The Gospel Truth August 2021

AUGUST 2021

Celebrating Black Businesses During National Black Business Month and Beyond

Sandy Walker, Publisher

My Father, My Lord: Thank you for always being by my side and for Your unwavering love. You are such a powerful and awesome God. It is a blessing to know You and to have You by my side. I am so thankful for the life You have given me and I am continuously amazed by Your grace and mercy. Lord, You are with me in times of great joy and You are with me during the darkest of times as well. You give me the strength to endure.

Father, I look to You for guidance as I navigate life. Each day you calm my spirit and give me hope in all circumstances. Even during the most difficult times You are there. Having You deep within my soul is my greatest blessing as life is an adventure with You. With the early morning opening of my eyes I wake up each day with great anticipation and great expectations of the power of Your mighty works. You never fail or disappoint me! Who am I to deserve this life? I am Your child. I love You Lord, today and every day. - AMEN

Publisher’s Prayer PUBLISHER Sandy Walker

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Sommer W. Davis 'BUIFS JO UIF /BNF PG +FTVT Sandy Walker

EDITOR

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14707 S. Dixie Hwy, Suite 101

1/13/21 6:21 PM

Focus Learning Academy, Inc.: Empower Your Child with Private Tutoring Mrs. Ruth Smith, M.S., is the founder, owner, president, and director of Focus Learning Academy, Inc (FLA). Mrs. Smith received her Bachelor of Science degree in Exceptional Student Education from the University of Miami. She also received her Master of Science degree in Exceptional Student Education (ESE) from Florida International University. While at the University of Miami, Mrs. Smith earned certifications in Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD), Emotional Handicapped (EH), and Emotionally Mentally Handicapped (EMH), and Gifted Education. She also received the University of Miami Clinical Teacher certification and is able to supervise student teachers, and interns within the district. Mrs. Smith was awarded the 2014-2015 Francisco R. Walker Teacher of the Year award for her dedication and commitment to education. She is a retired Miami-Dade County School teacher of nearly 35 years. Mrs. Smith established her own private tutoring company, Focus Learning Academy, Inc. which has served students in South Florida for the past 28 years, including services such as after school tutoring, Mrs. Ruth Smith, M.S.- President academic based summer academy, homeschooling, and college preparation programs for students in kindergarten through post grad studies. Mrs. Smith is truly passionate about the education of today’s youth and preparing them to achieve their highest potential by actively participating in their educational process.

Focus Learning Academy, is a for profit community- based organization located in North Miami Beach, Florida. Our vision is to make our community a better place to live, work, and enjoy as we strive to enrich the lives of its youth, who are our future. Our mission is to provide the best individualized pedagogical experience possible to each child. At Focus Learning Academy, we value every child and aim to make a difference in their lives. We provide educational services to a diverse population of students including economically disadvantaged, at risk youth, developmentally disabled, ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages), and ELL (English Language Learners) populations. We specialize in SLD, (Specific Learning Disabilities), ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder), and other developmental delays. We are committed to building self-esteem and strengthening self- concept through individualized instructions as needed.

Currently, Focus Learning Academy is working to provide excellent tutoring services to all students who have suffered exponential educational setbacks as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent research indicates that children around the world are experiencing wide-spread achievement gaps because of virtual and in-home education during the past year and a half. While this was the most feasible solution at the time, it was not necessarily the best fit for every student.

Focus Learning Academy offers a plethora of educational services. We provide one-on-one tutoring services in all content subjects i.e., Reading, Math, Science, History, and other subjects. In addition, we offer test preparation and tutoring services for the SAT, ACT EOC (End of Course) exams, FSA (Florida Standard Assessment), and the GED (General Equivalency Diploma), and other standardized assessments, as needed. Students can complete science projects, homework assignments, and other school related projects, and activities during after- school participation. Our Homeschool Program is offered Monday-Thursdaygrades 1-12. Students are registered in the FLVS (Florida Virtual School) program where they receive instructions and curriculum online, in their respective grade level.

Call us today and let us help you and your child with the educational changes that our youth are faced with today.

(305) 944-3206

Focuslearning@bellsouth.net Website: www.focuslearningacademyinc.com

Facebook: Focus Learning

Instagram: @learningwithfocus

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Hospital main lobby

Little Miracles Suites at The Women’s Pavilion

Adult/pediatric emergency entrance

Adult emergency reception lounge

Pediatric emergency room

Rehabilitation gym

The compass of excellence

NOW POINTS NORTH. This is the new Jackson North. The result of a $100 million modernization project, Jackson North features a new ER, a dedicated pediatric ER, an operating room with the da Vinci robot for minimally invasive surgery, state-of-the-art inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation facilities, renovated patient suites, and much more. Patient-focused and family-focused, Jackson North offers expertise, resources, and compassionate care.

