NEWSFLASH: Pumps, Pearls & Politics panelist, ANNETTE TADDEO-GOLDSTEIN has been tapped by gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist, to serve as his running mate! Florida political channels are abuzz as the timing of this announcement is unprecedented.

KARLA HERNANDEZ-MATS also joins panel. Mats is the First Vice-President of United Teachers of Dade (UTD) as well as an up and coming leader in the community. Purchase your tickets to Pumps, Pearls & Politics 2014…A uniquely informative and entertaining political experience. Men are encouraged to attend this event. 

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Congresswoman Wilson Joins Other Women Leaders in Frank Conversation on Hot Topics 7/26/2014

Crist Names Annette Taddeo As Running Mate

Crist names Miamian Annette Taddeo-Goldstein as running mate

Even among opponents, Charlie Crist's pick for No. 2, AnnetteTaddeo, gets respect

It's Annette for Charlie

Pumps, Pearls and Politics Forum to be held on July 27 in Brickell Village

For almost fifty years, Rev. Timothy Drayton wanted to tell his story. He has lived with the guilt of unwittingly assisting corrupt police in the murder of Bobby Williams. Williams is but one of 23 connected deaths discovered by friends of Danny Goldman.

Please watch this video recorded statement of Rev. Timothy Drayton, made in July 2013. In the video he talks about what happened on August 5,1966 when Bobby Williams, 18, died in a hail of gunfire from police shotguns. 

Bobby Williams had no criminal record ... there was no gunpowder on his hands after the shooting ... newly uncovered forensic evidence on that fact casts a new spotlight on the truth ... and this video tells a story never before heard. 

Drayton’s chilling account of living in terror and the physical and psychological abuse residents were subjected to at the hands of corrupt authorities, is a story that must be told. 

Perhaps most disturbing of all is that this is not an isolated incident. It is a piece of the puzzle, one of many, that helps answer the two main questions about the kidnapping and murder of Surfside teenager Danny Goldman. See the records, information and videos at www.surfsidekidnapping.org. Be sure to read www.surfsidekidnapping.org/site/links.

Honey Shine’s New Executive Director brings expertise in corporate account management and non-profit development

MIAMI, FL – Tracy Wilson-Mourning’s Honey Shine Mentoring Program welcomes Marla Wilsonas its new Executive Director. Wilson,the pastSenior Director of the 'Go Red for Women' campaign for the American Heart Association and Executive Director for the Miami March of Dimes,will oversee Honey Shine’s programs and services as well as development structure for all operations.

Originally from Las Vegas, NV, Wilson holds a Bachelor’s of Communications from the University of Central Oklahoma where she studied broadcast and print journalism. Although passionate about journalism, after years in the field, she realizedit was not her only calling. Having been raised by a single father, who dedicated his life to teach her the importance of diversity in culture, experience and travel, she soon became compelled to do the same.

"We are proud to have Marla Wilson as the new Executive Director of the Honey Shine Program," said Bill Diggs, President of Mourning Family Foundation. "Having her as a new executive on my team of high performers is exciting! Our Honey Bugs (young girls) deserve the best leadership and we are confident that we have found that caliber of person in Marla.Her background in executive level management and development are much needed if Honey Shine is to reach its next level of success."

Today, Wilson strives to make a difference in the lives of children and families in the South Florida area. Whether consulting with philanthropists on how to make a difference or actually being the driving force of change through 1 Percent Circle, the exclusive consulting group she founded to match celebrity with mission related initiatives,Wilson commits herself to the advancement of those in need.

Wilson is also the proud mother of twins, son Malik and daughter Mijani, and looks forward to becoming the loved one of young women through Honey Shine for many years to come.

Miami, FL– On Wednesday, July 9, 2014 at the Nova Southeastern University Huizenga School of Business, The National Black Prosecutors Association (NBPA) installed the first executive board of its newly formed local organization. The South Florida Chapter of the NBPA was named in honor of the first African American prosecutor in Broward County, FL, Charles B. Morton Jr.

Almost one hundred attendees braved the inclement weather to witness the historic occasion. The executive board was sworn in by former prosecutor and Broward County Court Judge Ian Richards. Mr. Morton was on hand to accept an award from the organization.

Many speakers shared their personal experiences of Charles Morton, including Broward County State Attorney Michael Satz; Peter Weinstein, Chief Judge, 17th Judicial Circuit Court; US District Court Judges William P. Dimitrouleas and James Cohn;Kathleen Cannon, President & CEO, United Way Commission on Substance Abuse; Dr. Marcus Davidson, Senior Pastor, New Mount Olive Baptist Church; Jeffrey Harris, Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers;and Kelly Hancock, Partner at Krupnick, Campbell Malone. Eugene Pettis, Immediate Past President of The Florida Bar commented that "it is so good to be able to celebrate a man’s good works while he is still here for us to thank him".

