The Gospel Truth February 2024

Faith, Health and Wellness FEBRUARY 2024

Miami Maestro Marshall Davis Sr.

A 40-Year Symphony of Artistic Excellence at the Helm of AHCAC

Sandy Walker

My Father, My God: You are the calm in every storm and You are sunshine beyond the darkness of the clouds. Thank You Father for always being with me and in me. The dawning of each new day is a wonderful blessing that I do not take for granted. Father, only You can heal our souls and replace despair with a sense of hope. Only You can change hearts and change the lives of Your children.

Strengthen our homes and our families. Protect our communities and bless our children with long life, as it was meant to be. Give us favor, Dear Lord. Give us peace.

I am hopeful because I know You are in charge of all things great and small. You are my healer and my protector.

You are my rock.

Today and everyday I honor You with love. - AMEN

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Miami Maestro Marshall Davis Sr.

A 40-Year Symphony of Artistic Excellence at the Helm of AHCAC by: Zachary Rinkins

In the heart of Miami’s historic Liberty City community, Marshall Davis stands as a maestro orchestrating a symphony of artistic excellence. A luminary figure, his dedication to transforming his community through the power of art has earned him the prestigious 2018 Florida Folk Heritage Award.

As the long-serving Director of the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center (AHCAC), Davis has woven a tapestry of cultural enrichment that resonates far beyond the vibrant streets of Miami.

“Compassion for the arts and compassion for people propelled me. I short-changed the skills I needed to develop in the arts, so I wanted to make sure that every child got what I was not provided to grow. Therefore, my mission is to nurture and inspire every child to their highest,” Davis said.

Born and raised in Miami, Davis assumed the role of AHCAC’s managing director in 1983. Under Marshall’s uninterrupted leadership, the center became a beacon of artistic excellence in South Florida.

His comprehensive, multidisciplinary arts training program has nurtured talents like Tarell Alvin McCraney, co-writer of the Academy Award-winning film “Moonlight,” who lauds the AHCAC as a pivotal force in African American artistic life.

“Creative expression has reciprocal effects. For example, synapsis increases on the right side of the brain, creating ideas that can be transformative and bringing out the best in others. The highest form of art is the expression of the soul,” Davis shared.

Under Davis’ tenure, the AHCAC has undergone remarkable transformations, boasting state-of-theart facilities like a gallery, a music hall with practice studios, and a concert hall. Plans for a new facility are in motion, a testament to Davis’ unwavering commitment to preparing future artists and expanding the center’s impact.

But Davis’ influence extends beyond bricks and mortar. He has hosted television shows, advocat-

ed for arts in the community, and garnered accolades such as the 2014 JM Family Enterprises African American Achiever and the Knight Foundation Leader Awards.

Beyond the accolades, what sets Davis apart is his commitment to a multicultural, multidisciplinary approach. For four decades, he has steered the AHCAC through changing political landscapes, ensuring that the essence of Black culture remains at the core of the center’s mission.

“Transforming lives, showing people how to improve their lives through positive experiences and contributions. Positivity breeds positivity,” Davis adds.

As Davis continues to shape the artistic landscape, his legacy stands as a testament to the transformative power of art. It proves that in the heart of Liberty City, Davis is not just a director; he is a guardian of culture, a mentor to aspiring artists, and a driving force behind the flourishing arts scene in Miami.

Art of a Spiritual:

A Classical Love Story To A Resilient Community

In a soul-stirring celebration of cultural heritage and musical legacy, the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center (AHCAC) mesmerized audiences with its third annual “Art of a Spiritual” concert to ring in Black History Month 2024. The evening affair served as a vibrant tribute to the traditional “Negro Spiritual,” delving deep into the roots of Spiritual and Gospel music.

“While preparing for Art of the

Spiritual, we like to have various conversations with the artists. We sit and think about how to make this production a little different from the past,” said Isis Roberts, Arts Administrator for the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center.” We don’t stifle or limit the artists. We like them to be comfortable and bring their best to the table and our community.”

