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Tempora Mutantur Et Nos Mutamur In Illis
VOLUME 89 NUMBER 39 MIAMI, FLORIDA, MAY 23-29, 2012 50 cents
[selected schools]
2006 2008 2011
42.4 59.6 85.1
54 6 59 7 82 5
Washington 46.9 53.1 80 2
w-. -~ ~
Carol City
49 6 63 8 72 0
51.3 596 72.0
Homestead 50 5 58 7
Principal- Booker T. Washington
BTW graduation
rates skyrocket
Senior David Green beats the odds, wins
prestigious Gates Millennium scholarship
parties and
attract huge
numbers of
urban, Black
youth to the
By D. Kevin McNeir
Booker T. Washington Senior
High has seen its share of challeng-
es anrd change. With several princi-
pals in recent years and less than
stellar graduation rates and FCAT
scores, some doubted if things
would ever turn around. Less than
half of their seniors [46.9 percent]
graduated in the 2007-2007 school
year. Since then, graduation rates
have climbed steadily. And with
new Principal William Aristide,
46, closing in on 1 1/2 years at the
helm, there's a new attitude at
BTW one that says "all students
can achieve."
As a testament to Aristide's lead-
ership, the school's graduation rate
now stands at 80.2 percent.
"The County's rate is around 72
percent and the State average is in
the range of 68 percent, so we're very
Please turn to INCREASE 10A
. ........... . ... . .......................,....................................................................... . . .n. 4 o o o o .rodo .. ................... ..o.o ..o.o.o.o. . ...0.0. . 0 . ........ . .0
Commissioners to veto
plans for industrial park
Westview residents granted a reprieve
By Gregory W. Wright
Miami Times writer
Nearly one hundred residents of
the Westview community in north-
west Miami-Dade County packed
the Miami-Dade County Com-
mission Chambers on Wednes-
day, May 16th, at the Stephen P.
Clark Government Center to pro-
test plans to build an industrial
park and office complex on the
site of the now-demolished West-
view Country Club. In the end, the
commissioners ruled in favor of
the residents.
The Westview Country Club,
founded in 1959, had stood for
years as an important social
meeting place for Miami's Jewish
community; it now stands as the
Please turn to VETO 10A
leads U.S.
in health
care costs
Price for family offour
tops $24K/year
By D. Kevin McNeir
A h iLh:i.'lr"'d tl h ttlllliu lt, ( i i .t,.w
Mural honors the lost
...*. .. ./ memory of slain teen
By Eric Ikpe
Miami Times writer
A vibrant mural was recently
unveiled on the front wall of the
TACOLCY Center [6161 NW 9th
Avenue] by their Youth Advisory
Council [YAC], including scenes
illustrating how they view their
community. The theme of the mu-
ral is "What Community Means
To Me." And in a more somber
display, the youth also dedicat-
ed a memorial portrait honoring
one of their friends, 18-year-old
Muquelle Whisby, who was shot
and killed last year at the hands
of a neighbor.
"This mural is uplifting and we
want it encourage others to help
make and keep this a safe place
for our children," said TACOLCY
CEO Alison Austin. "Young people
Please turn to MURAL 10A
Health care costs for a family in the
U.S. are now more than a whopping
$20.000,'year for the first Lime e-er.
That's according to a newl:,'-released
report, the 2012 Milliman Medical Index
[MMII, which measures the total cost of
health care for a typical family of four
covered b,y a preferred provider plan
IPPOI. As has been the case for several
years, Miami continues to be the most
expensive city studied. The average cost
:or care for a four-member family is now
$24.965.'year The report also shows
that Miami has the highest health care
costs among 14 cities surveyed by the
respected consulting firm.
And while the rate of increase is grow-
ing slower as compared to previous
Please turn to HEALTH CARE 7A
'Connecticut compromise': An education reform model
By DeWayne Wickham
Nobody's calling what Con-
necticut just did the second
"Great Compromise," but in
time it might be remembered
as something akin to the agree-
ment that settled the biggest
problem this nation's Found-
ing Fathers faced.
In 1787, Roger Sherman, a
Connecticut delegate to the
Convention, pro-
duced that first
.:S. compromise. It
settled the argu-
.' ment over how
states would be
WICKHAM represented in
the U.S. Con-
gress by proposing the creation
of two houses. In one, states
would have equal representa-
tion; in the other, representa-
tion would be based on each
state's population.
In addition to its own edito-
rials, USA TODAY publishes a
variety of opinions from out-
side writers. On political and
policy matters, we publish
opinions from across the politi-
cal spectrum.
Roughly half of our columns
come from our Board of Con-
tributors, a group whose inter-
ests range from education to
religion to sports to the econ-
omy. Their charge is to chroni-
cle American culture by telling
the stories, large and small,
that collectively make us what
we are.
We also publish weekly col-
umns by Al Neuharth, USA TO-
DAY's founder, and DeWayne
Wickham, who writes primarily
on matters of race but on other
subjects as well. That leaves
plenty of room for other views
from across the nation by
well-known and lesser-known
names alike.
This month, Connecticut
Democratic Gov. Dannel Mal-
loy signed into law a compro-
mise bill that could be a blue-
print for meaningful education
reform in the other 49 states.
The bill, which passed with
near-unanimous support from
Republicans and Democrats,
is a broad attack on the state's
troubled public schools.
In Connecticut, the academic
achievement gap between poor
kids and children from afflu-
ent families is the worst in the
Please turn to REFORM 10A
....." ."-..,r..."'"....-. ...'."....' '. .."."..." "
dil\,l 0
'm AWN0180000
Blacks better wake up
and support Obama
In a perfect world, Blacks in America would be celebrat-
ing the Great Jubilee with the election of the first Black
president, Barack Obama. We would see fewer Blacks
going to prison, more Blacks with good paying jobs and high
school and college graduation rates soaring for Black boys
and girls. But this is not a perfect world. Racism still haunts
this nation.
What's more, after the shock that whites experienced when
Obama trounced John McCain, many went on record to say
their sole mission was to make sure that Obama didn't get a
second term. Others worked behind the scenes but towards
the same result. Meanwhile, the Republican Party made
sure they got enough people in office to thwart every effort
Obama made to improve the lives of everyday U.S. citizens,
Blacks included.
Blacks just don't see the whole picture. Or maybe we just
don't want to see it. Barack Obama may be our "homeboy"
but he is not the president of Black America. He is the Presi-
dent of the United States. That being said, he must consider
the needs and demands of the nation not just our race. His
recent support of gay marriage, or at least civil unions, is
one such example.
As a rule, Blacks tend to be conservative-minded so such
chatter might tend to rub us the wrong way, if not outright
offend us. But there are Black gays in this world some
may be in your own family. But should it be a deal breaker
that leads us to support Mitt Romney or even worse, cause
Blacks to stay home on Election Day? NO!
Instead of allowing Obama's personal views to distract us,
Blacks should be following the lead of the NAACP and mak-
ing sure our people are ready to vote. We should be identi-
fying candidates that care about our needs and supporting
them in their bids for local seats. If we're really considering
throwing Obama under the bus, let's make darned sure we
know where his opponent stands.
Do your homework people. Then get to those polls and
put Democrats back in local offices and Obama back in the
White House. Romney is nothing more than a four-year ride
through misery.
Racial politics, 2012-style
For many Republicans, the belief has never died that
President Obama is a secret revolutionary nurtured
on black liberationist theology. Right-wing Web sites
are littered with this nonsense, and, the Fox News host Sean
Hannity regularly tries to tie Mr. Obama to the clearly rac-
ist views of his former pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright Jr.
Even Mitt Romney suggested in February, on Mr. Hannity's
radio show, that Mr. Obama listened too much to Mr. Wright.
In 2008, Senator John McCain refused to make this divi-
sive tactic part of his campaign against Mr. Obama. But, in
a more coarsened political atmosphere, the rise of unlimited
money has made it possible for a wealthy person to broad-
cast any attack while keeping a distance from it. As Jeff
Zeleny and Jim Rutenberg reported in The Times on Thurs-
day, Joe Ricketts, the billionaire founder of TD Ameritrade,
worked with Republican strategists to prepare a $10 million
ad campaign suggesting the president's governing philoso-
phy came directly from Mr. Wright.
After the plan was disclosed, Mr. Ricketts said he was not
interested in socially divisive tactics and the ads would nev-
er run. (Mr. Romney also repudiated the proposed attack.)
But Mr. Ricketts is quoted in the proposal as saying that
if the nation had seen an ad featuring Mr. Wright, "they'd
never have elected Barack Obama." The proposal suggests
Mr. Ricketts gave his preliminary approval.
The proposal was prepared by Fred Davis, who made and
paid for a Wright ad in 2008 but couldn't persuade Mr. Mc-
Cain to run it. "The good Reverend and his inflammatory
influence have never been packaged in the proper attention-
arresting way with sufficient resources to truly drill it into
America's consciousness," his proposal said.
To do that, Mr. Davis proposed showing a clip of Mr.
Wright saying "God Damn America," then saying the na-
tion should have known that Mr. Obama would come up
with terrible ideas like the stimulus and health care reform
because of notions drilled into him by his old pastor. To de-
fuse the inevitable attack that the ad is racist, the proposal
suggests hiring "an extremely literate, conservative African-
American" as spokesman and narrator.
It's hard to imagine why the plan's authors believed it
would change opinions about Mr. Obama. Americans know
him well and most know he is not a left-wing radical. But
that's the kind of drivel money buys these days.
Since 1976, individuals have been able to spend without
limit on independent ads, but rarely did so because their
names would have had to have been attached. By setting
up a super PAC under the post-Citizens United rules, Mr.
Ricketts avoids having most viewers make the connection to
him and his businesses, including the Chicago Cubs. This
ad may never appear, but the dozens of super PACs can be
counted on to find other ways to pollute the campaign. -
New York Times
Mte Mliami times
Published Weekly at 900 NW 54th Street,
Miami, Florida 33127-1818
Post Otfice Box 270200
Buena Visla Station Miami, Florida 33127
Phone 305-694-6210
H.E. SIGISMUND REEVES Founder 1923-1968
GARTH C. REEVES. JR.. Editor 1972-1982
GARTH C. REEVES, SR., Publisher Emeritus
RACHEL J. REEVES, Publisher and Chairman
Member of National Newspaper Publisher Association
Member of the Newspaper Association of America
Subscription Rates: One Year $45.00 Six Months $30.00 Foreign $60.00
7 percent sales tax for Florida residents
Periodicals Postage Paid at Miami, Florida
Postmaster: Send address changes to The Miami Times, P.O. Box 270200
Buena Vista Station, Miami, FL 33127-0200 305-694-6210
The Black Press believes mat America can best lead the
world from racial and national antagonism when it accords to
every person regardless of race creed or color, his or her
human and legal rights Hating no person, fearing no person,
the Black Press strives io help e\ery person in the firm belief
that all persons are hurt as long as anyone is held back
i jj.r E',j' .,a f u',-,j I ,n:
("^ i ^T!;.'.'
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BY EUGENE ROBINSON, firstname.lastname@example.com
Donna, Chuck and memories of my
The soundtrack of my youth
is fading. That's hardly an origi-
nal observation, I realize, but
self-indulgence is a columnist's
inalienable right and music has
unique power to summon un-
bidden waves of nostalgia. Ill
spend the rest of the day listen-
ing to the "Queen of Disco" and
the "Godfather of Go-Go," and
saying goodbye. Donna Sum-
mer, who died Thursday, was
the undisputed monarch of a
musical genre that I tried my
best to hate. Disco had none
of the spontaneity and rough
edges of rock 'n' roll and none
of the rawness and authentic-
ity of rhythm and blues yet it
emerged from those sources like
some sort of genetic anomaly.
Disco was slick, polished, re-
lentless. Intellectually, it was
boring. Viscerally, it was irre-
sistible. To be on a dance floor in
the late 1970s, before the mir-
rored-ball became a cliche, was
to be assaulted by thumping
bass and screaming synthesiz-
ers until you surrendered and
let the music carry you along.
For all its space-age sheen, dis-
co was all about music's most
ancient and primal element, the
beat. It was about becoming
what diva Grace Jones called a
"slave to the rhythm." Harmony
and melody, for most artists,
and "She Works Hard for the
Money" were anthems to female
empowerment and sexual lib-
eration. Unlike so many things
from the disco era, Summer's
songs have endured.
Last week we lost another
seminal figure in popular mu-
sic, the guitarist and bandlead-
er Chuck Brown. Brown was
I'll spend the rest of the day listening to the "Queen of Disco"
and the "Godfather of Go-Go," and saying goodbye. Donna
Summer, who died Thursday, was the undisputed monarch
of a musical genre that I tried my best to hate.
were afterthoughts. But not
for Summer. Only a handful of
vocalists had the pipes to sing
with expressiveness, subtlety
and control above the clamor-
ous frenzy of a disco groove.
She was one of them. And she
had something to say. Songs
such as "Bad Girls," "Hot Stuff"
perhaps best known for his
1979 No. 1 hit, "Bustin' Loose."
Careful listeners might also be
aware that he is one of the art-
ists most frequently sampled
by dance-music and hip-hop
producers; snippets of Brown's
work can be heard, for example,
on tracks by Eric B. & Rakim
and in the rapper Nelly's mega-
hit "Hot in Herre."
In Washington, D.C., how-
ever, Brown was known simply
as the Godfather. He is credited
as the inventor of the unique
local sound known as go-go, a
brand of syncopated funk dis-
tinguished by the central role
given to percussion congas,
cowbells, rototoms, wooden
boxes, plastic buckets, any-
thing that goes bang or boom
when you hit it. It's hard to
describe what distinguishes a
go-go beat, but you know one if
you hear one. It's almost as if
the drums are singing the mel-
ody and everything else is just
along for the ride.
There is only one way to cel-
ebrate the legacy of these two
legends: Get up and dance.
Eugene Robinson is a Pulitzer
Prize-winning newspaper col-
umnist and the former assistant
managing editor of The Wash-
ington Post.
Trayvon's story famous for the wrong reasons
Trayvon Martin's death cre-
ated an international firestorm
because George Zimmerman,
the person at fault, was not im-
mediately taken into custody by
Sanford authorities. It is a som-
ber event that has unfortunate-
ly become an angry racial mess.
The level of pain Martin's par-
ents must be feeling is unimagi-
nable. A parent should never
have to bury their child espe-
cially under such tragic circum-
stances. And to be thrust into
the national spotlight over such
a horrible event must make
things even worse.
It's a terrible truth that cas-
kets are increasingly being
filled with the bodies of Amer-
ica's young. While the focus is
on Trayvon Martin, little atten-
tion seems to be paid to the dis-
proportionate number of other
young Blacks who are still be-
ing put in those caskets by
Black assailants. Since Martin's
death, the homicidal headlines
Over St. Patrick's Day week-
end in Chicago, 49 people were
shot and ten died, including
six-year-old Aliyah Shell.
Gang-related tension at a
North Miami funeral in mid-
March led to violence in which
people ill-prepared to accept
the epidemic of Black-on-Black
Trayvon Martin's circum-
stances were more the excep-
tion than the norm. And search-
ing for a cause for skyrocketing
Black-on-Black murder rates is
a topic too few people are will-
While the focus is on Trayvon Martin, little attention
seems to be paid to the disproportionate number of
other young Blacks who are still being put in those
caskets by Black assailants
14 were shot and two killed.
Among those wounded was a
five-year-old girl.
Tonawanda Thompson was
shot to death in her car in Rich-
mond, Calif. in late April. Her
unborn child died with her.
Our nation's checkered past
of slavery and racial discrimi-
nation causes lingering anxi-
ety. But an apparent inability
to embrace a post-racial mind-
set appears to render too many
ing to discuss perhaps on
There is a culture of death
in the Black community that
must be confronted. With the
advent of the "stop snitching"
era, things are worse because
Blacks are dying and the po-
lice can't make arrests. With
a disproportionate number of
Blacks killed by other Blacks to
relatively little lack of outrage,
those perpetrating the narrative
of racial hatred
lack moral authority.
So why is Trayvon Martin's
death different? Trayvon's
mother says "this is not about
a Black and White thing; this
is about a right and wrong
thing." I could not agree more,
but I fear she and I are in the
minority. It's not that Martin's
death doesn't deserve attention.
For his death to not be in vain,
we must have that long over-
due conversation about other
deaths of Black youth that are
routinely played out across
There's something to be said
about the fact that, since the
election of the first Black presi-
dent, we still seem to lack the
ability to have an intellectually
honest discussion about race in
America. Maybe all of this is by
Jerome Hudson is a member
of the national advisory council
of the Project 21 Black leader-
ship network.
-l BY WILLIAM REED, NNPA Columnist
Time to dump the criminal justice system
Don't you think that it's time
to reform America's criminal
justice system? It is an unfair,
racist and dishonest system in
need of abandonment. In the
last 40 years an insidious pris-
on industrial complex has devel-
oped to the detriment of Black
males. It seems that politicians
on both sides of legislative aisle
are decidedly more interested in
sending Blacks to prison than
to college. It's time to sound the
alarm on the harm the American
prison industrial complex is per-
petrating across Black America.
How is it that Blacks seem to
be missing the mass incarcera-
tion of our male population? It's
time public security be put on
Blacks' disproportionate prison
population numbers. Going to
prison represents lifelong exclu-
sion from "proper society," in-
cludingjob discrimination, elim-
ination from juries and voter
rolls, and disqualification from
access to food stamps, pub-
lic housing and student loans.
People considered Black leaders
need to address the devastating
effect the war on drugs has on
The American justice sys-
tem is racist, outmoded and
deserving of public scrutiny
and disbandment. It has made
Black males the most socially
disenfranchised group in the
country. It should be of major
the U.S. has spent more than
a trillion dollars to incarcerate
millions of young people on drug
charges. The war on drugs has
created a marginalized under-
class that is denied equal access
to job and educational opportu-
Black voters guilty of elect-
ing the same politicians to of-
Candidate Ron Paul is the only one willing to say, "The true
racial problems in this country involve drug law enforce-
ment. The drug war is out of control ... and undermines
our civil liberties. It just hasn't worked."
concern to Blacks that 10.4 per-
cent of the Black male popula-
tion aged 25 to 29 is incarcer-
ated. We all know someone "in
trouble." More than 3 million
Black households have a close
relative presently or previous-
ly on parole or probation. The
number of Black men in pris-
on has grown to the point that
more Black college-aged men
are in jail than in college. Since
the war on drugs was launched,
fice term-after-term need to
take into account the harm the
war on drugs has wrought over
the past 40 years. Isn't it time
to take these elected officials to
task for the laws and legislation
to which they have been par-
ticipants that has helped toward
the genocide of Black male? To
allow these laws, and lawmak-
ers, to languish is a crime.
Black voters are the key to cor-
recting this problem and its in-
equities and hold sv.ay o'.er this
debilitating problem. Though
these issues are real for Blacks
at the local, state and national
levels, they are never talked
about in racial terms.
Candidate Ron Paul is the
only one willing to say, "The true
racial problems in this country
involve drug law enforcement.
The drug war is out of control ..
. and undermines our civil liber-
ties. It just hasn't worked."
It may not require voting for
Paul but Blacks must take more
aggressive political positions to
rid our people of this criminal
justice and prison system. Stop
the genocide. People of concern
must let our elected officials
know that we want to decrimi-
nalize cocaine, heroin and mari-
juana in order to close the doors
on diabolical prisons and poli-
William Reed is publisher of
Who's Who in Black Corporate
America and available for speak-
ing/seminar projects via the Bai-
ley Group.org
be Misami imlt
The Miami Times welcomes and encourages letters on its editorial
commentaries as well as all other material in the newspaper. Such
feedback makes for a healthy dialogue among our readership and
the community. Letters must, however, be 150 words or less, brief
and to the point, and may be edited for grammar, style and clar-
ity. All letters must be signed and must include the name, address
and telephone number of the writer for purposes of confirming au-
thorship. Send letters to: Letters to the Editor, The Miami Times, 900
N.W. 54th Street, Miami, FL 33127, or fax them to 305-757-5770;
n-iaill: firstname.lastname@example.com.
- BY REGINALD J. CLYNE, ESQ., MIAMI TIMES COLUMNIST, ric@clynelegal corn
Braman is buying some Black politicians
Jesus said, "No Servant can
serve two masters ... You can-
not serve both God and money."
(Luke 16:13). Congresswoman
Meek described herself not as a
politician, but rather as a "pub-
lic servant." She was elected by
the people and it was her job to
serve the people of her district.
In contrast, a politician receives
money from various people and
loses their way because they
become servants to the money.
Norman Braman is a rich
white man. He does not like
county government and led a
recall because he felt the mayor
was mismanaging the taxpay-
ers' money. I respected Braman
for that move and like many
voters, I voted to recall Mayor
Alvarez. But Braman, like many
rich men, has a big ego. He now
wants to take over county gov-
ernment and become our de
facto county manager/mayor.
Somehow he will surely find a
way to make a profit. In order
to take over county govern-
ment, he has hatched a devi-
ous scheme. He will buy some
politicians and have them run
against the public servants who
don't have rich white billion-
aires paying for them to run for
Gibson had previously commit-
ted to support Barbara Jordan
- I wonder if she has been cor-
rupted by the desire for more
power and prestige. Are Blacks
being bought by a rich, white
man? If Gibson, or others, are
bought, how can they serve the
people? If people in their dis-
Norman Braman is a rich white man. He does not like
county government and led a recall because he felt the
mayor was mismanaging the taxpayers' money. I re-
spected Braman for that move ...
office. Braman has come to be-
lieve that money makes might
and might makes right.
It appears that he wants to
target Commissioners Bruno
Barreiro, Audrey Edmonson,
Barbara Jordan and Moss. He
has asked Shirley Gibson to
run against Barbara Jordan.
trict need more drainage be-
cause rainfall causes flooding,
but Braman does not want con-
struction blocking the roads to
his dealership, what does that
bought politician do? They will
inevitably vote the way Master
Braman tells them the rich
will win and the people will lose.
A Braman bought neophyte.
Alison Austin, has been secured
to challenge Edmonson. Why
her? Because Braman does not
own her; she is her own person
and will vote for what is best
for the people. Braman wants
to replace Edmonson a com-
missioner fighting for her peo-
ple, with his puppet candidate.
This next election is getting
dirty. Good ,people need to turn
out to the polls, because while
Braman can create a PAC and
buy TV time, radio time, fancy
newspaper ads and a lot of junk
mail, he cannot buy the hearts
and souls of decent people. I
don't want a Braman-bought
politician. I want a public ser-
vant who will work hard to
make the lives of their people
Reginald J. Clyne is a partner
at Clyne and Associates, P.A. of
Miami/Fort Lauderdale.
- BY HENRY CRESPO SR., MIAMI TIMES CONTRIBUTOR, email@example.com
Evolving: Personal choice even for Obama I
The President of the Unit- 14th Amendments to the U.S. were denied the right to inter- I guess the operative ques-
ed States' view on marriage Constitution, especially as racial marriage from 1865 to tion is whether you believe
equality has evolved to be on applied to an individual or a 1967. It was only then that that your religious rights su-
the right side of constitution- minority group. Being gay or the Supreme Court ruled the persede an individual's rights
al history so has America in a civil society? Shouldn't
to be exact. Polls indicate one's right to co-habitate with
that 62 percent of Americans n the U.S., one defines civil rights as a personal liberty eS- another, love another and
believe same-sex couples I tablished by the 13th and 14th Amendments to the U.S. yes, even marry someone of
should be allowed to marry Constitution, especially as applied to an individual or a mi- the same sex be a personal
or that civil unions should choice not a governmental de-
be used to grant them the nority group. cision? I submit we are trav-
legal rights equal or similar eling down a slippery slope.
to male-female partnerships. I have evolved as President
This is not a religious ques- lesbian does fit the definition law to be unconstitutional. In Obama has. What about you?
tion it's a civil rights issue. of belonging to a minority fact, the last law on the books Henry Crespo, Sr., is vice
In the U.S., one defines civil group. Blacks should clearly was repealed in 2001 in the chairman of outreach for the
rights as a personal liberty understand the tyranny of state of Alabama. What do Miami-Dade Democratic Par-
established by the 13th and
the majority, being that they
you think about that?
I i~) rPoipm
Are Black students unfairly disci-
plined at school?
Miami, retired motivational speaker
Yes, I do think that they dis-
cipline Black
students more
harshly and S
quicker than
the white or .i'I
Hispanic kids.
Students to- ,"
day need -
adults to talk
to them to
explain what it is that they are
up against. Kids need to under-
stand what type of skill sets are
going to help them in the future.
We've got to make them see that
they have to be willing to do
what others won't do today, in
order to have the things that
others won't have tomorrow.
Miami, secretary
Well, I don't know. My daugh-
ter goes to
the Miami
Arts Charter
School. She's
in the band
and is a pretty "
good student.
She's never
really been in
trouble at school. Really, all of
the students at her school do
well and the teachers are excel-
Miami Gardens, retired claims examiner
From the -,
that I have of -
it, I don't think
that they're
unfairly disci- "
plined. I don't .,
think disci--
pline is a problem at schools
because I know that the teacher
can only do so much and teach-
ers often don't have the support
of the parents.
Miami, entrepreneur
Legal minds say don't jump
to any conclusions about
George Zimmerman getting
off just because recent photo-
graphs show he suffered cuts
and bruises, allegedly during
his altercation with Trayvon
Martin. We know the tragic
ending for Trayvon and feel
little sympathy for his stalker/
murderer. Meanwhile, the Z-
man is racking up over $1,000
a day in online donations and
already has accumulated
$200,000 from an earlier Pay-
Pal account. Donors say they
feel bad because he was un-
fairly presumed guilty by the
media. Only in America! By
the way, his attorney, who
first said he'd work pro bono,
had changed his mind. Guess
he wants to get paid like ev-
eryone else.
How is Miami's "Team Bra-
man" shaping up? Looks like
the billionaire has already
persuaded several people to
challenge incumbents like
Edmonson, Jordan, and
Moss three county com-
missioners that he says aren't
doing the kind of job he would
like. Wonder how much it cost
him? Probably just a drop in
the bucket. Will voters really
be fooled by the okey-doke?
There's plenty of buzzing in
the wind these days surround-
ing County Commissioner
Barbara Jordan who's up for
reelection and her competi-
tion. Miami Gardens Mayor
Shirley Gibson is one name
that has been bandied about
but she's not ready to speak
on it not yet anyway. With
the deadline for filing just a
few weeks away, she doesn't
have much time to ponder.
This one could be a real cat
fight. Could it be true that she
is being backed by The God-
father?' Say it isn't so.
I don't think VE. L1
are unfairly h
Nowdspn Black and white students not equal in our schools
they let kids IR Dear editor, experience of such a situation, him to the extent of sticking him volved in the fight has not been
get away with IBJ My son is an eighth grade stu- in the back with a sharp object. suspended. This is clearly an
too much. Thank you for a wonderful ar- dent at a Miami-Dade County The principal said that he based example of the double standards
ticle, "Blacks face more suspen- charter school and he was given his decision on the Miami-Dade that exist in the school system.
sions," (May 9-15). I hope some- a five-day out-of-school suspen- School Board's "Code of Student
thing can be done about this sion for fighting with a white Conduct-Zero Tolerance Policy." Theresa Clark
JOHNNY FRANK SMITH, 65 unfair practice. I have first hand student who has been harassing To date the white student in- Miami
Miami, unemployed
No, I don't
think that's .
true because ,.
kids today '
don't listen .
and they don't
obey anybody. -
And that all
stems from the
fact that kids don't have the fear
of God in them anymore.,
Miami, retired educator
Actually, I
think it's a
fair system -
for all races of '
children. The S
problem with '
the system is -'
that the par- .'
ents can't discipline their kids
and that makes it harder on the
teacher and ultimately for par-
ents too.
What our readers are saying online
The Miami Times encourages
discussion and dialogue. Here
are some of the things people
have recently said about of our
stories. Voice your opinion by
leaving comments on our web-
site, Facebook or Twitter.
Comment on "Norland gets
it together on all fronts"
As a graduate of Miami Nor-
land, my husband being a band
member and me part of JROTC,
we would like to congratulate
the Vikings on their winnings.
There will be many more to
come. Next up: Excellence on
the FCAT. Skakera Thomas-
Pierre May 11
Comment on "Monestime
and Jackson get out the
vote" Get out the vote for who?
Why are they rallying to get
Black people to vote for Presi-
dent Obama. He has not done
anything for Black people. If a
candidate ignores his voting
base for almost four years and
I vote for him again then I am
crazy. I don't like these Black
leaders thinking Blacks should
be pimped for votes. What has
President Obama done for
Blacks? Nothing. In fact we are
worse off. He helped the gays
with gay marriage talk and don't
ask don't tell and he wants to
give illegals jobs that should go
to Americans . Obama rep-
resents a wet-behind-the-ears
person that could not care less
about helping Blacks he is
about money and winning and
will throw our Black behinds
under the bus like he already
has. NOBAMA 2012. Linda
Simmons May 12
Comment on "Will Allapat-
tah Middle be closed?"
Where the heck are the Black
school board members on this
issue? Call up Carvalho. They
would not try this a with the
whites or Hispanics... Linda
Simmons May 12
Facebook: Will Obama's per-
sonal opinion on gay marriage
hurt or help his reelection cam-
In today's society homosexu-
ality is more acceptable today
especially with women not
with me but people want all
their rights and liberties of free-
doms so this helps him. Ph-
rost Darkmatter May 14
Hurt Ted Lyons May 14
Not Terry Vincent Perry May
Facebook: Miami-Dade Fire
Rescue Captain Brian Beck-
mann has been twice demoted
following his controversial Face-
book status about urban youth
parents after George Zimmer-
man was charged in the shoot-
ing death of Trayvon Martin. Do
you think his punishment is
fair? Is it severe enough?
Yes, I think it was fair because
he showed his true character as
what the white American con-
sidered freedom of speech . .
- Phrost Darkmatter May 15
facebook.com / themiamitimes
Twitter: @TheMiamiTimes
By Kallan Louis
4A THE MIAMI TIMES, MAY 23-29, 2012 BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OwN DESTINY
Edmonson and
HEAT family take
over City Hall
Miami HEAT fans descended
on Miami-Dade County Hall in
downtown Miami to support
their team during the White Hot
HEAT Pep Rally on Tuesday,
May 15. Commissioner Jose
"Pepe" Diaz, who chairs the Mi-
ami-Dade Sports Commission,
presented a certificate to HEAT
legends Alonso Mourning and
Tim Hardaway, congratulating
the team on winning the first
round of the 2012 NBA Eastern
Conference Playoffs.
The festivities included per-
formances by the HEAT Danc-
ers, the HEAT Street Band,
contests, giveaways and more.
HEAT mascot Burnie hyped up
the crowd, who all wore white
to show their support.
"HEAT fans have been com-
ing out in full force as we take
on the Indiana Pacers," said
Commissioner Diaz. "This
is our year to make it to the
Finals and win the champion-
(L-R) Miami
HEAT Dancers,
Rebeca Sosa,
Vice Chairwoman
Audrey M. Ed-
monson, H EAT
legends Tim
Hardaway and
Alonso Mourning,
Jose "Pepe" Diaz,
Dennis C. Moss,
HEAT Danc-
ers and mascot
By Dan Tracy
A Coral Gables development
company expects to have a
study completed next month
that could determine whether
it builds a privately funded $1
billion train linking Miami with
If the ridership study finds
enough demand, Florida East
Coast Industries could begin
construction next year, Husein
Cumber, executive vice presi-
dent of Florida East Coast Rail-
way, an affiliate of FECI, said
"Everything right now is
trending in the right direction,"
he said.
Cumber spoke to a gathering
of Central Florida government
and real estate officials at the
offices of MetroPlan, which sets
transportation policy in Orange,
Seminole and Osceola counties.
So far, Cumber said, four stops
appear certain for the train that
has been dubbed All Aboard
Florida: Miami, Fort Lauderdale,
West Palm Beach and Orlando.
The exact locations remain un-
certain, except for Miami, where
FECI owns nine acres down-
Missing as a possible stop is
Cocoa, where the proposed train
would veer west for Orlando.
Bob Kamm, director of the Space
Coast Transportation Planning
Organization in Viera, said Bre-
vard County officials want to
know if they will have any in-
volvement with the system.
"All we would see is the nega-
tives ... if you are just blowing
through and waving as you go
by," Kamm said.
Cumber said the ridership
study would determine if there
is a Cocoa stop, but he added
that the train's biggest appeal is
that it would be faster to ride it
to Miami or Orlando than drive a
car. The projected travel time is
three hours and two minutes, he
said, compared with about four
hours by auto.
Previous studies of the Miami-
Orlando route by backers of an
ill-fated high-speed train had
pegged the Cocoa segment as
potentially lucrative because it
could carry travelers from Or-
lando International Airport to
the cruise ships at Port Canav-
Cumber said his group in-
tends to meet with Port Canav-
eral officials next month and
OIA administrators this week.
FECI, which also does busi-
ness as Flagler, owns property
throughout Florida, including
the rail corridor from, Miami
to Jacksonville along the East
Coast. FECR carries freight on
the lines, but it could be up-
graded for passenger trains,
Cumber said.
It remains unclear the route
Broward school security
guards could face layoffs
By Ariel Barkhurst
and Ihosvani Rodriguez
Security guards and clerical
staff may be on this year's lay-
off chopping block in Broward
County Schools.
On Friday, the district will re-
lease the list of workers to be
cut at the end of the academ-
ic year, some 'of whom will be
hired back as the budget fluc-
tuates but many of whom will
be out of a job.
The list is expected to target
security specialists, campus
monitors and clerical staff, said
Broward union chief Daniel
Reynolds, who as president of
the Federation of Public Em-
ployees represents workers in
cities, jails and schools.
"When parents start hearing
about this, they are going to be
nervous," said Christie McVay,
PTSA president at Deerfield
Middle School. Her daughter
is an eighth-grader. "There are
already many is-
sues with security at. ...
many of the schools."
An administrator
at the school said
four of the school's
five security officials
would be let go. The ~
administrator said
some clerical staffers
will also be laid off.
Superintendent Robert Run-
cie said security and clerical
workers are not on the chop-
ping block at the district level.
Administrators this year have
waited longer than usual to let
those workers know they still
have jobs, Runcie said, and
that may have caused some to
expect layoffs.
The district did tell principals
to focus on keeping and hiring
teachers as they balance their
S budgets for next
: year, though, which
: means they may
'. have had to make
cuts elsewhere, Run-
cie said.
The district laid off
about 1,000 teachers
last year, and got a
$6 million fine from
the state this year for having
too many students per class.
That's why this year's focus is
on hiring teachers.
But Runcie said he won't
know how many workers or
what kinds of jobs will be cut
from each school until Friday.
He doesn't expect mass layoffs
of any kind of worker, he said.
Florida judge says Uncle Luke can coach football
A state administrative law
judge says former 2 Live Crew
frontman Luther Campbell
should be allowed to coach foot-
ball in Florida schools.
Judge Robert Meale made his
recommendation last Tuesday.
The state refused to cer-
tify the 51-year-old rapper al-
though he's been volunteering
as an assistant coach with lo-
cal approval in Miami. Educa-
tion officials cited his -
songs' raunchy lyrics, .
a string of arrests and '
a performance with '*..
two women who re- "l 'S
moved their clothing in
South Carolina.
Meale noted the
charges were dropped,
except for a couple CAMPBELL
of misdemeanor gun
ago. He also wrote that
Campbell has coached
inner city youth and
high school football
without incident for
Campbell can take
his case to an appel-
late court if Education
Commissioner Ge-
rard Robinson rejects
crimes more than 25 years Meale's recommendation.
the train would take from Cocoa
to Orlando, although the most
logical one would be publicly
owned land along the BeachLine
Expressway jointly operated by
the state and the Orlando Or-
ange County Expressway 'Au-
Commissioner Monestime
pushes for development at
Gratigny Park site
Residents in the Gratig-
ny neighborhood are a few
steps closer to bringing a.
cammunrty park to their '
community, thanks to the
help of County Commis-
sioner Jean Monestime,
District 2. For more than
a year. _Monestime hlas
worked to bring attention to
the vacant Gratigny Plateau
Park, 885 NW 117th Street
The park. located in a pre-
dominantly Black communi-
ty of single-family homes, is
currently undeveloped with
no recreational amenities.
in Miami.
During the past two
weeks, he has held a series
of community meetings for
residents to give their in-
put on the park and work
with park designers, archi-
District 2 Commissioner
tects and builders who will
eventually bring the com-
munity's vision to life. The
most recent meeting was
held on Thursday. May 17.
at Faith Community Baptist
As a FREE Community Service Program by North Shore Medical Center, we are pleased to offer
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Kenneth Fischer, M.D. I Neurologist
Stroke is a disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. It is the No 4
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Kenneth Fischer, M.D. Neurologist
A he- iti; dinner will be served. Free blood pressure screenings will be provided.
Medical Center
vww. N '> 't h Shnoe OM e li ca I. corn'
... four stops appear
certain for the train that ,
has been dubbed AI.
Aboard Florida: Miami,
Fort Lauderdale, West Palm
Beach and Orlando. The
exact locations remain
uncertain, except for Miami,
where FECI owns nine : -
acres downtown.
Miami-Orlando train proposal
rolling down the planning tracks
-- --
By Samantha Critchell
Associated Press
NEW YORK To witness the
odd power of celebrities at the
fragrance counter, look no fur-
ther than two of today's top wom-
en's perfume stars: One is a teen-
age boy. The other, deceased.
Justin Bieber's women's per-
fume Someday is one of the top
sellers in department and spe-
cialty stores, and White Dia-
monds, the scent launched 20
years ago by the late Elizabeth
Taylor, tops in big box stores.
But for every Bieber, there
seems like there's an A-lister
who fails to garner buzz when it
comes to fragrance. Jennifer An-
iston, anyone?