Also in attendance were Chief Assistant State Attorneys from Miami-Dade County, Broward County, and West Palm Beach. Representatives from the offices of Senator Bill Nelson and Congressman Alcee Hastings were present as well.

The Executive Board of the Charles B. Morton Jr. South Florida Chapter of the NBPA:

• President: Ayana Duncan, Assistant Chief, Misdemeanor Domestic Crimes Unit of the Miami-Dade County State Attorney's Office
• Vice President: Maurice Johnson, Assistant United States Attorney, Southern District of Florida
• Secretary: Michele Jones, Assistant State Attorney Miami-Dade County State Attorney's Office
• Treasurer: Cathy Sagesse, Assistant State Attorney Miami-Dade County State Attorney's Office
• Board Member at Large: Regina Faulk, Assistant State Attorney 17th Judicial Circuit/Broward County State Attorney's Office
• Chair, Membership Committee: Carolyn Martin, Assistant State Attorney Miami-Dade County State Attorney's Office
• Chair, Fundraising Committee: Maryam Adeyola, Assistant State Attorney Miami-Dade County State Attorney's Office
• Chair, Programs Committee: Jessica Sinkfield, Assistant State Attorney Miami-Dade County State Attorney's Office
• Chair, Bylaws & Nominations Committee: Marilynn Lindsay, Assistant United States Attorney, Southern District of Florida

Bruce Brown, National President of the NBPA, says"The increase in membership which enabled us to form a South Florida chapter shows the passion and dedication that our African American prosecutors have for justice. We saw fit to name the chapter after Charles Morton, who is a pioneer, as well as a mentor to many." NBPA Southeast Regional Director Melba Pearsonagrees, stating, "We are very excited for this next chapter in NBPA history. The region has grown in the last year from a dozen members, to close to eighty. Twenty five of those members are in South Florida. The members have elected an energetic board, ready to do great projects in the communities that need us the most".

The National Black Prosecutors Association is the only professional membership organization dedicated to the advancement of prosecutors of color. Founded in 1983, the Association's membership is comprised of over 800 prosecutors nationwide. It includes both elected and line prosecutors nationwide. In addition to prosecutors, the association's membership includes law students, former prosecutors, members of the judiciary and law enforcement personnel. To learn more about the mission of NBPA, visit www.blackprosecutors.org.For more information, contact Melba V. Pearson, NBPA Southeast Regional Director, at 305.491.2404.

The 2008 Presidential Election in the United States was historic because of the election of the nation's first Black President and for the unconventional campaign strategies deployed by Barack Obama's campaign team. Obama raised funds from big dollar donors as well as everyday Americans who contributed small dollars. He used traditional campaign tactics as well as social media to reach voters.

FL Gov. Charlie Crist and running mate Annette Taddeo-Goldstein

Well, Florida's Charlie Crist certainly shook things up when he named his running mate before the Primary Election had taken place. Traditionally, the Governor's running mate is not named until after the Primary Election. Later for tradition. Gov. Crist, now running as a Democrat, selected Democratic Party Leader Annette Taddeo-Goldstein.

Unless you've been living under a rock lately, you know that Taddeo is Hispanic, a wife, mother and small business owner. While she has never served in elected office, has made a respectable showing as a candidate in a heavily Republican voting district. She also represents two demographics important to a Crist victory --- women and Hispanics. So Blacks are not important to Charlie Crist? That's not what I wrote.

Since Crist did not select an African-American running mate, some folks in the Black community have questioned whether Crist and the Democratic Party have taken Blacks for granted. Clearly, there were several qualified Blacks who could have easily been selected.

Well, I do believe there are qualified Blacks, women and men Crist could have selected. As one who follows politics and enjoys political campaign strategy, I also understand the campaigning is a numbers game and Crist wants to win. The growing ethnic group in Florida, and the United States as a whole, is Hispanics. As a group, they tend to be the most energetic and engaged when it comes to Miami politics. If more Blacks voted perhaps he would have made a different decision.

And the reality is, the Democrats probably do take Black voters for granted. What does one really expect if Blacks, as a group, allow that to happen. If we are being totally honest, Blacks are not only taken for granted by Democrats but by Black politicians too. Why? Because we tend to NOT hold elected officials accountable for their political decisions. It's not rocket science, people will treat you the way you allow them to treat you.

Conventional wisdom in Florida politics dictates that Charlie Crist will be the Democratic gubernatorial nominee. Several of the Party heavy hitters are solidly behind him rather than lifelong Democrat Nan Rich, also a candidate. I've read some Democrats comments on social media indicating that if Crist is the nominee, they just won't vote for governor. This rift could result in eight more years of Rick Scott if the Dems don't get it together. Even if Scott pours millions of dollars into his campaign, he can be defeated.

