The Gospel Truth March 2024

Sandy Walker

My Father, My God,

I honor You as I reflect on Your grace, Your mercy and Your love. I thank You for the opportunity to enjoy today and every day. You are an amazing and awesome God. I thank You Father for blessing me with health and happiness and with the love of a supportive family. I pray that You will order my steps so that my path leads to a destiny that has been chosen by You. Keep me focused, Dear Lord, on what is ahead. Help me to be the best me that I can be. Help me to look beyond myself and my comforts to see the needs and concerns of others. As I see those needs Father place a yearning in my spirit to act upon them. Make me an instrument of Your love. Lord give me total trust that You will handle every situation and every hardship that I may encounter. Remind me that You are in charge at all times. Help me Dear Lord to love others with the same love that You bestow upon me. Help me to accept others as You accept me. Help me to be still and know that You are God every moment of every day. Always and forever. - AMEN

By: Veronica Carey Buie

Author Michelle Obama, quoted in her book “Becoming”, a statement that has empowered many mothers over the years. She stated, “A strong mom can conquer any mountain, with her children by her side.”

Tracey Lyons is a mom who has had to be strong for her family, her community and for other mothers. Tracey is the mother of Marlin L. Goodluck who lost his life to senseless gun-violence on May 23, 2017. Through years of tears and by faith she has chosen to push past the pain to find strength and purpose to help empower others.

Tracey recalls her son Marlin as a loving, beautiful and talented child. She named him Marlin because she literally gave birth to him on October 27, 1997 when the Miami Marlins won their first 1997 MLB World Series. She knew right then there was something special about him.

By the time Marlin reached the age of 10 he was registered for Pop Warner. His favorite NFL team was the Miami Dolphins. Not only did Marlin love football, he excelled at it. He played Quarterback throughout his entire football journey. He played QB for Goulds Optimist/Goulds Rams as well as for South Dade Senior High and later for The Palmetto Raiders.

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.”

Two years later while preparing to attend Post University to continue his football career, little did Marlin know that one ordinary evening would change his life forever. On May 23, 2017, while going to get pizza, Marlin Goodluck tragically lost his life as the result of a stray bullet intended for someone else. Marlin was 19. Now, six years later, Tracey Lyons and others founded the Marlin Goodluck Foundation and hosts the annual Marlin Goodluck Football Camp. They’re on a mission to keep Marlin’s legacy alive.

Mrs. Gloria Anderson Williams, is Pastor of Anderson Place of Hope Outreach Center and has served since 2005. She is also Director of Community Expressive Art Youth Group a faith-based organization she established in 1998 in Goulds, Florida. Anderson Place of Hope Outreach Center provides food and clothes to individuals as well as minister to senior citizens in nursing homes and throughout the community. The Community Expressive Art Youth Group program is designed to assist parents by exposing their children to positive and expressive art forms. Gloria’s passion for outreach and compassion for children has given her a sense of purpose in life and a vital role in strengthening “The Village”.

Gloria A. Williams is a native of South Florida and is the fifth of

Pastor Gloria Williams IT TAKES A VILLAGE

“There is help for our Children”

by: Veronica Carey Buie

six children. Her parents Charles Arthur and Dora Anderson raised she and her siblings in Richmond Heights, Florida teaching them strong family values and life lessons that would lead them to their God-given purpose in life. As a product of Richmond Heights, her educational journey consisted of attending: Frank C. Martin Elementary, Richmond Elementary, Richmond Jr. High, Killian Senior High, Miami-Dade Community College, University of Miami and finally FIU where she obtained a BA degree, her Master degree and her Dr. of Divinity degree.

At a very early age Gloria was inspired by both of her parents who instilled in each of their children the importance of unity, integrity, service and giving back. She recalls how her father was a wise man and

had a mind for business. In 1961 he opened the first black grocery store in Richmond Heights called Fare Deal. Years later in 1968 he purchased property in Goulds and opened a second grocery store and called it Anderson Grocery Store. Their father used his stores not only to conduct business but to start an outreach ministry. He gave back to the community with what The Lord blessed him with. He didn’t just give to blacks, he gave to all people. He would always emphasize the importance of unity and outreach. Just as he helped people through outreach back then, she now has a charge to keep by reaching out to the children through the Community Expressive Arts program. Parents need to know that help is available through this program which can assist them because…it takes a village.

