The bill ensures protections for pregnant incarcerated women and their babies 

Tallahassee, FL — Today, the Tammy Jackson Act (HB 1259, titled Restrictive Housing for Incarcerated Pregnant Women) by Representatives Shevrin Jones (D-West Park) and Amy Mercado (D-Orlando) was unanimously approved by the Florida House of Representatives. On the Senate side, companion bill SB 852 filed by Senator Jason Pizzo (D-Miami) is ready to be heard on the Senate floor. Though the House’s approval is a critical step forward, SB 852 provides stronger protections for incarcerated pregnant women by comparison. 

The Tammy Jackson Act ensures that pregnant incarcerated women are transported to an appropriate medical facility without delay, given proper medical care, and not placed in restrictive housing involuntarily while in labor. The legislation also sets critical standards for the treatment of pregnant incarcerated women by aiming to create a safer, more respectful environment for women behind bars.

“Just the news of this bill passing starts to restore the dignity and hope for women and girls -   including juveniles - incarcerated in Florida. Today's action of our state legislators is an example of us moving towards a more equitable Florida,” said Valencia Gunder, Campaign Director for Dignity Florida and the New Florida Majority. “Our women are more than prisoners; they are mothers, nurturers, and caregivers and it is time they are treated as such, with dignity, respect, and humanity. The future is female, she’s strong, she’s Black, she’s Brown and she will not be incarcerated.”

No pregnant woman should ever be put in solitary confinement; it is inhumane, unsafe and cruel, both for the mother and her child. Currently, Florida has the second-highest incarceration rate for women in the United States, and yet, women’s basic needs and rights are not being met or respected. 

Ensuring that incarcerated people, including those who are pregnant, are safe, healthy and treated with dignity, especially during labor, is the responsibility of the state.

MIAMI - The Greater Miami Chapter of The Links, Incorporated will present its signature fundraising event Linked in Action Book & Author Luncheon on Sunday, November 17, 2019 at the JW Marriott Marquis in downtown Miami.  

Happy Birthday to one of the true living legends of Florida history, the Honorable Carrie P. Meek!

The daughter of Willie and Carrie Pittman, Former Congresswoman Carrie Pittman Davis Meek was born on April 29, 1926, in Tallahassee, Florida. Her grandmother was born a slave in Georgia. Her parents began their married life as sharecroppers. Her father would later become a caretaker and her mother, a laundress and owner of a boarding house. The youngest of 12 children, Meek grew up in segregated Tallahassee, Florida. An honors student and track & field star athlete, she graduated from Florida A&M University (then Florida A&M College) in 1946 with a bachelor's degree in biology and physical education. At that time, Blacks were not allowed to attend graduate school in Florida. The state of Florida paid her graduate school tuition for her to go north to continue her studies. She graduated from the University of Michigan in 1948 with a Master's degree in public health and physical education.

After graduating from the University of Michigan, Meek was hired to teach at Bethune-Cookman University (then Bethune-Cookman College) in Daytona Beach, Florida, and then later at her alma mater, Florida A&M University. She moved to Miami in 1961 where she served as a professor, administrator, and special assistant to the vice president of Miami Dade College, then Miami-Dade Community College. The school was desegregated in 1963. Meek played a central role in pushing for integration. Throughout her years as an educator, Meek was also active in community projects in the Miami area.

Meek was elected Florida state representative in 1978. She would go on to make history as the first Black female elected to the Florida State Senate in 1982. As a state senator, Meek served on the Education Appropriations Subcommittee. Her efforts in the legislature also led to the construction of thousands of affordable rental housing units.

In 1992, Meek was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Florida’s 17th Congressional District. This historic election made her the first black lawmaker to represent Florida in Congress since Reconstruction. Upon taking office, Meek faced the task of helping her district recover from Hurricane Andrew’s devastation. Her efforts helped to provide $100 million in federal assistance to rebuild Dade County. Successfully focusing her attention on issues such as economic development, health care, education and housing, Meek led legislation through Congress to improve Dade County’s transit system, airport and seaport; construct a new family and childcare center in North Dade County; and fund advanced aviation training programs at Miami-Dade Community College. Meek has also emerged as a strong advocate for senior citizens and Haitian immigrants.

Meek has received numerous awards and honors. She is the recipient of an honorary doctor of laws degrees from the Florida A&M University, University of Miami,  Barry University, Florida Atlantic University and Rollins University. The Foundation that carries her name focuses on improving the lives of individuals in Miami-Dade County and throughout the broader community of  Florida.

We are delighted to join family and friends in celebrating the ninety-three years of awesomeness of the legendary Carrie Pittman Davis Meek and wish her many more.

[Biography adapted from The History Makers and U.S. House of Representatives History.]

Hey book lovers! The 2019 African American Read-In takes place at Miami Dade College’s North Campus tomorrow, February 4. The goal is to make literacy, education, and community a significant part of Black History Month.

This year’s African American Read-In presenter is Glory Edim author of Well-Read Black Girl: Finding Our Stories, Discovering Ourselves.

This event is open to high school and college students, as well as, local community members. RSVP here. 

If You go:

African American Read-In
Monday, February 4, 2019 @ 10:00 am
Miami Dade College North Campus
11380 NW 27th Ave, Miami, FL 33167 

The Gwen S. Cherry Black Women Lawyers Association (GSCBWLA), the Dade County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the South Florida Chapter of the National Action Network, the League of Women Voters, the ACLU of Florida, and the Miami Chapter of Jack and Jill of America are hosting a free community Judicial Candidates Forum on Monday, August 6, 2018, at 6:00 p.m. at New Birth Baptist Cathedral of Faith International, located at 2300 Northwest 135th Street, in Miami, Florida 33167. 

All of the Miami-Dade County judicial candidates, who will be on the August 2018 Primary Election ballot, have been invited to this Forum.  During the August Primary Election, there will be two (2) contested circuit judge seats and five (5) contested county court seats on the ballot.  In addition to presenting the candidates, we will also be presenting a Judicial Candidate Resource Guide for voters. 

Remember her name. Florida A&M University's Cori Renee Bostic, an Atlanta native, has made history as the first female drum major of its world renown, incomparable Marching 100 band. This move is so major. The Marching 100 tradition didn’t allow women in the band until 1974. Carmena Fennell, Carla Wilson and Debra Hines were the trailblazers.

Bostic is a junior in the School of Journalism and Graphic Communication. She is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and Tau Beta Sigma Sorority. The FAMU half-time performances just got more interesting. Who knew that was possible? Homecoming 2018 will be LIT! 

@vanessawbyers

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 pumpspearlspolitics@gmail.com for more information.

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!

The South Florida Chapter of the National Alumnae Association of Spelman College presents "All That Jazz" 2018 on Sunday, June 24, 2018!  See flyer for details. All proceeds provide scholarships ranging from $2,000 -  $3,500 per student. If you cannot attend the event, please make a donation.