Liberty City

NAACP features Rev. Dr. Jimmie L. Bryant and Lady Estella King-Bryant on "Meet the Pastor"

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This evening, the Religious Affairs Committee of the Miami-Dade Branch NAACP will continue with their series on local religious leaders, Meet the Pastor.

This episode’s special guests are Rev. Dr. Jimmie L. Bryant, Senior Pastor and Lady Estella King-Bryant of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church of Liberty City. You don’t want to miss this lively, educational, engaging and motivational conversation. Pastor and Lady Bryant are inarguably one of the most forward-thinking religious couples around.

  • When: TONIGHT, July 11, 2022, 7:00 PM ET 
  • Where: Via Zoom & Facebook Live 
  • ZOOM Meeting ID: 853 4173 4135  Passcode: 640493 
  • Facebook Live: @MiamiDadeNAACP

Judge Rodney Smith Receives Lifetime Appointment to Federal Bench

Judge Rodney Smith
The Honorable Rodney Smith, Judge, US District Court for the Southern District of Florida

On June 12, 2019, at 2:43 pm ET, Florida Circuit Court Judge Rodney Smith ascended to the position of judge, US District Court for the Southern District of Florida via confirmation vote of 78-18 by the United States Senate. The position of federal judge is a lifetime appointment.

Smith’s confirmation is reason for many to celebrate throughout Florida and around the nation. He graduated from Miami Northwestern Senior High School, a historically-black public school in Miami’s Liberty City neighborhood. To complete his undergraduate studies, he attended Florida A&M, a historically-black public university. He continued to reach his educational goals by earning a degree from Michigan State University College of Law, a non-Ivy League law school. 

His path to the federal judgeship began with the nomination by President Donald J. Trump for the judicial seat. Smith completed an extensive questionnaire and was advanced for a hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee in October 2018. He was selected as one of ten finalists for federal judge. As part of the process, the committee sends a blue slip to senators from the home state in which the judicial nomination was received. A senator from the nominee's home state can approve the nominee and advance the nomination to the full Senate or disapprove or take no action regarding the nominee thus ending the process for the nominee becoming a federal judge.

Smith interviewed with Senator Marco Rubio and then Senator Bill Nelson. He also interviewed with White House Counsel’s Office and the Department of Justice. He was formally nominated in May 2018, but upon the adjournment of the 115th Congress in January 2019, Smith’s nomination was returned to the President. He was re-nominated later that month upon the convening of the 116th Congress.

Fifty-one affirmative votes were required for Smith’s confirmation. With a final vote of 78-18, he received many more votes than needed. There was still concern that 2020 presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Elizabeth Warren were among the 18 senators voting against his confirmation while Cory Booker and Bernie Sanders were among the four senators who did not vote at all.

Smith began his legal career as an Assistant State Attorney in the Miami-Dade County State Attorney’s Office in 1999. He later practiced at several private law firms before joining the Office of the City Attorney for Miami Beach as a Senior Assistant City Attorney in 2007. He was appointed County Court Judge by Gov. Charlie Crist in 2008. In 2012, Smith was appointed circuit court judge by Gov. Rick Scott where he served until his elevation to federal judge.

The United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida includes the following counties: Miami-Dade; Broward; Palm Beach; Monroe; St. Lucie; Martin; Highlands; Indian River and Okeechobee. The Southern district has jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases in those counties that fall under federal law.

Smith is a highly-regarded attorney and highly-respected in the community. He is proof that faith, hard work and a great attitude can take you far in life. He is a member of several organizations including Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity, 100 Black Men of South Florida, Jack & Jill Dads, Boy Scouts of America; FAMU National Alumni Association, and 5000 Role Models of Excellence. Judge Smith and his family are active members of New Birth Baptist Church Cathedral of Faith International.

