Blogging Black Miami

REPORTER GWEN BELTON RETURNS TO SOUTH FLORIDA AND JOINS CBS4

One of South Florida's most respected reporters is coming home.  On September 15, Gwen Belton will join the CBS4 News Team as a reporter and back-up anchor. 

Belton brings with her a wealth of experience, both locally and nationally.  For the past two years, she was a correspondent with CBS Newspath, covering a wide variety of stories, from natural disasters to politics to environmental issues.  From 1998 to 2006, she was an anchor and senior reporter for WPLG where, at various times, she anchored mornings, weekdays and weekends, served as an investigative reporter and covered consumer issues as part of the station's Problem Solver unit. 

Prior to WPLG, Belton was an anchor/senior reporter for WJTV in Jackson, Mississippi from 1987-1998.  Before that she was with WNTZ in Natchez, Mississippi where she performed in a number of different roles, including news director, anchor, reporter and producer.  She began her career at WXVT in Greenville, Mississippi as a weekend anchor and weekday reporter.

Belton received an award from the Associated Press of Mississippi coastal flooding and has been the recipient of numerous community commendations.  She received her BA in communications and journalism from Alcorn State University in Lorman, Misssissippi.

 

Amendment 5 removed from ballot

Public school systems and government entities can breathe a little easier for the moment. Circuit Court Judge John Cooper ruled that the wording of the summary language of Amendment 5 is misleading. As expected, the losing side promises to appeal and hopes fast tracking the amendment will still allow time for inclusion on the November ballot.

While You Were Sleeping: White Journalist Praises Power of Black Blogosphere

Here is a video interview that I hope you take the time to listen to because it gives the back story to recent highly publicized incidents of civil rights violations and how a cadre of black bloggers and a white journalist for the Chicago Tribune played a significant role in making that happen.

Howard Witt, the journalist of which I write, was the first to break the Jena 6 story that received international publicity and the first to let the world know of the story of 14 year-old Shaquanda Cotton jailed in Paris, Texas.

I emphasize Witt's ethnicity because through his experience on the internet, he learned of and began to appreciate the network of black bloggers who spread the word on issues that may not get mainstream media coverage.

Moreover, those bloggers, of which I am a part, formed a network of internet activists that helped free a 14 year-old girl and changed the direction of the trial of six boys in Jena, LA. Check out the video. It may be too long for some of you but for those concerned about the community, perhaps you'll join me in this journey of blogging with a purpose. The more, the merrier.

Also keep in mind that we face a serious problem we all face with the mainstream media cutting staff and forming duopolies. That may sound like a good thing but it's not. Anyhoo, watch/listen to the video on Howard Witt and let me know what you think.

For new principal of Broward ‘F’ school, attitude is key to turnaround

David Jones, the new principal of Coconut Creek High School has his work cut out for him as he attempts to lead the school from its current 'F' grade. I post this because as you click the link to watch the video, it's important to be mindful of the fragile schools in Miami-Dade County.

Schools such as Miami Central with 5 consecutive F grades and Miami Edison with 7 F's within the last 10 years have likely received the most publicity in Miami-Dade but we must be concerned about all of our fragile schools.

Principal Jones' attitude and the attitude of the faculty, staff, students and parents of Coconut Creek is refreshing and inspirational. We must stay positive and not give up on our schools or our students in Miami-Dade County either.

Val Screen is Serious About Unseating Audrey Edmonson for the District 3 County Commission Seat

Edmonson

Screen

As you may know, one of the most watched and highly contested local races is that of Miami-Dade County District 3 Commission seat currently held by Audrey Edmonson. Local attorney and former lobbyist Valria "Val" Screen is perceived as the most likely of the local challengers to unseat an incumbent.

Edmonson's campaign war chest is almost 10 times that of Screen's but that alone doesn't guarantee victory. On the other hand, Screen secured the coveted endorsement by The Miami Herald but that's no guarantee of victory either.

Screen has criticized Edmonson, and rightfully so, for supporting the Miami Mega-Plan initiative. No matter how you look at it, Liberty City and other pre-dominantly black areas will be the losers as dollars continue to be funneled away from economically-depressed areas in the County.

Edmonson has also been criticized for amassing such a war chest with donations from people that do business with the County but that's just the way it is in politics. Edmonson has history in her favor when it comes to incumbents retaining their seat but Screen is on task to be a history maker.

Regardless who wins, the people of District 3 need to vote and not leave the selection of their representative up to a minority of its residents. There's too much at stake to be left out or continue to be given the crumbs of county government funds.

