Blogging Black Miami

Big Night in Little Haiti, Fri. 7/15

 

Vanessa Woodard Byers for Miami-Dade County School Board

We’re fast approaching the end of 2009. Thank you for your support and encouragement. When this year ends, the campaign really begins as we countdown to August 2010.

We are only days away from our next quarterly fundraising report deadline. Please donate $5, $10, $25, $50, $100 or even $250  before  midnight on December 31.

Thanks for your support!

 

 

Arrangements for Former Edison gridiron star Jasper Howard finalized; UCONN establishes funds in his memory

Arrangements For Howard Finalized; Funds Established In His Memory Howard Arrangements And Funds Arrangements have been finalized for Jasper Howard as well as the establishment of two funds. Oct. 22, 2009 STORRS, Conn. - Funeral and viewing information for University of Connecticut football student-athlete Jasper Howard, who passed away on Oct. 18, has been finalized. In addition, two funds have been established by the UConn Division of Athletics for those who wish to express their support. The viewing will take place on Sunday, October 25 at the Richardson Funeral Home (305-634-4528) on 4500 NW 17th Avenue in Miami, Fla., from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The funeral will take place on Monday, October 26 at the New Birth Baptist Church (305-685-3700) on 2300 NW 135th Street in Miami, Fla., beginning at 11:00 a.m. Apostle Johnny L Kemp, Overseer and Presiding Bishop of MEC Ministries, Inc. will officiate. The service will be streamed live at www.nbbcmiami.org. To view, select view live services and at the next page, select view the live broadcast via Streaming Faith. The UConn team, coaches and staff will travel to the funeral via charter aircraft back and forth on Monday. In the wake of the tragic loss of Howard, the University of Connecticut Division of Athletics has initiated two funds. "The Jasper T. Howard Endowed Scholarship" will be annually awarded to a UConn football student-athlete who plays at the cornerback position and who best displays the outstanding leadership qualities which Jasper embodied. Contributions to this scholarship are tax deductible to the extent permitted by the IRS. Interested donors should make checks payable to "UConn Foundation-UCADF", indicate "Jasper T. Howard Scholarship" in the memo line, and direct gifts to: Jasper T. Howard Scholarship c/o UConn Foundation, Inc. P.O. Box 150430 Hartford, CT 06115-0430 "The Jasper Howard Fund" will assist Jasper's family with expenses such as funeral costs, travel to attend the memorial service and support for Jasper's soon-to-be-born child, in a manner consistent with NCAA guidelines. Contributions to this fund are not tax deductible. Interested donors should make checks payable to "Jasper Howard Fund" and direct gifts to: Jasper Howard Fund c/o People's United Bank 2075 Hillside Rd. Storrs, CT 06268 The University has been and is working closely with the NCAA to coordinate appropriate ways people can provide financial assistance to honor Jasper's memory. To be consistent with NCAA guidelines, contributions cannot be sent directly to the Howard family. Information about a public memorial service will be forthcoming. The University is grateful for the outpouring of sympathy and caring thoughts, and expresses thanks to all who have a desire to honor Jasper's memory through these two funds.

Charges dropped against all Edison students

From the South Florida Times: CARIBBEAN CROSSROADS: Sweet victory for Edison High students

BY MARLEINE BASTIEN

It has been more than four  months since the riots broke at Miami Edison Senior High.  A student who allegedly was placed in a “choke hold” by a principal was arrested on Feb. 28. On Feb. 29, several students who felt that the arrest was grossly unfair planned a peaceful rally. After doing some research, the students prepared a flier for the occasion. They spoke of their intent – their right to a peaceful assembly. What happened next varies based on which protagonist tells the story. The police alleged that the students attacked them, threw chairs, food particles, milk and juice. Several police officers were said to be injured as a result. The students recounted a completely different scenario. They denied the presence of chairs.  They claimed that they were having a peaceful protest when the police “descended with rage” in riot gear, batons, nasty dogs and stun guns. Victims and eyewitnesses alike described how students were slammed to the ground, beaten, handcuffed and dragged to juvenile and adult detention centers, depending on their ages. I went to Edison in the heat of the melee to meet with distressed parents. They had made repeated calls to the agency.  It was dezas konple in Creole, or complete disaster. [Read more..]