Author: Carma Henry

Carma Lynn Henry Westside Gazette Newspaper 545 N.W. 7th Terrace, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33311 Office: (954) 525-1489 Fax: (954) 525-1861

     The Blanche Ely House Museum is debuting a new exhibition that will grow with the community’s participation. Home Is…taps into the creative spirit that manifests a sense of place. Through monthly events, the exhibition, which begins with a clean slate, will become a living tribute, filled with current and archival elements. The Blanche Ely House Museum is a historic home in Pompano Beach formerly owned by legendary educators Blanche and Joseph Ely. The Home is… exhibition runs until April 26, 2022 Visit www.pompanobeacharts.org for scheduled events.

     Mom loves music.  It soothes her soul like nothing else I know.  She is especially fond of ballads from the 70’, 80’s and 90’s. I find an oldies station on the stereo, she puts her feet up in the reclining loveseat and leans back.  Her eyes are closed, and I think she is asleep until I hear her humming along.

     Growing up in Seminola, a Black community in Miami, it was always said that the people in our neighborhood die in threes. Of course, as a child I didn’t believe it. I thought there was no way that that could be true every single time, so I started paying close attention to the pattern when a new cycle of 3 started. Eventually I concluded that they were right. I never fully understood it. Why 3’s? With further reflection on the number, I realize that the number has consistent meaning in life.

     “Love, Peace, and Soul”, are the famous words by the ultimate showman, Don Cornelius. This year, we will celebrate 50 years of one of the best shows of all time, Soul Train. To commemorate the 50th anniversary, the annual Soul Train Awards will be held at the legendary Apollo Theater. Expect the show to be bigger and better than ever. The Soul Train Awards highlights the best in soul music, R&B, and Hip Hop from both popular industry vanguards and the next generation of promising talented artists.

     Representation in the education space matters, and a historically Black university is putting the focus on ensuring that students at public schools see themselves reflected in their teachers. According to JBHE, North Carolina Central University recently unveiled a program designed to increase the representation of Black male teachers.

     From the hardwood to the sidelines, WNBA legend Dawn Staley has used her passion and knowledge for the game of basketball to elevate the sport, and she’s shattering glass ceilings along the way. According to ESPN, the Hall of Famer recently made history by becoming the highest-paid Black head coach in women’s basketball after receiving a contract extension.