Legacy South Florida Top Black Healthcare Professional 2020

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IALISSUE C E SP ION T C E EL

South Florida

Sandra Powell

Introducing South Florida’s Top Black Healthcare Professionals of 2020 HEALTH EDUCATION

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The Black population is twice as likely as whites to have late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. This is why the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine wants to increase participation in studies to improve their healthcare.

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African Americans are among those at highest risk of contracting COVID-19. Now HBCUs are pushing to be among the first to develop a vaccine.

COVER STORY LEADERSHIP

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At Broward Health, Sandra Powell became increasingly concerned about the shortage of COVID-19 test kits in the lab she oversees. What she did next was genius.

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A South Florida nurse practitioner says she was born to care for patients. Now she’s responding to the call by traveling to COVID-19 hot spots in the southern region.

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Broward Health Congratulates the Honorees of the

TOP BLACK HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS and Extends a Special Thank You to

Tia Bowman

LaRae Floyd

Peta-Gaye Bowen

AVP, Contract Administration, Broward Health

Manager, Supply Chain Operations & Business Development, Broward Health

Corporate Director, Neurosciences, Broward Health

William Green

Maxine Hamilton, MD

Sandra Powell

Executive Director, Community Health Services, Broward Health

Medical Director, Broward Health International

Regional Manager, Lab/Respiratory, Broward Health Medical Center

For more than 80 years, Broward Health has built a legacy of caring for our community.

At the core of our mission is a passion for caring, which our dedicated caregivers fulfill each and every day as they serve our patients. We congratulate our “Top Black Healthcare Professionals” and salute their ongoing dedication to serving our community.

To connect with our caregivers and join our team, visit BrowardHealth.org/Careers.

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EDITOR’S NOTE 5-6 INTRODUCING SOUTH FLORIDA’S TOP BLACK

6

HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS OF 2020 ALZHEIMER’S RESEARCH

By Dorothy Jenkins Fields

COVID-19 REPORT

By William Alexis, M.D.

8 COVER STORY

Broward Health’s Sandra Powell Creates Rapid COVID-19 Test During Nationwide Shortage

By Michelle Solomon

BUSINESS REPORT

By Beatrice Louissaint

10 THE BAUGHTOM LINE

By Germaine Smith-Baugh

POLITICS

By Christopher Norwood

11 SPECIAL ELECTION ISSUE 13 Candidates for Broward County Sheriff

Candidates for Broward County State Attorney - Circuit 17 Candidates for Broward County Supervisor of Elections Candidates for Broward County Public Defender Candidates for Broward County Commissioner District 9 Candidates for Broward County Circuit Judge (Circuit 17/Group 16) Candidates for Florida Senate - District 35 Palm Beach County Commissioner - District 7 Candidates for U.S. Representative - District 20 Candidates for U.S. Representative - District 18 Candidates for State Representative - District 88

By Ann Marie Sorrell

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16

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his special issue of Legacy is actually two issues in one. The first issue honors South Florida’s Top Black Healthcare Professionals. The second issue, in the centerfold, informs area voters about some of the important races to look out for in the upcoming General Election.

Honoring Essential Healthcare Workers

Since early March, as the infectious Coronavirus began spreading like wildfire in the U.S., our lives have been in the hands of countless essential workers in the healthcare industry.

Those essential workers range from

hospital administrators like Dr. Yvonne Johnson of Baptist Health in South Miami to Sandra Powell who oversees a team of COVID-19 testers in a first-floor laboratory at Broward Health in Fort Lauderdale. They include entrepreneurs like William McCormick whose medical billing company, among other things, ensures that essential workers are paid on time. They include nurse practitioners like Allecia Leiba who has volunteered her time during this pandemic to serve meals to the needy as well as traveled throughout the southern region to care for infected patients.

They’re all among Legacy’s 2020 honorees (see pages 4 and 5), many of whom have put their own lives at risk to save ours. We acknowledge their dedication as Florida reopens for business, as the number of COVID-19 cases here continues to rise, and as the nation anxiously awaits the first approved vaccine for a cure.

In the meantime, we must be steadfast in doing our part by maintaining our social distance (at least 6 feet apart), wearing a face mask, and regularly washing our hands.

We owe it to our essential healthcare workers to be a part of the solution by staying healthy, instead of

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contributing to the problem.

Staying Informed for Election 2020

Legacy would be remiss if we didn’t give one final push to encourage you to vote on Nov. 3. Leading up to every election you always hear pundits say, “This is the most important election of our lifetime.” This time, however, that phrase couldn’t ring more true.

There are too many issues at stake, locally and nationally, including the ongoing racial unrest, the Coronavirus, immigration, criminal justice reform and the latest opening on the U.S. Supreme Court, to name a few.

Votes are already being cast as a growing number of registered voters have opted to mail-in their ballots.

Although Legacy is not endorsing candidates, we want you to be informed and engaged in this election. We’ve listed several key races in this issue that you should be following. Whatever the outcome, it is our hope that people be treated equally regardless of their skin color, gender, religion. or sexuality.

Russell Motley Legacy Editor-in-Chief rm@miamediagrp.com n

19 PALM BEACH REPORT

MENTAL HEALTH

By Dr. Delvina R. Thomas

20 CAREER LEADERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT

By Mary V. Davids

By Shaheewa Jarrett Gelin, ESQ.

BROWARD BLACK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

22 BROWARD HEALTH

By Diana Hanford

MEDIATION/ARBITRATION

By Stanley Zamor

23 PINNACLE - Roger Phanord on Mission to

Provide Affordable Dental Care to Community

24 Colorectal Cancer Awareness Sparked

by Death of Black Panther Star

By William Alexis, M.D.

PALM BEACH URBAN LEAGUE

By Soulan Johnson

25 EXECUTIVE SUITE

Dr. Yvonne Johnson Guides Baptist Health During Pandemic

By Monique Howard

26 LEGACY BRIEFS

MEDIA GROUP LLC

PROFILES IN LEADERSHIP South Florida Nurse Travels Near and Far to Care for COVID-19 Patients

By Josie Gulliksen

LIFESTYLE

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LU X U RY

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E N T E RTA I N M E N T

Subscribe to and view the digital version of Legacy Magazine and view additional articles at http://bitly.com/legacymagazines Facebook: Facebook.com/TheMIAMagazine • Twitter and Instagram: @TheMIAMagazine Russell Motley Editor-in-Chief Yanela G. McLeod Managing Editor Shannel Escoffery Vice President Sabrina Moss-Solomon Graphic Designer Aaliyah Sherie Bryant Social Media Specialist Joe Wesley Cover Photographer Alyssa Mark Intern

#BeInformed #BeInfluential #BlackHistoryMonth

Dexter A. Bridgeman CEO & Founder

Member of the Black Owned Media Alliance (BOMA)

CREDO OF THE BLACK PRESS

“The Black Press believes that America can best lead the world away from racial and national antagonisms when it accords to every one regardless of race, color or creed, full human and legal rights. Hating no person, fearing no person, the Black Press strives to help every person in the firm belief that all hurt as long as anyone is held back.”

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Introducing South Florida’s Top Bla

GAIL ADAMS BSN, RN Diabetes Life Coach The Soul of Diabetes

Director of Research Support John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics at the University of Miami

LARRY DEON ADAMS

PETA-ANN ANDERSON, MSN, RN

DOREEN ASHLEY, MSN, DNP, APRN Executive Director, Nursing University of Miami Hospital

CEO TruPath Recovery and Wellness

DANIELLE CONNOLLY-COLLINS \ BSN, RN

LAUREL DALTON

JACK DONALDSON IV, M.ED.

LARAE P. FLOYD, MBA, MCA, CMRP

LA TANYA D. FORBES RN, MSN, CNOR

RYAN R. HAWKINS

ARMEN HENDERSON

DR. DAMION JACKSON

YVONNE JOHNSON, M.D.

Director of Nursing Transitions Recovery Program

MAXINE HAMILTON, M.D. Medical Director of Broward Health International

RHONDA NELSON, BSN, MS Registered Nurse Jackson Memorial Hospital

Executive Director T. Leroy Jefferson Medical Society

Chief Operating Officer Jackson North Medical Center

JOHN A. NELSON Dentist Midtown Dental

Chief Nursing Officer Jackson North Medical Center

President Sanare Bioscience

Medical Doctor University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine

OYINKANSOLA “BUKKY” OGUNRINDE

Founder and Chief Practice Transformation Officer FUNMI Healthcare Consulting

Corporate Manager, Supply Chain Operations and Business Development for Broward Health

Director of Business Development and Outreach UHealth/Jackson Miami Transplant Institute

CHINELO OKPALOBI, M.A. , PLPC REGISTERED INTERN Mental Health Therapist Safe Future Behavioral Health

TIMOTHY PAGE

Associate General Manager ChenMed

RHAHIME BELL

Program Director Safety & Compliance MHS Procedural Areas Memorial Healthcare System

Doctor Baptist Health South Florida

DR. ROGER PHANORD

President/CEO Phanord and Associated, P.A.

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ack Healthcare Professionals of 2020

ALAN E. BOTTORFF Co-Founder & CEO Teledactyl

JOY FULLER PH.D., APRN, MSN, BC

PETA GAYE BOWEN

TIA BOWMAN

Director of the Neuroscience Serviceline at Broward Health

Associate Vice President, Contract Administration at Broward Health

CHARMAINE CHIBAR M.D., FAAP

Chief Executive Officer Riviera Beach Integrated Care Inc.