We have a commitment of excellence to the diverse communities we serve.

JacksonNorth.org

Gladys Briscoe

Realtor Kimberly is a Miami native who has served South Florida for over 20 years. She is very passionate about the community and launched this series, "Living Legends: A Conversation with Local Pioneers to share the rich history of the area. This month we honor, Mrs. Gladys Briscoe When it comes to the history of Goulds, no one knows it better than Mrs. Gladys Briscoe, affectionately named the “Historian of Goulds”.

Prior to her birth, her family came to the community from White Springs, Florida, after Mr. Preston Lee and his brother Curtis Lee (who owned a grove on SW 216th St next to the old site of Burr’s Farm), asked her Grandfather Thomas Nathaniel Lee Sr, and his brothers Uncle John Lee and Uncle Martin Lee to come work for him. The remainder of the family came to Goulds in 1919.

Mrs. Briscoe was born and raised in Goulds.

She attended Goulds Elementary Jr/Sr High School from 1st grade. During her years at the school the name changed to Mays Elementary Jr/Sr High School.

Mrs. Briscoe remembers growing up, in Goulds there was so much emphasis placed on education, she said “you had to go to school”. The Church gave parties and parents were on one accord with each other which kept children

safe and out of trouble. As a result, Mrs. Briscoe completed a Bachelors of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Nova Southeastern University in 1994, then taught at Pine Villa Elementary for 11 years from 1994- 2005 She lights up as she reminisces about the Goulds Downtown District. Downtown was from Hainlin Mills Drive (SW 216th St) to the Goulds Post Office area (SW 225th St).

Mrs. Briscoe fondly recounts her memory of a thriving black business district on the Westside of Goulds also known as “across the tracks”. She recalls community favorites like Hadley’s Restaurant whose owners also owned the Marita Motel. Mrs. George’s Cafe, Club 14, Professor George’s Ice Cream Parlor which later became Eddie Links Barbershop, Ms. Fannie Cook’s restaurant, Ziegler Grocery Store, Cora’s Place , Ziegler’s Cafe and a few juke joints.

In the District, Mrs. Briscoe worked at the Old Dixie Movie theater selling tickets and working at the confections counter in 1957. That same building still stands and serves as a church.

Over the years, Mrs. Briscoe has served her community as an activist.

She has held various positions including: Director of the Awana Club at Crusade

for Christ Church and Director of the Red Circle Girls at Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church.

She was a member of the Goulds Women’s Club and Chairperson of the Goulds Community Action Agency and she was former Secretary and Treasure of the Goulds Homeowner Association.

Mrs. Briscoe currently serves as the Chairperson of the Goulds Community Advisory Board. She is also the President of Grandparents raising Grandkids and she remains very active as a Mays High School Alumni.

Currently, Mrs. Briscoe is advocating to Miami-Dade County in an effort to have them take care of the Black Cemetery"Silver Green Cemetery" located in present day Princeton which has been neglected. She wants the name of the families and veterans that are buried there to be recognized and their graves marked properly.

After 80 years in the community, four children, marriage. Mrs. Briscoe is a current member of New Life Chapel church Mrs. Briscoe still resides in Goulds. She is very proud of the positive growth and development in Goulds and looks forward to serving the community for many more years to come.

Goulds Downtown District "CROSS THE TRACKS"

Celebrating Black Businesses During National Black Business Month and Beyond

The National Negro Business League Executive Committee. (Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress)

August marks National Black Business Month, a month in which Black businesses and Black entrepreneurs are recognized and celebrated for their successes, milestones, and historical progress.

According to the Annual Business Survey data, “Blacks or African Americans owned approximately 124,551 businesses, with about 28.5 percent or 35,547 of these businesses in the Health Care and Social Assistance sector, the highest percentage of any minority group,” as of 2018.

Throughout history Black businesses have endured systemic racism, redlining and even violence as evidenced by the Tulsa Massacre in which an economically thriving Black community

in Tulsa’s Greenwood District was at- Black business owners today can partacked and destroyed in 1921. tially give credit to historic figures like Booker T. Washington and W.E.B Du This past year and a half has also dis- Bois who established organizations proportionately impacted Black busi- and guidelines for the development nesses due to the pandemic which and growth of Black enterprises. They forced many businesses to close, re- also encouraged financial literacy sulting in a 40 percent drop in Black among Black communities by estabbusiness ownership. lishing organziations such as the National Negro Business League.