The most successful celebrities
to splash their name across a fra-
grance bottle speak typically to a
niche audience, often one that's
an older or younger consumer.
"The ones that do well have a
strong following with a strong
core audience," explains Karen
Grant, beauty industry analyst
at market research firm The NPD
Group. "Liz Taylor has almost a
cult following, and Bieber is the
same thing. He's all about tweens
and the moms getting it for the
Celebrity fragrances also are
particularly "giftable" items,
Grant notes, because if the re-
ceiver is a fan, you're going to get
the "ooh," at least when he or she
opens the box.
Bieber was a bona fide hit and
briefly bumped perennial favor-
ite fragrances Chanel No. 5 and
Coco Mademoiselle out of the top
sales spots last year. Later this
month hell be honored with the
Elizabeth Taylor Fragrance Ce-
lebrity award from the Fragrance
Foundation. With Taylor Swift
and her perfume Wonderstruck,
the two young stars revitalized
the celebrity fragrance business,
up 57 percent in sales in 2011.
One of the big new launches
this spring is Madonna's Truth or
Dare, and Rihanna's Rebl Fleur
has been a strong performer, too.
The successes, say experts,
combine celebrity involvement,
personal appeal, lively fans and
a good "juice," industry lingo for
the actual smell.
Madonna, at an event to cel-
ebrate Truth or Dare at Macy's
last month, said she thought
long and hard about what her
signature scent would be, end-
ing with a floral formula that in-
cludes a note of tuberose, which
is also prominent in the perfume
Fracas by Robert Piguet a favor-
ite of the pop star's. "I wear Fra-
cas myself and I've been wearing
it for years and years and years,
and I try .other perfumes all the
time, and I always come back to
it. And I know the reason I always
comes back to it is because it re-
minds me of my mom."
She wears perfume all the time,
Madonna added. "I spray per-
fume on me, myself like a crazy
person. Nonstop.. Never want to
smell bad."
Rafael Villoldo, Vice President
of Perfumania, which has deals
with Rihanna, 50 Cent and Kim
Kardashian, says the celeb-
rity has to buy into the product
wholeheartedly. "You have to look
at what they stand for. I won't do
a fragrance with someone who
has said they hate fragrance or
doesn't look like someone who'd
wear fragrance."
Next, he thinks about poten-
tial customers and distribution,
and hell check out how active
the celebrity is on social media
because, he explains, no one
can get shoppers excited about a
product like its namesake.
"Look at the Kardashians. They
don't sing, dance or act, other
that the reality show, but yoQ
look at Kim, and she has 15 mil-
lion Twitter followers," Villoldo
says. "If I put on a hat that we
think looks funny, it's a funny
looking hat, but shell have 15
million people considering wear-
ing that hat that's power."
Still, he says, that only gets you
so far with a fragrance. There has
to be quality to get consumers to
buy into a brand for repeat pur-
chases. The Paris Hilton line has
had unexpected longevity, says
Villoldo, who typically hopes for
a five-year run with a celebrity,
but Hilton has proven a tireless
NPD's Grant is curious how
Madonna will fare. "She's a ma-
ture woman so the younger gen-
eration might feel like she's a
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A-list status isn't enough to drive perfume sales
little over the hill, but Madonna
is Madonna and she has A LOT
of fans. When you talk about the
most loyal fragrance consumer,
she's over 50, and you'll have to
rip out of her hands whatever her
favorite one is, so once you've got
her, you have a better chance of
keeping her. "
Buzz doesn't necessarily drive
an older woman, Grant adds,
noting that Celine Dion has had
many years of consistent, strong
sales without too much splash.
A star with a story to tell
through fragrance has a better
shot, says Betsy Olum, general
manager of beauty and merchan-
dising strategy at HSN. Does the
bottle design reflect the celeb-
rity's look? Is there a scent note
that has a special meaning? Con-
sumers want to know, and they'll
be able to pick out or sniff out
_ the bottles that just slapped a
boldfaced name on the front, she
On TV, Mary J. Blige, Jennifer
Lopez and Eva Longoria all con-
nected with home shoppers on
TV in a way that a glitzy ad can't
convey, Olum says.
"When Jennifer Lopez's mom
came on with her, and then her
sister texted in, even I wanted to
buy the fragrance and I did,"
Olum says.
She was equally impressed
with Eva Longoria. "At the time
we were talking about her sec-
ond fragrance, and it already
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seemed near the end of 'Desper-
ate Housewives,' and we had a
discussion here, 'Would people
still be engaged?"' Olum says.
"But she came on, and she's one
of the most beautiful women on
the planet, and she said, 'Don't
worry, I'm going to get on and
be great.' ... And I was really im-
pressed by how she came on and
really told her life story. People
really connected to her."
Men take a slightly different
approach in their celebrity fra-
grances than women, however,
says Grant, since they buy more
into image, using Sean "Diddy"
Combs' Unforgivable and Ush-
er's namesake cologne as ex-
amples of scents with the "sexy,
bad-boy vibe." Men are more
aware of choosing a fragrance
that will appeal to their romantic
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The legacy of the FAMU Marching 100:
A history we must reclaim
By Brian Dennis
Miamii Times contributor
The death of Florida A&M Uni-
versity's [FAMU] Marching 100
Drum Major Robert Champion
has had nothing but tragic re-
sults from the moment he died,
especially for his parents. I've
read reports where the mother
of Robert Champion stated that
the band should remain off the
field until all of the mess was
cleaned up. Changes definitely
have to be made without ques-
As I watched an ESPN Out-
side the Lines report on hazing
at FAMU and how certain mem-
bers couldn't control them-
selves or their feelings about
Champion, it was clear how
badly change is needed. Sadly,
once those who are charged in
his death have been convicted,
they will lose many
of their rights like
the right to vote.
That, too, is a trag-
Says Mrs. Cham-
pion, Our goal is
never to stop the
music because
that's what my son
loved. He loved mu-
sic but we certainly
want to end the hazing; there
is no need for it." There has to
be a better solution than to sus-
pend the FAMU Marching 100.
The other 400-plus band mem-
bers shouldn't have to be penal-
ized for the behavior of a few.
The University has to look
within and hire the person who
can best restore the band's re-
spectability, credibility and
greatness created by the late
Dr. William P. Foster. Dr. Shelby
R. Chipman, associ-
ate professor and
associate director of
bands at FAMU was
taught music un-
der the late Herbert
J. Rhodes at Miami
Northwestern Se-
nior High.
When the band
program at Miami
Central began to
decline in the late 1980s and
continuing through the early
1990s, it was Chipman who
turned things around. Rhodes
and Tolbert were both taught
by Foster. Prior to his ap-
pointment at FAMU, Chipman
taught band in the Miami-Dade
County Public School system
for 10 years.
His band program at Miami
Central developed into one of
the finest band programs in the
country. As much as a teacher
as he was a musician, Chip-
man was named Teacher of the
Year during the 1993-94 school
year. Under his leadership the
Rocket Marching band per-
formed in the 1993, 1995 and
1997 King Orange Jamboree
Parades, 1993 Heritage Festival
(New Orleans), 1990-96 Florida
A&M University Homecoming
Festivals (Tallahassee), 1992-
97 MLK Parades & Festival
(St. Petersburg), 1997 Macy's
Day Parade (New York City)
and numerous other marching
events. The symphonic band
performed at the prestigious
Bands of America National
Concert Festival in Indianapo-
lis. Halftime this year promises
to be quite uneventful even
boring. Without the Marching
100, it will resemble a cookout
without food.
Police: Trayvon's shooting was 'avoidable'
By William M. Welch,
Yamiche Alcindor and
Donna Leinwand Leger
Trayvon Martin's fatal encoun-
ter with George Zimmerman was
"avoidable," and the teen was
not doing anything criminal at
the time of their confrontation
on Feb. 26, a report by Sanford,
Fla., police says.
The report, dated March 13,
came nearly a month before
a special prosecutor brought
second-degree-murder charges
against Zimmerman, 28, in the
death of 17-year-old Trayvon. He
has pleaded not guilty and said
he acted in self-defense.
"The encounter between George
Zimmerman and Trayvon Martin
was ultimately avoidable by Zim-
merman, if Zimmerman had re-
mained in his vehicle and await-
ed the arrival of law enforcement,
or conversely, if he had identified
himself to Martin as a concerned
citizen and initiated dialog in an
effort to dispel each party's con-
cern," the report says. "There is
no indication that Trayvon Mar-
tin was involved in any criminal
activity at the time of the encoun-
On NBC's Today show Friday
Bejamin Crump, the lawyer for
the Martin family, reiterated that
if Zimmerman would have stayed
in his car -- like police told him
to -- "he would be in jail and
more importantly Trayvon Martin
would be alive today."
Zimmerman's attorney, Mark
O'Mara, said he couldn't talk
about the individual pieces of
evidence in the case. But he said
that rather than talking about
the "what-ifs" as in what if Zim-
merman had stayed in the car -
O'Mara said "we have to deal with
what happened and try to explain
A large cache of reports, docu-
-Florida State Attorney's Office
This Feb. 27 photo of George Zimmerman was among the evi-
dence released Thursday in the Feb. 26 shooting death of Trayvon
Martin in Sanford, Fla.
ments, photos and other descrip-
tions of evidence in the case were
released to the public Thursday
evening after being disclosed
previously to defense attorneys.
The case has attracted worldwide
attention with accusations by
Trayvon's family and civil rights
leaders that Zimmerman, who is
Hispanic, targeted Trayvon be-
cause he was black and said he
appeared to be "up to no good."
The report says a single bullet
perforated Trayvon's heart.
Other police investigative re-
ports said that Trayvon had been
staying in the gated residential
complex for a week before the
shooting and that he had been
sent to the home of a friend by
his father after the teen had been
suspended from school for 10
days for marijuana possession.
A toxicology report on his body
found a small amount of THC,
the psychoactive chemical in
marijuana, in his blood.
A police report concluded that
at the time he was confronted
by Zimmerman, Trayvon "was in
fact generally running in the di-
rection of where he was staying
as a guest in the neighborhood."
Zimmerman had reported
"suspicious persons, all young
black males" to police on three
previous occasions in 2011, the
reports said.
"According to record checks, all
of Zimmerman's suspicious per-
son calls while residing in the Re-
treat neighborhood have identi-
fied Black males as the subjects,"
the report said.
Witness accounts in the police
reports describe the confronta-
tion. One witness reported seeing
Trayvon on top of Zimmerman,
hitting him in a physical struggle.
According to a report by Chris-
topher Serino of the Sanford Po-
lice Department, a witness said
she heard "a commotion, which
sounded to her like arguing." She
looked out from her bedroom
window and saw two men on the
"She then heard someone yell
'help, help,' the report said.
"She then heard a 'pop' noise and
then saw the decedent laying on
the ground, motionless, and the
other male, who she described
as larger' and 'Hispanic looking,'
standing over the decedent."
Another witness interviewed
on the night of the shooting de-
scribed hearing a commotion and
going out to investigate, the same
report said:
"He witnessed a black male,
wearing a dark colored 'hoodie'
on top of a white or Hispanic
male who was yelling for help. He
elaborated by stating the black
male was mounted on the white
or Hispanic male and throwing
punches 'MMA (mixed martial
arts) style.' He stated he yelled
out to the two individuals that
he was going to call the police.
He then heard a 'pop.' He stat-
ed that after hearing the 'pop,'
he observed the person he had
previously observed on top of
the other person (the black male
wearing the 'hoodie') laid out on
the grass."
Serino's report described his
review of the 911 calls: "In the
background I could clearly hear
a male's voice yelling either 'Help'
or 'Help Me,' fourteen (14) times
in an approximately 38 second
time span. This voice was deter-
mined to be that of George Zim-
merman, who was apparently
yelling for help as he was being
battered by Trayvon Martin."
Officer Jonathan Mead recog-
nized Zimmerman as the neigh-
borhood watch head. "Zimmer-
man appeared to have a broken
and bloody nose and swelling of
his face," Mead said.
.C i..im, S-e -..
North Miami Mayor's nephew faces felonies
Ricardo Brutus, the nephew of North Miami Mayo Andre Pierre, has been
arrested once again. This time he faces five felony charges related to practic-
ing law without a license. His arraignment was scheduled for last Friday. The
arrest came as Brutus was already awaiting trial in a separate case. Florida
Department of Law Enforcement have charged him with two counts of prac-
ticing law without a license, two counts of third-degree grand theft and one
count of organized fraud of $20,000 or less.
Sarasota-area sex sting nabs three Broward, Miami-Dade
A man from Dania Beach and two from Miami-Dade were among 31 people
arrested in a Sarasota County predator sting Monday set up for men who
thought they were going to have sex with minors they had met online. The col-
laboration of local, state and federal law enforcement authorities was meant
to expose those who use the Internet to lure and victimize minors. Those
arrested included a 25-year-old Dania Beach man, Kevin Ramanan, Dalbert
Borges, 21, of Hialeah and Shawn Gray, 45, an attorney from Miami and a lieu-
tenant commander with the U.S. Coast Guard Judge Advocate General Corps.
Palmetto Bay jewelry store heist caught on .camera
A jewel thief wearing a red, hooded sweatshirt was captured on camera
committing his crime and now police are asking for your helping identifying
the suspect. According to Miami-Dade Police in the Village of Palmetto Bay,
the burglar first approached the jewelry store, located at 9839 SW 184th
Street on May 5th around 11:50 p.m. where he used a long pole to move an
exterior security camera.
He returned at 5:15 a.m. knowing the camera outside the store was pointed
in the wrong direction. After he pried open the front door, he smashed several
display cases in order to get to the pricey goods inside. He dumped everything
into a white garbage pail or hamper and ran out of the store. Police said the
approximate value of the stolen property is $15,000.
Twenty arrested In arson and insurance scam
A major arson and insurance scam has been busted in Miami. According
to the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office, 20 people have been charged in
the scam which targeted rental properties in South Miami-Dade. Those ar-
rested in "Operation Candlelight" include the ringleaders and fake renters,
also known as "Straw Renters." State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle,
along with Florida Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater and members of the Miami-Dade
Police Department's Economic Crimes and Arson investigation division were
expected to hold a Ioint news conference last Wednesday to reveal more de-
Judge tosses case against parents
of Thanksgiving Day killer
The parents of Paul Merhige, the man who went on a Thanksgiving Day
shooting rampage in 2009 killing a six-year-old girl and three family members,
cannot be held accountable for his actions.
That's according to Palm Beach County Circuit Judge Meenu Sasser who
threw out a lawsuit filed against Michael and Carole Merhige. Judge Sasser
had previously thrown out a similar suit filed by Patrick Knight whose preg-
nant wife and also the Merhige's daughter, died in the shooting. Merhige has
pled guilty in the deaths of his 73-year-old aunt Raymonde Joseph, his cous-
in's 6-year-old daughter Makayla Sitton, and his 33-year-old twin sisters Carla
Merhige and Lisa Knight. In exchange for his plea which spared him the death
penalty he was sentenced to seven consecutive life sentences.
Makayla Sitton's parents, Muriel and Jim Sitton, and Patrick Knight filed
suits against Merhige's parents claiming they knew of their son's "dangerous
propensities" and failed to protect their relatives. In his ruling, Sasser said
no Florida courts have held parents responsible for the actions of their adult
children. The Sittons have vowed to appeal.
Thieves target Hollywood YMCA
Surveillance tapes may not be much help to Hollywood police as they try to
track down the individuals who broke into a YMCA over the weekend and stole
nearly a dozen flat screen TVs. It happened sometime after the facility, at 3161
Taft Street, closed for the day at 5 p.m. on Sunday. The staff noticed they were
missing when they were opening up on Monday morning. The 10 televisions
were stolen from the workout room. in reviewing the security video, police
said the burglars wore masks so it's going to be difficult to identify them. The
greater Hollywood YMCA serves close to 15,000 people of all ages. While the
facility remains open they have to figure out some way to make up for the
financial loss.
Florida mother killed her four
kids before committing suicide
PORT ST. JOHN, Fla. (AP) A
Florida mother who fatally shbt
her four children before kill-
ing herself Tuesday called three
of the kids who had sought
help from a neighbor back to
the house before firing the fatal
shots, authorities said.
Thirty-three-year-old Tonya
Thomas fatally shot her four
children, who ranged in age frorr
12 to 17, said Lt. Tod Goodyear,
a spokesman for the Brevard
County Sheriffs Office.
Three of the children had gone
to a neighbor's front door be-
fore dawn to say their mother
had shot them. The mother then
called the children back to the
house and killed them, Goodyear
"From what the neighbors said,
she was very calm. She walked
out and called them back. They
turned around and walked back
to the house," Goodyear said.
The neighbor then heard gun-
shots and called 911.
Another neighbor told deputies
that Thomas sent a text message
in the middle of the night saying
she wanted to be cremated with
her children.
"He didn't see the text until he
woke up this morning," Good-
year said.
Deputies identified the chil-
dren as Pebbles Johnson, 17;
Jaxs Johnson, 15; Jazlin John-
son, 13; and Joel Johnson, 12.
The shooting happened in Port
St. John, about 15 miles west
of Cape Canaveral in an area
known as the "Space Coast" be-
cause it is the home of NASA's
Kennedy Space Center, the loca-
tion of numerous famed shuttle
A spokesman for the Depart-
ment of Children and Families
wouldn't immediately comment
on whether the family had a his-
tory with the agency. Goodyear
said deputies had responded
to the house for domestic com-
plaints previously.
Jamie Hudson, whose mother
lives two doors down from the
family, said the boys in the fam-
ily were known to shoot BBs at a
home across the street and had
threatened to set it on fire.
"It has been an ongoing prob-
lem on our street with them,"
Hudson said.
Goodyear said Jaxs Johnson
had recently been arrested on
a domestic violence charge. He
said he didn't know if the boy
had been accused of hitting his
mother or causing damage at the
A pastor at the church the fam-
ily attended described it as "nor-
mal stuff."
"I think he was punching some
walls or something," said Jarvis
Wash, pastor of the Real Church
in Rockledge, Fla.
Wash said the family attended
services last Sunday but had
been absent for a few weeks be-
fore that.
"I don't know what could have
happened in the past couple of
days," Wash said. "It's a tragedy
to the church and the commu-
OA In[ (VllAl 11 I IIVIU), IVIA L-J-L, /Ull I
BLACKS MUST CONTROL THEIR OivN DES NY
By Ken Kaye
It's one of the biggest challenges for tropical
meteorologists. convincing residents to brace for a
storm even if it's not aiming right at them. That's
because hurricanes and tropical storms don't
always go where they're forecast.
"No forecast is perfect." said meteorologist
Robert Molleda of the National Weather Service,
during the Governor's Hurricarne Conference on
To make sure residents aren't caught by sur-
pnse, weather officials urge them not locus so
much on whether they'll be hit by the core of a
storm, but rather to be aware of all of a storm's
dangers, including strong winds. flooding, torna-
does and storm surge
To better convey Lncertamnty in forecasts. both
the National Hurricane Center and the weather
service provide the odds of an area being affected.
Forecasters also depict storms threats as having
a "low," "moderate" or "high" chance of hitting a
specific area.
The problem is that people too frequently fol-
low the cone of uncertainty, which doesn't show a
system's strength or size, and, as a result, doesn't
express the full extent of a storm's dangers.
Worse, they may relax if the storm isn't projected
to make a direct hit on. their area, even if it's in the
cone, officials said.
"It's one of the most misinterpreted products,"
said Neil Batista, a Miami-Dade County emergency
management planner. "People's eyes are immedi-
ately drawn to that skinny black line."
That's what happened with Hurricane Charlie in
August 2004. Initially predicted to hit Tampa Bay,
it jogged to the east and slammed Punta Gorda,
about 75 miles south. Meanwhile, it unexpectedly
strengthened to Category 4 status. Residents said
they were surprised.
"There was the perception, 'Hey, we didn't know
it was coming,' even though they were under a
hurricane warning," Molleda said.
Craig Setzer, a CBS-4 meteorologist, said his
Sl -fisocjiaiea PrEci
Rosa Parks is honored in Dearborn, Mich., in 2001.
Uncivil fight
Over Rosa
SK Parks estate
station shows the probability of tropical-force winds hitting a specific
area and lets viewers know they need to pay close attention once the
chances hit 35 percent.
"I would like to, with all due respect to my friends at the National Hur-
ricane Center, do away with the cone," he said.
While the hurricane center's primary mission is to project where storms
are aiming, the weather service is responsible for letting residents know
what conditions they can expect, even if a storm brushes rather than
strikes their area.
Molleda said the warning process starts when a system is about seven
days out. From there it "ramps up" with increased advisories and brief-
ings. When a storm is about two to three days away, emergency manag-
ers need to start deciding whether to order evacuations, Molleda said.
Yet forecast accuracy for that time frame still can be off-target. The
average track forecast error when a storm is two days out is about 100
miles; it's about 150 miles three days out.
Forecasters must warn people without scaring them, Molleda siad.
"If we're always relaying the worst case scenario, we're crying wolf, and
people tune us out," he said. "At the same time, we don't want to under-
play an event."
BTW alumni honor living legends
Amid an audience of over 300, teen Jones, Lucius H. King, Sr., and the BTW Alumni for as- Inc. and Eunice J. Davis was
nine outstanding and distin- Eunice J. Davis, James Hunt, sorted classes including Kenia chair of the Scholarship Gala
guished graduates of Booker T. Agnes Rolle Morton, Maud New- Potosme and Callean Arvelo. and Awards Program. Financial
Washington Senior High School bold, Clement Minnis, Freddie Other BTW Alumni classes support to the Alumni Associa-
walked the "Orange and Black" "Jabbo" Johnson, Dr. Gay Out- contributing to the scholar- tion helps to support important
runway on Saturday, April 28th ler, Dr. Herman Dorsett, Milton ship fund included: (Gold Level) school initiatives, enrich in-
at the Eighth Annual Living Leg- A. Hall, Dr. Hortense J. Hyche BTW Classes of 1959 and 1965, structional support and provide
ends Orange and Black Scholar- Jackson, Dr. Gladstone A. Hunt- Inc.; (Silver Level) BTW Class of scholarships to graduating se-
ship Gala at the Miami Marriott er, Jr., Franklin Clark, Robert 1964, Alvin Walker, Washing- niors at Booker T. Washington
Biscayne Bay Hotel. They were Thomas and Irvin Baulkman. tonians, Inc., Class of 6T5 and Senior High School.
honored as a result of their ex-
emplary careers and the signifi-
cant impact they have made on
our community and society.
The nine distinguished 2012
Living Legends were: Rose Moor-
man, community service; Mar-
cia J. Saunders, public service;
Dr. Dorothy J. Fields, cultural;
Dr. Whittington B. Johnson, ed-
ucation; Willie J. Warren, entre-
preneurial; Dr. George K. Sands,
health care; Charlie Mae S. Cul-
pepper, philanthropy; Henry L.
Weatherspoon, law enforcement;
and General White, sports.
Former Living Legends in at-
tendance were: Enid Curtis
Pinkney, Father Kenneth Ma-
jor, Garth C. Reeves, Lauras-
Another highlight of the night:
12 graduating seniors received
scholarships donated by com-
munity organizations, fam-
ily memorials and the BTW
Alumni classes. The recipients
were: David Green, BTW Alum-
ni Association; Charlie Harris,
David F. Davis Memorial; Jah-
kaia Brooks, The Miami Times
Scholarship; Fustine Saint-
Aude, Wilhelmina F. Jennings
Memorial Fund; Tysheera Lem-
on, Patricia Warren Memorial;
Tanisha Bennett, BTW Class of
1960; Larry Mathis, BTW Class
of 1961; Amirrashid Ali, BTW
Class of 1962; Kevon Caffey,
BTW Class of 1963; Famous
McKinnon, BTW Class of 1966;
BTW Classes of 1951, 1954,
1955: (Copper Level) BTW Class
of 1956 and Jabril Haqq-Willie
James Kitchell Memorial.
Outstanding community
leaders who appeared on, the
program were Derrick Baker,
program director of WEDR-FM
99 JAMZ; Rodney Baltimore,
executive producer and co-host
of Tom Joyner Morning Show,
WHQT, Hot 105 FM; William
Aristide, principal, BTW Senior
High School; Treva Burke, Vic-
ar James Leggett, Our Savior
Lutheran and Dr. Edward G.
Robinson, vice principal, BTW
Senior High School.
Roberta Daniels is president
of the BTW Alumni Association,
-a s ^.^ ,n 'lkI''^,. : *J
Miami workers pay the most for health care
continued from 1A
years, families across the nation
were still hit with a 6.9 percent
jump. The total cost includes
those incurred by employees
and their employers.
But what's the reason for Mi-
ami's unenviable position at the
top and why are costs here 120
percent of the national average
- exceeding costs in cities like
Chicago, Boston and New York
The report points to several
reasons: employers have con-
tinued to pass on a greater
percentage of costs onto their
workers; out-patient service
costs have once again risen;
providers are ordering more
tests and other treatments, es-
pecially in Miami, in order to
protect themselves from the re-
gion's excessive number of mal-
practice suits; and the surge in
health care fraud.
Despite the rise in health care
costs, many families don't re-
alize how much they are actu-
ally paying. That's because, ac-
cording to the Milliman report,
people tend to only consider
their out-of-pocket costs [now
averaging $3,470/year in co-
payments and deductibles]. But
when one factors in the cost of
payroll deductions [$5,114 on
average per year], that means
that employees are paying ap-
proximately $8,600/year em-
ployers pay the remainder.
'r IMIIh.n 1n M .i a I. .1.1,.l U pi .r:,nt,^l
Mam,, i24 ?.5 1j23 4
N'ew ork Cirt 124 54'5 11 4
Pnrmadhepa 2:..54 10U16 4
W.aJhgInglor D C t21 1:,9 101: 4
Los ngelie: i j 90' 100 .
Illani, 19 .5 6 1
Health care policy experts in
Miami believe that the situation
will become even more critical
as the State continues to slice
Medicaid rates, forcing provid-
ers to look to employer-based
insurance as a means of offset-
ting loses and locking in lower
And while families and individ-
uals across the nation wait for
the verdict on the federal Afford-
able Care Act which is now un-
der review by the U.S. Supreme
Court after being challenged
on constitutional grounds, the
number of uninsured Ameri-
cans continues to climb. Health
care experts say that if the trend
continues we will see more and
more employers unable to af-
ford health care for their em-
ployees. It is estimated that in
Miami-Dade County, there are
more than 600,000 uninsured
residents and that without real
health care reform, the solution
to rising costs will be even more
difficult, if not impossible, to
"Take Your Seat" and enjoy having your name,
or the name of the person you wish to honor,
inscribed on a plaque mounted on an elegant
auditorium seat. A Lyric Theater name plaque
makes an excellent gift and is an indelible trib-
ute to a family member or loved one. Your
plaque will let other patrons know that you have
supported the renovation, expansion, and
grand opening of The Black Archives Research
Foundation Historic Lyric Theater Welcome
Center Complex. You will ensure the future of
this historic theater and play a part in enhanc-
ing our community's way of life. Your donation
is tax deductible as permitted by law.
For more information please call 305.636.2390 or
visit us on the web at www.theblackarchives.org.
You can "Take Your Seats!" by sending a check or
money order made payable to:
The Black Archives
5400 NW 22nd Avenue Bldg C, Ste 101
Miami, FL 33142
Memo section: Take Your Seat!
MIFa ebook .-,
I Facok uMe "
By Joseph B. White
When i,.il-nghts pioneer
Rosa Parks died in 2005, she
left behind a museum's worth
of papers and personal effects
poLentially worth millions of
Who should get the money
from the sale of her posses-
sions is now a central issue in
legal skirmishes in a Michigan
probate court over tLh estate
..f Parks. who became famous
for refusing to g\ie up her seat
iu a white man on a segre-
gaLted Montgome.r-, Ala bus
in 1955
in papers filed this week.
Stexen C Cohen. the la\\er
representing the two main
beneficiaries of Parks's estate.
accused Wane County Pr''-
bate Judge Freddie G. Burton
,Jr. and tv.o court-appointed
laIwers. John Chase Jr and
Mel'.in ..iefferson Jr., of a
conrspiraci to seize control of
Parks's estate and drain its
Cohen said in his filing that
Messrs Chase and Jeffer-
son charged the Parks estate
$595'5,iu0 in fees using "dou-
ble. triple and quadruple bill-
in, practices to falsely inflate
the administrative and attcr-
ney fees which bankrupted the
estate." He said the estate is
now "deeply in the red," before
any proceeds frc'm the sale of
Parks's possessions. Cohen is
als,- fighting a court order that
the estate pay Messrs. Chase
and Jefferson $120,000.
In a separate motion. Cohen
asked that Judge Burton
be. removed from the case.
That motion is scheduled to
be heard Tuesday by Judge
Burton himself, though the
hearing could be delayed. The
ludge didn't respond to a re-
quest for comment Thursday
Alan A. May, who represents
Messrs. Chase and Jefferson.
said Thursday that Cohen's
charges are scurrilous and
false, and that Cohen has no
e idence to support his charge
of conspiracy. "Neither my
clients nor myself ever had
a word privately with Judge
Burton." MaI said. He said
Cohen's tally of the fees paid
to Messrs. Chase and Jeffer-
son v.as a "baldfaced lie," and
that the two attorneys received
$150,000 under terms ap-
proved by the court.
"Did they take one penny
besides the fees they were
awarded?"' Mal said. "No."
Both sides in the dispute
agree that the greatest value in
Parks's estate, from a financial
and historical point of vew,
resides in the collection of her
personal papers and posses-
sions, now in the custody of
Guernsey's. a New York auc-
tion house.
Guernse3's website describes
the collection as a "substantial
body of material retained from
decades of interactions with
everyone from the youngest
school children on to American
presidents and other world
Cohen said the collection
could be torth $4 million to
$5 million. May said the value
could be more.
Upper Level VIP seats @ $1000 per seat
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Help our list Grow!!
M-DC Dems get set for
the state convention
By D. Kevin McNeir
In the May 9-15 edition of
The Miami Times, we reported
that elections had been held for
the men and women who will
represent Miami-Dade County
at the Democratic Party's state
convention. The convention
will take place in Tampa, June
1- 3. Many of those elected on
Saturday. May 5, hope to be
chosen to go on to the Demo-
cratic National Convention,
scheduled for early September
in Charlotte, N.C.
In Congressional District 17,
17 males and 27 females were
elected to serve as state con-
vention delegates; four males
and five males will serve as
district level delegates.
Here is the complete break-
down based on the top vote
1. Dr Dorothy
2. Daisy Black
3. Beverly Bush
4. Dr Larry Capp
5. Dr. Mae Christian
6. Elizabeth Collins
7. Barbara Colson-Johnson
8. Michael Dames
9. Joyce Davis
10. Kristopher Decossard
11. Jacques Despinosse
12. Valeri Dunn
13. Verlance Echoles
14. Eufaula Frazier
15. Michelle Frazier
16 Ronald Fulton
17. Margaret Hall
18. Roy Hardemon
19. Lottie Hines
20 Elizabeth Judd
21. Kendall Knight
22. Eddie Lewis
23. Verley Lumpkan
24 Dr Preston Marshall
25. Aaron McKinney
26. Jean Monestime
27 Christopher Norwood
28 Edith Owens
29. Rosebne Phihppe
30. Jacqulyn Pope James
31. Sotero Ramos 111
32 Delores Rivers
33. Felicia Robinson
34. Evan Ross
35. Brenda Sanders- Lewis
36 Michelle Spence Jones
37. Cynthia Stafford
38. Leo Stewart
39. Henry Sturrrup
40. Eric Thompson
-11. Jerrie Walker
42. Barbara Watson
43. Janie Williams
44. Lillie Mae Wilhams
New delay in opening
African Art Museum
By Patricia Cohen
For the fifth time in three
years, the Museum for African
Art has been forced to delay
opening its new home at 110th
Street and Fifth Avenue, in East -
Harlem, as it continues to work t 4
to raise the money to finish the f.
project.: i"
Elsie McCabe Thompson, the '
museum's president, said the .
institution needed to raise about
$10 million to finish construc- 4* ) i
tion on the site, which occupies
the bottom floors of a 19-story .
luxury condominium designed'' .
by Robert A. M. Stern.
Thompson declined to say just r% 27
when the museum, which had -..
been slated to open later this '
year, would be ready. It closed
the gallery in its temporary quar-
ters in Long Island City, Queens,
nearly seven years ago to focus
on the new development.
"With some soul-searching, we
decided not to open a portion of
the building," she said, or do a
cheaper design that would drain
"out the very life of the building."
Thompson, who has worked for
15 years to convert her dream
into bricks and mortar or, in
this case, concrete and alumi-
num added, "Africa deserves
the best that we could give it."
As of last year, the museum
said, it had raised a total of $86.3
million for the project, which in-
S-Jennifer S. Altman for The New YorkTimes
The Museum for African Art was planning to open in its new
location at 1280 Fifth Avenue in late 2009.
cludes an education center, a li-
brary, a cafe and a gift shop. A
June 2011 financial statement
showed that it had received
more than $20 million from the
city and state in the previous 12
months; the federal government
has chipped in with tax credits.
The more than 70,000-square-
foot space cost nearly $44 mil-
lion, according to the financial
"Elsie dreams big," said Mar-
garita Aguilar, executive director
of El Museo del Barrio, several
blocks south on Fifth Avenue.
Aguilar has developed and host-
ed educational programs with
the African art museum and
said the museum's opening
should increase traffic to neigh-
boring arts institutions, turning
the area into a "cultural hub."
Both the museum and the
116-unit condominium broke
ground in 2007, just months
before the financial crisis hit. At
the time, the museum projected
that its new home would open in
late 2009.
Last month the developers of
the condominium project, Brick-
man and Sidney Fetner Associ-
ates, began a new marketing
campaign and rechristened the
building, at 1280 Fifth Avenue,
"One Museum Mile." The idea
was to capitalize on the string
of museums flanking Central
Park's east side, beginning -
or, in the developers' eyes, end-
ing with the Metropolitan
Museum of Art, at 82nd Street.
Units have been on sale since
June 2010, and so far 9 have
sold, and another 16 are in
contract, said Jackie Buddie, a
El Museo del Barrio averages
more than 250,000 visitors a
year. The African Art museum
has predicted that it will attract
more visitors than that, but
museum officials have declined
to detail how they reached that
estimate or to answer ques-
tions about their fund-raising.
"It's a critical moment
in the fund-raising cam-
paign," said Kenita Lloyd, the
museum'sdeputy director and
chief operating officer. "We're
in the middle of sensitive dis-
cussions about naming rights."
Previously, Thompson had said
that naming rights could be
worth up to $50 million.
The museum's struggle to
raise cash is a familiar problem
at cultural institutions around
the country. In addition to con-
struction costs, Thompson has
estimated the museum's yearly
operating costs to be $8 mil-
lion, about twice what it cur-
rently spends when it is not op-
erating a building that is open
to the public.
Alan J. Friedman, a museum
consultant in New York said
the biggest problem facing mu-
seums was building up suffi-
cient operating funds.
"Donors and the government
are very finicky about what they
want to support," he said. "They
love to support a glamorous ex-
hibition and highly targeted
educational programs, which
means every museum is des-
perate to build an endowment
or generate revenue to cover the
unglamorous stuff," like wiring,
air-conditioning and general
operating expenses.
The museum's president is
not the only Thompson look-
ing for donations. Thompson's
husband, William C. Thompson
Jr., is running for mayor next
year. A former comptroller who
was the Democratic nominee in
2009, Mr. Thompson last week
resigned from the chairman-
ship of the Battery Park City
Authority to focus more inten-
sively on his campaign.
Without a permanent home,
museum staff members have
been focusing on education
and training programs and
have helped organize travel-
ing exhibitions. So if you want
to see shows that the muse-
um has developed this year,
you might try Houston, for a
glimpse of the South African
artist Jane Alexander's sculp-
tures, or Raleigh, N.C., for a
retrospective of the work of the
Ghanian artist El Anatsui. Still
farther away, the museum has
put together a show of art by
the painter Ibrahim E1-Salahi
that is on display in the United
Arab Emirates.
Savings off original prices on selected items. Brands vary by store and may not be available at all locations.
For information about a store near you, visit nordstrom.com. 'Free standard shipping is not valid in Nordstrom Rack
stores or on international orders. Free returns are not available for international orders. Nordstrom Rack Return
Policy applies to all online Nordstrom Rack orders. Double points do not apply to travel units or other rewards.
International orders excluded. I Connect with us: 1 0
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,i% 111L IT11nivil II Vi
[L5'Z-ACK5 U ,(T pITUh C IH T- Uo flv\ 1I9 ME2
By Theo Karantsalis
Brownsville has gotten a
much-needed hand with more
affordable housing for senior
citizens. The announcement
was made during the grand
opening last week of the re-
cently-renovated Mildred and
Claude Pepper Towers a $9
million rehab job.
"The Claude Pepper Tow-
ers are a unique example of a
successful rehabilitation uti-
lizing a combination of public
and private financing sources,"
said Steve Protulis, executive
director of the Elderly Housing
Development and Operations
Corp., a non-profit developer
that owns the building.
The 15-month project cre-
ated jobs for about 100 union
construction workers, each of
whom took great care to fa-
cilitate the process for elderly
tenants. In a single day, crews
packed up a tenant's belong-
ings, tore out and replaced a
kitchen and bathroom and re-
turned them to their unit in
time for dinner.
"This is a wonderful face-
. ,
lilt for the corin UniLiit, said
Miami-Dade County Cornuis-
sioner Audrey Edmonson. "I
am pleased to be here and to
see this development continue
Claude Pepper's legacy of fight-
ing for the needs of the elderly."