Although I don't know Gov. Crist personally, I've observed him enough to know that he's confident he's going to win but he's not taking anyone for granted. I also don't think he's going to debate Nan Rich no matter how much he is cajoled. Crist doesn't want to give Rich's campaign viability or credibility. If he ignores her or avoids her until the Primary Election, that strategy would be deemed effective.

We are little more than a month away from the Primary Election in Florida --- August 26, 2014. There are a number of other important races to voted on. Pay attention. Get informed and get out and vote.

@vbyers

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MIAMI, FL—The Black Archives, History and Research Foundation of South Florida Inc.will present its inaugural South Florida Marching Band Precision Campfrom July 21-28, 2014 at the Historic Lyric Theater in Miami. This camp is designed to develop middle and high school student’s level of musicianship, marching band skills, dedication, creativity, pride, life-long friendships, teamwork, and overall enjoyment.

"Growing up in the inner city, I learned that music is discipline, music is universal, and music is love," said Timothy A. Barber, Black Archives Executive Director. "Through our program at the Lyric Theater Complex, I want to make sure that students have access to the same, if not better, opportunities that I received growing up."

Approximately 200 students from Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and Texas will train under the leadership of some of the best and most respected names in music. The head camp clinician will be Dr. Shelby R. Chipman, a graduate of Miami Northwestern Senior High School, former band director of Miami Central Senior High School and currently professor of Music at Florida A&M University. Additional camp instructors and participants include Lindsey Sarjeant, Music Theory and Arranger; Ralph Jean Paul, Director of Brass Studies; Guest Announcer, Joe Bullard; and a host of other band directors from Florida and beyond.

"Campers will be fortunate to work with staff members who comprise of 250 years of teaching experience. One of our primary objectives is for each camper to have a great week of educational, musical and recreational experiences, said Dr. Shelby Chipman, Camp Director. "It is indeed an honor to return back home where my career started in the Miami-Dade County Public Schools."

"At this year’s camp, we have assembled a who’s who in music leadership in hopes to expose our South Florida youth to mentors who will guide them to better achievement and careers in music," Barber said."My plan each year is to invite a variety of college and university music professors from across the country in hopes that students will be able to become known to these directors and eventually secure scholarships to attend these universities."

Band Camp registration fee is $60 per student, including daily lunch and band camp t-shirt. During this one-week period, band camp students will participate in daily rehearsals at the Historic Lyric Theater facilities and Gibson Park in Overtown. At the culmination of the program, band campers will showcase their talents at two free public events, a Symphonic & Ensemble Concert and a Marching Band Performance. The Symphonic & Ensemble Concert is at 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 27, 2014 at the Historic Lyric Theater. The Marching Band Performance will be at 4 p.m. on Monday, July 28, 2014 at Gibson Park in conjunction with the Black Archives’ Happy Birthday Miami Parade celebrating the anniversary of the City of Miami’s 1896 incorporation.

The South Florida Marching Band Precision Camp is supported and endorsed by the Southeast Overtown Park West Community Redevelopment Agency, Miami-Dade County, City of Miami Mayor TomásRegalado, and the City of Miami District 5 Commissioner Keon Hardemon.

For information about the South Florida Marching Band Precision Camp, or more information about Black Archives programming at the Historic Lyric Theater, visit www.theblackarchives.com or call 305-636-2390.

Stay abreast of important issues in this upcoming election. Know each candidate's qualifications, political views, and their interest in OUR Community. Don't miss the Second Annual South Dade Meet the Candidates Forum.

Host Organizations from the community:

The Miami-Dade Richmond Heights Chapter of The Red Hat Society,

Iota Pi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., of Richmond Heights, and the

Pi Delta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.

Moderator, Florida State Senator Dwight Bullard

Congresswoman Frederica Wilson is the keynote speaker at Pumps, Pearls and Politics 2014, 7/26 at the Rusty Pelican.

MIAMI  – Pressing concerns that burden South Florida families will get a full airing this month, as Congresswoman Frederica Wilson and other female political and civic leaders lead a discussion at the annual Pumps, Pearls & Politics forum.

The luncheon event is designed to bring together women and men from all walks of life for a meaningful dialogue, with our distinguished panelists, about critical issues such as education, healthcare, employment, immigration and social justice. The forum is sponsored by Gamma Zeta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, and begins 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 26, at the Rusty Pelican Restaurant, 3201 Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne.

