In a time when segregation defined every aspect of American life, Mary Cowser Alexander made history. She became the first Black woman to model for Coca-Cola, breaking through racial barriers in both advertising and education. Her story is not just about a woman in an ad—it’s about resilience, representation, and legacy.
Browsing: Local News
Fifty years is a long time—long enough to build a legacy of service, create deep bonds of friendship, and foster a commitment to community that spans generations. As the Fort Lauderdale Chapter of The Links, Incorporated celebrates its golden anniversary, one can’t help but reflect on the journey that began in 1974 with a group of determined women. Among them was Mrs. E. Pearl Maloney, AKA Mama Peral, a charter member who played a vital role in bringing the organization to life in Fort Lauderdale.
As the sun set over Fort Lauderdale, a sense of pride and nostalgia enveloped the community, marking a milestone that resonates deeply within its heart. The Fort Lauderdale Links, Inc. a beacon of service and empowerment, celebrated its 50th anniversary—a monumental occasion that not only honors the past but also illuminates a future laden with hope and progress. At the helm of this celebration is Bobby R. Henry, Sr., the publisher of the Westside Gazette, who took a momentous opportunity to recognize and commend two extraordinary women, Mrs. Pearl Maloney and Mrs. Rose Merritt.
Broward Education Foundation and Bridge 2 Life are proud to announce their selection by the U.S. Department of Education as one of only six Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) chosen nationwide to participate in the beta testing of the 2025–26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This pilot program, beginning October 1, 2024, offers selected organizations early access to the FAFSA, providing an opportunity to help refine and improve the application process before its full-scale launch in December.
On Tuesday September 17, 2024, The City of Lauderdale unveiled and honored the Veterans of Lauderdale Lakes with the 1st Veterans parking space at City Hall. Plans to place other parking spaces in the city Municipalities are currently in progress.
“Florida Memorial University’s (FMU) Aviation Department recently received the prestigious honor of being showcased in PSA Airlines’ esteemed ‘Journey Through Aviation’ series. This exceptional opportunity allowed FMU students to gain invaluable hands-on experience through personalized pilot and corporate resume reviews.
Broward County Transit (BCT) recently launched a campaign to encourage more residents and visitors to use public transportation as they travel to events and other exciting destinations this fall. The Just Try It campaign focuses on motivating non-riders, particularly eventgoers, to just try transit and use BCT to get to their favorite concerts, festivals, and community events.
Recently, state Representative Gallop Franklin II, former North Florida Congressman Allen Boyd, and Floridians insured through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) hosted a press conference in Tallahassee highlighting the Vice President’s New Way Forward plan to lower health care costs and strengthen the ACA which 45 million Americans rely on, including 4.2 million Floridians — and a record number who signed up for ACA marketplace coverage this year. The press conference follows Donald Trump’s pledge during the debate that he will repeal the Affordable Care Act.
Southeast US under major hurricane watch and warnings
OIC of South Florida’s 2024 Middle Class Summit, is a two-day, mission-centric event dedicated to addressing the challenges facing the middle class and those aspiring to enter it. By convening a diverse group of powerful voices including workforce, housing, health care and economic development professionals, policymakers, educators, employers and community stakeholders, the Middle Class Summit strives to drive progress toward removing or abating obstacles that threaten the realization of America’s thriving middle class.