Pediatrics Director, C.L. Brumback Primary Care Clinics; Medical Director, School Health Program Health Care District of Palm Beach County

WILLIAM E. GREEN

Family Medicine Practitioner Shenandoah Medical Care Center

EVP/Chief Operating Officer Jackson Health Foundation

Manager of Medical Wellness and Health Promotion AvMed Health Plans

FELICIA GOLDING, MPH

SHELIA C. GOODMAN PHARMD, RPH Pharmacy Manager/Pharmacist Walmart

Executive Director of Ambulatory Operations Broward Health Community Health Services

ALLECIA LEIBA, MSN, APRN-FNP-BC

WILLIAM MCCORMICK, MBA

NATOIA ADELLA MCGARRELL, MBA

CHENITA MOSLEY, M.A.

STEPHANIE MOSS, DNP, APRN, APN-BC

Maxim Health

SANDRA L. POWELL

Regional Laboratory Manager Broward Health Medical Center

CHARMAINE GATLIN

MONIQUE D. BROWN, PH.D., MCAP, SAP, CAD

CEO Americlaims Billing

TROI M. STOESSEL

Chief Operating Officer Premier Associates For The Healthcare Of Women

Account Manager Masimo Corporation

DR. DELVENA THOMAS Psychiatrist

GIOVANA THOMAS

Associate Professor, Head & Neck Oncologic and Robotic Surgeon University of Miami Miller School of Medicine

Gerontologist Catholic Health Service

TOBENNA UZOMA UBU, M.D. Doctor Jackson Memorial Hospital

Executive Director Clinical Operations UHealth System - UTower

DR. UCHA CHIOMA UKPAI, PT, DPT, OCS, COMPT Physical Therapist Florida Orthopedic and Balance Physical Therapy

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ALZHEIMER’S RESEARCH

Why We Can’t Wait: Confronting Alzheimer’s Impact on African-American Community

BY DOROTHY JENKINS FIELDS

Editor’s Note: This is the first installment in a series of quarterly articles designed to help educate and move families to action. Equally important, it is intended to provide access to support and resources for individuals and families already affected.

We must not wait any longer.

The time to act is past due for finding treatment and a cure for the dreaded

Alzheimer’s Disease.

African Americans are twice as likely as whites to have lateonset Alzheimer’s disease and are underrepresented in genomic and translational research studies. Because of this lack of representation, African Americans may not benefit from the genetic based therapies that are currently being developed to treat Alzheimer’s disease.

Larry Deon Adams, director, research support at the John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, is the leader of the institute’s community outreach team for Alzheimer’s disease research. His team is educating African Americans in South Florida and across the United States about biomedical research in an effort to increase participation in studies that will improve their healthcare.

For his unwavering dedication to the cause, he was selected one of Legacy magazine’s 2020 Healthcare Professionals. When asked about his

concern for the community’s lack of participation in research studies, he said, “ When I think about the health disparities that underrepresented groups are faced with, I feel obligated to do something about it. Educating and creating awareness in Black communities, I believe, can contribute to better public health choices and opportunities for all individuals.”

More than a year ago, on August 6, 2019, Adams was the master of ceremonies at a community luncheon held at the Betty T. Ferguson Complex in Miami Gardens. The speakers included: Dr. Margaret Pericak-Vance, professor and director of the John P. Hussman Institute, and Dr. Goldie Byrd, professor and director of the Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity at Wake Forest School of Medicine; and Mr. Keith Gibson, director of program services from the Alzheimer’s Association Southeast Florida Chapter.

A year later, even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hussman Institute stood ready to meet the needs

of those enrolled in their studies over the past 12 years.

To get more information about participating in the research studies, visit http://hihg.med.miami.edu/alzheimers/ about-alzheimers .

To family and friends with loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s, you are not alone. Ask for help now. Contact Larry Deon Adams at 305.587-6871 or email ladams4@med.miami.edu. This is not the time to be silent. Ask for help today.

Dorothy Jenkins Fields, Ph.D., is a consultant to the University of Miami’s Hussman Institute of Human Genomics Project, “Why We Can’t Wait;” a historian, archivist and freelance writer with interests in black tourism, heritage neighborhoods, event planning, and downsizing. Visit: https:// www.societysocialsandreunions./ whcomaywecantwait. n

COVID-19 REPORT

HBCUs Join Push for COVID-19 Vaccine Development

BY WILLIAM ALEXIS, M.D.

The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed in excess of 200,000 American lives. The United States is the global leader in deaths from the infection. The devastating impact of the pandemic on African Americans has been well-documented. Sources estimate that the infection rate is in excess of 30 percent among African Americans and the

death rate is 2 to 6 times that of whites.

Experts agree that while face coverings, social distancing, and isolation of infected individuals and contacts may serve to mitigate further spread of the virus, a safe and effective vaccine is urgently needed to control the pandemic. Clinical trials of vaccines to prevent infection are currently underway but concerns that these trials will not represent the ethnic diversity of the country and potential vaccine recipients remain.

As African Americans have been among the groups at highest risk for COVID-19, there is general agreement within the scientific community that this group should be prioritized for inclusion in these large clinical trials.

Historically, African-American participation in clinical trials has been estimated at an abysmally low rate of 5 percent. During the early months of the phase 3 clinical trials currently underway, only 7-8 percent of those enrolled were African American despite comprising 13 percent of the U.S. population and

accounting for nearly 25 percent of all COVID-related deaths.

Such low enrollment of African Americans in these trials could lead to delay in the release of a vaccine to the public as it could force the experts that comprise the study’s Data and Safety Monitoring Board to delay further investigation until the study subjects more closely reflect the population affected. Such measures are very important in order that the results of such trials may be easily translated to the population.

Lack of trust has been one of the leading reasons for underrepresentation of African Americans in clinical research trials as the history of clinical research in the United States has been fraught with countless infamous incidents of racial bias and unethical harms inflicted upon AfricanAmerican research subjects.

Many believe that Black doctors and researchers may be one of the most effective means of building trust within the African-American community. To this end, Historically Black Colleges and Universities have taken the lead in assisting with this

effort.

Morehouse School of Medicine and Meharry Medical College were among the first HBCUs to be designated as clinical trial sites. Two presidents of HBCUs in hardhit New Orleans, Dr. Walter Kimbrough of Dillard University and Dr. C. Reynold Verret of Xavier University, chose to lead by example and themselves enrolled in a vaccine trial for COVID-19.

In a letter to students they wrote, “Overcoming the virus will require the availability of vaccines effective for all peoples in our communities…It is of the utmost importance that a significant number of Black and brown subjects participate so that the effectiveness of these vaccines be understood across the many diverse populations that comprise the United States.”

Dr. William Alexis is chief of Internal Medicine at Memorial Hospital West in Pembroke Pines.

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COVER STORY

Broward Health’s Sandra Powell Created Rapid COVID-19 Test During Nationwide Shortage

BY MICHELLE SOLOMON

Sandra Powell wasn’t deterred by medical shortages when the Coronavirus pandemic struck the country. The regional laboratory manager at Broward Health experienced it first-hand and came up with a solution.

One of the biggest problems included a nationwide shortage of testing kits for the Novel Coronavirus.

Powell swung into action and developed a collection kit for the Broward Health system. It was essential. Broward Health wrote on its Facebook page on April 6, “Sandra Powell has been a leading force in bringing rapid COVID-19 testing to our healthcare system.”

Powell has worked at Broward Health laboratories since August of 2004 and previously worked at West Boca Medical Center. She said in all her years as a healthcare professional, she has never experienced anything like the past eight months.

Sandra Powell

“I’ve decided that March 19 is my new birthday,” said Powell, who is among Legacy’s Top Black Healthcare Professionals of 2020. “That’s when I had to step outside of my old being and become this person that had to do all of this out-of-the-box thinking.”

When asked if there is anything to which to compare her days, she

pondered. “Well, a hurricane in Florida you expect to happen, or wildfires in California.

These are things you can prepare for, but not a pandemic,” she said.

“This is the craziest I’ve ever seen laboratory medicine and it’s because of all the challenges we went through and that we’re still going through today.”

Powell said in the first weeks and months, when she would get dressed before going into the lab “with a face shield and PPE,” she felt like “that’s what it must’ve been like working … in Africa with Ebola,” she said.

Despite all the demands, especially with the pandemic, Powell said she loves being a scientist and she is proud

every day to share that joy. She is frequently invited to speak to children about what she does as a woman of color in a Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics field, commonly knowns as STEM, which is a rarity. The National Science Foundation says that there are only 10 percent of science and engineering jobs occupied by women of color in the United States.

The graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi became animated when she described what happened when she started to speak to kids about her career. “The Black and brown children, well, all the children really, look at me with these wide eyes like, ‘Are you for real?’”

What usually follows her talks are teachers or advisers approaching her and asking her to come to their churches, she shared. “We have to have more of our children seeing that as a woman of color you are making strides,” they tell her. n

BUSINESS REPORT

Black Communities Must Continue to Address Inequities Highlighted by COVID-19 Pandemic

BY BEATRICE LOUISSAINT

The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown inequality in America into even sharper focus, revealing the full scope and impact of existing healthcare disparities and leading to economic fallout that more deeply affects the Black community.

