The NAACP Florida State Conference releases a statewide Economic Development Report Card upon examining the records of cities, counties, school districts and private sector organizations.

FORT LAUDERDALE— Adora Obi Nweze, President of NAACP Florida State Conference and Torey Alston, State Economic Development Chair released a statewide Economic Development Report Card after examining the records of leading public and private organizations over the last several months.

“I am excited to release this year’s Diversity Matters Report Card the records of public agencies from the Panhandle to the Florida Keys,” says Adora Obi Nweze, who also serves as a member of the National Board of the NAACP. “Diversity and inclusion continue to be a challenge in Florida and the NAACP will continue to sound the alarm for equality and fairness for all Floridians.”

The Diversity Matters Initiative examined the records of targeted cities, counties, school districts and private corporations statewide.  The NAACP Florida State Conference examined their records on employment, advertising and spending with minority, women and veteran-owned businesses.  The NAACP Florida State Conference conducts this review annually, proposes recommendations and releases its findings to the public. 

“Our Diversity Matters Report Card is an annual investigation reviewing workforce diversity, local contracting expenditures and advertising budgets in urban, rural and suburban areas,” says Torey Alston, who led this statewide effort on diversity and serves as 3^rd Vice-President of the NAACP Florida State Conference. “This year’s report card continues to show cities, counties, school districts, and private companies have diversity and inclusion as the last priority.  While there are some bright spots, there is still much work to be done ensuring diversity and inclusion is reflected in all aspects of government and the private sector.”

Here is the grading scale and methodology used for the report card:

Diversity Metric /Overall Total = Grade

• A – Excellent (25% and higher): Meets and exceeds diversity and inclusion standards
• B – Above Average (20% to 24%): Above average performance on diversity and inclusion standards 
• C – Average (15% to 19%): Average performance on diversity and inclusion standards
• D – Below Average (14% to 18%): Below average performance on diversity and inclusion standards
• F – Failing (13% and below): Does not meet diversity and inclusion standards
• *F – Not Reported

Looking closer at the report card, none of the 40 entities evaluated received a total grade of “A.” Only five entities received a total grade of “B” --- Duval County School District, Hendry County School District, Miami-Dade County School District, City of Fort Walton Beach, and Manatee County Board of Commissioners. One entity, Osceola County Board of Commissioners, received a total grade of “C.” Thirty-four, or 85% of the entities evaluated, received a total grade of “D” or “F.”

There is significant room for improvement in the categories dealing with spending and advertising & marketing. No surprise, is the abysmal failing grade in those areas as several local individuals and organizations have complained of this disparity in contracting with black businesses for many years. All the entities received an “F” in the “Small, Veteran & Minority Business Spending” category except one. Miami-Dade County Board of Commissioners received a “D.”

The NAACP releases report cards every year. Now that this report card has been released, it is crucial that organizations and individuals throughout Florida are relentless in demanding transparency and diversity in how the tax dollars in their respective communities are allocated and spent.

BALTIMORE –During its April executive committee meeting in Baltimore, the Grand Boule of the Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, announced a new strategic alliance to increase its support of NAACP’s work in protecting civil rights.

The agreement encourages members of the Grand Boule, the nation’s oldest African-American Greek-lettered fraternity to promote lifetime NAACP memberships among its group, increase organizational participation in civic engagement and “get out the vote” efforts, as well as expanded engagement in activities in support of the NAACP’s strategic plan.

Additionally, the Northern, Virginia-based Beta Nu and Epsilon Zeta-member Boules, presented the Legacy Award, a monetary donation of $20,000, to NAACP President and CEO Cornell William Brooks in support of the organization’s continued fight for equality and justice.

“The NAACP applauds the Grand Boule and the Beta Nu and Epsilon Zeta-member Boules for its gracious donation and continued support of our work as the nation’s leading defender of civil rights for all people. Their commitment to serve as an influential and engaged ally, sets a powerful example for all organizations within our community,” said NAACP President and CEO Cornell William Brooks, also a member of the Boule.

"The nation's oldest civil right organization and oldest fraternity are developing a strategic alliance to more effectively address issues of people of color. The NAACP stands on the vanguard of issues ranging from discrimination, criminal justice, education, and economic parity, just to mention a few,” said Royce West Chair of the Grand Boule's Public Policy Committee. “Sigma Pi Phi has men with considerable expertise, experience, and influence in many of these areas. The alliance of these organizations will facilitate cooperation on the national, state and local level," he added.