At the age of six, Gloria began taking piano lessons and fell in love with music. She sang in the choir at Martin Memorial…led by Ms. Paramore who is still alive at age 101. Through the years she became even more involved in music and the arts. She studied voice and music from the time she attended Killian to Miami-Dade, from Miami-Dade to University of Miami, from University of Miami to FIU where she obtained a BA degree. Gloria grew up working in the very store her father owned which helped to pay her way through college. After college she recalls somehow helping out a relative who owned a Day Care Center. She found herself assisting with the children and taking an interest in teaching them new things. Children are so eager to learn. That’s when she recognized her purpose. Her passion for the arts and her passion for children in the community would be manifested in the program that would later be called A Community Expressive Arts Youth Group.

Gloria went on to teach Elementary Education from 1978 to 2018…40 years of investing in children. Her passion to guide, inspire and bring out the best (gifts) in young people is indeed her super-power. Residents of Richmond Heights, Gloria and her husband Elder Arthur L. Williams of 45 years, serve together in both the outreach ministry as well as the Community Arts program. They are parents to four

lovely children; Arnitris Williams, Dr. Anthony Williams, Artesha Bell and Arnia Williams. Their daughter Arnitris Williams is co-founder of the Community Expressive Arts Youth Group. By God’s grace Gloria’s mother, Dora Anderson, at the age 96 years old is still going strong. She is Gloria’s forever source of inspiration. Just as Gloria’s parents expected their children to do great things, she expects each child in the program to excel by reaching their full potential in their chosen careers such as law, medicine, the military or the arts. She expects nothing less than greatness.

Her favorite scriptures: “What then shall we say: If God be for us, who can be against us.”

Romans 8:31

“With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Matthew 19:26

A special congratulations to Pastor Gloria Williams as she recently announced the launching of her first book. Congratulations.

Book Release

Date: March 16, 202411:00AM -3:00PM

Location: Dadeland Marriott, Luncheon

Author: Pastor Gloria A. Williams

Title:: The Love of My Life; Bad and Good in Marriage

About the Community Expressive Arts Youth Group

• A non-profit, faith-based organization

• Founded in 1998 by Gloria A. Williams and daughter Arnitris Williams

• Funding Source: GOD and welcomed donations

• Located in Goulds, Florida

• Eligibility: Children ages 4 to 18 of all ethnic backgrounds

• The program runs from November to April each year

• Transportation is available

• There is no charge for children to participate

• Parents/guardians much register the child(ren)

• Events children will participate in: Poetry Contest, Parades and Performing Arts

• Activities / Arts Taught include Singing, Dancing, Acting, Auditorial Speaking, Writing, Reading, Voice, Painting, Learning to play Musical Instruments, Drum-line, Etiquette, Mentoring

For more information on the Community Expressive Arts Youth Program or to contact

Pastor Glorida A. Williams: 786-262-4774

gwilliams1056@gmail.com

Historic Southwest Homestead Neighborhood Begins Affordable Housing Development

On Thursday, February 15, 2024 in Southwest Homestead, history was set in motion as the Triangle Development Demolition Kick-Off unfolded at 238 SW 5th Street. The Homestead CRA Chairman, Steven Losner, took center stage to spearhead the celebratory occasion, flanked by the esteemed Board Members, Jenifer Bailey and Larry Roth, CRA Director Kametra Driver, and CRA Staff.

Chairman Losner opened the proceedings, setting the tone for what promised to be a landmark event in the neighborhood’s revitalization. The Triangle Development, nestled in the heart of Historic Southwest Homestead, symbolized not just a physical transformation but a beacon of hope for the community.

