SPEAKING TRUTH TO POWER

A Message From The Publisher

By Bobby R. Henry, Sr.

Pastor Jimmy Witherspoon and his wife, Candice, attended a Broward School Board meeting on Tuesday to recount a disturbing incident. A few weeks ago, just before midnight, police arrived at their home following a report that Witherspoon had threatened Anna Fusco, the president of the Broward Teachers Union (BTU). Witherspoon strongly denies the accusation, asserting that he only spoke candidly about the state of the union and called for Fusco to resign or be removed. He believes this incident is part of a larger effort to target him, suggesting that some district staff, including Dillard High School principal Alfred Broomfield, are involved.

As the story unfolds, the situation becomes increasingly absurd. Initially, Broomfield claimed that Hepburn instructed him to remove Witherspoon from school during an investigation. Later, he claimed he didn’t know who gave the order. Now, the narrative has shifted to a case of mistaken identity, with Broomfield asserting that the call to Witherspoon was intended for someone else.

School Board member Alston mockingly responded to these shifting explanations with a knowing grin, signaling his disbelief. The ensuing discussion led to two public records requests from Alston and Brenda Fam. The superintendent promised to investigate the details thoroughly. If conducted transparently, Witherspoon believes the investigation will reveal a deeper, more scandalous connection between district staff, the school principal, and Fusco—comparing it to the drama surrounding Will Smith, Jada Pinkett Smith, and August Alsina.

Meanwhile, board member Debra Hixon defended Fusco, attempting to downplay her role by claiming that Fusco is neither an employee nor a vendor of the school board. However, Alston quickly countered with evidence proving that Fusco and the BTU are classified as vendors. Even General Counsel Marilyn Batista seemed to suggest that Fusco might be exempt from bullying and harassment investigations. But Alston skillfully pointed to documents that show the BTU, as a vendor, falls under the district’s anti-bullying policy, which includes both employees and vendors.

As for Fusco, she remained unusually quiet in response to Witherspoon’s account and the board’s calls for a full investigation. When giving her BTU report, she did not address Witherspoon directly but shifted her focus to advocating for pay raises for Education Support Professionals (ESPs). Her sudden change in tone over the past two weeks suggests the steady release of facts may be influencing her stance.

Alston has long raised concerns about principals, especially Black female principals, feeling intimidated by Fusco. However, Witherspoon’s bravery in standing up to what he calls Fusco’s “reign of terror” might inspire others to speak out. Alston’s message was clear: there is strength in numbers, and the time to act is now.

Board member Daniel Foganholi was notably quiet during the meeting, blending into the background. Yet, his quiet demeanor suggested confidence, as though he was holding all the cards, waiting for the next chapter in this unfolding story.

And finally, a warm welcome back to Nora Rupert.