A stellar lineup of vocalists led the captivating performances, each lending their unique talents to honor the essence of this genre. Roberts brings her velvety mezzo-soprano in complement to fellow AHCAC alumnus LaJoyce Ingraham’s ethereal soprano, along with Kunya Rowley’s powerful tenor, and the resonant baritone of Angel Refusé created a harmonious tapestry of sound. Accompanying them was

the skilled pianist Wayne Bumpers and members of the New Canon Chamber Collective, who brought an orchestral richness to the evening.

tors do you see? There was one at our program.”

The African Heritage Cultural Arts Center, which has been committed for almost five decades to foster“African spirituals are our music. ing artistic talents in the youth of They tell the story of our pains and Miami-Dade County, once again struggles and how we can grow and showcased its dedication to cultural build from them. But then we’re also enrichment. The Art of a Spiritual taking it into that classical form,” concert is a testament to AHCAC’s Roberts revealed. “So you will see ongoing efforts to celebrate and African-American singers as well as preserve the community’s cultural African-American instrumentalists, heritage. string quartet going forth at the Art of a spiritual. We want to make sure This memorable evening follows a it is a more well-rounded experilong legacy of impactful events by ence. Think about it: How many AHCAC, embodying its mission to African-American classical conduc- develop artistic skills and present

high-quality cultural experiences.

As the echoes of the spiritual melodies lingered, anticipation built for the center’s upcoming visual art exhibit, “Papers: The Children of Immigrants,” promising to be another thought-provoking exploration of contemporary issues through the lens of Art. Ultimately, the program is a loving tribute produced by and for the Miami community, featuring local artists who, as Roberts emphasized, “deserve love and support.” For more information on AHCAC programs, visit www.ahcacmiami.org.

Black History Month 2024 Theme Since 1976, every American president has designated February as Black History Month and endorsed a specific theme.

The Black History Month 2024 theme, “African Americans and the Arts,” explores the key influence African Americans have had in the fields of “visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultural expression.”

Celebrating

CROWNS By Regina Taylor Adapted from the book by Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry

THURSDAY, MARCH 7 SUNDAY, MARCH 24, 2024 African Heritage Cultural Arts Center WENDELL A. NARCISSE PERFORMING ARTS THEATER 6161 NW 22nd Avenue | Miami, FL 33142 Directed by founder of “Unveil” Visual and Performing Arts Company, Trittney Huzzie-Brown, this is a celebratory musical showcasing church hats as a springboard for exploration of Black history, seen through the eyes of a young woman who moved South to live with her aunt after her brother is killed in Brooklyn.”

No wonder Crowns is one of the most produced musicals in America. It is a glimpse into one of the finest traditions in the vast assortment of the American Experience. CROWNS is a heartfelt show that needs to be seen to fully appreciate.

- Chicago Critic

The story of Black History Month begins

Origins of Black History Month

in 1915, half a century after the Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery in the United States.

That September, the Harvard-trained historian Carter G. Woodson and the prominent minister Jesse E. Moorland founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), an organization dedicated to researching and promoting achievements by Black Americans and other peoples of African descent.

Known today as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), the group sponsored a national Negro History week in 1926, choosing the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.

The event inspired schools and communities nationwide to organize local celebrations, establish history clubs and host performances and lectures.

In the decades that followed, mayors of cities across the country began issuing yearly proclamations recognizing “Negro History Week.” By the late 1960s, thanks in part to the civil rights movement and a growing awareness of Black identity, “Negro History Week” had evolved into Black History Month on many college campuses.

President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

Today, Black History Month is a time to honor the contributions and legacy of African Americans across U.S. history and society—from activists and civil rights pioneers such as Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Marcus Garvey, Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X and Rosa Parks to leaders in industry, politics, science, culture and more.

Tourism Minister Promotes The Bahamas for Meetings & Conferences at Alpha Phi Alpha Conference in Tallahassee

Photo Caption: L-R: Jason Fernandez, Florida State Representative Gallop Franklin, Rashon Young, Representative Aid, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism Investments and Aviation I. Chester Cooper, Florida State Representative Jervonte Edmonds, Ray McKnight, Chairman of Alpha Day on the Hill, Dr. Gregory J. Harris, Florida District Director, Sonless Martin, Senator Shevrin Jones, Dr. Jaffus Hardrick, President, Florida Memorial University during the Welcome Reception for Alpha Day on The Hill.