Because of existing societal inequalities, African Americans are about twice as likely to die of COVID-19 compared to non-Hispanic white Americans, according to the Centers

for Disease Control. Conditions such as asthma, hypertension and kidney disease that heighten the chances of severe COVID-19 illness are about 30 percent more prevalent among African Americans, according to a recent report from management consulting firm McKinsey & Company. Non-elderly African Americans are also 1.5 times more likely to be uninsured than non-elderly whites. And, McKinsey reports, African Americans are more likely to face challenges accessing and receiving quality medical care.

African Americans are more likely to be frontline essential healthcare workers and are over-represented in other publicfacing essential worker categories such as grocery store clerks, cooks and restaurant workers, bus drivers, and child care providers.

A recent Wall Street Journal article revealed that a higher proportion of Black and Hispanic/Latino homeowners are falling behind on, or deferring, mortgage payments, compared to white and Asian homeowners. This has both immediate and long-term economic consequences, as homeownership is a lynchpin in building

intergenerational wealth.

The number of working AfricanAmerican business owners fell by 41 percent between February and April, compared to a 22 percent drop for businesses overall, according to a working paper by Robert W. Fairlie, economics professor at the University of California Santa Cruz. McKinsey noted that about 40 percent of small Black-owned businesses tend to be in the most affected sectors: leisure, hospitality, transportation, retail, and personal-service such as beauty shops, barber shops and daycare facilities.

Communities must take action now to try to mitigate these effects. Companies and individuals must make a specific effort to source from, shop at, and eat in Black-owned businesses. Lawmakers, government agency heads, business and community leaders, and social services agencies must ensure that Black communities and businesses benefit from aid and relief funding packages. Black community leaders and businesses must be included in the planning, input and decision-making processes surrounding relief – especially local relief.

We must continue to push our communities on these issues. Make sure you vote in the upcoming election, and urge your friends and family to do so.

Choose politicians who are leading the drive to address these inequities and who will work to make changes that truly improve Black people’s lives and black communities.

Beatrice Louissaint is president and CEO of the Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council, one of 23 regional councils affiliated with the National Minority Supplier Development Council.

The FSMSDC acts as a liaison between corporate America and government agencies and Minority Business Enterprises in Florida and operates U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency Business Centers serving southern and central Florida. Learn more about FSMSDC’s programs and services at fsmsdc.org, or call (305) 762-6151. n

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THE BAUGHTOM LINE

Voting Will Help End Public Health Crisis of Racism in America

BY GERMAINE SMITH-BAUGH

There is a saying in the Black community: “When the White community catches a cold, the Black community catches pneumonia.”

2020 has revealed – what Urban Leagues and others address daily – that racial inequality is still a threat to the health and safety of our families.

Protests that have ignited throughout the nation in response to the

heartbreakingly violent deaths of Black people at the hands of law enforcement have revealed that we are still far from our dreams of racial equality.

Our nation continuously grieves because racism itself is a public health crisis and all Americans are negatively impacted.

In addition to racial injustice, structural inequalities within our institutions threaten to widen the racial wealth gap and increase health disparities that exist in America. Food insecurity has skyrocketed as long car lines wind around churches, city halls, and other food distribution centers.

Black and brown families face increased risk of eviction as many have lost their jobs because of the economic shutdown. Pre-existing health conditions have exacerbated the impact of Coronavirus on Black families, resulting in a disproportionate rate of death in our community.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed both flawed and gallant

leadership. We have seen our community rise up to meet the needs of those who have lost their jobs and those who are at risk of losing their homes.

Medical providers have sacrificed their lives to save others. The definition of essential workers has expanded to include our grocery clerks, bus drivers, and more, as it’s been highlighted just how necessary these roles are for the functioning of society.

How do we channel that grief and frustration into a future where our voices are heard, our life outcomes are improved, and our interests are represented in positions of power?

Everyone in the community plays an important role and that extends to your role as an informed voter.

The Urban League of Broward County believes that the general elections will be an opportunity to make our voices heard. Those we elect determine the direction of our criminal justice, health, education, and government institutions. State and local

election results are as consequential as the federal elections. In Broward County, judges, supervisor of elections, state attorney, public defender, sheriff, school board, and our state representatives and senators are all on the November ballot.

November 3 is an opportunity for our voices to be heard and our will to be executed throughout all branches of government. Reclaim your vote today Make sure you have a plan to vote, whether that is a vote-by-mail ballot, or in-person during the early voting period or on election day. Learn about the measures and all of the candidates on your ballot.

The Baughtomline is this: Our county, our state, and our nation is at another historical crossroads and your vote will be essential to which road is traveled. Make a plan to vote because the state of our nation’s economic and social health depends on it. It depends on YOU! n

POLITICS

Cava’s Background in Prosperity Development Will Benefit Miami-Dade Community

BY CHRISTOPHER NOORWOOD

When I moved to Miami from Newark for law school more than 20 years ago, I had two priorities: attend St. Thomas University School of Law because it was located on the grass where the 1972 Dolphins practiced (that was important to me); and to use my law degree to work in the community to advocate for public policies that address

societal problems.

As a first-year law student, I worked with the South Florida Council of the Boy Scouts to assist inner city troops and packs. I also worked part-time in community relations at the law school.

During my second year, I traveled to Geneva, Switzerland for the summer and interned with the United Nation’s Sub-Commission on Human Rights. I witnessed first-hand how individuals from around the world advocated for the protection of basic human rights and social norms through the legal instruments of treaties.

I attended law school to understand American legal reasoning and the systems that created it. I was already armed with a social work degree from Hampton University, and I attended graduate school at Cornell University’s Institute for Public Affairs. I understood that public policy only changes when replaced with better public policy.

Social work teaches us that the field of community organization is the

most effective tool to reform public institutions. No lasting change can be sustained without strong communities of support and organization.

After law school, I worked with the Human Services Coalition as its policy coordinator. Now Catalyst Miami, HSC was founded in 1995 with the broad goal of achieving dignity in all of our communities. When I met Daniella Levine Cava, CEO/founder, I knew I was home. She was a social worker and a lawyer, with a long career of service in Miami since 1980. She was born in New York and attended Yale for college, Columbia for Law School, and held a masters in social work. She applied her professional skills as a social worker and lawyer to create a better society.

In 2002, HSC formed the first prosperity campaign in the United States.

We advocated for public policy that created a strong workforce, well educated workers, strong families, and strong communities. The Prosperity Campaign created strong alliances with the business

community to promote outreach and access to: Florida KidCare, Earned Income Tax Credit , and Food Stamps.

Miami Dade County was forever changed and uplifted by the Prosperity Campaign. The United Way, the business community, including the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, and Beacon Council adopted the Prosperity Campaign.

So, when Daniella decided to run for the county commission six years ago, I encouraged her like many of her friends, colleagues and former employees. We knew her ability to coalesce an entire community around a set of goals and challenges. Her campaign for office then and now is an extension of her life’s work to promote prosperity for MiamiDade. This is not anything new...This is just Daniella!

Christopher Norwood, J.D. is principal of The Norwood Consulting Group. n

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SPECIAL ELECTION ISSUE

2020

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Build back Better Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will: Create millions of good-paying jobs Increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour End paycheck discrimination Provide affordable child care for families

Leverage more than $150 billion in new capital and opportunities in economically disadvantaged businesses and areas Create a $15,000 down-payment tax credit for first-time home buyers

Visit joebiden.com to learn more PAID FOR BY BIDEN FOR PRESIDENT

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BROWARD COUNTY SHERIFF H. WAYNE CLARK (REP)

GREGORY TONY (DEM)

H. Wayne Clark is running for Broward County Sheriff in 2020 to make our community safer and ensure the highest levels of trust and integrity for the people of Broward County. He plans to prioritize a “Safety is Non-Partisan Approach,” community engagement, crime reduction, mental health, and more. Clark is for the people. He wants to listen and respond to the citizens of the community.

(Source - https://www.sheriff.org/SheriffTony/)

Sheriff Gregory Tony is committed to making the Broward Sheriff’s Office the most professional and inclusive public safety agency in South Florida. As Sheriff, he is prioritizing progressive community-oriented policing initiatives combined with increased training and intelligence-led policing. Tony prioritizes school safety, public safety, building a team Broward can count on, and investing in our youths’ future.

(Source - https://wayneforsheriff.com/)

CHARLES E. WHATLEY (NPA)

FUAD KIUHAN (WRI)

NO INFORMATION AVAILABLE

“If you trust my intentions and elect me as “your” sheriff, I promise to take such action. I will start with overhauling our Civil Citation program for juvenile justice by following the recommendations as established by the Florida Legislature. I will aggressively attack criminal hotspots and ensure that all crime is reported. Additionally, I will address the issues and seek solutions in the following areas, mental health, homelessness, gun violence, bullying, and human trafficking.”

