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

       While our children were sharpening pencils, lacing up new shoes, and stepping nervously into classrooms on the first day of school, President Donald Trump was sharpening his political blade and aimed it squarely at Washington, DC.

   When we think of law enforcement, the first thing that comes to mind isn’t always protection — we think of tickets, arrests, and the all-too-familiar stories of bad encounters between our people and those meant to protect us. Traffic stops escalating to arrests, to brutality. This distinction was one of many powerful topics discussed at the NOBLE (National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives) State of Black America conference, where redefining policing and public safety is not just a talking point, but a cause. In Fort Lauderdale and our surrounding communities, strides have been made to improve connections between law enforcement and the people, but the need for trust, reform, and unity remains urgent.

        The Lauderdale Lakes Multipurpose Auditorium was filled with joy and admiration as the community came together to celebrate Salome’s 100th birthday — a truly remarkable milestone.