In spite of it all, Black businesses continue to grow and succeed. According Origins of Black Enterprises to the Yelp Local Economic Impact Founded in 1900 by Washington, the Report, Black businesses and wom- National Negro Business League esen-owned businesses have persevered tablished an institution that convened despite the setbacks caused by the members of the Black community who pandemic. The report noted that the were businessowners, community figrate of searches on Yelp in the U.S. for ures, and educators in order to pursue Black-owned businesses increased by prosperity, financial growth and eco3,085 percent. nomic development among the African American community.

Washington outlined the standards and guidelines for how the local leagues should operate, conduct their members and interact with White merchants in order to be successful.

According to a booklet on “Organizing a Local Negro Business for the League,” written between 1915 and 1923, members were expected to, “Come prepared to discuss, in a practical way, business propositions and give your community an opportunity to learn of the material progress of the race; Bring a new member with you. Seek the doubters and bring them into your organization; (And) Come prepared to prove that in union there is strength.”

Today, the National Negro Business League is recognized as the National Business League, headquartered in Washington D.C. The legacy of the National Negro Business League is evident in several economic and business organizations across the U.S. such as the U.S. Black Chambers and the National Black Chamber of Commerce.

In 1993, the National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) was incorporated in Washington, D.C. and has 140 affiliated chapters throughout the U.S. The NBCC, “is dedicated to economically empowering and sustaining African American communities through entrepreneurship and capitalistic activity within the United States.”

The State of Black Businesses Today Recognizing, supporting and celebrating National Black Business Month this year may be more important than ever as Black businesses continue to recover from the economic losses caused by the pandemic.

“Well, certainly I believe that National Black Business Month is especially important to celebrate in this time and day, simply because we’re coming out of history’s worst pandemic, a situa-

tion that has caused the most damage to Black businesses that is, in memorable history, other than slavery itself,” said Pepi Jackson, president of the Riverside County Black Chamber of Commerce (RCBCC).

hand that Black women have a sense of commitment to the future.

“I see that African American young women, women of any age, are pushing forward to make sure that they take care of their community. I think The RCBCC works to promote small that it’s a spirit in which it has been debusinesses in the region and provide termined, it’s called ‘Black Girl Magic,’ them with a safe space to discuss their Jackson said. “But actually, seriously, I business ideas. The organization also think that it’s a time where women are offers technical support in order to encouraged to know that their contrihelp businesses grow and expand. butions are as significant as their male counterparts.”

Jackson believes that in order to rebuild the African American business Celebrate Black Businesses All Month community, the community must re- (and Beyond) assess where they are headed in the future and consider opportunities that For the month of August, Black Voice were once deemed impossible.

News will be highlighting Blackowned businesses throughout the In“We need to reimagine what’s possible, land Empire as a way to celebrate and if I may say it that way. We should be recognize Black businesses and their able to know that we have a stake in the endeavors. future. We have a stake in renewable energy. We have a stake in rebuild- Check in with Black Voice News every ing the infrastructure of the country,” week to see what businesses we spotJackson said. light and learn how you can support them.

One thing that is possible is Black women’s ability to lead and grow as Breanna Reeves is a reporter in Rivbusiness owners. The 2019 State of erside and uses data-driven reporting Women-Owned Business Report com- to cover issues that affect the lives of missioned by American Express rec- Black Californians. Breanna joins ognized the rapid rate (50 percent) by Black Voice News as a Report for which Black women-owned business- America Corps member. Previouses grew from 2014 to 2019. ly, Breanna reported on activism and social inequality in San Francisco and According to the report, businesses Los Angeles, her hometown. Breanna owned by Black women accounted graduated from San Francisco State for 21 percent of all women-owned University with a bachelor’s degree in businesses. Additionally, Black wom- Print & Online Journalism. She reen-owned businesses have grown at ceived her master’s degree in Politics an annual rate of 12 percent for the and Communication from the London past year compared to an eight percent School of Economics. Contact Breanannual growth rate between 2014 and na with tips, comments or concerns at 2019. breanna@voicemediaventures.com or via twitter @_breereeves.

The rapid rate at which Black women-owned businesses are growing is a success that Jackson is excited about.

Jackson comes from a family of very prominent women and knows first-

Susan G. Komen® Launches “Stand for H.E.R.”, a Health Equity Revolution to Improve Breast Cancer Outcomes in the Black Community Susan G. Komen®, the world’s leading breast cancer organization, today launched a new initiative called Stand for H.E.R. – a Health Equity Revolution, a bold new effort to decrease the gap in breast cancer mortality between Black and white women, beginning in the 10 U.S. metropolitan areas where the gaps are the greatest. In conjunction with the launch of the new initiative, Komen unveiled a series of new reports outlining in alarming detail the underlying causes of inequities Black women face across the breast cancer care continuum in each of these 10 metro areas, where the mortality gap reaches as high as 74 percent.

