Recognized as one of the 50 most effective 

Members of Congress by ‘Congressional 

Quarterly’ and among the ten most influential 

legislators in the House by ‘U.S. News and 

World Report,’ Jackson Lee’s influence extends 

beyond legislation. She is a founder, member, 

and Chair of the Congressional Pakistan 

Caucus and the Congressional Children’s 

Caucus, as well as Chair of the Congressional 

Black Caucus Energy Braintrust and Co-Chair 

of the Justice Reform Task Force. 

Educationally, Jackson Lee holds a B.A. 

in Political Science from Yale University and 

a J.D. from the University of Virginia Law 

School. She is married to Dr. Elwyn Lee, an 

administrator at the University of Houston. 

She has two children: Jason Lee, a Harvard 

graduate, and Erica Lee, a Duke graduate and 

member of the Harris County School Board. 

She is also the proud grandmother of twins 

Ellison Bennett Carter and Roy Lee Carter III. 

Despite her diagnosis, Jackson Lee 

remains resolute in her commitment to her 

congressional duties. “I am committed to 

working with our Congressional leadership, 

including Leader Hakeem Jefferies and the 

Speaker of the House, to serve this nation 

and be present for votes on legislation that is 

critical for the prosperity and security of the 

American people,” she affirmed. 

Hospital staff enjoys lunch sponsored by Rick Case Automotive in celebration 

of National Nurses Week and National Hospital Week -- (l to r): Mark Doyle, 

President and CEO, Holy Cross Health; and Rita Case, President and CEO, Rick 

Case Automotive Group, hand out lunches. 

(Photo credit: Holy Cross Health) 

Gustave said. “I know a lot 

of people who forgo health 

insurance to have more 

money on hand to pay bills. 

If you don’t have insurance or 

good insurance, it’s going to 

be more challenging to access 

it.” 

Black Americans have long 

had higher than average rates 

of chronic disease, for reasons 

that include disparities in 

income and education, less 

access to health insurance, 

housing, healthy food, and 

the “weathering” of racismrelated 

stress. According to 

federal health data, 12% of 

non-Hispanic Black adults 

had diagnosed diabetes in 

2021, a rate surpassed only by 

American Indians and Native 

Alaskans; non-Hispanic Black 

adults have the highest rates 



Yours in good health. 

This Week in Health: Alzheimer’s Disease 

Westside Health Brief 

Marsha Mullings, MPH 

June 3, 2024 

JUNE IS ALZHEIMER’S AND BRAIN AWARENESS 

MONTH. In this issue we present a snapshot of 

Alzheimer’s disease. 

WHAT IS ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE 

According to the Center for Disease Control and 

Prevention (CDC), Alzheimer's disease is a 

progressive disease beginning with mild memory 

loss and possibly leading to loss of the ability to 

carry on a conversation and respond to the 

environment. It involves parts of the brain that 

control thought, memory, and language. 

Alzheimer's disease can affect a person's ability to 

carry out normal tasks and activities. 

SOME ALZHEIMER'S FACTS 

− As many as 6 million people are living with 

Alzheimer's disease. 

− 14% of people living with Alzheimer’s are Black, 

12% are Hispanic, and 10% are Non-Hispanic 

Whites. 

− Alzheimer’s disease is the 5 th leading cause of 

death among adults aged 65 and older. 

− Age, 65 and older is the best known risk factor 

for Alzheimer’s disease. 

− A family history of Alzheimer’s may be a risk 

factor for developing the disease, however, 

genetics alone is not an indication that a person 

is destined to develop Alzheimer’s disease. 

− There is growing scientific evidence that healthy 

behaviors – physical activities, diet, sleep, may 

reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's and 

other diseases of cognitive decline. 

SOME WARNING SIGNS OF ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE 

Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging. 

Memory problems are typically one of the first 

warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease and related 

dementias. Other signs include: 

− Memory loss that disrupts daily life, such as 

getting lost in a familiar place or repeating 

questions. 

− Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at 

work or at leisure. 

− Misplacing things and being unable to retrace 

steps to find them. 

− Changes in mood, personality, or behavior. 

Even if you have, or someone you know has several 

or even most of these signs, it doesn’t mean it’s 

Alzheimer’s disease. Consult with a healthcare 

provider if you think you or a loved one is 

experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. For 

information, contact: 

24/7 Helpline: 800.272.3900 

Source: Centers for Disease Control and 

Prevention; www.cdc.gov 

Situated across from Provident Park, Holy Cross Health Center is a beacon of health 

and hope for Sistrunk and surrounding Ft. Lauderdale communities Today, we 

provide an array of medical services designed to foster well-being, 

from family medicine and pediatric care to annual wellness visits, 

immunizations and disease prevention – empowering the 

communities we serve to grow and thrive. For an appointment, 

please call or visit us online. holy-cross.com • 954-542-4000 

1409 Sistrunk Blvd, Suite 103 

Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33311

PAGE 6 • JUNE 6 - JUNE 12, 2024 

WESTSIDE 

GAZETTE 

NEWSPAPER STAFF 

Bobby R. Henry, Sr. 

PUBLISHER 

Sonia Henry-Robinson 

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EDITOR 

Sylvester “Nunnie’ Robinson 

SPORTS WRITER 

Elizabeth D. Henry 

CIRCULATION 

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NoRegret Media 

WEBMASTER 

Carma T. Taylor 

DIGITAL SPECIALIST 

Eric Sears 

IT SPECIALIST 

Ron Lyons 

PHOTOGRAPHER 

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 

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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 

Trump’s Days of Infamy: 

“No one is above the law, not even a former president 

or those who give aid and comfort for the commission 

of crimes!” 

John Johnson II, 06/05/24 

By John Johnson II 

Justice in America isn’t always blind 

or impartial for privileged white people. 

The privileged treatment afforded former 

president Trump is detestable and unlawful. 

Consequently, the criminal indictment of 

Trump on March 25, 2023, followed by his 

guilty conviction on May 30, 2024, are both 

dates of infamy. 

Trump received an indictment for 34 

felony counts. Twelve jurors listened to the 

prosecuting attorneys attempting to convince them of Trump’s 

guilt while defense attorneys defended his innocence. However, 

another element, proving “intent,” constituted another vital 

factor in determining the prosecutors’ success. 

Trump manipulated campaign financial records in this 

illegal scheme. The prosecution presented iron-clad exhibits 

documenting his role. From the beginning, it looked like an 

open and shut case. 

The seven-week trial was intense and grueling. The 

prosecutors and defense attorneys presented all their evidence 

and delivered their closing arguments to the jury. Yet, an 

equally crucial step remained: Judge Juan M. Merchan needed 

to instruct the jurors on the law. 

Once the jurors received their final instructions and analyzed 

this overwhelming evidence for two days, they unanimously 

found Trump guilty of all 34 felonies. 

Pundits like House Speaker Mike Johnson called for the 

Supreme Court to “step in.” Republican Senators John Thune 

and John Cornyn called the verdict politically motivated and 

a disgrace, respectively. Republicans have turned “ law and 

order” into “Crimes for Order.” Sen. Rubio denounced Castro 

but has continually bowed down to Trump. Have they no 

shame? Is Trump threatening to serve them Kool-Aid? 

Before Americans can exhale, there remains another date of 

Infamy, July 11, 2024, the sentencing date. Republicans and 

MAGA supporters have cried out that there should’ve never 

been a trial. As a first-time offender, there certainly need not 

be any jail time. 

Trump is a career lawbreaker. Court records show he paid $25 

million in 2018 for duping college students, promising to teach 

them the “secrets of success” in real estate. On May 9, 2023, 

a jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse of Jean Carroll. 

There’s more! On January 26, 2024, a jury ordered Trump to 

pay Jean Carroll $83.3 million for defamation. Currently, he’s 

facing three additional cases totaling 54 counts. 

Again, Trump isn’t a first-time criminal by a long shot. It’s 

his first conviction for violating election finance laws and 

attempting to overthrow his government. Had he committed 

these crimes during his first term, he would still be in prison. 

There’s no shame in locking up a convicted former president— 


FRANKLY SPEAKING 

Some things are earned and can 

never be demanded 

By W. Franl Wilson 

In the midst of your plight you have 

the additional burden of dealing with 

the plot of those who are envious and 

who lack understanding of God’s will 

I’m fortunate to have a loving family 

around me but quite often family 

prepares you for dealing with the other haters in the world 

Y’all know the story of Joseph and his brothers? 

There’s nothing like family or church hurt. 

Hurt people hurt people and often it’s intentional and then 

there’s the other side: folk just not knowing 

I am uniquely blessed to have adult children, adult nieces 

and nephews, adult grandchildren and cousins who show care 

and support; 

They call, visit, even cashapp support during trying 

times. 

Offering to come stay with me after surgery, I am truly 

blessed and thankful for this unusual gathering of family 

There are those on the outer edges of participation and 

care but to borrow a line from the song, Too few to mention! 

The concern is if I will be able to make the family reunion 

in Fort Lauderdale in July. 

I have not missed one since I began Wilson Mitchell 

reunions in 1995, and it’s high on my 2024 calendar. 

I keep reminding all of you: God ain’t ready for me and 

the Devil don’t want me! 

Favor ain’t always Fair! 

Do employers really care? 

By Kevin Palmer 

Trust the science of the Economic Policy 

Institute Budget Calculator to know whether a 

business cares for the financial welfare of their 

employees. 

According to EPI, “The family budget 

calculator measures the income a family needs 

to attain a modest yet adequate standard 

of living. The budgets estimate communityspecific 

costs for 10 family types (one or two 

adults with zero to four children) in all counties and metro 

areas in the United States.” 

According to the budget calculator, in Columbia County, 

Georgia a single adult employee with no children will need to 

earn $50,084 (24hr) to attain a modest yet adequate standard 

of living. In contrast, a single adult employee in Richmond 

County must earn $42,079 (20hr). 

That means most Richmond and Columbia County 

employees live an uncomfortable, less-than-modest standard 

of living, while their employers live a comfortable, affluent 

standard of living. 

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. 

The Gantt Report 

Black Men Don’t Jump 

By Lucius Gantt 

Black men don’t jump! 

There has been a lot of speculation 

about significant numbers of Black voters 

appearing to support the Babayka Brigade 

in the 2024 Presidential Election. 

The Babayka, or Russian Bogeyman, is former President 

Donald Trump who controls the Republican Party like Calvin 

Candy controlled Candyland in the movie “D’Jango”. 

It’s no secret that there will always be Black men, and Black 

women, who will cast votes for Republican candidates on the 

federal, state and local levels. 

It is also no secret that some Blacks you see at rallies, on 

newscasts, and Blacks eating fast-food chicken on social media 

have been paid for their expressions of love. 

I don’t have a problem with the political hustlers or the 

political professionals who get paid to do the political “wild 

thing”. 

But I can’t vote for any candidate that disrespects African 

Americans and Africans who live in the Motherland. 

If you only get your political news and advice from TikTok, 

Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook and World Star Hip Hop, you 

probably don’t know who Donald Trump truly is. 

Donald Trump was raised by a father who was an ardent 

supporter of the Ku Klux Klan in New York where the family 

real estate business was accused of refusing to lease apartments 

to Black tenants. 

Trump reportedly once said Black people should go back to 

their “huts” in Africa. He said five innocent young Black men, 

once known as the “Central Park Five” should get the death 

penalty for an assault they didn’t commit. 

Recently, the impeached, indicted, and accused former 

President said he “loves” Black people and that no President 

has done more for Blacks than he did. 

Donald Trump doesn’t love anyone who has African ancestry. 

He doesn’t love democracy, he doesn’t love equality, he doesn’t 

love justice, and he hates the “American way”. 

Can you imagine the Palestinians having love and support 

for Benjamin Netanyahu? 

Black voters of all genders should stop falling for the political 

okey doke! 

Trump wants to be a dictator who seeks a lifetime term as 

U.S. President. He wants to be a modern-day wicked Pharoah. 

He wants to ban Muslims. He wants to deport immigrants. He 

wants to suppress your votes. And, he wants to take away what 

few health, protection, and other rights you have. 

Black men don’t jump on the Trump political patty wagon. 

