Black college football is getting some play on television this year on ESPNU and Versus cable channels. This week's match-up, Alcorn State at Arkansas-Pine Bluff, is on Thursday, Oct. 1, 7:30 p.m. ET. Spread the word and support HBCU football.

Last Wednesday’s arrest of Broward officials: Josephus Eggelletion, Beverly Gallagher and Fitzroy Salesman is still the talk of the community. The alleged details of sleazy deals made are nauseating at best. All three are presumed innocent until they have had their day in court but the FBI seems to feel confident that the cases against the three are airtight.

Eggelletion and Salesman have had their fair share of negative publicity in the past so many are not surprised at their arrests. The amount of money involved has shocked the folks I’ve spoken with. Most people are very surprised that community activist turned politician Beverly Gallagher has gotten caught up in corruption. Gallagher had been well thought of by the community.

Now there is speculation as to who is next to be indicted in the FBI probe. Several Broward residents have already applied to replace Eggelletion and Gallagher. Even former Miami Dolphin star, Dwight Stephenson's firm has been dragged into the investigation. The drama continues.

© 2009, Blogging Black Miami, www.bloggingblackmiami.com

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RANKING 25^th IN THE NATION FOR WOMEN IN POLITICS,

FLORIDA’S WOMEN TAKE THE LEAD AT FIRST-EVER FL GO RUN

September 25^th – 27^th in Orlando

Orlando– Beginning Friday, September 25th over 100 diverse women from across Florida will take the next step in their leadership by attending The White House Project’s award-winning Go Run political training program for women.  Democrats, Republicans, and Independents; black, white, Latina, Asian, and Native American, will come together for three days of intensive training that will propel them into the local, statewide, and national political arena.

The goal of The White House Project’s Florida Go Run—a multi-day workshop led by state and national experts—is to create a permanent, nonpartisan pipeline to women’s political leadership throughout the state.  Across the U.S., the innovative Go Run program has been instrumental in propelling a diverse group of women into positions of political leadership, having trained over 8,000 women since its creation in 2004.

"Women remain Florida’s greatest untapped natural resource,” said Marie C. Wilson, President of The White House Project.  “When women sit fully at the tables of power, we create stronger governments, from the school board to the city council to the senate, and compelling solutions to our nation’s most pressing problems.”

Among the diverse women who will attend next week’s training are:

·         Heather Beaven, current candidate for Congress, Palm Coast: "Sharing experiences and expertise with each other makes us stronger. Successful women should make it their mission to grow new female leadership. The White House Project does that for female public servants, and I couldn't be more proud to be a part of it."

·         Michelle Fernandez, Windermere: “As a Hispanic woman, I believe there is a lack of diversity in public service.  For many Hispanic women there is simply not enough encouragement to purse leadership roles in politics.  It is crucial for this attitude to change; young Hispanic women need to see role models in politics encouraging them to participate and paving the way.”

·         Joy Solomon, political activist and community volunteer, Boynton Beach: “In recent years, I have come to recognize the important positive contributions women are making in positions of political leadership.  I have decided to focus my experience and skills on ensuring that talented and smart women get a chance to make a difference in our communities and country. With the professional training of Florida Go Run I hope to advance my own leadership skills and to inspire other women to do the same.”

·         Martha Ayerdis, Human Resources Director, Miami: "The participation of Latinas in Florida Go Run will provide us with an amazing opportunity to learn new strategies in order to develop a process aimed at achieving political leadership in our society. It is time for a change and Latinas are determined to influence and inspire other women in their community to be part of that success."

·         Sandra Urquiza, political coordinator, Naples: “Across diverse cultures, women are regarded as the nuclei of the very families that are the base of their societies. Women have the aptitude, skills, strength, and intelligence to endure difficult circumstances, overcome challenging situations, and accomplish any task at hand. The White House Project honors women's strength and gives us tools to become leaders within leading roles, taking us to become role models throughout all echelons of society.”