 

Early Voting in Florida is On!

Early voting for the August 26^th primary started yesterday in Florida and will end on August 24^th. There are a number of vacant offices and other important ballot items to consider. Please be prepared and educated when you step in the voting booth.

Let's be real, the excitement generated by the Barack Obama candidacy for POTUS (President of the United States) has resulted in many folks running for office and several political forums in South Florida. When all is said and done, do we know each candidates platform and record? Are we supportive strictly along party line or ethnicity?

As voters, we are as much to blame for do-nothing, non-responsive political leaders as anybody. Barack Obama's principle that 'real change comes from the bottom up' should be the mantra of American voters in 2008 and in perpetuity.

I've said it many times to my friends; it's time to flip the script and put the 'servant' back into to public servant. Politicians work for us; we don't work for them. So, if we complain about what our commissioner is not doing and don't do anything to remedy the situation then that's our bad. The same holds true for senators, representatives, school board members and POTUS.

A vote in Miami Gardens or Liberty City holds the same weight and relevance as a vote in Pinecrest or Star Island. But, my people, you've got to be in it to win it.

 

Here is information on Early Voting sites and schedules in Miami-Dade County:

EARLY VOTING SCHEDULE FOR THE AUGUST 26, 2008 PRIMARY

Revised: 04/23/08

• North Dade Regional Library 2455 NW 183rd St

• Model City Library (Caleb Center) 2211 NW 54th St

• Miami Lakes Public Library 6699 Windmill Gate Rd

• John F Kennedy Library 190 W 49th St

• Elections Department 2700 NW 87th Ave

• West Miami City Hall 901 SW 62nd Ave

• West Kendall Regional Library 10201 Hammocks Blvd

• Kendall Branch Library 9101 SW 97th Ave

• West Dade Regional Library 9445 SW 24th St

• Florida City - City Hall 404 W Palm Dr

• Aventura Government Center 19200 West Country Club Dr

• North Miami Public Library 835 NE 132nd St

• Lemon City Library 430 NE 61st St

• North Shore Branch Library 7501 Collins Ave

• Coral Reef Library 9211 SW 152nd St

• Elections Department (SOE Branch Office) 111 NW 1st St

• City of Miami - City Hall 3500 Pan American Dr

• Coral Gables Library 3443 Segovia St

• Miami Beach City Hall 1700 Convention Center Dr

• South Dade Regional Library 10750 SW 211th St

 

MONDAY        AUGUST 11        7:00AM – 3:00PM

TUESDAY        AUGUST 12        7:00AM – 3:00PM

WEDNESDAY    AUGUST 13        7:00AM – 3:00PM

THURSDAY    AUGUST 14        7:00AM – 3:00PM

FRIDAY        AUGUST 15        7:00AM – 3:00PM

SATURDAY    AUGUST 16        9:00AM – 1:00PM

SUNDAY        AUGUST 17        1:00PM – 5:00PM

 

MONDAY        AUGUST 18        11:00AM – 7:00PM

TUESDAY        AUGUST 19        11:00AM – 7:00PM

WEDNESDAY    AUGUST 20        11:00AM – 7:00PM

THURSDAY        AUGUST 21        11:00AM – 7:00PM

FRIDAY        AUGUST 22        11:00AM – 7:00PM

SATURDAY        AUGUST 23        9:00AM – 1:00PM

SUNDAY        AUGUST 24        1:00PM – 5:00PM

 

Toolkit Tip Sheet

Print this tip sheet and take it with you to the polling location and be ELECTION READY! When voting at any voting location, whether at an early voting site or on Election Day, be sure to remember the following: Please bring a current and valid identification that contains your name and photograph and signature.  Acceptable forms of identification include: State of Florida Driver's License ID Card issued by the State of Florida U. S. Passport Debit/Credit Cards Military ID Student ID Retirement Center ID Public Assistance ID Neighborhood Association ID If you do not have a valid and current identification, you may be asked to vote using a provisional ballot. Please remember to bring your Voter Information Card with you to vote. While it is not mandatory that you bring voter information card, it may help expedite your voting experience. If you recently registered to vote and you find that your name is not in the registration book, do not leave. First, ask an elections poll worker if there is a supplemental registration list.  Secondly, ask the election workers to call the Miami-Dade County Elections office and issue you a provisional ballot. If you have any questions about how to operate a voting machine, be sure to, ask a poll worker for help. Precincts in Miami-Dade County are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. When voting on a paper ballot, be sure to completely fill in the oval next to the candidate of your choice. Be sure to review both sides of your ballot page(s) before casting your voter on the optical scanner to ensure your choices are accurate.