Donald Trump is pretending to be your friend, posing as your 

savior and benefactor, and acting like your comforter in these 

times of trouble. 

I can’t tell you whom to vote for, but I can tell you Trump is 

a political “skunk”, in my opinion. 

Kanye West, Ice Cube, and other well-known Black men have 

expressed eagerness to talk and work with American politicians 

who have been behaving like Russian assets, but I can’t go for 

that, no can do!a 

DA Fani Willis’ Efforts Reach 

New Highs Doing God’s Work 

By Roger Caldwell 

“I don’t care how many times they threaten 

me. I will gladly leave this place knowing I 

did God’s Work,” says Fulton County District 

Attorney Fani Willis. 

In 2024, in the Democratic Primary District 

County Attorney Willis won by 89%, and 

has not shied away from prosecuting highprofile 

cases. In her first campaign in 2020, 

she campaigned on the premise of restoring 

integrity to the Fulton County district attorney’s office. Once 

D.A. Willis won the office in 2020, she was sending off letters 

to Georgia officials to preserve documents to attempt to 

investigate Trump’s influence in the 2020 election. 

When Willis took over the office in 2021, there was a backlog of 

thousands of cases, and she was the first Black female district 

attorney in Fulton County. From the very beginning of her 

administration, she was serious about getting rid of crime, and 

it didn’t matter if you were rich, poor, black, white, Democrat 

or Republican. 

Willis obtained her undergraduate degree from Howard 

University in 1992. Howard graduates are given a mission to 

change the world, and be ready for a fight if you are right. A 

graduate of Emory School of Law in 1996, DA Willis’ father 

was a lawyer and Black Panther. 

After graduating from Law school, Willis worked five years 

in the private sector, until she became an assistant district 

attorney for Fulton County in 2001. In 2014, Willis was the 

lead prosecutor in the Atlanta Public School cheating scandal 

and convicted 11of the 12 defendants. The defendants were 

charged with racketeering and other crimes. 

For this case and for other cases, Willis used the Racketeer 

Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act (RICO). This law 

made Willis famous and she is using the same law to convict 

Ex-President Trump. 

“The indictments are a culminations of an investigation that 

has lasted more than two years and has resulted in multiple 

charges, including conspiracy and racketeering, which Willis 

has a history of successfully bringing against defendants,” says 

CNN reporter Shawna Mizelle. 

As DA Willis hired Attorney Nathan Wade to manage the 

Trump case, there were allegations that the two also had a 

romantic relationship. Even though this had nothing to do 

with the case, one of the lawyers argued that Willis and Wade 

were profiting from the relationship and the entire indictment 

should be dismissed. 

This relationship turned into a big mess and Mr. Wade was 

forced to step down, and Willis had to fight to keep her job, 

and the case. “You think I’m on trial,” Ms. Willis said to Ms. 

Merchant. Looking toward the defense tables, she added, 

“These people are on trial for trying to steal an election.” 

As DA Wills has tried to do her job, she has been forced to hire 

bodyguards, move out of her home, and received thousands of 

violent emails and texts. Violence has become part of the job, 


Israel, 

Russia, and 

International 

Law 

By Lawrence S. Wittner 

International 

law―the recognized 

rules of 

behavior among 

nations based 

on customary 

practices and 

treaties, among 

them the United 

Nations Charter and the 

Universal Declaration of 

Human Rights―has been 

agreed upon by large and small 

nations alike. To implement 

this law, the nations of the 

world have established a 

UN Security Council (to 

maintain international peace 

and security) and a variety of 

international courts, including 

the UN’s International Court 

of Justice (which adjudicates 

disputes between nations and 

gives advisory opinions on 

international legal issues) and 

the International Criminal 

Court (which prosecutes 

individuals for crimes of 

genocide, crimes against 

humanity, war crimes, and 

the crime of aggression). 

Yet nations continue to 

defy international law. 

In the ongoing Gaza crisis, 

the Israeli government has 

failed to uphold international 

law by rebuffing the calls of 

international organizations 

to end its massive slaughter 

of Palestinian civilians. 

The U.S. government has 

facilitated this behavior by 

vetoing three UN Security 

Council resolutions calling 

for a ceasefire, while the 

Israeli government has 

ignored an International 

Court of Justice ruling that 

it should head off genocide in 

Gaza by ensuring sufficient 

humanitarian assistance to 

the Palestinian population. 



Donald Trump 

and the Uses of 

Violence 

By 

Andrew 

Moss 

In a 

wideranging 

interview with a Time 

Magazine reporter this past 

April, Donald Trump said 

he expected victory in the 

coming presidential election, 

but he wouldn’t rule out the 

possibility of political violence 

if victory didn’t materialize. 

As he explained, “I don’t 

think we’re going to have 

that [political violence]. I 

think we’re going to win. And 

if we don’t win, you know, it 

depends. It always depends on 

the fairness of the election.” 

Mr. Trump’s response 

raised another question: what 

role would violence play in a 

second Trump administration 

were he to achieve electoral 

victory this November? His 

record suggests that the 

question isn’t hypothetical. 

During his four years in office, 

Mr. Trump used violence to 

achieve various political and 

policy objectives, and that 

fact raises critical questions 

for citizens considering their 

votes this November. 

To commit violence 

means inflicting harm on 

other people, harm that is 

manifested in injury, trauma, 

or death. But violence is also a 

form of power, as author and 

nonviolent activist Rev. James 

M. Lawson has reminded us. 


thewestsidegazette.com


JUNE 6 - JUNE 12, 2024 • PAGE 7 

BUSINESS 

UNITY IN THE 

COMMUNITY DIRECTORY 

A MESSAGE FROM THE PUBLISHER FROM FP 

THE LAW for Black people to read. 

…who made it illegal for Black people to vote. 

…who burned Black peoples’ homes and churches. 

…who stole Black peoples’ land. 

…who subjected Black people to horrendous medical 

experiments. 

…who denied mortgages and other forms of credit to Black 

people. 

…who lynched, maimed, and tortured people for the “crime” of 

being Black. 

…who levied taxes from Black labor (after getting that labor 

for free) and returned NOTHING. 

…who circumscribed the boundaries allowed for Black 

habitation. 

Cell: 754-234-4485 

Office: 954-733-7700 ext. 111 

Fax: 954-731-0333 

Kenneth R. Thurston 

REALTOR, CPM, CAM 

To this day, bigots dress up in the same shirts, suits, and 

ties. I’m certain if they could get away without people seeing 

how clownish they look, they would dye their hair orange. They 

refuse to reconcile these FACTS to their inevitable outcomes. 

They accuse actual victims of “playing the victim card.” They 

denigrate legislation laboriously devised to reverse the impact 

of these policies, and have made affirmative action and DEI 

(Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) “dog whistles” to summon other 

bigots. Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com 

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

Lauderdale Lakes, FL 33313 

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Cell (954) 303-5779 

johnnie.smith@hrblock.com 

www.hrblock.com 

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(Corner of Broward Blvd. & State Rd. 7 

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for your move to another residence 

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JOBS... $800 Weekly. Locate car accidents 

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Divorces... Civil Rights.... Wrongful Death 

(754) 210-0093 

Advertise Here 

Have Your Business Card Placed On 

This Page 

For more information, call (954) 525-1489

PAGE 8 • JUNE 6 - JUNE 12, 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' 

Questions and answers from last week issue: 

1) Doctrine Of Scriptures – Bibliology 

2) Doctrine Of God – Theology 

3) Doctrine Of Man – Anthropology 

4) Doctrine Of Sin – Hamartiology 

5) Doctrine Of Salvation – Soteriology 

6) Doctrine Of The Holy Spirit – Pneumatology 

7) Doctrine Of The Church – Ecclesiology 

8) Doctrine Of Angels – Angelology 

9) The Doctrine Of Last Things - Eschatology 

Exploring The Intersection: 

Christianity, Black Greek Letter 

Organizations, & Denouncement 

By Quintessa Williams 

(Source HBCUNews): 

On May 21st, Zora Maebell Sanders, a rising senior at 

Howard University released a statement on social media, 

officially renouncing and denouncing her Delta Sigma Theta 

Sorority Inc. membership. 

“I am writing this letter to inform Nationals that I have 

officially renounced and denounced membership in the 

organization,” Sanders writes. “As of May 1st 2024, I have 

informed Alpha Chapter of my decision to depart and have 

appropriately given all paraphernalia/anything affiliated in 

any capacity- back to the organization.” 

“Before I was invited to join the organization, despite all the 

research and information I had gathered, I was not aware of the 

specific requirements needed to become an official member of 

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated,” Sanders continues. 

Sanders goes on to outline her reasons, which primarily 

stem from conflicts between the organization’s rituals and 

her Christian beliefs. Sanders expressed discomfort with 

the requirement to take oaths and participate in rituals that 

she perceives as ‘conflicting with her religious convictions.’ 

Specifically, she cites ‘concerns about idolatry,’ highlighting 

instances where she believes the organization’s practices 

deviate from Christian principles. 

The announcement has sparked widespread controversy 

in BGLO and HBCU communities and has led to a conflict 

between certain aspects of Greek life and Christian beliefs 

and values. Leaving some Christians, particularly those 

involved in BGLOs, to question whether participation in Greek 

organizations aligns with their faith. 

Black Greek Letter Organizations (BGLOs), also known 

as historically Black fraternities and sororities, are social 

organizations primarily founded by African American 


The Hidden Pain of Church Hurt 

Harm and abuse due to religious dogma or unhealthy 

leadership can lead to people leaving their church, but 

healing is possible. Credit: Getty/FangXiaNuo 

(Source From Word In Black): 

While some question the reality of what we’ll refer to 

as “church hurt,” others, especially those who’ve had the 

experience, have no doubt. They might be unable to explain it, 

but when you know, you know. 

“I define church hurt as the emotional, psychological, 

and religious harm done to parishioners either intentionally 

or unintentionally due to religious dogma and unhealthy 

leadership practices,” says Atlanta-based therapist Dr. Jesaira 

Glover-Dulin. 

Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com


By FAMU Public Relations 

Florida A&M University (FAMU) mourns 

the loss of Eddie Jackson, president of the 

220 Quarterback Club and one of the most 

ardent supporters of his alma mater. Jackson, 

who served as director of Communications 

and vice president of University Relations 

under then President Frederick S. 

Humphries, Sr., Ph.D., died Monday, June 

3. He was 86. 

A FAMU alum, Jackson worked in various 

roles at FAMU, including sports information 

director under the legendary Coach 

Alonzo “Jake” Gaither. He was the University’s 

chief spokesman during the illustrious 

Humphries years. 

“FAMU lost a loyal son and one of its strongest 

and most effective advocates. Eddie 

Jackson loved FAMU and FAMU loved him 

back. His wit is legendary, often bringing 

down the house with laughter. On behalf of 

the entire Rattler community, I extend my deepest sympathy to his wife Jerrlyne and the rest 

of his family,” said FAMU President Larry Robinson, Ph.D. 

Since his retirement in 2002, Jackson has continued his staunch support for the University 

and its athletic programs. He has led the 220 Quarterback Club to financially support football 

and other programs. In the past decade, the group has donated more than $200,000 to various 

athletic programs and the Marching “100” Band. 

Jackson was a writer at heart. Throughout his professional life, he was a reliable voice of 

reason on the Tallahassee Democrat Opinion page and could be counted on to passionately articulate 

the FAMU story. His book, “Coaching Against the Wind: The National Championship 

Seasons of the Florida A&M University Rattters” was published in 2009. 

In 2022, Jackson was honored during the Florida Blue Florida Classic Night of Distinction 

festivities. 

“To be honored by your Alma Mater is one of the greatest honors one can receive. After my 

family, FAMU has been the wind beneath my wings,” Jackson said in a statement at the time. 

“During my nearly 40 years as an employee, I never felt like I was going to work. FAMU became 

my home away from home.” 

Jackson was also a 2008 inductee in the FAMU Sports Hall of Fame. 

Homicide victim identified as Miami 

Norland Senior High football coach 

NBC Univeral, Inc. 