“For years people have talked about the disparities and suggested we just need to get more Black women screened.

Yet in most cases, Black women are getting screened at higher rates than white women, and they are still dying more often,” said Paula Schneider, Komen’s President and CEO. “The disparity is not a simple matter of access to screening – it’s a perfect storm of issues that have been brewing for a long time and span across every aspect of the health care system and society at large. Black women are dying more than white women because all our systems have failed them, and continue to fail them, at every step in their breast

cancer journey. Good news is there are solutions to elevate substandard care, the availability and affordability of diagnostics and follow up care, address unfair public policies, insurance practices and implicit bias and racism she encounters daily. It will take all of us working together to create a health equity revolution, delivering the changes needed to save lives, and Stand for H.E.R.”

is felt by Black women across the country, despite their income, education or insurance status.

While the analysis sought to understand the unique drivers of disparities in each of the 10 metro areas – which include Atlanta, GA, Chicago, IL, Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston, TX, Los Angeles, CA, Memphis, TN, Philadelphia, PA, St. Louis, MO, Tidewater, VA, and Washington, DC – it identiTo help Komen formulate an effective fied several trends that exist to varying plan of action to address the dispari- degrees in each area. According to the ties, the organization sought to truly report: understand Black women’s lived experiences of racism and bias and the Providers, and Black women in focus many barriers they face in each of these groups all noted how important the focus areas. The result of that multi- doctor-patient relationship can be to year analysis is a new series of reports, supporting women’s successful manentitled “Closing the Breast Cancer agement of breast cancer across the Gap: A Roadmap to Save the Lives of continuum of care. Yet Black women Black Women in America.” It found often feel ignored or met with disapthat Black women experience higher proval by heath care providers and rates of death from breast cancer due others in the health care system. Some to a combination of factors, including relayed experiences of harsh, uncombiologic factors such as the aggressive passionate and unnecessarily painful nature of certain breast cancers that are treatment at the hands of their health more prevalent in Black women. How- care providers. ever, Black women also face barriers to Health care providers often do not early diagnosis, often receive substan- grasp the barriers some Black women dard care, and experience discrimina- face, including lack of access to healthy tion and the consequences of systemic foods and economic insecurity. racism. This experience of racism, bias The quality of health care is segregated, and barriers in the health care setting with National Cancer Institute-Desig-

nated Cancer Centers and major academic institutions located in predominately white neighborhoods, while Black communities are often supported by community clinics that often do not meet quality standards of care.

Many health care facilities that provide quality care do not take patients who are on Medicaid, Medicare or other lower-cost health exchange plans. Black women who are on these plans often feel they are discriminated against even when the hospital accepts that insurance.

The cost of transportation and the time commitment burden of having to travel for care are significant barriers to care for many women, particularly for those who are low-income. Many cannot afford to travel to high-quality care locations and/or are concerned about losing their job if they take time off for appointments.

There are barriers plaguing access to genetic counseling and testing services in the Black community, which are valuable for those with a family health history of cancers to determine whether or not genetic mutations known to cause increased risk for breast and other cancers (such as mutations in BRCA1/BRCA2 genes) are present.

In addition to detailing the problems, the report recommends strategies that focus on community and systems level change and specific investments, such as culturally competent patient navigators, to overcome the systematic barriers that have been so fundamental in creating the broad disparities that Black women continue to face today.

“Health equity means that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible. Achieving health equity in breast cancer is going to take all of us working together to move beyond the status quo, build trust and overcome generations of systemic racism and implicit bias that prevent Black women from getting the care they need to survive,” said Dr. Kim Johnson, Senior Director of Komen’s Stand for H.E.R. initiative. “Komen is committed to doing our part, but we cannot do it alone. It is critical that every sector robustly addresses breast health inequities that plague Black women. Creating large-scale impactful change relies on the commitment of all stakeholders to move beyond the status quo and work collectively to solve this problem. We must align our efforts to achieve results and create measurable improvements.”

Through Stand for H.E.R., Komen is implementing several concrete actions to improve health care quality and overcome barriers. For example, earlier this year Komen announced a partnership with the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s Quality Oncology Practice Initiative to improve the quality of breast cancer treatment at specific health care facilities in the targeted communities. In addition, through existing programs and services that will launch in the target areas in the coming months, Komen will: Connect patients to care through

Komen-trained, culturally competent patient navigators who understand the barriers, know how to navigate the health care system and know where to get care and support for individuals in their community.

