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

Besides the Divine Gift and the opportunity to celebrate with loved ones, this Christmas I bring you the greatest gift we can give ourselves now – peace. I found it in our National Park System and it has stayed with me for almost 30 years. Today I’m placing our “Crown Jewels” under your tree so you can unwrap them at your leisure and a world of experience you never dreamed possible.

     In the annals of American history, the Compensated Emancipation Act of 1862 stands as a pivotal yet often overlooked moment. Signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln during the throes of the Civil War, this legislation aimed to abolish slavery in the nation’s capital. However, a dark twist accompanied this seemingly progressive move – while enslavers received compensation for their “lost property,” the newly freed Black individuals were left without reparations.

   What moral universe sanctions my taxes to support the carnage? My government is also the sole member of the UN Security Council to veto an immediate ceasefire in the “holy” land, the latest and saddest variation of American Exceptionalism.

     It’s a popular political dance, but Black voters don’t want to creep with the enemies. Buck dance, maybe, for a contribution and a smile. 

     Yesterday in Atlanta, the Florida A&M University Rattlers, champions of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), capped a magical 12-1 season by defeating Howard University, the Mid-Eastern Athletics Conference champs, 30-26 in the Celebration Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.