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August 2018

July 2018

Hot Talk and Civics Lesson on Last Sunday’s Episode of Hot Talk with Jill Tracey

hot talk with jill tracey
Last Sunday night's episode of Hot Talk with Jill Tracey was the personification of HOT. It was LIT! Click Jill's photo to listen. The fireworks start about 56:15.

Last Sunday night’s episode of Hot Talk with Jill Tracey was smoking hot and took an odd turn when the anticipated discussion between the candidates in the upcoming Florida Senate District 38 race, incumbent Daphne Campbell and challenger Jason Pizzo, turned into a bickering session and civics lesson but not the way one would have anticipated.

Campbell-Pizzo

Campbell was a no-show. She sent Brian Dennis to serve as her surrogate. Dennis said her son fell and hurt himself and she decided to stay home with him. Maybe not the best move and does not convey the best message to her constituents but that's what was said. Dennis, a minister, is a well-known community activist and columnist for The Miami Times. After the explanation of Campbell’s absence, there was some levity regarding children being closer to their mother. Then, as Dennis was asked about Campbell’s platform, the conversation went downhill rapidly. Dennis accused State Rep. Roy Hardemon of not giving Campbell credit for the $2 million in funding garnered for the Poinciana Industrial Park. Dennis said the bill was vetoed but Campbell brought it back. He also referenced a Miami Times article on the funding that features Hardemon, Dr. Mae Christian, author of the bill and “Broadway” Cuthbert Harewood, a local businessman and community organizer. Dennis took issue with Campbell being excluded from the photo and media coverage regarding funding for the industrial park. 

Min. Brian Dennis on Hot Talk
Min. Brian Dennis speaks on behalf of State Sen. Daphne Campbell.
miami times poinciana industrial park
From left, "Broadway" Cuthbert Harewood, Dr. Mae Christian and State Rep. Roy Hardemon in photo from the March 22, 2018 edition of The Miami Times show the $2 million appropriation for the Poinciana Industrial Park in the 2018-19 State Budget. Min. Brian Dennis said Senator Daphne Campbell helped secure the funding but was not credited by Hardemon and was unfairly excluded from the photo.

Hardemon called in to give his take on the Poinciana Park funding issue and the bill that was approved during the last Legislative Session. Christian also called in. She reiterated that she is the author of the bill. She said she doesn’t have a problem with Campbell and accused Dennis of trying to cause trouble. The bickering denigrated to the point that Christian called Dennis a liar. She went on to disclose that the money has not been received. It was supposed to be handled by the City of Miami but the property on which the transport center is to be built is in Miami-Dade County. Christian said they have been unsuccessful in getting a meeting with County budget director Jennifer Moon-Glazer. She also mentioned other funds of more substantial amounts that Dennis should be looking into rather than only focusing on the $2 million for the Poinciana Industrial Park.

Jason Pizzo interjected with an analogy that basically explained that both chambers of the Legislature (House and Senate) are required to get a bill passed. A bill beginning with HB identifies it as a House Bill and SB means a bill originated in the Senate. Dennis promised to provide Jill with e-mails supporting his position. He also promised to look into the status of the funding. Community activist Tangela Sears also called in. She explained that Legislators in different chambers do not share publicity with the sponsors of their companion bills. It’s not a slight to the legislator in the other chamber, that is just the way things are done.

Hb2767

Without getting caught up on who got the credit for funding, there are indeed questions that need to be answered about the process and the funding for the Poinciana Industrial Park Intermodal Logistics Center. Researching myfloridahouse.gov shows that there might be some validity to the points Brian Dennis made. Hardemon’s HB 2767 indicates "indefinitely postponed and withdrawn from consideration" on March 10 but included in the Appropriations Act, or State Budget, on March 11. That seems strange. Please note that there is no indication of a companion "Senate Bill" for Hardemon’s House Bill but Senator Campbell did submit a Local Funding Initiative Request via Senate form 1203. Folks more knowledgeable in the legislative appropriations process are following up on what happened.  [Download FY2018-19_S1203]

 

Hb 2767 status
Highlighted language of the history of HB 2767 shows it was indefinitely postponed and withdrawn from consideration on 03/10/2018 but included in the State Budget on the following day.
GAA
This is how the funding for the Poinciana Industrial Parl Intermodal Logistics Center is listed in the State 2018-19 General Appropriations Act (State Budget). Please note that the original request was for $25 million.