Provide emotional support through Komen’s Breast Care Helpline.

Address financial needs through Komen’s Treatment Assistance Program.

Develop culturally competent education about family health history, its role in breast cancer risk, and the benefits of genetic counseling and testing for Black families in making health care decisions.

Komen will also help lead a national dialogue and engage cross-sector leaders in health care, public policy, research and the public sector in a discussion about these recommendations and actionable strategies to improve health care systems and address social determinants of health and other drivers of breast cancer inequities impacting Black women.

Stand for H.E.R. – a Health Equity Revolution, and the reports on which it is based, are made possible thanks to the funding of Robert Smith and the Fund II Foundation. Learn more about Stand for H.E.R. and to read the Closing the Gap reports, visit https://www. komen.org/about-komen/our-impact/ breast-cancer/health-equities-initiative/.

Article featured from Blackprwire.com

By Edward Herzog “Don’t be afraid of death; be afraid of an un-lived life. You don’t have to live forever; you just have to live.” ~Natalie Babbitt

only had five more years to live, how would you spend those years, and why?

• What do you want your life to represent to the world and to those who matter most to you?

We create legacies with every single • At the end of your life action that we take. The question we what would you want your family and need to ask is whether or not we are friends to say about you and how you taking intentional actions to create the lived your life? type of legacy that we want to create. • No matter how many or how few years 2. Start creating your legacy today. you have left, you absolutely have the We all have a limited time on this planability to positively impact the world et. And yet, we often live our lives as and touch lives far into the future. if our time was unlimited, putting things off, thinking that we’ll always 1. Decide what legacy you want to have more time. If you want to create a powerful legacy with your life, then create.

In order to create a powerful legacy you need to stop wasting time and with your life, you need to decide what start creating it today. contribution you want to make to the world. Ii is great to spend some time Look over your answers to the quesjournaling and reflecting on the fol- tions from Point 1. Based on your answers to those questions, identify lowing questions: If you knew with certainty that you three to five specific goals you can set

for creating the legacy that you want.

Then, for each goal, figure out the first step you can take and start taking it today!

3. Simplify your life and focus on the essentials.

A friend of mine created a powerful legacy by simplifying his life and focusing on the essentials. John centered his life around three main things—building powerful connections with others, creating beautiful art, and cultivating his own spiritual growth.

I would guess that most of John’s life energy was devoted to these three activities. John didn’t let himself get distracted by trivial or meaningless pursuits.

Learn from my friend John. Figure out the two to four things that are most important to you and put the bulk of your energy into those activities while

letting go of the rest.

4. Treat everyone you meet with kindness.

A powerful legacy can often be created with the simplest actions. Simple acts of kindness have been known to change lives in powerful ways.

A simple act of kindness can inspire acts of kindness by others—which means that every time you touch someone’s heart with your kindness, you create positive ripples, ripples that will last for a long, long time.

You can even create a kindness ritual.

For example, I’ve decided to contact one friend a week, and send them a short note letting them know what they mean to me.

is perfect. And yet we often use those as excuses to do nothing. We do nothing because we can’t do everything or we do nothing because we can’t do what we want perfectly.

My suggestion is to just serve to the best of your ability. Do your part to make the world a better place, and stop worrying about the fact that you can’t do everything or that you can’t do it perfectly. The truth is that we can all do something to serve and doing that something creates a much more powerful legacy than doing nothing.

If that’s how you’re feeling, then I suggest that you focus on doing the next right thing every time you’re faced with a choice or decision. Every time you do the right thing—however you define it—you create a powerful chain of actions which leads directly to a powerful legacy.

7. Remind yourself that you have limited time.

In certain traditions, people are taught to imagine a little bird on their shoulder and to ask that bird every day if today is their last day. Repeatedly using 6. Do the next right thing. this technique or similar ones reminds Maybe you don’t know what kind of us to make good use of our time and legacy you want to create with your that we need to work toward creating life. We live in a complicated, over- our legacy every single day. whelming world in which our attention is pulled in a thousand different 5. Serve to the best of your ability.

None of us can do it all and none of us directions.

Why Prostate Cancer Therapy Works Better for Black Men Black men have a number of factors (genetics, racial bias, etc.) that make them more susceptible to developing prostate cancer.

A new study found that Black men also have an increased number of plasma cells. However, the news of higher plasma cells is good news that can give Black men a better survival rate of advanced prostate cancer.