Wilson, who represents Florida’s 24^th Congressional District, is a Gamma Zeta Omega Chapter member, former Alpha Kappa Alpha regional director and a former chapter president. She will bring the keynote address and then participate on a panel of high-profile leaders, including NAACP Florida State Conference President Adora Obi Nweze, also a Gamma Zeta Omega Chapter member; State. Rep. Cynthia Stafford; CNN Latino host and Democratic Party leader Annette Taddeo-Goldstein, Beatrice Louissaint, President-Southern Florida Minority Business Supplier Development Council; and Daisy Black, Mayor of the Village of El Portal. The forum will be moderated by Bobby Henry, Sr., Owner and Publisher of The Westside Gazette, Broward County's oldest and largest African-American owned newspaper. Grammy-nominated poet Rebecca “Butterfly” Vaughns will again share her inspirational word-weaving skills; expect other entertainment and surprises during this informative and entertainment packed event.

“Pumps, Pearls & Politics was designed to connect concerned women and men throughout the community to dialog on important issues,” said Vanessa Byers, event chair. While my chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha is presenting this event, its mission is to bring women together to realize our political potential beyond our organizations traditional voter registration efforts. This event will involve our sisters in the Divine Nine pan-hellenic organizations – Delta Sigma Theta; Sigma Gamma Rho and Zeta Phi Beta as well as other organizations such as The Links, Incorporated; and the The National Council of Negro Women.”

“We are delighted to present this innovative and unique political event with such a dynamic panel of women. You will be informed as well as entertained. There will be opportunities to network with individuals from throughout the community as well as to register to vote, check your voter status and update your voter information,” said Gamma Zeta Omega Chapter President Eunice J. Davis.

Tickets are $35, and available online till July 20,  at http://pumpspearlspolitics2014.eventbrite.com. To pay by mail, make check or money order payable to and mail to Gamma Zeta Omega, PO Box 530711, Miami Shores, FL 33153. (Checks and Money Orders must be received by 07/15/2014.)

There will be no ticket sales at the door. For more information call 305.323.7614. 

If You Go: 

When: Saturday, July 26, 2014, 10:30 AM - Power Networking, 11:00 AM – Forum & Luncheon

Where: The Rusty Pelican, 3201 Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne, FL 33149

Admission: $35 (Includes food and beverage). Cash Bar Available.

Scenes from Pumps, Pearls & Politics 2013 at Taverna Opa in Mary Brickell Village:

The SEOPW CRA  seeks to highlight Overtown’s rich culture and  history by supporting initiatives like the Overtown Music and Arts Festival.  The partnership between the CRA and HMG aligns with the agency's goal to enhance Overtown by attracting visitors and helping to support local businesses.

Lovely and accomplished women were recently welcomed into two local chapters of The Links Incorporated.

On Saturday, June 14, 2014, the Miami-Biscayne Bay (FL) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated welcomed eight women into its Circle of Friendship with an induction ceremony and grand celebratory luncheon at the beautiful Trump International in Doral. The newest members of the Miami-Biscayne Bay Chapter are: Tiffany Britton; Ebony Edmonson; Lakitsia Gaines; Carla Hill; Suzan McDowell; Dr. Anita Petteway-Tyler; Treska Rodgers and Ashley Vangates.

On Sunday, June 22, 2014, the Dade County (FL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated welcomed seven new friends with an induction ceremony and Friendship Luncheon at the beautiful Westin Colonnade in Coral Gables. The newest members of the Dade County Chapter are Monica D. Barnes, Esq.; Altagracia Bien-Aime;  Alexis Brown; Davitka “Nikki” Davenport; Nicole Michelle Fields, DO; Kim McCray; and Joy Vickers.

The Links, Incorporated is an international, not-for-profit corporation, established in 1946. The membership consists of 12,000 professional women of color in 276 chapters located in 41 states, the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. It is one of the nation’s oldest and largest volunteer service organizations of extraordinary women who are committed to enriching, sustaining and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other persons of African ancestry. 

Dr. Rosa Simmons is the president of the Miami-Biscayne Bay Chapter and Tammy Reed is president of the Dade County Chapter.

New members of the iamb-Biscayne Bay chapter of The Links, Incorporated. Standing, Tiffany Britton. Seated from left: Carla Hill; Treska Rodgers; Ebony Edmonson; Dr. Anita Petteway-Tyler; Lakitsia Gaines; Ashley Vangates and Suzan McDowell.

New members of the Dade County (FL ) Links with chapter president Tammy Reed. Bottom row, from left: Davitka “Nikki” Davenport; Dade County Links President Tammy Reed; Monica D. Barnes, Esq.; and Alexis Brown. Top row, from left: Joy Vickers; Nicole Michelle Fields, DO; Kim McCray; and Diana Altagracia Bien-Aime. Photo: Gregory F. Reed