 

Here is a link to the show. Please take the time to listen to the entire show as it shares crucial information about the New Florida Vision PAC and the push to elect Andrew Gillum governor of Florida, the grand opening of Jonathan Spikes’ AFFIRMing Youth Center, comments on Pumps Pearls & Politics 2018 and other important topics. The heated discussion starts about 56:15 of the recording after Jill introduces the folks in the studio.

At the end of the day, most people will listen to the July 29, 2018 episode of Hot Talk because of the bickering. Let’s look at it as a teachable lesson and a learning opportunity. Most of us have a lot to learn about the detailed machinations of our government and laws. Let’s take the time to do so and hold our elected officials responsible for communicating with us about the laws they approve or disapprove. It is also crucial to note that the original funding request for the Poinciana Industrial Park Intermodal Logistics Center was for $25 million. How effective will the project be for $2 million? Or will it be another project in which funds are squandered in the Black community? #STAYwoke

 

Va-va signature with butterflies

@vanessawbyers
 

 


St. John Community Development Corporation’s Things are Cooking in Overtown Gala Celebration Returns for its 18thYear

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The Board of Directors of the St. John Community Development Corporation (St. John CDC) will host its 18th Annual Fundraising Gala titled Things Are Cooking in Overtown on August 24th. Gala proceeds will be used to provide scholarships to college-bound Overtown students with stellar academic achievement and leadership skills, as well as help Overtown residents find affordable housing.

This year's Gala theme, Overtown Matters… A Renaissance on the Horizon, will celebrate the area’s historic roots and future, its culture, and its cuisine. The evening will include a sizzling cocktail reception, our signature buffet dinner, dancing, and live entertainment by Miami’s own A. Randolph & The Smash Room Project.

Guests can also participate in a silent auction for a chance to win items such as sports memorabilia, dinners, high-end jewelry, spa certificates and much more. In addition, there will be an honorary tribute to Dr. Nelson Adams, III, a celebrated Miami physician, community activist, and a founding member of St. John CDC who has chaired its board of directors for the past 22 years.

“I’m proud to be part of an organization that has helped to preserve Overtown’s historic heritage,” said Adams. “We must continue to preserve and celebrate our history but more importantly we must posture ourselves to help in making the Overtown community an optimal place to live, work, worship and play. Not just for some of us but for all of us.”

Event Details
Date: Friday, August 24, 2018
Time: 6:30-11:00 p.m.
Location: Jungle Island, Bloom Ballroom, 111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami, FL 33132
Cost: $100; Purchase tickets at www.stjohncdc.org
 

About St. John Community Development Corporation (St. John CDC)
In 1985, members of the St. John Institutional Missionary Baptist Church in Overtown founded the St. John CDC to address the economic decline of Overtown. Since then, this 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, community-based organization has lead efforts to revitalize predominantly African-American neighborhoods in the greater Miami-Dade area. For more than 30 years, the St. John CDC has provided a host of economic and social development services that have helped to reduce crime and homelessness, while increasing homeownership in these areas. For more information or to make a contribution, visit www.stjohncdc.org.

 


Monday, July 30, 2018 is the Deadline to Register to Vote or Update Voter Information

 

Register to vote

Monday, July 30, 2018, is the deadline to register to vote or to update voter information for the upcoming August 28, 2018 Primary Election in Florida. If you are a registered independent voter and you want to vote for a Democrat or a Republican gubernatorial candidate in the Primary, you must change your Party affiliation by tomorrow also because Florida is a closed primary election state.

(from Florida Division of Elections)

Only voters who are registered members of political parties may vote for respective party candidates or nominees for an office in a primary election including a presidential preference primary election.