Edmonson's office is directly
across from the Towers [2350
NW 54th St.]. The Pepper Tow-
ers' residents are represented
by her as the District 3 county
The need for affordable hous-
., _f-.: --; ,
ing is evidenced by the waiting
list of 800 people hoping to get
in at the Pepper Towers. Each
unit has one bedroom and rents
for $150, subsidized by taxpay-
ers. Housing is only available
to pre-qualified low-income se-
Total funding for the 150-unit
renovation plus rent subsidies
was nearly $11 million, which
was raised through the sale of
low-income-housing tax cred-
its allocated by Florida Hous-
ing Finance Corp. In addition,
; r~.7 1-
F i.a I \
. s1 g
a Housing and Urban Develop-
ment-insured mortgage for $4
million was handled by Wells
Fargo. An additional cash infu-
sion of $2.3 came as a result of
federal stimulus dollars.
Renovations on the Peppers
Towers, built in 1978, include:
enerey-efficie nt lighting; high-
eflicier cy windows; new kitch-
en cabinets and counter tops;
and full-size Energy-Star rated
appliances. Amenities include:
a computer room, gym; and li-
Two FAMU band members admit hazing
By Stephen Hudak
and Kathleen Haughney
TALLAHASSEE Two Florida
A&M University band members,
including one charged in the fel-
ony hazing death of drum major
Robert Champion in Orlando,
admitted Thursday to hazing a
first-year female clarinet player
who was treated at a hospital af-
ter being beaten last year.
Aaron Golson, 19, and Sean
Hobson, 23, avoided jail sen-
tences for hazing Bria Shante
Hunter, 18, who wanted to join
the "Red Dawg Order," a group
of FAMU band members exclu-
sively from Georgia.
Both pleaded no contest to
misdemeanor hazing.
They were ordered by Circuit
Judge Charles Dodson in Talla-
hassee to serve a year's proba-
tion in Georgia, where they live,
and report to a jail-work camp
for 30 days. Prosecutors said
medical records did not support
felony hazing charges, which
require proof of "serious bodily
"The family is happy with this,
an admission and accountabil-
ity," said Atlanta-based lawyer
Brenda Joy (B.J.) Bernstein,
who represents Hunter and her
parents. "Not every defendant
has to go to jail to learn a les-
James R. Harris III, 23, an-
other member of FAMU's flashy,
high-stepping band, the March-
ing 100, may be allowed to en-
roll in a diversion program for
his role, a prosecutor said. His
case was rescheduled to June
The hazing of Hunter occurred
at Harris' off-campus apartment
about three weeks before the
Florida Classic football game in
Orlando, where Champion was
pummeled to death Nov. 19.
Campus and city police reports
said the hazing of Hunter and
other Red Dawg pledges began
in September.
Harris, who cooperated with
investigators, did not physically
abuse Hunter, said Jon Fuchs,
an assistant state attorney as-
signed to the case. Fuchs said
witnesses told authorities Har-
ris was in another room and
stopped the incident when he
saw it.
Charges against Harris will be
dismissed if he completes a su-
pervised program.
Golson, Hobson and Harris
originally were charged with fel-
ony hazing, which carries a pos-
sible five-year prison term and
requires prosecutors to prove
Hunter suffered serious injury.
The initial report from campus
police said Hunter's injuries in-
cluded a cracked femur. Medical
records later revealed that her
leg was not broken, a key fac-
tor in the state's decision to re-
duce the charges facing the trio,
who have been expelled from the
band and school.
Hobson, who has nine class-
es left to earn his degree, said
he was trying to get his records
from FAMU so he could transfer
to a school in Georgia. He said
he was accepting responsibility
for his actions in the incident.
"Not everybody does par-
ticipate in it, but it happens,"
Hobson said of hazing. "It hap-
pens everywhere. It happens in
football, it happens in sports. It
happens in a lot of things, just
different ways. Is it really going
to be gone? Who knows."
He wouldn't say if he was
Golson left the hearing Thurs-
day without comment. But he
denies that he contributed to
Champion's death on the bus in
Orlando, said his lawyer, Craig
J. Brown.
Golson and 10 other people
who were band members last fall
are charged with felony hazing
of Champion, whose death was
called "an American tragedy" by
Orange-Osceola County State
Attorney Lawson. Lamar. They
are scheduled to be arraigned
June 14 in Orange County.
Campus police learned of the
hazing incident involving Hunter
about a week after it occurred.
They were summoned to Talla-
hassee Memorial Hospital where
Hunter had been taken by am-
bulance for pain in her legs.
She said the discomfort im-
paired her ability to walk to
class or climb the stairs to her
dorm room.
The campus police report ac-
cused Golson and Hobson of
using closed fists to punch her
upper thighs repeatedly during
one episode and of smacking
her across the upper legs with a
metal rule in another.
aP prr'.t,:, C.3rlo' O:..jri.ti
Supporters of Mitt Roimney cheer at his election night party
in Novi, Mich., in February.
Why Romney should
pursue Black voters
By Sophia Nelson
if hi.stror; is anv indication of the future. the GOPs presumptive
nominee, Matt Romnrey, willi locuLs his e er.', on trying to solidLh his
consernatie base, ra-ll Reagan Democrats anrd lure the Latino vote.
But will Romne\ be astute enough to capitalize on the mount-
ing discontent in the Demn.crats' most loaJl base Black voters?
Althouieh .9 percent of Black voters 5ol.ed in the first .Aricar,-Amer-
ican president. Romney should not simnpl,y r.nte them off
In April. the Black unerriploniment rate w.as 1.3 percent compared
with S. I percent for the nation The weak economy has had a major
impact ron Blacks in terms of a aidenine healthth eap and .fallout
from the home mortgage crisis
Ronmnev has touted himsell as a businessmar-n \ho kjn-os how to
restore fiscal order But the discontent in the Black community is
not only economic. \When President Obamrra annLonced his support
for same-sex marriage, maria Blacks felt he turned his back on the
Black church Mlany Blac:k lathf il ill l tell i.,o the Bible expressly
promotes marriage betaeern a man and a .'.cniman. in April, a Pew
poll sho:cd that nearly halfof all Blacks opposed ga3 marriage.
This could be a game chanrer for Romney if he is bold enough to
seek out Black middle-class others who are churchgoers and often
pmately dign with man-y cGOP positions
Sure. most polls indicate th-it Black voters still o er-vhelmingly
support the president But the issue for Republicans has never
been v.innine the Black iote The issue Lhass al\.'ays been heatherr
the GOP carn peel off enough Black voters to put them ocer the top
in about a dozen toss-up states, such as North Caroijna.-, v.here
Obarna barely k\o i in 200i;)
Here's another opening for Romney He touts himselfas a pro-
business president. and no community is more entrepreneurial now
than Black Americans In fact. Black women represent th- fasste
growing class of small-business erntrepre.neurs in America VWe are
starting businesses in large~ nwribers, so wve caire about lo..er snmll-
business ta.es. less regulation and access to capital. issues that
Republicans charripion.
I wonder e. whether Romne, ill ignore us and focus on Latinos and
independents. i hope not because to do so is bad for our democ-
racv. I also hope Romne will attend the Narional Urban League and
NA.ACP con\-rntions this summer. It's time for Ro:mney to start talk-
ing straight inth Black voters about how his policies .ill positively
impact Black 4mericans economicaJly. socially -and culturally.
h trvirF.
Rehabjob tops $9
million in upgrades
Claude Pepper Towers
get needed facelift
~ 1-^--"1-~---~1---~---~----~
B M ST CONTROL THEIR OwN DESTINY
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Black youth to pack South Beach
continued from 1A
participate in numerous street
festivities and private club par-
ties. And while every year has
not resulted in excessive vio-
lence, last year added another
black mark to the controversial
event when a driver going the
wrong way was shot and killed
and three officers were injured
on Collins Avenue. Beach resi-
dents began to mount protests
calling for an end to Urban
Beach Weekend. However, many
businesses who make a ton of
money on tourists and locals
alike have said they need the
weekend to go on.
Hip-hop parties and concerts
attract huge numbers of urban,
Black youth to the Beach along
with a lot of drinking but the
real problem is traffic and crowd
control. This year, with the Mi-
ami Heat's Dwyane Wade lend-
ing a hand as the official spokes-
person and poster boy, along
with teammate and Miami na-
tive Udonis Haslem, the Miami
Beach Major Events Plan [MEP]
has a new initiative in place. It
calls for changes that include:
more lighting; license plate scan-
ners that will identify vehicles
whose owners have outstand-
ing warrants or other significant
violations; changes in traffic pat-
terns; DUI checkpoints; and the
rerouting of cars back across the
causeways once parking garages
are filled.
"The City's focus is on manag-
ing the volume of visitors that
comes to our City over such a
short period of time and mitigat-
ing the impact of that volume,"
said Hilda Fernandez, assistant
city manager. "Our campaign
this year is called 'Respect the
Scene' and was launched dur-
ing [this year's] spring break. It
asks our visitors to respect the
City that makes it possible for
them to have a good time. The
four basic points: don't litter;
don't drink in public [keep alco-
holic drinks inside, it's the law);
keep noise to a minimum; and
no glass bottles on the beach."
According to the plan, Ocean
Drive will once again be closed to
vehicles and accessible only by
SEnhanced police presence will
be utilized during high impact
periods with Miami Beach of-
ficers joined by other agencies.
Again, their focus will be crowd
control, traffic management and
the enforcement of open-con-
tainer laws.
"All our staff is on alpha/bravo
and our personnel is assigned
different hours on bicycles, all-
terrain, marked and unmarked
vehicles to optimize efficiency
and productivity," Martinez said.
"The plan aims at balancing resi-
dents' needs and safety issues."
Charles Byrd, 58, now lives in
Orlando. But during the tenure
of former Miami Beach Mayor
David Dermer [his third and final
term began in September 2005],
Byrd was a member of the Miami
Beach Black Host Committee; he
also once worked for the City of
Miami and the Beacon Council
as an economic developer.
"Urban Beach Weekend is not
just an event that attracts one
race it's much more than a
Black event," he said. "You have
urban youth and urban pro-
fessionals who enjoy the many
activities and drinking alcohol
is just part of the demograph-
ics. It comes with the partying
and the music. Along the way
because of different episodes of
violence, Urban Beach Weekend
has developed a bad reputation
and that is really a shame. The
people are going to come though
and so local politicians and the
police need to maintain open
communication so that' crime
and violence are kept at a mini-
mum. I am hoping that we won't
see a repeat of last year."
Monestime says developers must negotiate
continued from 1A
county's largest track of unde-
veloped land in an urban, pre-
dominantly Black area. But even a
community which leads all ethnic
groups in record unemployment
says they are unwilling to sell either
their economic "soul" or residential
peace to developers simply for prom-
ises of greater prosperity.
The developer, Rosal Westview,
LLC., is a limited liability corpora-
tion, registered with the Florida
Department of State. The compa-
ny's principal offices are located at
1666 Kennedy Causeway in North
Bay Village, Florida, in Miami-Dade
Local residents say they welcome
the company's intent on building
office space on the 198-acre prop-
erty, but are adamant that they
do not want to see their property
values diminished by having huge
warehouses built across from their
front doors. County District 2 Com-
missioner Jean Monestime, whose
district includes the Westview area,
said the show of the residents' soli-
darity was not lost on him or his fel-
low commissioners.
"I have never seen so many of our
residents'come to speak on a single
development item," he said. "The
County Commission heard them
loud and clear."
After four hours of public testimo-
ny, the community's show of force
seemed to have scored the first
round in favor of the residents. At
Monestime's urging, the board vot-
ed 11-to-1 to deny the developer's
plan to build an industrial park and
office complex. The commissioners
also decided to send the plans to
state regulators along with a recom-
mendation that the plans should be
denied. The item comes up for a fi-
nal review sometime in October.
-Monestime directed the represen-
tatives from Rosal Westview, LLC.,
to meet with the residents and
homeowners associations to amend
the plan, addressing the homeown-
ers concerns, or risk being denied
again when the commission take up
the item again.
"We want jobs and we need jobs
in this community but our resi-
dents don't want warehouses in
their backyards," he added. "The
developer has to work with the
community. They have to negotiate
and compromise. The developer is
bound to be neighbor with the resi-
dents, but in order to be good neigh-
bors they have to be good partners
first. The residents say they want
development but not at any cost."
- firstname.lastname@example.com
BTW students have new attitude
continued from 1A
pleased with how we have con-
tinued to improve," he said. "But
this not a solo effort we have a
great team. The key is leadership
at all levels and our pushing a
college culture on our students.
It's all about holding teachers
and students accountable."
Aristide says that his counsel-
ing staff has been instrumen-
tal in helping students make
sure they have the credit hours
needed to graduate on time. And
while some have had to make
up classes, he notes that with
improved grade point averages,
more of his students see college
as a real option in their lives.
"Life after high school has be-
come more positive for our kids,"'
he said. "We have mentors that
meet with them many of whom
are teachers. And our parents
have bought into this new way
of thinking. You have to hold
kids accountable, certainly.
But parents have a job to do as
well. My first goal has been to
raise expectation levels across
the board. We may be an urban
school but that's no excuse for
subpar performance."
Last year BTW earned a "C"
for the school's FCAT grade and
was only four points away from
a "B." But they were penalized a
full grade, resulting in a "D."
"The lowest 25 percent of our
students did not move a full
grade in reading," he said. "Most
of those students were special
education and ELL kids. But we
didn't let that get us down. Many
of our students are in advanced
placement courses, they're in
dual enrollment classes and we
have college readiness courses
that are required for everyone.
We have also been able to get
more students to take the SAT
and ACT exams and they've done
BTW has a student body of
950. Blacks make up 54 per-
cent; Hispanics total 44 percent.
He says his diverse population
brings unique challenges.
"Many of our children are re-
cent immigrants and Spanish
is their first language," he said.
"It amazes me that the State ex-
pects them to perform like a na-
tive English speaking student
on the FCAT in two years. Some
kids who have been here their
entire lives struggle with the
test. It's just not realistic. But we
do the best we can."
When Aristide talks about one
of his graduating seniors, Da-
vid Green, he becomes notice-
ably excited. Green is one of 69
students in Florida and among
1,000 in the U.S. to receive a
Gates Millennium Scholarship.
It will pay his tuition in full and
is good through graduation at a
college of his choice.
"David is the essence of what
Booker T. Washington is all
about," Aiistide said. "He comes
Education reform possible to
REFORM produced a law that also won the
continued from 1A backing of public school adminis-
nation. And, as in many other parts
of the country, Black and Hispanic
youngsters are more likely to come
from poor urban households, while
white schoolchildren are more like-
ly to be part of affluent, suburban
Recognizing the dire conse-
quences of failing to fix this prob-
lem, the governor and legislators
overcame partisan bickering and
trators and teachers' unions.
The law authorizes nearly $100
million in new funding for the
state's troubled schools, 1,000
more pre-school slots for students,
grants to help low-performing
schools recruit teachers and a new
evaluation process for administra-
tors, and also for teachers, whose
tenure protection will be reduced.
The wake-up call for Connecti-
cut's lawmakers came late last year
from an impoverished back-
ground and like most of our
kids he's seen negative behav-
ior, drug abuse and violence
on a regular basis. But he has
never lost his focus. He's been
able to do the right thing. He's a
humble young man that will go
far and takes care of business
every day."
Green says having mentors
has made the difference.
"I have mentors at the Miami
Science Museum at the Upward
Bound program and four teach-
ers that helped me get the schol-
arship: Anthony Jennings, Rob-
ert Morris, Edward Robinson
and Jack Hart. Amy Robinson
helped me at the Museum. But
Jack Hart has been my major
influence. He's been there for
me personally, emotionally and
is my inspiration. He's a father
figure in my life. They have all
encouraged me to have fun in
school. I work like crazy and
had to learn how.to sometimes
take my head out of the books
and enjoy the world."
Green will attend the Univer-
sity of Florida and will major in
engineering and business.
Jennings notes that David
remains committed to helping
other students improve.
"He's been in my afterschool
program for four years and has
become a real leader," he said.
"That's what sets him apart."
Other local Gates scholarship
winners include: Akinsomisoye
Olajumoke, Northwestern; Rox-
anne Eugene, Turner Tech; and
Courtney Johnson, Carol City.
bridge the gap
when the state failed for the third
time to win a "Race to the Top"
grant from the federal government.
"Our state's positioning has
weakened to the point that we are
not competitive in national grant
competitions like the recent Race
to the Top Early Learning Chal-
lenge," Malloy said in a letter to
lawmakers. "Worse ... Connecti-
cut's poor and minority students
are less prepared for success than
their peers in the vast majority of
other states."
City teens I
continued from 1A
bring power; we don't need people
from the outside to tell us who we
are, and this [mural] will speak for
In January, (YAC) partnered with
Kyle Holbrook who works with the
MLK Mural Project. The goal was to
develop a vision and then to make
a statement, capturing their voices
without having to speak.
"I have to give thanks to everyone
who assisted me with this project,"
Holbrook said. "I could not have
done this by myself. Everyone did a
great job."
Nine YAC members presented to
the public their individual paint-
ings and the reasoning behind the
art work. Youth artists included:
Javaris Benson; Lashaevia Burns;
Stephanie Collie; Steffon Dixon;
Christian Harris; Kendricka King;
Zaquan Roundtree; Michael Spears;
and Terry Thomas.
"What I depicted in my piece is
within [two] folds, one is women be-
ing degraded and the other is show-
ing the strength of women carrying
the world,". Spears said. "I think
to change the community it starts
within the home with the parent.
You can form children into what-
ever you want, but don't neglect
them because it can cost them their
Whisby, who lost his life due to
gun violence, was represented by
his mother.
r, ."
"This is very uplifting," said Kier-
ra Whisby. "Muquelle may be gone
but he is not forgotten. The bully-
ing within the community needs to
stop, and it starts with us."
The mural also addressed stereo-
types often associated with children
from Liberty City.
"We can do whatever we set our
minds to and we believe we can
change how others perceive us,"
said Burns, a Jackson Senior High
student. "I want to show that you
can attend [college] and be success-
ful." Dixon, a DASH student, says
he intends on making his dreams
come true.
"This is a-place of opportunity
but you have to take advantage of
it," he said. "I want to be an ex-
ample of someone who succeeds.
I refuse to use my environment as
an excuse." -firstname.lastname@example.com
The David Lawrence Jr. Champion for
Children Award is bestowed annually for
lifetime achievement and leadership through
trailblazing work with lasting impact or by
accomplishing systemic change that has
improved the lives of children and families in The Children'sTrust
Miami-Dade County.
Because all children are our children.
\ *1
Nominations accepted through Monday, June 11.
Visit thechildrenstrust.org for nomination requirements.
Current board members and staff of The Children's Trust are not eligible.
The Children's Trust is a dedicated source of revenue established by voter referendum to improve
the lives of children and families in Miami-Dade County by making strategic investments in their futures.
/ ~
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In the past lew. decades. C-hnstians ha;e been claim-inig
or. in somr cases, recla-im!in. '.arioius art forms as being
appropriate for inside the church sanictuar-, From darnc-
ing, to rapping, to In!miiing, these alternative ministries are
becoming more popuila.r
,-" ;.
N C',i Christian comedy mna', be among ihe next -i.a e of
Pre oisl'. th tternt':or, of darkened. simoke-illed clubs.
more stand-up comedians are discoverinn that r-Lotirnes
filled with stones about church life rcan receive j.ust as
much la.u.ghter as profau-ity-laced jokes that deal w-ith rac',
"MN moittL is that laLighter is, our faith in acti'aton."
explained Ft. La.iderddale-based comedian Feliacii "FeFe"
Moore "If I laueh that lets the d--cil know. and it lets me
knorio.. that i'm not .oiing to let an' situation overcome me
For the past eight ;,ears. MNl:re has been performing
her comedic routine ii churches and other venues Her
jokes frequent l re\olhe around her e\perrien:es
o., ilng Uip in church as ell as her opinions
L about '.anous topics. Like other Chnstian
: rl Please turr to COMEDY 14B
' r-, -
* -' - -
" '- '.'- ." .- - ,. ; ,;*' :; "- './ /-,-. .
,. ; -.., .-.-e ) ^*^ ' '" ^ ... t
." "-,
-" '-- ..,.,. -.
. _... ., .. ,
..... ,
How far would you
walk to save a child?
Gershon Blyden, [left], the COO of LegacyChamp, helped launch the Go Walk America campaign to raise awareness about
the plight of impoverished school children.
By Kaila Heard
Millions of people are con-
cerned about the fate of or-
phans in devastated countries.
People have responded by do-
nating their money, time or
resources to various charities
that offer to support the chil-
dren in several different ways.
Thirty-one year old Barrett
Keene decided to take a walk.
Specifically, he decided to walk
From Miami to San Francisco.
All totaled, his cross-country
trek is comprised of 3,475
miles. Keene decided to take
his journey to raise money for
the Global Orphan Project, Inc.
an international orphan minis-
try based in Missouri that "mo-
bilizes" local churches in poor
communities to care for the
neediest children in their com-
"I love speaking to groups
and connecting with people
[and] walking is crazy enough
that individuals and organiza-
tions often pause to say, "Why
are you doing this?" explained
Keene. "During that moment,
I share the realities millions of
children are facing, what the
Global Orphan Project is doing
to serve them, and how we can
get involved.
So, far the altruistic pedes-
trian has logged in over 1,2000
miles and is currently traveling
through Indiana.
The Cornell University PhD
student thought of the plan
for his final, research project.
In the evenings, he spends the
night at the homes of families
Please turn to WALK 14B
Walking 15 miles a day in Barrett Keene's shoes
In a May 14th email, the altruistic pedes-
trian, Barrett Keene, responded to Miami
Times questions about how it feels to spend
your days walking full time.
What is a typical day like for you?
Well, I stay with friends, or friends of
friends, or friends of friends or friends. I
pretty much wake up and leave when they
do. They might cook breakfast (typically
eggs and some meat) or I might pick up a
sausage or chicken biscuit, or I might eat
some dried fruits and nuts. I then try to
eat a mid-morning snack (power bar or
something), lunch (turkey sandwich with
some spinach or I will stop and buy some-
thing). I drink a 32 oz Gatorade every two
hours or so. I then eat a mid-afternoon
snack (if available) and eat a pretty good-,
sized dinner, ideally with some meat and
carbs. I usually eat whatever the family
cooks or I will stop and buy a large dinner
at a restaurant.
And how have you decided which
route you'll take through different ar-
I chose the overall route to hit as many
population centers as possible. Our goal is
to raise as much awareness and support
as possible, so we go where the people are.
On a daily basis, I just use google maps on
my phone.
How are you feeling physically, emo-
tionally right now on your trip?
Well, I spent the past 35 days alone,
which was not too safe considering I
had to hitchhike at the end of most
days. Thankfully, I have my relation-
ship with God, and wonderful friends and
family, who consistently reach out to me!
Plus, several friends are rotating through-
out the next couple months serving with
me and driving the support vehicle [a car
that was donated to his campaign that
drives near Keene while he walks].
Please turn to KEENE 14B
Apostolic Revival
Temple provides a
message of hope
By Kaila Heard
Last week, Pastor Amos Allen of Apostolic
Revival Temple celebrated his chur, h's
16th anniversary.
"Everybody said I was crazy to gc to Over-
town," said the 58-year-old minister But.
"it's home now and I'm not going
Today, the church has about
60 to 70 members and offers
several outreach ministries
such as a regular feeding min-
istry and food giveaways during
the Thanksgiving and Christ-
mas holidays.
But, according to Allen, 3
the church provides the local 0 1 0
community with more than
just material benefits.
"A lot of people in Overtown .
are hurting and we're there to
help," he explained. "We never
reject anybody coming in from lfl J
Please turn to ALLEN 14B
Muslim youth sheds light
on misunderstood sect
By Janiah Thomas
Miami Times contributor
As a 16-year old girl who has
been a part of the Nation of Is-
lam (NOI) for about eight years,
I've seen what a true family re-
ally looks like. My immediate
family and I don't live close to
the rest of my biological family;
they live all the way up north.
So, coming to the mosque is
comparable to visiting a huge
house filled with all of your
loved ones. Those are the peo-
ple you rely on. They're the ones
that you may get angry at for a
couple minutes, then look right
Please turn to MUSLIM 14B
.; ~-n
-Is .I
~_ -.
-`- -
Pastors' wives found ministry for first ladies
By Kathy Litton
Ministry wives need some-
one who understands them,
somebody who "gets it." Min-
istry life is not a burdened life
with which we are dismally
saddled. Yet we operate in a
unique culture one you
almost have to live in to really
Last summer under the
leadership of Kevin Ezell,
the North American Mission
Board's president, NAMB
launched a ministry to pas-
tors' wives. Flourish is an
online equipping community
created for ministry wives. It
has been developed and led
by a team of ministry wives
who live and understand the
unique role of this calling.
We get it.
We understand when asked
in the most basic social
exchange, "What does your
husband do?" our response
may just kill that conversa-
tion. The killer "day of rest"
Sunday with multiple ser-
vices or chairs we must set
up then stack ourselves,
we get it. We are personally
inextricably woven into our
husband's job like few others.
We understand that a mysti-
cal template for "the perfect
pastor's wife" is floating out
there, and we are pretty sure
we are not her.
Flourish is a word carefully
A new ministry
hopes to provide fel-
lowship for women
who are in the unique
position of first
ladyhood which often
leaves pastors' wivew
feeling isolated.
chosen to represent what we
hope is a passion in wives'
hearts. A passion to desire
to "grow well, to thrive." Ad-
ditionally it means for us to
"reach the height of develop-
ment or influence." The Flour-
ish team wants ministry wives
to flourish spiritually, emo-
tionally and physically.
We all can flourish wherever
we are on the journey. The
roads that we took to become
ministry wives are as diverse
as our hair colors. God chose
flawed and thoroughly hu-
man women with no super-
powers. God will use our
unique stories for the sake of
the Gospel, whether we are
new believers, from a strong
faith heritage, or marked by
a broken, painful past, or if
the church culture is strange
and unfamiliar. Despite what
you may think, few of us have
four-year degrees from Pas-
tor's Wife University.
This industry we are called
to beside our husbands is a
sacred, eternal industry. We
are partners in advancing the
Gospel. We have tremendous
influence on our husband's
effectiveness in his role,
whether we love that thought
or not. Our need to flourish
is not for him nor is it for us.
We need to flourish for the
sake of the Gospel. Here is an
important fact we cannot lose
sight of: Like Paul our lives
are "separated to the Gospel
of God" (Romans 1:1). It's
about advancing the Gospel.
Ministry wives need a place
to connect with other ministry
wives for support, encourage-
ment and resources. They can
now engage with women who
walk the same path at www.
.q --.*A- /
Will Black women support
their president or pastor?
By Dr. Boyce Watkins
Let's be clear: Millions of
Black women are deeply in
love with President Obama.
They love the fact that Obama
represents the powerful Black
man who remains dedicated
to a Black woman and raises
beautiful Black children. They
fantasize about him in a way
that reminds us that love
is completely blind: Policy
doesn't usually matter nearly
as much as Obama's "presi-
dential swag" and the beautiful
family photos on the cover of
Essence Magazine. This love
affair never would have started
had the first lady's name been
Misty Obama.
Black women also love their
pastors. A man who doesn't go
to church can be tossed to the
side as a potential marital part-
ner if he doesn't go to church,
in part because faith and Black
women go together like Flavor
Flav and his clock.
Before Barack Obama,
the pastor didn't have much
competition. He had absolute
power in the congregation, but
never enough influence to get
a front row seat on Air Force
One. The emergence of Barack
Obama out of nowhere gar-
nered enough Black female at-
tention that Michelle needs to
watch her back at every turn.
For many Black women,
the announcement by Presi-
dent Obama in support of gay
marriage was a tough mo-
ment of clarity. It's not as if
Black women didn't know that
Obama supported gay marriage
already, but there's a huge
difference between believing
something and announcing
it. Church women are good at
overlooking huge flaws in the
men they admire, sometimes to
their own detriment. But when
the man of her dreams draws a
clear line in the sand, a woman
can be forced to make a deci-
sion she would rather not have
to make.
Another telling challenge
for Black women might be the
pronouncement of President
Obama as "The First Gay Presi-
dent." Having their man stolen
by a homosexual is probably
the greatest nightmare of
nearly every Black woman in
America, and I can't begin to
describe how many church-go-
ing Black women were infuri-
ated by a gay blogger projecting
homosexuality onto the presi-
Black women have been
President Obama's most loyal
constituency. Asking these
women to abandon the teach-
ings of the pastor and Bible
that they've loved for so many
decades could possibly be too
much to ask. At the same
time, the ability to get these
women to overlook the Bible
to protect their love for Obama
would be a true testament to
the strong emotional connec-
tion millions of Black people
have with the president. How
the story ends will depend
on the individual woman and
how much time she's spent
fantasizing about the man in
the Oval Office. Either way, it's
going to be interesting.
Did support for gay marriage
cause Black church to close?
By Lauren Markoe
The small stack of envelopes
that arrives at Grace Commu-
nity United Church of Christ in
St. Paul, Minn., each day are
filled with good will and small
bills ones, fives and tens
The donations lift the spirit,
said Rev. Oliver White, but
they likely won't be enough to
save the church.
"Technically, we should be
packing," White said.
On June 1, the church will
likely default on a high-inter-
est loan and lose its building,
unless it can come up with
$175,000 to buy the loan out.
As of Wednesday (May 16),
Grace Community was about
$170,000 short, but its plight
has gained considerable at-
tention within and without
the UCC, thanks to one of
several reasons the predomi-
nantly Black church may lose
its home.
In 2005, White, took a stand
at the UCC's General Synod in
opposition to many of his con-
gregants and backed support
for same-sex marriage. His
side won the day at the confer-
ence, with about 80 percent of
the vote, but White came home
to a congregation divided over
his belief that gay couples de-
serve the UCC's blessing. Im-
mediately, he began to watch
its numbers dwindle.
The congregation, founded in
1990 in a relatively poor Black
neighborhood, grew smaller
and poorer, and two years
later took out a high-interest
$150,000 loan, which now has
an even higher interest rate of
23 percent.
In hindsight, White said,
signing the loan was a terrible
mistake, and buying it out is
the key to the church's sur-
vival. White is asking 200,000
people to donate $1 each,
working his church networks
and with rally.com, an on-
line fundraising tool that has
gleaned more than $700 for
Grace Community.
If the goal isn't met, accord-
ing to the church's statement
on rally.org the pastor's "deci-
sion to take a stand in favor of
gay marriage rights will have
cost him and his small congre-
'gation their spiritual home."
Race also plays a role in the
church's plight.
To many other churches
within the generally progres-
sive UCC, the question of
same-sex marriage was easily
settled in the affirmative.
But Black churches have
generally been more resistant,
making White's stance particu-
larly brave in the eyes of many
gay rights proponents such
as those at the Cathedral of
Hope in Dallas who realized
the stakes for Grace Church
were particularly high.
Religious college rebels against
Pres. Obama's health mandate
By Dan Gilgoff
A Catholic college in Ohio
has apparently become the
nation's first to drop its
health care plan because it
opposes parts of the federal
health care law signed by
President Barack Obama
The Franciscan Universint
of Steubenville posted on its
website last week that it is
discontinuing its health care
"The Obama Administration
has mandated that all health
insurance plans must cover
"women's health services' in-
cluding contraception, steril-
ization, and abortion-causing
medications as part of the
Patient Protection and Afford-
able Care Act," the university
"We will not participate in a
plan that requires us to \io-
late the consistent teachings
of the Cathdlit C'i.r ch 6n'tHie
sacredness of human life," the
statement says.
The coverage includes emer-
gency contraceptives such as
Plan B. which can prevent
implantation of a fertilized
egg. but not drugs like RU-
486, which can end an early
The school is also drop-
ping its health insurance
plan for students because the
new health care law requires
employers to provide more ro-
bust coverage, making it more
expensive, said Tom Sofio. a
spokesman for the Franciscan
University of Steubenville.
"It was our own moral rea-
sons and then the rising cost
of health care because of the
act." Sofio said, explaining the
university's decision.
Sofio said. school officials
are not aware of another
college that has dropped its
health insurance plan out of
disagreements with the fed-
eral health care lav,
A spokeswoman for the
Becket Fund for Religious
Liberty. which is representing
three religious schools that
are challenging the health
care law, said that she was
also unaware of another
college that had taken such
A spokeswoman with the
Health and Hu.man Services
Department. charged with
implementing the new health
care law. said Wednesday
that the department had no
comment on the school's deci-
sion and that it does not keep
track of changes to college
health Insurance plans.
The Obama admirtitration
faced a firestorm of controver-
sy from many religious groups
this \ear over a proposed rule
that would require employers
to provide no-cost contracep-
tion coverage to their emplo,-
in what it called a compro-
mise. the White House revised
the rule to require health
insurance companies not
empl-oyers to provide con-
traception coverage, mollifying
some Catholic critics Other
Catholic groups including the
U S. Conference of Catholic
Bishops, are not satisfied by
Please turn to OBAMA 14B
What if all the years of faithfully reading your Bible study lessons literally earned you money?
New game show tests biblical
knowledge, seeks contestants
American Bible
Challenge now
seeking players
The first ever game show cre-
ated to test your knowledge of
The Bible will make it's televi-
sion debut this August. GSN
- the Game Show Network -
and the creators of "Extreme
Makeover: Home Edition" are
producing "The American
Bible Challenge" which will
be hosted by comedian Jeff
It's rare these days to find a
show on mainstream network
or cable television suitable
to share with the entire fam-
ily. In fact it's pretty much
non-existent. For lack of a
better phrase, it's a huge leap
of faith for GSN to develop
and produce not only a fam-
ily show,but one in which The
Bible takes center stage.
And right now the show is
looking for contestants who
have a passion for the Bible
and giving back to their com-
munity. The American Bible
Challenge is criss-crossing
America scouting potential
players who want to win
money for their favorite char-
ity. Individual players or teams
of up to three people who
have competitive spirits, great
personal testimonies, and of
course know their bible are
encouraged to try out.
For a list of casting cities,
additional information, and
to sign-up as a prospective
contestant, please go to www.
"The American Bible Chal-
lenge" will debut on Game
Show Network in August 2012.
* Christian Fellow-
ship Missionary Bap-
tist Church will be
hosting appreciation
services, May 23 -27.
For more information,
call 305-693-1301.
* The New Provi-
dence Missionary
Baptist Church family
invites everyone to to
come celebrate their an-
nual Fellowship Day with
them on May 27th at 11
a.m. Call 305-758-0922
for information.
* New Mount Mo-
riah Missionary Bap-
tist Church is hosting
a summer baton twirl-
ing camp and tuition is
free for the first 25 reg-
istrants. For more infor-
mation, call 786-357-
Trinity Christian
Methodist Episcopal
Church of Miami invites
the community to their
We Are One 2012 (Pen-
tecost Sunday) Celebra-
tion on Sunday, May
27th at 10 a.m. For more
information, please call
One in Christ Fam-
ily Church invites ev-
eryone to their May
26th 11 a.m. service.
For information, call
"Let Jesus Fix It
for You" Healing Min-
istry will celebrate its
third anniversary on May
27th at 4 p.m. at the
New Jerusalem Primi-
tive Baptist Church's
banquet hall. For infor-
mation, call 305-693-
* Second Chance
Evangelistic and De-
liverance Ministries,
Inc. is hosting a revival
May 31st and June 1st,
7:30 p.m. nightly. For
information, call 786-
* Greater Holy Cross
Baptist Church is host-
ing a Gospel Extrava-
ganza on June 10th. For
information, call 305-
332-2402 or 954-441-
* Zion Hope Mission-
ary Baptist Church
will celebrate their pas-
tor's seventh anniver-
sary, May 18th 25th,
7:30 p.m. nightly. For
more information, call
* The Women in the
Ministry Network wel-
comes everyone to their
annual Conference Cel-
ebration on May 26th, 9
a.m. 4 p.m. at Pompey
Park. Call 954-292-4891
for more information.
New Covenant
Presbyterian Church
is hosting the Zeta AM-
ICAE of Miami's Tom
Thumb Wedding Cel-
ebration Scholarship
Fundraiser on May 27th,
5 p.m. 10 p.m. For
tickets or information,
call 786-315-8841.
Bright Morning
Star Freewill Baptist
Church invites every-
one to their Sunday wor-
ship services at 11 a.m.
oUII~ \U(
and to their Bible study
class every Tuesday at
7:30 p.m. For more in-
formation, please call
* Grace and Truth
Outreach Ministries
invites the community
to their first Liberty Fest
on August 18th. For
more information, call
305-297-7041 or 786-
Speaking Hands
Ministry is now accept-
ing applications for their
"Camp Hands: Sign Lan-
guage Camp" for 8 to
15 year olds. For more
information, call 954-
Immanuel Temple
welcomes everyone to
their worship services
held every Sunday at 10
a.m. at the Miami Carol
City Senior High School
auditorium. For more
information, call 954-
674-2492 or visit www.
The Mattie Not-
tage School of Minis-
try now offers free ses-
sions every Saturday
at 10 a.m., at Broward
College's Central Cam-
pus Building 15, Room
102. For more Informa-
tion, call 954 237-8196
or visit www.mattienot-
Great Crowd Min-
istries presents South
Florida Gospel Festival
at Amelia Earhart Park
on Saturday, June 30th
from 11 a.m.- 6 p.m.
For information contact
Constance Koon-John-
son at 786-290-3258.
Greater Harvest
Baptist Church family
invites the community
at large to come wor-
ship with them. Sunday
School begins at 9 a.m.
and worship service is
held from 10 a.m. to
Black pastors and
ministers with earned
doctoral degrees, please
contact 786-231-9820
for a conference this
Greater Harvest
International Minis-
tries is please to an-
nounce that it's GHIM-
Hall is now available to
the public and can be
used for any organiza-
tions such as Boys/Girls
Scout, Women/Men's
Group or events like
birthdays or weddings.
786-238-3838, 954-
New Life Fam-
ily Worship Center
hosts Bible study every
Wednesday at 7 p.m.
