Congratulations to Melissa Mitchell, winner of the SPANX Illuminate-Her™️ Art Contest! Melissa is an Atlanta-based, self-taught artist, who has a love of vibrant colors, unique shapes, and bold dark lines. Born and raised in Miami, she attributes her Bahamian heritage, melodic sounds and the colorful world around her as her greatest inspirations.  Her art has been featured around the world. Her unique head wraps, Abeille Creations, have adorned the likes of Lupita N’yongo featured in Vogue magazine. Melissa is a proud graduate of Florida A&M University and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Her art will debut on SPANX styles next Spring. Stay tuned! 

Today is Memorial Day. It is a solemn day of remembrance for those who died in service to the United States. It’s easy to forget what Memorial Day actually means while you’re sitting by the pool, checking for the latest sales at the mall and online, or looking ahead to summer vacation. 

From 1868 to 1970, Memorial Day was celebrated on May 30. The implementation of the Uniform Holiday Act, designated the last Monday in May as Memorial Day. 

Memorial Day is not to be confused with Veterans Day – Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving, while Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans. It is also not to be confused with Armed Forces Day, a U.S. remembrance celebrated earlier in May, which specifically honors those currently serving in the U.S. military.

The United State of Women (USOW) is coming to Miami on June 9 and 10 for a weekend of connecting with local allies, learning about the work being done in Florida and across the country, and training breakouts based on how women want to make an impact on this community, state, nation and perhaps world.

On the heels of the 2018 USOW Summit, USOW is convening communities across the country and equipping women with the tools they need to keep fighting for gender equity. 

The topics to be covered are:

•Running for Office, powered by VoteRunLead

•Grassroots Organizing, powered by Midwest Academy 

•Leadership, powered by Courtney A. Seard 

•Entrepreneurship, powered by BRAVA Investments

The weekend begins with a high-energy main stage session where participants will hear from local and national leaders. It also includes an Engagement Fair where attendees will be able to network with organizations making an impact in different areas of gender equality. Featured speakers include Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson and Valerie Jarrett, Former Senior Advisor to President Barack Obama and Chair of the White House Council on Women and Girls. 

Training of this magnitude would typically cost $1,000+. The cost to attend the Galvanize Program is $50, a scholarship application is available. Attendees are responsible for their own housing and transportation. If you need a hotel room, take advantage of the hotel block at the Hyatt Regency Miami.  

Register for Galvanize Florida here!

Last night, Diddy made a surprise appearance at WALL Miami alongside DJ Irie to perform 4 songs from his Bad Boy Records days. 

Photos: WorldRedEye.com

Register NOW for tonight’s webinar as the Divine Nine collaborate with the NAACP to effect positive change via voter engagement. During its annual public board meeting in New York City earlier this year, the NAACP announced several key partnerships designed to expand the reach, impact and effectiveness of the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organizations.

The NAACP signed agreements with announced partnerships with the NNPA: The Black Press of America; the National Pan Hellenic Council (NPHC); the African-American Institute, and The Links, Incorporated. As part of an overall strategy, the NAACP will shift resources towards mobilization efforts for the 2018-midterm elections and beyond.

“Working with partners remains a critical part of unifying the Black community as we prepare to make our voices heard at the polls and on ineffective public policies,” said NAACP National Board Chairman Leon W. Russell. “These groups have answered the call to work with us to expand membership and our ability to educate our community on the need for aggressive civic engagement.”

“These partnerships are part of our strategic plan to unite the various strands of our community into powerful forms of operational unity,” said NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson. “We have come to understand that elections have consequences and if the consequences of the most-recent presidential election means we recognize the need for greater unity among people and organizations of color; then we are moving in the right direction,” added Johnson.

Calling all members of the Divine Nine - Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated; Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated; Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated; Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated; Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated; Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Incorporated to join tonight’s webinar. Register at https://www.anymeeting.com/AccountManager/RegEv.aspx?PIID=ED54D888884C3A . 

As the NAACP strategically rolls out this mobilization and voter engagement plan, the North Carolina Legislature has already witnessed the power of the NPHC as the NC Divine Nine gathered recently for Legislative Day. As, Delta Sigma Theta member Terry Spicer wrote: “Hundreds in the majestic and powerful Colors of the Divine Nine were a sight to behold!”

Gathering of members for the North Carolina Divine Nine Legislative Day. Photos: Terry Spicer (Facebook)

MOU between the NAACP and NPHC (leaders of black greek-letter organizations).

 #OurVotesMatter

EBONY magazine released its June issue, showcasing DANAI GURIRA on the cover. In the accompanying exclusive interview, EBONY sits down with the award-winning actress for an intimate conversation in which Gurira dishes on her climb in Hollywood, her activism and paying it forward.

“I feel called. … I feel like everything I do, everything—the blessings that I’ve received—are not necessarily for me. They’re for me to sturdy up my shoulders for other girls to stand on like I stand on other people’s shoulders,” says Gurira.

The June issue also features a celebration of Black music and a very special ’90s hip-hop beauty retrospective. In addition, readers will learn about Letoya Luckett’s new destiny; GOOD Music’s leading lady, Teyana Taylor, dishes on her beauty tips; and offers suggestions for the best swimsuits and Father’s Day gifts, via an exclusive gift guide.

“The June issue of EBONY is one to get very excited about. Music has always played—and continues to play—an integral role in Black culture. We hope this edition will deliver a robust celebration of music and get everyone involved,” says Linda Johnson Rice, CEO of EBONY Media Operations. “The June issue also aims to celebrate Black fathers and fatherhood. We take a deep dive into honoring the male role models in all of our lives through heart-touching stories and ideas for purchasing the man in your life the perfect gift for Father’s Day.”