By NBC6 

FAMU Mourns Alum, 220 

Quarterback Club 

President Eddie Jackson 

A moment of silence was held at the graduation 

ceremony at Norland High for a football coach 

who was shot and killed Monday. 

Students and staffers at a South Florida school 

are mourning a beloved football coach who was 

the victim of a homicide in Opa-locka. 

Keon Bernard Smith, the quarterbacks coach 

at Miami Norland Senior High School in Miami 

Gardens, was killed early Monday in the area 

of Northwest 132nd Street and Northwest 28th 

Avenue. 

Deeply Rooted 

Keon 

Bernard Smith, 

the quarterbacks 

coach at Miami 

Norland Senior 

High School in 

Miami Gardens, 

was killed early 

Monday in the 

area of Northwest 

132nd Street and 

Northwest 28th 

Avenue 

A Good Sheperd 

Funeral Home Services 

James C. Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. 

2324 Sistrunk Boulevard 

Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33311 

(954) 584-3940 

Contact – Mrs. Avis Boyd-Gaines, Owner 

President, Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer 

James C. Boyd Funeral 

Home, Inc. 

2324 Sistrunk Boulevard 

Fort Lauderdale, Florida 

33311 

(954) 584-3940 

Mrs. Avis Boyd-Gaines, 

Owner 

Funeral Director and 

Embalmer 

Mrs. Alexis Gainer-Sullivan, 

Funeral Director 

and Embalmer - Intern 

Position 

Full-Time Operations Administrative Assistant – Apply within 

Salary 

$12.00 - $15.00/hour (salary can be increased base upon performance) 

– one week paid vacation 

Schedule 

Hours per week (40) - 10:00 am – 5:00 pm 

Job Description 

This full-time position will provide administrative and operational 

support to the Funeral Service Team. Primary responsibilities 

include, preparation of funeral service administration documents, 

production of funeral service printed materials and additional administrative, 

clerical and customer service duties. 

Primary Responsibilities: 

- Prepare, monitor and maintain family case files 

- Type funeral service documents to include obituaries, 

death certificates, veterans cemetery requests and social security 

notification 

- Design printed memorial tribute materials for funeral 

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 Photoshop 

and graphic design experience preferred) and typing skills 

of 50 Words Per Minute. 

- In addition, the ideal candidate need to encompass and 

value the following personal and professional attributes: Confidentiality, 

Accuracy, Adaptability, Flexibility, Teamwork, Professionalism, 

Initiative, Dependability, and Honesty. 

McWhite’s Funeral 

Home Services 

JUNE 6 - JUNE 12, 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 

Obituaries 

Death and Funeral Notices 

Diane 

Allison 

Herbert 

Funeral 

Service 

will be held 

June 6 at 

Williams 

Memorial 

CME Church. 

Corey D. 

Marshall 

- 52 

Funeral 

Services 

will be held 

June 8 at 

AGS Chapel. 

Alvester 

Talomerna 

Funeral 

Service 

will be held 

June 8th 

at Ebenezer 

Baptist Church. 

Myrtice Pearl Howard – 77 

Funeral services were held 

May 24th at Elijah Bell’s 

Funeral Services with 

Elder Cory officiating 

James C. Boyd 


Crystal 

Banks 

Funeral 

Service 

was held 

June 1st in 

Johnstown, 

Penn. 

Amari Noele 

Dreakford – 

16-years-old 

Funeral Service 

was held 

June 1st at 

James C. Boyd’s 

Memorial Chapel 

with Pastor 

Trevor Wallace officiating. 

Lue Jean 

Ferguson – 87 

Funeral Services 

were held 

June 1st 

at James C.Boyd’s 

Memorial Chapel 

with Pastor 

Howard McMillian 

officiating. 

Gwendolyn 

Icilda Lewis – 

73. 

Tershania 

Renee James 

Funeral 

Service 

was held 

June 1st 

at McWhite’s 

Funeral Home. 

Willie 

Lee Kelley 

Funeral 

Service 

was held 

June 1st 


Funeral Home 

Chapel. 

Clarence K. 

Mattair 

Funeral Service 

was held 

June 1st 


Funeral Home 

Chapel. 

Eunice 

Maxam 

Funeral 

Service 

was held 

June 1st 

at New 

Creation 

Christian 

Fellowship. 

Roy Mizell & Kurtz 


Shelby Lyn 

Chafers. 

Diedra Marie 

McDowell – 52 

Larry Darnell 

Smith. 

The LORD is close to the 

brokenhearted and saves those 

who are crushed in spirit. 

Psalm 34:18

PAGE 10 • JUNE 6 - JUNE 12, 2024 

Deeply Rooted 


Submitted by 

Dana Hanford 

Seven Outstanding Broward College Professors 

Named 2024-2025 Endowed Teaching Chairs 

Each recipient is awarded a one-year grant of $13,500 

Professor Rosena Beniste 

FORT LAUDERDALE, 

FL – Seven Broward College 

professors were named 2024- 

2025 Endowed Teaching 

Chairs, the highest academic 

award bestowed by Broward 

College to a faculty member 

for their excellence in the 

classroom. The exceptional 

faculty members were 

surprised by the news in 

their classrooms by Broward 

College Acting President Dr. 

Donald Astrab; Dr. Jeffery 

Nasse, Provost and Senior 

Vice President for Academic 

Affairs; Megan Cottle, Vice 

President for Advancement 

and Chief Development 

Officer for the Broward 

College Foundation; and Dr. 

Stanley Marks, Chair of the 

Broward College Foundation 

Endowed Teaching Chair 

Selection Committee. 

“We congratulate our 

newest Endowed Teaching 

Chairs,” said Dr. Astrab. 

“Their dedication to teaching 

excellence and their 

commitment to our students is 

what makes Broward College 

a leader in higher education 

in our community.” 

The Endowed Teaching 

Chair awards were launched 

in 1989 with a goal of 

providing the opportunity for 

at least 10% of the College’s 

original faculty to achieve this 

status in recognition of their 

outstanding efforts in the 

classroom. With the support 

of philanthropic individuals, 

businesses, foundations, 

and city organizations, the 

Broward College Foundation 

now has 36 Endowed Teaching 

Chair Awards. 

In 1990, the Broward 

College Foundation, as it is 

now known, was the nation’s 

first community college 

foundation to complete an 

endowed teaching chairs 

campaign. The first Endowed 

Teaching Chair award 

recipients were named in 

1992. To date, 246 Endowed 

Teaching Chairs have been 

awarded to 185 different 

Broward College professors. 

“We sincerely thank 

our donors, sponsors, and 

community partners for their 

commitment to excellence 

in education by investing 

Broward College,” said Cottle. 

“Our Endowed Teaching Chair 

program enables professors to 

JUNE 2024 

SERVICE 

CHANGES 

obtain the instructional tools 

they need to give students the 

best possible education.” 

All seven of this year’s 

Endowed Teaching Chairs 

receive a one-year grant 

of $13,500, which includes 

an $8,500 honorarium and 

$5,000 for professional 

development and projects to 

improve classroom excellence 

and efficiency. 

“The rigorous selection 

process gets more difficult 

each year as the caliber of 

teaching talent escalates,” 

said Dr. Stanley Marks, 

who served on the selection 

committee. “This class of 

deserving educators really 

are the crème de la crème. We 

are honored to have them as 

our colleagues, our students 

are lucky to learn from them, 

and we are all lucky that they 

are part of our community.” 

The 2023-2024 Endowed 

Teaching Chair recipients 

are: 

Professor Marjetta 

Geerling, associate professor, 

Hollywood 

Native stands 

watch in the 

Pilot House 

Aboard USS 

Ralph Johnson 

Seaman Waarith Abdullah 

(U.S. Navy photo by Mass 

Communication Specialist 1st 

Class Jamaal Liddell) 

Ms. Megan S. Brown, 

Navy Office of Community 

Outreach 

English at the Broward 

College Central Campus, 

received the International 

Education Endowed 

Teaching Chair. A professor 

at Broward College for 13 

years, Professor Geerling 

was previously recognized as 

Adjunct Professor of the Year 

in 2011-12 and a Full-Time 

Professor of the Year in 2015- 

16. She is the co-coordinator 

of learning communities for 

Broward College and chief 



Davie native conducts tours 

Aboard USS Carl Vinson 

during LA Fleet Week 

Sailors Conduct a Tour Aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 

70) 1st Class Daniel Desouza. 

(Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Micheal Mensah USS Carl Vinson) 

PACIFIC OCEAN -Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 

1st Class Daniel Desouza, a native of Davie, Florida, gives 

educators a tour of the flight deck aboard Nimitz-class aircraft 

carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) as the ship departs its 

homeport San Diego for Los Angeles Fleet Week. LAFW is an 

opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine 

Corps and Coast Guard teams and experience America’s sea 

services. During fleet week, service members participate in 

various community service events, showcase capabilities and 

equipment to the community, and enjoy the hospitality of Los 

Angeles and its surrounding areas. 

Miami Native serves Aboard 

USS Michael Murphy 

EFFECTIVE SUNDAY, 

JUNE 9 

CHANGES TO ROUTES: 

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

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

Scan here for 

schedules 

2 16 18 19 20 31 40 

EXPRESS 

42 48 50 72 441 106 

ROUTE 

NORTH PACIFIC OCEAN 

Seaman Waarith Abdullah, 

from Hollywood, Florida, 

stands watch in the pilot 

house aboard the Arleigh 

Burke-class guided-missile 

destroyer USS Ralph Johnson 

(DDG 114) in the North 

Pacific Ocean, May 24. Ralph 

Johnson is forward deployed 

and assigned to Destroyer 

Squadron (DESRON) 15, the 

Navy’s largest DESRON and 

the U.S. 7th fleet’s principal 

surface force. 

Seaman Eric Cerifin (U.S. Navy photo by Ensign Elisabeth Aigeldinger) 

(MC2 Isaiah M. Williams) Navy Office of Community 

Outreach 

Boatswain’s Mate Seaman Eric Cerifin, from Miami, answers 

a call on the bridge of Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile 

destroyer USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112). 

Michael Murphy, assigned to the Abraham Lincoln Carrier 

Strike Group, is underway conducting integrated exercises to 

bolster strike group readiness and capability in the U.S. 3rd 

Fleet area of operations. 

Sailor with Family ties to Coral Springs receives 

ESWS insignia serving aboard U.S. Navy Warship 

By Rick Burke, Navy Office 

of Community Outreach 

MILLINGTON, TENN. 

-- Petty Officer 2nd Class 

Justene Patch, nephew of 

Denise Madden, a resident 

of Coral Springs, Florida, 

recently received the Enlisted 

Surface Warfare Specialist 

(ESWS) insignia serving 

aboard the U.S. Navy warship, 

USS Halsey, operating out of 

San Diego, California. 

The ESWS insignia signifies 

that a sailor has achieved the 

highest level of expertise in 

surface ships and in surface 

warfare. 

“Being given my pin after 

working so hard gave me a 

sense of satisfaction, as I am 

the first corpsman to receive 

their pin on board within 

the last three years,” said 

Patch. “As a corpsman, I am 

Petty Officer 2nd Class Justene Patch, right, receives a 

certificate for earning the ESWS insignia serving aboard 

USS Halsey (DDG 97). 

not required to do a sea tour 

but when I was selected for 

orders that was the one thing 

I wanted to achieve before my 

projected rotation date, Being 

able to accomplish a goal I 

set for myself two years ago 

is hopefully something that 

inspires other junior sailors.” 

Patch joined the Navy five 

years ago. Today, Patch 

serves as a hospital corpsman 

responsible for assisting in 

the prevention and treatment 




The Stolen Remains of 19 Black 

People Who Died in the 1800s are now 

Being Cared for by Philly Youth 

NATIONWIDE — A 

group of young people from 

Philadelphia who are a 

part of the National Youth 

Foundation are stepping up to 

care for and beautify the grave 

site for the stolen remains 

of 19 African Americans 

who died in the 1800s. Their 

remains were previously 

housed at Penn Museum 

which has been owned by the 

By Natalie Hanson 

University of Pennsylvania 

since 1966. However, earlier 

this year, the remains were 

given a proper final resting 

place in a private ceremony 

held at Eden Cemetery in 

Collingdale, Pennsylvania. 