New Mount Mori-
ah Missionary Baptist
Church will host the
Habitat for Humanity
of Greater Miami's Ho-
meownership Applica-
tion Meeting on the sec-
ond Saturday of every
month at 9:30 a.m. No
RSVP necessary. 305-
Mt. Claire Holiness
Church welcomes ev-
eryone to their Sunday
Worship Services at 12
p.m. and to Praise and
Worship Services on
Thursday at 8 p.m.
Christ's King-
dom Life Center In-
ternational welcomes
the community to their
Sunday worship service
at 10:30 a.m. and their
Bible study and Prayer
sessions on Tuesdays at
7 p.m.954-963-1355.
* New Beginning
Church of Deliverance
invites everyone to their
free weight loss classes
Saturday at 10 a.m.,
but enrollment is neces-
sary. 786-499-2896.
Memorial Temple
Baptist Church holds
worship services nightly
at 7:30 p.m. 786-873-
Redemption Mis-
sionary Baptist
Church welcomes ev-
eryone to their 'Intro-
duction to the Comput-
er' classes on Tuesdays,
11 a.m. 12:30 p.m.
and Thursdays, 4 p.m.
- 5:30 p.m. 305-770-
7064, 786-312-4260.
New Canaan
Missionary Baptist
Church welcomes the
community to Sun-
day Bible School at 9:30
a.m. followed by Wor-
ship Services at 11 a.m.
954 981-1832.
Christ's Kingdom
Life Center Interna-
tional invites the com-
munity to their Sunday
Praise and Worship Ser-
vice at 10:30 a.m.
Glendale Baptist
Church of Browns-
ville invites everyone
to morning worship ev-
ery Sunday at 11 a.m.
and Bible Study every
Wednesday at 7 p.m.
Set Free Ministries
through Jesus Christ
of the Apostolic Faith
Are certain jokes taboo for Christian comedians?
continued from 12B
comedians, Moore chooses not
to use profanity or discuss
racy topics such as sex, but
says she does not need these
popular secular comedic tools.
"The things that I don't talk
about are the things that I
don't think are funny any-
way and that's because of
the [Christian] lifestyle that I
have chosen to live," Moore ex-
Her funny, yet clean brand
of comedy caught the attention
of Rev. Benjamin H. Parrott of
Christian Fellowship Mission-
ary Baptist Church who to in-
vited Moore to perform during
a recent Comedy Night held at
the church.
According to Janae Turner,
the publicist of the Christian
Fellowship MBC's Pastor Ap-
preciation Committee, the
church's Comedy Night that
was held on May 19th was
expected to draw over 200
"Most people [were] look-
ing forward to it because they
hadn't really attended any-
thing like it before," Turner
explained. But, "I think that
Christian comedy is still con-
sidered somewhat unconven-
tional, but at the same time
it's another opportunity for the
saints to still enjoy the Lord."
Exactly how acceptable
Christian comedy has become
is difficult to quantify. What
is obvious is that there is a
market for clean comedy with
headliners such as Steve Har-
vey choosing to embrace the
label of Christian comedian
and shows billed as the 'Kings
of Christian Comedy.'
"One reason that Christian
comedy is expanding is be-
cause Christian people want to
laugh too and have a good time
also," explained Albert "Funny-
bone" Harris. "A Christian cou-
ple wants to go out and have a
good clean night of fun."
The Jacksonville-based co-
median previously worked as a
secular artist before rededicat-
ing himself to Christ in 2007.
The change inspired him to
clean up his comedic act as
"I'm constantly booked for
jobs so obviously I'm doing
something right," he said.
Now he believes his routines
merely complement the tradi-
tional sermons given by min-
"The pastor's message is a
full-course meal, but a full
meal could use a good appetiz-
er and I feel that with rappers,
singers and comedians, God is
just providing pastors with a
lot of good appetizers," Harris
explained. "There are a lot of
us who can spread God's word
but [comedians] just do it in a
different way."
Campaign uses fitness to raise awareness, funds
continued from 12B
and friends. Yet during the day
he often is alone while he walks
to his next destination.
But, "I have six hours or so a
day to be in prayer and deep re-
flection on the sermons, talks,
and literature I am listening
to along the route," Keene ex-
'Fortunately, Keene did not
start off alone in his journey. He
is sponsored the Arms Around
the World Ministry and by Lega-
cyChamp, an online social fit-
ness network.
According to Gershon Blyden,
the COO of LegacyChamp,
"What we've done is we provided
the means to pay for [Keene's]
operational expenses to walk
from Miami to San Francisco."
They also launched the "Go
Walk America" campaign to al-
low people to donate to Keene's
campaign in two ways fiscally
and physically. Interested par-
ties can donate funds directly
through the website or have
others to sponsor their individ-
ual efforts per mile to walk,
bike or swim.
"A lot of times we don't realize
how much impact we can have
on other people's lives with
relatively small cost," Blyden
explained. "Just by running,
walking or swimming and log-
ging in your miles you can cre-
ate awareness and help raise
money to go to these orphans
and literally save lives."
The fitness component of the
awareness campaign also aligns
perfectly with LegacyChamp's
"LegacyChamp is about al-
lowing people to achieve their
fitness milestones within a mo-
tivating and engaging environ-
ment," explained Blyden. "We
do that by allowing people to
identify goals tracks and mea-
sure their workout statistics
and train with likeminded fit-
ness enthusiasts."
For their 'Go Walk America'
campaign, 100 percent of all
proceeds will be used to buy
school uniforms for children
living in impoverished commu-
nities. So far, the campaign has
raised over $15,000 in dona-
tions and people have logged in
over 4,800 miles.
For more information about
the campaign and to track
Keene's progress, visit www.
legacychamp.com or www.gow-
Rev. Allen: Our church welcomes everyone with love
continued from 12B
off the street as long as they
come in the church and act
right. We feed them, we clothe
them and we love them."
Apostolic Revival Center
was founded by Allen with
just seven members. Since
then, the church's member-
ship enrollment had managed
to swell to include over 100
Yet two years ago, the build-
ing next to the church in
Overtown was condemned
and the parishioners found
out that their church would
also be torn down. A fight to
save their sanctuary ended in
defeat and they had to quick-
ly vacate their church home.
"I knew that I was called to
do work [here], so I told my
members that even if they
knock down the church we
would remain in Overtown,"
Allen recalled. "It was bad but
through God we received the
strength to make it through."
So, the church relocated to
a local bar where they held
services for over year. Even-
tually, the church was able to
move to their current location
on Fourteenth Street.
One of his biggest joys as a
minister has been witnessing
to a variety of individuals -
from those who are living qui-
et, Christ-like lives to those
who are involved in various
criminal activities.
"What I enjoy most is seeing
folks smile, getting saved and
turning their life around," Al-
len said.
But the devoted minister
knows that not everyone is
able to receive the message.
"I've buried folks that I
preached to and that hurts
so much for me to see," he
said. "But I always go to the
word of God and even though
I may feel sorry I'm grate-
ful that God did allow me to
preach to them and witness
to them."
Third Party Group to register voters
No, more excuses getting ready change, name change, card re-
for August and November Elec- placement, signature update,
tions. The Ron Brown Caucus is and absentee voting requests.
a Third Party Voter Registration Groups, Churches, Civic and
Organization that can offer ser- other organizations call 305-
vices in new registration, address 542-9992.
Keene's faith inspires others
continued from 12B
What do you hope will be
the message that your jour-
ney will provide to others?
Often when people, particu-
larly children, suffer they often
have no more responsibility for
their challenges than we have
for the blessings in our lives. It
is our opportunity to be able
to serve them. We can join the
[Global Orphan] Project by join-
ing the 350,000 Mile Challenge
and by donating school uni-
forms to fight against educa-
tional inequality, create jobs in
impoverished communities and
fund orphan care!
College sues over health policy
continue dfrom 13B
the revised rule.
About 200 of the Franciscan
University of Steubenville's
2,500 students rely on the uni-
versity health care plan, which
costs about $50 a month, So-
fio said. He said the school is
retaining its health care plan
for employees because it is
hopeful that legal challenges
to the health care law will pre-
vent much of it from taking ef-
Mosque provides familial support
conitnued from 12B
back at them with a smile be-
cause they love to see it.
I believe that the Nation of Is-
lam can provide this for every-
one because we're not about
hatred, but we're just the op-
posite. We're for justice, love
and peace.
There are many misconcep-
tions about the Nation. But the
truth is that the Nation of Is-
lam is a nation striving to be
in accordance with God's will.
We want unity with Christians,
Muslims, and Jews so human-
ity can be lifted out of it's cur-
rent wretched condition. Some
people just know us as the
Farrakhan-following, bow tie-
wearing, bean pie-eating and
Final Call selling people who
roam America. But is that all
you know?
The Nation of Islam has pro-
vided for so many people the
pathway that they were look-
ing for you can head over to
one of Muhammad's Mosques
and hear a testimony for your-
It's important to me that you
know this because all the Na-
tion (including myself) wants
is to see all of humanity -re-
gardless of their color free.
We want people to be free
physically and mentally. Aren't
you tired of seeing multiple
police cars in our communi-
ties? Aren't you tired of riding
by Liberty City and seeing a
man walking with a blunt in
his hand or a woman walking
around half naked? Let's do
something about it then.
With all of that being said, I
am formally inviting everyone
to Muhammad's Mosque at
5600 NW 7th Avenue in Mi-
ami. Someone is waiting to re-
ceive you, I guarantee it.
14DV inc IVIIAII IIIVIL, IVIMI Lv-,7,
Church, Inc. will be
starting a New Bereave-
ment Support Group be-
ginning on the 2nd and
4th Wednesdays of each
month from 7 p.m.- 9
p.m. 786-488-2108.
Lifeline Outreach
Ministries invites ev-
eryone to their roundta-
ble to discuss the Bible
every Saturday, 6 p.m.
Join Believers
Faith Breakthrough
Ministries Int'l every
Friday at 7:30 p.m. for
Prophetic Breakthrough
Services. 561-929-
1518, 954-237-8196.
The Women's De-
partment of A Mission
With A New Begin-
ning Church sponsors
a Community Feeding
every second Saturday
of the month, from 10
a.m. until all the food
has been given out. For
location and additional
details, call 786-371-
New Mt. Sinai
Missionary Baptist
Church welcomes the
community to their
Sunday Bible School
classes at 9:30 a.m.
and 11 a.m. Worship
Service. 305-635-4100,
The Heart of the
City Ministries invites
everyone to morning
worship every Sunday
at 9 a.m. 305-754-
New Life Family
Worship Center wel-
comes everyone to their
Wednesday Bible Study
at 7 p.m. 305-623-
.=: Forget about seeking that perfect home and being
held captive to big mortgage payments. There's a
better alternative that'll make you happier.
Spring commencement: A graduation ceremony in Raleigh, N.C., on Saturday.
By Laura Vanderkam
The big headline during
recent graduation seasons
has been what percentage
of mortarboard-sporters will
moTOe back home with mom
andt dad One \i-ldely quoted
poll claimed the "boomerang-
ing rate \as 85'.:.. while e
that estimate is undoubtedly,
high, we do knov. that the
rate of new: household forma-
tion people strnkiniE out on
their o\nri plunged during
the Great Recession. About
400,000i new hou seholds
formed annually during its
depths, compared l.Ith a long-
term axeraae closer to 1 .3
As the economy recovers,
though, the new household
formation rate is coming back
up. That's good news for the
economic, land stores lke ikeal
bLt it s a more nuanced mat-
ter for those entering the real
world this spnng Because
when it comes to finances.
young people have been on
to something. Finding cheap
housing is the best thing
-.ou can do to impro'.e yo.urr
balance sheet freeing upi
far more cash than cutting
out those lattes The tnck for
young grads is to keep that
same min-dset through life.
as the hiuge house that will
eat up a third of your income
starts beckoning. Rethink
what's sold as the Ameri-
can Dream- ownership of
a house you have to stretch
to afford and you might
discover the real .nmerican
Dream. That is. tihe freedom
to pursIue happiness
According to the BLreaui of
L.:bor Statistics' Consumer
Expenditure Sur.e,-. hous-
ing accounted for one-third ,of
.merncan houiise holds s'pend-
ini in- 2010. IRealtors arid
online calcLilators sometimes
sa' you :an spend a third of
your gross take.) When many
people do the same thing, it
shapes expectations of normal
behavior. To be sure, if you
have a low income, you'll need
to spend big just to afford
somewhere safe. But what's
!!ttere'tlun is that Arrieirncans
higher Lip the iriconme scale
consider it normal to stretch.
too People earning $.5'0,000I-
a year hunt for $150,000-
$200,000 houses: families
earning $200.000 of en
eye $800,.00 homes not
$500.000 ones.
The usual argument for
stretching, on the o ',Tlership
side at [east. is that h-ous-
ing is an asset a '.a,. to
build wealth Alas, it's also a
quick 'vay to lose i\ealthl. as
Americans with underwater
mortgages can attest. But
even if you're buying low (or
are renting), here are practi-
cal reasons to rethink the
more-is-more mindset as your
income climbs.
First, spending less on
\ hat is most people s biggest
expenditure gi-es you the flex-
ibility to change your life that
cutting c iou pons j ust can't.
Kristen Hagopian's family
went from earning $100,000
a eajr to $50.000 when she
decided to sta' home ith her
kids for a few '.ears. While
this Philadelphia-area m rom
kno\o s her wa, around a thrift
store and shares tips on
her Brilliant Frugal Living
radio shui o0n Philadelphia's
1180AM WFYL station all
the discount shopping in the
world wouldn't have helped
if the family had a $400,000
Fortunately. the', didn r "Do
yourselves. ,Your sanir,- and
'our bank account a huie
lav',or, and co for a home y'ou
can easily afford on one in-
coime,.' Hagopia-n ad\,ises That
requires careful shopping and
perhaps repairs, but the o ark
voui put into finding such a
home will be richly rewarded
do\vn the road vith a much
clearer. much faster path to
finaJncial freedom than just
about anyone r lse you k-ino'."
Please turn to DREAM 16B
Higher education
linked to longer life
Most college
graduates have
healthier habits
By Nanci Hellmich
Education may not only
improve a person's finances,
it is also linked to better
health habits and a longer
For instance, people who
have a bachelor's degree or
higher live about nine years
longer than those who don't
graduate from high school,
according to an annual
report, out today, from the
Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention's National
Center for Health Statistics.
Some of the health data
reached back a decade or
Gina Lundberg, a preven-
tive cardiologist in Atlanta,
says a shorter life expectancy
among less-educated people
has been consistent for the
last few decades.
The study found that in
2010, 31 percent of adults
ages 25 to 64 with a high
school diploma or less were
currently smoking, compared
with 24 percent of those who
had some college and nine
percent with a bachelor's
"Highly educated people
tend to have healthier be-
haviors, avoid unhealthy
ones and have more access
to medical care when they
need it," says the report's
lead author, Amy Bernstein,
a health services researcher
for the National Center for
Health Statistics. "All of
these factors are associated
with better health."
The report also found that
in 2010 24 percent of boys
and 22 percent of girls were
obese in households where
the heads of the family had
less than a high school
education; the figures are 11
percent of boys and seven
percent of girls where the
head of the household had a
bachelor's degree or higher.
Poor people sometimes live
in less healthy communities
with less access to healthy
foods and places to be physi-
cally active, Bernstein says.
"It's all interconnected."
Living longer
Life expectancy is shorter
for those with less educa-
SWithout a high school
* With a bac hEior's
degree or hiIher
25-year-old man's life
72 years 81 years
77 years
woman's life
85 years
.I'fi,. 'r'U "I' JII 1" ,
For stressed college students,
a doggone good way to relax
The Associated
ATLANTA Just down the hall from the refer-
ence desk at Emory University's law library in a
room housing antique legal texts is Stanley the
golden retriever puppy, barking his head off.
Stanley rolls around on the floor and chews
on a squeaky toy while zombie-like law stu-
dents wander in, a giant grin breaking out on
their weary faces when they see the cuddly pup.
Puppy therapy just in time for finals week.
From Kent State University in Ohio to Ma-
calester College in Minnesota, more and more
pooches are around campus during exams to
help students relax and maybe even crack a
smile or two.
"We had a student who came in and a staff
person commented they had never seen that
student smile," said Richelle Reid, a law librar-
ian who started Emory's pet therapy program
this year after hearing about one at the Univer-
sity of California, San Francisco. "It has had
positive effects, helping them to just have a mo-
ment to clear their minds and not have to think
about studies, not have to think about books."
Pups are in counseling centers for students
to visit regularly or faculty and staff bring their
pets to lift spirits.
Pet-friendly dorms also are popping up where
students can bring their dogs or cats from
Want to check out a pet? It's possible at
Harvard Medical School and Yale Law School,
which both have resident therapy dogs in their
libraries that can be borrowed through the card
bii v .
. s
.e r *-
,'9 - -
Law student Anna Idelevich, 22, plays with a
dog in between final exams.
catalog just like a book.
Some dogs, like Harvard Medical School's resi-
dent shih tzu Cooper, hold regular office hours.
Researcher Loise Francisco-Anderson owns
Please turn to STRESS 16B
Obama addresses graduates at Barnard
By Aamer Madhani
President Obama called on
young women to fight for a
country that is more equitable
and tolerant during his com-
mencement address at Bar-
nard College in New York on
"After decades of slow,
steady, extraordinary prog-
ress, you are now poised to
make this the century where
women shape not only their
own destiny but the destiny of
this nation and of this world,"
Obama told graduates of the
all-female college. "But how
far your leadership takes this
country, how far it takes this
world -- well, that will be up to
you. You've got to want it."
His commencement address
to about 600 graduates at
Barnard the sister school
of his alma mater Columbia
University had an almost
campaign rally feel to it. As
he took the stage, students
cheered, "Yes, we can." After
he concluded his speech, the
graduates chanted, "Obama,
Barnard President Debora
Spar credited Obama with
several policy achievements,
including passing the Lily Led-
better fair pay act and ending
the war in Iraq, while not-
ing his decision last week in
support of legalizing same-sex
Turning out women voters
will be key to his re-election
prospects. In his speech,
Obama spent time paying
tribute to strong women in his
own life (the first lady and his
mother) and his administra-
tion (Secretary of State Hillary
Rodham Clinton and Labor
Secretary Hilda Solis).
Obama, who graduated
in 1983, lamented that the
economy was going through a
difficult period then just as it
is today. He threw barbs at a
gridlocked Congress and said
the financial sector has some-
times fallen short in looking
out for America's interests.
"We know our challenges are
imminently solvable," Obama
Obama headed
said. "The question is, can we
muster the will?"
In comments before the
president's speech, Mitt Rom-
ney's campaign said Obama
has let down many of his
young supporters.
"He won't mention that his
liberal policies of wasteful
spending have left graduating
students with trillions of dol-
lars in new debt," said Amand
Henneberg, Romney campaign
spokeswoman. "After three-
and-a-half years of disap-
pointing economic progress,
college graduates like all
Americans need a president
who understands how to get
the economy moving again
Please turn to OBAMA 16B
'Synthetic pot' has real risk, experts say
Spice and K2 may
cause heart attack
By Susannah Bryan
SUNRISE Cloud Nine.
Maui Wowie. Mr. Nice Guy.
The names seem harmless,
the packaging cool.
But the side effects of syn-
thetic marijuana, known on
the street as Spice and K2, can
be as serious as a heart attack,
experts say.
The problem exists nation-
wide, with users reporting
elevated blood pressure, rapid
heart rate, anxiety, nausea,
seizures, hallucinations, vomit-
ing and combativeness. For
some, the bad trip has turned
Dr. Peter Antevy, an ER doc-
tor at Joe DiMaggio Children's
Hospitalin Hollywood, tells
of people stoned on fake pot
behaving as though they were
possessed. In a manic rage,
some have attacked family and
friends, or jumped out of win-
dows and moving cars.
"We only see the cases where
they get screwed up," Antevy
said. "Some of the kids are at
home and numb to the world."
But those who make it to the
hospital usually come in with
glassy eyes, unable to speak.
"They are clearly psychotic in
appearance," Antevy said. "The
symptoms can sometimes last
for a week or more. When you
ask these people afterward,
they had no idea they were
angry or psychotic or had a
Oakland Park resident Jim-
my Hewitt, 25, said he smokes
3 grams of Spice a day. The
herbs are sprayed with chemi-
cals to mimic THC, the active
ingredient in marijuana.
He tried it two years ago
while trying to give up mari-
juana and has been smoking it
ever since.
On May 5, Hewitt was high
on "Cloud Nine" when he slit
his wrist with a kitchen knife
- deep enough to require
seven stitches.
"When I cut myself the blood
just started gushing," he said.
"I was freaking out. It looked
like a murder scene. I was
scared I was going to die."
After three days in the hos-
pital, he got home and began
looking right away for his stash
of Spice. He got angry when his
fiancee told him she'd flushed
it all. Then he calmed down, he
said, after remembering he still
Synthetic marijuana is sold in colorful packages with names
like Cloud Nine, Mau Wowie and Mr. Nice Guy.
had some in his back pocket.
Several states, including
Florida, New York and New
Jersey, have attempted to ban
the chemical compounds used
to make fake marijuana, sold
as herbal incense in packages
marked "not for human con-
But the manufacturers mere-
ly come up with new formulas
to skirt the law. In theory, the
products aim to mimic the
high of marijuana, but in many
cases have a far more danger-
ous effect.
In an effort to target the root
of the problem, Sweetwater
inMiami-Dade County is on the
verge of outlawing all incense
sold in loose leaf and granular
form. Anyone caught selling
loose leaf incense would face
fines of $500 per day and up to
60 days in jail.
Sweetwater officials are
expected to give final approval
to the ban Monday night.
On Tuesday, Sunrise officials
plan to vote on a similar ban.
Others may soon follow suit,
including Deerfield Beach,
Pembroke Pines, Broward,
Miami-Dade and Collier
Sunrise Commissioner Joey
Scuotto pushed for the ban
after hearing about the effort in
"Kids feel like it's safe
because it's not marijuana
and they can buy it in a gas
station," he said. "But it's
worse. Kids who take this stuff
feel like they're having heart
attacks. They feel like they're
going to throw up and die."
Stores that sell fake weed
buy individual packs for as
little as $5 and resell it for $15
to $35, making for big profits,
said Michelle Hammontree-
Garcia, spokeswoman for
In Florida, poison control
experts fielded 485 calls last
year from panicked users and
emergency room doctors asking
how to treat symptoms. In the
first four months of this year,
203 calls came into the Florida
Poison Control Center.
"It's just the tip of the
iceberg," said Dr. Jeffrey
Bernstein, the center's medical
director. "We only have data
on the people who call in. You
may stay sick at home or die
at home and go straight to the
The appeal of synthetic
marijuana is that it is legal,
said, Dr. Morton Levitt,
chairman of the Integrated
Medical Science Department at
Florida Atlantic University in
Boca Raton.
"The FDA has no regulations
and guidelines for these
chemicals, so we really don't
know what doses are harmful,"
said Morton. "There are no
voluminous studies to talk
Please turn to POT 18B
Florida lags in doctor penalties
Public Citizen
ranks state in
bottom o1
By Nicole Brochu
For the fourth year in a row,
Florida ranked in the bottom
10 U.S. states for its record of
punishing doctors who violate
state standards, according to
an annual survey by the con-
sumer watchdog group Public
But for the first time in
years, the state did improve its
ranking moving from 45th in
the nation in serious disciplin-
ary actions in 2010 to 42nd
last year. The state's Board of
Medicine, a panel of 12 doctors
and three others responsible
for determining sanctions for
violations, ranked 44th in the
country in 2008 and 2009.
"The problem is Florida is the
fourth-largest state in terms
of the number of doctors, so
a large number of people are
affected if one or 10 or 20 doc-
tors are not adequately disci-
plined," said Dr. Sidney Wolfe,
director of Public Citizen's
health research group.
Florida meted out 171
serious disciplinary actions -
defined as license revocations,
suspensions, surrenders under
pressure and probationary
sentences last year among
its community of 58,026 doc-
tors, a rate of 2.28 per 1,000
doctors. Those numbers don't
count fines, which the group
sees as a slap on the wrist.
The most lenient state iden-
tified in the report released
Thursday was South Carolina,
at a rate of 1.33 actions per
1,000 doctors; the strictest
state was Wyoming, at 6.79
serious actions per 1,000 doc-
Wolfe noted that Wyoming,
which has 1,340 physicians
and 12 serious disciplinary
actions recorded last year,
boasted a disciplinary rate that
was more than three times bet-
ter than Florida's.
The numbers are taken from
annual data submitted by the
American Medical Association.
Though Florida's 2011 show-
ing marked an improvement
over 2010's rate of 1.94 per
1,000, Wolfe said that doesn't
"The last time [the state]
did really well was 20
years ago."
-Dr. Sidney Wolfe
S director of Public Citizen's
health research group
say much for a state whose
disciplinary record has consis-
tently wallowed in the bottom
half of the country's boards of
"The last time [the state] did
really well was 20 years ago,"
Wolfe said, adding that Florida
"apparently" does not make
getting tough on bad doctors a
But Dr. Zachariah P. Zacha-
riah, vice-chairman of the
Florida Board of Medicine,
called that assessment unfair
and the annual Public Citizen
report "inaccurate."
The survey, he said, does not
take into account that some
states will suspend a doctor,
then stay the suspension, al-
lowing the doctor to continue
to practice unimpeded, "which
to me is fake." Also, many
Florida doctors who commit
serious violations "voluntarily
give up their license," which he
said is not always recorded as
a serious discipline uniformly
state to state.
"It's not an apple-to-apples
comparison," Zachariah said.
"Florida is very tough and very
Public Citizen, a group
founded by Ralph Nader,
recommends that to improve
disciplinary rates, state boards
of medicine should make sure
they have adequate funding
and staffing, proactive investi-
gations and a leadership that
is independently minded and
aggressive about policing its
own ranks.
Grads encouraged to dream realistically
continued from 15B
You could change careers.
You could retire early not a
bad trade-off for a smaller yard.
Second, happiness research
finds that spending on experi-
ences makes us happier than
spending on things. We an-
ticipate our fun beforehand
and savor the memory after-
ward something hard to do
with a sofa. Spending less on
housing means you can afford
a lot of vacation. That's what
Danny and Jillian Tobias dis-
covered. They landed good jobs
in the Washington, D.C., area
after college, but rather than
spend a third of their income
renting (or buying) a swanky
apartment, the couple rented a
"very, very cheap" one, Danny
reports, that cost about 15 per-
cent of their combined income.
The payoff? In five years they
saved $80,000, which they
used to travel the world. Over
the course of two years, they
climbed Mount Kilimanjaro,
they saw the mountain gorillas
in Uganda, they followed the
old Silk Road overland from
Turkey to China. "We'll have
our memories for the rest of
our lives," Danny says. "In a
way, it was an investment in
This strikes me as the real
American dream investing in
a great life, not just great gran-
ite countertops. Obviously, you
can't live in Mom's basement
forever. But as young gradu-
ates start the household for-
mation process, it helps to re-
member that money spent on
one thing is money not spent
on something else.
Once you start earning good
money, it's tempting to look for
a place that will impress the
Joneses. But "Americans tend
to easily get swept up in the
idea that we need to create the
perfect home as soon as pos-
sible, and we can end up bank-
rupting ourselves in the pro-
cess," says Kimberly Palmer,
author of Generation Earn: The
Young Professional's Guide to
Spending, Investing and Giving
Back. "Sometimes you have to
consciously fight back against
that cultural pressure to over-
spend on a home, whether the
pressure is coming from par-
ents, friends or HGTV."
Spending 20 percent-25 per-
cent of your income on hous-
ing, rather than 34 percent,
leaves nine percent-14 percent
for building a life. That can
make you so happy, you won't
care what the Joneses think.
"Pet therapy" reduces students' stress
continued from 15B
Cooper and said she got per-
mission to bring him to campus
after her husband read that
Yale Law School had a therapy
dog on campus named Monty.
Cooper, who sports a crim-
son scarf with paw prints on
it, is so popular that under-
graduate students have been
petitioning for him to spend
time on their side of campus.
Many of them take the shuttle
across the river to the medical
school just to visit the pup on
Tuesday and Thursdays.
"You can release some of
the emotions to a pet that you
can't to a human. A pet keeps
it confidential. You don't have
to worry about someone else
saying, 'Oh, I think she's hav-
ing a nervous breakdown over
the science exam,'" said Fran-
Most schools, like Emory,
partner with organizations
that train companion dogs so
that the canines get their so-
cial training while students get
stress relief. Others, like Hat-
vard, have faculty members
bring their dogs which are
certified to be therapy pups -
to campus certain hours dur-
ing the week.
The service is almost always
free for students.
Research shows that inter-
action with pets decreases the
level of cortisol or stress
hormone in people and in-
creases endorphins, known as
the happiness hormone. Scant
research exists on how pet
programs on college campuses
help students cope with stress.
That's why Kathleen Adamle,
a nursing professor at Kent
State, hopes to garner a grant
so she can conduct research as
part of her "Dogs on Campus"
program. Adamle launched the
program in 2006 with just her
dog and has since added 11
other therapy canines to the
team that visits dorms regu-
larly throughout the year.
The dogs belong to Adamle
or other community members
and are certified therapy dogs.
She has plenty of anecdotal
evidence that her program
works. As soon as there's a
tragedy on campus a stu-
dent dying in a car wreck, for
example dorms scramble to
book the dog team to help com-
fort upset students, she says.
"I don't care if it's 10 at night,
we go to that dorm and sit on
the floor. The kids are crying,
and they grab the dog and put
their face in the fur and just let
it go," said Adamle.
Since 2006, Macalester Col-
lege in St. Paul, Minnesota,
has asked faculty and alumni
to bring their dogs to campus
during finals as part of the
"Dog Day Afternoon" program.
At Kenyon College in Ohio, the
counseling center and dorms
offer puppy play dates with
Sunny the yellow lab and Sam
the poodle-Chihuahua mix.
Obama inspires graduates
continued from 15B
and rein in out-of-control fed-
eral spending."
As a student at nearby Co-
lumbia, Obama lived near
campus on West 109th Street.
His sister Maya Soetoro-Ng is a
Barnard alumna. Obama made
light of the Barnard-Columbia
"I will begin with a hard
truth," Obama told the gradu-
ates. "I am a Columbia college
graduate. I know there could be
a bit of a sibling rivalry here."
Obama shared the stage with
Evan Wolfson, the founder of
the pro-gay group Freedom
to Marry, who was also being
honored at the commence-
Students presented Obama
with a book of advice from
2012 graduates for his daugh-
ters, Sasha and Malia, as well
as a collection of books by Bar-
nard graduates for him and
first lady Michelle Obama.
Gospel Singers Of Miami
Celebrates 12th Year Anniversary
June 3rd 7:30 p.m. El Palacio Hotel
Special guests are:
Vocalist Pam Woods
of Nassau Bahamas
South Florida GMWA,
Cohen Temple COGIC Vesper Choir
Divine Voices of Praise,
Central Baptist Male Chorus
Sovereign, Johnny Taylor,
HeavenlyAngles and many others.
Vendor Booths and Door Prizes.
Free will donations.
SFor information call-
305-525-8145 or
111,71111 Tll,-ft It"
s48,J x"S32 p __
k.il: h i'l i i It' : l-I i l, llll l
0 Exp_
L Exp -
Authorized Signature
City State_ Zip
Phone email
Send to: The Miami Times, 900 NW 54 St. Miami, FL 33127-1818 or
Subscribe online at www.MiamiTimesonline.com
'Includes Florida sales tax
Heat h
Could red wine help in Alzheimer's fight?
By Janice Lloyd
Bob Sessions has never had a drop
of alcohol in his life. Yet at age 86, the
teetotaler is eager to see if a natural
compound found in red wine can
combat disease.
Sessions enrolls Wednesday in a
first-of-a-kind government-sponsored
study examining whether resveratrol
can alter or delay the destruction of
the brain in people with mild to mod-
erate Alzheimer's disease.
Sessions is one of 5.3 million
Americans who have Alzheimer's, a
fatal illness that has no treatment or
cure. He was diagnosed 71/ years ago
and still is in the early stages.
"If this research can help anyone,
I will feel like I have contributed to a
good cause," says Sessions, a former
Methodist minister and academic.
"I have lost family members to this
disease and don't want to see my
daughters or grandchildren suffer the
same fate."
'Not an overnight process'
During the next year, Sessions, who
lives in Gaithersburg, Md., will make
10 visits to Georgetown University
Medical Center in Washington, D.C.,
one of 26 sites nationwide affiliated
with the study. Participants will be
given either a placebo or capsules of
pure resveratrol, found in the skin of
'. .:"
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red grapes, tomatoes, dark chocolate
and nuts. Animal studies have shown
it activitates a gene that protects the
body and brain from aging. The great-
est risk factor for Alzheimer's is aging;
researchers will do baseline tests to
identify biological markers of the dis-
ease and then other tests throughout
the study to determine whether it is
"Alzheimer's is not an overnight
process," says Laurie Ry
program director for the
Institute on Aging's Alzh
Disease Clinical Trials p
"Symptoms don't appear
til years after the disease'
started. If we can delay i
starting or progressing,
we add quality years
to the end of life."
By the study's end,
Pool rules: Never swim with
diarrhea or drink the water
By Kim Painter
Ever been at a public pool closed because some
child had an "accident?" What you might not
know is that the spread of what public health
types call "fecal matter" is happening all the time
in pools and that chlorine doesn't protect you
as much as you'd like from one diarrhea-causing
bug carried in feces. And no one has to have an
obvious accident for others to get sick.
But if you happen to be from Utah, maybe you
do know it. Utah residents are extra-smart about
this because in 2007, that state had a 5,700-case
outbreak of gastrointestinal illness caused by
the bug, a parasite called Cryptosporidium, also
known as "Crypto." Many cases were linked to
pools. A big public education campaign followed
and, by 2009, 100 percent of Utah residents cor-
rectly told survey-takers that it's a bad idea to
swim in public pools when you are sick with diar-
rhea; just 78 percent of folks in other states were
as well informed, says a new report from the fed-
eral Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Please turn to RULES 18B
-. participants receiving
resveratrol will be given
1,000 mg twice a day.
That level of dosing
sipping wine or eating
bits of chocolate.
"We'll be testing
levels equivalent to
drinking 1,000 bottles
of wine a day," says
Georgetown's R. Scott
Turner, the study's direc-
tor. "We're trying mostly to
determine the safety of that
level, but I think it will be safe.
"Once we determine that, other
studies would have to be done before
anything could be developed for the
consumer, but this is a big step."
Turner is one of nearly 600 re-
searchers attending a two-day
Alzheimer's summit at the National
Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md.,
an, designed to map out the direction of
National the next generation of research. The
eimer's government's National Alzheimer's
program. Project Act is behind the push to
un- find new treatments and a cure for
e has Alzheimer's by 2025. The measure
.t frlrm I as signed into law last year by
President Obama; the
final plans are being
e t . A.r announced today at the
Please turn to WINE 18B
Sleep apnea and cancer,
butter is bad for the brain?
By Kim Painter
Sleep apnea linked to cancer: People \ith
sleep apnea -- pauses in nighttime breathing.
often linked with snoring and daytime fatigue
are more likely to develop arid die from can-
cer. two new studies suggest. The studies don't
prove a cause and effect relationship, but "it
looks like a very solid association." one re-
searcher tells the New \ork Times. It's possible
that treating sleep apnea would reduce cancer
risks. lii an \ case, one expert sais. "Not breath-
ing while you re sleeping is a serious problem.
Butter and your brain: Cut down on butter
and load up on olive oil and you may be re-
%warded with a more youthful brain. That's the
suggestion of a new study of 6.200 women over
age 65. Those %\ho ate the most saturated fat.
found in meat and full-fat dairy products. had
the memories and reasoning skills of womrnen
five or six years older, while those %who ate the
most monou saturated fats, found in oli\ e oil.
avocados and manN nuts. had the brain-poNwer
Please turn to CANCER 18B
., -
Numbers higher than predicted .
By Nanci Hellmich
Diabetes and pre-diabetes have skyrocketed among the na-
tion's young people, jumping from nine percent of the adoles-
cent population in 2000 to 23 percent in 2008, a study reports
today. .X.:
The findings, reported in the journal Pediatrics, are "very .
concerning," says lead author Ashleigh May, an epidemiologist ,
with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
"To get ahead of this problem, we have to be incredibly ag-
gressive and look at children and adolescents and say you .:
have to make time for physical activity," says pediatric endocri-
nologist Larry Deeb, former president of medicine and science
for the American' Diabetes Association.
Of the two types of diabetes, type 2 accounts for more than
90 percent of cases. In people with diabetes, the body does not
make enough of the hormone insulin or doesn't use it properly.
Insulin helps glucose (sugar) get into cells, where it is used
for energy. If there's an insulin problem, sugar builds up in the
blood, damaging nerves and blood vessels. Long-term com-
plications of diabetes can include heart attacks, blindness,
kidney failure, nerve damage and amputations.
May and colleagues examined health data on about 3,400
Please turn to DIABETES 18B
Using proper running form can help
prevent injuries and make running a
little easier and more comfortable.
The American Council on Exercise
mentions these suggestions:
Bend your elbows at a 90-degree
angle and keep them close to yoir
body, with your hands relaxed.
Relax your shoulders and keep
them down; drive from your shoul-
ders, not your elbows.
Avoid leaning forward at the
waist, but keep a slight forward lean
at the ankles.
Lift your knees higher as they
move forward.
Hit the ground with your heel,
rolling forward onto the ball of your
foot. As you lift your foot off the
ground, push off with the front of your
Hold your head steady and level,
and try not to bounce.
Gardening is a great form of exer-
cise, but it can also leave you with a
painful backache.
The American Council on Exercise
suggests how to garden without hurt-
ing yourself:
Use correct posture and form.
Warm up before you garden with a
10-minute walk.
Make sure all of your movements
are smooth and steady.