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Judge Rodney Smith was sworn by Judge Donald Graham on Monday, June 17, 2019 at the Wilkie D. Ferguson Courthouse in Miami.
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Judge Rodney Smith and son with Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson and fellow  5000 Role Models and staff.
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Judge Rodney Smith and fellow members of 100 Black Men of South Florida. From left, Judge Darrin P. Gayles, Stephen Hunter Johnson, Pierre Rutledge and Torrence Phillips. 
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Judge Rodney Smith with his brothers of the Miami Alumnae Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity
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Judge Rodney Smith with fellow FAMUans Kenneth Williams and Thomas Jones who are also his Alpha Phi Omega brothers and members of the Miami-Dade Chapter of the FAMU National Alumni Association.
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Friends accompanied Judge Rodney Smith for his hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee in October 2018. From left, Christopher Norwood, Larry Handfield, Hans Ottintot, Samuel Mustipher and Robert Tyler.



 


A Moving Art Installation featuring South Florida’s Black Residents is set to tour the streets of Liberty City and Little Haiti

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MIAMI, FL - A South Florida photographer known for documenting Florida’s historically black neighborhoods is bringing her work back to the people she photographed  with a mobile photography installation.  Johanne Rahaman, creator of BlackFlorida, will unveil her latest exhibit, ‘From the South to the Southernmost- Liberty City to Little Haiti’ on a visible mobile LED screen truck that will tour these neighborhoods on Saturday, October 13, from 4:00pm to 9:00pm. Inspired by the relationships and familiarity to the people and the areas, Rahaman chooses to bring the exhibit to the streets instead of showing at an art gallery which can be considered to be “white spaces” and too “exclusive” for many.  This show is one of several more similar shows to follow in different neighborhoods.

The exhibition will feature images of community events Rahaman documented between 2015 and 2016 such as: Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parades in Liberty City and the monthly ‘Big Night in Little Haiti’ community festival along with the popular Rara processions.  The mobile show will also incorporate a musical score using music Rahaman curated while photographing inside the homes, churches, businesses and streets.  “While the visual show engages, the music will entertain and drive the pace of the exhibit”, says Rahaman. “I prefer to collaborate with a DJ from the communities that I'm featuring, who will curate a playlist that compliments the story of that community.”  ‘From the South to the Southernmost’ will begin at NW 7th Avenue and NW 79th Street, criss-crossing the streets and avenues to 54th Street, then across 54 Street to Little Haiti

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‘BlackFlorida’ is a photographic archive showcasing the nuances of rural towns and inner cities throughout Florida.  BlackFlorida is also one of 43 projects awarded The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Knight Arts Challenge 2017.

 


Miami Deltas and City of Miami Police hold gun buyback TODAY

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The City of Miami Police Department, in conjunction with the ladies of the Miami Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, is holding a gun buyback event to reduce gun violence in the city.

The buyback allows anyone to surrender weapons anonymously in exchange for cash/gift cards, valued at $250 for rifles .223 caliber and higher (AK-47, AR-15, etc.) and at $50 cash/gift card for any firearm.

Bring your weapons to the Belafonte-TACOLCY Center, 6161 NW 9th Avenue, Miami, Florida 33127 on Saturday, June 16, 2018, between 10 AM and 1 PM. No questions asked!

 

 


Papa Keith Hosts People Matter Summer Music Fest to Cease Gun violence

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Nationally-syndicated radio host Papa Keith announces free People Matter Fest to combat gun violence on Saturday, June 16.

MIAMI, FL – Nationally-syndicated radio host Papa Keith, in conjunction with 103.5 The Beat and Miami-Dade County Commissioner Jean Monestime, are proud to announce the return of Liberty City’s first historic music festival, People Matter Fest— a day celebrating life, unity, music, and non-violence within the community. The festival will take place on Saturday, June 16that Gwen Cherry Park., 7090 NW 22ndAvenue, Miami. Admission is free and open to the public. The event, in its entirety, will offer a day of fun, food, peace, and unity in the community. “This is a great opportunity for residents to get together to celebrate non-violence,” Commissioner Monestime said. 