(Source - https://votecharleschuckwhatley.com/)

BROWARD COUNTY STATE ATTORNEY CIRCUIT 17 HAROLD FERNANDEZ PRYOR (DEM)

GREGG ROSSMAN (REP)

(Source - https://www.haroldpryor.com/issues/)

Gregg Rossman: “Victims need to know they will be heard by the system of justice. They need to know they have a voice in the State Attorney’s Office. That the State Attorney’s Office will prosecute all cases firmly but fairly ensuring that all members of our community receive due process. These elements are essential to a properly functioning justice system. This requires strong leadership from the State Attorney. I will provide that leadership.”

Harold Fernandez Pryor is dedicated to ensuring that we have a safe community.

He has the philosophy of justice, fairness, and equality. Harold will fight for the safety of all Broward County communities and the victims of heinous crimes.

Harold understands the community he serves and will be fair throughout every stage of the prosecutorial process. He knows all men and women will be treated equally in the criminal justice process.

(Source - https://www.voteforgregg2020.com/)

BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER BRION ROSS (WRI)

GORDON WEEKES (DEM) Weekes wants to ensure that “each shall stand equal” in the criminal justice system. He has worked to act as a voice of reason and compassion. “I have stood against the criminalization of youthful misbehavior, supported people living with mental illness, and those battling addiction. As a public defender, I will continue to work to ensure that equality, fairness, and justice is accessible to everyone in the community.”

NO INFORMATION AVAILABLE

(Source- https://www.law.com/dailybusinessreview/2020/ 07/15/ who-will-be-the-next-broward-public-defender-ruby-lenora-greentom-lynch-or-gordon-weekes/)

BROWARD COUNTY SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS ELLEN H. BRODSKY (WRI) NO INFORMATION AVAILABLE

CATHERINE SEEI MCBREEN (REP)

Catherine McBreen believes Broward County deserves to have ethical elections.

No matter which party you affiliate with “your vote matters as much as anyone else’s.” Her qualifications include working as a compliance regulatory attorney.

McBreen brings skills, fairness and transparency to the Broward Supervisor of Elections. Your support is greatly appreciated.

(Source - https://www.cmcbreen4soe.com/about)

JOE SCOTT (DEM)

Scott has 20 years of combined military and technology leadership experience. He has the unique skill set required to unify different communities and stakeholders to improve the voting experience in Broward, and to effectively build the team and capabilities we need to ensure fair voting for all. Technology is advancing faster than ever.

That’s why our next Supervisor of Elections must understand how to integrate new technologies without compromising security.

(Source - https://www.electjoescott.com/)

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BROWARD COUNTY COMMISSION - DISTRICT 9 DALE V.C. HOLNESS (DEM)

JOSEPH FOSTER (WRI)

“I have worked to attract businesses to Broward County and to District 9. I have been a strong advocate for addressing the many needs of the people within the district. I have successfully worked to improve our neighborhoods and worked to ensure that County services are equally distributed. I have been visible and accessible to the residents. My goal is that all residents of the district are heard, respected and their concerns are properly addressed.”

NO INFORMATION AVAILABLE

(Source - http://daleholness.com/)

BROWARD COUNTY CIRCUIT JUDGE (CIRCUIT 17/GROUP 16) GEORGE ODOM JR. (NOP)

DENNIS DANIEL BAILEY (NOP)

As trial counsel, Mr. Odom has successfully tried to verdict cases involving state criminal matters, dissolution of marriage, and paternity cases. He has obtained preliminary injunctive relief for clients engaged in highly contested marital disputes. He has also represented clients in state and federal courts in a wide variety of areas across numerous legal matters including immigration, federal, and state commingled crimes.

“The greatest challenges for any judge are not the legal decisions but the LIFE decisions. In Civil Court, someone’s home and business may be at risk; in Family Court, someone’s children may be at risk; and in Criminal Court, someone’s freedom or very life may be at risk. Those decisions call for decades of experience, both inside and outside the courthouse. I’m the only candidate in this race who offers you such experience.”

(Source - https://www.reelectjudgebailey.com/)

(Source - https://georgeodom.com/)

FLORIDA SENATE - DISTRICT 35 DARIEN HILL (WRI)

PALM BEACH COUNTY COMMISSIONER - DISTRICT 7 MACKINSON “MACK” BERNARD (DEM) INCUMBENT

LEONARD L. SERRATORE

Mack ran for County Commission to put his experience to work for our community. He ran on a platform of creating more good-paying jobs and job training opportunities; improving public safety and law enforcement relations; keeping taxes low; and advocating for more affordable and sustainable housing. He also aims to put his community first by investing in public health care and ensuring transparency in government.

NO INFORMATION AVAILABLE

SHEVRIN “SHEV” JONES (DEM)

(Source - https://www.mackbernard.com/)

NO INFORMATION AVAILABLE

MICAELA WICHMAN

CANESTE SUCCE Succe is running because he wants to make sure that every vote is counted. That the candidate whom voters choose is declared the winner. “I’m the only one who can fix the problem,” he says.

“If a person gets the votes, they should be the winner.”

“As a Florida House Representative for District 101, I’ve never stopped fighting to ensure the prosperity of Florida’s families and communities. I firmly believe we can do more to protect our public education system. We can do more to keep dangerous weapons off our streets while preserving your rights. As senator for Florida’s 35th District, I will continue to fight for our needs, advocate for equal and fair treatment, and always put people first.”

(Source - https://shevrinjones.com/)

(Source - https://gotowncrier.com/2012/07/challenger-succedecries-corruption-in-elections-office/)

NO INFORMATION AVAILABLE

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“AROUND THE COUNTRY, THE POLICE ARE LOSING THE COMMUNITY’S TRUST.

Here in Broward County, we’re working to change that.”

–Sheriff Gregory Tony

Sheriff Gregory Tony has taken on the

toughest challenges, cracking down on excessive force and working to rebuild trust with the community.

Cracked down on police brutality and fired deputies guilty of using excessive force Upgraded deputy training to deal with crises, including active shootings Invested in new tools, like real-time video monitoring, and bleed kits to make schools, churches, and other public places safer Appointed the most diverse command staff in the 105-year history of the office

PAID ELECTIONEERING COMMUNICATION PAID FOR BY BROWARD FIRST, 10850 WILES ROAD, CORAL SPRINGS, FL 33076

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U.S. REPRESENTATIVE - DISTRICT 20 ALCEE HASTINGS (DEM)

GREG MUSSELWHITE (REP)

“Mr. Hastings’ legislative priorities “Government is a job. We need include continued efforts to create people that will roll up their sleeves, jobs and provide greater economic show up to work every day, and opportunities for the middle class get things done. I hope to bring and working poor Americans; make that work ethic to Washington to our country safer and more secure; help solve some of the problems ensure that our election systems that have been plaguing this are easier and fairer; support small country for a long time.” Some of businesses; invest in green energy the issues Musselwhite plans on and infrastructure; increase access addressing are, the 2nd amendment, to quality, affordable health care for all; ban assault weapons; immigration reform, and our environment. fund Head Start and other education programs; strengthen and (Source - https://musselwhiteforcongress.com/platform/) improve Social Security,” and more.

(Source - https://alceehastings.house.gov/biography/)

U.S. REPRESENTATIVE (DISTRICT 18) PAM KEITH (DEM)

BRIAN MAST (REP) INCUMBENT

“Service isn’t about personal ambitions or profits. It’s about putting others first, giving back to your community, and to improve the lives of others.

We face a racial justice crisis, where millions of black and brown Americans are demanding an end to the discrimination, abuse, and death that they face as individuals and communities. We need pragmatic leaders to roll up their sleeves and fix the damage. That’s why I am proud to run.”

In Congress, Brian strives to serve as he did on the battlefield: without regard for personal gain or personal sacrifice. He is a member of two committees. The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, where his priorities include fixing the pressing water quality issues stemming from Lake Okeechobee; and The Foreign Affairs Committee, where he uses his military expertise to help strengthen the safety and security of the United States.

(Source - https://www.pamkeithfl.com/)

(Source - https://mast.house.gov/biography)

K.W. MILLER (WRI)

I am not a politician. I am no nonsense, get it done focused. I am running to be your representative in Congress because I am someone who cannot be bought. I will limit the excessive government overreach in your lives and block globalist expansion of centralized power.

I am a firm constitutionalist. I am pro life. I am a conservationist. I am a strong advocate for the right to keep and bear arms and a defender of private property rights. I believe in American exceptionalism.

(Source: kwmillerforcongress.com)

STATE REPRESENTATIVE - DISTRICT 88 RUBIN ANDERSON (WRI)

OMARI HARDY (DEM)

DANIELLE MADSEN (REP)

“I know the needs of the citizens in District 88 and those needs must be met.

I will be the representative who will fight for issues facing District 88 such as insufficient funds for education, drive-by shootings, supporting SB7028 expanding background checks when purchasing guns, homelessness, bridging communities together, and institutional disparities. I am ready for this challenge; and, with your help on November 3, 2020, we will make a difference.”

Hardy currently works at the Housing Center of the Palm Beaches, which is committed to addressing local housing needs through housing development including, publicly assisted housing, senior housing, veteran housing, apartments, and single-family homes.

He’s not only passionate about affordable housing, but he also wants to address issues like our education system, raising wages, gun violence, women’s rights, returning power to the people, universal health care, and more.

“If elected, I will do everything in my power to equip and empower the residents of District 88 with opportunity for education and employment. My office will be open and accessible. You might as well call it ‘School Choice City’ and “Job Resource Central.’ My office will contain information for parents about their educational choices for their children, including scholarships. It will also provide information about job training, technology, and other resources.”