The remains of these 

deceased men and women are 

collectively referred to as the 

“Black Philadelphians” and 

were stolen by a physician 

named Samuel G. Morton 

who in the early 19th 

century decided to use their 

remains for his horrible, 

pseudoscientific eugenics 

research. Morton and his 

cohorts unethically stole the 

remains and housed them 

at the Academy of Natural 



Feds Headed to Trial on Abuse Claims 

from Shuttered Bay Area Prison 

More than 600 

inmates will see 

a trial on their 

claims that federal 

employees 

abused them and 

maintained a 

system to prevent 

people reporting 

mistreatment within 

The Federal Correctional Institution is shown in 

Dublin, Calif., on July 20, 2006. (AP Photo/Ben) Margot, File) 

the walls of 

FCI Dublin. 

(Source BlackNews.Com) 

NATIONWIDE — HBCU Connect, the 

largest online platform for professional 

networking within the HBCU student 

and alumni community, is partnering 

with the DC Metro HBCU Alumni 

Alliance (DCHBCUAA), Inc. to celebrate 

its diversity recruitment contributions 

over the past 25 years. From June 28- 

JUNE 6 - JUNE 12, 2024 • PAGE 11 

Largest Platform For HBCU 

Recruiting Celebrates 25 Years With 

DEI Conference and Career Fair 

29, the two entities will host the Annual 

Conference and Career Fair, which will 

attract thousands of attendees to the 

metro Washington, DC area for a weekend 

of entertainment and access to careerchanging 

opportunities with some of the 

world’s most recognizable brands. 

With Washington Nationals Park as a 

beautiful backdrop, runners, networkers, 

students and alumni are in for a treat. 

OAKLAND, Calif. (CN) 

— The federal Bureau of 

Prisons faces a 2025 trial 

on claims that it knew of 

and maintained a system 

allowing officers at a San 

Francisco Bay Area prison to 

abuse and mistreat inmates. 

In the first public court 

hearing since the feds 

abruptly shut down FCI 

Dublin last month, U.S. 

District Judge Yvonne 

Gonzalez Rogers set a trial 

date of June 23, 2025. 

Despite demands from 

the feds for nine months 

to get through discovery, 

Rogers ordered the parties 

to finish written discovery 

requests by Oct. 31. 

For months, Rogers 

heard testimony from 

incarcerated women who 

brought a class action this 

past August challenging the 

government’s handling of 

multiple individual lawsuits 

claiming decades of sexual 

abuse at the prison. They say 

the feds enabled a pattern 

of rampant sexual abuse of 

incarcerated people with 

inadequate policies to detect 

and prevent mistreatment. 

Rogers on Wednesday 

said the case is unique and 

needs an aggressive timeline 

toward a trial. 

Louisiana lawmakers 

approve surgical 

castration from FP 

aggravated sex crimes — 

including rape, incest and 

molestation — against a child 

under 13. 

A handful of states 

— including California, 

Florida and Texas — have 

laws in place allowing for 

chemical castration. In some 

of those states, offenders 

can opt for the surgical 

procedure if they prefer. Bu 

the National Conference 

of State Legislatures said 

it is unaware of any states 

that allow judges to impose 

surgical castration. 

For more than 16 years, 

judges in Louisiana have 

been allowed to order those 

convicted of such crimes to 

receive chemical castration, 

though that punishment 

is rarely issued. Chemical 

castration uses medications 

that block testosterone 

production to decrease sex 

drive. Surgical castration 

is a much more invasive 

procedure. 

“This is a consequence,” 

Republican state Sen. 



©2019 Aetna Inc. 

2017279 

Aetna is proud to support the 

Broward County Public 

Schools. 

Aetna.com

PAGE 12 • JUNE 6 - JUNE 12, 2024 

Deeply Rooted 


Redefining Access and Support for 

Students of Color in the UC System 

By Mia Elliott and 

Dylyn-Turner Keener 

(Source Educate Trust): 

To foster and maintain #studentdiversity, the UC system 

must do more than increase access for students of color. 

The University of 

California (UC) system is often 

held up as the gold standard 

for student diversity, and 

was recently recognized for 

its improved student diversity 

rates. It’s true that diversity 

at UC rose from fall 2002 to 

fall 2022: The percentage 

of undergraduate Latino 

students enrolled across the 

system increased from 13% 

to 25%, and Black student 

enrollment also increased 

from 3% to 4.4%. Meanwhile, 

the percentage of White 

students decreased from 

36.5% to 20.7%. Despite 

these changes, UC and other 

universities in California 

(Photo credit:Lumina Foundation) 

Florida Schools Will Continue 

To Teach “Benefits” Of Slavery 

Submitted by Jim O’Rear 

The Florida Board of 

Education approved several 

tweaks Wednesday to the 

state’s standards for teaching 

social studies, but left intact 

controversial pieces on 

Black history that sparked 

widespread backlash last 

year. 

The backlash centered 

on a standard that says, 

“Instruction includes how 

slaves developed skills which, 

in some instances, could be 

applied for their personal 

benefit.” FEA President 

Andrew Spar on Wednesday 

criticized the standard 

remaining part of the larger 

instructional guidelines. 

Critics, including Rep. 

Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) - the 

only Black GOP congressman 

representing Florida, urged 

the state to reconsider 

that language. And others 

criticized the state’s phrasing 

Photo credit: ETFO 

on crucial lessons surrounding 

the 1920 Ocoee massacre and 

the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, 

which are labeled as violence 

perpetrated “against and by” 

African Americans. 

On a campaign stop, 

Tim Scott, the only Black 

Republican in the Senate, 

told reporters, “As a country 

founded upon freedom, 

the greatest deprivation of 

freedom was slavery. There is 

no silver lining…in slavery…. 

What slavery was really about 

[was] separating families, 

about mutilating humans, 

and even raping their wives. 

It was just devastating.” 

But these lessons went 

unchanged, triggering further 

objection Wednesday from the 

Florida Education Association 

teachers union and free 

speech advocacy group PEN 

America, among others. 

“It still refers to slavery as 

having a potential benefit,” 

Andrew Spar, president of the 

FEA, said during the state 

board meeting in Miami. “And 

that is a concern, as well as 

making sure that our students 

have a complete and honest 

history around both the 

African American experience 

and all experiences in our 

country.” 

Board Vice Chairman 

Ryan Petty argued that rules 

and standards approved by 

the board are crafted with 

input from educators. 

“The notion that we’re not 

out engaged with educators 

and engaged with teachers 

in developing these rules is a 

false notion,” Petty said. 

Florida Gov, Ron 

DeSantis does not appear 

to have commented on the 

most recent news, though 

it would of course not be a 

surprise to hear him defend 

teaching students that there 

were some positive aspects 

to being enslaved. During 

a gubernatorial debate in 

2022, he claimed that it was 

“not true” that the US was 

built on stolen land (and 

that students should not be 

taught as much), and last 

year, he backed the Florida 

Department of Education’s 

decision to ban the College 

Board’s AP African American 

Studies course, after his 

administration claimed 



have struggled to fully 

diversify their student 

bodies, even after the 

implementation of affirmative 

action and no thanks to 

the state ban on affirmative 

action in 1998. The level of 

as conscious policy. The UC 

system needs to do more to 

promote and maintain student 

diversity, as our analysis will 

show. 



Giving Students a Break: 

Tackling Mental Health at 

Bethune-Cookman University 

Dr. Clarissa West-White 

In what’s been called a 

“silent pandemic,” mental 

illness is on the rise among 

America’s youth. Even before 

the pandemic, experts warned 

that increasing reliance on 

social media and heightened 

academic pressure were 

taking a toll on adolescents, 

and today, surveys suggest 

that the majority of college 

students – about 60% – meet 

the criteria for at least one 

mental health problem. 

As a faculty member 

at Bethune-Cookman 

University, I saw that shift 

in real time. Around the 

same time students started 

coming back to campus in 

November 2021, there was a 

clear uptick in mental health 

crisis events. Some were 

struggling with financial 

instability or anxiety about 

school or athletics, others 

were coping with loneliness 

and uncertainty – but they 

all needed, and deserved, our 

support. 

So, we took a closer look 

at these underlying issues 

and began pursuing ways 

to intervene before students 

reached the crisis point. 

As an appointed 

representative for B-CU 

diversity in UC’s student body 

is not representative of the 

populations these institutions 

are designed to serve. What’s 

more, the changes in diversity 

at UC may be as much a 

function of population shifts 

student athletes, I naturally 

gravitated toward finding 

ways to do more. 

Life as a collegiate player 

isn’t always easy. In today’s 

competitive environment, 

they face a lot of pressure 

– striving to excel on the 

court or on the field, while 

simultaneously adjusting 

to college life. For many it’s 

the first time they’ve been in 

charge of making their own 

schedules and accommodating 

for multiple responsibilities: 

attending class, studying, 

meeting the demands of 

practice and training, finding 

opportunities to socialize with 

friends. 

Organizations like 

the National Collegiate 

Athletics Association 

(NCAA) set benchmarks for 

student athletes’ academic 

performance and graduation 

rates. A school’s responsibility 

is to equip their teams with 

the tools they need to balance 

academics and sports, keep 

their grades up, and earn a 

degree – and the only way to 

do that is to ensure they are 

as mentally fit as they are 

physically. 

At Bethune-Cookman 

University, we’re working to 

integrate mental wellness 

workshops as part of our 

regular athletic curriculum. 

Photo credit: Fox 35 Orlando 

One informational session 

led by Dr. Daniel Hollar, 

Associate Professor of 

Psychology, hosted more than 

60 students to learn about 

resilience and emotional 

health; from there, we aim 

to introduce smaller sessions 

that give athletes a chance 

to ask questions, do practice 

exercises, and interact with 

their peers. 

Of course, it goes 

without saying that B-CU’s 

commitment to mental 

wellness is campus-wide. 

From needs-based support 

groups … to in-person yoga 

classes … to a “Contemplation 

Corner” where students 

can enjoy a quiet place with 

access to guided meditations 

or music … we are passionate 

about finding even more ways 

to support all of our students 

each and every day. 

Like so many aspects of 

health, mental well-being is 

something we need to invest 

in proactively, not only 

reactively – and there’s no 

better time to take action. 

As educators responsible 

for the well-being of young 

adults, we need to respond to 

mental health needs not with 

stigma and shame, but with 

compassion and care. 

What would you do with close to a million dollars? from Front Page 

participate in this program for the threeyear 

span. They will be trained and certified 

in their areas of skill to enter the workforce 

and they will be supported every step of the 

way. This money will pay for certifications for 

the youth who do not qualify for certification 

programs. It will help to subsidize some of the 

income they can earn, as well as pay for the 

case management components of the program. 

These components include issues such as 

homelessness, sickness and other obstacles to 

them staying on track and completing their 

certifications. 

Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman 

Schultz has been a longtime supporter of 

Handy, having worked with their youth on 

issues like advocacy awareness by assisting 

them in visiting the nation’s capital for tours. 

Brown describes her role of advocacy as 

continuing to represent the youth in the local 

community as well as in Congress. 

“ ‘I want to know that my efforts have 

value.’ This is why Handy has existed since 

1985, for young people who have been told 

that they have no value. This is the WHY of 

the grant. Handy works directly with roughly 

520 young people every year in youth and work 

force development, mental health services, 

affordable housing and educational transitions. 

The Handy team of forty-eight includes 

individuals with lived experiences as well as 

ones with social work majors and degrees who 

guide the youth in planning a future which 

includes achieving educational goals as well as 

taking steps into career paths that will allow 

for self-sustainability. Youth are referred to 

Handy from 87 different referral services, 

community fairs and most significantly from 

the young people and families themselves,” 

Brown explains. 

The local corporations have been willing to 

have ‘Hope and Desire’ enter their industries 

in the form of these young people,” Brown 

added. 