However, there are times when all registered voters can vote in a primary election, regardless of which major or minor political party they are registered or even if they are registered without a specific party affiliation:

  1. If all the candidates for an office have the same party affiliation and the winner of the primary election will not face any opposition in the general election (i.e. no write-in candidates have qualified), then all registered voters can vote for any of the candidates for that office in the primary election.
  2. If races for nonpartisan (i.e., free from party affiliation) judicial and school board offices, nonpartisan special districts or local referendum questions are on the primary election ballot, then all registered voters, including those without party affiliation are entitled to vote those races on the ballot.

At a general election, all registered voters receive the same ballot and may vote for any candidate or question on the ballot. If there are write-in candidates who have qualified for a particular office, a space will be left on the ballot where their name can be written.

Click here if you live in Miami-Dade County and here if you live in another Florida county.

Remember that you can vote by mail or you can early vote or you can vote at your polling site on August 28, 2018.

 


Chill, Chat & Chew with the Candidates, Wednesday, August 1, 2018

Chill chat chew flyer-final_update1-4

Join me, my friend Andre Joyce, the owners and staff of Lil GreenHouse Grill, and other politically-minded individuals as we enjoy edgy neo-soul cuisine, complimentary hors d'oeuvres (courtesy of Lil GreenHouse Grill), and adult beverages 5pm-8:30pm, on Wednesday, August 1, 2018.

Chat with the candidates for office in the upcoming Primary Election. Your vote is your voice. Come through so you can be an informed voter. Don't miss Chill, Chat & Chew with the Candidates.

Thanks, VaVa!

Candidates

Circuit Court Judge - Renee Gordon

County Court Judge - Olanike "Nike" Adebayo

State Senator District 38 - Daphne Cambell, Jason Pizzo

State Representative District 108 - Joseph Beauvil, Roy Hardemon, Dotie Joseph

State Representative District 109 - James Bush III, Cedric McMinn

Miami-Dade County School Board District 2 - Brandon Alfred, Dorothy Bendross Mindingall

#chillchatchew #miami #politics #election2018


Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated Installs 25th International President, Valerie Hollingsworth-Baker During Grand Boulé In New Orleans

 


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Valarie Hollingsworth-Baker, 25th International President of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated


WASHINGTON, July 25, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, a 98-year-old international women's service organization, held its Grand Boulé in New Orleans from July 18 – 22, 2018 with the purpose of bringing members together for business meetings, fellowship, community service, and rededication to its founding principles of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood. During the Grand Boulé, Valerie Hollingsworth-Baker, Zeta's immediate past International First Vice President, was elected to International President, and will lead the organization into its centennial year in 2020.

The Brooklyn native is the Director of the Inforce Systems Division for New York Life Insurance Company in New York City, responsible for managing multi-million-dollar projects and programs, training personnel, and overseeing new product development as the chief administrator of one of the company's major subsystems. She is an alumna of Fordham University, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree at the young age of eighteen. Hollingsworth-Baker has been recognized in the "Who's Who of Information and Technology" and "Outstanding Women of America" publications.

St. Augustine's Church, the NAACP, and the Hancock T&T Block Association where she serves as the vice president.

Mary Breaux Wright, of Houston, Texas, precedes Hollingsworth-Baker as Zeta's 24th International President.  Under her leadership, the sorority held record-breaking fundraising efforts for the March of Dimes, and made notable contributions to St. Jude, the American Cancer Society, Women's Veterans ROCK, and the Smithsonian African American Museum. Wright also led Zeta's international expansion, chartering chapters in Belgium, England, the United Arab Emirates, the Bahamas, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated was founded in 1920 on the belief that the social nature of sorority life should not overshadow the real mission to address societal mores, ills, prejudices, poverty, and health concerns of the day. The international organization's 125,000+ initiated members, operating in more than 850 chapters, have given millions of voluntary hours to educate the public, provide scholarships, support charities, and promote legislation for social and civic change. For more information about Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, please visit www.zphib1920.org.


CHI sponsors free events for National Health Center Week August 11-18, 2018

Chi health centers week 2018
 

(Miami, FL) – Community Health of South Florida Inc. (CHI) is celebrating National Health Center Week with several free events Aug. 11-18, 2018. The events highlight the resources provided by community health centers like CHI and help to get children physically and emotionally ready for the start of school.