(Source - https://racampaign.weebly.com/)

(Source - https://www.omarihardy.com)

(Source: MadsenforFloridaHouse.com)

The Black Owned Media Alliance (BOMA) has made our endorsements of the following candidates and amendments. The selections are based upon their positions on: social justice, economic plan for Black businesses and community, leadership qualities, police reform and quality of life...

Broward County Candidates: Broward County Sheriff GREGORY TONY Broward County State Attorney Circuit 17 HERALD FERNANDEZ PRYOR Broward County Public Defender GORDON WEEKS

Broward County Supervisor of Elections JOE SCOTT Broward County District 9 DALE V.C. HOLNESS Florida Senate District 35 SHEVRIN JONES

Palm Beach County Candidates: Palm Beach County Commissioner District 7 MACKINSON "MACK" BERNARD State Representative District 88 OMARI HARDY

U.S. Representative District 20 ALCEE HASTINGS U.S. Representative District 18 PAM KEITH

Miami-Dade County Candidates: Mayor of Miami-Dade County DANIELLE LEVINE CAVA Miami-Dade County Commission District 3 Co-endorsement KEON HARDEMON GEPSIE METELLUS Miami-Dade County Commission District 9 KIONNE MCGHEE Miami-Dade County School Board District 9 DENNIS C. MOSS

Florida Senate District 35 SHEVRIN JONES

AMENDMENTS: Amendment One: No Amendment Two: Yes Amendment Three: No Amendment Four: No Amendment Five: Yes Amendment Six: Yes

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PALM BEACH REPORT

Inlet Grove High School Prepares Next Generation of Healthcare Leaders Through Top-Ranked Career Choice Academies

BY ANN MARIE SORRELL, MBA

Inlet Grove High School in Riviera Beach, founded by Dr. Emma Banks is an ‘A’ Rated High Performing Charter School. Inlet Grove boasts a 97 percent Acceleration Success Rate (ranked second in PBC for college and career preparation), 92 percent Graduation Rate, and a STEM program ranked in the Top 4 percent in Science

Achievement. Founded in 2003, Inlet Grove offers its students an educational experience beyond the usual high school curriculum through its top-ranked Career Choice Academies. Students are able to accelerate their academic career by enrolling in one of eleven academies that include Pre-Architecture/PreEngineering, Biotechnology, Culinary Arts, Digital Design, Journalism, PreLaw, Marine Technology & Marine Science, Pre-Medical, Practical Nursing, Television Production, and Web Design.

Students receive a certification in most programs that allow them in some cases to enter the workforce immediately following graduation. All career academies include Digital Information Technology Certifications and students become a Microsoft Office Specialist.

The healthcare industry continues to evolve with technology, however the demand for medical professionals is extremely high as there is often a shortage of nurses, physicians, and other medical specialists. Inlet Grove

offers two programs in the healthcare field, the Pre-Medical Academy and the Practical Nursing Academy. The Medical Academy at Inlet Grove Community High School is designed to introduce the many facets of Life and Health Sciences along with the world of medicine to students. Under the direction of licensed and certified instructors, students are provided a curriculum that offers the skills, knowledge and the preparation necessary for industry employment upon graduation while continuing their postsecondary education. In the Practical Nursing Program, students not only receive classroom instruction, but also can demonstrate a mastery of skills in a comprehensive nursing laboratory. In addition, students practice direct patient care in hospital and community settings under the guidance of professional clinicians. Inlet Grove Community High School students may become a Licensed Practical Nurse upon graduation.

Dr. Banks who served as the CEO and principal for 17 years and now serves

as the director of Curriculum and School Improvement states, “I had a vision of creating an educational institution, which graduates students with the skills and knowledge to be lifelong learners and responsible citizens through a technology rich and innovative learning environment that integrates rigorous academic and career preparation and develops internationally minded students who make contributions to a better and more peaceful world. Students will be prepared to enter college and the workforce upon graduation and will be able to successfully compete in today’s global society”. Students who graduate from Inlet Grove High School earn career certifications and college credits.

Ann Marie Sorrell is president and CEO of The Mosaic Group, an awardwinning public relations, marketing, and government relations firm serving clients throughout the United States and Caribbean. annmarie@mosaicgroup.com n

MENTAL HEALTH

Trauma of Racism and Injustice Has Impacted Mental Health of African Americans

BY DR. DELVENA R. THOMAS, D.O., M.P.H.

For people of color, May 2020 was our tipping point. On May 5, we learned of the murder of Ahmaud Arbery - killed February 23, 2020 while jogging. The DA’s office made no arrests.

Three weeks later on May 25, another Black man was murdered by another member of the majority – Mr. George Floyd. Our country has been intensely divided ever since.

Members of the African-American community have suffered voluminous amounts of grief throughout the centuries, which continues and until May 25, had been denied and contested by the American majority.

Psychological traumas were produced by brutal kidnappings, centuries of enslavement, the fight for freedom, which alone included several agonizing steps such as the Emancipation Proclamation, establishing the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, multiple Civil Rights Acts, and Jim Crow laws.

Slavery and racism have created socioeconomic disparities associated with poor health, including mental.

In addition, illiteracy was forced upon Black Americans until the 1900s, rendering them unqualified to perform a host of occupations and thus impoverished. Segregation, riots, the mass killings of African Americans, lynchings, and the overuse of force by law enforcement created a climate of

paranoia, angst, sadness, and emotional turmoil.

As African Americans, this has been our baseline, our starting point before COVID 19 ravished our communities – physically, emotionally and financially.

In less than three months, 41 percent of Black businesses shut down.

COVID 19 exacerbated our preCOVID issues. Self-quarantine and social distancing caused additional stress, sadness and nervousness.

While the plight of the Black community has a timeline filled with trauma and simultaneously one that has created strengths, bonds, and dynamism achieved in the face of insurmountable odds and suffering experienced by no other race of people in the history of mankind, the mental injury will take time and work to overcome. But we can take steps toward recovery by utilizing and accessing mental healthcare services available to us today like at no other time in our history.

Let us lay the groundwork for real

change and seek solutions to mental illness and emotional distress. Let us start by ending decades of shame and the stigma associated with seeking mental healthcare, and encourage those who need help, to get help.

The rat race in America has slowed.

We now have a chance to embrace family, friends, rest and to be thankful for the things that we take for granted.

Make good use of this time by realigning your energy, slowing down and checking on family and friends.

Also, appreciate the air you’re breathing and thank God for life! Use anxiety to energize you - become more organized, motivated, be reminded of your purpose.

If you cannot channel the anxiety into positive energy, reach out for help.

Control what you can. A lot of “this” is not in our control, but there are many things which are. TAKE CONTROL! Practice gratitude. And always keep your sense of humor. n

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CAREER LEADERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT

How to Handle Conversations About Religion, Politics in the Workplace

BY MARY V. DAVIDS

It’s been said that politics and religion are areas to avoid in the workplace, but avoiding isn’t always a good thing, especially when you want to build valuable relationships with colleagues.

While the workplace is a professional environment, it is filled with people who have feelings and opinions. Like it or not, their beliefs and political perspectives are

tied to their personal values and are part of who they are. Sometimes dismissing these personal views can do more harm than good, especially if the idea is that people should be able to bring their whole selves to work.

Here are a few do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when facing sensitive issues within the workplace:

Know the rules. Within the workplace, the First Amendment right to free speech applies to government employees. It does not constitutionally protect private sector employees unless an employee (can prove in a retaliation claim) is using such speech or expression as a matter of “public concern,” defined by the Supreme Court. Check with your Human Resources department before you express your religious beliefs or political views through attire, office space accessories (banners, stickers, books), or backgrounds on Zoom/Skype videos. Know the policy first to avoid disciplinary action.

Know the temperature. My clients often ask if it’s appropriate to talk about religion or politics. I give them this rule: Don’t bring it up, but if you are asked be honest without condemning the other person. Basically, you need to keep it light. You can share your views without making others feel badly about theirs.

Even if you don’t agree with the views of your colleagues, you should never make them feel that they are a bad person because they don’t believe what you believe or see things the way you would.

Know when to walk away. When you feel like it’s getting too tense, end the conversation. Having different views make for good conversation and debate, but it is important to know your limits during these conversations. When you feel that the temperature is getting too hot, don’t continue to push just because you want to be right or make your point.

Being right or even feeling justified is not worth having unresolved conflict in the workplace. For the sake of the

relationship, end the conversation on a positive note even if you have to change the topic.

It is challenging to suppress the desire to not discuss things that are important to you and things that are unavoidable due to societal circumstances.

Having deep conversations with colleagues can build trust and can help build valuable connections. Avoidance can leave the impression that you don’t care about things that matter to them and that can often become more damaging than having an honest conversation, especially when it’s uncomfortable.

Mary V. Davids is an executive career and leadership development coach and owner of D&M Consulting Services, LLC. For more career tips and advice visit www.slaytheworkplace.com or follow @MVDavids on Instagram and Twitter. n

BROWARD BLACK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Turns Out, Equity is Good for Us All

BY SHAHEEWA JARRETT, ESQ.

This year has been turbulent.

Together, we have hopefully learned and many more are now inclined to do what is right, fair, and just. For those on the fence, you will be glad to know that doing the right thing is not just morally correct, but the most profitable for our country.