These participants will join an impressive group of alumnae who have gone on to break barriers in the political arena across the U.S.  Through its regional offices across the country, The White House Project trains some of the most underrepresented women in our political system: 41% of its alumnae are women of color; 46% earn less than $30,000 a year; and 50% are under the age of 35.

Florida Go Run will feature Founder and President of The White House Project Marie C. Wilson; U.S. Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Suzanne Kosmas; State Senator Arthenia Joyner (invited); State Representative Kelly Skidmore (invited); and other prominent women leaders from across the state.

Florida Go Run will take place at The Sheraton Orlando Downtown Hotel from September 25^th – 27^th, and was made possible with the support of the Florida Association of Planned Parenthood Affiliates, the Dickler Foundation, and the University of Central Florida.

The White House Project, a national, nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) organization, works to advance a richly diverse, critical mass of women into leadership. For more information, please visit: http://www.thewhitehouseproject.org.

Miami, Sept. 25, 2009 – A partnership between Miami Dade College (MDC) students and healthcare workers at Coconut Grove’s Sister Emmanuel Hospital has been established to provide adequate shoes for disadvantaged residents living in Haiti and Jamaica.

The donation drive, “These Boots Are Made For Walking” will accept used and new shoes at several MDC campuses until Oct. 7, 2009.

Shoes should be in good condition, cleaned, tied jointly to keep pairs together, and delivered to the Student Life office at one of the following MDC campuses:

-       Wolfson Campus, 300 N.E. Second Ave., downtown Miami – Bldg. 2, Room 2101

-       West Campus, 3800 N.W. 115^th Ave., Bldg. 2, Room 1115

-       North Campus, 11380 N.W. 27^th Ave., Bldg. 4, Room 4208

-       Medical Center Campus, 950 N.W. 20^th St., Bldg. 1, Room 1150

-       Kendall Campus, 11011 S.W. 104^th St., Bldg. 1, Room 100

-       InterAmerican Campus, 627 S.W. 27^th Ave., Room 1121

-       Homestead Campus, 500 College Terrace, Buildings A and B, First Floor

-       Hialeah Campus, 1780 W. 49^th St., Room 1118

-       Carrie P. Meek Entrepreneurial Education Center, 6300 N.W. Seventh Ave., Room 1101

Shoes can also be delivered to Sister Emmanuel Hospital, which is housed on the fourth floor of Mercy Hospital at 3663 South Miami Ave., in Coconut Grove. 

The idea for the shoe drive began when Marjorie Scott, a certified nursing assistant, traveled to rural Jamaica as part of a medical mission trip. During the trip, Scott was shocked at the condition of the feet of those needing medical care. Upon her return to the States, Scott convinced her colleague, Annette Kerney, an environmental technician, to help her collect as many shoes as possible to donate to the poor men, women and children living in Jamaica and Haiti.

“We are recycling shoes to salvage feet,” said Scott. “Soles helping souls; simply put, we are people helping people.”

For more information about “These Boots Are Made For Walking” donation drive, call Jaime Anzalotta, 305-237-1252.   

Sensational Reggae Artist Red Rat is set to join Veteran Ace Deejay Buju Banton along with Crowned King of Dancehall and Grammy Award winner Beenie Man and the extraordinary soulful Wayne Wonder at this years Reggae Bash 2009 at the James L. Knight Center, 400 SE 2nd Avenue, Downtown Miami on Saturday October 31, 2009. Gates open at 6:00PM show time 7:00PM.

This year’s Reggae Bash, as in the past, promises a momentous event, which as always, includes a stellar line-up of performances. Red Rat is one of Jamaica's most versatile and exciting performers. His catalog includes "Shelly-Ann", "Dwayne" and "Tight Up Skirt", the classics that catapulted him to the top of reggae charts Worldwide showcasing his unmistakable voice, unique sense of humor and unforgettable trademark "Oh-No!"