As the Triangle Development Demolition Kick-Off unfolded, the event became a symbol of collective optimism. Chairman Losner, Board Members Bailey and Roth, CRA Director Kametra Driver, and CRA Staff stood united in their commitment to a brighter future. The Triangle Development, with its demolition heralding a new beginning, marked a crucial step toward revitalizing Southwest Homestead and creating a legacy that would endure for generations to come.

About Triangle Development Demolition:

Triangle Development Demolition is a mixed-use development that incorporates affordable housing, market-rate housing, and commercial components; 51% of units on parcels conveyed from Miami-Dade County qualifying as affordable (defined at 80% of Area Median Income) Enabling commercial activities that contribute to neighborhood activation and economic development; and Inclusion of amenities which will be attractive and beneficial to residents of the surrounding area and to residents and/or patrons of the development; these may include (but are not limited to) meaningful open and green spaces, water recreation-related amenities (e.g., splash pad, swimming pool), parking, public spaces, and multimodal accommodations such as shared bicycle stops/racks.

About Homestead CRA:

The goal of the CRA is to combat neighborhood deterioration and eliminate economic blight in the designated Community Redevelopment Area. The work program for the CRA is defined in its Community Redevelopment Plan which includes comprehensive strategies and activities that will serve as catalysts to revitalize the area.

The Carrie Meek Foundation And Miami-Dade County Award $7.2 Million Through 82 Local Grants

Building Safer Communities

Supporting Safer Communities Program will implement Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava’s Community Violence Intervention Initiative

The Carrie Meek Foundation, Inc., has awarded an unprecedented $7.2 million in grant funding through the Supporting Safer Communities Grant Program (SSC Program), a component of Miami-Dade County’s Community Violence Intervention Initiative (CVI). The 82 awardees, selected through a community-informed, competitive evaluation process, will lead projects and programs that strengthen Miami-Dade County’s community-based response to gun violence and improve safety in neighborhoods.

The awards invest in four service areas of anti-violence work:

• High-risk interventions that deploy trusted, trained adults to safely identify, interrupt and address instances of violence;

• Reentry services that provide resources and opportunities for those return-

ing from incarceration to successfully reintegrate into the community and achieve a positive, fresh start;

• Culturally sensitive mental health support for survivors and individuals directly and indirectly impacted by gun violence; and

• Grassroots, neighborhood-rooted efforts that address the three areas above and use anti-violence strategies to improve safety and well-being in communities.

“Miami-Dade County, in partnership with The Carrie Meek Foundation, is taking historic steps to curb gun violence,” said County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “Our residents deserve to live free from the threat of gun violence and so we are investing in a multipronged approach to not only reduce these crimes, but also address their underlying causes. Through the Sup-

porting Safer Communities Program, we’re making meaningful investments in grassroots and community organizations that are working to reduce gun violence and ensure all residents can thrive.”

The SSC Program is a partnership between The Carrie Meek Foundation and Miami-Dade County’s Office of Neighborhood Safety. Sponsored by Kionne McGhee, District 9 County Commissioner, with unanimous support from the Board of County Commissioners, Mayor Daniella Levine Cava invested $8.9 million in the Community Violence Intervention Initiative to combat gun violence by increasing access to available resources, mobilizing residents and amplifying efforts to increase safety across Miami-Dade.

“Investing in our communities is an

Photos by: Armando Rodriguez for Miami Dade County

essential step towards building safer neighborhoods. The grants awarded through the Supporting Safer Communities Grant Program will empower local organizations to implement effective anti-violence strategies and address the root causes of gun violence,” said Commissioner McGhee. “I am proud to support these grassroots organizations and provide pathways for funding, as it aligns with my mission to create awareness and find solutions. Together, we can create a future where every resident of Miami-Dade County feels safe and supported.”

The Carrie Meek Foundation received 246 proposals to the SSC Program between April 5 and May 12, 2023. Nonprofits, grassroots groups, residents, small neighborhood-based organizations, faith-based organizations, civic and other community-serving institutions were eligible to apply. They collectively requested more than $83 million in funding. All proposals were evaluated by members of the community with a cross section of experience and knowledge in the program service areas. Awardees will have 18 months to complete their programs and projects.