By Don Valentine 

The Lone Ranger’s slogan 

is “Hi-yo, Silver! Away!” The 

Guardian wrote, “Historians 

estimate that 20% to 25% 

of the people who settled 

the continental US west – a 

region from Washington state 

to Montana and New Mexico 

The Real 

Lone 

Ranger 

to California – were Black 

men and women. They moved 

cattle on horseback, settled 

towns, kept the peace and 

delivered the mail in the wild, 

wild west. But Black cowgirls 

and cowboys have been pretty 

much invisible to most. For 

nearly 200 years, two separate 

cowboy narratives, one Black 

and one White, have trotted 

side by side in the US.” 

There is no empirical 

proof that a real life Black 

law man named Bass Reeves 

was not the mythical Lone 

Ranger. There is a slew of 

evidence that convinced most 

historians that Bass was the 

real character. In the post 

reconstruction it was more 

popular to cast a White man 

in radio, comics, and later TV. 

Bass was born as a slave in 

Spady Museum Welcomes South Florida’s Leading Men 

to its Father’s Day Juneteenth Concert & Dinner, June 16 

(Photo credit: Jesse Jones Jr.; Melton Mustafa, 2022) 

Featuring the Jesse Jones Jr. Quartet, 

Saxophonist Melton Mustafa and a 

Delicious “Picnic in the Caribbean” menu 

DELRAY BEACH, FL -- Seeking something different for 

dad? 

This Father’s Day, the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum 

is offering area leading men a Caribbean-style dinner and 

concert, featuring the Jesse Jones Jr. Quartet, which delivers 

jazzy sax vibes with a modern R&B feel, and Melton Mustafa, 

one of the great trumpet players of our region. 

“Celebrate the special men in your family and a nationally 

recognized day of emancipation of enslaved people with good 

food, good music and good vibes,” said Museum Director 

Charlene Farrington. 

IF YOU GO: 

Juneteenth Fathers of Freedom: An Evening of Dinner and 

Jazz 

6-8 p.m.; Sunday, June 16, 2024 

Field House at Old School Square 

51 N Swinton Ave, Delray Beach, FL 33444 

COST: $100/pp 

Purchase tickets at https://bit.ly/4bggDQe or 

https://spadymuseum.charityproud.org/EventRegistration/ 

Index/16085 

For questions, please email info@spadymuseum.org 

GOOD MUSIC AND GOOD FOOD EQUAL A GREAT 

TIME 

A Miami native and saxophonist extraordinaire, Jones Jr. 

has led a jazz renaissance in South Florida. Jones and Mustafa 

have been influential forces in music for many years, earning 

large followings of dedicated music lovers. 

For the foodies, Chef Winston William of Catering 

CC’s (https://www.cateringcc.com/about-cateringcc/chefwinston/) 

menu will delight. Continue reading online at: 


the state of Arkansas in July 

1838. The historical magazine 

True West recounted his early 

years, “He and his family 

were owned by William Steele 

Reeves. While working as a 

JUNE 6 - JUNE 12, 2024 • PAGE 13 

water boy and field hand with 

his family as a youngster, 

Bass would originate and 

sing songs about guns, rifles, 



Barrington Irving’s 

School funded by United 

UpSkill Miami initiative 

expands to train 750 

Barrington Irving, the youngest person and first Black 

pilot to fly solo around the world, at Opa-locka Executive 

Airport for the announcement of a United Way Miami 

award for his training school. (Photo Credit: Gregory Reed) 

By Miami Times Staff Report 

United Way Miami (UWM) held a news conference Tuesday 

at the Opa-locka Executive Airport to announce its new support 

of the aviation industry through the expansion of workforce 

fund UpSkill Miami, in partnership with the Barrington Irving 

Technical Training School (BITTS). 

BITTS was established in 2023 by Cpt. Barrington Irving, 

the youngest person and first Black pilot to fly solo around the 

world. UpSkill Miami’s partnership with BITTS represents 

a commitment to assist Miami-Dade County residents with 

accessible, high-quality job training in the aviation industry, 

spanning roles such as aircraft technician and line service 

technician. 

The program offers participants a comprehensive 12-16 

week program, totaling 160 total training hours and a blend 

of on-the-job training, direct instructional time, independent 

learning, and virtual and in-person training sessions. 

You must live or work in Miami-Dade County to be eligible for 

the program, earn below $35,000, or are currently unemployed. 

UpSkill Miami’s target population is people of color, female 

heads of household, veterans and youth ages 18-24 or those 


FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT 

WWW.TAMARAC.ORG/SPECIALEVENTS.

PAGE 14 • JUNE 6 - JUNE 12, 2024 

Deeply Rooted 


FAMU Office of Communications Wins 

Five Collegiate Advertising Awards 

By Andrew Skerritt 

Florida A&M University Office of 

Communications won five Collegiate Advertising 

Awards for work done from January to December 

2023. 

“I could not be prouder of what we have 

accomplished. This team was assembled to tell 

the FAMU story across multiple platforms and 

we are doing just that,” Office of Communications 

Director Keith Miles said. 

Art Director Brion Eason’s food court mural 

won a Gold Award for the under the poster/logo 

series. He won a Silver Award for the 40Under40 

flyer for logos, mascots and trademarks and 

a Silver Award for a Southwestern Athletic 

Conference flyer in the Sports Specific, Poster/ 

Display category. The A&M Magazine fall 2023 

issue won a Silver Award. 

“This body of work transcends mere aesthetics, 

touching upon profound cultural narratives and 

embodying a passionate commitment to continue striking in excellence,” Eason said. 

Media Coordinator Javonni Hampton won a Silver Award for the President’s Point of View, 

an interview shows that airs on YouTube, Orange TV in Orlando and FAMU-TV 20. 

“The President’s Point of View is just getting started,” Hampton said. “We have a lot of video 

production in store with more educational and inspirational conversations about FAMU, and we 

are aiming for even greater success stories next season.” 

Marian Robinson from Front Page 

showcasing her personal 

achievements 

and 

contributions. 

In a heartfelt tribute, 

Michelle Obama fondly 

recalled her mother’s 

enduring influence, describing 

her as the unwavering pillar 

of their family. Robinson’s 

wisdom, honed through life’s 

diverse experiences, was a 

beacon of light during times 

of uncertainty. Her steadfast 

support and gentle nature 

were not just sources of 

strength but unique qualities 

that endeared her to the 

entire Obama clan. 

Throughout Barack 

Obama’s historic presidency, 

Marian Robinson was a 

symbol of stability, offering 

sage advice and unconditional 

love. Despite the grandeur 

of the White House, she 

maintained her down-toearth 

charm, forging deep 

connections with staff and 

finding solace in everyday 

routines, thereby extending 

her influence beyond her 

immediate family. 

Reflecting on her mother’s 

legacy, Michelle Obama 

shared cherished memories of 

their time, illustrating their 

profound bond. Robinson’s 

unwavering presence and 

nurturing spirit created a 

sense of home amidst the 

whirlwind of public life. 

“Her wisdom came off as 

almost innate, as something 

she was born with, but in 

reality, it was hard-earned, 

fashioned by her deep 

understanding that the 

world’s roughest edges could 

always be sanded down with a 

little grace,” the family said. 

Michelle, Barack, Craig, 

Kelly, Avery, Leslie, Malia, 

EASING 

RESTRICTIONS 

What Does Reclassifying 

Marijuana Mean? 

Watch a Conversations on Cannabis 

virtual forum to learn the process and 

major changes to reclassify marijuana 

as a less dangerous drug. 

Follow ‘Conversations on Cannabis’ on 

@MMERIForumRadio 

Sasha, Austin, and Aaron 

joined to pen a heartfelt 

remembrance of Robinson. 

“Our mother, mother-inlaw, 

and grandmother had a 

way of summing up the truths 

about life in a word or two, 

maybe a quick phrase that 

made everyone around her 

stop and think,” they wrote. 

“Don’t sweat the small stuff. 

Know what’s truly precious. 

As a parent, you’re not raising 

babies — you’re raising little 

people. Don’t worry about 

whether anybody else likes 

you. Come home. We’ll always 

like you here.” 

The family recalled that, 

as a young woman, Robinson 

studied to become a teacher 

before working as a secretary. 

She fell quickly and madly in 

love with Fraser Robinson, 



Watch Now 

Financial Literacy Institute hosts Black 

Business Expo in Atlanta to honor 

graduates and promote group economics 

Photo Credit: The Financial 

Literacy Institute Incorporated. 

By Clayton Gutzmore 

(Source The Atlanta Voice): 

Black Wall Street is a 

significant part of Black 

history for many people. 

Unfortunately, this time is 

not discussed enough nor 

widely taught in schools. The 

Financial Literacy Institute 

Inc. (TFLI) is leading this 

subject for their upcoming 

event, The Black Wall Street 

Black Business Expo. This 

day-long event gathers experts 

to teach business owners ways 

to excel. The expo provides a 

space for networking and the 

opportunity to see Mother 

Viola Fletcher, one of the last 

living survivors from Black 

Wall Street. 

“You should attend the 

U.S. Department Of Agriculture 

Announces $30.8 Million 

Investment To 19 HBCUs 

The Investment Will Support Scientific 

Research That Addresses Some Of Our 

Nation’s Toughest Agricultural Challenges. 

The United States Department of Agriculture is the 

federal executive department responsible for developing 

and executing federal laws related to farming, forestry, 

rural economic development, and food. 

By Quintessa Williams 

(Source HBCUBuzz) 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced an 

investment of $30.8 million as part of its commitment to all 

19 of America’s designated 1890 historically black Land-grant 

Universities. 

This investment, made through the National Institute of 

Food and Agriculture’s 1890 Institution Teaching, Research 

and Extension Capacity Building Grants Program will support 

scientific research that addresses some of our nation’s toughest 

agricultural challenges. 

The HBCUs receiving the grant awards are: Alabama A&M 

University (4 awards); Alcorn State University (5 awards): 

Central State University (2 awards); Delaware State University 

(3 awards); Florida A&M University (6 awards): Fort Valley 

State University (4 awards): Kentucky State University (4 

awards); Langston University (2 awards); Lincoln University 

(4 awards): North Carolina A&T State University (1 award): 

Prairie View A&M University (4 awards); South Carolina 

State University (1 award); Southern University (3 awards); 

Tennessee State University (5 awards); Tuskegee University 

(2 awards); University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (4 awards); 

University of Maryland Eastern Shore (5 awards); Virginia 

State University (1 award); and West Virginia State University 

(8 awards). 

The United States Department of Agriculture is the federal 

executive department responsible for developing and executing 

federal laws related to farming, forestry, rural economic 

development, and food. 

Across NIFA’s portfolio (competitive and capacity), NIFA 

invested $528 million in FY 2023 in 1890 Historically Black 

Colleges and Universities (HBCU), non-LGU HBCU, Insular 

LGU, the HBCU University of the District of Columbia, 

Hispanic-serving Institutions and 1994 LGU Tribally 

Controlled Colleges and Universities. The total investment 

made to 1890 LGUs in FY 2023 was $353.3 million. 

These institutions can be found online by visiting the 

interactive Land-grant University map. 

The USDA impacts the lives of all Americans in many 

positive ways every day. In the Biden-Harris Administration, 

the USDA is working to transform America’s food system. 

This includes focusing on building a more resilient local 

and regional food production, creating fairer markets for all 


Photo Credit: The Financial Literacy Institute Incorporated. 

Black Wall Street Black 

business expo because history 

will be there. 

Mother Viola Fletcher is the 

oldest living survivor of Black 

Wall Street. We are going to 

talk about our history and 

how to use our dollar to affect 

social change,” said Jasmine 

Young, Founder & President 

of The Financial Literacy 

Institute Inc. 

The Black Wall Street 

Black Business Expo is 

happening Saturday, June 

1, at the Essence Venue in 

Atlanta, GA. Guests at the 

Expo can participate in panels 

about group economics, 

corporate social responsibility, 

and our patterns of spending 

money. 2024 is the third 

year of the expo. Young and 

her team are emphasizing 

civic engagement this year. 

Young explains that lack 

of engagement in state and 

local politics has become an 

obstacle for locals to achieve 

financial freedom. TFLI uses 

the history of Black Wall 

Street to illustrate what the 

Black community was and to 

reveal the potential of what it 

can become. 