People Matter Fest is a vehicle from Papa Keith’s “Papa Keith 4 People Matter” or #PK4PM millennial movement and social media campaign. The fest will feature a multi-talented artist lineup with Miami’s top musical acts including platinum recording artistRick Ross, in addition to Trick Daddy, Sam Sneek, Kent Jones, Zoey Dollaz, City Girls, Mike Smiff, Baby Soulja, Billy Blue, Kiddo Marv, Brianna Perry, Young Breed, Quise, Scrilla, Shifta, Ray Anderson, Young Dred, Y.D., Hood Brat, Ferrari Fred and We Dem Zoes.   

Attendees can also expect The Village, free haircuts, kids zone with water slides and bounce houses, battle of the DJs, South Florida’s most savory food vendors/food trucks, flag football with Bryant McKinnie from the Miami Dolphins and father & son 3-on-3 basketball tournaments with Udonis Haslem from the Miami Heat.  

A county-wide 24 Hour Cease Fire Campaign will start at 3:45 p.m. and end the following day at 3:45 p.m. on June 17th. The Cease Fire Campaign aims to challenge Miami-Dade County residents to put the guns down for 24 hours. The campaign will kick off with Junkanoo bands.  

“Last year we only focused on Liberty City,” said Papa Keith. “Not only did we accomplish our Ceasefire, but the police informed us that it lasted for weeks after and was their slowest reports on shot spotter for any summer. This year we are taking it a step further and calling for a Miami-Dade county-wide cease fire.”  

For more information, visit peoplematterfest.comor contact [email protected].  

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Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson’s Statement on the Passage of the Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2018

 

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Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson

 

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson issued the following statement on the Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2018:

“Although I am extremely disappointed that a DACA fix was not included, I am pleased that Congress has finally passed the Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2018 that President Trump signed today. After numerous temporary funding measures and unnecessarily stringent budget caps, this bill, although imperfect, funds several items that are critical to Florida and to the nation.
  

“In addition to rejecting the Trump administration’s cruel anti-immigrant agenda, the omnibus invests heavily in key priorities like child care, education, transportation and infrastructure, national security, affordable housing, public safety, election protection, medical and health care research, our nation’s veterans, and many other line items. These investments are certain to help boost job creation for America’s workers, economic growth, and support badly needed by those living in disadvantaged communities.

 

“Wins for Florida and District 24 include:

 

  • A 14 percent increase in funding for historically black colleges and universities, including Florida A&M, Florida Memorial University, Bethune-Cookman and Edward Waters College in Jacksonville
  • Additional funding for the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund spending target established by WRRDA 2014, which will benefit PortMiami

  • $250 million in federal funding for positive train control grants to prevent deadly crashes on Florida railroads
  • $416 million for Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants

  • Restored proposed administration cuts to Everglades restoration projects

  • $610 million increase for Head Start, a $2.37 billion increase for the Child Care and Development Block Grant Program and a $300 million increase in grants to Title I schools

  • $3.3 billion for Community Development Block Grants

  • $22 billion for public housing vouchers for needy populations, including the elderly, disabled, and persons living with HIV/AIDS

 

“I also was very pleased that I was able to insert in the legislation $10 million for support of a “multi-partner trust fund or other multi-lateral efforts to assist communities in Haiti affected by cholera resulting from the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti.”


The First Principle of Kwanzaa: Umoja which means Unity

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Greeting: Habari gani! (What’s the news?) 
Response: Umoja! (Unity)

Today is the first day of Kwanzaa and the principle is Unity. To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race. Unity stresses the importance of togetherness for the family and the community. Unity is needed to build the foundation of a self-sustaining, productive community. All productive people groups have practiced that. Light the black candle in the center.

Please spread the word:
27TH ANNUAL MARY WILLIAMS WOODARD LEGACY KWANZAA CELEBRATION
Friday, 12/30/2016, 4:30PM
African Heritage Cultural Arts Center 
6161 NW 22nd Avenue 
Miami, FL 33142

Donations of books and new, unwrapped educational toys are greatly appreciated. 

RSVP online at KwanzaaMiami.eventbrite.com.

For more information call the Dr. Arthur & Mary Woodard Foundation for Education and Culture at (305) 343-9088. Harambee!!!

