Freeman, a new novel from writer Leonard Pitts Jr. jolts you back to the chaos of post-Civil War America. At a time when families of slaves were freed — but not necessarily together.
We had a chance to speak with Mr. Pitts prior to a reading at Books and Books in Coral Gables.
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Lorna Owens is a true inspiration to the women of the world. As a nurse, midwife, life coach, motivational speaker, author, talk show host, and an attorney, she has touched the lives of many by reaching out to those in need.
Originally from Jamaica, Lorna knew that she wanted to be a lawyer since the age of 12. Her mother, however, told her that lawyers do not go to heaven, so she decided to become a nurse. Nevertheless, Lorna still carved her way through university obtaining several degrees, including one in law.
Her most current project is the Footprints Foundation, which was founded in 2011. Its mission is to improve the life expectancy of mothers and infants in the DR Congo. The question here is, “Why the DR Congo?”
After having watched a CNN report on the DR Congo and learning about the numerous violent rapes that occur in this African country, Lorna was determined to find a way to help.
She actually traveled to the DR Congo this September 2011, and said it was “Life changing.” She discovered that so many women die right after giving birth, and a majority of the newborns do not even survive. In fact, the Footprints Foundation program will provide proper training for the midwives and traditional birth attendants of Congo. She plans to travel this July to the DR Congo with a group of nurses to begin the 3-week long training sessions. Her goal is to have these training sessions take place at least three times a year. This is Owen’s way of giving back to the African community, and what better way to help others than with something you do best.
As a woman who plays so many roles, time must always be an issue, but Owen says that it can all be done. “I just live in the moment, ” Owen explained while smiling.
By Alizee Laroche
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On July 4th, the City of Fort Lauderdale marked the anniversary of the 1961 "Wade-In" by cutting the ribbon on the former home of Eula Johnson, an organizer of the the 1961 event and a civil rights pioneer in Broward County. Johnson’s newly renovated former home, at 1100 NW Sixth St. will now serve as the offices of the local NAACP chapter.
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On July 4th, 2011, as part of the City of Fort Lauderdale’s Centennial Celebration, a ceremony was held to unveil the historic marker dedicated to the “Wade-In” held 50 years early to the day on the formerly segregated beach at Fort Lauderdale.
The Commemoration, moderated by Ft. Lauderdale Vice Mayor Bobby B. Dubose, began with an Invocation by Rev. Willie J. Cook of Mount Hermon A.M.E. Church.
Following remarks by Ft. Lauderdale Mayor, John “Jack” Seiler, the Keynote Address was given by W. George Allen, Esq. and soloist Gayle Keaton performed “Wade In The Water.”
A presentation was made by the City of Fort Lauderdale and the local chapter of the NAACP to the families of Eula Johnson and Dr. Von D. Mizell, soloist Gayle Keaton lead the assembly in “Lift Every Voice And Sing” followed by remarks by Marsha Ellison, President of the NAACP, Ft. Lauderdale Branch.
The Benediction was delivered by Pastor Scott, then everyone crossed A1A to unveil the marker and re-enact the “Wade-In” on Ft. Lauderdale Beach.
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The National Black Railroader's Historical Society held it first public event on June 18, 2011 at the Gold Coast Railroad Museum.
Pamela Montgomery Beckham, (Correction) a member of the first all female/all black crew to take a train from Washington, D.C. to New York.
Alan Laird, curator of the African American Railroad Experience exhibit
Femi Folami-Browne, co-founder of the NBRHS
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Just a teenager in 1961, Lorraine Mizell participated in a peaceful protest on Ft. Lauderdale Beach. The "Wade Ins" as they became known, were organized by her Uncle, Dr. Von D. Mizell and Eula Johnson and they set in motion a series of protests and court orders which eventually led to the integration of Broward County beaches.
July 4th 2011 will mark the 50th anniversary of the event and as part of the Centennial celebration of the City of Fort Lauderdale, an Historical Marker will be placed at Las Olas Boulevard and the beach to commemorate this event.
We accompanied the Sun-Sentinel's Senior Editorial Writer, Doug Lyons, when he spoke with Ms. Mizell at Ivory's Restaurant on Sistrunk Boulevard as she reflected on her memories of that day.
PART 1
PART 2
PART 3
PART 4
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Inspired by his preacher father’s dedication to serving the community and shaped by his 26 years in the US Army Medical Corps, Col. Brodes H. Hartley Jr. was prepared for his role as president and CEO of Community Health of South Florida, a position he’s held for the past 25 years.
The nonprofit health care organization serves south Miami-Dade County and the Florida Keys boasting a network of seven community health centers and 35 school-based programs that offer primary and behavioral health care services.
Celebrating its 40th anniversary, Community Health of South Florida employs over 600 workers that served 71,188 patients in 2009, of which 62% were uninsured and 64% had incomes below the federal poverty line.
“We've seen an increase in the number of uninsured people who require service in our community,” Mr. Hartley said. “We're very proud of the ability to be able to address their needs.”
A man of activism, Mr. Hartley led students as student government president of Florida A&M University to initiate the 1956 Tallahassee bus boycott.
Today, he continues his activism working to abolish health care barriers and stressing the importance of preventative medical services.
In an interview with Miami Today reporter Ashley D. Torres, Mr. Hartley discussed the rise in patients as a result of the recession, the positive impact of federal health care reform and the organization’s future plans for a West Kendall access point and a Homestead-based children’s crisis unit.
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During PBS’ BLACK IN LATIN AMERICA presentation at the Miami International Film Festival, executive producer, writer and presenter Henry Louis Gates, Jr. met with uVu producer Jessy Schuster to discuss Gates’ journey to uncover Latin America's African roots through the three parts documentary series “Black in Latin America” that will premiere on April 19th on WPBT2 at 8 pm.
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The most discussed episode of Pulse so far.
We gathered a panel of women to discuss what it’s like to be black in South Florida and the U.S. today. What defines a person—their cultural heritage or the color of their skin?
Pulse part 1
Pulse part 2
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