The Grand Boule, also known as the Boule, is the nation’s first Greek-letter fraternity founded by African American men. The Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity is best known as the Boule, a Greek term meaning “council of noblemen.”  Founded in 1904, Sigma Pi Phi is the oldest Greek-letter organization comprised primarily of African-American men.

The Boule has more than 5,000 members and 119 chapters throughout the United States and the Caribbean. Its membership consists of some of the most accomplished, affluent, and influential men leaders who are making lasting contributions to their communities, our society, and the world.

As a former State Representative of House District 109, it would be impossible for me to sit in a room to create laws that impact our community with someone that has neither regard or respect for those who make those laws with him.

As lawmakers, we make laws for men, women, children, Blacks, Hispanics, Whites, and others who come from all corners of the world. A person who is not respectful to all is not fit to make laws for them, neither should anyone be subjected to sit on a dais with such an individual.

As more is learned about the racist, sexist tirade of State Senator Frank Artiles on Monday evening in Tallahassee’s exclusive Governors Club, the calls for his resignation escalate.

Some earlier reports of the incident implied Senators Artiles, Gibson and Thurston were socializing together. You know, drinks among friends. However, Senator Artiles “approached” Senators Gibson and Thurston when he unleashed his verbal attack on her.

We also learned that Artiles felt emboldened to drop the other “f-bomb” that evening, and called two lobbyists faggots. Once again, alcohol is a truth serum.

As expected, Artiles “apologized” from the Senate floor. No other comments were allowed by Senate President Joe Negron. If you’ve been following this situation, Negron is the colleague Artiles referred to as a “pussy.” If you happen to view video of that moment, please note that Artiles read a prepared statement that was lacking in sincerity. The way the scene rolled out was sterile and dismissive.

Senator Perry Thurston filed a formal complaint to expel Senator Frank Artiles. Senate Rules Chair Lizbeth Benacquisto has appointed Dawn Roberts, Senate general counsel, to complete and report on the investigation of the complaint by next Tuesday, April 25.

In the meantime, continue this CALL TO ACTION.

1.  Contact Senator Frank Artiles and ask him to resign. There is no place for his hateful, racist and sexist thinking in American politics. 

Here are ways to contact Senator Artiles:

District Office

13501 SW 128th Street

Unit 115A

Miami, FL 33186

(305) 252-4300

Tallahassee Office

308 Senate Office Building

404 South Monroe Street

Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100

(850) 487-5040

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Artiles40

Twitter: @Artiles40 (Use hashtag #ArtilesMustResign.)

2.  Contact Senator Joe Negron, President of the Florida Senate, and ask him to have Senator Artiles to resign. 

Here are ways to Contact Senator Negron:

District Office 

3500 Southwest Corporate Parkway

Suite 204

Palm City, FL 34990

(772) 219-1665

Toll-Free (888) 759-0791

Tallahassee Office

305 Senate Office Building

404 South Monroe Street

Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100

(850) 487-5025

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joenegronfl/

Twitter: @joenegronfl (Use hashtag #ArtilesMustResign.)

3.  Stay tuned as this is an evolving situation. We are expected to react with anger and then go away. Not this time. Thank you for speaking up. Thank you for taking action. 

If Senator Artiles’ apology was sincere, he would have made it to Senator Gibson earlier and without being forced. If Senator Artiles’ “apology” were sincere, he would have already resigned. He brought disgrace to the Florida Legislature via prior bad behavior and insults. Enough is enough.

Shame on everyone who hasn’t called for the resignation of Senator Frank Artiles. Shame on everyone who is putting Party over people in this latest situation. Senator Frank #ArtilesMustResign.

Related Links:

CALL TO ACTION: Florida Senator Frank Artiles Must Resign After His Racist, Sexist Tirade [WARNING: Profane language]

UPDATE: Senator Artiles Apologized for his Racist, Sexist Tirade, Stripped of Committee Chairmanship — Not Enough!  

From left, Florida Senate President Joe Negron and Senator Frank Artiles

I watched Florida Senate President Joe Negron field interview questions via The Florida Channel online. His responses were a reminder of just how tone deaf, disrespectful and dismissive our elected leaders are here in Florida. Senator Negron seems to feel his job is complete since Senator Artiles apologized from the Senate floor and he stripped Artiles of his committee chairmanship. Tone deaf. Disrespectful. Dismissive.

Senator Frank Artiles must resign. His racist, sexist comments cannot be tolerated and must not be excused by any self-respecting individual, especially those who took an office to represent the people of Miami-Dade County and/or the people of Florida.