 

This year, the theme is “Celebrating Health Centers:  Home of America’s Health Care Heroes.” As such, doctors, nurses and other staff will be donning colorfully decorated capes over their uniforms to raise awareness for the theme and encourage participation in the events.

 

In addition to the numerous health fairs that offer free medical, dental and behavioral health screenings, CHI will also host two events to honor law enforcement officials and religious leaders.

 

“We are all in it together. The success of community health centers like CHI is because of key partnerships,” said Brodes H. Hartley Jr., President/CEO of CHI. Our police have the delicate and difficult job of bringing Baker Act cases to our facility and religious leaders are also charged with a challenge to encourage their congregations to care for the entire person: including spiritual, emotional and physical aspects of health.”

 

CHI’s National Health Center Week free events include:

 
  • Monroe County School Physical Day—August 4th. Even before National Health Center week begins, CHI will hold a pre-event at its Marathon and Tavernier Health Centers to include School Physicals for just $25, free immunizations, hot dogs, giveaways and more. Tavernier Health Center, 91200 Overseas Highway, #17 Tavernier, FL 33070; 8:30am-12:30pm. Marathon Health Center, 2855 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050; 10am-2pm. Bring your child’s immunization records.

     

  • Back to School Health Fair —August 11th from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at CHI’s Doris Ison Health Center, 10300 SW 216th St., Miami FL 33190. Free health screenings, entertainment, live music, lunch, backpacks, school supplies and educational resources for the entire family.

  • Religious Leaders Dinner-- August 13th CHI will honor its religious leaders with a special invitation only dinner.

  • Migrant Health Fair-- August 15 at Everglades Housing Community Center, 19308 SW 380th St., Florida City, FL 33034. Free health and dental screenings, educational resources, food and fun for the whole family: geared to our seasonal farm workers and migrants.

  • Law Enforcement Officers Luncheon—August 16thCHI will honor law enforcement officers with a special invitation only luncheon.

  • Chapman Partnership for the Homeless Health Fair—August 17th CHI will host a fair at Chapman complete with lunch, free health screenings, back packs, school supplies entertainment and more. (The event is closed to the public.)

  • School Physical Day for Miami-Dade County— From 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18, at  8 Miami Dade County CHI health centers. School physicals for just $25 and free immunizations. Bring your child’s immunization records.

     For more information, call (786)272-2100 or go to www.chisouthfl.org for a list of locations and events.

 

Community Health of South Florida Inc. is a non-profit health center with 11 health centers and 35 school-based health centers. It provides primary care, pediatrics, dental, behavioral health, OB/GYN, radiology, vision, pharmacy, laboratory services, urgent care and much more. CHI is a recipient of the Governor’s Sterling Award, it is accredited by the Joint Commission and is also accredited as a Level 3 patient centered medical home by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (the highest level attainable). CHI is also only the second federally qualified health center in the nation to be designated as a behavioral health medical home. In addition, CHI is home to the Brodes H. Hartley Jr. Teaching Health Center, training the next generation of doctors in family medicine, psychiatry and OB/GYN.

 
 

 


Congresswoman Frederica Wilson to Highlight the 6th Annual Pumps, Pearls and Politics

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The 6th Annual Pumps, Pearls & Politics forum presented by the Connection Committee of the Gamma Zeta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. This highly anticipated event will take place Saturday, July 28, 2018, at the Smith Conference Center at Florida Memorial University in Miami Gardens. Candidate meet and greets and light refreshments start at 11 a.m. and the program starts promptly at 11:30 a.m. Although this event is women-focused, men are welcome and strongly encouraged to attend.

Special guest, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson, will provide closing remarks. Other panelists include Orange County Clerk of Court Tiffany Moore Russell; Miami Gardens Councilwoman Felicia Robinson; Quiana McKenzie, Regional Campaign Finance Advisor of Emily’s List; and Sally Boynton Brown former Executive Director of the Florida Democratic Party. Hot105's Jill Tracey will serve as moderator. 

Various topics facing our community will be discussed especially current policies and elections affecting women and minorities in South Florida. Tickets can be purchased online until midnight July 25th at http://pumpspearlspolitics2018.eventbrite.com. E-mail Dr. Natasha Allen at [email protected] for more information.

 

 

Pumps