According to the Citi report “Closing the Racial Inequality Gaps,” released

in September, there is an economic cost for systemic racism. The analysis demonstrates that if four key racial gaps for Black people — wages, education, housing, and investment — were closed 20 years ago, $16 trillion could have been added to the U.S. economy. If the gaps were closed today, $5 trillion could be added to the U.S. Gross Domestic Product over the next five years.

That is $16 trillion lost due to racist practices that target Black people and Black communities. No country can afford to leave that kind of money on the table.

It might be hard to imagine what this type of loss looks like. Well, the report indicated that by improving access to housing credit, 770,000 Black homeowners could have been added over the last 20 years, with combined sales and expenditures adding another $218 billion to GDP over that time. In addition, investing in increased access to higher education (college, graduate, and vocational schools) might have

bolstered lifetime incomes for Black students to the tune of $90 to $113 billion.

Finally, by providing equitable lending to Black entrepreneurs, an additional $13 trillion in business revenue could have been created over the last 20 years. These funds could have been used for investments in labor, technology, capital equipment, and structures and, in the process, could have created approximately 6.1 million jobs annually.

These numbers are astounding!

They should move you to action because, after all, we are not simply talking about numbers, but about people…lives. Millions have been denied the right to live out their fullest potential by systems and intentional conduct specifically calculated to keep Black people out of commerce, ownership, and prosperity.

Citi pointed out that Black entrepreneurs are the most likely to apply for bank financing but get turned down at twice the rate as white business

owners. In the start-up world, it is even worse. Studies show that Black entrepreneurs receive only 1 percent of the venture capital funding.

If America is to advance and live out its full potential, then we, the people, can no longer allow our systems to marginalize Black people. It is time to invest, especially during this time where we have witnessed the impact of the Coronavirus on the Black community.

If we are to be great, then we must place equity, fair play, and justice first.

Shaheewa Jarrett Gelin, Esq. is president and CEO of the Broward County Black Chamber of Commerce, a membership organization dedicated to helping black businesses to start-up, expand, and grow, which in turn, makes the entire community stronger. For more information visit BrowardCountyBlackChamberOfCommerce.com. n

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MEMORIAL HEALTHCARE SYSTEM congratulates

La Tanya Forbes RN, MSN, CNOR Program Director - Safety and Compliance, Memorial Healthcare System

recognized for receiving

Top Black Healthcare Professional from Legacy South Florida Magazine

Memorial Regional Hospital • Memorial Regional Hospital South • Joe DiMaggio

Children’s Hospital • Memorial Hospital West • Memorial Hospital Miramar • Memorial Hospital Pembroke

MHS.net

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BROWARD HEALTH

Black Women Higher Risk for Certain Gynecologic Cancers

BY DIANA HANFORD

While all women are at risk of developing some type of gynecologic cancer during their lifetime, minority women – particularly Black women – are at higher risk. Causes of elevated risk vary and may be a function of genetics, environmental factors such as smoking, diet and alcohol use, and some access to care issues.

The good news is that most women can lower their risk and improve their outcomes for gynecologic cancers with lifestyle improvements and routine

screening and health maintenance, including HPV vaccination.

Early detection is key, which is why Broward Health urges all women throughout the community to stay up-to-date on their annual gynecologic exams, especially if they cancelled their appointments during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although cancer takes a heavy toll on Americans of all ethnicities, research shows that Black women are at greater risk than white women of developing and dying from some gynecological cancers. This disparity is not only due to risk factors, but also differences in the biology of the diseases among women of different ethnicities.

Brian Slomovitz, M.D., a boardcertified physician in obstetrics and gynecology and gynecologic oncology with the Broward Health Physician Group, specializes in endometrial, ovarian and cervical cancers, as well as robotic surgery for gynecologic oncology and complex gynecology. He is

a member of an elite group of only 1,200 board-certified gynecological oncologists in the nation.

“One of the things I’m focusing on is why the mortality rate of uterine cancer is higher in Black women than in White women,” Slomovitz said. “We are conducting ongoing studies with women with endometrial cancer and are better focusing on the fact that different races deserve different types of treatment protocols to improve positive outcomes.

Clearly, we need to do more for all women, but especially for Black women who have a higher mortality rate.”

Slomovitz cites the fact that Black women diagnosed with gynecological cancers have a lower five-year survival rate than White women. In the U.S., although uterine cancer incidence is highest for White women, the mortality rate for Black women with the disease is almost twice what it is for White women – 8.3 percent compared to 4.3 percent.

Advocates for Black women’s health say improving health outcomes

for Black women must acknowledge the impact of race. Racial discrepancies in treatment options and death rate can be the result of how effectively the medical establishment and Black women communicate with each other.

Black women may be more reluctant or less able to seek help from doctors, which means they are less likely to receive an early diagnosis. If the cancer has spread, their chance of survival can be significantly reduced.

“The best way to treat cancer is to prevent cancer,” Slomovitz said. “To do so, we need to enhance counseling services and genetic testing, including the option of at-home genetic testing. We need to use the best screening practices for high-risk patients and provide riskreducing procedures when appropriate.”

For information on Broward Health’s gynecologic oncology services, call 954355-4345 or visit BrowardHealth.org/ GynOnc. n

MEDIATION/ARBITRATION

Power Series Part 1: Special Tactic Creates More Options When Negotiating

BY STANLEY ZAMOR

As I observed the plaintiff’s

attorney clumsily shift through her papers while texting her partners, it became evident that she was not prepared how to respond to various counteroffers posed.

Her client looked at her and said, “What now? I am almost done here.

And like you said, we don’t want to take this to trial. So, what are our

options?”

Her attorney said, ”Wait, hold on. I am waiting to hear back from them.”

I cleared my throat and asked, “Have you considered what your BATNA versus WATNA are? It’ll help create more options you may not have thought of before.”

They both looked puzzled as I proceeded to describe how they can create more options and possibly shift the negotiations by listing their Best Alternative To a Negotiated Agreement while gaining more clarity by analyzing their Worst Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement. Taking that approach, they began listing options and found two that they felt would move the negotiations more favorably.

Knowledge is power. It cannot be overstated that when you come to the negotiation table you should be prepared with the knowledge of options you have available to negotiate with.

There should not be many surprises.

And when stalemated, be flexible and

ready to create or offer options. Far too often when parties prepare for negotiations, they usually consider a narrow approach of what they may get in court; rather than broadening their scope to include more options.

Knowing how and when to develop your BATNA will help negotiators increase their power by having more options rather than little options.

Here are some quick steps to add to your negotiation strategy by developing your BATNA: 1. First, be realistic with your wants, needs and what you want as an outcome.

2. Start by listing three desired alternatives then add two more. When you’ve done that, put the list away for a few minutes, an hour or maybe even a day (if you’re not in a rush) and see if you can add more to the list. It is quite possible to develop a list of up to ten options that can resolve the issue.

3. Now, once you have a list of possible

alternatives, assign a number value to each, either 1, 2, or 3 with 1 being the most vital. With this list you can start to group your 1s and use this tool to show the opposing side that you have the ability to bargain greater than what they anticipated.

Stanley Zamor is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit/Family/County Mediator & Primary Trainer and Qualified Arbitrator. Mr. Zamor serves on several federal and state mediation/ arbitration rosters and mediates with the ATD (Agree2Disagree) Mediation & Arbitration, PA throughout Florida. As an ADR consultant he regularly lectures on a variety of topics from ethics, cross-cultural issues, diversity, bullying, and Family/ Business relationships. szamor@ effectivemediationconsultants.com; www.effectivemediationconsultants. com; www.LinkedIn.com/in/ stanleyzamoradr , 954-261-8600. n

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PINNACLE

Roger Phanord on Mission to Provide Affordable Dental Care to Community and that you don’t have to dribble a

Roger Phanord, DMD, basketball. With hard has a mission in his practice work, you can achieve – everyone deserves to have something.” dental care. His twin sons, Kyle Those words and Kevin Phanord, recent resonate with Kyle graduates of their father’s and Kevin. “When alma mater, the University of we talk to our teenage Florida College of Dentistry, are patients, we’re only 8 promising to not only continue, to 10 years older than but build on the foundation that some of them,” said their father started 33 years ago.

Kevin, who was born Phanord remembers 2 minutes before his precisely when the idea of being fraternal twin. Both are a dentist first came to mind. He 26. was 7 years old and had just Although the arrived in New York with his two were standout family from Haiti. basketball players When little Roger had a as undergraduates at toothache, his mother couldn’t Catholic University, take him to a dental office. they tell their younger “Single mom raising me, we patients, “You don’t didn’t have insurance, times have to play a sport were hard,” he shared.

Dr. Roger Phanord stands between his twin sons, Dr. Kevin Phanord (left) and Dr. Kyle Phanord (right). The trio practice or be a musician to But his mother wanted him dentistry at 1245 NW 119th St., North Miami. be successful,” Kevin to have care, so she did what she said. “I tell them, impression he had of the United stayed the same.

“It’s still important could.

‘Look, I’m a regular guy. I look States and of South Florida when that patients know that we are here “We went to this guy’s kitchen like you.