As a Black person and a woman, I will not excuse nor accept the apology of Frank Artiles. I am tired of Black people being insulted an apology is later offered and we are supposed to accept it and go away. NO! As a woman, I am tired of men thinking they can treat us like brainless body parts and receptacles and we are supposed to accept that. NO!

How would you feel if Senator Gibson was your wife, sister, mother, cousin or friend? You should be disgusted by how she was treated just because she is a woman.

I am asking you to continue to contact Senator Artiles and Florida Senate President Joe Negron. I am asking all elected officials, especially black elected officials, and women elected officials, to take a stand and demand the resignation of Senator Artiles. 

This is a matter of RESPECT. No excuses. #ArtilesMustResign

In the meantime, continue this CALL TO ACTION.

1.  Contact Senator Frank Artiles and ask him to resign. There is no place for his hateful, racist and sexist thinking in American politics. 

Here are ways to contact Senator Artiles:

District Office

13501 SW 128th Street

Unit 115A

Miami, FL 33186

(305) 252-4300

Tallahassee Office

308 Senate Office Building

404 South Monroe Street

Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100

(850) 487-5040

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Artiles40

Twitter: @Artiles40 (Use hashtag #ArtilesMustResign.)

2.  Contact Senator Joe Negron, President of the Florida Senate, and ask him to have Senator Artiles to resign. 

Here are ways to Contact Senator Negron:

District Office 

3500 Southwest Corporate Parkway

Suite 204

Palm City, FL 34990

(772) 219-1665

Toll-Free (888) 759-0791

Tallahassee Office

305 Senate Office Building

404 South Monroe Street

Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100

(850) 487-5025

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joenegronfl/

Twitter: @joenegronfl (Use hashtag #ArtilesMustResign.)

3.  Stay tuned as this is an evolving situation. We are expected to react with anger and then go away. Not this time. Thank you for speaking up. Thank you for taking action. 

Related Post: CALL TO ACTION: Florida Senator Frank Artiles Must Resign After His Racist, Sexist Tirade [WARNING: Profane language] 

From left, Florida Senators Frank Artiles; Audrey Gibson and Perry Thurston. Artiles dropped the n-bomb and referred to Gibson as a "fucking asshole," "girl" and "bitch."  He also said six Republican niggas were responsible for Joe Negron becoming Senate President and later referred to Negron as a "pussy." To make matters worse,  Artiles  later tried to justify dropping the n-bomb by saying he's from Hialeah. 

On Monday evening, Florida Senator Frank Artiles, who represents District 40 here in Miami-Dade County, went on a racist, sexist tirade at the exclusive Governors Club in Tallahassee. Artiles verbally attacked fellow Senator Audrey Gibson from Duval County. Also present was Senator Perry Thurston from Broward County and others. Gibson and Thurston are black.

According to reports from the Miami Herald, Artiles dropped the n-bomb and referred to Senator Gibson as a “fucking asshole” a “girl” and a “bitch.” In this day and time, a male elected official, who is also an ethnic minority, that feels comfortable enough to spew such vile words must not be allowed to represent the people of Florida, especially Miami-Dade County. To make matters worse, Artiles also tried to justify dropping the n-bomb by saying he’s from Hialeah. Really? Hialeah? Hmmm….

As expected, there have been weak condemnations of Artiles’s outburst by his fellow Republicans and an expected announcement of an apology from the Senate floor today. An apology is an insufficient resolution to this situation. Artiles must resign. 

The Florida Democratic Party has called for Artiles to resign. The Black Caucus has called an emergency meeting regarding this matter. 

In the meantime, this CALL TO ACTION is requested.

1.  Contact Senator Frank Artiles and ask him to resign. There is no place for his hateful, racist and sexist thinking in American politics. 

Here are ways to contact Senator Artiles:

District Office

13501 SW 128th Street

Unit 115A

Miami, FL 33186

(305) 252-4300

Tallahassee Office

308 Senate Office Building

404 South Monroe Street

Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100

(850) 487-5040

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Artiles40

Twitter: @Artiles40 (Use hashtag #ArtilesMustResign.)

2.  Contact Senator Joe Negron, President of the Florida Senate, and ask him to have Senator Artiles to resign. 

Here are ways to Contact Senator Negron:

District Office 

3500 Southwest Corporate Parkway

Suite 204

Palm City, FL 34990

(772) 219-1665

Toll-Free (888) 759-0791

Tallahassee Office

305 Senate Office Building

404 South Monroe Street

Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100

(850) 487-5025

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joenegronfl/

Twitter: @joenegronfl (Use hashtag #ArtilesMustResign.)

