Author: Carma Henry

Will Gov. DeSantis Support Black History Month for Black Floridians?

     After being driven past the White hospital during two previous labors, my Mom was determined to force change. She purposefully waited until her contractions were advanced and called the ambulance, which seeing her state, took her to the nearest hospital, the White hospital. When the White nurses tried to refuse service, the examining doctor said it was too late and ordered, “We got to deliver this baby.” Thus, my Mom defied the “Whites Only” designation and ultimately won as she gave birth to me, the first Black to force the integration of the now closed Seaside Hospital in Long Beach, California. 

     Two things happened last week — one public, the other personal — that made me reflect on how far we’ve come as a nation, how we got here, and what it will take to keep that journey moving forward.

Whatever Phil the groundhog has to say about our weather, keep warm and happy at Old Town Untapped on February 3, 2023! The Resolvers, South Florida’s biggest and most high-energy reggae band, are bringing their powerful energy and positive vibes to heat up the night. Stop by Bailey Contemporary Arts Center (BaCA) to meet this month’s featured artist in residence, whimsical and creative ceramic artist Kim Ferguson. Indulge in some craft beer, delicious food, and explore artist vendors selling unique and artistic merchandise. Old Town Untapped takes place on the first Friday of the month from 6 – 10 pm and is free for all ages to attend.

      Florida A&M University (FAMU) announced its Athletics Compliance team. The six team members are part of the Office of Compliance and Ethics and fulfill President Larry Robinson’s commitment to promote a culture of compliance at the University and provide additional support to student-athletes. 

     Pope Francis called laws that criminalize homosexuality “unjust,” saying God loves all his children just as they are. He called on Catholic bishops who support the laws to welcome LGBTQ people into the church.

      A year ago, the U.S. marked its first deadly gun rampage of the year on Jan. 23. By the same date this year, there have been six mass killings that have claimed 39 lives, leaving communities nationwide reeling from the onslaught of violence.

Florida is listed as one of the states with the worst policies to prevent and reduce tobacco use, according to the American Lung Association’s 21st annual “State of Tobacco Control” report, released today. The state earned mostly failing grades on this year’s report.

Aromas can be a powerful tool for uplifting moods, expressing oneself, and even as a signature scent for businesses. Utilizing this vast capacity of fragrances, the entrepreneurial father-daughter duo of NO- RYAN, Brian and Norah Watkis, has developed several signature scents and programs.

     I thought most snarky comments about Black holidays were about Juneteenth but apparently Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a topic of conversation too. A secretary at a Louisiana high school made a wack joke referring to the holiday as N****r Day in a text that got exposed and ended up costing her job, according to a Daily Mail report.