I worked really hard to get his family moved there about a year and that they are getting the same in the Bronx,” he reflected. “He had where I am. I had great guidance and after getting that tooth pulled. type of dentistry they’d get, say, in been a dentist in Haiti but wasn’t you can do the same.”

“I noticed a big difference Aventura.

They don’t have to go licensed in the United States. I The twins, who graduated in when I left Haiti,” he said. “All my across the tracks to feel safe and remember him taking that tooth out May 2020, are just getting started in secure in a clean, professional and and I wasn’t in pain anymore. I went doctors were Black, all my teachers the practice, but they have a future were black. You don’t see that much up-to-date environment.” in with pain, I left pain free,” he vision for Phanord & Associates. here,” Phanord said.

Yet, it became

While dedicated to his said.

“Our dad has created the legacy another push for him to reach his patients, he’s also dedicated to the That memory stuck with him. to help everyone by providing goal of becoming a dentist. community. Phanord has mentored Based on his experience in that affordable dentistry,” Kyle said.

But he knew what it was like, approximately two dozen young Bronx kitchen, he knew he could be “Our vision to expand on that is to too, to have doors shut on him.

After African-American, Haitian, and of service to the underserved. bring the digital aspect to dentistry graduating from dental school in Caribbean dentists. “We’ve set roots “I wasn’t the greatest student,” . . . that new generation of dentistry.

1987, he said he thought to himself, in the community and we lead by he said. “I always felt I was It’s funny, there’s that foundational “I’m a licensed dentist now. I’m example,” Phanord said. intelligent. I always felt that I could structure, which our dad has been ready to get my first job.”

It wasn’t

When he says “we” that’s where be a dentist if I wanted to.” able to mentor us with – that that easy.

Kyle and Kevin come in. “That’s After three decades, he has two experience that you can’t be taught He went to interview after what I’ve told the twins, that we offices in Miami-Dade County, one and now we’re bringing something interview. Then, he landed his first have to benefit our community.” To in Little Haiti and the main office at to him with our knowledge of how job with Dr. Cecil Rolle.

Not long Phanord, it means even more than 1245 NW 119th St. in North Miami. dentistry is evolving.” just providing dental service. “I Another office in Broward County in after, he opened the office on 119th n Street. want our young children to see us Oakland Park is already becoming a

His practice grew, but his for what we are. We have to let them reality. dedication to his original mission know that you can be successful Phanord also remembered the

BY MICHELLE SOLOMON

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Colorectal Cancer Awareness Sparked by Death of Black Panther Star

Chadwick Boseman

BY WILLIAM ALEXIS, M.D.

The death of beloved actor Chadwick Boseman was described by many media outlets as sudden. We later learned that his death, while tragic, was anything but. The actor, best known for his portrayal of the superhero Black Panther, fought a brave and dignified battle against colorectal cancer for four years before succumbing to the

disease at the age of 43. The loss of a young, seemingly healthy, rising star to a disease that has traditionally been thought to affect older individuals was shocking to say the least.

“Colorectal cancer is the second deadliest cancer in the country,” said Dr. Durado Brooks, vice president of prevention and early detection at the American Cancer Society.

Colorectal cancer in younger persons is certainly not rare. According to the ACS, 12 percent or approximately 18,000 cases are diagnosed in Americans younger than 50 annually. Even more concerning, the rates of colorectal cancer have been falling among older age groups while rising among younger people.

The third most common cancer, colorectal cancer disproportionately affects the African-American community, which has the highest rates of any racial/ethnic group in the United States. African-Americans are 20 percent more likely than most other groups to develop colorectal cancer, more likely to

be diagnosed at more advanced stages, and 40 percent more likely to die from it. Boseman had stage 3 cancer at initial diagnosis in 2016 that progressed to stage 4 before his death in August.

African-Americans are thought to be disproportionately burdened by all cancers due to many factors that include differences in risk factors, access to healthcare, and socioeconomic status.

The recommendations of medical societies regarding timing of screening for colorectal cancer differ somewhat. Due to rising rates among younger people, the American Cancer Society now recommends screening for colorectal cancer begin at age 45 for those at average risk. While many screening tests are available, the most trusted is colonoscopy because it allows both for early detection and removal of growths, called polyps, in the colon and rectum before they can develop into more advanced cancers.

According to the ACS, people who are at higher risk for colorectal cancer might be appropriate for earlier

screening if they have, among other risks, a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. The American College of Gastroenterology recommends screening beginning at age 50 and performed every 10 years but recommends screening in African-Americans beginning at age 45.

While colorectal cancer may not always produce symptoms, a change in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain or unintentional weight loss are among those that should prompt a discussion with a physician.

Perhaps the final heroic act of Chadwick Boseman will have been to raise awareness of such a deadly disease that continues to devastate the AfricanAmerican community. Wakanda Forever!

Dr. William Alexis is chief of Internal Medicine at Memorial Hospital West in Pembroke Pines. n

PALM BEACH URBAN LEAGUE

Young Voters Critical in Upcoming Elections

BY SOULAN JOHNSON

“When you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have to speak up. You have to say something; you have to do something.” —

Congressman John Lewis

Millennials (24 to 39) and Gen Zers (ages 18 to 23) have seen more than most generations in their young

lifetimes: a terrorist attack on U.S. soil in 2001, two economic crashes and record unemployment, extreme weather events, divisive politics and a global pandemic. And most recently, social unrest in response to the death of George Floyd, an African-American man who died after being restrained by Minneapolis police.

Yet there are plenty of signs that young Americans could play a major role in the 2020 election, helping to determine the outcome of the race between Republican President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger former Vice President Joe Biden, as well as political control of Congress, and beyond. Their record turnout in the 2018 midterm elections demonstrates signs of political activism, according to economics journalist Annie Lowrey of The Atlantic.

According to the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement based at Tufts

University in Massachusetts, “Young people can decide elections, and their participation is central to our politics.

Expanding the electorate and addressing inequities in youth voting is a crucial task for strengthening democracy.”

While younger generations largely mimic their parents when they vote, they deviate when it comes to soaring college debt, health care, expanding voter rights, gun violence, immigration, climate change and the economy.

Millennial voting nearly doubled between 2014 and 2018 — from 22 percent to 42 percent — according to demographer Richard Fry at the Pew Research Center in Washington. Thirty percent of Gen Zers eligible to vote turned out in the first midterm elections of their lives. And for the first time in a midterm election, more than half of Gen Xers reported they had voted, Pew reported.

The 2020 election will happen amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Racial Injustice Movement, which will

create a huge demographic shift, said Jesse Barba, senior director of external affairs at Young Invincible, a youth voting and political advocacy group “to expand economic opportunity for our generation.”

It is paramount that the 47 million 18 to 29 year-olds who are eligible to vote in the 2020 election let their voices be heard by voting. Fifteen million of them have turned 18 since the last presidential election. “The right to vote is the most motivational tool we have in democracy,” said the late Congressman John Lewis.

Young people, we need you to get out and vote like your life depends upon it – because your future is at stake.

Please do your job and vote!

Soulan Johnson is vice president of Development and Communications for the Urban League of Palm Beach County, Inc. n

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EXECUTIVE SUITE

Dr. Yvonne Johnson Guides Baptist Health During Pandemic

BY MONIQUE HOWARD

As the chief medical officer of Baptist Health in South Miami, Dr. Yvonne Johnson is guiding the way amid COVID 19 and ensuring that the local residents feel safe. With more than 15 years of experience, she has reached the height of her field. That is why she has been named one of Legacy magazine’s top healthcare professional of 2020.

Growing up, the bar was set high by having older siblings who were college grads. Johnson’s parents instilled in her the importance of academic excellence and working hard at an early age. With these core values in mind, she moved forward in life and implemented these family beliefs in her education.

Johnson began her high school career at Atlantic City High School in Atlantic City, New Jersey and completed her education at Moon Senior High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She was a member of the debate team in high school Her coach left a lasting impact, she shared.

“I would credit finding success in something I would never have thought I was particularly good at, and there was someone who saw in me a talent that I didn’t see in myself,” she reflected.

“I feel like that’s what distinguished my high school career from having learned how to do research, learning public speaking, and how to present an argument. And I think that was pivotal in my success in college and later on in life.”

Later Johnson graduated with a medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine. After attending medical school, she completed a residency at that Jackson Memorial Hospital Internal Medicine Program, practicing emergency medicine.

When reflecting on her career and how she made the transition to CMO, Johnson remembered the importance of mentorship as it continues to have a positive impact on her life.

“I got into hospital administration believing in someone else’s vision for me,” she said. “I trusted their judgment and pursued what they saw in me until I believed in myself. Sometimes, you have to believe in other people’s visions until you can see it for yourself.”

Johnson was a member of the

medical executive committee and became the first woman to serve as president over the medical staff at Baptist Health. Now she is currently working as the chief medical officer at the hospital.

When COVID 19 disrupted daily life around the globe, Johnson said she faced the greatest challenge of her career as a medical professional. However, the staff at Baptist Health are trained for such emergencies.

“A couple of times a year we drill for disasters and among the scenarios frequently is the pandemic flu,” she explained. “I have to say drilling is nothing like the real thing, but it is something we have put some thought into before this actually happened. Once the pandemic was declared, it was so impressive to see how all of Baptist Health kicked into action and created testing environments like tents in our parking lots,” she continued. “We could cohort those patients who were coming in with symptoms of COVID 19 and keep them in one area and keep other patients safe.”