The findings suggest that plasma cells could play an important role in prostate cancer immune-responsiveness, according to the authors of the study.

Home / Longevity / Prostate Cancer (Advanced) / Why Prostate Cancer Therapy Works Better for Black Men Why Prostate Cancer Therapy Works Better for Black Men Black men have a number of factors (genetics, racial bias, etc.) that make them more susceptible to developing prostate cancer.

A new study found that Black men also have an increased number of plasma cells. However, the news of higher plasma cells is good news that can give Black men a better survival rate of advanced prostate cancer.

The findings suggest that plasma cells could play an important role in prostate cancer immune-responsiveness, according to the authors of the study.

The researchers also found that higher levels of plasma cells were associated with improved cancer survival following surgery, regardless of the patient’s race.

For the study, the researchers analyzed 1,300 prostate tumor samples and found that, on average, those from Black men had higher levels of plasma cells (a type of immune cell) than those from white men.

Researchers say that higher levels of a certain type of immune cell may explain why immunotherapy for prostate cancer is more effective in Black men than in white men. This finding could lead to immunotherapy-based precision treatment for localized aggressive and advanced prostate cancer in all races.

“If a man’s prostate cancer has numerous plasma cells, we found he had improved cancer survival,” Dr. Edward Schaeffer, chair of urology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, in Chicago says. “Our study suggests plasma cells are important in the body’s response to cancer.”

Recent research suggests that Black men with advanced prostate cancer have improved survival rates with immunotherapy, but there hasn’t been a way to predict which individual patients — Black or white — may have the best response to immunotherapy drugs.

“The finding comes at a time as researchers are discovering plasma cells may play a greater role in cancer immunotherapy than previously thought,” Dr. Adam Weiner, a Northwestern Medicine urology resident says.

Weiner adds that “testing for plasma cells in prostate cancer may help identify men who will benefit from immune-based treatments.”

The research team is now developing clinical trials to determine if higher levels of plasma cells in prostate cancer in men of all races/ancestry can boost the effectiveness of immunotherapy and improve survival.

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in American men, with about 175,000 new cases and 32,000 deaths each year.

The risk of death is about two times higher in Black men than in white men.

Immunotherapy is generally well tolerated, although it may have the following side effects: Diarrhea coughing or shortness of breath Skin rash An elevation of liver enzymes in the blood thyroid gland (causing generally low, but sometimes high, thyroid hormone levels) Immunotherapy may not work for everyone so it is best to discuss your best options with your doctor.

Article orginally featured on blackdoctor.org

D o e s T he Bi ble T e ac h R e pa r at io ns ?

Rev. Alfred B. Holt

Rev. Holt received his Master of Divinity at the Interdenominational Theological Center and serves as Pastor at the Church of Christ in Perrine

The Bible does speak on the issue of reparations. “Fools mock at reparations, but among the upright, there is favor” (Prov. 14:9,NET ). The book of Proverbs belongs to a genre in the Old Testament of Wisdom Literature. Wisdom is the application of knowledge.

Proverbs contain adages or, in everyday vernacular common sense. For the covenant community of the Old Testament, the idea of reparation was common sense.

As a Christian, I do not believe that we are not under the specific commands of the Old Testament (Col. 2:14-16).

The vast majority of people are not attempting to build an ark like Noah. I do think the entire Bible is binding in principle (Rom. 15:4 NRSV). Does the Bible teach reparations? Yes, within the covenant community, it was just common sense. A more immediate issue is should the descendants of The United States American chattel slavery receive reparations under the principles of the Bible? Paying reparations is something the United States has done on at least several occasions. In 1992 The United States Government disbursed $1.6 billion in reparations to Japanese Americans. West Germany paid reparations to Holocaust survivors. The United States paid reparations to Native Americans. The federal government even paid slave owners reparations.

The Torah gives an example of reparations paid to former slaves. “The Israelites had done as Moses told them; they asked the Egyptians for jewelry of silver and gold, and for clothing, and the LORD had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so they let them have what they asked. And so they plundered the Egyptians” (Ex. 12:35-36,NRSV). The Tanak (Torah, law, Neviim, prophets, Ketuvim, writings) sets forth an example in paying oppressed people reparations.

There is already a model within the sacred scriptures for paying reparations.

In contrast, we cannot follow the model precisely because the Hebrews left Egypt and spent forty years in the wilderness. We can follow the principle of paying reparations to the oppressed.

The Egyptians paid restorative justice to the Hebrews (Ex. 12:34-35). The restorative justice that the Egyptians paid was also for the descendants of slavery. Only two of the original slaves (Joshua and Caleb) entered the promised land. The other people who entered the promised land were descendants of slaves. However, they carried silver and gold into the promised land (Deut 8:7-18).