Miami eagerly awaits the Musical Archer Buju Banton who’s straightforward and provocative lyrics have stirred up controversy in the past. Buju Banton’s latest Album Rasta Got Soul was released by Banton's Gargamel Company and is his first full-length studio effort since splitting with longtime producer Donovan Germain's Penthouse Records. The album has been receiving rave reviews.

Beenie Man has been at the forefront of the reggae scene for years and has been referred to as The King of Dancehall; he was however officially crowned the 'King of the Dancehall' by the promoter of Reggae Sumfest 2009. This charismatic performer is guaranteed to show his fans exactly why he owns the title and is at the top of his craft.

The sensual, honeyed vocals of Wayne Wonder have made him a consistent hit maker with both extraordinary songs for lovers and the streets since the late 80s. If the stars are visible at the James L. Knight center on October 31st they will sparkle, as Wayne Wonder performance promises to leave patrons into a state of musical ecstasy

Reggae Bash 09 will be hosted by Rich Davis with music by Supa Sound. Sponsors of this years’ event includes: Tru Juice, Hype Radio, Golden Krust, 103.5 The Beat, John Alessi PR Firm, Events-R-Us and many more.

Reggae Bash 09 tickets are available on line at www.ticketmaster.com Dade 305-358-5885 and in Broward 954-523-3309.Advance tickets are $27.00, seats are limited.

For more information on Reggae Bash 09 log on to www.globalvybzentertainment.com or call 305-416-5970 or 786-301-4630.

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There’s a gun-toting dreadlock wearing robber targeting folks at the Allapattah Metrorail station. It has been reported that he’s robbed six people in the last two weeks. He seems to target women, especially those distracted with small children. What a coward.

Anyhoo, be careful if you’re in the area. Call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS if you have any clues on the identity of the robber. Your call can be anonymous.

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - The City of Miami Gardens is proud to announce that on March 20 & 21, 2010,  the 5th Annual  “Jazz in the Gardens” music festival will be held at Dolphin Stadium, located at 2269 Dan Marino Boulevard, in the heart of Miami Gardens.  Jazz in the Gardens’ 2010 performers will be announced in November and tickets go on sale in January for the two-day music festival.

 “Jazz in the Gardens” has become a highly anticipated top cultural event in South Florida, attracting audiences from all across the nation and abroad. In March 2009, almost 40,000 people attended the music festival. Jazz in the Gardens delivers a dynamic mix of musical genres, ranging from jazz, R&B, Neo-soul and World Beat sounds.  Amongst the legendary entertainers who have performed at Jazz in the Gardens are Frankie Beverly and Maze, Chaka Khan, Chrisette Michele, Common, Erykah Badu, Wyclef Jean, Babyface, The O’Jays, Nancy Wilson, George Benson, Sergio Mendez, Luciano, Boney James and Kenny G.

 “This is truly an exciting milestone for the City and for the Miami Gardens community. I remember when no one knew anything about the event, and those who knew doubted it could be successful. Now, everyone has a desire to be involved! Jazz in the Gardens has become so much more than just a music festival. It’s become a reunion point for friends and family, a business opportunity for small and large businesses, and a vacation destination for adults seeking a break from the winter cold. Overall, the hard work and investment is paying off! People are learning about Miami Gardens and realizing all the beauty and economic opportunity it offers,” stated City of Miami Gardens Mayor Shirley Gibson.

Quite successfully, “Jazz in the Gardens” continues to double its attendance year after year. Affordable ticket prices and booking blockbuster entertainment has proven to be the winning combination and key to growth.  Promising and consistently delivering an A-list line-up, a unique musical experience and an array of diverse activities, the 5^th Annual “Jazz in the Gardens” music festival in 2010 will undoubtedly live up to its reputation as one of the premiere music festivals in the country.

Check out the Florida Courier article on Miami’s own Betty Wright. She is still very involved in the music industry more than three decades after her hit, the Clean-Up Woman.  A tribute to her life, including performances by her children, is scheduled for this evening in Orlando.