“To know where we’re 

going, we must know 

where we’ve been. It’s very 

important for me to bring the 

story of Black Wall Street 

alive. Many people don’t have 

as much knowledge as they 

should about the community 

in the Greenwood district. My 

goal for this event is to show 

our people that what we are 

trying to attain is not farfetched,” 

said Young. 

In 1921, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 

had a thriving community of 

Black business owners and 

their families who lived in the 

Greenwood district. This area 

was referred to as Black Wall 

Street. Sadly, this community 

was burned to the ground by 

racists, causing many lives 

to be lost. This moment in 

time is known as the Tulsa 

Massacre. According to the 

Tulsa Historical Society and 

Museum, 300 lives were lost 

in the tragedy. From May 

31 to June 1, 1921, severe 

looting and rioting occurred 

in the Greenwood District. 

The damage was so bad the 

community never recovered. 

Mother Fletcher is one of two 

living survivors of the Tulsa 

Massacre. TFLI is organizing 

a parade at 8 am on June 1 to 

welcome Mother Fletcher to 

Atlanta. 

“I want people to leave 

with that same spirit that 

Mother Fletcher has. The 

fact that she is 110 years old 

and has been resilient despite 

losing everything due to the 

Tulsa race massacre. She still 

lives in a state of peace and 

love that has not been tainted 

by racism,” said Young. 

Continue reading 

online at: 


Happy 71st 

Birthday 

Elizabeth 

“Dee” Henry 

June 7th 

We Love You and wish 

you many more healthy 

and happy years! 

- Your Family


CLASSIFIED 

ADVERTISE: 

*LEGAL NOTICES 

*FOR RENT 

*FOR SALE 

*HELP WANTED 


LEGAL NOTICES 

PUBLICATION 

OF BID 

SOLICITATIONS 

Broward County Board of 

County Commissioners is 

soliciting bids for a variety 

of goods and services, 

construction and architectural/ 

engineering services. Interested 

bidders are requested to view 

and download the notifications 

of bid documents via the 

Broward County Purchasing 

website at: www.broward.org/ 

purchasing. 

June 6,13, 20, 27, 2024 

Deeply Rooted 

Dive into the Soul of Pompano Beach with a Soundtrack Listening PartyCelebrate 

the Release of the City’s First EP Featuring Artists Curated from Lyrics Lab 

Submitted by Kay Renz 

Public Relations 

Pompano Beach Arts is 

throwing a listening party 

to unveil the Pompano 

Beach Soundtrack Vol. 1, a 

bespoke EP bursting with the 

city’s unique flavor. Mingle 

with music aficionados and 

the creative minds behind 

the soundtrack. Get a sneak 

peek at the exclusive tracks, 

a tapestry woven by five local 

talents scouted at the popular 

Lyrics Lab open mic event. 

The event will take place at 

The Ali Cultural Arts Center 

on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, 

from 6:30-8 pm. Mayor Rex 

Hardin will speak at the 

event, which will be followed 

by the Lyrics Lab program. 

The EP will be released on 

all music platforms on the 

event day. To register for 

your free ticket, visit www. 

pompanobeacharts.org 

NOTICE UNDER 

FICTITIOUS 

NAME LAW 

NOTICE IS HEREBY 

GIVEN that the undersigned, 

designing to engaged in business 

under the fictitious name of 

VUUR RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 

intend(s) to register said name 

with the Florida Department of 

State, Divison of Corporations, 

Tallahassee, Florida and/or Clerk 

of the Circuit Court of Broward 

County, Florida. 

Name: VUUR RESTAURANT & 

LOUNGE 

Address: 7183 W. Oakland Park 

Blvd. 

City: Oakland Park, FL 33313 

June 6, 2024 

Standing left to right :Yasmeen Matri, Matt Kelly, Azrael 

Haze, Darnielle Thomas and seated, Jonas Arthur. 

“This is more than a music 

release party,” said Ty Tabing, 

Cultural Affairs Director. “It 

is a celebration of the creative 

spirit and culture thriving in 

Pompano Beach. Nurturing 

young talent, providing them 

with professional support and 

the opportunity to shine is an 

important part of our mission. 

We are very proud of all the 

artists and the extraordinary 

creative team that worked to 

make this EP happen.” 

The Pompano Beach 

Cultural Affairs Department 

and The Round Table 

orchestrated this project to 

showcase emerging South 

Florida performers while 

capturing the essence of 

Pompano Beach through the 

voices of these rising stars. 

The EP features a total of 7 

songs including one group 

collaboration. The cost of 

downloading an individual 

song is $1.29 per song or $5 

for the entire soundtrack. 

All platforms including 

Spotify and Apple Music will 

be showcasing the EP. At 

the event, QR codes will be 

available to direct guests to 

the music sites. In addition, 

a limited number of CDs will 

be handed out at the listening 

party. 

The creatives represented 

on the EP include: Yasmeen 

Matri, who is a singersongwriter 

with a remarkable 

four-octave vocal range; 

Darnielle Thomas, an artist, 

teacher, and entrepreneur 

who creates an exciting mix 

of Hip Hop and Soul; Jonas 

Arthur, a gospel and soul 

singer who looks to bring 

meaning and purpose through 

his music; Azrael Haze, who 

grew up listening to current 

day hip-hop and oldies and 

now blends genres with an 

other-worldly sound; and Matt 

Kelly, a musician and music 

producer whose focus leans 

towards guitar-based music 

and live instrumentation, 

creating fusions of hip-hop, 

R&B, electronic beats, and 

soulful guitar melodies. 

Joining the emerging artists 

on the EP is Sarahca 

Peterson, a prodigiously 

gifted spoken word artist, 

whose company, The Round 

NNPA 

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JUNE 6, 2024 

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Table, spearheaded this 

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About the City of Pompano 

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The mission of the 

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CAPRICORN-Finding a way to do it better than 

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PAGE 16 • JUNE 6 - JUNE 12, 2024 

Deeply Rooted 


BEGINNINGS 

& ENDINGS 

For the Week oF June 4 - 10, 2024 

 

Winston-Salem State Sports photo 

ON THE MOVE: Cleo Hill Jr. gets 

his fourth HBCU head coaching 

job moving to Maryland-Eastern 

Shore after stints at WSSU, 

Shaw and Cheyney. 

NEW HOOPS COACHES AT UMES, ALBANY STATE; 

VENERABLE HOWARD COACH PASSES; EOY AWARDS 

UNDER THE BANNER 

WHAT'S GOInG On In AnD AROunD BLACK COLLeGe SPORTS 

CLEO HILL JR. MOVES TO UMES: 

Winston-Salem State Head Men's Basketball Coach 

Cleo Hill Jr., who led the Rams to two 

CIAA tournament titles in six seasons at 

the helm, will be moving to Maryland- 

Eastern Shore of the MEAC. 

After an exhaustive search, the 

school in Princess Anne, Maryland hired 

the 17-year head coaching veteran as the 

Cleo Hill Jr. 

Hawks' new head man last week. 

"During our national search, the 

hiring committee received an influx of interest from qualified 

candidates," UMES Vice President of Athletics Tara A. Owens 

said. "After a thorough and timely review of each candidate, 

Coach Hill stood out as the right person to lead our men's 

basketball program." 

"I am ready for the opportunity to lead our men's basketball 

program at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore," Hill said. 

"My past experiences and success as well as my passion 

for building programs have prepared me for this next step 

in my coaching career. Our goal is to build Hawk basketball 

into a perennial championship contender while winning in the 

classroom and positively representing UMES in the community. 

I am enthusiastic about the future and look forward to developing 

a team that our alumni, student body and fans will be proud of." 

Hill will have his hands full turning around the fortunes of 

the Hawks. He takes over a UMES program coming off a 9-20 

2023-24 season with a 4-10 mark in MEAC play under head 

coach Jason Crafton. Crafton was 43-76 in four seasons guiding 

UMES. 

The Hawks have produced just two winning seasons in 

men's basketball since 2000, the last coming in the 2022-23 

season under Crafton when they finished 19-13 

In addition to his 95-72 overall record including two NCAA 

Div. II Atlantic Regional appearances at WSSU, Hill was 116-67 

leading Shaw University from 2008-2015. The Bears made it to 

the finals of the Div. II Atlantic Region in 2011-12. 

Hill's head coaching career began at Cheyney where he 

served as head coach of the Wolves from 2003 to 2008. He has 

also served as an assistant at Shaw (2000-2002), at Nebraska 

(1998-2000) and at Mount Zion Christian Academy following 

a successful playing career as a sharpshooting guard at North 

Carolina Central. 

FORMER HOWARD HOOPS COACH 

A. B. WILLIAMSON PASSES: 

A. B. Williamson, who ushered Howard University 

men's basketball into NCAA Div. I success, passed Sunday. 

Williamson, 81, had recently been diagnosed with pancreatic 

cancer. 

He coached at Howard from 1976 to 1990, achieving a 

program-best 241 wins. He led the Bison to back-to-back MEAC 

Tournament championships in 1980 and 1981. The 1981 squad 

earned the first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance by an 

MEAC team. Williamson had a 108-62 record against MEAC 

competition. His best season was 25-5 in 1986-87 with a 13-1 

conference record. He was named MEAC Coach of the Year in 

1980, 1983, 1987. During his time as Howard's head man, the 

Bison lost an unprecedented seven straight MEAC Tournament 

titles (1982-88) to Williamson's alma mater, N. C. A&T. 

Howard struggled to find success following Williamson's 

departure in 1990, winning just one MEAC title in the next 30 

years. It has returned to prominence under head coach Kenneth 

Blakeney, who has led the team to back-to-back 2023 and 2024 

MEAC titles and NCAA Tournament appearances. 

"It is with profound respect and heartfelt sorrow that 

we acknowledge the passing of Coach AB Williamson, a 

distinguished figure in Howard University's history," Blakeney 

said in a statement. "His contributions to our men's basketball 

program and the impact he made on countless lives are 

immeasurable. 

"Coach Williamson began his journey with Howard in 1975, 

leading our team to significant milestones, including our historic 

appearance in the 1981 NCAA tournament. This achievement, 

the first in our school's history, exemplifies his dedication and the 

indomitable spirit he instilled in his players. 

"We remember Coach Williamson as more than a coach; 

he was a builder of character and a pillar of our community. His 

legacy as the winningest coach in Howard's history is reflected 

in the countless lives he touched and the enduring spirit of 

excellence he fostered." 

Williamson (l.) and Blakeney (r.) 

CIAA MEN 

Cross Country - Fayetteville State 

Golf - Virginia Union 

Football - Virginia Union 

Basketball - Lincoln (PA) 

Indoor Track & Field - Claflin 

Outdoor Track & Field - Virginia State 

CIAA WOMEN 

Cross Country - Fayetteville State 

Volleyball - Shaw 

Basketball - Fayetteville State 

Bowling - Fayetteville State 

Tennis - Shaw 

Indoor Track & Field - Fayetteville State 

Outdoor Track & Field - Fayetteville State 

Softball - Bowie State 

2 0 2 4 C H A M P I O N S I N E V E R Y S P O R T B Y C O N F E R E N C E 

MEAC MEN 

Cross Country - Norfolk State 

Football - Howard 

Indoor Track - Norfolk State 

Basketball (Reg. Season) - Norfolk State 

Basketball (Tournament) - Howard 

Tennis - South Carolina State 

Outdoor Track & Field - Norfolk State 

MEAC WOMEN 

Cross Country - Norfolk State 

Volleyball - Coppin State 

Indoor Track - Howard 

Basketball (Reg. Season) - Norfolk State 

Basketball (Tournament) - Norfolk State 

Bowling - Maryland-Eastern Shore 

Tennis - South Carolina State 

Outdoor Track & Field - Howard 

Softball - Morgan State 

BCSP Spring Round-Up 

Alabama State claims 2023-24 

SWAC Commissioner's Cup 

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.- The Alabama State University Athletics 

Department claimed two of three Southwestern Athletic 

Conference 2023-24 all-sports awards winning the James 

Frank Commissioner’s Cup and the Sadie Magee/Barbara 

Jacket Award for the second consecutive year. 

The Texas Southern University Athletics Department 

claimed the C.D. Henry Award to round out the list of 

institutional winners. 