The Egyptians did not have to pay all people on the continent of Africa; however, the enslaved Hebrews

received reparations (Ex 12:35-36).

Under General William T. Sherman’s “Special Field Orders Number 15,” the newly emancipated former slaves were to receive forty acres and a mule. President Abraham Lincoln signed “Special Field Orders Number 15” into law.

John Wilkes Booth, a southern sympathizer, shot President Lincoln the next day. President Andrew Johnson rescinded “Special Field Orders Number 15.” Political leaders waited until the last slave died in order not to pay reparations. Chattel slavery was a crime against humanity for which there is no statute of limitations. After slavery, Jim Crow, a crime against humanity, was in existence for 150 years, reparations are owed to the descendants of Jim Crow.

When Moses told the Hebrews to ask the Egyptians for silver, gold, and clothes, he made a justice claim (mishpat). The Hebrew word misphat, often translated as justice or judgment, is used more than any other word in the Old Testament. Therefore a mishpat claim is being made that only includes the descendants of North American chattel slavery and or Jim Crow. The Hebrews coming out of slavery, received direct payments of silver and gold (Ex.12:34-36), thus establishing another essential principle of direct payments. Since most people accept cash payments today. The descendants of slavery and or Jim Crow should re-

ceive direct payments; the payments could be in the form of an annuity.

There are examples of reparations in each section of the Tanak ( Ex. 12:3436, Isa. 58:12, Ps. 105:37, Prov. 14:9 ). In the New Testament, Luke deals with the principle of restitution (Lk. 19:1-10).

The Bible sets forth the guidelines for those who have suffered egregious harm (or their descendants) are to receive reparations. Slavery in North America was egregious. According to the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade Database, only about 388,000 slaves came to North America during the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade (Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade Database).

Slave masters paired strong “black bucks” with sturdy breeding black females (ibid.). Many states that had slavery also had breeding farms in that the master dictated the pairing of slaves (https://medium.com/the-hbcu-chronicles/dear-jenny-bourne-ph-d-experton-slavery-). Under U.S. chattel slavery, “Partus Sequitur Ventrem” meant chil-

dren followed the mother’s family line instead of the father’s family line; thus there was legalized rape of slaves, and the children born from the intercourse would have been considered slaves.

Under Jim Crow, which lasted for 150 years, many Black Americans were massacred or just run out of town. In 1920 in Ocoee, Florida, a city near Orlando, about 30-35 Black Americans were killed by a white mob that burned down buildings and residents owned by Black Americans. In Forsyth, Georgia, about 1000 Black residents were forced to leave town by a white crowd that set their houses and buildings on fire. Similar events took place in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Rosewood, Florida, and many other cities. Under Jim Crow, Black Americans in many cities were only allowed to deposit their money at the U.S. Post Office, not banks. Separate accommodations were legal under Jim Crow.

Given the atrocities committed in U.S. chattel slavery and Jim Crow, the Bible

sets forth the principle of paying reparations for crimes against humanity.

Conscientious Black Americans, White Americans, democrats, republicans, and independents should hold reparations rallies and marches until the descendants of slavery and Jim Crow receive reparations.

Welcome to Zoo Miami’s Audio Safari. This is a guided audio tour that can be listened to either on foot or while riding a Safari Cycle.

Time: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

ZOOMIAMI.ORG

Sunday School - 9:30 A.M. Sunday Worship Service 8:00 A.M. & 11 :00 A.M. Thursday- Noon Day Bible Study; Prayer Meeting & Study of the Word- 7:00 P.M.

Pastor James R. Polk, Sr. Pastor / Teacher

18900 SW 106 AVE. #207 Miami, FL 33157

Weds Youth and Adult Prayer Meeting Bible Study: 7:30 PM

Reverend Lance B. Bailey Sr. Pastor

BELIEVERS OF AUTHORITY MINISTRIES, INC. 3655 Grand Avenue Miami, Fl 33130 305-442-7337 boaministries@hotmail.com www.boaministries.org www.believersofauthority.org Sunday Worship : 10:30 AM Bible Study (Tuesday) :7:30 PM

Apostle John H. Chambers, III Pastor

Rev.Doris DorisGranberry, Granberry, Pastor Pastor

GRACE OF GOD BAPTIST CHIRCH

9855 SW 152 St Miami, Florida 33176

11000 SW 216th Street Miami, Fl, 33170 305-259-1229 www.GraceIsTheeplace.com

Rev. Mark Coats, Pastor

Sunday school ... 9:45AM Sunday Worship... 11:00AM Bible Study... Wed. 7:00PM Mission Friends (Children) 3rd Saturday at 10:00AM