3.  Stay tuned as this is an evolving situation. We are expected to react with anger and then go away. Not this time. Thank you for speaking up. Thank you for taking action. 

This is a matter of RESPECT. This is a teachable moment. Our children are watching how we handle this situation. #ArtilesMustResign

MIAMI, FL – The Black Owned Media Alliance is excited to announce the 2017 BOMA Awards.   The BOMA awards were established to honor agencies, businesses, and individuals who make a positive impact in the South Florida Black community.  This year the ceremony will be on April 26, 2017, at 11 a.m. at the Hilton Miami Airport, 5101 Blue Lagoon Drive, Miami, FL 33126.   BOMA President, Dexter Bridgman, says that “The BOMA Awards is a confirmation of the importance and significance of Black Owned Media in South Florida. We will continue to push for equality in media spending by engaging and educating the decision makers in our industry.”

The top honors for 2017 will go to Andrew Goldberg/Vice President of Marketing at the Adrienne Arsht Center and Ed O’Dell/Corporate Director of Communications and Partnerships at Jackson Health Systems. Both gentlemen will be honored for their commitment to go above and beyond the call to support and advocate for equality in the media and support for the South Florida Black community.

The 2017 BOMA Award Honorees to receive esteemed honor include:

Andrew Goldberg/Vice President of Marketing at the Adrienne Arsht Center will receive the BOMA CHAMPION OF THE YEAR AWARD.  Goldberg is a key member of the Executive Team for the largest performing arts company in South Florida and the new “Town Square” of downtown Miami. Now in its 11th season, the Adrienne Arsht Center has a budget of $35MM and is on track to operate “in the black” for 10 years in a row.

Ed O’Dell/Corporate Director of Communications and Partnerships at Jackson Health Systems will receive the BOMA CHAMPION OF THE YEAR AWARD.  O’Dell spent 33 years in the newsroom as a multiple award-winning reporter, producer, and anchor.  O’Dell uses this experience, integrity, and trust to link professional organizations to media outlets, the community, and government bodies.

The Knight Foundation will receive the BOMA ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR AWARD.  The Knight Foundation is a national foundation.  Their goal is to foster, inform and engage communities, which they believe are essential for a healthy democracy.  Annually the Knight Foundation grants over one-hundred million dollars for journalism, technology, communities, and arts.

Jerry Rushin/Retired Vice President at Cox Media Group will receive the BOMA ICON OF THE YEAR AWARD.  Rushin was the driving force for all four Cox properties in Miami and his uncompromising commitment to broadcasting excellence and community involvement has combined to help the stations excel at serving the listening audience in a powerful way.  Rushin’s career has seen many prestigious milestones, including numerous awards, and his contributions to urban radio have helped to shape the industry.

The Reeves Family/Owner & Publisher for The Miami Times will receive the BOMA LEGEND OF THE YEAR AWARD.  Since 1923, The Miami Times has been an important part of the week for some of South Florida’s most sophisticated readers.  As South Florida’s oldest and largest Black newspaper, The Miami Times represents the pinnacle of community relations.

The Henry Family/Founder & Publisher for The Westside Gazette will receive the BOMA VANGUARD OF THE YEAR AWARD.  Since the first issue rolled off the press in 1971, the Westside Gazette newspaper has maintained the professional, insightful and reader sensitive reporting that has gained the trust and respect of South Florida’s African American community.  The Westside Gazette is set to empower the community with information, the Westside Gazette newspaper has been sensitive to the special needs of our readers.

Bishop Victor T. Curry/CEO & President at WMBM will receive the BOMA VISIONARY OF THE YEAR AWARD. Bishop Curry has not only maximized and excelled in what God has deposited in him but has also raised the bar for vision, leadership, courage, civic responsibility, ecclesiastical intellect, and compassion to new and unfathomable levels.  Curry is also the Founder & Bishop of New Birth Baptist Church Cathedral of Faith International.