Alabama State claimed the James Frank Commissioner's Cup 

signifying overall excellence after amassing 154.8 total points. Jackson 

State (141.8 points) and Prairie View A&M (138.5) claimed second and 

third place respectively. 

Alabama State claimed the Sadie Magee/Barbara Jacket Award 

finishing with 92.8 points in the women's final standings. Florida A&M 

(82.8 points) and Jackson State (79.3 points) finished in second and third 

place respectively. 

Texas Southern won the C.D. Henry Award for the first time since the 

2014-15 academic year after accumulating 67.5 points in men's sponsored 

sports. Jackson State (62.5 points) and Prairie View A&M (62.5 points) 

finished tied for second place overall. 

The all-sports awards are determined by program finishes in league 

sponsored sports. Each respective sports program finish is awarded a 

point value and the member institutions with the highest point totals at the 

conclusion of the athletic season are named the all-sports awards winners. 

A complete listing of final standings and individual program point 

totals for the three awards can be found below. 

JAMES FRANK COMMISSIONER’S CUP AWARD 

1) Alabama State – 154.8; 2) Jackson State – 141.8; 3) Prairie View A&M – 138.5; 4) 

Florida A&M – 131.3; 5) Southern – 130.0; 6. Texas Southern – 124.0; T-7) Alabama 

A&M– 105.0; Grambling State – 105.0; 9) Arkansas-Pine Bluff – 103.0; 10) Alcorn 

State – 88.0; 11) Bethune-Cookman – 74.5 12)Mississippi Valley State –35.0 

MAGEE/JACKET AWARD 

1) Alabama State – 92.8; 2. Florida A&M – 82.8; 3. Jackson State – 79.3; T-4. 

Southern – 76.0; Prairie View A&M – 76.0; 6. Alabama A&M – 65.5; 7. Grambling 

State – 58.0; 8. Texas Southern – 56.5; 9. Arkansas-Pine Bluff – 52.5; 10. Alcorn 

State – 41.5; 11. Bethune-Cookman – 39.0; 12. Mississippi Valley State – 18.0 

C.D. HENRY AWARD 

1. Texas Southern– 67.5; T-2. Jackson State – 62.5; Prairie View A&M – 62.5; 4. 

Alabama State – 62.0; 5. Southern – 54.0; 6. Arkansas-Pine Bluff – 50.5; 7. Florida 

A&M – 48.5; 8. Grambling State – 47.0; 9. Alcorn State – 46.5; 10. Alabama A&M – 

39.5; 11. Bethune-Cookman – 35.5; 12. Mississippi Valley State – 17.0 

Norfolk State men, Howard women 

win MEAC All-Sports Awards 

NORFOLK, Va. -- The MEAC has announced that Norfolk State 

University captured the Talmadge Layman 

Hill Men’s All-Sports Award, while 

Howard University won the Mary 

McLeod Bethune Women’s All-Sports 

Award for the 2023-24 season. 

The awards were presented during the MEAC All-Sports Award 

Dinner hosted at the Walt Disney World Resort, in association with Disney 

on the Yard, held in conjunction with the conference's annual spring 

meetings. The all-sports awards are indicators of the overall strengths of 

the conference's men’s and women's athletic programs. Norfolk State and 

Howard were each presented with a $20,000 check. 

In addition, Maryland Eastern Shore was honored academically, 

posting the MEAC's highest academic progress rate (APR). For its efforts, 

the Hawks' athletic department received a check for $10,000. 

Coppin State was recognized as the 2024 recipient of the MEAC's 

Highest Graduation Success Rate (GSR). The Eagles' 83-percent GSR is 

the highest among MEAC institutions spanning the 2013-16 cohorts, and 

they received a check for $25,000 from the conference. 

In the men's tally, NSU, thanks to a regular-season championship title 

in basketball, as well as the champions title at the cross country, indoor 

and outdoor track & field championships, tallied 47 points to edge out 

second-place Howard (37). Howard won the conference title in football, 

while recording runner-up finishes in indoor track & field, basketball and 

outdoor track & field. North Carolina Central (32) was third in the men's 

all-sports standings, and South Carolina State (28.5) finished fourth. 

BCSP Notes 

Akia Stanton to lead 

Albany State women's hoops 

ALBANY, Ga. — Albany State University 

Director of Athletics, Dr. Kristene Kelly, has 

announced that Akia Stanton will assume the 

women's basketball head coaching duties for 

long-time coach Robert Skinner, effective 

June 1, 2024. 

Stanton has been head women's basketball 

coach at Talladega College (Ala.) for the past 

two seasons. 

The energetic and self-motivated new Lady 

Rams' head coach brings eight years helping 

lead three different programs, including head 

coach at Southern Intercollegiate Athletic 

Conference member Allen University along 

with two seasons as associate head coach at 

South Carolina State and three campaigns as 

assistant coach at her alma mater Paine College. 

Stanton played for and later coached under 

SIAC MEN 

Cross Country - Morehouse 

Baseball - Edward Waters 

Golf - Miles 

Volleyball - Fort Valley State 

Football - Benedict 

Basketball - Clark Atlanta 

Tennis - Benedict 

Outdoor Track & Field - Benedict 

SIAC WOMEN 

Cross Country - Benedict 

Volleyball - Spring Hill 

Basketball - Miles 

Tennis - Tuskegee 

Outdoor Track & Field - Albany State 

Softball - Spring Hill 

current Paine Director of Athletics Selina 

Kohn, who herself was a legendary basketball 

player at Albany State under Coach Skinner and 

previously served as a Lady Rams' assistant. 

In the last two seasons, Stanton guided 

Talladega to a four-game improvement. 

"I am honored and humbled to be the next 

head women's basketball coach at Albany State 

University," Stanton said. "I am committed 

to upholding the University's values, as well 

as continuing the legacy and building on the 

foundation Coach Robert Skinner has already 

laid for this great institution." 

Prior to her stint as South Carolina State 

associate head coach, Stanton guided Allen 

(2018-20) to a 54-38 record over three seasons. 

Coach Stanton's first head coaching stop 

came at Jarvis Christian College where her 

teams had the athletic department's highest 

team GPA of 3.5 for four straight years, as well 

SWAC MEN 

Cross Country - Texas Southern 

Football - Florida A&M 

Indoor Track - Texas Southern 

Basketball - Grambling State 

Golf - Arkansas-Pine Bluff 

Tennis - Alabama State 

Outdoor Track & Field - Texas Southern 

Baseball - Grambling State 

SWAC WOMEN 

Cross Country - Florida A&M 

Soccer - Jackson State 

Volleyball - Jackson State 

Indoor Track - Florida A&M 

Basketball - Jackson State 

Bowling - Alabama State 

Golf - Alabama State 

Tennis - Alabama State 

Outdoor Track & Field - Alabama State 

Softball - Jackson State 

Howard finished first in the women's all-sports award with 56.5 

points. The Bison secured the indoor track & field and outdoor track 

& field championships while finishing as runner up in cross country, 

volleyball, women's basketball, tennis and softball during the regular 

season. 

Norfolk State (44) was second in the women's all-sports standings, 

winning the championship in cross country. The Spartans claimed the 

basketball regular-season title and finished as runner-up in both indoor 

and outdoor track & field. 

This is Norfolk State's second Talmadge Layman Hill award in the 

last three years and the Spartans' 13th overall. Howard picked up its third 

consecutive Mary McLeod Bethune award and its seventh overall. 

Virginia Union men, Fayetteville State women 

take CIAA End-of-the-Year Awards 

RICHMOND, VA (May 14, 2024) - The Central Intercollegiate 

Athletic Association 

(CIAA) held its annual 

Spring General Assembly 

meeting and end-of-year 

awards reception here and 

announced its highest administrative and team awards at the reception on 

Tuesday afternoon. 

Virginia Union University won the C.H. Williams Men's All-Sports 

Award, while Fayetteville State University secured the Loretta Taylor 

Women's All-Sports Award. Both recognitions are annually awarded to 

CIAA institutions with the leading men's and women's athletic programs, 

determined by a points system. 

VUU clinched 2023-2024 conference championships in football 

and golf. Meanwhile, FSU's women's teams seized five conference 

crowns during the 2023-2024 athletic year, dominating in cross country, 

basketball, bowling as well as indoor and outdoor track and field. 

The Virginia State athletic department was recognized with the 

award of Most Positive Game Environment. Selected by members of the 

CIAA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), the award is given 

to the school that exhibits good sportsmanship by student-athletes and 

coaches during both home and away contests. 

Anii Harris of Bowie State University was selected as the 2023- 

2024 CIAA Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year while Daylin Lee of 

Winston-Salem State University was voted as the CIAA Male Scholar- 

Athlete of the Year. 

Harris led CIAA women's basketballers in scoring this season (19.5 

ppg) while averaging 2.1 assists per game and recently eclipsed a career 

milestone of scoring her 1,000th career point. Lee recorded 1,845 total 

yards, with 18 touchdowns, and five rushing touchdowns for WSSU 

football and had a 3.93 GPA as a pre-computer science major. 

Tony O'Neal of Claflin University was named CIAA Athletic 

Director of the Year for his efforts overseeing several facility 

improvements. Lawanda Miller of Fayetteville State received the 

Jeanette Lee Athletic Administrator of the Year Award for servant 

leadership. Matisse Lee of Claflin was voted CIAA Senior Woman 

Administrator (SWA) of the Year while Dr. Jolisa Williams of Bowie 

State was named CIAA John Holley Sports Information Director (SID) 

of the Year. 

Grambling State bows out in 

NCAA Div. I Baseball Regional 

COLLEGE STATION, TEX – After being shutout on nine hits in an 

8-0 loss to host and top seed Texas A&M on Friday, SWAC champion 

Grambling State was eliminated from the NCAA Div. I baseball playoffs 

in a 12-5 loss to Louisiana Saturday. The Tigers, seeded fourth in the 

College Station Regional, finish the season with a 36-38 record. 

Leadoff leftfielder Tiger Borom, first baseman Ashton Inman and 

catcher Demarckus Smiley each had two hits vs. Texas A&M but the 

Tigers left 13 runners on base. Starter Mason Martinez (12-3) took the 

loss after giving up five hits and six earned runs thru 1 1/2 innings. 

Starter Miguel Baez (0-2) gave up four hits and four runs and five 

walks thru 1 1/2 innings vs. Louisiana. Both Grambling third baseman 

Cameron Bufford and right fielder Trevor Hatton homered. 

as student-athletes garnering 

both All-Conference and 

All-Academic honors. Most 

impressively is Stanton's 

100% graduation rate. 

While an assistant coach 

at her alma mater Paine Stanton 

College, Stanton saw at least 

one of her student-athletes voted all-SIAC from 

2011 through 2017. 

Under Paine College AD and then Head 

Coach Kohn, Stanton produced a collegiate 

playing career in both volleyball and basketball 

where she earned a 2015 induction into the Lady 

Lions Hall of Fame. 

In basketball, Stanton helped Paine to backto-back 

hoops SIAC titles in 2005 and 2006, and 

trips to the NCAA DII Tournament. She also 

recorded the second-best hitting percentage in 

Div. II volleyball the in 2006. 

© AZEEZ Communications, Inc. Vol. XXX, No. 45


SPORTS 

Nunnie on the Sideline 

By “Nunnie” Robinson, The Westside Gazette Newspaper 

Sports Editor 

The WNBA’s popularity has never 

been greater, due in no small part, to 

the 2024 rookie class headed by Indiana 

Fever #1 draft pick Caitlin Clark, who 

happens to be Caucasian. Now you may 

be asking rhetorically what does race 

have to do with anything. In America 

it’s always about race no matter how you 

slice it. Caitlin’s entrance in the league 

has increased salaries, attendance 

and television revenues while raising 

the WNBA’s national profile. Many 

veteran players have defended her with 

tremendous ferocity, pressing her throughout whether she has 

ball or not and committing vicious fouls with impunity. Is it 

because they want her to pay her dues like those who came 

before her, is it jealousy or is it because she’s White? The most 

recent incident involved Chicago Sky guard Chenndra Carter 

who, in reacting to a Clark elbow, retaliated by knocking her 

to the floor in what can only be described as a flagrant, dirty 

foul, especially since it occurred away from the actual play on 

floor. After officials reviewed the play, it was indeed ruled a 

flagrant one. Too late in my opinion. With an official perfectly 

positioned to see the egregious foul, it should have been called 

on floor accompanied by appropriate punishment. It’s a similar 

feeling I had when Major League Baseball announced a merger 

of Negro League statistics from 1920-48 with today’s stats 

to correct an injustice in light of the George Floyd tragedy - 

commendable on MLB’s part but only posthumously symbolic. 

