Browsing: Local News

     Historians agree that  the earliest record of the West African chattel, commonly called slaves, arrived in America in 1619. Two and a half centuries later President Lincoln brought this reprehensible sin to an end. 

As Black History Month approaches, there is no shortage of concerts, recitals, activities, food and drink to help you celebrate. Here’s a lineup of some of the Magic City’s must-see events.

     In Delray Beach, Charlene Farrington leads Saturday morning classes at the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum to teach teenagers the history that schools often omit. Her lessons cover South Florida’s Caribbean roots, the state’s grim history of lynchings, the lasting effects of segregation and the grassroots activism that fueled the Civil Rights Movement. “You need to know how it happened before so you can decide how you want it to happen again,” Farrington told her students, according to the AP.

The 17th Judicial Circuit is pleased to announce that Broward Circuit Court Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips will serve as the Circuit’s next Chief Judge. Her fellow jurists unanimously elected her today to the position, which carries a 2-year term. Judge Phillips ran unopposed.

In a historic decision, the City of Fort Lauderdale has appointed Rickelle Williams as its first Black female City Manager, following a unanimous 5-0 vote by the city commission. Williams, who previously served as the Economic Development Director for the City of Miami Beach, brings a wealth of experience in urban planning and economic development to her new role.

       As we embark on a new year, it also marks an exciting new chapter for our high school seniors, who are preparing for one of the most significant milestones in their lives. This achievement deserves to be celebrated, and we are thrilled to do so during our 47th Annual Celebration, which will be themed “In Pursuit of Excellence.”

We’re not the answer 

This past weekend, we proudly welcomed a new group of young men into the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project. Their induction marks the beginning of an inspiring journey toward leadership, mentorship, and success.

The 17th Judicial Circuit’s Judge Elijah H. Williams took the stage at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts on 1/7/25 and swore Broward’s newly elected Tax Collector Abbey Ajayi into office amid pomp and circumstance. Ms. Ajayi is the first ever elected Tax Collector in Broward County! Congratulations!

       A statewide poll from No Kid Hungry Florida shows this challenge is not only felt by families hovering near the poverty line. Middle-income households have reported buying less healthy foods to stretch their grocery budgets, while lower-income families are making difficult decisions between paying the rent and purchasing groceries.