“The 82 program awardees represent

the best of Miami-Dade: bold leaders with a deep commitment to curbing gun violence and strengthening the neighborhoods they serve,” said Lucia Davis-Raiford, president and CEO of The Carrie Meek Foundation. “They are building coalitions, organizing response efforts, and meeting the needs of impacted communities block by block. This investment puts real resources where they are needed most, helping ensure ALL Miami-Dade residents have the opportunity to live a safe, fulfilling life.”

The Foundation will further invest in the organizations through capacity building, training, and technical assistance support to ensure they successfully implement their programs. Many projects will depend on community support. Visit CarrieMeekFoundation. org/SaferCommunity to learn more about the awardees and how to help advance their work.

About The Carrie Meek Foundation:

The Carrie Meek Foundation, Inc. was founded by Congresswoman Carrie P. Meek to advance her vision for civically engaged, well-resourced and resilient communities. We help improve the lives of residents in Miami-Dade Coun-

ty and the larger South Florida community through Education, Housing, Health, and Economic Development. Learn more about how we put her legacy into action at CarrieMeekFoundation.org

Supporting Safer Communities Grant Program Awardees

Grassroots Groups – $2.2 million

• Amplify Community Resources

• BAMN Robotics Corporation

• Black Men Build Miami

• Brownsville Civic Neighborhood Center

• Coconut Grove Optimist Club

• Crime Stoppers of Miami Dade County, Inc

• CVCA and Bee Amaze

• Do Good 41

• Dozier and Dozier Construction Academy, Corp.

• El Ingenio, Inc.

• Friends of South Florida Music

• Haitian Cultural Arts Alliance

• Hope for Communities, Inc.

• Keeping a Dream Alive, Inc

• Lashawntay T. Howard Youth Offender Center

• Mahogany Youth Corporation

• Miami Youth Garden, Inc.

• Mothers Fighting 4 Justice

• Nana’s Restart, Inc.

• Omega Activity Center Foundation, Inc.

• Opa-locka Civic Club

• Papa Keith For People Matter, Inc.

• Project T.H.U.G.

• Silent Victims of Crime

• SPROUT Up, Inc.

• Survivors Affected By Violence The Jack Brown III Foundation, Inc.

• Survivors Helping Survivors Collaborative

• Tech Girl Power: STEM Glow Up

• Teen Up-Ward Bound, Inc

• The Home Team - Miami, Inc.

• The Optimist Foundation of Greater Goulds

• Uplift Literacy

High Risk Interventions -$1.7 million

• Affirming Youth Foundation

• Belfonte TACOLCY Center

• Coalition of Florida Farmworkers Org, Inc.

• The Childrens VillageThe Resource Room

• Community Youth Against Violence

• Genesis Hopeful Haven, Inc.

• Girl Scout Council of Tropical Florida, Inc.

• Global Speech and Rehab Services

• Guitars Over Guns Organization

• Historic Hampton House

• Leisure City/Modello Optimist Club of Florida, Inc.

• Multi-Ethnic Youth Group Association

• (M.E.Y.G.A. Learning Center)

• Overtown Optimist Club

• Overtown Youth Center

• Pi Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

• Police Athletic League of North Miami

• Rhaming’s Safe Haven

• RJT Foundation, Inc.

• The S.E.E.K. Foundation

• Three Virtues Organization

• Transition, Inc.

• YWCA

Mental Health and Survivors Support –$1.6 million

• Be Strong International

• Center for Equitable Access and Treatment of Trauma

• Children’s Bereavement Center

• Girl Power

• Healing and Justice Center

• Hip Rock Star Media

• Hope 4 Tomorrow

• Jackson Health Foundation

• Mentally FITT, Inc.

• Noricia Talabert Dream Foundation

• Prosperity Social & Community Development Group, Inc.

• South Florida Black Male Mental Health and Wellness Project

• The Women’s Fund

• ThoughtSwitch

• TMCS Community Cares

• The Trayvon Martin Foundation

Reentry Services – $1.6 million

• An Umbrella of Hope Re-Entry Coalition

• Beyond the Bars

• Children of Inmates, Inc.