Too little too late. Caitlin should not be singled out or subjected 

to brutality because of her race, rookie status or league impact. 

The key is how officials choose or are told to call games. Call 

the games fairly and by the rules league-wide, regardless of 

player/players involved. If it’s flagrant, call it! The foul by Ms. 

Carter on Caitlin can’t be permitted or sanctioned. And I’d like 

to see the Fever players, particularly Aliyah Boston, confront 

the perpetrator - not physically but certainly by getting in 

the player’s space - instead of pulling Caitlin away as if she 

were the aggressor, to demonstrate to Caitlin that you have 

her back! Besides, the WNBA has and will continue to benefit 

from a diverse array of stars whether white, Black, Hispanic 

or foreign. The fact that I’ve spent this entire column on the 

Women’s National Basketball Association speaks volumes 

about the impact Caitlin Clark has had on the league nationally 

and its meteoric rise in popularity. The truth is: the entire 

league, especially players, will benefit financially from what 

Caitlin has brought to the table. It’s just good common sense to 

Miami Norland Basketball 

wins State Basketball 

Championships game 

By Staff Writer 

LAKELAND, FL -- Miami 

Norland’s boys basketball 

team of Miami Florida secured 

their seventh FHSAA state 

championship title in school 

history on Friday, defeating 

Tampa Blake 61-48 in the 

Class 5A state championship 

game at the RP Funding 

Center. 

This victory marks a 

triumphant return for head 

coach Lawton Williams III, 

who last led Norland to a 

state title in 2015 as part of 

a four-peat in 6A. Williams, 

who also coached the team to 

state championships in 2006 

and 2008, expressed his joy at 

finally achieving another title 

after a nine-year hiatus. “It’s 

incredibly sweet to be back on 

top,” he said. “We put in the 

hard work, often practicing at 

5 a.m., and it paid off.” 

Tampa Blake took an 

early lead, 25-22, at halftime, 

but Norland dominated the 

third quarter with a 17-5 run, 

taking a 39-30 lead into the 

final quarter. Coach Williams 

attributed the turnaround 

to their defensive strategy, 

saying, “We really got up 

and guarded them, ran and 

jumped and pressured the 

ball. We rattled them.” 

“Miami Norland’s Triston 

Wilson, a guard, made 

a drive to the basket 

during the Class 5A state 

championship basketball 

game against Tampa 

Blake at the RP Funding 

Center.” 

Presbyterian signee 

Triston Wilson led Norland 

with 23 points and seven 

rebounds, while Missouri 

signee Marcus Allen scored 

seven points with eight 

rebounds. Wilson expressed 

his relief and joy at finally 

winning a state title after 

three consecutive regional 

final losses. Allen, who 

returned to Norland for his 

senior season after spending 

his junior year in Arizona, 



Student holding the trophy) “The Miami Norland 

players erupted in joy as they accepted the Class 5A 

state championship basketball trophy celebrating their 

title win over Tampa Blake at the RP Funding Center.” 

(Credits photo to: Bill kemp) 

Deeply Rooted 

Bethune-Cookman’s Sports 

Information receives 

SWAC honor 

(Source Daytona Times): 

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Bethune-Cookman Wildcats 

have been named the 2023-24 SWAC Sports Information Staff 

of the Year. The award was voted upon the league’s sports 

information directors. 

Bethune-Cookman’s Athletic Communications staff saw 

tremendous growth in the 2023-24 calendar year under the 

direction of Director Bryce Hoynoski. The B-CU staff initiated 

and completed a total remodel of BCUAthletics.com, featuring 

a modernized look and shift toward prioritizing more modern 

elements of the college athletics landscape, including social 

media, NIL support through INFLCR, and video content. 

The Wildcats and Director of CatEye Network Eugene Robinson 

worked to increase the footprint of Bethune-Cookman’s CatEye 

Network, a student-focused platform intended to recruit, train, 

and prepare students in the college athletics creative space. 

This year’s success stories include Henson White, who served as 

color analyst for all CatEye Network home basketball contests, 

Sabrina Petit-Homme, who assisted B-CU’s social media staff 

and served as a volunteer at both the SWAC Tournament and 

HBCU All Star Game, as well as photographer Victoria Samedy 

and videographer Eli Baptiste. 


B-CU’s Hernandez named Black 

College Nines Coach of the Year 

Jonathan Hernandez has been B-CU’s head baseball 

coach for six years. ROMEO T. GUZMAN/B-CU ATHLETICS 

(Source Daytona Times): 

Jonathan Hernandez, Bethune-Cookman’s head baseball 

coach, has been named the 2024 Black College Nines Coach 

of the Year, while pitcher Tanner Boccabello and designated 

hitter Jose Gonzalez were named to the Large School Division 

First Team, it was announced Tuesday from the Black College 

Nines home office. 

Selections were made based upon statistical information, 

mid-season reports including research provided by Black 

College Nines and both coaching staffs and their sports 

information directors. Player, Pitcher and Coach of the Year 

awards were voted upon by Black College Nines and members 

of the national media. 

Jonathan Hernandez, just concluding his sixth year at the 

helm in Daytona Beach, helped Bethune-Cookman to a 32- 

27 overall record on the campaign in 2024, including a 19-10 

record in Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) play. That 

league record allowed the Wildcats to claim the No. 2 seed from 

the Eastern Division in the SWAC Tournament, as the Cats 

advanced to the semifinals of the tournament for the second 

consecutive season. 

Notable wins for the Wildcats this past season included away 

to Atlantic Coast Conference foe Miami, Florida International, 

Florida Gulf Coast, and Stetson. 


No HBCU players picked in 2024 

NFL draft, marking second 

shutout in four years 

By Chris Bumbucca 

(Source HBCUNews): 

For the second time in four years, no prospects from a 

Historically Black College or University heard his name during 

the NFL draft as the 2024 edition of the event wrapped up 

Saturday. 

The shutout also happened in 2021, and the overall lack 


JUNE 6 - JUNE 12, 2024 • PAGE 17 

WG 

By “Nunnie” Robinson, The Westside Gazette Newspaper 

Sports Editor 

In my finite wisdom, I picked Boston and Minnesota 

to play in the NBA finals. Well, I got it half right, but the 

Dallas Mavericks, led by Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, and 

supporting cast, proved the more resilient, resolute team. I’m 

not disappointed because the NBA finals will have two Black 

head coaches pitted against each other. The only other time 

two Black coaches met in the NBA finals featured K. C. Jones 

of the Washington Bullets against Golden State’s Al Attles, 

who led the Warriors to the 1975 NBA Championship. 

Our Florida Panthers aka the “Cats” have reached the 

NHL finals for the second consecutive year. Having bought 

into Coach Paul Maurice’s philosophy, constant defensive 

and offensive pressure combined with great goaltending, has 

catapulted the team to the highest echelon of pro hockey. After 

falling behind 2-1 against the New York Rangers (2 of which 

were scintillating overtime battles), the Panthers prevailed, 

winning the series at home in Amerant Bank Arena where 

they will face the Western Conference champions Edmonton 

Oilers, who are led arguably by the best player presently in 

the NHL, Connor McDavid, an absolute magician with the 

puck and stick. The first game is scheduled for Saturday night 

in Sunrise beginning at 8:00pm. The favorite Cats are led by 

goalie Sergei Bobrovsky, Aaron Ekblad, Aleksander Borkov, 

Mathew Tkachuk, Gustav Forsling, and Carter Verhaeghe 

among others. 

As a novice to the sport, I’m still learning the rudiments of the 

game: icing, offsides, face offs, blue line/red line et al. I’d also 

like to see more minority players. In the meantime, let’s enjoy 

another great South Florida sports gem win the highly coveted 

Stanley Cup. 

GO CATS! 

P. S. If the Chicago Sky’s Chennedy Carter had retaliated 

during a basketball play, the divisive controversy presently 

surrounding the WNBA would be a nonissue. Are there 

actually league players jealous, envious, or resentful of Caitlin 

Clark and is the situation exacerbated by the political climate 

in America? Would love your feedback. 

Email: nunnie_robinson@yahoo.com 

Negro Leagues statistics to be officially 

incorporated into MLB historical record 

(Source HBCUNews) 

By Juliette Arcodia and Colin Sheeley 

Josh Gibson has long been considered one of the best baseball 

players to ever hold a bat, but you might not know his name. 

Gibson, who was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 

1972, never had his name in the Major League Baseball record 

books — until now. 

MLB confirmed Tuesday that Negro Leagues statistics will 

officially become a part of MLB’s historical record Wednesday. 

The move will open the door for 2,300 Negro Leagues players to 

have their accomplishments recognized in the league’s official 

database. 

Commissioner Robert Manfred announced three years ago 

that “Major League Baseball is correcting a longtime oversight 

in the game’s history by officially elevating the Negro Leagues 

to ‘Major League’ status.” 

Gibson will now lead multiple batting categories. 

His Negro Leagues career batting average, slugging 

percentage and OPS eclipse records set by major league legends 

Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth. His single-season records set in the 

1930s and ’40s also rank as some of the highest of all time. 

Gibson’s other achievements, mythologized in baseball history 

— his plaque in Cooperstown, New York, says he “hit almost 800 

home runs” — will still be omitted from the league statistics, 

but the home runs and RBIs and countless other stats Black 

players put up more than 100 years ago will now appear next 

to those of modern-day icons like Mike Trout and Aaron Judge. 

‘Absolutely the right decision’ 

Major League Baseball historian John Thorn chairs the 

Negro Leagues Statistical Review Committee and is tasked 

with reviewing thousands of box scores and other data 

and information as part of the endeavor. The committee was 

formed to integrate the provable statistics from the seven 

leagues within the Negro Leagues and add them to the MLB 

database. 

The project is years in the making, and it will be updated 

as more data is made available. Researchers continue to pore 

over decades of newspaper clippings, microfilm and anecdotal 

accounts to add to the historical record. 

Thorn described the MLB decision as “not only righting a social, 

cultural and historical wrong, it’s defining baseball as a game 

for Americans without exclusion.” 

“Baseball is a game of consistency, and it’s also a game of 

change. We may be slow to change, but when we do, it can be 

profound,” Thorn said. 

Major League Baseball will also honor the Negro Leagues 

years with a tribute game set for June 20 at Rickwood Field 

in Birmingham, Alabama — the oldest professional baseball 

ballpark in the U.S. The game will include players’ wearing 

period uniforms and honoring legendary center fielder Willie 

Mays, an Alabama native. 

The updated MLB database is set to go live at 10:30 a.m. 

ET Wednesday, and when it does, Thorn said, there will be 

“no asterisks, no footnotes” for stats from the Negro Leagues 

compared with those of the American and National leagues. 

Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com

PAGE 18 • JUNE 6 - JUNE 12, 2024 

Deeply Rooted 


Anthony Adderly 

Dillard High School 

Sa’Marah Altidor 


Janae Brooks 

Piper High School 

Taylor Brown 


Jeffiniya Cilien 


Lauryn Curry 

Tuskegee University 

Kamariea Daniels 


Layla Davidson 

Ft. Lauderdale High 

Khamari Griffith 


Kye Jones 

Northeast High School 

Ben Joseph, Jr. 

Flanagan High School 

Dr. Jonelle Joseph 

Iowa University 

Aajiah Lewis 


Jumiyah Payne 


Samara Rawls 


Shaniya Rozier 


Jenae Smith 

Ely High School 

Reggie Smith 

McArthur High School 

Erica Stewart 

American College 

of Education 

Timothy Waller, Jr. 

Daleville High School 

Amaya Wallace 

Plantation High School 

Oshene Whittick 

Dillard High School

The Westside Gazette

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