The Hon. I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation heads to Tallahassee, Florida this week addressed the Florida Federation of Alpha Chapters’ “Alpha Day on the Hill” leadership gathering under the theme “Continuing the Legacy of Service and Advocacy in our Communities”. The event took place on 25 January at Florida Historic Capitol Museum. In a bid to boost the country’s groups business, DPM Cooper promoted The Islands of The Bahamas as an ideal destination for the fraternity’s meetings and conferences.

DPM Cooper said: “I embraced this opportunity to speak to a gathering that encompasses representatives from all Florida chapters of Alpha Phi Alpha.

Our sales team in the United States has been seriously engaging with social groups like fraternities, and as a result, we are seeing more and more fraternities such as Alpha Phi Alpha selecting The Bahamas as the location for their meetings. Alphas in Florida are just a half hour away from The Bahamas.”

Alpha Phi Alpha holds the distinction of being the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity

established for African American men. It was founded in 1906 at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York by seven college men.

Today, the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity membership worldwide totals 290,000.

“The year 2023 was a banner year in tourism that brought us an unprecedented 8 million plus in visitor arrivals,” said DPM Cooper. “Meetings, Incentive, Conferences & Exhibitions, what we call the MICE industry, accounts for 40% of all tourism business to The Bahamas. Fraternities are an important subset of the overall MICE market.

MICE is a high growth market that delivers large numbers of visitors per event, hundreds, and in some cases thousands of visitors. This is a sector that we are pursuing vigorously, with the overall goal of increasing our stop-over visitor numbers.”

In 2023, The Bahamas experienced a 25% increase in MICE business over pre-pandemic levels. According to the Incentive Research Foundation, in 2024, companies across the United States are forecast to increase their budget allocations for incentive programmes by 37%.

This development bodes well for The Bahamas, which has posi-

tioned itself as a leading destination for the MICE market in the Caribbean.

al and Mechanical University (FAMU).

The Florida Federation of Alpha Chapters’ Alpha Day on the Hill Event is an annual event held in Tallahassee, the Capitol of Florida, during the start of the Florida’s legislature session. The goal of the event is to hear from legislators on various bills and legislation and to advocate for issues and concerns impacting the African American community.

ABOUT THE BAHAMAS The Bahamas has over 700 islands and cays, as well as 16 unique island destinations. Located only 50 miles off the coast of Florida, it offers a quick and easy way for travellers to escape their everyday. The island nation also boasts world-class fishing, diving, boating and thousands of miles of some of the earth’s most spectacular beaches for families, couples and adventurers to explore. See why It’s Better in The Bahamas at www.bahamas.com

DPM Cooper will conclude his trip to Tallahassee with a courtesy call on Dr. Larry Robinson, President of Florida Agricultur-

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER I would have talked less and listened more. I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded. I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth. I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been styled. I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains. I would have cried and laughed less while watching television - and more while watching life.

If I had my life to live over, I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren’t there for the day. I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn’t show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I’d have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me I would never have said, “Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.”

If I had my life to live over, there would have been more “I love yous”... more “I’m sorrys”...but mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute... look at it and really see it...live it...and never give it back.

Be courageous and bold. When you look back on your life, you’ll regret the things you didn’t do more than the ones you did.

Dieting Tips for Seniors

Fewer Calories/ More Protein

ideal, and the phases could be hard to comprehend.

For Amy Campbell, a registered dietitian and diabetes educator, the DASH, TLC and Mediterranean diets stood out as smart choices for older adults, because they’re good for weight loss as well as controlling conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

“For diets in general, it’s best to try and make it easy and fit comfortably into a person’s life,” Campbell says. “Ones that promote good health but are as easy to follow as possible.”