Keep your abdominal muscles
Lift with your legs (never your
Don't twist your back while dig-
Breathe regularly. Exhale when you
lift, and inhale as you lower a heavy
Don't become a couch potato just
because your doctor's prescription for
physical therapy has run out.
The American Council on Exercise
suggests how to transition from
physical therapy to a regular exercise
Make a commitment to stay-
ing physically active and fit; make
sure you don't slip into a sedentary
Before the end of your final physi-
cal therapy appointment, ask your
therapist questions about safe follow-
up exercises.
Start off slow and easy, and fol-
low your physical therapist's instruc-
Watch out for warning signs of
overdoing it.
Medical Center
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Diagnosis ofAlzheimer's
isn't always accurate
By Robin Erb
Martin Rosenfeld's loved
ones dreaded what might be
next: a diagnosis of Alzheim-
He had called too many
times, confused and frus-
trated, from a parking lot
outside his synagogue, after
driving there in the middle
of the night for services that
wouldn't begin for hours.
Once a meticulous pattern-
maker in the clothing indus-
try, he now nodded off mid-
conversation. Spilled things.
"We'd be getting calls all
night long. He'd say, 'What
time is it? Can I get up now?'"
said his daughter, Shelley
Rosenberg, whose husband,
Don Rosenberg, chairs the
Alzheimer's Association-
Greater Michigan Chapter.
Rosenfeld's confusion,
which turned out to be caused
partly by sleep apnea, reflects
what the head of Wayne State
University's Institute of Ger-
ontology worries is a grow-
ing trend in the number of
Americans being wrongfully
assumed even medically
misdiagnosed with Al-
zheimer's, the most common
form of dementia and perhaps
the most feared disease of old
"It's a real problem. If you're
older and you get a label of
Alzheimer's even a hint
that you have Alzheimer's -
there's no more critical think-
ing about it. You're written off
by a lot of people," said Peter
Lichtenberg, head of the insti-
tute and a clinical psycholo-
gist who has testified in sev-
eral probate cases in which a
person's mental capacity was
at issue.
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The new alzheimers.gov home page shows the U.S. gov-
ernment website dedicated to the disease.
Lichtenberg, in a December
paper for the journal Clini-
cal Gerontology, highlighted
two case studies: in one, a
man's bouts of confusion and
of Health. In cases reviewed
so far, about one-third of Al-
zheimer's diagnoses were in-
correct, according to the lead
researcher, Lon White.
Even well-meaning doctors can be too
quick to judge, especially when confront-
ed by worried loved
memory lapses
agitation in his late 70s were
caused by illness and pain-
ful cellulitis, not Alzheimer's;
in the other, an 87-year-old
woman, who seemed sud-
denly confused, was suffering
from depression.
Lichtenberg's paper builds
on research elsewhere that
suggests that the difficulty
in pinning down Alzheimer's
makes misdiagnosis too easy.
The research is based mostly
on small studies but also on
an ongoing, long-term study
supported by the National
Institute on Aging, which is
part of the National Institutes
ones listing Mom's
-Jennifer Howard
"The diagnosis was dead
wrong one-third of the time,
and it was partially wrong a
third of the time, and it was
right one-third of the time,"
White said.
The project, called the Ho-
nolulu-Asia Aging Study, has
been under way since 1991
and focused on the precise
brain changes linked to Al-
zheimer's disease and other
types of dementia. Patholo-
gists examined the brains of
852 men born between 1900
and 1919, about 20 percent
of whom were diagnosed with
In the cases carrying an
Alzheimer's diagnosis, two-
thirds of the brains exhibited
the types of lesions closely
linked to Alzheimer's. Half of
those featured other prob-
lems, as well, such as scar-
ring on the hippocampus, the
part of the brain responsible
for memory, White said.
That didn't mean that those
without the Alzheimer's le-
sions were otherwise healthy,
"but what we're calling Al-
zheimer's is very often a mix-
ture of different disease pro-
cesses," White said.
Lichtenberg said his con-
cerns about misdiagnosis in
no way lessen the enormity of
Alzheimer's impact.
"I don't know how vast a
problem it is, but I see it too
often," Lichtenberg said.
The Alzheimer's Associa-
tion estimates that 5.4 mil-
lion Americans are living with
Alzheimer's. Lichtenberg's
grandmother had the disease.
A picture of her, dancing, sits
in his office at Wayne State.
But understanding how of-
ten Alzheimer's and other de-
mentia are misdiagnosed is
hard to quantify. Sometimes,
that's because loved ones
have not yet noticed a decline;
sometimes, they don't want to
face the possibility, Lichten-
berg said.
Rosenfeld's most pressing
problem was severe sleep ap-
nea that had aggravated the
more manageable symptoms
of undiagnosed Lewy-body
dementia. Lewy-body demen-
tia causes a visual processing
disorder, disrupts the ability
to organize, plan and focus
and can causes sleep prob-
lems and hallucinations.
A breathing machine at
Please turn to ACCURATE 19B
Youth from all income levels at risk to lead poisoning
continued from 17B
Some health departments is-
sue recommendations about
how often to test children for
lead, based on test results in
the area or particular risks, the
group says.
Without that kind of specific
guidance, however, kids should
generally be tested at age 1 and
again at 2, when blood lead
concentrations peak, it says.
Philip Landrigan, a leading
authority on lead poisoning,
agrees that all children should
be tested.
While most American chil-
dren are still well below the
new action level, with average
blood lead levels of 1.8 micro-
grams, Landrigan notes there
is no safe amount of lead,
which can cause brain damage
and lower IQ.
"I recommend all children
be tested, because you never
know," says Landrigan, direc-
tor of the children's Environ-
mental Health Center at the
Mount Sinai School of Medi-
cine in New York.
Many insurance plans don't
pay for blood lead testing,
Landrigan says. And not all pe-
diatricians offer it. Some refer
patients to private labs or the
health department.
Blood testing is especially
important for poor children, al-
though few of the highest-risk
kids are ever tested, according
to the pediatrics group.
Most lead poisoning cases
occur in substandard housing,
where window frames are still
coated with lead-based paint,
which was banned in 1978.
About 25 percent of U.S. kids
fall into this category, the group
Yet middle-class neighbor-
hoods aren't immune. Tap
water in many neighborhoods
in the Washington, D.C., area
exceeded safety standards for
lead in 2003 and 2004, after
lead leached from water pipes.
Test the house, not the child
Jerome Paulson, chairman
of the pediatrics group's coun-
cil on environmental health,
agrees that families in homes
built before 1950 should be
"vigilant" about monitoring for
lead. And parents should re-
member that children can also
be exposed outside the home,
such as at the homes of rela-
tives or a regular babysitter.
But he says some kids can
probably skip the needle stick.
"Kids living in homes built
after 1978 don't need to be
screened," says Paulson, a pe-
diatrician at children's Nation-
al Medical Center in Washing-
ton. "If the health department
is saying, 'We don't see kids in
this five-block area or this ZIP
code with elevated lead levels,'
then we don't need to screen
kids in that ZIP code....
"We really need to focus on
preventing the kids from com-
ing into contact with lead,"
Paulson says. "By testing kids,
you're sort of identifying the
kids after the fact. It really does
make more sense to check the
home than to check the child.
Doctors say new cases may be result of faulty testing
continued from 17B
adolescents ages 12 to 19 from
1999 through 2008. They par-
ticipated in the CDC's National
Health and Nutrition Exami-
nation Survey, considered the
gold standard for evaluating
health in the USA because it
includes a detailed physical
examination, taking partici-
pants' blood pressure and get-
ting fasting blood sugar levels.
Their weight and height also
are measured.
May notes that the diabetes
findings should be interpreted
with caution because the fast-
ing blood glucose test was used
and there are disadvantages
associated with the test. In-
stead, many physicians use the
A1C test, which looks at a per-
son's average blood sugar lev-
els for the past three months.
"I wouldn't be surprised if
pre-diabetes and diabetes went
up some, but how much it may
have gone up is still an open
question because of the way
they measured it," says Ste-
phen Daniels, chairman of the
department of pediatrics at the
University of Colorado School
of Medicine and a spokesman
for the American Heart Asso-
Still, about a third of adoles-
cents are overweight or obese,
which increases their risk of
high blood pressure, type 2 di-
abetes and other health prob-
Deeb says other research
suggests there will be "a 64
percent increase in diabetes
in the next decade," which is
even higher than the predicted
increase in obesity, "because
stress on the pancreas and
insulin resistance catches up
with people. We are truly in
deep trouble. Diabetes threat-
ens to destroy the health care
The Pediatrics report also
found that overall, half of over-
weight teens and almost two-
thirds of obese adolescents
have one or more risk factors
for heart disease, such as dia-
betes, high blood pressure or
high levels of bad cholesterol.
By comparison, about one-
third of normal-weight ado-
lescents have at least one risk
When these risk factors are
present in young people, the
problems may persist into
adulthood, May says.
New drug may be addictive
continued from 16B
about the complications and
dangers and long-tem effects.
So people are shooting in the
Without research, there is
no way of knowing whether
users can become addicted,
Bernstein said.
"I don't think it's physically
addictive, but it's still very
early to tell," he said.
Hewitt is afraid of what might
happen if he stops using it.
"It's addicting," he said.
"I don't want to go just cold
turkey. I need to wean myself
off of it. After I hang up with
you, I am going to go to the gas
station and buy my last bag."
His fiancee, Amanda
Baldwin, has threatened to
leave him if he doesn't quit.
When he's on Spice,
sometimes he doesn't recognize
"He's either a maniac or
comatose," said Baldwin, 27, of
Oakland Park. "He will spend
hours looking for something
that isn't there, not even
knowing what he's looking for."
He's not afraid of dying on
the stuff. That only happens to
people who overdo it, he says.
"I wasn't thinking when I cut
myself," Hewitt said. "I was on
Spice. But I don't blame it on
the Spice. My dad was arguing
with me and I had a knife
in my hand. That was bad
Health risks cause illnesses?
continued from 17B
of women six or seven years
younger, researchers say.
Obese teens: Nearly two-
thirds of obese teens and half
of overweight teens already
have at least one risk factor
for heart disease, such as high
blood pressure, a new study
shows. The same study sug-
gests 23 percent of teens have
diabetes or prediabetes -- but
researchers caution that find-
ing is based on a single blood
test rather than the multiple
tests doctors typically use to
diagnose diabetes.
Today's talker: Sex, drugs
and rock and roll or at
least loud music really
do seem to go together, a
new study shows. Teens and
young adults in the Nether-
lands who listened to loud
music were also more likely
to smoke marijuana, binge
drink and have sex without
condoms, researchers found.
Not known: which habits de-
veloped first or whether one
risky behavior led to another.
"We know that high-risk be-
haviors certainly run togeth-
er, so in some ways it's not
a big surprise," a researcher
tells Reuters. But if your kids
are turning their iPods up to
maximum volume there's rea-
son enough for concern: It's
bad for their hearing.
Campaign keeps pools safer
continued from 17B
Utah residents also are more
likely than the rest of us to
know you shouldn't swallow
pool water: 96 percent vs. 86
The Utah education cam-
paigns feature posters and TV
spots including one in which
a flirtatious man informs a
couple of pool-side babes that
he's skipping the "dippity-do"
because he had diarrhea less
than two weeks before. "Good
for you, Mr. aging lothario," an
announcer says.
Utah hasn't had a "crypto"
outbreak since 2007, CDC
says suggesting that similar
education campaigns might be
a good idea elsewhere.
But with swimming season
upon us, it's best to study up
now. In addition to staying out
of the water when you've been
sick and keeping pool water
out of your mouth, here's what
you can do:
Take a soapy shower and
wash your hands with soap be-
fore swimming, after using the
bathroom and after changing a
Avoid changing diapers pool-
Take kids on frequent bath-
room breaks. If they are say-
ing "I have to go," it may be too
If everyone does all that, we
all can enjoy our dippity-dos -
do-doo free.
Patients hope for future cure
continued from 17B
summit. Similar government
programs for heart disease and
cancer have been game-chang-
USA TODAY reported in Feb-
ruary on an early draft of the
plan that is similar to the fi-
nal plan. Key goals are finding
a cure by 2025, encouraging
early diagnosis of the disease,
ensuring quality treatment for
patients and helping caregivers
get support. Nearly 70 percent
of Alzheimer's patients live at
"This summit comes at a criti-
cal time in research," Turner
says. "Despite major advances
in our understanding of basic
mechanisms of disease, the
track record for drug discovery
is dismal. The last discovery
was in 2003."
Though metabolism and in-
flammation also play a role,
plaques and tangles in the
brain are regarded as the
double-edged sword cutting
through healthy brains. Turn-
er's trial focuses on preventing
tangles from forming in brain
cells. In Alzheimer's patients,
neurons die off at a faster rate
than in people with normal
cognitive skills and shed a pro-
tein called tau. Tau forms into
tangles, causing havoc with the
synapses required for cognitive
functions. The researchers will
test to see whether neuron loss
decreases in people who receive
resveratrol. "Levels of high tau
will be regarded as a bad thing,"
Turner says.
Sessions knows the research
might be too late to help him.
He first started forgetting little
things, then bigger things such
as lifelong neighbors. Not just
names, but who they are.
"I look to Julia (his wife) dur-
ing those times and she knows
to help me," Bob says with a
sparkle in his eye. "She knows
a million good things about me
and now is learning one or two
not-so-good things."
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THE NATION'S #1 BLACK NI l i iPER
Perceptions about poor can be wrong Pastor Johnson celebrates
By Ana M. Valdes
While many Americans
recognize there are people liv-
ing in poverty and are willing
to lend a hand, others have
inaccurate perceptions of how
poverty affects the nation's
neediest residents, according
to a study released Wednesday
by The Salvation Army.
In the report, "Perceptions of
Poverty: The Salvation Army's
Report to America," a majority
of those surveyed believe 34
percent of the U.S. population
is living in poverty. In reality, it
is less about 16 percent -
according to federal statistics.
The survey, conducted on-
line in February, and included
a sampling of 1,004 Ameri-
Almost half agreed with the
proposition, "a good work ethic
is all you need to escape pov-
erty," 27 percent said people
are poor because they are
lazy and 29 percent said the
"Sometimes they haven't walked the walk."
Diana Stanley, executive director at
The Lord's Place in West Palm Beach
poor usually have lower moral
values. In addition, about 43
percent of those surveyed said
that if a poor person wanted
a job, he or she could always
find one.
Diana Stanley, executive
director at The Lord's Place in
West Palm Beach, said some of
these perceptions are inaccu-
rate and are likely the result of
never coming into contact with
poor people.
"Sometimes they haven't
walked the walk," Stanley
said. "If you come from a
world where you have been
raised your whole life very
blessed, you've had a home
and a car and gone to college,
it's even harder to sometimes
understand somebody else's
Stanley said the best way to
change these misconceptions
is for The Lord's Place and
other local agencies that help
the needy to connect donors
and volunteers with those liv-
ing in poverty.
Despite not understanding
the poor, Americans are will-
ing to donate money to char-
ity, the study said. Fifty-nine
percent of Americans reported
donating to charity in 2011,
with donation amounts rang-
ing from less than $50 to more
than $500.
Alzheimer's diagnosis are not often accurate
continued from 18B
night made a dramatic differ-
ence, said Shelley Rosenberg:
"I'm thrilled. He is what he used
to be. I have my father back."
It's a difficult balance for the
Alzheimer's Association: trying
to raise awareness and boost
early intervention efforts for Al-
zheimer's and other dementias,
while also cautioning families
and clinicians not to jump to
Diagnosing Alzheimer's is
tricky and is done, in part, by
ruling out other health prob-
lems, such as an undetected
stroke or brain tumor.
Even well-meaning doctors
can be too quick to judge, espe-
cially when confronted by wor-
ried loved ones listing Mom's
memory lapses, said Jennifer
Howard, executive director of
the Alzheimer's Association -
Michigan Great Lakes Chapter.
An expert evaluation by an
interdisciplinary team that in-
cludes a geriatrician and neu-
rologist is crucial, she said.
"The brain is not just a physi-
cal structure. It's this incred-
ible computer. It's constantly
computing where resources
are needed and redirecting, de-
pending on energy is coming
from and what task you need to
do," said Rhonna Shatz, direc-
tor of Behavioral Neurology at
Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.
For that reason, a common
urinary tract infection, a sud-
den change in blood pressure
or depression are all stresses on
an older brain that, combined
with other problems, can quick-
ly short-circuit it, Shatz said.
The result is acute confu-
sion or delirium that, to an un-
trained eye, may look like Al-
zheimer's disease.
"Pulling these things apart
and the need for a real diagno-
sis that's important so people
can live the best quality of life
as possible for as long as pos-
sible," said Howard at the Al-
zheimer's Association.
In the case of Al Edelson, a
former Wayne State professor
and cancer survivor, the confu-
sion was really the result of a
regular cocktail of 18 medica-
tions prescribed for a variety of
health issues.
In his mid-70s, the once
sharp-witted, effervescent pro-
fessor of instructional technol-
ogy began to withdraw, family
members said. For years, he
and his wife traveled frequent-
ly, but he began to be more
comfortable remaining near
his family's Huntington Woods
In the hours before their 5
a.m. departure for a trip to Brit-
ain aboard the Queen Mary 2
several years ago, Edelson was
wide awake, anxious.
"He said, 'I think I need to
cancel this.' It was 2 a.m. I said,
'I will never forgive you,' his
wife, Joanna Edelson, recalled,
19th pastor anmversary
The 93rd Street Community
Missionary Baptist Church in-
vites the community to come
out and join us in the culminat-
ing celebration of Pastor Carl
Johnson's 19th pastoral an-
niversary. This celebration will
take place or Sunday, May 27
with a 7:30 a.m. worship ser-
vice featuring Mother Helen
Jenkins and Saint City Church
of God the Apostolic Faith and
at 11 a.m. with Rev. Zackary
Royal and St. Mary Baptist
Church. Hope to see you there
as we celebrate this joyous oc-
This year's theme: Honoring
a man with inspiration and mo-
tivation who encourages God's
people, began with a service
held on April 24, 2012 featuring
Rev. C. P. Preston and Peace-
ful Zion Missionary Baptist
The celebration continued
throughout the month of May
with the following pastors and
churches in attendance: May
1, Rev. Randall Holts and
New Hope Missionary Baptist
Church; May 8, Rev. Larrie M.
Lovett and Antioch Missionary
Baptist Church of Brownsville;
May 15, Rev. Dr. T. L. McCloud
and Peace Missionary Baptist
Church; May 17, Rev. Keith
S. Butler and Logos Baptist
Church; and May 22, Rev. An-
drew Floyd and First Baptist
Missionary Baptist Church of
St. Matthews pastoral anniversary
St. Matthews Free Will Baptist
Church, 6700 NW 2 Avenue,
will be celebrating their pastor's
44th pastoral anniversary. The."
anniversary will commence 7:30
p.m., Friday, May 25. The guest
speaker will be Pastor Dwayne
Richardson from Greater Love
M.B. Church.
All pastors and ministers
whose lives have been touched
by Bishop A. Randall is asked
to please sit in on Friday night.
Elder Paul Moss, assistant
pastor of St. Matthews will be
the speaker at 7:30a.m., Sun-
day. BISHOP ABE RANDALL
The celebration will climax
at 11 a.m., Sunday during the Jeffrey Mack of Second Canaan
worship service with Reverend M.B. Church.
The Miami iimes
Revival Center
6702 N.W. 15th Avenue
Baptist Church
173 iW a i ~rd Irbuoe
a, I nlpn
Su' I. Wv,,hJ,p 30 P ,T,
lu Pli,., nxlg, 3U P m
Temple Missionary
Baptist Church
1723 N.W. 3rd Avenue
Order of Services
6lu-4ji, B-b ,l r
IF ,ng Mlll',ir jil,
Thl,, tli, unid'. lm l "-r, JUpm
a ..,eDr ,roy.,,e.m
Mt. Calvary Missionary
Baptist Church
1140 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
Ordei of Services
Mon t. rulFn Iw Do, Piu,ci
B ,lo Sud ', U, i. n
%nd ,o S6. l0n U ( ,-n
St. Mark Missionary
Baptist Church
1470 N.W. 87th Street
!i .'$ ::. III II
New Birth Baptist Church, The Cathedral of Faith International
2300 N.W. 135th Street
Order of Services
Sunday Worship 7 a.m.,
11 a.m., 7 p.m.
Sunday School 9:30 a.m.
Tuesday (Bible Study) 6:45p.m.
Wednesday Bible Study
10:45 a.m.
Fax: 305-685-0705
Liberty City Church
of Christ
1263 NW. 67th Street
Order of Services
Sundaijy Evrnngb p .it
lu6 IBble Ulo.: t i0 p m
Ihuis lalloB ,h,p 10a om
Jordan Grove Missionary
Baptist Church
5946 N.W. 12th Avenue
.-- -- Order of Services
hirlWlorihip l; iml
WSW.hip Iaa Won.il4llp rp..
u1d,. id,, !p
Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church
15250 N.W. 22nd Avenue
Ita, cI | K Ii
Murder ot eruIces
4UNDAY Worr.kfpl'.,ri
arilng In ar m
(hurih ',,,l 8 l)s i1
Feeding Minrril r12 norl
B6ble cudl 1p m
New Vision For Christ
13650 N.E. 10th Avenue
S Oder of Servies
61 und' Wou,',1h 13U m
ui "w" -"MOwOL W Iihp 11 0 m
2 ,,dIoe b rlV agSo l b tV p i,
Weidnlle'drl ,,ila 'ud, I i i n
Re.MihelD Sre
Pembroke Park Church of Christ
3707 S.W. 56th Avenue Hollywood, FL 33023
---1- -1 -FIRST--- --- -VrIRP ,
Order of Services
1 Sunday: Bible Study 9 a.m. Morning Worship 10 a.m.
Evening Worship 6 p.m.
Wednesday General Bible Study 7:30 p.m.
Television Program Sure Foundation
My33 WBFS/Comcast 3 Saturday- 7:30 a.m.
'*w pembrokeparkchurchofchrist.com pmbrel' pao l rio n?'bilauihh net
^^^^^^^^^^^ Alvin Daniels, ~jJr., TMiiniBgS!!, ^^^^
Zion Hope
Missionary Baptist
5129 N.W. 17th Avenue
Order of Services
rnduy SIrhil 4 iD a n,
Motliniq Proa 'Woi'.hip 11 am
. rFii,iri,,,d third ',urday
S0 0ilir .Irhlo 6 p m
Fprl p M aing & Bible sLud
lutilor lp
Antioch Missionary Baptist
Church of Brownsville
2799 N.W. 46th Street
alt", N lWiWM =1tWI
S-Order of Services
I-hu10 uruid, Sia ul 6 i a in
g r 10aT.i
Ml O I W;i3 ui.i Id'. i
hlu n0.oI t d Iol n 'au P ia
S-ui [ lli'Wor.hip Im p
First Baptist Missionary
Baptist Church of Brownsville
4600 N.W. 23rd Avenue
_ -I] -l,;i OreI iR ,111
Order of Services
Iisho Vi. ctolrT.aCJurry,1Di n llS. I*, I JI. o/e her.
Hosonna Community
Baptist Church
2171 N.W. 56th Street
Friendship Missionary Baptist Church
740 N.W. 58th Street
Order of Services
Hour of Paover .310 a m Early Morning Worship 1:30 a m
Sunday S(hool 10 a m Morning Wor.hip II a m
toulh Ministr- Study wed 1 p m Prayer Bible Study Wed 7 p m
Ninunday ,liar Poayer (M .F
d ,lf'q li, hungry ev, i Wcdnesday 11 oa i I p Ill
i... i ,:r, d lpmb(ml ir'q riend hp ,pul ver'b''hl l'b.'lh nil
Church of Christ
4561 N.W. 33rd Court
Order of Ser
wld DoUr ud rr S('ol 45e1
Surdur, Mulnrig Wip'hip II a m
Surdi Mun iblu, Sludri i5 m
Sii'da Lodle Blible Siudy p m
',d Surir [E..rng Wors hip B m
St. John Baptist Church
1328 N.W. 3rd Avenue
.- ---- Order of Service:
Sunday School 9.30 om.
ornng M orng worship I I a m
-.' ppnrur,; P iaye and Bible Siudy
, -'' '* : .* ,Meeing (Iue. ) 7l p m
The Celestial Federation
of Yahweh Male & Female
(Hebrew Israellites) Dan. 2:44
'l' Ph 1ii rilrii nr
P i J (l rr tl i L i 27 .m
\' Ww6 foripir-onal
I 1 1' ]pp,,rurri rd Biblte
93rd Street Community
Missionary Baptist Church
2330 N.W. 93rd Street
I r l*, P
Order of Services
3u |a 1 li dMii ciip
IlI l u, i .uiii, 1pom
urd'ir bh. I Ilu. i p a Ti
irk'il. ii, Oli u
Min.Harrll L
I 7=-=73 Johnsa
rC? ~~ ':
i 1
Hall Ferguson Hewitt Southern Memorial
painter, died
May 16 at
University of
Miami Hospital.
Service 12 p.m., -
Saturday at St.
James A.M.E.
84, domestic,
died May 15 at
home. Viewing
5-6 p.m.,
Friday May 25
in the chapel.
Viewing 6 until '
Friday May 25
at home, 3158
NW 45 Street, Miami, Fla. 33142.
Service 11 a.m., Saturday at First
Baptist Church of Brownsville.
Hadley Davis
TONY BULLARD, 52, chef, died
May 13 at home.
Service 11 a.m.,
Saturday in the
died May 16 at
home. Service
11 a.m., Friday
at Jordan Grove
Missionary a
Baptist Church. .
53, educator,
died May 15
at Miramar
Memor ial I
Service 2:30
p.m., Saturday
at 93rdStreet
Baptist Church.
laborer, died ,
May 19. Service "
1 p.m., Saturday r T
at Jordan Grove ,
Baptist Church.
81, retired
worker, died
May 16 at Miami
Jewish Home.
Service 11 a.m., ,
Saturday at Mt.
Calvary Baptist
70, medical
assistant, died
May 19 at North
Shore Hospital.
Service 2 p.m.,
Saturday at New
Begin ning
Embassy of
tailor, died May I
17 at Unity
Nursing Center.
Service 12 p.m..
Saturday in th
Eric L. Wilson
retired, died
May 19 in
Miami Gardens.
Service 11 a.m.,
Saturday at
House of God
Miracle Revival
Wright and Y
May 11 in Lenox,
GA. Survivors
mother, father,
four brothers,
uncles, aunts,
cousins, friends
and host of relatives.
p.m., May 25 at the ch
at 3030 NW 44 Street,
33142. Service 11 a.m
at 93rd Street Comm
Church. Southview Mort
GA in charge of arrange
Card of Thanks
The family of the late,
In Memoriam
In loving memory of,
06/22/1938 05/25/1992
When our loved one heard
the angels song, you were
there to help us send him
home. Thank you for show-
ing you care.
ouThe Brantley-Bacon family
young wish to thank all our family
IAN, 5, died and friends who were there in
our time of bereavement. Your
thoughts, prayers, kindness
were greatly appreciated.
Special thanks to Rev. Dr.
Ralph M. Ross of Historic
Mount Zion M.B. Church,
the staff of Hall, Ferguson,
Hewitt Mortuary, cousins:
Della Brantley, Sandra, Jes-
Viewing 5-8 sie, Monica, Shaw and Vivian.
urch. Wake
,Miami, FL
., Saturday Card of Thanks
unity M.B.
:uary, Tifton,
KEON BLACKMAN, 21, intern
for medical 7 -
assistance, died
May 11 in Lenox,
GA. Survivors
include: mother,
father, three Fi'
brothers, Ba
one sister
grandmothers, '
grandfathers, uncles, nieces,
nephews, friends and host of
relatives. Devoted girlfriend,
Stacey. Viewing 5-8 p.m., May
25 at the church. Wake at 3030
NW 44 Street, Miami, FL 33142.
Service 11 a.m., Saturday at 93rd
Street Community M.B. Church.
Southview Mortuary, Tifton, GA in
charge of arrangements.
SHINGI COOK, 38, waste
attendant, died May 17 at North
Shore Medical Center. Service
11 a.m., Saturday at Mt. Hermon
A.M.E. Church.
63, chiropractor, died May 17 at
home. Services were held.
AMMA KOCHAN, one day old,
died May 17 at Joe DiMaggio
Children's Hospital. Service 11
a.m., Tuesday in chapel.
teacher, died May 19 at home.
Services were held.
Gregg L. Mason
TORINE A. HOLMES, 56, died
May 13. Family hour, 5-8 p.m.,
Thursday. Service 10 a.m., Friday
at The Historic Mt Zion Missionary
Baptist Church. Interment: Dade
Memorial Park.
MILDRED ASBERRY, 64, retail,
died May 12 at
home. Survivors .
include: Bonita
As b e r r y-
Sa b r i na
Lakesha Roan,
Felicia Jackson,
Leon Jackson, Glenn Jackson
and a host of other relatives and
friends. Service 2 p.m., Saturday
at Saint Luke Missionary Baptist
Nakia Ingraham
INGRAHAM, 19, student, died May
17 at Memorial Regional Hospital.
Service 11 a.m., Sunday at Seventh
Adventist Church.
Eric S. Geo
May 19. Service 11 a
day at Gethsemane
Baptist Church.
worker, died May 17 a
Hospital Medical Cent
11 a.m., Saturday in the
maker, died May 18
North Medical Center.
p.m., Friday at Eternal
tian Center in New Jers
Still loved and missed by
widower, LTC (Ret) Norman
C. Carey; daughters, Debra
(Clinton) Peterson, Terese
Carey of Houston, Texas,
and Faye Carey; grandsons,
Clinton Cecil and Clifton
Daniel; siblings, nieces and
Happy Birthday
In loving memory of,
The family of the late,
sends a special thanks to all of
the family, friends and neigh-
bors for your beautiful plants,
flowers, your lovely cards of
sympathy, your tokens of love
and words of kindness.
Keep us in your prayers.
God Bless, from the family.
Card of Thanks
wishes to express our
appreciation to our family,
rge friends, co-workers, and
the pastor and members of
EN, died Fulford United Methodist
i.m., Satur- Church, St. Peter's Missionary
Missionary Baptist Church, and Mount
Olive Baptist Church for
your unselfish acts of service,
Comforting messages, visits,
prayers, telephone calls,
cards, food, floral tributes,
construction and other expressions of
t University kindness.
:er. Service May God continue to bless
Chapel. you.
The Kidney, Graham,
Jennings, and Perry families.
D, 48, home
at Jackson
Service 12 Honor Your
Life Chris-
ey. Loved One With an
58, died May 14. Service 10 a.m.,
Saturday at Berean Church of God.
In Memorial
The Miami Times
05/23/1923 10/04/2011
From your son,
Ip rry, grr."lAdh;!dr>en aOnd
In Memoriam
In loving memory of,
11/16/1960 5/20/2003
Sons are angels sent from
above to fill our hearts with
unending love.
Love always, mother, Mable
Mulkey and family.
In Memoriam
In loving memory of,
,"lrd~ 4.
One year ago this month,
God called you home. It was
very hard to say good bye to
We know that absent from
the body, present with the
From the Martin and Spann
Service for Lenora Paschal
Johnson to be held Saturday
Lenora Mary Paschal John-
son, 36, died on Saturday, May
19, 2012 at Memorial Pembroke
Mrs. Lenora Johnson was a
native of Miami, Florida. She
attended public schools to in-
clude Parkway Middle and Nor-
land Sr. She was a graduate
of Florida State University and
went on to earn her Master's
Degree from Cambridge College
in Boston Massachusetts. Mrs.
Lenora Johnson was profes-
sional educator in the field of
science for 12 years in Atlan-
ta, Georgia. In addition to her
teaching responsibilities, Leno-
ra served as a the Senior High
School's cheerleader sponsor,
a successful school grant writer
and the CEO of the Community
Health Trust Lenora Paschal
Johnson was also a member of
the local region of Toastmasters
International in Georgia and
served as a local president.
She met the love of her life
while on vacation and relocated
back to Miami to accept the lov-
ing marriage proposal of Larry
Johnson. The happy couple
married on Saturday, April 30,
Beneath her legacy of sincer-
ity, her unfailing lady-like char-
acter and sweet disposition,
was a fighting spirit as strong
as steel and a faith as big as
the heavens. Lenora continued
P' ~d
. ok -4 1.,
to teach us right up until her
death. She taught us the el-
egance and evidence of grace in
the middle of her storm. Lenora
reviewed the lesson with us that
we must all take the inevitable
journey one day, and that God
loves us first and most of all.
Lenora Mary Paschal John-
son was a vital light in the lives
of all she touched. Her passing
will be mourned by her hus-
band Larry Johnson, parents
Fletcher and Dr. Rozalyn Pas-
chal, grandmother Agenoria S.
Paschal, twin siblings, aunts,
uncles, nieces, cousins and a
host of loving family members
and faithful friends. Litany 6-8
p.m., Friday at the church.
Service 11 a.m., Saturday at
Church of the Incarnation.
Olympic gold medalist, star in
college, Bob Boozer, dies at 75
Bob Boozer was
a star in college, an
Olympic gold medalist
and an 11-year profes-
sional who finished his
playing career with an
NBA championship.
Iic friends and fam-
ily remember him
more for his humility
and service to others.
Boozer died of a brain aneu-
rysm Saturday afternoon at an
Omaha hospital. Ella Boozer,
his wife of 46 years, said Sun-
day that he had become ill Fri-
day night while visiting friends.
He was 75.
"Bob always said that he got
everything you could have ever
gotten from playing basketball,"
she said.
Boozer was the No. 1 pick
in the 1959 NBA draft after he
earned All-America honors his
junior and senior seasons at
Kansas State. The 6-foot-8 for-
ward retired after winning the
1971 NBA title with the Milwau-
kee Bucks.
Boozer rarely spoke about
his basketball exploits unless
asked. If he used his celebrity,
it was to help him give back
to his hometown, particular-
ly helping inner-city youth in
North Omaha.
"Bob wasn't just a great indi-
vidual for himself, but also for
the city of Omaha and state of
Nebraska," Robertson said.
Born and raised in Oma-
ha, Boozer became one of the
greatest players ever at Kansas
State. He averaged 21.9 points
Our website is back
for his career, and his
25.2 points a game as
a senior is second in
school history to Mi-
chael Beasley's 26.2
points in 2007-08.
Boozer led the Wild-
cats to the NCAA Fi-
nal Four as a junior,
and as a senior he
helped K-State to a
No. 1 ranking in the final regu-
lar-season poll.
Boozer delayed entering the
NBA for a year so he could re-
tain his amateur status for
the Olympics. He averaged 6.8
points for the American team
that beat Brazil 90-63 for the
gold medal in Rome.
The Chicago Bulls selected
Boozer in the 1966 expansion
draft, and he averaged 20.4
points and 8.7 rebounds in
three seasons with the team.
He made his only All-Star ap-
pearance in 1968 while with the
Bulls. He played with Robertson
and Lew Alcindor while winning
the '71 title with the Bucks.
Bulls teammate Bob Love
said he remembered Boozer for
the running hook shots he took
as he crossed the lane.
"You couldn't block his
shot," Love said. "He had those
long arms and wide body. He
couldn't jump real high, but he
had a quick shot. He'd get his
shot off and get back under the
hoop and put the ball back in
the hole."
Off the court, Love said, Booz-
er was a caring individual who
was quick with a smile.
...view your
Obituaries Card of Thanks *
In Memoriams Happy Birthdays
For 89 years as a community service, The Miami
Times has paid tribute to deceased members of
the community by publishing all funeral home
obituaries free of charge. That remains our policy
today. In addition, your obituaries, Card of Thanks.
In Memoriam and Happy Birthdays will be available
online for your viewing.
.4i .
~all~ ~ ~
m N R
Music FOOD DINING ARTS & CULTURE PEOPLE
mixes gospel with soul
and a whole lot more
'Sincere' is a word meaning "genu-
ine. real, or real." And with a bit of
ingenuity, a South Florida-based,
gospel-neo-soul-rock group, has
taken the moniker Sensere' to de-
scribe themselves and their musi-
cal journey. James E. \Vright III
founded the group in 2003 and has
ingeniously fused an 11-member
ensemble of talented vocalists and
musicians collectively intent on
making a "joyful noise."
Sensere's newest CD. "The Soul
of Future Worship \ol I," has re-
ceived accolades from music cri-
tiqcues and fans from coat.r to coast.
But what makes this group unique
and in our estimation, head and
shoulders above man-y other gos-
pel groups, is their ability to com-
bine old school vocal techniques
with innovative instrumental ar-
rangements. In fact, if you listen to
them closely, you will sometimes
believe that you're hearing The
Mighty Clouds of Joy, Earth, Wind
& Fire and The Temptations all
at the same time. Yes, they are The
Sounds of Philadelphia and Mo-
town Records but with the distinc-
tive beat and message of Christian
praise and worship. Wright says
their mission is to serve as "ambas-
sadors of Christ, to bring the lost
back to God and to be gentlemen in
every facet of their work, lives and
Smooth as silk, Dwayne Charl-
ton still sings with members of his
family on Sunday's and shares lead
vocalist assignments with Terrell
Terry and Brian Williams. Wright,
the group's eclectic vocalist/pro-
ducer whose talents belie his age,
sings background. They are joined
by a band that covers strings,
brass, drums and keyboards and
whose members include: Wild-
mayer Marcelin, Timothy Wim-
berly, Jermaine Dean, Darryll Ef-
ford, Clinton Cornish and Terrance
McClain. Their ages range from 19
to 32. Eddie Pugh serves as their
business manager and mentor and
has proven that he has an eye for
talent, having worked for WEA Dis-
tribution, Warner Brothers, Colum-
bia Records and with artists from
Donna Summer to Parliament and
the Rolling Stones.
While the group was founded in
2003, Wright, who also arranges
and plays several instruments,
went out in 2009 to put together a
new band. So far, the results have
been superb.