The remaining category ballots for the 2017 nominees for the BOMA Awards are: Marketing/PR Firm of the Year Award - Armstrong Creative Consulting, Circle of One Marketing, Hip Rock Star Advertising, Marketing & Communications, Marome Agency, Mosaic, Overtown Media, and Sonshine Communications; Advertising Agency of the Year Award – Media Counselors, RBB, Sonshine Communications,  Turkel Brand, and The Weinbach Group, and WOW Factor;  Black Advertisement Agency of the Year Award – Armstrong Creative Consulting, Circle of One Marketing, Hip Rock Star Advertising, Marketing & Communications, and Sonshine Communications; Best Communicator of the Year TV Award - Guylene Berry (Sa’k Pase Media), Jeremy “Chaos” Hannah (Video Mix), Calibe Thompson (Blondie Ras Productions, Inc.), and Patrick Eliancy (Island TV), Tamara Phillipeaux (Island TV); Best Communicator of the Year Radio Award -  MJ Smith (WMBM), Rhonel & Rebecca Morning Show (WSRF), Alex Saint Surin (1700 AM), and Bishop Victor T. Curry (WMBM); Best Communicator of the Year Radio Independent Award - Henry Crespo (The Development Firm), Eddie Edwards (Riddins Marketing), Marlon Hill (Riddins Marketing), Pat Montegue (WAVS), Duke of Earl (WAVS), “Jamaican” James T (WAVS), and James T. (James T Entertainment and Management); Best Communicator of the Year Print Award- Carolyn Guniss (The Miami Times and President of the South Florida Black Journalist Association), Michelle Hollinger (Sisterhood), Moderator Johnny L. Barber (The Gospel Truth), Daphne Taylor (South Florida Times), Gordan Williams (Caribbean Today), Zachery Rinkins (Rinkins Report), and Kay Brown (The Westside Gazette); Best Communicator of the Year Digital Award - Vanessa Woodard Byers (BloggingBlackMiami.com), Alexis Brown (Socialxchange Miami), LaShannon Petit (Circle of One Marketing), Wilameana Jones (The Wilameana Jones Experience), Tony & Woodie Lesesne (Lesesne Media Group), Nicky Gelin (Comcast/Xfinity), The Hungry Black Man, Black PR Wire, and Peter Bailey (NiteCap Media); Photo/Video Journalist of the Year Award - Tamar “Teekay” McLean, Adrian Freeman, Gregory Reed, David Muir, Andre Williams, and NightLife Photography; BOMA Rising Star Award - Shawn McCullough (In The Black), Alexis Brown (Socialxchange Miami), Fabiola Fleuranvil (MiamiSocial), and AD Campaign of the Year – “Vote That’s It” created by Hip Rock Star Advertising, “Rise Up Liberty City…Honoring Our Past – Building Our Future” created by Jambalaya Media Group, Overall Body of work - Publix, Overall Body of work - FPL, and It’s So Miami (Heritage Neighborhoods) created by Turkel Brand.  

ABOUT BOMA:

The Black Owned Media Alliance (BOMA) was established in the summer of 2015 by Dexter A. Bridgeman (MIA Magazine) in collaboration with Tony Lesesne, Woodie Lesesne (Lesesne Media Group), Jessica Garrett Modkins (Hip Rock Star Advertising and TheBlackSocialExperience.com), Garth Reeves (The Miami Times), Debra Toomer (WMBM), Sandy Walker (The Gospel Truth), and Peter Webley (Caribbean Today) to bond forces of common interest for the promotion, development, longevity, empowerment, and financial stability of Black owned media in South Florida. Additionally, BOMA is committed to accuracy in reporting while providing the market we serve with fair and balanced coverage.

The objective of our organization is to address the disparity that exists in advertisement spending with Black Owned Media. There must be a fair and balanced approach for the dissemination of advertising dollars to Black owned media in South Florida and to create awareness among the advertising community of the spending power of the Black dollar in South Florida.

#2017BOMA AWARDS

Tonight at 9pm EST, Eric Pettus will guest host The Chief Jimmy Brown Show on 1490 WMBM. To listen, go to the web or download the app. 

Special invited guests are Darryl Holsendolph, Larry Williams and DC Clark who will discuss diversity issues related to government contracting particularly Miami Dade County Public Schools. You don't want to miss this one!!! 

Again, tune into www.WMBM.com or download the app. Call in to ask a question or make a comment by dialing any of the following numbers 305-953-9626 or 954-525-1490 or 888-599-WMBM. 

For several years I've been sharing news, information and commentary through Blogging Black Miami via several social media platforms. It is a labor of love. My mind is so blown that I have been nominated for a #BOMAAward - for Best Communicator of the Year- Digital!

Join me on Wednesday, April 26 for the 2017 BOMA Awards Luncheon! Tickets are available at https://2017bomaawards.eventbrite.com. Thank you to the Black-Owned Media Alliance for this awesome honor. Thank you to all of the readers, subscribers, contributors and supporters of Blogging Black Miami. 

 @vanessawbyers

#BOMA#BlackOwnedMediaAlliance #2017BOMAAwards #BOMAAwards #VaVaNewMedia#socialmedia #digitalinfluencer #socialinfluencer #citizenjournalist #blogger#communicator