MT. CALVARY NATIONAL CHURCH OF GOD, INC. KINGDOM BUILDERS MINISTRIES 17500 SW 103 Avenue, Perrine, FL 33157 305-234-9702 mtcalvaryncog@gmail.com www.mtcalvaryncog.org www.facebook.com/MT.CalvaryNCOG

FAITH IN DELIVERANCE MINISTRIES 18190 SW 102nd Avenue Miami, Fl 33157 docfergie@bellsouth.net 305-909-6861

Sunday School................. 9:45AM Sunday Worship............... 11:00AM - 1:30PM Rev. Dr. Bettie M. Ferguson, Pastor

Thursday Bible Study....... 7:00-8:00PM

Dr. Melissa JamesRolle-Scott, Walden Rev. Pastor / Teacher Pastor

Sunday School...................9:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship...11:00 AM Prayer: Tuesdays & Fridays at Noon Corporate Prayer: Wednesday....7:30 PM Bible Study: Wednesday........8 PM Youth Activities: Friday ..........8 PM

Rev. Dr. Remiel Lockwood, Pastor

Sunday Worship Service : 8am ( in person) 11am (virtual) Wednesday Bible Study : Noon (in person)7pm (virtual )

FIRST ST. JOHN M. B. CHURCH 13740 SW 264 St. Naranja, Fl 33032

305-258-4380

Sunday School

www.fsjmbc.com 8:30AM

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Wednesday Night Service 7:00PM

PROPHETIC REVIVAL CENTER 183 NE 8th ST. Homestead, Fl 33030 (Inside Hatikvah Temple) 305-281-9045 www.sandramoore.org Sunday Worship Service 1:30PM Children’s Church. 2:00PM Prayer / Bible Study... Wed. 7:00PM

Rev. Sandra Moore, Pastor

Rev. Robert Shaw, Pastor

12001 SW 213 Terr.

Goulds, FL 33170

Rev. Elijah Bemley, Pastor

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Dr. C.P Preston, Pastor

NOW FAITH ON WHEELS OUTREACH MINISTRIES

3820 NW 169th Terrace Miami Gardens FL.33055 nowfaithoutreachministry@yahoo.com 8:30 AM

Sunday Morning Service 11:30AM Bible Study Thursday 6:30PM Corporate Prayer 12 Noon

10:00 AM Pastors Henry and Doris Burney

LIVING WORD CHRISTIAN INTERNATIONAL NW 7th 485514501 NW 183rd St. Ave. Miami, FL Miami, Fl 33168 305-624-0044

Sunday Morning Worship: 9 AM Weds. Mid-week Service: 7:30 PM SAT Corporate Prayer: 8 AM

Youth Empowerment Pastor’s PastorWillie Willieand & Karen KarenFelton Felton, 1st & 3rd Friday 7:00 PM Marriage Enhancement 4th Friday 7:30 PM Pastors

Sunday Worship 9:30 AM Sunday School 8:30 AM Tues Bible Study 6:45 PM Wed Bible Study 10:45 AM .

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GRACE EVANGELICAL BAPTIST CHURCH, INC. 8400 NE 2nd Ave. Miami, Fl 33138

Rev. Charles M. Taylor, Senior Minister

Ph: 786-230-3786 Fax: 305-754-9200 Sunday Worship Celebration & Youth Sunday School 9:50 am Tuesday Prayer Service

6:00 pm

Noonday Meditation M-Th 12noon

Senior Minister

Rev. Paul E. Moss, Pastor

UNITED CHRISTIAN PRAISE & WORSHIP

CENTER CHURCH INC. 14501 NW 7th Ave 7626 NW 7th Ave Miami FL 33150 / Miami, Fl 33168 Mailing address

2370 NW 174th Terr Miami Gardens FL 33056

Sunday Sunday School 8School AM : 9:30 AM

Sunday Service :10:30 AM

Study every MorningBible Worship 9 AM andother 11 AMWednesday 7:30 PM

Bible Study Tuesday 7 PM Bishop Dennis Jackson

Church Phone 786-286-5611 Church Fax 305-620-7020 www.unitedchristianpraiseandworshipcenter.com

Rev. Jacques F. Saint-Louis, Pastor

Sunday School Sunday Worship Sunday Evening Worship Tuesday Bible Study Friday Prayer Meeting

9:00 AM 10:30 AM 7:00 PM 7:00PM 8:00 PM