According to Johnson, Baptist Health set protocols in place for regulating which types of Personal Protective Equipment would be used during a particular circumstance and also for managing the placement and care of patients who needed to be admitted to the hospital.

“Managing this pandemic has been the professional challenge of my life, but I have been so supported by an amazing medical staff,” she said. “Everyone and

anyone who worked in the hospital had to make adjustments for this pandemic.

At this point, we are having a bit of a low demand. The number of patients with COVID 19 who are being admitted to our hospital right now is probably at its lowest point since we started.”

“So, we are using this opportunity to access what we did and how we did it. As we are giving those reports, I have to say I’m even more impressed as people are detailing what they did, how they did, and what those timelines were.

We were able to come together as a health system and put all these different protocols in place.”

Johnson recalled how in March and April, the community did their part by staying home in efforts to bend the curve and reduce the spread of COVID 19.

Then during May and June, the general public began to believe that life would return to normal.

“We saw a bigger surge that came in the middle of June through July and some of August,” she said. “We had to message the community that we needed to take control by doing the social distancing, avoiding crowds, wearing masks, cleaning our hands, and all of those things. And again, we were able to get the virus under control. “

Johnson reflected on how she guided her staff through this challenging time and the ways effective leadership and team efforts can lead to success.

“I’ve continued to guide by understanding the science, the recommendations that national organizations have put out there like the Centers for Disease Control,” she recalled. “As we were getting ready to make decisions during the pandemic, I understood that I work with an incredibly talented medical staff. You listen to what they have to say and they listen to you.”

As an active participant in community engagement, Johnson utilizes her role as a healthcare leader to keep the public informed and ensure that the local residents feel safe in uncertain times.

“Because I was the chief medical officer, I was the person that our media relations would come to, to speak to the community whether it was an interview for written media, for local television, or national news,” she explained. “I

was given a platform to talk to the community to help give the truth in a situation where a lot of misinformation was put out in our atmosphere.”

“I’ve been trying to talk to our community about how important it is for us to continue to take control of this virus — maintain behavior like wearing masks and avoiding crowds so we don’t give the virus an opportunity to go from one person to the other.”

For those who may be interested in entering the medical field, Johnson advised, “ Take the opportunity to see, and there are a number of ways that you can do that whether you’re shadowing someone or getting some employment.

For me, my first job was as a unit clerk.

I got to see the doctors and nurses in action. I got to see their interactions with the patients. I got to see if this was something that I’d really love.”

Despite the current health crisis caused by the pandemic, Johnson said she still hopes for a positive outcome in the future and seeks to ensure the public that hospitals are safe.

“My personal hope for the future is to see that our medical system goes back into a more normal type of functioning,” she said. “I think we’ve had a number of patients who have been reluctant to come to the hospital because of COVID 19 and their fear that the hospital is a risky place to come to. Of the places I go to on any given day, it’s the place I feel the safest outside of my home. We have such strict protocols and I feel it’s a very low-risk place to transmit or to have COVID 19 transmitted to me.”

She also desires for patients to know they can trust medical staff to have their best interests in mind and to not allow fear to prevent them from receiving routine care or preventive care because of COVID 19.

In addition, Johnson said she also believes there is a divide in the quality of healthcare some patients receive.

“I would like to address many of the healthcare disparities that COVID 19 brought out,” she said. “Among AfricanAmerican people, we have a higher rate of critical illness and complicated illness from COVID 19 and a higher rate of death. I would like to see Baptist Health identify and be the leader in addressing those disparities in our community.” n

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LEGACY BRIEFS SOUTH FLORIDA INSTITUTE ON AGING NAMES NIKKI AUSTIN-SHIPP CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

South Florida Institute on Aging, a non-profit dedicated to improving the socio-economic lives of South Florida’s aging community, has appointed Nikki AustinShipp as chief executive officer.

Austin-Shipp will Austin-Shipp lend her extensive community relations expertise and nonprofit management background to SoFIA’s continued expansion, helping to amplify the organization’s vision and strategic direction.

“Older adults in our community who face socio-economic challenges need a powerful voice to confront pressing issues on their behalf,” said Austin-Shipp. “I am excited to take on this new role and make a real difference for South Florida’s aging population.”

Prior to joining SoFIA, Austin-Shipp served as community relations director for Congresswoman Frederica Smith Wilson, where among her responsibilities, she coordinated all communications activity on behalf of the congresswoman.

Austin-Shipp earned an MBA in Global Management from the University of Phoenix

and a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Florida State University. She has held numerous chapter and regional positions and appointments in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

MELBA PEARSON JOINS FIU

Melba Pearson has joined Florida International University’s Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs as its policy director for the Center for the Administration of Justice. Pearson will be working with elected Pearson prosecutors in Florida and across the country to provide training as well as provide data trends utilized to empower prosecutors to fight for equity in their respective communities. Pearson is a former candidate for Miami-Dade state attorney.

BLAKE HALL PROMOTED TO CHI PRESIDENT

Miami-Community Health of South Florida, Inc. has promoted Blake Hall as president.

Hall was promoted after serving as the non-profit health care company’s chief operating officer and executive vice president. Previously he served as the

director of Planning and Development and administrator for the CHI Foundation.

Over the years, Hall has helped the organization grow from a $30 million agency to now a more than $75 million company Hall by securing multiple funding sources. Those funds helped to open five new health centers, effect capital improvement projects and formed the basis for the Brodes H. Hartley, Jr. Teaching Health Center at CHI. The Teaching Health Center was the first in the state of Florida funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration. He has also led strategic planning for the organization since 2008.

Currently, Hall serves as the 2nd vice chair of the National Association of Community Health Centers Membership Committee. He is active in the community and participates in multiple chambers and organizations. He is a member of the Iota Pi Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha and more.

JORDYN ALLEN LANDS CAPITOL HILL INTERNSHIP

Jordyn Allen of Fort Lauderdale has been selected to serve as a fall communications

intern for U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris, the Democratic vice presidential nominee.

Allen is a sophomore at Howard University majoring in honors international business with a minor in political science. She is involved Allen with the School of Business Executive Leadership Program, the Howard University Student Association, Speech and Debate, and the NAACP. Allen is the granddaughter of the late W. George Allen, a prominent civil rights attorney who became the first Black student to earn a law degree from the University of Florida.

n DID YOU RECENTLY GET A PROMOTION? ARE YOU A NEW HIRE AT A SOUTH FLORIDA COMPANY? DOES YOUR FIRM HAVE A MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT TO MAKE? Let us know by sharing your good news in Legacy Briefs. Send a press release and your professional headshot to rm@miamediagrp.com.

PROFILES IN LEADERSHIP

South Florida Nurse Travels Near and Far to Care for COVID-19 Patients

BY JOSIE GULLIKSEN

In the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, Allecia Leiba of Pembroke Pines is fulfilling a personal calling to assist infected patients in the hardest hit areas. The nurse practitioner told Legacy she was born to help save lives.

“It was instilled in me to be a nurse since I was in the womb,” said Leiba, an honoree of Legacy’s Top Black Healthcare Professionals of 2020. “I never even explored any other options.”

Leiba’s path to a nursing career began when she graduated in 1997 from McFatter Vocational School in Davie (now McFatter Technical College and High School). After earning a Master’s of Science in Nursing from Chamberlain College of Nursing, she landed a position at the Cleveland Clinic as a nurse practitioner.

When COVID-19 started spreading in March, Leiba had already been caring for patients in Broward, however, she saw a dire need to care for infected

New Orleans and Fort Myers where the number of COVID-19 patients was higher.”

By the end of March, Leiba was working on her first medial assignment in New Orleans.

“My nurse manager (at Cleveland Clinic) was very supportive and lenient in allowing me to assist,” Leiba said. “But as the need arose, it was harder to get Nurse practitioner Allecia Leiba prepares to take a flight from time off to go and serve the Fort Lauderdale to New Orleans as part of her mission to care for community.” patients in COVID-19 hot spots.

After two weeks in patients in other hard-hit areas of the New Orleans, she returned to Cleveland south.

Clinic. In July, Leiba began an

“I saw postings on nursing social assignment assisting COVID-19 patients media platforms by two healthcare in Fort Myers which, ultimately, led to staffing agencies, Krucial and her making a major career decision.

Maxim,” said Leiba, who has received

“While in Fort Myers, I gave certification for FEMA in disaster notice at Cleveland Clinic explaining to response and crisis management. my nurse manager that this is where I “There, I saw available positions in needed to be,” she Leiba. “There was a

great need in Fort Myers, and this was my opportunity to help an underserved population.”

Leiba returned to Cleveland Clinic, fulfilled her final two weeks, then went to Fort Myers for five more weeks working 10-hour days.

Despite the grueling schedule, the married mother of two boys, ages 13 and 17, said she would drive home at least once a week to reconnect with her family. Then she’d wake at 4:30 a.m. and drive to Fort Myers to be back on the job by 7 a.m.

Currently, Leiba is at home with her family awaiting her next medical assignment — wherever that may be.

“Taking these assignments was about rising to the occasion. I saw a need and went to assist. I thoroughly enjoy helping those in need,” Leiba said. “I knew I was a vessel being used by God and that everything would fall into place.” n

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