"We're partners in this journey
and everyone has input," he said.
"This is not about fame it's about
hope and directing light to [God's]
people that [God] is entrusting to
us through song."
Sensere recently performed at
Jazz in the Gardens and was the
first gospel group in the history of
the annual event. As the summer
approaches, they will be on the
road bringing crowds to their feet
as they bear witness to their faith.
For more information about
Sensere, call Pugh at 954-243-1684.
Black moms get to show off their j
culinary skills in new weekly series *
TV ONE has
a hit with
"My Momma
Throws Down"
By D. Kevin McNeir
There's nothing better
than mom's home cook-
ing at least that's the
notion behind the new TV
One primetime series, "My
Momma Throws Down,"
that premiered earlier this
month and can be seen on
Sunday at 8 p.m ET. The
show is a culinary competi-
tion that is fast-paced and
action-packed with weekly
face-offs between fam-
ily matriarchs who are at
their best in the kitchen.
When the smoke clears, one
mother will emerge as the
queen of home cuisine. Co-
median Ralph Harris serves
as the host and brings his
rare form of comedy to keep
the show moving.
"When the producer [from
One of the special treats of the show will be the blind taste test contest.
Will family member's recognize their momma's cooking? They better!
,iCOr -- "- ,J -
My Momma Throws Down host,
Iron Chef America] brought
me the idea, they sold me
immediately," he said. "I've
been doing stand up com-
edy for 27 years and so it's
rare that anything surpris-
es me. But this is some-
thing totally unique. The
mothers have talent, energy
Sand a wide range of person-
Ralph Harris (center), will keep the laughs going.
alities and watching them
do their thing is amazing.'
Harris adds that the show
will lift up many former
ways of life that have been
all but lost in this age of mi-
crowave meals and fast food
"I live on the run most
of the time and tend to eat
in restaurants, hotels and
airports," he said. "But I
remember when I was a
child and we sat down every
night for our family din-
ner. That's something that
Please turn to SKILLS 2C
The sistahs from Soul Food will serve as celebrity judges.
Eight-year-old 'Beasts' star has world at her feet
By Bryan Alexander
The photographers at the
Cannes Film Festival photocall
can be a daunting sight for the
most experienced pro But for
first-time actress Quvenzhane
Wallis. the star of Beasts of the
Southern Wild. it was just a lot of
"I like it when people take pic-
tures of me.' she say s. "I like the
After all, she has been in the
business for all of three years.
She auditioned for the Beasts role
when she was 5, shot the film and
is rocking her first Cannes festival
at the wise old age of 8.
What she lacks in life years,
she more than makes up for in
her spellbinding performance in
the haunting Beasts she plays
Hushpuppy, a young girl learning
to survive on her own in her Delta
community home.
First-time director Benh Zeit-
lin's drama won the Grand Jury
prize at Sundance and has al-
ready wowed audiences in France
during Cannes.
Wallis' performance has critics
predicting that she could make
a run for best actress even in a
strong field at the festival.
But away from the screen, a
particularly loving spotlight has
been cast on the precocious Wal-
lis, who has beamed through
every photocall and gamely holds
her own during interviews with
adult reporters (without the usual
stage parent watching over every
"The French people love her,"
says Dwight Henry, who plays
her ailing father in the film after
emerging from an arm-wrestling
match with Wallis ("She threw me
down," he says).
"That girl has an aura about
herself. She's always happy and
laughing. She's always making
other people happy. You cannot
help but to love her when you
Please turn to BEASTS 2C
1), ,-
rffd.< i --
G'r Z"-~ c*3li~ n..:-:..r'*r -, ....~!
The King of Clubs, an 81-
year old service organization
comprised of professional men,
handed out scholarships and
community honors recently
at the Doubletree Hotel/
Spa before a filled banquet
room. Early arrivals
to the event included:
Honoree Shedrick
Gilbert and his w-ife, ,
Vilma and hosts of '
children stepping out
of a 22-passenger
Hummer limousine.
Ron Butler, the King
of Clubs' secretary, was HAN
the emcee who brought
forward Arthur "Jake"
Simms to give the invocation
and Dr. Richard J. Strachan,
the club's president, to
introduce the entertainment.
James B. Randolph II opened
by reciting a piece from the
Tempest. followed A-=
by Lonnie
McCarty singing, "My Hero,"
to the scholarship recipients;
Leah Armbrister performed
a liturgical routine and the
Psi Phi Band closed out the
Simms presented
the Dr. Tee S. Greer
Scholarships to:
Britney Alabre, Coral
Reef High; James
Maull to Khristlyn
Bellamy, School
for A.S., Wolfson
FIELD Campus; Dr. Edwin T.
Demeritte to Shirley
Pierre, Miami Northwestern;
Dr. Lorraine F. Strac han
Scholarships were given to:
Camry Brown and Austin
Harrison and were presented
by Audley Coakly. the trustee
of B-CU and John Williams.
Also, Dr. Rozalyn
H. Paschal presented
the Presidential
Scholarship to:
Cameron Rutledge,
Coral Reef High; the
Fletcher Paschal, Jr.
Memorial Scholarship
went to Phillip Wells,
Carol City High; and DEMI
the "Woman of the
Year" award was given to
Jackie Bell. James Fayson
gave the "Man of the Year"
award to Shedrick Gilbert,
a lay reader/deacon at the
Historical St. Agnes Episcopal
Presently, the King
of Clubs is recruiting
new members. Contact
President Richard J.
Strachan, for more
Among the other
distinguished guests .,
who attended were:
Grace and Homer STRA
Humphries; Deacon
Franklin. Linda
and Terrence Clark; Alice
Harrell; Minister Ethel
Williams and Deacon
Clifton Williams;
John Demerette and
Eleanor; Dr. Edwin
Demeritte, James
and Marge Fayson;
Larry and wife, Ruth
Simms; Nelson and
RITTE Fifia Jenkins; Lona
and Robin Mathis;
Bonnie North; Gwendolyn
Welters; Charlayne
Thompkins; Penny Brown;
Desiree Jenkins; Cecelia
Stewart; Wilma Gilbert;
Janelle, Roselica, Tara and
Seepta Hall; Stephen, Sr.,
Stephen, Jr., and
Summer Gilbert,
Jeffrey Gilbert;
Mayor Leroy Smith;
Georgiana Bethel;
Laverne Ingram;
Anthony and Angela
Rolle; Jasmine and
S Jennifer Gilbert; D.
:HAN Humes; E. Newbold; C.
Adams; E. Campbell;
Elton Davis; and Fr.
Kenneth Major.
Congresswoman Frederica and welfare; G. Eric Knowles,
S. Wilson traveled with Sunlite Stadium director; and
Secretary of State Hillary Dr. Ted Nicholas.
Clinton to Afghanistan to Congratulations go out to
spend time with the American Richelle A. Strachan for
Mothers station there for graduating with the largest
Mother's Day. We will be class ever along with other
praying for their graduates from
safe return and the South Florida. Family
opportunity to discuss members in attendance
the impact they made included. father,
during their tnrp. Richard B. Strachan;
It was mother Daphne A.
Commencement Week A Williams; grandfather,
at Bethune-Cookrnan R. J. Strachan; aunt
University, recently Denia McCurtis; Anna
and, of course, the WILSON Noldon-Green; James
administration was
full of anxiety, when the rumor
mill began to circulate that
Dr. Kibbie Trudie Reed's
resignation was accepted and
a male was taking her place.
Dr. Larry Handfield was
chosen to remain as chairman
of the Trustee Board and Lee
Rhyan \\ill once again serve as
a member of the board. Anong
the event's attendants were.
Audley Coakley, appointed
director of students activities
Green; Shaun and
Shakur Williams; Sharnia
Noldon-Alexander; Theodore
Eutsay; Cambry Noldon;
Vanderbilt Alexander III;
LaVonne Angram; Darius'
Johnson; Lambert Parker;
Antoinette Allen; Anesia
Allen; Donald and Emily
Johnson; Krizia Sherwood;
Stephanie Atis; TaCara Clark;
Brenda Porter; Rev. Arnold
Porter; Bradley, Tourraine
and Reginald B. Strachan.
Happy wedding
anniversary to Dewey
Willard and Sabrina
Knight l, who celebrated
their 10th anniversary on
May 18th. Their daughter,
Morgan, celebrated her 8th
birthday on Saturday, May
12th, with her school mates
and friends at C. B. Smith
water park.
University 'Lady Wild Cats'
won the Golf Championship
in Port. St. Lucie. Chris
Cochran is their coach. Our
'Lady Wild Cats' also won
the MEAC national softball
title last month.
Congratulations to all
college, university and high
school graduates; success
and happiness now and
always are well deserved.
Special congratulations
to Daryl Newbold on his
graduation from Florida
International University.
Maude Newbold and
her family have been
very instrumental in
encouraging her nieces and
nephews in
continuing to
aspire to higher levels of
Congratulations go out
to Darrius Jamal Albury-
Williams on being selected
the 2012 student athlete
by the Orange Bowl
Committee and receiving
a scholarship award.
Darrius will attend FAMU
in the fall majoring in
Business Administration
St. Agnes Episcopal
Church cordially invites our
community to their annual
men's day June 24th.
Theme "Man of God Stand
Firm in the Faith, Fear the
Lord, But also Seek Him."
Speaker is Dr C. P. Preston
of Peaceful Zion Baptist
Get well wishes and
prayers go out to all
sick persons and those
confined at home or in
nursing facilities: Inez
Frances Brown, Louise H.
As I entertain these crooked the real
thoughts that furnish my Lying restless between
mental field, this hole in the wall on an
Somewhere inside my birth is infested cot, waiting on three
where the misery was to be hots fulfilling my hunger off
concealed, what nots, thirty-six ounces of
Spread like unfertilized pain which I inherited being
daffodils through the beats of loyal to the game.
my heart I touched basis with Keep it moving in the
Moms culinary skills
continued from 1C
today's generation rarely ex-
periences. The show will help
them experience that and
understand the significance
of families spending time to-
gether at the dinner table."
Melba Wilson is one of the
judges on the show. She in an
award-winning chef and en-
trepreneur who has followed
in the footsteps of her fa-
mous aunt the 87-year-old
"Queen of Soul Food" whose
restaurant bears her name
- Sylvia's [in Harlem]. For
Wilson, cooking is a family
tradition that she inherited
from her mother and grand-
"My 12-year-old son is my
,taste tester and he, along with
his friends, have helped me
perfect many of my dishes,"
she said. "There will be fam-
ily members on the show as
well. One round will be a lot
of fun. Two mothers will cook
their best dish and then there
will be a blind taste test. I just
hope that their family taster
doesn't pick the wrong dish,
for their sake."
Wilson adds that soul food
Cleare, Shayne Hepburn,
Winston Scavella, Sue
Francis, Naomi Adams,
Wilhelmina Stirrup-Welch,
Princes Lamb, Thomas
Nottage, Iva Dell Hepburn,
Prince Gordon, Yvonne
Johnson-Gaitor, Veronica
O'Berry, Frankie Rolle,
Grace Heastie-Patterson,
Jacqueline Finley-
Livingston and Elouise
Congratulations to
,three of Miami's pioneer
daughters who celebrated
their 50th anniversary
reunion at their historic
universities last weekend.
Maude Newbold, Bethune-
Cookman University;
Marcia Johnson-Saunders,
Hampton University and
Beverly E. Nixon, Talledega
Miamians were saddened
to learn of the death of
Lemuel Moncur, pioneer
Mianian who graduated
from ,, B. T.W. class of
1949. Married to Florence
Scavella, they have two
daughters, Florence
and Robin Moncur, one
grandson Lemuel 11, and
many nieces, nephews and
other relatives.
presence of danger
Because with a cloudy day
comes the rain
The scattered seeds I breed
through these words I speak
Take heed if you will and
follow my lead to the peak
When my day has ended its
just me and peace
Hoping I can alleviate those
nightmares, I dream so
-By Michael Bucknor
on display
has undergone some interest-
ing transformations in the
last few years all bent on
making the dishes healthier
but still as delicious.
"Mothers are changing
the way they prepare meals,
like seasoning greens with
smoked turkey instead of
ham-hocks," she said. "But
Black mothers across this
country are still throwing
Other judges will include
the "sisters" from the popu-
lar TV show Soul Food, Rock-
mond Dunbar, Kandi Burruss
and a host of culinary experts.
Young star likes the bright lights
continued from 1C
meet her."
"And she's very smart," he
adds. "She's the perfect pack-
age of a lot of good things."
Zeitlin found Wallis after
looking at nearly 4,000 young-
sters for the part. His gamble
paid off. "She's just a natural
performer," he says. "She was
born to do this."
Wallis admits she likes the
business, but is torn between
becoming an actress and a
dentist. Or maybe both.
"I do want to clean teeth,"
she admits. "But being a den-
tist might also help because
then I can clean my own teeth.
Then I can go do movies with
clean teeth."
Of course, the movie busi-
ness doesn't always have
sparkle. Wallis found the af-
ter-party for Beasts at Cannes
to be a little on the boring side.
"It was a social party, there
was no dancing," she says.
So Wallis took a nap at the
party rather than take part in
industry talk.
"There was really nothing
more to talk about," she says
with a shrug.
Three charged with carjacking gospel
singing icon, Reverend Marvin Winans
By Robin Erb uH"-
DETROIT Four days after
he was robbed and carjacked
outside a Detroit gas station,
the Rev. Marvin Winans took
the pulpit Sunday morning
amid cheers and applause..
Even as his accused assail-
ants readied for a court hear-
ing in Detroit, the 54-y,ear-old
pastor told the congregation
that he never was afraid dur-
ing the assault Wednesday,
even as other men stood inside
the station without coming to
his aid.
Nor is he angry, he told the
congregation at Detroit's Per-
fecting Church.
Rather. he said, "I'm sad."
Recalling the robbery in de-
tail, he said a young womar.
gave him a ride back to his
church after the incident, re-
marking to him that he had
given so much to the commu-
Pastor Marvin Winans was assaulted and carjacked Wednes-
clay afternoon.
I looked at her and I said
'I'm just sad .. to think \ee
have reared young men to prey
-- p-r-e-y -- on people that they
think are weaker,' he said.
Scheduled to be arraigned
were Phillip Givens and Chris-
topher Moorehead, both 20
and of Detroit. and Brian Keith
Young. 18. of Clinton Town-
ship, Mich. They are charged
with carjacking. conspiracy to
carjack, unarmed robbery and
conspiracy to rob not armed
Winans said he knew of no
Please turn to WINANS 4C
y r RIchr I-
n Tillr iTlAi Il TIICC AV t!y ? i;?n inl
4t. I Inc Im(ll II1 ImI aI ,u Ii
* The Opa-Locka
Panthers spring
cheerleader camp at
Ingraham Park, at 2100
Burlington Street, begins
May 22-June 7th, 6-8 p.m.
For information contact
coach Keisha at 305-318-
3876 or Mashanda at 305-
* On May 25th, there
will be an Old Timers
Pep Rally at Miami Edison
Senior High School and
Old School Dance at the
American Legion Hall. On
May 26th, there will be
a picnic at the American
Legion Hall. For more
info call Debbie Ingraham
Walker at 786-541-7988.
SBookerT. Washington
Class of 1965, Inc. will
meet May 26th at 4:30 p.m.
at the African Heritage
Cultural Arts Center. For
information, call 305-213-
* Booker T.
Washington Class of
1964 will meet May 26th
at the African Heritage
Cultural Arts Center at
4:30 p.m. For information
contact Gladstone Hunter
at 305-632-6506.
* The Miami
Northwestern class of
1959 is sponsoring a six-
day, five-night trip to the
Biltmore Estate, Asheville,
N.C., May 27-June 1st. For
information call Barbara,
305-688-209; Joyce, 305-
836-0057 or Pat, 305-758-
* NAACP branch meeting
will take place on May 28th
at New Birth Baptist Church
East at 7 p.m.
* Hadley Park
Homeo owners
Association monthly
meeting will be held on May
29th at 6:30 p.m. at the
Carrie P. Meek Arts Center,
1350 NW 50 St. Contact Dr.
R. Malone at 786-512-1919.
* Liberty City Farmers
Market will be open each
Thursday, 12-5 p.m. and
Saturday, 11 a.m .- 4 p.m.
at TACOLCY Park through
May 2012. For information
call 954-235-2601 or 305-
751-1295 ext. 107.
* North Miami Pioneer
Athletic Hall of Fame
presents its 6th annual
induction ceremony,
special recognition for the
class of 1955 on Saturday,
June 2nd, at 9:00 a.m. at
FIU north campus, Koven
Center banquet hall, 3000
NE 151st Street.
Leglise Church invites
you to the ordination
and installation of their
Pastor Mathieu Pierre, and
Overseer Bishop Daisy
Williams on June 10th at
3:00 p.m. For info. contact
Youth Education
and Athletic Program
(YEAP) Summer camp
June 11th- August 10th,
Monday-Friday,7 a.m. 6
p.m. For more information
call 305-454-9546.
Miami Rescue
Mission is hosting their
fourth annual Alumni Picnic
at Crandon Park Beach,
6747 Crandon Blvd in Key
Biscayne, on June 16th, 8
a.m. 4 p.m.
is hosting a masquerade
ball, "An Evening of Fun
and Fantasy" on July 27th
at the Hillcrest Country
Club. For info. call 305-
* Miami Northwestern
Sr High Class of 1973
will meet the 3rd Sunday
of each month.We are
planning our 40th reunion
in 2013. For more info.
contact Gloria 305-635-
3015 or Louise 305-215-
Miami Northwestern
Class of 1967 meets on
the 2nd Wednesday of the
month at 7.p.m. at the home
of Queen Hall 870 NW 168th
Drive. We are planning our
45th reunion. Call Elaine
at 786 227-7397 or www.
Miami Northwestern
Class of 1962 meets on
the 2nd Saturday of each
month at 4 p.m. at the
African Heritage Cultural
Arts. Center. We are
beginning to make plans for
our 50th reunion. Contact
Evelyn at 305-621-8431.
BookerT. Washington
Class of 1967 meets the
3rd Saturday of each month
at the African Heritage
Cultural Arts Center. For
information contact Lucius
King at 305-333-7128.
The National
Coalition of 100 Black
Women Greater Miami
Chapter is accepting
applications for girls ages
12-18 to participate in Just
Us Girls Mentoring Program.
Monthly sessions will be
held every 3rd Saturday at
the Carrie Meek Center at
Hadley Park. Call 800-6.58-
1292 for information.
'''' "'New 'Beginning
U American Senior Baptist Church of
'High Alumni Association. DeliVerance of "All
Nations invites you to
weight loss classes the
1st and 3rd Saturday of
every month. Call Sister
McDonald at 786-499-
* Range Park is offering
free self-defense/karate
classes for children and
adults each Monday and
Wednesday from 6 8 p.m.
The location is 525 N.W.
62nd Street. For more
information call 305-757-
7961 or contact Clayton
Powell at 786-306-6442.
Chai Community
Services food program is
taking applications from
low income families and
veterans. All services are
free. For applications call
Dads for Justice,
a program under Chai
Community Services
assists non-custodial
parents through Miami-
Dade State Attorney's
Office with child support
modifications and visitation
rights. For information call
0 Jewels Baton
Twirling Academy is now
accepting registration for
the 2012 season. Open
to those who attend any
elementary schools within
the 33147, 33142, 33150
zip codes and actively
attend church. Contact
Elder Tanya Jackson at
786-357-4939 to sign up.
Resources for
Veterans Sacred Trust
offers affordable and
supporting housing
assistance, family
resiliency training and
other resources for low-
income veteran families
facing homelessness or
challenges maintaining
housing stability in Broward
and Dade counties. Call
855-778-3411' '.or Vistl"
www.411Veterans.com for
more information.
lSolid RockEnterprise,
Inc. Restorative Justice
Academy offers free
consultation if your child
is experiencing problems
with bullies, fighting,
disruptive school behaviors
sibling conflicts and/or poor
academic performance.
For information call 786-
488-4792 or visit www.
Miami-Dade County
Community Action
& Human Services
Head Start/Early Head
Start Open Enrollment
Campaign for free
comprehensive child care
is underway for pregnant
women and children ages
2 months to 5 years of age
residing in Miami-Dade
County. Applications and a
list of Head Start Centers
are available at www.
miamidade.gov/cahs or
call 786 469-4622.
0 Looking for all Evans
County High School
Alumni to create a South
Florida Alumni contact
roster. If you attended
or graduated from Evans
County High School in
Claxton, Georgia, contact
305-829-1345 or 786-514-
S.A.V. (Survivors
Against Violence) is a
Bible-based program for
young people and meets at
Betty T. Ferguson Center in
Miami Gardens each week.
For info call Minister Eric
Robinson at 954-548-4323
or www.savingfamilies.
Tutoring in Miami Gardens
offers free tutoring with
trained teachers. For
information call 305-654-
I r-
* Merry Poppins
in Miami has free open
enrollment for VPK
class and summer camp
[June 11-Aug. 17]. For
information call Ruby White
or Lakeysha Anderson at
* A local softball
team for healthy ladies
who are 50+ years old is
ready to start and only
needs 15 more players.
Many different experience
levels are welcome. For
information, call Coach
Rozier at 305-389-0288 or
Gloria at 305-688-3322.
Looking for all former
Montanari employees to
get reacquainted. Meetings
are held on the last
Saturday of each month
at 9 a.m. For information
contact Loletta Forbes at
786-593-9687 or Elijah
Lewis at 305-469-7735.
Miami Jackson and
Miami Northwestern
Alumni Associations are
calling all former basketball
players and cheerleaders
for the upcoming 2012
Alumni Charity Basketball
game. Generals call 786-
419-5805, Bulls call 786-
873-5992, for information.
Miami Jackson
Senior High class of
92 is currently planning
a. 20th year reunion. Call
committee president
Herbert Roach at
*The 5000 Role Models
of Excellence Project will
be celebrating 20 years of
mentorship at their 2013
5000 Role Models Reunion.
All role models members,
mentors and students
are urged to contact the
Role Models's office:e-
mail 5000RoleModels@
dadeschools.net or call
305-'995-24'51, ext. 2. '
'The Voice' champion checks in the morning after winning
By Carly Mallenbaum
America voted, and The
Voice winner has been chosen.
The man with "The Voice" is
33-year-old family man Jer-
maine Paul from Team Blake
Shelton. Before the show,
Jermaine sang background for
Alicia Keys. Now, he is clearly
in the foreground. The sleep-
deprived singer (he's been
awake since last night's finale)
checked in with USA TODAY
the morning after winning the
grand prize on NBC's singing
competition, a record deal.
Have you talked to Alicia
Keys since winning?
The winner of NBC's The Voice is Jermaine Paul. He plans
to write emotionally-driven songs like his friend, Alicia
She called me last night af-
ter they announced that I was
the winner, when credits were
rolling down. She was just
screaming. (Going solo) is a
step she's been kinda pushing
me to take.
Has she influenced you?
One thing I learned about
being on road with Alicia is
that some nights she didn't
have much voice at all. She let
her emotions do the work. I
want to have emotional songs
like that.
Why did you decide to go
on the show?
The thing about The Voice,
it has so much integrity when
it comes to the craft. For me, Before winning, host Car-
this wasn't just a chance to be son Daly asked you what
on TV or a game show. This being The Voice champion
was real life. My wife and my would mean to you, and you
daughter, they were very in- got pretty choked up. Did
strumental in telling me to try you have something pre-
out. There was a gentleman pared to say, but got stuck
from my chuch who tried out in the moment?
last year and told me to do it. Please turn to PAUL 5C
Whitney Houston upbeat
in last song, 'Celebrate'
By Ann Oldenburg
Celebrate, which is being
billed as the last song ever
recorded by Whitney Houston,
has hit the Web. It's a duet for
the film Sparkle with Jordin
Sparks, who paid tribute to
Houston at Sunday night's
Billboard Music Awards with
a moving rendition of hit I Will
Always Love You.
Celebrate, written by R&B
star R. Kelly, was recorded
four days before Houston's.
death on Feb. 11.
Whitney sings, "Everybody's
been so uptight/ And forget-
ting to live their life/ Let all
the problems get them down/
'Til it makes you want to
Sparks follows with, "See
everybody been down on luck/
Finally things are looking up/
The sun has chased all the
rain away/ No more obstacles
in our way."
Sparkle is due out in Au-
Sparkle (Jordin Sparks) and Emma (Whitney Houston) in
a scene from the motion picture 'Sparkle.'
Pastor's carjacking incident leads to arrest
continued from 2C
connection to the men and that
he was a random victim.
Winans, a prominent pas-
tor and gospel musician, gave
a eulogy for Whitney Hous-
ton in February. His newest
recording "Let the Church
Say Amen," is currently a top
gospel pick, according to Bill-
While Winans was pumping
gas at a Citgo station, a young
man approached and "engaged
him in conversation about the
music he had on the radio,"
Detroit police Inspector Nick
Kyriacou said.
When the young man sud-
denly told Winans that gas
was spilling from his tank, the
minister turned toward his
SUV and the young man suck-
er-punched him from behind
and pushed him down. He was
punched and kicked on the
pavement, Kyriacou said.
His finger was broken in the
attack, but he was not serious-
ly injured. His assailants fled
in the pastor's luxury SUV
with his $15,000 gold-and-di-
amond-encrusted Rolex watch
and a wallet containing $200,
police said.
The 2012 Infiniti QX56 was
later found next to an aban-
doned house and Winans
told his congregation Sunday
morning that most of his be-
longings had been returned.
Speaking with reporters
before the morning service,
Winans said he would reach
out to his assailants. And he
called on the city's young
men, fathers, business own-
ers and others to take person-
al responsibility and see their
"self-worth" and their role in
the larger community.
"The city is fixable, and it
starts with the men of the city,
in particular the Black men,"
he said. "And I ... want to urge
all of you men who hear me
to go and get your sons. I'm
not bitter. I'm not upset. I'm
saddened by what has taken
place. But I'm also inspired.
We have to make a change in
this city."
Usher cries during courtroom showdown
By Ann Oldenburg
. .Usher is due back in court
in Atlanta today as he battles P
his ex-wife, Tameka Foster,
41, over custody of their two
Sons, Usher V, 4, and Naviyd,
Steven Tyler, left, Jennifer
of 'American Idol.'
Lopez and Randy Jackson hold court from the judges' table on the set
Can 'American Idol' go out with a bang?
By Bill Keveney
It's finale time, and Ameri-
can Idol could use a show-
stopping performance from
The 11th edition of the
reality singing competition
remains a TV powerhouse; the
Wednesday performance show
is again the No. 1 entertain-
ment show among total viewers
and is neck-and-neck with The
Voice among advertiser-coveted
young adults going into the
finale. But the outright domi-
nance has softened.
Counting all nights of the
show, Idol has lost 23 percent
and 28 percent of viewers and
young adults, respectively, and
is averaging 19.2 million view-
ers for the season, compared
with 24.9 million in 2011.
Last year, by comparison, Idol
defied TV ratings gravity and
grew five percent in viewers.
Tuesday's performance finale
offered a contrast in styles:
Please turn to IDOL 6C
Voice champ plans more emotional songs
continued from 4C
We did a dress rehearsal that
day and he asked me in the
dress rehearsal what I ate for
lunch. My answer was a cobb
salad. I wasn't really thinking
about what he would ask (on
the live show). The emotions
really get the best of you.
Before you won, how did
you finish this sentence: "If
I win The Voice I will..."
It all boils down to buying a
house. We've been moving so
much throughout the years
and have talked so much
about buying our house (in
New York). I said "If I win," or
"If I ever bump into a bunch of
money" that would be (a prior-
Have you considered mov-
ing to L.A.?
I'm hearing L.A.'s where the
money is, where the opportu-
nity is. It all depends if things
kinda align that way. If (my
career) calls for it, definitely.
What can you reveal about
your upcoming album?
Listen back to the songs I
did this season-Livin' on a
Prayer, Open Arms, Against
All Odds, I Believe I can Fly-
those are the ones that hit
home. The album is gonna
be filled with songs that hit
You used to sing backup,
so have you thought about
who will sing backup on
your album?
I've got a lot of brothers and
sisters. We grew up singing
together as kids, but I'm the
only one that stuck with it. I'm
the only dingbat that didn't go
to college and tried to make
The singer got emotional in
court Monday, wiping tears
away from his eyes at one
point, after Foster's lawyer
said he cares more about par-
tying than he does about his
Usher, 33, was on the stand
for hours, reports TMZ.
He was grilled about drug
use, and he admitted to
smoking pot in the past, but
when the subject turned to ec-
stasy, Usher's lawyer objected.
Usher insisted he never used
drugs in front of the children
- an allegation Tameka made
Usher appears in an Atlanta courtroom on Monday.
early in their custody fight. girlfriend, tried to hit her and
Usher fought back, however, also threw food at him after
claiming Foster spat on his flying into a jealous rage.
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By James C. Mckinley Jr.
Donna Summer, one of the
most influential singers of the
disco era, died on Thursday.
She was 63.
The cause was cancer, ac-
cording to Brian Edwards, a
publicist for Ms. Summer, who
said she died at her second
home in Naples, Fla..
Summer was a five-time
Grammy winner who became
a superstar in the 1970s with
hits like "Love to Love You
Baby," "Last Dance," "Hot
Stuff" and "Bad Girls."
Summer was a talented
vocalist trained in the gospel
tradition whose consistent
success on the pop charts was
rivaled at the time only by the
Bee Gees. In the 1980s she
continued to score hits with
songs like "She Works Hard for
the Money" and "This Time I
Know It's for Real."
Her collaborations with the
producer Giorgio Moroder in
the 1970s broke new ground
for dance. music and have
been influencing the genre
ever since. Few vocalists could
match the sensuous eroti-
cism she brought to some of
her best recordings, which for
many fans came to define the
disco era.
LaDonna Adrian Gaines was
born on Dec. 31, 1948, and
raised in the Boston area. She
learned to sing in church in a
gospel choir and as a teenager
performed in a short-lived psy-
chedelic rock group called the
Crow. After high school, she
moved to New York and soon
landed a role in a German pro- -
duction of "Hair."
It was in Europe, while Sum-
mer was working as a studio
vocalist, that she met Moro-
der and Pete Bellotte, another
producer. Collaborating with
Summer was a five-time
Grammy winner who
became a superstar in
the 1970s with hits like
"Love to Love You Baby,"
"Last Dance," "Hot
Stuff" and "Bad Girls."
them, she recorded "Love to
Love You Baby," the 17-minute
long single released in 1975
that became a major disco hit
and by year's end had crossed
three consecutive double-LPs
rise to the top spt on the
albums chart \ ith "Live and
SShe learned to sing in
church in a gospel choir
and as a teenager per.
formed in a short-lived
over to the pop and R&B
charts as well. The song, on
which she moaned and sang
in a breathy, seductive voice,
skyrocketed her career.
She went on to record 19
No. 1 dance hits from 1975 to
2008, a record she shares with
Madonna. Summer's albums
also sold millions of copies.
She was the only artist to have
psychedelic rock group
calledd the Crow.
More," "Bad Girls" and "On the
Radio: Greatest Hits: Volumes
I and II.".
As some disco stars started
to fade by the early 1980s,
Summer ended her partner-
ship with Moroder and tried to
reinvent her sound, exploring
pop-rock and new wave beats
on her album "The Wanderer."
post-disco urban R&B style
with 1983's "She Works Hard
for the Money." The title track
became a smash hit and a
feminist anthem.
But the decade also brought
strife. In 1980, she sued her
management for mishandling
her career and ended her as-
sociation with Casablanca
Records, signing with Geffen
Records. In the mid-1980s,
she also became a born-again
Christian and found herself
embroiled in a controversy af-
ter she was accused of saying
the AIDS epidemic was God's
revenge on homosexuals. She
denied she ever made the com-
ments, but became the target
of a boycott.
The momentum of her career
slowed in the late 1980s, and
as "sinful."
Her next album, "Mistaken
Identity," in 1991, failed to
produce the kind of hit single
that would resurrect her for a
new generation. In the mid-
1990s she moved to Nashville
and stopped making albums,
though she did win a Grammy
when she reunited with Moro-
der for the 1997 single "Carry
On." It wasn't until 2009 that
she produced another stu-
dio album, the energetic and
eclectic "Crayons."
Religion played an important
role in her life in later years.
"She was very committed to
God, spirituality and religion,"
Michael Levine, who briefly
worked as her publicist, told
The Associated Press. "Her
had met while making the
single "Heaven Knows." They
had two children, Brooklyn
and Amanda. She is survived
by her husband and three
Edwards said Summer had
recently been writing songs
and had begun recording ma-
terial for two new albums.
Elton John said in a state-
ment on Thursday that Sum-
mer should be in the Rock and
Roll Hall of Fame, an honor
that eluded her. "Her records
sound as good today as they
ever did," he said. "That she
has never been inducted into
the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
is a total disgrace, especially
when I see the second-rate tal-
ent that has been inducted."
Will'American Idol' end on high note?
continued from 5C
Jessica Sanchez, 16, of Chu-
la Vista, Calif., a sweet teen-
age balladeer who can belt
out a harder-edged tune with
a voice beyond her years;
and 21-year-old rocker Phil-
lip Phillips of Leesburg, Ga.,
who does things his own
way, from fashion choices to
music arrangements.
The winner will be crowned
on Wednesday's two-hour-
plus finale (8 ET/PT). And
on Idol, female vote rules,
says Lyndsey Parker, Yahoo
Music's Reality Rocks blog-
ger. "They're either going to
vote for the girl they want to
have be their best friend or
the boy they want to be their
boyfriend. And that's what
Jessica and Phillip are."
Executive producer Nigel
Lythgoe says he has con-
cerns about the show's fall-
ing ratings, which he feels
have been affected by a
crowded competition field.
"The landscape as it is
now, it's never been like this
before. We've got The X Fac-
tor on, we've got The Voice
on, we've got various oth-
er people coming on with
singing shows. The public
does get bored with singing
shows, and unless you pro-
duce the talent like I believe
we've done this year, we'll
go down again next year,"
he says. "We've been at the
top for 11 years. We've got to
go somewhere, and the only
place we can go is stay there
or go down."
The X Factor may have
been a double-edged sword
for Fox, improving the net-
work's fall performance but
perhaps decreasing the ap-
petite for other music shows,
including Idol, in the spring,
says David Scardino, enter-
tainment specialist at ad.
agency RPA. However, he
says the Idol decline is a rel-
ative matter.
"It's a big drop for Ameri-
can Idol. It's obviously well
off from its heyday. On the
other hand, it still pretty
much won every night that it
was on for Fox," he says.
Last year, new judges Jen-
nifer Lopez and Steven Ty-
ler were praised for infusing
the show with fresh energy,
but this season, some found
their supportive style to be
lacking in needed criticism,
says MJ Santilli, who follows
music shows at MJ's Big Blog
"They became a little more
critical as the season pro-
gressed, but I think the
problem with this panel is
there's nobody who what
they say holds weight, where
if they don't like something,
it matters," says Santilli, who
thinks the show has had a
strong field of singers this
Lythgoe remains support-
ive of his judges and rejects
suggestions to add mentor
Jimmy lovine, seen as the
toughest critic of performers,
to the judging panel. He also
says he doesn't believe the
reports that Lopez is leaving.
"I'm very happy with our
judges. I do think that they
speak from the heart, they
speak with intelligence, and
they speak with insight," he
says. "And when they don't, or
if they screw up, I've got Jim-
my lovine on the sidelines,
ready to castigate them. And
I like that position."
r -
--- .-, i
r -
place 3,500
in jobs
State ranks their
performance low
By Marcia Heroux Pounds
Workforce agencies in Broward and Palm
Beach counties placed more than 3,500 peo-
ple in jobs in April, according to a new report
by the state's Workforce Florida, comparing
job placement among counties.
Yet the report ranks the performance
of Workforce One and Workforce Alliance
employment centers among the lowest in
The placement list, released monthly, is
an indicator of hiring in Florida as the state
recovers, Workforce Florida said.
Broward's is 16th and Palm Beach County
ranks 24th on the statewide job-placement
list for April. For Palm Beach County's Work-
force Alliance, that means the bottom rank-
ing, since there are 24 regional agencies.
But Broward's Workforce One's placed more
workers in April than any other agency. And
Palm Beach's Workforce Alliance "consis-
tently ranks in the top half among regional
workforce organizations in the number of
jobs placed," said spokesman Tom Veenstra.
Workforce Florida's spokeswoman Alyssa
Brown said the ranking is the result of a
composite score that reflects the percentage
of job openings the agency has helped to fill.
The overall ranking is meant to "even the
field" among big and small regional agencies.
Maso' n Jackson, president of Workforce
One. said the state's lead workforce agency-
is trying to stir lup competition among the
regional agencies to increase' job placement
Workforce One placed the most workers.
2.298. of ai, an gency in the state. Workforce
Alliance :'oind jobs for 1,247 residents, which
was more than 13 of the regional agencies
across the state.
City of Miami and Wells Fargo & Company officials celebrate South Florida's inclusion in the
NeighborhoodLIFTSM program which kicks off on June 1st.
'NeighborhoodLIFTSM' program
to boost Florida housing market
South Florida to
gain $3ooM in
loan assistance
By D. Kevin McNeir
Wells Fargo & Company, one
of America's leading commu-
nity banks and the nation's
largest home mortgage lender,
recently annoui-nced that the
Neielhbo:rh'oo dLIFTSM pro-
gram, a major effort to help
stabilize neighborhoods deeply
affected by the foreclosure
crisis; is coming to Flori-
da. The program will launch
in Miami on June 1 2 with
a free large-scale homebuyer
workshop at the Miami Airport
Convention Center (MACC)
from 10 a.m. 7 p.m.
Miami is the sixth city to
launch the Neighborhood-
LIFTSM program, following
Atlanta, Houston, Las Vegas,
Los Angeles, and Phoenix.