 

Ground Up & Rising Presents the Florida Premiere of The Last Days of Judas Iscariot

Ground Up & Rising, a 501(c)3 non-profit company devoted to the growth of the dramatic arts, announces the Florida premiere of The Last Days of Judas Iscariot. This play written by Stephen Adly Guirgis will be produced at Miami-Dade Community College, Kendall Campus, from August 15th to August 24th at 8 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 PM on Sundays.

"The Last Days of Judas Iscariot is an edgy production that delves into a hilariously chaotic debate on faith, fate and free will," says Jose Terrier, Marketing Director for Ground Up & Rising. "We are very excited about bringing Guirgis's gripping play to South Florida."

"A real jaw-dropper. [Guirgis's] imagination is dazzling and his command of language downright thrilling." - Marilyn Stasio, Variety

"Guirgis may be the most extravagantly talented ... playwright in America. To put it clinically, he is a master of American urban vernacular; to put it as one of his characters might put it, the s--- is real." - Jeremy McCarter, The New York Sun

Set in a time-bending, seriocomically imagined world between Heaven and Hell, The Last Days of Judas Iscariot is a philosophical meditation on the conflict between divine mercy and human free will that takes a close look at the eternal damnation of the Bible's most notorious sinner. Throughout the play figures ranging from Mother Teresa to Sigmund Freud are called to testify in a trial of "God and the Kingdom of Heaven and Earth versus Judas Iscariot."

The Last Days of Judas Iscariot features Lela Elam (Carbonell winner for Best Actress '08, GableStage's In the Continuum), Kameshia Duncan (Miami New Times Best Actress '06; Carbonell winner Fred Diekmann Emerging Artist Award; Carbonell nominated for Best Ensemble '07, Summer Shorts), Bechir Sylvain (Carbonell nominated for Best Ensemble '07, Summer Shorts), Sheaun McKinney (Miami New Times Best Supporting Actor, Ground Up & Rising's Jesus Hopped the A Train; Carbonell nominated for GableStage's A Lesson Before Dying), George Schiavone (Carbonell nominated for Mad Cat's Terminal Baggage), and is directed by Arturo Fernandez, Ground Up & Rising's Producing Artistic Director.

Through Ground Up & Rising's Bridging the Gap Program, college theatre students will be exposed to the professional theatre experience by being involved in all aspects of this production. The Last Days of Judas Iscariot is part of Ground Up & Rising's 2008 Season of Cultural Expansion and is produced in association with Miami-Dade Cultural Affairs, the Board of County Commissioners and WLRN.


For more information on Ground Up & Rising and The Last Days of Judas Iscariot, please visit www.GroundUpandRising.org or call 305-726-4359.

THE PRICE IS RIGHT SEARCHES FOR ITS NEWEST MODEL

CBS's THE PRICE IS RIGHT, television's longest-running game show, is launching a nationwide search for its newest model, Wednesday, August 13, at the Grove Isle Resort and Spa, Four Grove Isle Drive, in Coconut Grove, Fla.  WFOR-TV, the CBS-owned station in Miami, will hold open auditions from noon - 4:00 PM. 
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Details, applications, rules and eligibility information can be found at www.cbs4.com/priceisright.

Additional cities will be announced in the coming weeks. In September, one winner from each market will be chosen to come to Los Angeles and audition for the producers of THE PRICE IS RIGHT. The top five finalists from those auditions will each have the opportunity to appear on an episode of THE PRICE IS RIGHT that will air October 20-24. Viewers will be able to vote online for their favorite finalist. The winner will be announced on air November 7 and appear on an upcoming week of shows.

THE PRICE IS RIGHT, the longest-running game show in television history, is hosted by Drew Carey. Produced by FremantleMedia North America, THE PRICE IS RIGHT is broadcast weekdays (11:00 AM-12:00 Noon, ET; 10:00-11:00 AM, PT) on the CBS Television Network. 
 
On the web: http://www.cbs.com/daytime/the_price_is_right/
or call Deborah Lile, Director of Marketing, 305-514-4104
 

CBS4 DELIVERS DOLPHINS EXCITEMENT!

Miami, Florida... Football fever is heating up and once again, CBS4 is proud to bring Dolphins excitement to South Florida viewers.  The stations will offer an expanded sports line-up, bringing viewers all the action and excitement the 2008 season has to offer.   CBS4 will be the new home of "The Coach Tony Sparano Show" and "Dolphins Weekly" in addition to providing Dolphin fans with special post-game shows, THREE weeks of nightly reports from Dolphins training camp, a complete update on Dolphins activities, THREE Dolphins pre-season games and numerous Dolphins games in regular season.