Simplicity and Balance

As with anyone, overweight and obesity can be issues for seniors, Campbell says. “People are living longer, so we’re seeing more of it in older adults.” And, she says, “As we get older, our calorie needs go down. People don’t need to eat as much as they did when they were 20 or 30.” Older women generally need anywhere from 1,600 to 2,200 calories per day, depending how active they are, Campbell says, while younger women need about 1,800 to 2,200 daily. For older men, the range is 2,000 to 2,800 calories per day, compared with 2,200 to 3,200 calories for younger men.

Michael Davidson, director of preventive cardiology at the University of Chicago Medical Center and a Best Diets panelist, says Weight Watchers and diets with similar structures score well because of their simplicity. With Weight Watchers, for instance, foods are assigned different points, which you add up daily to stay at your personal target, which is based on your sex, weight, height and age. “You don’t have to do a lot of thinking about what type of balance of foods or menu plans,” Davidson says, which may be somewhat more challenging for seniors.

Frail elderly people face different issues. “One concern for older people is getting enough protein,” Campbell says. “We need more as we age.” A lack of protein puts people at risk for lower immune function and osteoporosis.

Long-term compliance was an important factor in ranking diets, Davidson says: “What can be a lifelong change instead of just a short-term fix for the patient?”

Therefore, he says, “it’s really more about variety and food choices, as opposed to portion sizes, that are applicable to an elderly individual.

So it’s the kind of diet I prefer for those patients.”

You don’t necessarily have to follow a specific diet, she says, “just a well-rounded diet with extra protein.” That means making the most of the calories you take in, she says, not just eating a bowl of cereal for dinner or making entire meals of toast and tea. “You don’t need animal protein in every meal,” says Campbell, who praises lentils, beans and chickpeas as great sources of inexpensive protein to round out meals.

Campbell says a very low-fat plan like the Ornish diet might be less appropriate and harder for seniors to follow. Similarly, she says, the Biggest Loser diet would not be

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Davidson sometimes sees iron deficiency in frail older patients.

“They don’t eat enough red meat; they don’t get enough iron in the diet,” he says. Although the paleo diet was lower-ranking among the Best Diets, he says “it could be a good diet. It’s had a little bit of a hype to it, but the principles are not far off, such as people eating more complex carbohydrates and more lean meats.” He points out that constipation can be an issue for seniors on low-carb, low-fiber diets.

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Bishop Victor T. Curry

Activist, Pastor and Leading Entrepreneur Greatness is what our history is made of.

We Proudly Celebrate Black History Month.

TheChildrensTrust.org

Girls of Transformation Mentoring Program, Inc. GWP is a creative biblical based mentoring program designed to groom our girls in various areas to pursue a life of purpose. The program purpose is to help girls know and understand God created them for and with a purpose. The program will help build a firm foundation for a purpose filled life through mentorship, life skills training, exposure to various community service, and faith. At GWP we teach our girls how to be accountable for their actions and learn how to foresee the consequences that are exacerbated by their choices. Girls are taught about delayed gratification and self-love in a safe, validating, and fun environment.

The program includes a number of empowering and enrichment activities, but our overall goal is to help girls become prepared for a productive and purpose filled life.

​ WP gives our girls the encouragement G to think of themselves, not just now, but to focus on their future selves. GWP charges its young ladies to redirect their focus on their dreams and aspirations to set them on the path of fulfilling their purpose. Helping our girls understand their reason for life (purpose), works hand in hand with the development of vision for their lives. Envisioning one’s purpose can bring clarity of the need of change behaviors and decision-making that will align with a purpose driven life.

We want this for all our girls.

pose Mentorship Program is mentor-led and all activities focus on helping participants improve their social and interpersonal skills, self-esteem, identity, and vision for their future as they advance through their academic careers and personal growth. Each vision is unique and our mentors provide the flexibility needed to assist each young lady with her personal vision. The program is 12-weeks held every Saturday from 10:00am2:00pm. Each graduate who completes 85% of the program will receive a certificate of completion.

Each youth will be assigned a mentor during and up to one year beyond the program’s end. The mentor/mentee relationship is driven by the participant’s interests and goals, and is integral to the success of the program. Girls with Pur-

Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s PURPOSE that prevails.

PROVERBS 19:21 (NLT)

INSPIRE HEALTH

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