Prospective homebuyers can
register and learn more about
the NeighborhoodLIFTSM
program at www.neighbor-
hoodlift.org or by calling 866-
858-2151. Pre-registration is
encouraged but walk-ins are
The NeighborhoodLIFTSM
program was created to help
communities overcome the
dual challenge of high inven-
tories of unsold homes while
providing assistance for pro-
spective buyers. Wells Fargo
is committing $30 million in
the state of Florida to fund the
program that \, ill help hun-
dreds 6f residents of four cit-
ies, I:cludmne Miami, become-
In Miami, the program in-
cludes a five-year goal of $300
Please turn to PROGRAM 8D
in Florida
gets $1.7M
HUD monies will serve
vets, chronically homeless
The Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust
reports that the County was awarded a
$1,770,156 grant from the U.S. Housing and
Urban Development (HUD) agency for a new
supportive housing program for the home-
less. The money was awarded for a Hous-
ing First project known as Kolapi, which is
Native American for "friends." Kolapi will
be operated by Citrus Health Network and
will serve a total of 120
individuals, couples N
and families who .OI-./ A;
are veterans and/
or chronically
Florida received
a total of $6.7M
in grants for new
local homeless
programs in the
state. The Miami-
DE.,j ,
Dade County award was the
largest in the state and the second-largest in
the United States, according to The Home-
less Trust. This funding provides critically
needed permanent support for individuals
and families.
Founded in 1993, The Miami-Dade County
Homeless Trust is a county agency headed
by a board of 27 volunteers which serves
in an advisory capacity to the Miami-Dade
County Commission charged with the re-
sponsibility of implementing the Miami-Dade
County Community Homeless Plan. These
volunteers represent the business communi-
ty, the religious community, the educational
community, the provider community, the
political community and formerly homeless
Education remains the
employment equalizer
Social media reinvents
how business is done
College majors with low
unemployment rates
Black women
still trail in
job gains
By Freddie Allen
Black v.omren are making
the most significant gains
in emplo', mnnt but still lag
behind Whites, according to
the Labor Department. The
most recent jobs report from
the Bureau of Labor Statis-
tics show that the unemploy-
ment rate for Black women.
20 and older, dropped from
12.3 percent in March to
10.8 percent in April, a
decline of 1.5 percent. More
significantly, the jobless rate
for Black women has fallen
3 percentage points over the
past five months, the largest
decline for aiiv demographic
over that period.
The unemployment rate for
white women. 20 and older
has remained flat at 6 & per-
cent from last December to
April, but that stagnant rate
is still four percentage points
better than the current rate
for Black women The jobless
rate for Black men fell to
13.6 percent to 15.7 percent
over the same period, but
some economists v.arn that
those figures could be mis-
"There are t'ao things
dri ing doi, n the unempploy-
ment rate." said Steven Pitts.
labor policy specialist at
the University of California-
Berkeley's Labor Center.
"The improvement in job
prospects and simultaneous-
k some Black men dropping
out of the labor force "
Please turn to JOBS 8D
By Tim Mullaney
\ hen Red Robin Gourmet
Burgers introduced its new\
Tavern Double burger line
last month, the company,
had to get ever, thing right.
So it turned to social media
The 460-restaurant chain
used an internal social net-
work that resembles Face-
book to teach its managers
everything from the recipes
to the best. fastest way to
make them. instead of mail-
ing out spiral-bound books.
getting feedback during
executives' sporadic store
visits and taking six months
to act on advice from the
trenches. the network's
freewheeling discussion and
video produced results in
day s. Red Robin is already
kitchen-testing recipe
tweaks based on clustomler-
feedback and the four
nerw sandwiches just hit the
table April 30.
Facebook s initial public
offering Friday the largest
by a. technoloe- company
- is a watershed moment
for the consumer side of the
Web, but social networking's
real economic impact might
be ahead as companies
learn ho\e to harness "social
business" tools.
Beyond advertising on
Facebook or Twitter, compa-
nies are using social net-
works to build teams that
solve problems faster, share
inifo:rrmatlon better among
their employees and part-
ners, bring customer ideas
for new product designs to
market earlier, and redesign
all kinds of corporate soft-
ware in Facebook's easy-to-
Please turn to MEDIA 8D
Find your niche
and get paid
big bucks
By Terence Loose
If you're thinking about
going back to school, we're
guessing that choosing a
degree that's attractive to
employers is a priority. Are
we right" Of course we are.
If not. everyone would major
in things like TV watching
and shopping. But what
degrees could lead to solid
job prospects? We talked to
Susan Heathfield, a human
resources expert and the
writer of About con's 'Hu-
man Resources." which gives
advice about ho\\ people can
relate with coworkers and
their workplace. We also
checked out a 2012 George-
tow\n University Center on
Education and the Work-
force report entitled "Hard
Times: College Majors.
Unemployment and Earn-
ings: Not All College Degrees
Are Created Equal," which
studied unemployment rates
for recent grads. as well as
those with some experience,
in various majors. This is
significant for people who
have been in the workforce
for a few. years or more and
are considering going back
to school to earn a degree to
be a little more competitive.
And getting a degree is
something Heathfield highly
"As an employer, when
you're looking at the compe-
tition, you're going to take
the degree person over the
Please turn to COLLEGE 8D
Are Blacks being treated fair
By Charlene Crowell
NNPA Columnist
Back in the day, the mu-
sic of James Brown prompted
many listeners to tap a toe or
two. One particular JB song,
"There was a time," is as rel-
evant today as it was before -
particularly when it comes to
how America's banks changed
over the years. There indeed
was a time when bank profit-
ability was derived from its in-
vestments in communities and
neighborhoods. There was
also a time when many peo-
ple believed that banks would
treat them fairly.
But just as James Brown
passed on, so did many of the
banking practices of yester-
year. Today's bank customers
often harbor a deep and broad
resentment as to how these in-
stitutions operate. Perhaps a
new research report on credit
cards from the Center for Re-
sponsible Lending (CRL) will
enlighten and encourage those
now leading our financial in-
stitutions to change their
ways again. Predatory Credit
Card Lending, the latest re-
search from CRL, finds that
bank practices that benefited
consumers also enhanced fi-
nancial stability. Conversely,
financial institutions
focused on maximiz-
ing short-term gains
through deceptive
terms and penalty '"
fees wound up being
more financially at-
The report states in
part, "Predatory prod- f
ucts seemed .profit- a
able in the short term CRC
and seemed to help
fuel economic growth; but led
to a disproportionate escala-
tion in losses when housing
markets slowed and the econ-
omy soured. Our new research
shows this has also been true
ly by the
Sin the credit card
CRL examined
prevalent marketing
S and pricing practic-
es before the Credit
S Card Accountabil-
ity, Responsibility
S and Disclosure Act
(CARD Act) took ef-
fect. The analysis
WELL of the connection
between credit card
practices and actual com-
pany performance during the
recent economic downturn
was based on data from the
top 100 credit card issuers.
After tracking credit losses
banking industry?
from 2006 through 2010, CRL
found: credit card issuers that
engaged in a deceptive or abu-
sive tactic tended to have mul-
tiple offenses; the larger the
financial institution was that
was engaged in these mis-
leading practices, the worse
their practices tended to be;
regional or smaller banks and
credit unions tended to have
clearer and fairer pricing; and
common sense curbs on abu-
sive lending benefit everyone
- customers, investors, share-
holder and ultimately taxpay-
These findings also suggest
that despite current efforts to
weaken or dismantle the Con-
sumer Financial Protection
Bureau, the public and private
sectors would be well-served
by more and better policing of
credit cards and other forms
of predatory lending such as
overdraft and payday loans.
High-cost penalty fees and ris-
ing interest rates became the
risk, instead of mitigating it,
according to CRL. The report
concludes, "This study shows
that measures to stop decep-
tive and unfair lending practic-
es promote market transpar-
ency and enhance the health
of lenders and the economy in
the long term."
Scia l da changes today's business practice
Social media changes today's business practices
continued from 7D
Have job seekers given up?
When people quit look-
ing for work, they are no lon-
ger counted as unemployed.
Consequently, the labor force
shrinks, causing the unem-
ployment rate to go down. The
unemployment rate for Blacks
fell from 14 percent in March
to 13 percent in April.
"The unemployment rate
might look like an improve-
ment, but it's really just people
giving up," explained Algernon
Austin, director of the Race,
Ethnicity, and the Economy
program at the Economic Pol-
icy Institute.
In a 2011 study, the Na-
tional Women's Law Center
found that Black women lost
233,000 jobs between Decem-
ber 2007 and June 2009, then
lost another 258,000, 491,000
between June 2009 and June
2011. Black men only lost
477,000 over that period.
According to the study, not
only are Black women a major-
ity of the Black workforce (53.4
percent), they head a majority
of the Black families with chil-
More Black women are the
heads of households now, "So
they have to work, said Mau-
dine Cooper, president of the
Greater Washington Urban
League. "They'll often accept
less money than a man would
be making in the same job."
A 2012 study on the pay gap
conducted by the American
Association of University Wom-
en found that women working
full-time earned just 77 cents
to every dollar earned by a
man. Black women working
full-time make just 70 cents
for every dollar white men
make and 91 cents for every
dollar Black men bring home.
White women, on the other
hand, received 82 cents for ev-
ery dollar a white man earns.
White men are often used as
a benchmark, because at this
time they are the largest de-
mographic group in the labor
For Cooper, a college educa-
tion still remains the Black
community's strongest ally in
closing the economic gap. More
than 44 percent of Black wom-
en graduate from college, com-
pared to 33.1 percent of Black
men, according to the U.S. De-
partment of Education.
Cooper said it's about sacri-
ficing short-term gratification
for what really matters.
"I have friends that are going
to school and working," Cooper
said. "You have to do what it
takes. At some point it's over
and you've worked hard, you've
sweated, you're exhausted.and
you've gotten through it and
that's the attitude everyone
should have."
That means that Black men
have a lot catching up to do in
an increasingly competitive job
College prepares graduates
continued from 7D
non-degreed person
every day," she says.
So if you're thinking
of going back to school,
here are some degrees
you may want to con-
When playing cops
and robbers as a kid,
were you always the
cop? Well, if you want
to earn a degree that
employers are after, a
bachelor's degree in
criminal justice may
be for you. According
to the Georgetown re-
port, grads with some
experience had an
unemployment rate of
just 4.1 percent, while
recent grads had a rate
of 7.6 percent.
Until crime slows
down, it's likely that
the demand for pub-
lic safety will lead to
new openings for of-
ficers in local depart-
ments, notes the U.S
Department of Labor.
And while a degree is
not always required
to pursue a career as
a police officer, many
agencies do require
some college work or a
According to the
Georgetown report, the
unemployment rate for
experienced grads in
this field was just 2.9
percent between 2009
and 2010. This figure
is impressively low
when compared to the
March national unem-
ployment rate of 8.2
"I give a thumbs up
to this degree for ca-
reers because I think
that any field that
feeds into health care
will see more and more
openings," says Heath-
She says the greater
awareness for a need
for preventative care
will help drive job
openings. Aging baby
boomers will play a
part, too. In fact, ac-
cording to the U.S.
Department of Labor,
an older population
means more openings
for health care manag-
ers a position which
generally requires a
bachelor's or master's
degree in this subject.
Another degree to
consider if you've got
your eye on employ-
ment: a bachelor's
degree in account-
ing. According to the
Georgetown report, the
unemployment rate for
recent grads was just
4.8 percent, while ex-
perienced grads had
an unemployment rate
of 6.8 percent still
well below the national
% An increased focus
on accounting because
of the scandals and
crises, says the U.S.
Department of Labor,
will lead to a demand
for accountants.
"Stricter laws and
regulations, particu-
larly in the financial
sector, will likely in-
crease the demand for
accounting services
as organizations seek
to comply with new
standards," according
to the U.S. Depart-
ment of Labor. Heath-
field agrees, noting
that many people lack
math skills. "That's
why people with de-
grees in this field are
going to be highly em-
ployable," she said.
Are you a social [me-
dia] butterfly who's
looking for a degree
that could get employ-
ers' attention? You
might want to think
about earning a degree
in marketing and com-
munications. Looking
at numbers from the
Georgetown report, the
degree is trending. In
fact, it found that ex-
perienced grads in this
area had a low unem-
ployment rate of just
6 percent, with recent
grads at a 7.3 percent
"Things like social
media is what compa-
nies want knowledge
in," Heathfield said.
"It's the fastest growing
part of marketing and
people with knowledge
about social media will
be in great demand."
Neighborhood housing gets a boost
continued from 7D
million in mortgage
purchase loans by
Wells Fargo, and a $9
million investment
in down payment as-
sistance grants and
homebuyer support
programs that help
consumers achieve
successful, sustain-
able home ownership.
Wells Fargo will col-
laborate with the City
of Miami and the non-
profit organization
NeighborWorks Ameri-
ca and its local Miami
affiliate Neighborhood
Housing Services of
South Florida to ex-
ecute the program.
"The downturn in
the economy has cre-
ated challenges for
many of our Miami
citizens to become ho-
meowners," said City
Miami Mayor
of Miami Mayor Tomas
Regalado. "We are
looking forward to col-
laborating with Wells
Fargo' NeighborWorks
America, and Neigh-
borhood Housing Ser-
vices of South Florida
on this important sus-
tainable housing ef-
fort. It's time to get our
housing market mov-
ing again."
The 'June 1 2
event in Miami is for
anyone interested in
buying and living in a
home in the City of Mi-
ami. Down payment
assistance of up to
$15,000 is available to
those who qualify, buy
and reside in a home
in Miami. To qualify
for down payment as-
sistance that may be
applied to mortgage
purchase loans with
any lender, applicants
must meet certain cri-
teria including annual
income not exceed-
ing 120 percent of the
median income for the
area (In Miami, for in-
stance, not to exceed
$68,000 for a family
of four; income maxi-
mums vary depending
on family size).
A video about the
program is posted at
Pursuant to F.S. 98.075(7), notice is hereby given to the voters listed below. Please be advised that your eligibility to vote is in question based on information provided by
the State of Florida. You are required to contact the Supervisor of Elections in Miami-Dade County, Florida, no later than thirty days after the date of this Notice in order to
receive information regarding the basis for the potential ineligibility and the procedure to resolve the matter. Failure to respond will result in a determination of ineligibility by
the Supervisor of Elections and your name will be removed from the statewide voter registration system. If you have any questions pertaining to this matter, please contact
the Supervisor of Elections at 2700 NW 87th Avenue, Miami, Florida or call 305 499-8363.
Conforme a F.S. 98.075(7), por el present se notifica a los electores enumerados a continuaci6n que segun informaci6n provista por el Estado de la Florida, se cuestiona
su elegibilidad para votar. Usted debe comunicarse con el Supervisor de Elecciones del Condado de Miami-Dade, Florida, dentro de los treinta dias, a mAs tardar, desde
la fecha de este Aviso, con el fin de que se le informed sobre el fundamento de la possible falta de idoneidad y sobre el procedimiento para resolver el asunto. Si usted no
cumple con su obligaci6n de responder, se emitir5 una declaraci6n de falta de idoneidad, por parte del Supervisor de Elecciones, y su nombre se eliminara del sistema de
inscripci6n de electores de todo el estado. Si tiene alguna duda acerca de este tema, por favor, comuniquese con el Supervisor de Elecciones, en 2700 NW 87th Avenue,
Miami, Florida, o por tel6fono, al 305-499-8363.
Dapre Lwa Florid F.S.98,075(7), yap avize vote yo ki sou lis pi ba la-a. Nap avize w ke baze sou enf6masyon nou resevwa nan men Eta Florid, nou doute si w elijib pou
vote. Yap made nou kontakte SipBviz6 Eleksyon Konte Miami-Dade, Florid, pa pita ke trantjou apre resepsyon Avi sa-a pou nou kapab resevwa enf6masyon sou kisa
yo baze kestyon ke w pa elijib la epi pou nou w6 kouman pou nou rezoud pwobilm la. Si w pa reyaji epi w pa reponn a let sa-a, sa gen dwa mennen SipevizB Eleksyon an
deside ke w pa elijib epi yo va retire non w nan sistem enskripsyon vote Eta-a. Si w genyen ankenn kestyon sou koze sa-a, tanpri kontakte Sipeviz6 Eleksyon yo nan 2700
NW 87th Avenue, Miami, Florid oswa rele 305-499-8363.
Acosta, Caridad M 18100 SW 153Rd Ct Chinn JR, Felton 575 W Palm Dr 5
Adams, Marvin M 11354 SW 226Th St Christion, Eddie L 2950 NW 164Th St
Adisa, Kofi S 1935 NW 56Th St Chyn, Frederick T 2451 Brickell Ave # E15
Aguila, Delbert E 7420 Center Bay Dr Cid, Alexis 6723 NW 193Rd Ln
Akbar IV, Abdul F 1508 Bay Rd #507 Clark, Antwan G 625 NW 177Th St #218
Alexander, Jefferey 1098 NW 51st St Colina, Reinaldo 15925 NW 41St Ave
Alexis, Stephen 883 NW 51St St #82-B Cowart, Anthony L 21050 NW 14Th PI #6 209
Alfonso II, Regla 501 NW 57Th Ave #19 Cox, Taquan J 1850 Rutland St
Alowaish, Ahmad R 1440 SW 104Th Path #207 Crawley, Frederick A 6310 NW 2Nd PI
mtlA an Maurice M
1091 NW 55Th Ter
Cray, Cynthia L
15120 SW 168Th St
Alvarez, Antonio 15456 SW 95Th Ln Cruz JR, Francisco 6901 NW 4Th Ct
Amin, Ahmed 551 NW 90th St Cuesta, Marina S 1355 W 31St St
Anderson JR, Ronald D 1750 NW 127Th St Curry, Michele A 20103 SW 87Th PI
Angulo, Cristian 16030 NW 44th Ct Dagrin, Terrance V 11921 SW 208Th Ter
Anschlawsky, Margaret 11355 SW 84Th St Davis, Albert C 1279 NW 9Th Ave
Antrobus, Edwin J 2973 NW 61St St Del Toro, Michael 620 SW 64th Ave
Aranda SR, Pablo 2722 NW 22Nd Ct #1 Denis, Gisele 8001 Byron Ave #F3
Arauz, Maria J 570 NW 113Th St #2 Desilva, Michael R 10375 SW 20Th Ter
Arduengo, Maria 2301 SW 27Th Ave # 1003 Diaz, Jorge 655 Eldron Dr
Arellano, Patrice T 3244 NW 203Rd Ln Donaldson, Crystal L 1536 NE 8Th St #205
Arenas Paredes, Cristina 11757 SW 132nd PI Dorsett, Crispin L 777 NW 155Th Ln #718
Ascencio, Mary 0 724 NW 17Th St Dottin, Chrystal M 12501 NW 27Th Ave'
Baimba, Sayuri 10750 SW 11th St Duncan, Stephen A 352 NE 57Th St
Banks, Willie B 9518 Little River Dr Dunkley SR, Eric J 8203 NW 5Th Ct
Banos, Roberto 1615 SW 131StAve Durham, Jerry 11401 SW 232Nd St Apt B9
Barrera SR, Tomas A 2361 Pine Tree Dr #31 Eberhart, Naeem S 571 NW 185Th St
Barrera, Adisleydy 2510 W 56Th St #2408 Edmonson, Denise J 1190 NW 63Rd St
Barrera, Viviana 13940 Lake Placid Ct Apt D-27 Escobar, Diomeda 6881 Indian Creek Or #110
Barrett, Devemie M 160 NW 192nd St Evans, Edgardo L 4031 NW 194Th St
Barrios SR, Alvara R 2200 NW 7th St Falcon, Norberto A 1795 NE 116Th Rd Apt 1B
Bell, Taviras 1477 NW 8Th St Faustin, Constance M 20200 NW 33Rd Ave
Beneby, Ethel M 5522 NW 12Th Ave Ferrer, Thomas A 7014 SW 114Th PI Apt E
Besu, Roger 14724 Breckness PI Flores, Cristian R 1145 NE 126Th St
Betancourt, Miguel E 16823 SW 79Th PI Gardner, Petronella S 7300 SW 167Th St
Blake, Christopher 12921 Westview Dr Gayman, Walter J 2234 Prairie Ave
Blank, Anna G 3471 Sheridan Ave Gaytan, Jose A 2001 NW Flagler Ter #3
Bombino, GabrielA 800 NW 28Th Ave Gibbs JR, Michael 647 NW 65th St
Bonilla, Luz M 8228 NW 5Th Ct Golden, Dwight 726 NE 1StAve
Bonne-Annee, Alain G 423 NW 102nd St Gonzalez JR, Anthony 9405 SW 193Rd Dr
Borroto, Ramon A 230 E 10Th St Gonzalez, Enrique 920 SW 139Th Ave
Bowden, Terrell 1315 NE Miami Ct Gonzalez, Marion A 430 E 30th St
Bowers, Duane E 4307 NW 10Th Ave Gonzalez, Raul B 1575 NW 128Th St
Boykin, Herlydea 6004 NW 30Th Ave Green, Frank L 250 Dunad Ave Apt 40
Bradley, James W 2281 NW 135Th St #209 Griffin, Jessie L 27853 SW 129Th PI
Brooks, Hasani J 9750 SW 138Th Ave Guillaume, Jean M 1135 NW 130Th St
Broughton, Jermell V 331 NW 52Nd St Guillen, Rene 16021 SW 64Th Ter
Brown, Adrienna 172 NW 12Th St #3 Hadley, John K 186 NE 68Th St # 2
Brown, Brenden K 2331 NW 10Th Ave #201 Hanna, Tryone A 1351 NW 81St Ter
Brown, Cecil 3880 NW 183rd St #210 Harris, Anita L 711 81St St # 4
Bryant, Jose 3661 Thomas Ave # 2 Hemandez Valle, Saul 1634 SW 5th St
Caballero, Moraima S 690 W 50th St Hightower, Nicole Z 18711 NE 3Rd Ct #235
Cabrera, Luis G 11392 SW 137Th PI #45 Hill, Michael 7901 NW 7Th Ave # 804
Cajigas, Alejandro J 11343 SW 146Th Ct Green, Frank L 250 Dunad Ave Apt 40
Callen, Margaret J 5225 Collins AVE #1418 Griffin, Jessie L 27853 SW 129Th PI
Camargo, Alexander 2601 SW 10Th St Guillaume, Jean M 1135 NW 130Th St
Camperlino, Billy 134 NE 76Th St #1 Guillen, Rene 16021 SW 64Th Ter
Cardona, Julio C 11034 NW 5Th Ter Hadley, John K 186 NE 68Th St #2
Carpenter JR, Carl M 10531 SW 118Th St Hanna, Tryone A 1351 NW 81St Ter
Carvente, Gilberto 1455 NW 34Th St Harris, Anita L 711 81St St#4
Casines, Dinorah L 1645 SW 12Th St Hemandez Valle, Saul 1634 SW 5th St
Castano, Gilberto 4761 SW 143rd Ave Hightower, Nicole Z 18711 NE 3Rd Ct #235
Cherry III, James 22739 SW 114Th Ct Hill, Michael 7901 NW 7Th Ave # 804
Penelope Townsley
Supervisor of Elections, Miami-Dade County
Supervisor de Elecciones, Condado de Miami-Dade
SipBviz6 Eleksyon, Konte Miami-Dade
Continued on next page / Contin6a en la pr6xima p6gina / Kontinye non IBt paj la
PLEASE ALL TAKE NOTICE that a Board of Commissioners Meeting of the
Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency is sched-
uled to take place on Tuesday, May 29, 2012 @ 5:00 pm, at Frederick Doug-
lass Elementary, 314 NW 12th Street, Miami, FL 33136.
All interested persons are invited to attend. For more information please con-
tact the CRA offices at (305) 679-6800.
(#15478) Clarence E. Woods, Ill, Executive Director
Southeast Overtown/Park West
Community Redevelopment Agency
Even a short-term job can build your career
By Andrea Kay
Parents do a lot for
their newly graduated
sons and daughters.
They offer room and
board. (A recent Pew
Research Center sur-
vey says 42 percent of
college graduates have
moved back home.)
They co-sign loans.
"What else can I
do to help my son or
daughter get a job?" a
lot of parents ask me.
While the number of
people getting a career
position right out of
college has dropped in
recent years, the out-
look is better this year.
Employment for col-
lege grads is up from
last year. And surveys
say employers plan to
hire more graduates
this year.
It depends on your
Even last year and
before that, companies
had entry-level jobs.
Like then, and now,
getting them is com-
petitive. But new grads
are getting hired.
And if you're a par-
ent, the best thing you
can do to help your
new grad be one of
those hires is to help
them deal with the two
issues they control.
Among many issues
on the minds of new
grads is how future
employers will perceive
You may not see a job at a home-improve-
ment store as your career destination, but
what you learn along the way can help you
achieve whatever career you desire.
short-term jobs unre-
lated to their degrees.
Some grads tell me it
will "ruin my chances
of getting into the line
of work I want" or that
it just "looks really
That's just silly.
Help them under-
stand this: No career
path is perfect. Many,
many people from gen-
'erations before them
have taken short-term
jobs and positions un-
related to their ulti-
mate career. They did
it for various reasons.
They needed like
them to pay bills.
Taking an unrelated
job doesn't make you
hopelessly flawed. It's
a circumstance.
Help them see that
they not only get to de-
cide how they will view
this circumstance but
also how they'll talk
about it to potential
Let's say your daugh-
ter goes to work for a
center after gradua-
The job may not have
been her ideal, but
she learned about op-
erations and customer
relations. So instead
of feeling bad about
the experience, she
can talk about how it
helped her understand
the way a business
functions or how
customers think.
She received an op-
portunity to improve
her skills in dealing
with people. The retail
job helped prepare her
to be a better contribu-
tor in her career posi-
Help any graduates
understand that see-
ing a job this way will
put them in a better
frame of mind for in-
Bryant Salter of Enterprise Florida; EP Global founders Priscilla and
son, Ellis Dames; and Desmond Alufahai, the Miami-Dade County's
senior international trade specialists attended the official launch party of
EP Global on Friday, May 4th.
Local entrepreneur launches
international business
Import, export company
hopes for big success
Typical launch par-
ties include a simple
gathering among com-
munity, government
and business leaders
and a smattering of
light refreshments and
simple beverages.
However, to officially
announce that it was
open for business to
the world, EP Global,
an import export com-
pany, hosted "A Fash-
ionable Robing" at
their headquarters in
Downtown Miami on
Friday, May 4th.
The fashion show
highlighted models
wearing the company's
Murphy Robe apparel.
"Many of the invited
guests did not know
what to -expect of the
fashion show," said
Priscilla Dames, co-
founder of EP Global.
"I think the variety of
styles and quality of
the robes surprised
them, but Murphy
Robes has top of the
line apparel."
In addition to the fes-
tivities, the launch fea-
tured the 'Internation-
al Business Protocol
and Etiquette' seminar
presented by Desmond
Alufohai, Miami-Dade
County's international
trade coordinator.
"With so many for-
eign visitors coming to
our region, businesses
must learn to be sen-
sitive to the different
cultures and norms
and understand the
importance of inter-
national protocol and
business etiquette be-
cause the cost of bad
customer service or
negative behavior to
your business is enor-
mous and could be
very detrimental," Alu-
fohai explained.
Priscilla Dames of
Miami and her son,
Ellis J. Dames were
inspired to found EP
Global by Ms. Dames'
mother, Salathiel
Wells. Having owned
and operated her own
business for over 30
years, Wells Robes
Unlimited, Wells was
proud to see that her
family members were
were learning about
the intricacies of in-
ternational trade. So,
she put her daughter
and grandson in touch
with the vice presi-
dent of Murphy Robes,
an, American owned
company that manu-
factures a variety of
"It was exciting that
my mom could help us
get started but what
I really got a kick out
of was judges seem-
ing to know my moth-
er and recognize her
when we were out and
about during my visits
home," Priscilla com-
Ellis and his mother,
Priscilla are also not
novices to the busi-
ness world. Priscilla
the CEO of Wingspan
Seminars, a conflict
resolution business
that provides training
to individuals to cre-
ate safe environments
while strengthening
relationships. Mean-
while, Ellis, who cur-
rently resides in At-
lanta, founded Vision,
Inc., a promotions and
event planning com-
pany and later estab-
lished Burris Dames
Global, a company
that promotes real es-
tate and production
ventures. Collectively,
the mother-son team
has been in business
for 20 years.
For more informa-
tion, visit www.epglob-
terviewing less des-
perate and panicked.
It will make them more
And that makes
them more effective
when talking to em-
ployers. All that en-
hances their chances
of getting hired for a
career position.
New graduates are
like most job hunt-
ers who spend most of
their time sending out
resumes. They sit in
front of their computer
and look for online ap-
plications to fill out.
Help them under-
stand that most jobs
aren't listed on the In-
ternet. In fact, many
openings don't get ad-
vertised at all.
Many jobs are still
brewing in the minds
of employers.
The employers may
know that particular
projects will be ramp-
ing up. Or they're ex-
panding into a new
market and thinking
about hiring in a few
Help your graduates
see that if they are ini-
tiating meetings, net-
working and talking to
business owners, your
acquaintances and
others, they will be
the first to know about
such openings.
Help them see that
sending out resumes
all day may keep them
busy but it is not a
strategic way to find a
career position.
Help them under-
stand that most people
get hired because they
connected with a live
human, more than
once. They followed up.
They persevered.
And they stood out
from their competition
because they did these
And if your gradu-
ates are like most sons
and daughters that
parents tell me about
- ones who don't lis-
ten to them you al-
ways can leave a copy
of this column on their
Continuation of previous page / Continuaci6n de la p6gina anterior / Kontinyasyon paj presedan an
Hill, Terry L 115 NE 71St St Ramos, Jaime 1430 Michigan Ave
Hinsey, Wanria P 1280 NW 79Th St Ray, Eric S 938 NW 110Th St
Houston, Myles
21221 NW 27Th Ct
Redding, Shandrica R
20003 SW 123Rd Dr
Ivan, Onalia D 1951 NW 154Th St Reid, Derek E 710 NW 7Th Ave
Izagiurre, Jose L 902 SW 2nd Ave #4 Renfroe, Javaris S 13450 NW 30Th Ave
Jackson, Corey L 15511 SW 307Th St Reyes, Georgina C 285 NW 64Th Ct
Jean, Fredner 16101 NE 3Rd Ave Richardson, Latanya V 825 SW 6Th St Apt 2
Jefferson SR, John A 519 NW 7Th Ave Riesgo, Miriam 390 E 65Th St
Jerome, Cheryes M 1403 NE 118Th Ter Rigby, Kwame K 325 NW 134th St
Joseph, Eric 10921 NW 2Nd Ct Riker, Nicholas C 19511 Gulfstream Rd
Joseph, Nixon 34 NE 70Th St. Roberts, Bishop J 255 NW 34Th Ter
Joseph, Wilbert 1312 NE Miami Ct #8 Rodriguez, Eric M 4480 Palm Ave Apt 405
Juelle, Maria P 101 Shore Dr W Rodriguez, Hector E 1033 LENOX Ave Apt 313
Keen, Shanquaneik L 26610 SW 136Th Ave Rodriguez, Jesus 14290 SW 284Th St
Killiebrew, Terrance D 16951 SW 100Th PI Rodriguez, Ramses M 1144 E Mowry Dr
King, Rasdan M 1831 NW 41St St Rodriquez, Victorina 234 Santillane Ave Apt 4
Kitzman, Carmen S 13791 SW 66Th StApt E164 Rojas, Concepcion C 10029 SW 127Th St
Kromah, Amah W 655 NW 151St St Rojas, Nancy 740 NW 45Th Ave #G-2
Lalois, Vladimir J 175 NW 68Th Ter Rolle, Leviticus A 950 NW 95Th St Apt 1109
Lara, Andres J 15210 SW 77Th Ave Romero, Juleydis 19800 SW 180ThAve #511
Lochan, Josh D 9923 W Okeechobee Rd Romney, John 8346 SW 37Th St
London, Timothy A 1546 NE 8Th St #206 Rooks, Kirk P 3456 Percival Ave
Lopez, Veronica N 760 NE 86Th St #2 Rubio, Maria M 1250 SW 4Th St #131
Loureiro, Manuel 2295 SW 69Th Ave Rubio, Mario A 321 SW 9Th Ave #8
Luna, Eliseo E 12425 SW 259Th Ter Rumph, Wendell T 2949 NE 2Nd Dr
Mai, Bruno 10465 SW 130Th Ct Salaverry, Jose E 303 Galen Dr #310
Maldonado, Ilse G 240 NW 55Th Ct Salinas, Marion J 2772 SW 8th St
Marquez, Jorge L 811 Jefferson Ave #7 Salinas, Nelson M 12686 SW 146Th St
Marrero, Carlos M 13411 SW 47Th St Samuel, Frank L 1160 100Th StApt 6
Martin, Jarett J 1502 Jefferson Ave Apt 306 Sanchez, Carmen 210 SW 6th Ave
Martinez, Angel M 431 NW 3Rd St Apt 414 Sandoval, Miguel 1150 NW 8Th St
Martinez, JanetA 1650 SW 3Rd St#1 Santos, Alexander V 780 W 72Nd PI
Martinez, Nuvia R 281 E 57Th St Santos, Andy 13873 SW 163Rd St
Matas, Jose 20235 SW 105Th Ave Apt El Santos, Olivia Y 8811 Fontainebleau Blvd Apt 407
Matkovsky, Zagorka S 6200 SW 121St St Sarabia, Yamill 241 NW 63Rd Ct
Mc Cree, Altamese 3639 William Ave Sarno, Lourdes M 620 NE 160Th St #Ph
Mc Millan, Melonie 8321 NW 5Th P1 Sarria, Henry 15323 SW 146Th Ave
McGriff, Cynthia Y 4940 NW 171St St Scott, Jonathan 1785 NW 55Th Ter
Medina, Manuel 3940 W 3rd Ave Sema, Oscar B 13160 SW 20Th St
Mendoza, Belarmina 21055 SW 236Th St Sessions, Larry D 752 NW 64Th St
Menendez, Maria E 20801 NW 9Th CtApt 204 Sheffield, Lawrence D 1461 SE 24Th Ct 250
Meza, Brett S 2064 NW 5Th PI #2064 Shelton, Cuevas L 2944 NW 132Nd StApt 112
Milbry, Calvin L 645 NW 64Th St Apt 1 Smith, Derrick J 2375 NW 179Th St
Milton, Carolyn A 1900 NW 5Th PI Smith, Jeffrey L 3064 NW 100Th St
Moise, Peterson S 437 NE 82Nd St Smith, Sharon 3661 Thomas Ave Apt 2
Monge, Emesto J 19653 NW 82nd PI Sosa, Rodolfo F 2319 W 69Th St#U2
Montero, Barbara A 20520 SW 114Th PI Spann, Alvin N 3333 NW 11Th Ct
Morales, Gregorio 14711 SW 106Th Ave Suluki, Malik AM 726 NW 1StAve
Morris, Dalkeith A 28205 SW 124Th PI Tertulien, Arlene 18711 NE 3Rd Ct #222
Mungia, Ulises 1568 Washington Ave Tien, Paul S 5660 SW 58Th PI
Munoz, Oscar O 2275 NW 38Th St Toomer, Xavier 670.1 SW 62Nd Ave #616
Murphy, James D 140 NW 9Th St Torres, Edwin 15765 SW 138Th Ter
Nazario, Jeffrey E 1971 SW 4Th St Apt 409. Torres, Luis A 15290 SW 104Th St #418
Nelson, Changlina 12350 SW 285Th St Towns, Matthew R 3644 Oak Ave
Nieda, Jose 401 Ocean Dr Tuff, Eddie J 10361 SW 146Th St
Nieto, Carla T 6403 SW 162Nd Path Valdez, Nicolas 404 NW 43Rd St
Nizarane, Marcelino 615 NW 2Nd St Apt 206 Valiente, Alex C 800 NW 13Th Ave Apt 913
Nunez, Francisco 626 SW 15Th Ave Vargas, Philliple S 1094 SW 134Th Ct
Obregon, Vishnu 2154 NW 76th St Vassell, Byron A 17800 NW 67Th Ave #D
Oliver, Christopher 1240 Kasim St Vazquez, Marcos A 1191 NW 8Th Street Rd Apt 6
Olivera, Plinio M 21055 Yacht Club Dr Apt 12 Velez, Benjamin A 11963 SW 271St Ter
Ortiz, Juan F 1818 NW 3Rd St Vittes, Yraida 1600 Collins Ave Apt 248
Pacheco, Francisco 0 1843 NW 33Rd St Ward, Lakesha S 7104 NW 14Th PI Apt 1
Padilla, Eriberto 2028,SW 6Th St Watson, Dwayne 515 NW 210Th St
Palenzuela, Josue 11381 NW 4Th St Watson, Richard L 1101 NW 144th St
Pallero, Sandra D 100 NE 156Th St Weaver, Ravann B 23102 SW 155Th Ave
Parrillo, Gina M 11002 NW 4Th St West, Earnest L 2112 NW 99Th Ter 2
Pascal, Ernst 171 SW 6Th St #4 Weston, Crystal L 10321 SW 180Th St
Pedroso SR, Carlos A 1939 NW 4Th StApt 2 VWiliaTm JR, DeaIek R 15620 NW 38th Ct
Perez, Luis A 8260 SW 210Th St Apt 303 *A'iliamn Danny 930 NW 41St St
Perry, Marilyn G 9595 Collins Ave # 401 Villiarirn Lonnie 2216 NW 85Th St
Pierre, Jean J 5900 NW 1St Ave Apt 1 Williams, Sharon D 250 NE 32Nd St 14
Pierre, Smith 1469 NE 117Th St Williams, Vernon K 8250 NE 4Th PI Apt 124
Pietiers, Daniel J 9375 Fontainebleau Bl'.d L416 W Viiiinij, Zachary A 17351 SW 104Th Ave
Pinto SR, Eduardo 165 NE 26Th St Wimberly, Antwon T 411 NW 4Th St
Pita SR, Dionisio M 10237 SW 24Th St #C-444 Woodside, Sharon 1887 NW 45Th St
Poole, Alfred E 801 NE 199Th St #101 Yarborough, Terrance M 8400 NW 25Th Ave #33
Portillo, Ana L 750 NW 9Th St Young, Davon C 14240 NW 22Nd Ct
Puentes, Mary L 7850 W 28Th Ave Apt 108 Zabalo, Lidia 8701 SW 12Th St #14
Penelope Townsley
Supervisor of Elections, Miami-Dade County
Supervisor de Elecciones, Condado de Miami-Dade
SipBvize Eleksyon, Konte Miami-Dade
Is your body language costing you the job?