"The Coach Tony Sparano Show" will debut on CBS4 on Sunday, September 7 and will air on Sundays at 11 AM throughout the season.  CBS4 Sportscaster Kim Bokamper hosts the show every week and will talk with Coach Sparano about all things Dolphins.  Veteran Sportscaster Jimmy Cefalo will provide additional analysis and report on all the latest news from Dolphins camp.  The show will be followed at 11:30 AM by "Dolphins Weekly," which will also be hosted by Kim Bokamper. 

The Dolphins cheerleaders take center stage for the 2008 Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders swimsuit special to be broadcast by CBS4 on Saturday, August 30 at 7:30 PM in HIGH DEFINITION. CBS4 goes behind the scenes, following the cheerleaders as they shoot their spectacular 2008-09 cheerleaders calendar and follows the focus as the girls compete to make the cover.  There's plenty of sun and fun as well as a look back at Dolphins Cheerleaders history. 

CBS4 Sports takes fans inside Dolphins training camp with special reports for each day of training camp with "Dolphins Camp 2008" that began on Monday, July 28 and will continue through Friday, August15.

CBS4's "SportsZone" puts the emphasis on the Dolphins, giving fans the first word on Dolphins football.  These lively half-hour previews will be seen every Saturday at 7:00 PM throughout the season.  Each show is packed with features on Dolphins players, cheerleaders, and in-depth discussions.

Every Sunday night throughout the football season from 11:35 PM - 12:05 AM, "Sunday Night Sports Wrap" spotlights the latest Dolphins developments.  The CBS4 sports team gets up close and personal with the players, talk to the coaches, and offer comprehensive analysis of the day's contests, as well as developments around the NFL and the sports world in general. 

CBS4 will broadcast the following pre-season games:

Saturday, August 9, 7:30 PM - Dolphins VS Tampa Bay

Saturday, August 16, 7:30 PM  - Dolphins @ Jacksonville

Saturday, August 23, 7:30 PM - Dolphins VS Kansas City (Subject to sell-out, other wise time TBA).

In addition, on Thursday, August 28 at 8 PM, My33 will broadcast Dolphins @ New Orleans.

Craig Bolerjack will provide play by play for all games.  Nat Moore will provide color for all games.  Bob Griese will provide color on games 1 - 3 and Kim Bokamper will be on the sideline for all games.

In addition, CBS4 will broadcast half hour pre- and post-game shows to accompany each of its Dolphins preseason broadcasts.  The programs will include discussion and analysis of strategy, player line-ups and comparative statistical match-ups.


WFOR-TV/CBS4 and WBFS/My 33 are part of CBS Television Stations, a division of CBS Corporation.

CBS4 is "always on." For local news, sports scores, weather updates, traffic reports, entertainment news and the best video experience available on the web 24 hours a day, go to CBS4.com.

Press contact: Lee Zimmerman, Director of Communications, WFOR-TV and WBFS
Phone: (305) 639-4426    
e-mail: zimmerl@wfor.cbs.com

Reporting While Black: Journalist singled out and booted from McCain rally

Of course the McCain camp was quick to apologize to Tallahassee Democrat reporter Stephen Price for the treatment he received at a recent McCain rally in Panama City, FL. Once again, I am embarrassed by another Florida news story.

It seems that Price was the only black among four reporters backstage at the McCain rally. Price was asked by Secret Service if he was with the national media and he answered no. He was asked to leave, security issues, I surmise, because we can't pull out that race card, right? When Price pointed out that the other three reporters were not with the national media, they were allowed to stay. Credentials be damned, Price had to go. It's time to throw down the race card in that situation.

Of the three white reporters, Dara Kam of the Palm Beach Post came to Price's defense and she was told to leave also --- so much for helping a fellow journalist.

As expected, the McCain camp called Price and apologized. As expected, Price accepted the apology. Unfortunately for McCain, he will now be called a racist. It's karma. Remember the charges leveled at Senator Obama because of the edited words of Rev. Jeremiah Wright?

McCain already has done himself little favor with such a non-diverse support base and his highly speculated list of potential running mates ---all white and all males. The largely Republican North Florida of the State will not likely allow Stephen Price and his employer, The Tallahassee Democrat, to make a big deal about his mis-treatment by McCain's Secret Service security detail.

How will MSM report this situation? How many times will this story be run on television and radio?