• Empowerment Zone Reentry Initiative, Inc. (EZRI)

• Ex-Felons Against Crime Through Out Reach, Inc.

• (EX.F.A.C.T.O.R.)

• Florida Justice Center

• Hope Mission Foundation

• Ladies Empowerment and Action Program (LEAP)

• OIC of South Florida, Inc.

• Shozanio’s Place

• The Alternative Programs, Inc.

• URGENT, Inc.

An Honorable Evening with Black Judges

By Veronica Carey Buie

Thurgood Marshall, the first Black Supreme Court Justice, once said, “Sometime history takes things into its own hands.”

There couldn’t have been a more befitting statement by Justice Thurgood Marshall for the occasion that took place on the evening of February 22, 2024 at New Mount Olive Baptist Church in Ft. Lauderdale where Dr. Marcus Davidson serves as Senior Pastor. It was quite a unique occurrence to witness nearly 20 judges, consisting of Circuit Court Judges, County Court Judges, Judicial Magistrates and Retired Judges, being introduced, entering in single-file formation into the sanctuary and taking their seats before a congregation full of anticipated guests. In observance of Black History Month and NAACP 2024 Founder’s Day, The Fort Lauderdale/ Broward Branch of The NAACP hosted An Evening with The Black Judges. The event was moderated by Marsha A. Ellison, President of the NAACP Fort Lauderdale/Broward Chapter. Sonya Burrows of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. delivered the welcome, followed by Bobby DuBose of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. making a

Membership Appeal to attendants. Patricia Carter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority opened the evening’s event with Prayer. Of course every respected Black History program must include the collective singing of Lift Every Voice & Sing led by Bridgette Howard of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. The Occasion was addressed by Gordon Weekes, Jr. of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. An evening of amazing Black History was well under way.

The evening with the judges was no average Black History program. This event was an opportunity to witness a unique and rare occasion of nearly 20 honorable African-American Judges assembled in one place on one evening to remind us from whence we’ve come as a people. This forum provided guests to get to know them on a more personal level. They were each given a few moments to personally introduce themselves, share what inspired them or influenced them to pursue a career in law and justice and their tenure on the bench.

The program then shifted to a Q&A session. Judge Ilona M. Holmes was given the charge to pose questions to each

Justice with a one-minute response time. Based on 1 Thessalonians 5:12: “Know those that labor among you.” Judge Holmes asked the following same questions to each Justice:

• What do you think your goal is in the community?

• What is the role of a Judge?

• Given an opportunity to have a conversation with either Justice Thurgood Marshall or Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, which would you choose?

• Share something interesting about you no one knows.

Interestingly enough, the responses of the Justices choosing either Supreme Court Justice Marshall or Jackson, voted: Marshall-11 and Jackson-5.

The evening came to an end as Moderator Marsha A. Ellison recognized several dignitaries present and invited Dr. Marcus Davidson, Senior Pastor of New Mount Olive to give final remarks and the benediction. An Evening with The Black Judges was another significant page in our black history.

being the first to rise, of maybe it’s the unbounded joy of not having to be at work. Either way, the first few hours of a Saturday morning are most enjoyable.

A few weeks ago, I was shuffling toward the kitchen, with a steaming cup of coffee in one hand and the morning paper in the other. What began as a typical Saturday morning turned into one of those lessons that life seems to hand you from time to time.

Let me tell you about it. I turned the volume up on my radio in order to listen to a Saturday morning talk show. I heard an older sounding chap with a golden voice. You know the kind, he sounded like he should be in the broadcasting business himself.

He was talking about “a thousand marbles” to someone named “Tom”. I was intrigued and sat down to listen to what he had to say. “Well, Tom, it sure sounds like you’re busy with your job. I’m sure they pay you well but it’s a shame you have to be away from home and your family so much. Hard to believe a young fellow should have to work sixty or seventy hours a week to make ends meet. Too bad you missed your

years. I know, some live more and some live less, but on average, folks live about seventy-five years.” “Now then, I multiplied 75 times 52 and I came up with 3900 which is the number of Saturdays that the average person has in their entire lifetime.