Get the June 2018 digital edition of EBONY via Texture, Google Play, Apple iTunes and Kindle and on newsstands May 24.  For more with Gurira and behind-the-scenes content, be sure to visit ebony.com/InsideEbony.

On Sunday, May 6, 2018, the King of Clubs of Greater Miami, Incorporated hosted their 32nd Annual Scholarship/Awards Banquet at the Doubletree Grand Hotel Biscayne in Downtown Miami. Community matriarch Nancy Dawkins was recognized for her many years of service to the community and 16 Miami-Dade County Public Schools graduating seniors were awarded scholarships as they continue their academic journey to colleges and universities locally and throughout the nation. 

King of Clubs of Greater Miami President Ron Butler escorts Mrs. Nancy Dawkins is escorted to the podium to receive her award for Outstanding Community Service.

Outstanding Community Service Award

Mrs. Nancy Dawkins

William Turner Technical Arts Senior Anwar Taylor receives the Dr. Arthur E. Woodard Scholarship from the Dr. Arthur & Mary Woodard Foundation for Education and Culture. Taylor is headed to Howard University where he will prepare to become a neurosurgeon.

Dr. Tee S. Greer Memorial Scholarships

Tauheeda Huggins – Booker T. Washington

Ayana Reid - Booker T. Washington

Elyzer St. Hilaire – Miami Jackson

King of Clubs Presidential Scholarship

Tyra Hayes – Miami Springs

Dr. Rozalyn Hester Paschal Memorial Scholarship

Lamyra Thompson – Miami Jackson

Mrs. Lenora Paschal-Johnson Memorial Scholarship

Hali Braynon – William Turner Technical Arts

Mrs. Lenora P. Johnson Foundation Scholarship

Kiyah Adams – Miami Norland

Fletcher Paschal Jr. Memorial Scholarship

Eric Baugh – Coral Reef

Mrs. Agenoria S. Paschal Memorial Scholarship

Sommore Robinson – School for Advanced Studies, Homestead

Miami Federal Credit Union Nelson Jenkins Scholarship

Deneisha Dickinson – Miami Carol City

Covenant Brothers Scholarship

Kahlil Davis – Coral Reef

Jack and Jill Agenoria Paschal Scholarship

Tiana Downer – Hialeah-Miami Lakes

Athalie Range Memorial Scholarship

Yelin Montes – Miami Jackson

James Fayson, Sr. Scholarship

Jalani Scott - Booker T. Washington

Dr. Arthur Woodard Memorial Scholarship

Anwar Taylor - William Turner Technical Arts

Marva Fussell Butler Education Scholarship

Isis Nelson – American

Officers and Members of the King of Clubs of Greater Miami, Incorporated

King of Clubs Officers 2018

President – Ron Butler

Vice President – Fletcher Paschal III

Recording Secretary – Malcolm Jones, Sr.

Treasurer – Mario Lavette

Financial Secretary – Delvin Thomas

Chaplain – Rev. Harvey Lockhart

Historian – N. Patrick Range

Members

Lawrence Adams

Bradford Brown, Ph.D.

Lenere Dawkins

Larry Johnson

Kenan Lawhorne

Astrid Mack

James Maull

Michael Smith, Sr.

Marc St. Fort

Photography: Prince Aderele, The Aditu Agency 

While most of us will celebrate Mother’s Day today, here at Blogging Black Miami, we send a special shout out and much love to women we consider “Mamas” of the community. These queens hold us down, have our backs, move us forward, and keep us uplifted and informed all-year-long.

Thank You! We love you and appreciate you!

Honoring Mamas for 2018

Marleine Bastien

Jackie Bell

Kilan Bishop

Nakia Bowling

Thomasina Turner Diggs

Yvette Culver Dubose

Dorothy Jenkins Fields

Patricia Harper Garrett

Valencia Gunder

Tameka Hobbs

Renita Holmes

Rubye Howard

VonCarol Kinchens

Gepsie Metellus

Cheryl Mizell

Adora Obi Nweze

Tangela Sears

H. Leigh Toney

Jill Tracey

Rebecca “Butterfly” Vaughns

#MothersDay #Kwanzaa365 #Umoja #Kujichagulia #Ujima #Nia #BlackWomenLead

South Florida will be the first market in a national roll out across the country. Residents throughout South Florida are invited to attend the launch to learn about opportunities to serve as ambassadors for their communities, participate in Airbnb’s local Experiences program, and have the opportunity to sign up as a Host.

Free RSVP at naacp-airbnb.eventbrite.com 

Saturday, May 19

11am - 2pm

Betty T. Ferguson Complex

3000 NW 199th St, Miami Gardens

For more information, email [email protected]

The City of Miami police officer caught on video kicking a handcuffed suspect has been identified as Mario Figueroa. He has been on the force for two years. The handcuffed suspect is David Vladim Suazo. The incident began when City of Miami police spotted Suazo driving a vehicle reported stolen in Broward County. 

Suazo crashed the vehicle and a foot chase ensued. Figueroa tasered Suazo, who is reported to have assumed a fighting stance against the officer. Figueroa’s taser did not stop Suazo. Another officer was able to subdue Suazo. From a running start, Figueroa kicked Suazo in the head as a fellow officer had him defenseless and in custody on the ground. 

Figueroa’s anger and frustration because of his initial contact with Suazo is understood but kicking  in the head is unacceptable. 

It’s also important to note that City of Miami Police Chief Colina relieved Figueroa of duty, he has not been fired. Figueroa is suspended with pay. AND…the police report filed regarding the incident failed to include Figueroa’s kicking attack on Suazo. 

So let’s see what the State Attorney Office does with this incident. Stay tuned. #STAYwoke.