By Kenya McCullum
You may not realize it, but
it's not what you say that can
put you ahead of the candidate
pack when you interview -- it's
what you don't say but are
able to express through body
"Because applicants are so
similar in the schools they at-
tended, the degrees they have,
the jobs they've held, and the
resumes and cover letters that
they provide, the interview is
an outstanding opportunity for
you to differentiate yourself,"
said Bruce Clarke, president
and CEO of human resource
management firm CAI.
Eye contact. We all know
that eye contact is a great way
to connect with other people,
but it can also be a double-
edged sword. Too much of
it can seem aggressive and
inappropriate, while too little
makes you look like you're be-
ing dishonest and have some-
thing to hide. So how do you
make that balance between
looking evasive and looking
like you're about to challenge
your interviewer to a duel?
"Good eye contact is about
maintaining eye contact, but
it's not staring at the person
for 40 minutes," said Vicky Oli-
ver, the author of "301 Smart
Answers to Tough Interview
Questions." She explains, "I
think a good thing to remem-
ber is, if you have an interview
with somebody for 40 minutes,
and then you leave and don't
know what color their eyes are,
you haven't maintained good
eye contact. You want to really
look at them and connect, but
you're also going to look away
some of the time."
Eye rolling. Although eye
contact can be either good or
bad, depending on how long
you maintain it, rolling your
eyes is never a good idea. Of-
tentimes people will roll their
eyes when they disagree with
someone or when they think
the other person has said
something dumb. The problem
is, people generally aren't even
aware that they're rolling their
eyes -- so it's important to be-
come really cognizant of what
you're doing so that you don't
offend your interviewer.
Posture. During an in-
terview, you want to sit up
straight-- but not to the point
where you look like an ironing
board. By doing this, you will
show that you're interested in
the conversation you're having
with your prospective em-
ployer, while not appearing too
Handshake. Just like with
eye contact, your handshake
can either leave an employer
with a good or bad impression
of you, depending on how you
do it. "You don't want to break
bones, but a firm shake con-
veys a more positive attitude
than a limp wrist," Oliver said.
Tapping. You may not do it
on purpose, but if you're tap-
ping your fingers or toes dur-
ing your interview, a potential
employer may get the impres-
sion that you're agitated or
that you have something better
to do.
Voice. With so many hiring
managers conducting phone
interviews these days, you may
think that you're off the hook
because your interviewer can't
actually see you. But not so
fast: The way you say things -
also known as paralanguage
- can also tell a potential
employer a lot about you. For
example, if the tone or pitch of
your voice is flat, your inter-
viewer will believe that you're
not really interested in the
job no matter what words
you use to convey otherwise.
Also, certain speech patterns
- such as excessively using
words such as "like," "um" and
"ah" can tell an interviewer
that you're not confident about
what you're saying, or did not
adequately prepare for the
SunTrust investment boosts minority-owned bank
By Kunbi Tinuoye
A minority-owned
bank, which has
helped thousands of
businesses across
Georgia, has been
given a lifeline to
continue opening its
Since its incep-
tion in 1994, Capitol
City Bank and Trust
Company has pro-
vided much-needed
loans to individuals,
churches and small
start-up businesses
that might otherwise
have been overlooked
by mainstream banks
or lenders.
"Our presence is
extremely important
in communities where,
in many cases, capital
needed for business
growth and develop-
ment wouldn't have
been available," said
George Andrews,
President and CEO of
Capitol City.
The bank, which has
five branches in metro
Atlanta and three in
offices in Georgia,
has a customer base
that is predominately
Black."Not only do we
help businesses, but
the support we give
provides jobs in areas
where unemployment
is above the national
average," he adds.
"Capitol City was the
only bank that came
forward to loan me the
funds needed to ex-
pand and improve my
business," said Willie
Watkins, owner of Wil-
lie A. Watkins Funeral
Home, which now has
four business loca-
tions across Georgia.
However, with the
economic downturn,
some of Capitol City's
loans went bad and
the bank found itself
on a Federal watch
list. It needed more
than $8 million to
continue its mission
to support urban and
minority communities.
Up to half of that
money will now come
from SunTrust Banks,
Inc., one of the na-
tion's largest banking
organizations. For
Atlanta's SunTrust,
the $4 million invest-
ment is a measure of
goodwill to help sup-
port a bank that does
much of its business
in under-served com-
The SunTrust
investment also ad-
dresses some require-
ments 'of the Com-
munity Reinvestment
Act, a federal law
designed to encour-
age banks to meet the
credit needs of low-
and moderate-income
communities where
they operate.
While the SunTrust
commitment is the
largest investment, it
has not been the only
infusion of capital.
Wells Fargo made
a $600,000 equity
investment to Capitol
City Bank in 2010
and Capital City's
board of directors has
provided more than
$1 million in invest-
"It makes sense for
big banks to sup-
port a market they
are not serving,"
said Andrews. So
for instance, one of
the services Capitol
City offers is support
and training for low
income households
who do not have bank
accounts, he adds.
"We're proud to
invest in such a long-
standing and impor-
tant community part-
ner," said William H.
Rogers, Jr., Chairman
and CEO of SunTrust
"George Andrews
shares our com-
mitment to serving
Atlantans, and we are
pleased" to support the
institution he leads as
it works to meet the
financial needs of the
urban and minority
communities in the
area," said Rogers.
Michael Grant,
President of the
National Bankers As-
sociation, said, "When
a mega financial insti-
tution like SunTrust
decides to invest in a
minority-owned bank,
which is serving an
under-served popula-
tion usually ignored,
this is cause for a
College graduates enjoy best job market
By Michael L. Diamond
The class of 2012 is
leaving U.S. colleges
with something that
many graduates since
the start of the Great
Recession have lacked:
To the relief of grad-
uating seniors and
their anxious par-
ents the outlook is
brighter than it has
been in four years.
Campus job fairs were
packed this spring and
more companies are
hiring. Students aren't
just finding good op-
portunities, some are
weighing multiple of-
"It's a very unsettled
entry-level job mar-
ket, but I remain op-
timistic that there are
at least these positive
signs," said Richard
White, director of ca-
reer services at Rut-
gers University in New
Brunswick, N.J.
In some ways, mem-
bers of the class of
2012 got lucky. They
arrived on campus
in September 2008,
the same month that
Wall Street investment
bank Lehman Bros.
collapsed, touching off
a financial crisis that
exacerbated the reces-
On campus, they
were largely insulated
from the collapsing
U.S. economy. While
older brothers and
sisters graduated into
a dismal job market,
they took shelter in
chemistry, philosophy
and literature classes.
They used their col-
lege years to prepare
for the brutal reali-
ties of the job mar-
ket that would await
them. They began net-
working for jobs much
earlier, as freshmen
in some cases. They
pursued summer in-
ternships not simply
as resume booster, but
as gateways to perma-
nent jobs. And they
developed more realis-
tic expectations about
landing a job in the
ideal place and at the
ideal salary.
Rebecca Wishbow, a
nursing graduate from
Georgian Court Uni-
versity in Lakewood,
N.J., was drawn to
the field after her own
fight with leukemia in
high school. And she
gained valuable expe-
rience working as a
patient care associate
at Ocean Medical Cen-
ter in Brick, N.J., as
early as her freshman
Wishbow said she
doesn't have a job
lined up yet since she
still has to pass a test
to become a registered
nurse. But she's hope-
"As we graduate, all
Health and Support Services for Persons
Living with HIV/AIDS RFP No. 0313
Miami-Dade County is soliciting proposals to disburse funds'allocated to this metropolitan area
via the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009, Part A and Minority AIDS Initiative
Experienced public or private (not-for-profit) providers of health and support services are needed
to provide the following services to low-income, underserved persons living with HIVIAIDS: 1)
outpatient medical care; 2) prescription drugs; 3) oral health care; 4) medical case management;
5) substance abuse counseling residential; 6) substance abuse counseling outpatient; 7)
mental health therapy/counseling; 8) outreach services; 9) food bank; 10) health insurance
services; 11) legal assistance; and 12) transportation vouchers.
Experienced public or private (not-for-profit) providers of health and support services are also
needed to provide service specifically targeted to low-income, underserved minority populations
living with HIV/AIDS, These services are funded separately using federal Minority AIDS Initiative
(MAI) resources: 1) outpatient medical care; 2) prescription drugs; 3) medical case management;
4) substance abuse counseling residential; and 5) outreach services.
Interested parties may obtain a copy of the Request for Proposals [NO. 0313], which will
be available after 1:00 P.M., Tuesday, May 29, 2012, by calling or visiting the
Miami-Dade County Office of Management and Budget, Grants Coordination
(OMB GC) 111 NW 1st Street, 19th Floor, Miami, Florida 33128,
(305) 375-4742 or by downloading all files from the Miami-Dade County OMB
- GC Ryan White Program web site after registering as a potential proposer at
http:llwww.miamidade.govlGrantslrfp0313-emailLogin.asp. The deadline for submission
of proposals is 2:00 P.M. (E.S.T.), Friday, July 13, 2012 at the Miami-Dade County, Clerk
of the Board of County Commissioners, 111 N.W. 1st Street, 17th Floor, Suite 202, Miami,
Florida 33128-1983.
A Pre-Proposal Conference will be held from 10:00 A.M. to Noon on Thursday, June 7, 2012 at
the Miami-Dade Main Library, 101 West Flagler Street, Miami, Florida 33130. Attendance at
the Pre-Proposal Conference is strongly recommended. In order to maintain a fair and impartial
competitive process, the County can only answer questions at the Pre-Proposal Conference and
must avoid private communication with prospective proposers during the proposal preparation
and evaluation period. This RFP is subject to the Cone of Silence Ordinance 02-3.
Miami-Dade County is not liable for any cost incurred by the proposer in responding to this
RFP, and it reserves the right to modify or amend the proposal deadline schedule if it is deemed
necessary and in the best interest of Miami-Dade County. The County also reserves the right
to accept or reject any or all proposals, to waive any minor technicalities or irregularities, and to
award the contracts in the best interest of Miami-Dade County.
The contact persons for this RFP are Ms. Theresa Fiaio and Mr. Daniel T. Wall and they
may be contacted at (305) 375-4742 or at fianot(amiamidade.gov or firstname.lastname@example.com.
o us ein t nursing program are start-
ing to realize what an
advantage we're at,"
said Wishbow, now five
years leukemia free
and considered cured.
"We all feel pretty com-
fortable and pretty
safe we'll get jobs. It's
a good feeling."
On campuses across
the country, spirits
are more upbeat this
spring, and the em-
ployment outlook is
especially promising,
according to inter-
views with three doz-
en seniors and career
center directors.
What's in demand?
ccO':rd:inlg to a survey bv CarteerBulilder.,onl,
Lbsiness tops the list of thle mostt ;i-demrandi
college majors for employers, with technical
rnajors following closely behind.
Business: 39r0
Computer and information
sciences: 240o
Engineering: 23,
Math and statistics: 13"c.
Health professions and related clinical sci-
ences: 13%
technologies: 12o
Liberal arts and sciences: 9%
'.",.jr .',? L r I;jr- L .hJl' r r.,:,.
PLEASE ALL TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Commissioners Meeting of
The Omni Redevelopment District Community Redevelopment Agency sched-
uled to take place on Thursday, May 24, 2012 @ 12:00 pm, or thereafter, at City
Hall, 3500 Pan American Drive, Miami, FL 33133, has been CANCELLED.
For more information please contact the CRA offices at (305) 679-6800.
(#15479) Pieter A. Bockweg, Executive Director
Omni and Midtown
Community Redevelopment Agencies
for Humanity
Request for Proposals
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Miami, Inc. is requesting proposals for complete construction of Fifteen
(15) Single Family Residences. Site specific drawings for each unit are provided on the ftp: website below.
Proposals shall be received by Habitat for Humanity of Greater Miami, Inc. electronically as per below
email addresses. The proposals shall be clearly marked as per each separate unit. Cost Breakdowns shall
be preferred. Participating bidders may or may not receive all units. Project locations are determined as
per RFP. Late submittals shall not be accepted or considered. All proposals are due 6-8-2012, 12:00 noon
These Projects are federally assisted and are funded, in part by a Self-help Homeownership Opportunity
Program. Bidders must comply with Presidential Executive Order 11246 clause, as amended; the Cope-
land (Anti-Kickback) Act; the contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act and all other applicable fed-
eral and state laws, and local ordinance.
This is also a Section 3 covered activity. Section 3 requires that job training, employment and contracting
opportunities be directed to low and very-low income persons or business owners who live in the project's
Full General Liability and Workman's Compensation insurance is required for all trades. Worker's Compen-
sation exemptions will not be accepted. No bonding is required. Activities are Davis Bacon rules exempt.
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Miami is an EOE (Equal Opportunity Employer) and invites proposals from
small businesses, Section 3 businesses, minority business enterprises or woman-owned businesses.
Selection of contractors will be made based on price, contractor's qualifications, experience, references,
the ability to meet schedules, budgeting, licensing, and insurance requirements. HFHGM reserves the right
to waive any informalities or minor irregulations; reject any and all bids/proposals which, are incomplete,
conditional, obscure, or which contain additions not allowed for; accept or reject any proposal in whole or in
part with or without cause; and accept the proposals which best serves HFHGM and community residents.
Bidders must obtain a pre-bid package containing the Scope of work by downloading it at: ftp://ftp.miami-
habitat.net and entering: constructionguest as password and username.
Download Files:
Habitat RFP (15 SFR Units Scattered Sites) 6-8-12
Please download all items and submit all forms required by Scope of Work. Please be aware of due date
for proposal.
All responses and proposals are to be submitted electronically only and emailed to: Kia.Hernandez.
miamihabitat.org and auotes.miamihabitat.orq
___ _.__. .. _
7i -
.0- _________________________________
1140 NW 79 Street
One bdrm, one bath. $525.
free water.
1150 NW 1 Place
One bedroom, one bath,
$395. 305-642-7080.
1210 NW 2 Avenue
One bdrm., one bath, $350.
Appliances. 305-642-7080.
1215 NW 103 Lane
Two bdrms, gated security,
tile, $700 mthly, $1000 to
move in. 305-696-7667
1241 NW 53 Street
Two bdrm, one bath. $1000
monthly. All appliances
included. Free 19 inch LCD
Call Joel 786-355-7578
1261 NW 59 Street
One bedroom, one bath.
$495. 305-642-7080
1317 NW 2 Avenue
One bedroom, one bath,
$400. 305-642-7080.
1348 NW 1 Avenue
One bdrm., one bath $375
140 NW 13 Street
Two bedrooms, one bath
$475. 786-236-1144 or
14130 NW 14 Avenue
Furnished one bedroom
apartment, rear, all utilities
included. $700 monthly. Call
305-431-8981 between 5 pm
and 9 pm.'
14370 NW 22 Avenue
One bdrm, one bath $425.
Ms. Jackson 786-267-1646.
1450 NW 1 Avenue
Efficiency, one bath $395.
305-642 7080
1612 NW 51 Terrace
Utilities included, $550 moves
you in. 786-389-1686.
1648 NW 35 Street
One and two bedrooms, tile
floors, central air.
786 355-5665.
1718 NW 2 Court
One bdrm, one bath, $395.
1801 NW 2 Court
First month move you in!
Two bedrooms, one bath.
$595 monthly. Free 19 inch
LCD TV. Call: Joel 786-355-
Very clean three bedrms, two
baths. $750 monthly. Section
8 OK. North Overtown. Call
1955 NW 2 Court
One bedroom, one bath.
$450. 305-642-7080
1969 NW 2 Court
One bedroom, one bath.
$425 Appliances.
200 NW 13 Street
One bdrm, one bath $395.
Ms. Shorty 786-290-1438
2040 NE 168 Street
One bedroom, one bath, air,
water included, washer, dryer
facility. Section 8 Welcome!
210 NW 17 Street
One bdrm, one bath $450.
341 NE 77 Street
One bdrm apt. $600 a month;
$1200 to move in; call 305-
758-6133 or 786-514-5535.
415 NW 9 Street
One bdrm., one bath, $445.
Appliances. 305-642-7080
One bedroom, very nice $450
a month. Call 305-557-1750.
50 Street Heights
Walking distance from
Brownsville Metrorail. Free
water, gas, window bars,
iron gate doors. One and two
bdrms from $490-$580 mthlyl
Apply at 2651 NW 50 Street,
call 305-638-3699.
5511 NW 6th Place
One bedroom, one bath,
$550 a month, $1400 to move
in, first, last and security. Call
after 2 p.m.,
60 and 61 Street
One and two bdrms, $595
and $695. Call 786-486-2895.
676 NW 48 Street
Two bdrms, one bath. Section
8 Welcome. 305-431-8981,
call between 5 pm and 9 pm.
6832 NW 5 Place
Studio $110 weekly, $500 to
move in. 786-286-2540
731 NW 56 Street
One bdrm, one bath. Free
water. $550 monthly.
Call 786-328-5878
7525 North Miami Avenue
One bdrm, one bath. Reno-
vated, new appliances, park-
ing. Section 8. HOPWA OK.
$650. Call 305-669-4320.
8475 NE 2 Avenue
One and two bdrms. Section
Overtown, Liberty City,
Opa-Locka, Brownsville.
Apartments, Duplexes,
Houses. One, Two and
Three Bedrooms. Same day
approval. Call for specials.
Free water. 305-642-7080
No deposit required. One
or two bedroom, water
included, qualify the same
day. 305-603-9592, 305-
600-7280, 305-458-1791 or
visit our office at 1250 NW
62 Street.
One bedroom, one bath,
$450 monthly. 305-717-6084
One bdrm, one bath. Special
$550. 305-717-6084
Two bedrms, one bath. $650
monthly. Section 8 Wel-
comed. 305-717-6084.
Two bedrooms, one bath.
$795 monthly. Section 8 wel-
Only $350 to move in! No
deposit. Water included.
Gated building complex.
Call 305-603-9592, 305-
600-7280 and
191 Street NW 35 Avenue
Four bedrooms, Section 8
Welcome. 305-754-7776
19336 NW 53 Place
Three bedrooms, two baths.
Section 8 ok. Excellent condi-
tion. 786-384-9774.
One.bedroom, one bath, ful-
ly upgraded, $875 monthly.
800 square feet with den.
Section 8 welcome.
786-260-5708 Cell
305-652-2257 Office
Three bedrooms units. Rudy
17942 NW 40 Court
1226 NW 1 Avenue
Two bdrms, one bath. $450.
1283 NW 55 Street
One bedroom, one bath.
$600 monthly. 786-328-5878.
155 NE 82 Street
Three bedrooms, one bath;
two bedrooms, one bath,
marble floors, 786-237-1292.
19133 NW 34 Court
Three bdrms, two baths,
$1350 mthly, 954-442-9961.
2001 NW 89 Street
Two bdms, one bath. Section
8 only. 305-796-5252
2031 NW 98 Street
Three bedrooms, one bath,
newly tiled, central air, verti-
cals, Section 8 Welcome. Call
305-710-2921, 305-710-2964
2103 NW 100 Street
Three bedrooms, two baths,
new appliances. $1250
monthly, $100 deposit. Sec-
tion 8 only. 786-413-8086.
Two bdrms, one bath, central
air. Section 8 Welcome.
305-710-2921, 305-710-2964
230 N.W. 56th Street
Two bedroom, one bath,
central air, cable ready, $975
monthly. Section 8 OK.
2524 NW 80 Street
Three bedrooms, one bath,
air condition, stove, refrig-
erator, bars. $875 monthly,
$2625 to move in.
3161 NW 53 Street
Two bedrooms, two baths,
$640 per month, $1280
moves in, call Mr. Coats 305-
416 N.E. 59 Street
Large one bedroom, very
clean, air, water is included.
$700 monthly.
540 NW 60 Street
Three bdrms, two baths.
$1100 monthly plus $900 se-
curity. 305-301-1993
542 N.W. 92 Street
Three bedrooms, two baths,
new carpet and new appli-
ances. $1250 monthly, Sec-
tion 8 only deposit $1000.
Call 786-709-2076
5548 NW 9 Avenue
Two bedrooms and one bath,
central air and security bars.
Section 8 welcomed.
305-219-0421 or 786-251-
6800 N.W. 6 Court
Three bedrooms, one bath.
$1125. Free water/electric.
7735 NW 6 Avenue
Two bdrms, two baths,
central air and washer/dryer.
Section 8 OK!
94 NE 59 Terrace
Two bdrms, one bath, central
air, bars, $900 mthly. Section
Two bedrooms, one bath,
central air, tiled floors.
Two bdrms, one bath, first,
and security. 305-244-6845
1756 NW 85 Street
$525 move in 786-389-1686.
3325 NW 82 Street
Free water and gas. $550
monthly. 305-510-0177 or
467 NW 8 Street
Efficiency, one bath, $395.
Appliances, free water.
755 NW 148 Terr
Nice efficiency for rent and
private entrance.
$275 every two weeks, $200
security, One Person. Free
Utilities 305-622-2691.
Furnished Rooms
1010 NW 180 Terrace
Free cable, air, appliances
and use of kitchen.
1500 NW 74 Street
Microwave, refrigerator, color
TV, free cable, air, and use of
kitchen. Call 305-835-2728
1775 NW 151 Street
New management. Micro-
wave, refrigerator, color TV,
free cable, air, and use of
kitchen. Call 305-835-2728.
2010 NW 55 Terrace
No Deposit Required. $140
moves you in. 786-487-
2373 NW 95 Street
$90 weekly,
call 305-450-4603
3290 NW 45 Street
Clean room, cable and air.
$375 monthly.
83 Street NW 18 Avenue
Clean room. 305-754-7776
Furnished room in a private
home. Light kitchen privileg-
es. 305-621-1017,
$120 weekly, $240 to move
in. Air and cable included.
Clean, nice, and air. $400
monthly. Call 786-426-6263.
Rooms with home privileges.
Prices range from $90 to
$125 weekly. 305-696-2451.
NW 24 Avenue and 52 St.
2170 Washington Avenue
Clean rooms, $90-110
weekly, $476 monthly.
1121 NW 75 Street
Two bedrooms, one bath, air.
$950, 305-688-5002
15941 NW 17 Court
Three bedrooms, one bath.
$1400 monthly. Call
Two bedrooms, one bath,
large Living, Dining and
Florida room. 305-624-6176
1800 Rutland Street
Newly remodeled three bdrm,
one bath, central air, Section
8 welcome. 786-356-1457
1865 N.W. 45th Street
Three bdrms, one bath.
310 NE 58 Terr
SECTION 8 Welcome
Three bedroofns, two
baths, with two dens. $1200
monthly. Central air, all
appliances included, free
19 inch LCD TV. Call Joel
330 NW 82 Terrace
Three bedrooms, two baths,
central air and laundry room.
$1250 monthly.
363 NW 59 street
Four bedrooms, two baths
with two bedrooms and one
bath cottage. $1395 month-
ly. All appliances included.
Free 19 inch LCD TV. Call
Joel 786-355-7578.
3770 NW 213 Terr
Lovely four bedrooms, two
baths, end unit, fenced yard,
tile flooring, central air, close
to shopping, churches, at
Broward/Dade border. Avail-
able now! CALL 954-243-
62 NW 166 Street
N. Miami Beach twnshe, new
four bedrooms, two baths.
$1550. Section 8 okay.
6250 SW 62 Court
Three bedrooms, two baths,
central air and heat, all ap-
pliances on corner lot. $1250
monthly. 954-735-0438.
6534 NW 23 Avenue
Two bdrms, one bath, remod-
eled, very large yard, Section
8 ok, 305-986-2408.
9221 Broadmanor Rd
Three bedrooms, two baths
and large yard. $1400 month-
ly. Section 8 welcomed.
Three bedrooms, one bath.
No Section 8. $875 monthly.
$1550 move in.
Two and three bedrooms,
ready to move in. Call:
One Four Bdms., No Sect 8.
Broker: 786-955-9493.
Three bdrms, two baths.
$1350 mthly. 786-286-2540.
Two bedrooms, one bath,
$650 monthly, 305-989-8967.
Behind in Your Rent? 24
Hour notice. Behind in Your
Mortgage? 786-326-7916.
S,. 1, [ n !- '
12640 NW 22 Ave.
Special for people receiving
305-300-7783, 786-277-9369
Now You Can own Your
Own Home Today
On Any Home/Any Area
Need HELP???
House of Homes Realty
Outside Advertising Sales
Great opportunity for
three personable and
driven individuals. The
ideal candidate has an
aggressive approach to
sales with an emphasis on
follow-through. Excellent
one-on-one training, end-
less earnings opportunities,
great employee benefits.
Small salary with generous
commission, college degree
Apply in Person!
The Miami Times
900 NW 54 St
Retired English teacher or
a person that has the skills
necessary for correcting
spelling grammar. Email
kmcneir@ miamitimeson-
line.com or call 305-694-
We are seeking drivers to
deliver newspaper to retail
outlets in South Dade, Bro-
ward and Miami Dade.
Wednesday Only
You must be available be-
tween the hours of 6 a.m.
and 1 p.m. Must have reli-
able, insured vehicle and
current Driver License.
Apply in person at:
The Miami Times
900 N.W. 54th Street
We are seeking a driver to
deliver newspaper to retail
outlets in South Dade.
Wednesday Only
You must be available
between the hours of 6
a.m. and 4 p.m. Must have
reliable, insured vehicle and
current Driver License.
Apply in person at:
The Miami Times
900 N.W. 54th Street
Don't Throw Away
Your Old Records!
I Buy Old Records! Albums,
LP's, 45's, or 12" singles.
Soul, Jazz, Blues, Reggae,
Caribbean, Latin, Disco, Rap.
Also DJ Collections! Tell Your
Friends! 786-301-4180.
Female Gospel Singers
age 40 and up to join our
crusade tours to travel, sing
and perform with profession-
al group. Must be sincere,
able to go on weekends. Call
305-525-8145 or 786-256-
'-". . ,
Train to become a
Microsoft Office Assistant!
No Experience Needed!
Local career training
and Job Placement
Assistance is available!
Call to see if you qualify!
Re-roofing and Repairs
32 years of experience, all
types of roofs. Roof repairs
starting at $75. Call Thomas
786-499-8708 or
Richard Faison
1LB0n L S6.99
l:.'K rj IIe l )hi1np,
Rr ,
WI'LL In WALI CArPFrT
LNSA.LLeD FIKRL PAD
0OOIOLOLS iAR'E 7R .99
.........L .i ...........
i ... si ii .
12'X1' LovelyTeal $100 $19
12'X10' Rich Burgundy $100 $19-
12'X1 B DcorativeTan $100 $19
:12'X1' Spanish Red $100 $19
12'X18 Beautiful Blue $170 $19
And Many Morel
---~--- ~--........
REG.$I0SV ---n
; -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- - -
BAMBOOa.%OFF s$19
8300 Bisc. Blvd., Miami
14831 NW 7th Ave., Miami
2208 South State Rd. 7, Miramar
3422 W. Broward Blvd., Ft. Laud.
1283 NW 31 Ave., Ft. Laud.
Toll Free 1-866-721-7171
Trainees Needed!
Learn to become a
Medical Office Assistant!
No Experience Needed!
Job Training and Job
Placement Assistance
available when completed!
Call to see if you qualify!
Custom-made cabinets for
kitchens and bathrooms at
affordable prices.
14130 N.W. 22nd Avenue.
Call 305-685-3565
Handy Man with a Golden
Carpet cleaning, plumbing,
doors, drywall repair, lawn
service. 305-801-5690
The Richmond-Per-
rine Optimist Club is
accepting proposals to
provide Audit Services
for its Social Services
Programs. Please for-
ward proposals no lat-
er than 05/31/2012 to:
Optimist Club
18055 Homestead Ave.
Miami, Florida 33157
(305) 233-9325
," -,; -,, ,- !
Qbe lMiami time
*- , -- "
1851 NE 2nd Avenue
Miami, FL 33132
7501 NW 7th Avenue
Miami, FL 33150
1776 Biscayne Blvd.
Miami, FL 33132
7900 NW 27th Avenue
Miami, FL 33147
11800 NW 10th Avenue
Miami, FL 33168
1701 NW 119th Street
Miami, FL 33167
11928 NW 7th Avenue
Miami, FL 33168
8898 NW 7th Avenue
Miami, FL 33150
11824 NW 10th Avenue
Miami, FL 33168
4505 N. Miami Avenue
Miami, FL 33127
8100 N. Miami Avenue
Miami, FL 33150
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Accordion Hurricane Shutters
Sealed bids will be received by the Tacolcy Eco-
nomic Development Corporation ("TEDC") for the
installation of Accordion Hurricane Shutters on
the Edison Gardens Apartments. Minimum bid-
der qualifications:
10 years' experience manufacturing and in-
stalling hurricane shutters on mid to high rise
buildings in South Florida.
Manufacturing plant must be located in Dade
County and available for inspection.
The bid package will be available for pickup from
10:00am to 5:00pm beginning Tuesday, May 29,
2012 from TEDC, 675 NW 56th Street, Building C.,
Miami, FL. A non-refundable fee of $50.00 is re-
quired to obtain a bid package.
A mandatory pre-bid conference will be held
on Wednesday, May 30, 2012 at 11:00am. Fail-
ure to attend the pre-bid conference will render
the bidder non-responsive.
TEDC reserves the right to accept any proposal
deemed to be in the best interest of the Project, to
waive any informality, to reject any or all proposals
or to advertise for new proposals. This Project is
subject to the Davis Bacon Act. All bids must be
received by 3:00 pm. Wednesday, June 6. 2012.
Win or lose, sports is a game
Many people use the sports rejoice when they win and we
world as an escape of sorts from suffer when they lose. We talk
some of life's cold harsh reali- about them at bars,
ties. We look to our sports he- on sports radio shows, at the
roes to do some of the things we barbershop and the water cool-
could only dream of. Thus we er in the cafeteria at work. But
some of us take things just a lit-
tle too far when our heroes come
up short. Such is the case of LA
Lakers guard Steve Blake and
his wife Kristen who according
to the LA Times were the recip-
ients of a profanity-laced death
threat via Twitter after Steve
missed a potential game win-
ner in game 2 versus the Okla-
homa City Thunder. The Lakers
lost 77-75 in the Western Con-
ference semi-final and it was
just too much of a disappoint-
ment for one deranged Laker
fan who thought threatening
the lives of the Blakes was a a tendency to fumble near the
good way to vent a little frus-
tration. Another case of some
lunatic fan taking things way
too far. Sports brings out the
best and the worst in us. Not
long ago, the Washington Capi-
tols Joel Ward, a Black hockey
player, received racist messag-
es from angry fans upset that
he had scored the game win-
ning goal in a playoff game. I
remember growing up here and
watching the hatred Dolphin
fans spewed at former running
back Sammie Smith who had
goal line, thus depriving fans
of that much needed "thrill of
victory." He was routinely ser-
enaded with merciless chants
of "Sam-mie sucks." It affected
Smith tremendously who was
out of football a short time lat-
er. Superstar actress Gabrielle
Union, the girlfriend of Mi-
ami Heat star Dwyane Wade,
received a nasty message via
Twitter from some lunatic, after
Wade's poor performance last
week against the Indiana Pac-
ers. People should know where
to draw the line many do
not. History has shown us that
for all the great jaw dropping,
inspirational stories we find in
sports, for every Al Michaels
"do you believe in miracles" mo-
ments of sheer joy, sports has a
dark side. Maybe it will always
be that way. In some countries
one can even lose their life for
failure during a sporting event.
But in the end, isn't it just a
The Sports Brothers, JefflFox
& Ed Freeman, can be heard
daily on WMEN 640 Sports.
By Chris Wilder
Black hockey players don't
seem to come around that
often. When they do, generally
they're not American born.
Professional hockey has an
air of racism attached to it as
we saw in this past season
that began with a fan in New
York throwing a banana on
the ice as Philadelphia Fly-
ers' Wayne Simmons (the only
Black player on the team) was
attempting a penalty shot and
ended with an onslaught of
racist tweets from Boston fans
angry that a "nigger" ended
their season after the Wash-
ington Capitals' Joel Ward
scored the game-winning goal
in overtime to knock the Bos-
ton Bruins out of the playoffs.
That's what makes this
story so compelling.
Seth Jones, a Black Ameri-
can, is the hottest under-18
hockey player in America
right now. For the last two
years he has played with the
U.S. National Team Develop-
ment Program. In 48 games
with the Under-18 team, the
6-foot-3, 200-pound defense-
man had six goals, 20 assists
and only 18 penalty min-
utes. He also won his second
straight gold medal at the
World Under-18 Champion-
ship in the Czech Republic
this past April. Not only was
he co-captain of that team,
he had three goals and five
assists in six games. Those
eight points ranked him sec-
ond among all defense
the tournament and
amohg all U.S. player
But what you don't
ize about Seth until
his bio is that he is t]
former NBA player ai
rent Brooklyn Nets a.
coach, Popeye Jones.
Popeye played for s
NBA teams during hi
reer that spanned fro
through 2004, but it
the one season he sp
Denver that was the
second That season, former Colorado
rs. Avalanche great, Joe Sakic,
real- introduced five-year-old Seth
you read to hockey and the kid hasn't
he son of looked back.
nd cur- Despite Seth's gaudy stats
assistant at the World Championships,
he is the only player on the
several team to not commit to college.
is ca- Although he could attend the
)m 1993 University of North Dakota,
was he has opted to play for the
ent in Portland Winterhawks of the
most Western Hockey League for
semen at crucial to Seth's emergence.
second That season, former Colorado
rs. Avalanche great, Joe Sakic,
real- introduced five-year-old Seth
fou read to hockey and the kid hasn't
he son of looked back.
Id cur- Despite Seth's gaudy stats
assistant at the World Championships,
he is the only player on the
several team to not commit to college.
is ca- Although he could attend the
,m 1993 University of North Dakota,
was he has opted to play for the
ent in Portland Winterhawks of the
most Western Hockey League for
one year and then go into the
NHL draft at 18-years-old.
Experts say he should domi-
nate the young players in the
WHL while gaining experience
playing a lot of games.
Popeye may have brought
Seth to the arena in Denver
and helped him get started
as a player, but if Seth hopes
to be in the same arena with
his father now, he'll have to
wait until Jay-Z buys the New
Jersey Devils and moves them
to Brooklyn, too.
Saints' Jonathan
Vilma sues NFL
Roger Goodell $
Suspended Saints
linebacker Jonathan
Vilma filed a defa-
mation lawsuit last
week against NFL
Commissioner Roger
Goodell, claiming the
league's top execu-
tive made false state-
ments that tarnished
Vilma's reputation
and hindered his GOC
ability to earn a liv-
ing playing football.
The suit in U.S. District Court
in New Orleans claims Goodell,
"relied on, at best, hearsay, cir-
cumstantial evidence and lies"
in making comments about Vil-
ma while discussing the NFL's
bounty investigation of the New
Orleans Saints.
Goodell has said Vilma was a
leader of the team's bounty pro-
gram that put up thousands
of dollars for hits which took
out opposing teams' star play-
ers from 2009-11, including
$10,000 each on then-Arizona
quarterback Kurt Warner and
then-Minnesota quarterback
Brett Favre during the playoffs
in 2010.
"Commissioner Goodell opted
to make very public and unfor-
tunately erroneous allegations
against Jonathan," said Vilma's
attorney, Peter Gins-
Sberg. "By making
These false and pub-
lic statements, he has
significantly harmed
SJonathan's reputa-
tion and ability to
make a living.
"By suing Com-
missioner Goodell in
i court, Jonathan opt-
)ELL ed to use a fair play-
ing field where he has
procedural rights and protec-
tions to remedy the harm Com-
missioner Goodell has done to
Vilma wrote on his Twitter
account that, "As I've said ber
fore.. I never paid, nor intended
to pay any amount of money,
to any player for intentionally
hurting an opponent."
Goodell has suspended Vil-
ma, an eight-year veteran and
defensive captain, for the entire
2012 season. Vilma and three
other current of former Saints
who received shorter suspen-
sions defensive end Will
Smith, defensive lineman An-
thony Hargrove and linebacker
Scott Fujita -- all have appealed
their punishments. Hargrove
now plays for Green Bay while
Fujita is with Cleveland.
The NFL also hired former
. ,e-
federal prosecutor Mary Jo
White in late 2011 to review its
evidence in the case, and White
has said the NFL's findings are
corroborated by multiple inde-
pendent witnesses as well as
Vilma's lawsuit, which is ex-
pected to be heard by Judge
Ginger Berrigan, asks for un-
specified monetary damages
as well as punitive damage and
attorneys fees.
The lawsuit states that
Goodell, "knew and intended
that Vilma would suffer severe
emotional distress" when the
NFL published its bounty re-
port and handed down punish-
ment for the 30-year-old line-
"Vilma will soon have to leave
behind the world of profes-
sional football and will likely
face difficulties in obtaining
other employment and entering
into new ventures as a result
of Goodell's false and defama-
tory statements," the lawsuit
said. "Media will forever men-
tion his name in the context of
the Bounty investigation and
fans will forever remember Vil-
ma with ill repute rather than
remember his substantial ac-
complishments on and off the
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