#wakeUP #STAYwoke #Kwanzaa #NguzoSaba #umoja #kujichagulia #ujima#ujamaa #nia #kuumba #imani #unity #selfdetermination#collectiveworkandresponsibility #cooperativeeconomics #purpose#creativity #faith #FAMU #MiamiDadeChapter #FAMUAlumni#OsunsVillageMiami #AMWFEC #commUNITY #KwanzaaMiami2016

 


It's Kwanzaa Time! Let's Celebrate in Miami! [VIDEO]

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Today is the first day of the week-long celebration of Kwanzaa. This is the fiftieth year that Kwanzaa has been celebrated. Now, more than ever, we need to live the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa all year long. Kwanzaa is not an anti-Christmas observance as some would have you to believe. Kwanzaa is not anti-religious either. Kwanzaa is a non-religious, non-political celebration intended to unite, educate, uplift, and strengthen the Black community. No one is going to save us but us. 

Please spread the word:
27TH ANNUAL MARY WILLIAMS WOODARD LEGACY KWANZAA CELEBRATION
Friday, 12/30/2016, 4:30PM
African Heritage Cultural Arts Center 
6161 NW 22nd Avenue 
Miami, FL 33142

Donations of books and new, unwrapped educational toys are greatly appreciated. 

RSVP online at KwanzaaMiami.eventbrite.com.

For more information call the Dr. Arthur & Mary Woodard Foundation for Education and Culture at (305) 343-9088. Harambee!!!

 

#wakeUP #STAYwoke #Kwanzaa #NguzoSaba #umoja #kujichagulia #ujima#ujamaa #nia #kuumba #imani #unity #selfdetermination#collectiveworkandresponsibility #cooperativeeconomics #purpose#creativity #faith #FAMU #MiamiDadeChapter #FAMUAlumni#OsunsVillageMiami #AMWFEC #commUNITY #KwanzaaMiami2016

 


Get Out the Vote Block Party in Liberty City Sun. 11/6

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To all my people in Liberty City and all my urban art lovers, on Sunday, November 6, 2016, the Florida Democratic Party and Hillary for Florida will host "Our Issues, Our Vote,” a block party. This event was designed to encourage residents to vote early in the November General Election. The party will be staged in the Broadway Arts District, a local urban art culture oasis of which you may not be aware. There will be music from DJ Big Boy and live performances. Enjoy free food and the talents of nationally-renown artist Marvin Weeks who will add another mural to the landscape of the District.  

Sunday is the last day of early voting. Election Day is Tuesday, November 8. Rides will be provided to nearby early voting sites. Spread the word about this event. Thank you. See you there! 

If You Go: 

Our Issues, Our Vote Block Party
3:30 PM
Sunday,  November 6, 2016
Broadway Arts District
6214 NW 18th Avenue
Miami, FL 33147

 

 

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 @vanessawbyers

  


TODAY: Block Party with Senator Tim Kaine and Pusha T to Launch Liberty City Organizing Office and Register Voters

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On Saturday, October 15, and Sunday, October 16 -- the final weekend before Florida's new October 18 voter registration deadline -- Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Kaine will return to Florida to campaign in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, where he will discuss his and Hillary Clinton’s plans to create an economy that works for everyone, not just those at the top, and their shared vision for an America that is stronger together. Joining Kaine at a Florida Democrats block party Saturday in Liberty City, hip hop recording artist and Virginia native Pusha T will lay out why he is supporting Clinton and Kaine in this election and urge Floridians to register to vote.

 

With more people voting in this election than any in history, Kaine will urge Florida voters to visit iwillvote.com to register to vote, check their registration status, and make their voices heard this election, ahead of the new October 18 voter registration deadline.

 

Florida Democrats Block Party to Celebrate Liberty City Organizing Office Opening with Senator Tim Kaine

Block Party Doors Open: 2:45 PM EDT

Sen. Kaine Remarks Time: 5:15 PM EDT

Where: Parking lot of the Carrie P. Meek Entrepreneurial Education Center, Miami Dade College - North Campus, enter at NW 63rd St. between NW 7th Ave and NW 8th Ave.