“Now stick with me Tom, I’m getting to the important part. “It took me until I was fifty-five years old to think about all this in any detail”, he went on, “and by that time I had lived through over twenty-eight hundred Saturdays. “I got to thinking that if I lived to be seventy-five, I only had about a thousand of them left to enjoy. “So I went to a toy store and bought every single marble they had. I ended up having to visit three toy stores to round-up 1000 marbles. “I took them home and put them inside of a large, clear plastic container right here in my workshop next to the radio. Every Saturday since then, I have taken one marble out and thrown it away.

marble out of the container. I figure if I make it until next Saturday then God has blessed me with a little extra time to be with my loved ones...... “It was nice to talk to you Tom, I hope you spend more time with your loved ones, and I hope to meet you again someday. Have a good morning!”

You could have heard a pin drop when he finished. Even the show’s moderator didn’t have anything to say for a few moments. I guess he gave us all a lot to think about. I had planned to do some work that morning, then go to the gym. Instead, I went upstairs and woke my wife up with a kiss. “C’mon honey, I’m taking you and the kids to breakfast.” “What brought this on?” she asked with a smile. “Oh, nothing special,” I said. “ It has just been a long time since we spent a Saturday together with the kids. Hey, can we stop at a toy store while we’re out? I need to buy some marbles.”

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Partners with Paramount Pictures on the Release of the new “Bob Marley: One Love” Film to Provide Social Justice Scholarships

The partnership will support ten social impact scholarships for select HBCUs

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) announced its collaboration with Paramount Pictures for the highly anticipated BOB MARLEY: ONE LOVE film which hit theaters on February 14, 2024. The CBCF has been selected as the film’s nonprofit partner to provide The Bob Marley: One Love Social Impact Scholarships to support students pursuing degrees in social justice related programs.

“The message of unity and love in the Bob Marley: One Love movie reinforces the resolve required to meet the generational challenges faced by diverse emerging leaders through a steadfast commitment to progress,” said Nicole Austin-Hillery, CBCF President and CEO. “Developing future leaders is central to our mission of advancing the global Black community by preparing the next generation to lead in public service and policy development. We are proud to add the One Love Social Impact scholarship opportunity as another option to help relieve financial barriers to higher education for students of color.”

The Bob Marley: One Love Social Impact Scholarships honor Marley’s legacy as a cultural icon and his message of unity by supporting ten rising sophomore, junior, and senior students with $5,000 scholarships in pursuit of degrees in community organizing, nonprofit management, public policy, or social justice related degree programs who are attending selected Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Paramount Pictures is giving $50,000 to support the ten scholarships that will be awarded to students attending Bowie State University, Clark Atlanta University, Dillard University, Florida A&M University, Hampton University, Morehouse College, Morgan State University, Spelman College, Texas Southern University, and Xavier Univer-

sity of Louisiana. Applications are open April 1 through April 30, 2024. To apply, students can visit https://cbcfinc. academicworks.com/.

“Bob Marley’s commitment to creating a better world is the driving force behind his musical legacy,” said Marc Weinstock, President Worldwide Marketing and Distribution for Paramount Pictures. “Empowering a new generation to take the reins on shaping that world is one way to honor the values that Bob embodied, and we are proud to partner with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation to move that mission forward.”

BOB MARLEY: ONE LOVE celebrates the life and music of an icon who inspired generations through his message of love and unity. On the big screen for the first time, discover Bob’s powerful story of overcoming adversity and the journey behind his revolutionary music. Produced in partnership with the Marley family and starring Kingsley Ben-Adir as the legendary musician and Lashana Lynch as his wife Rita, BOB MARLEY: ONE LOVE premiered February 14, 2024.

For additional information on CBCF and to learn more about The Bob Marley: One Love Social Impact Scholarships, visit cbcfinc.org.

About the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation:

Established in 1976, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) is a non-partisan, nonprofit, public policy, research, and educational institute committed to advancing the global Black community by developing leaders, informing policy and educating the public. For more information, visit cbcfinc.org.