THE MOST WIDELY CIRCUL ATED CARIBBEAN AMERICAN NEWSPAPER IN FLORIDA
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THURSDAY NOVEMBER 21, 2024
God On The Fence Broward Schools to reconsider policy on religious signs after lawsuit Religious signs may soon have no place in Broward County Public Schools, as the district grapples with a heated debate over its policy on school fence banners.
The controversy emerged after Chaz Stevens, a Deerfield Beach activist and founder of the 'Church of Satanology,' asked school officials if he could hang a banner promoting his group outside Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
What began as a routine display of sponsorship banners has ignited a firestorm of legal challenges and public outcry, pitting religious groups against one another and prompting the school board to reconsider its policies. The controversy emerged after Chaz Stevens, a Deerfield Beach activist and founder of the 'Church of Satanology,' asked school officials if he could hang a banner promoting his group outside Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. His banner proposal included the phrase “Satan is here for the pick sixes.” Stevens said it should not have been an issue since there was already a banner outside the school advertising a local church. District officials eventually responded, and said the church sign would come down: “Based on the district's advertising policy, the banner has been removed.” continues on A5 – God on the fence
Jamaican-American Denise Grant sworn in as Lauderhill's first Black woman mayor In a historic milestone, JamaicanAmerican Denise Grant was officially sworn in as Mayor of Lauderhill, Florida, on Tuesday. Grant secured her victory in the 2024 General Election on November 5 with a commanding 62.57% of the vote, defeating Lawrence “Jabbow” Martin, who garnered 37.43%. The final vote tally showed Grant receiving 16,141 votes to Martin's 9,657, solidifying her place as the city's first Black
woman mayor. Speaking at her swearing-in ceremony, Grant reflected on the significance of her achievement, saying, “I'm very much aware of the historic moment that we are witnessing for various reasons, culturally and otherwise. But understand this, though we all come from various backgrounds, it is one Lauderhill and we will be one voice together. I am a Jamaican-American,
and I care very much about my heritage, my roots, as well as the diaspora. But understand this, from this position, I will be mayor for all.” Lauderhill, often referred to as “Jamaica Hill” for its significant Jamaican population and vibrant Jamaican-owned businesses, has been a hub of Caribbean culture since its establishment on
June 20, 1959. Despite its close ties to Jamaica—including official city colors of yellow and green—Grant's election marks the first time a woman of Jamaican descent or a Black woman of any background has held the city's highest office. During her address, Grant outlined her vision for the city and the principles guiding her leadership. “My term in office will be determined by the values which were set, as well as my spiritual belief in fairness, equity, and moral conduct,” she said. “The journey ahead for us is not going to be an easy one, but continues on B3 – Denise Grant
WHAT’S INSIDE NEWSMAKER Audley Shaw 'Man a Yaad' to exit representational politics a3
CARIBBEAN Belize denies entry to 11 Jamaicans, including ve children A5
WOMEN IN FOCUS Honored for immigrant advocacy in Brooklyn B1
entertainment Everton Blender celebrates 70th birthday with star-studded event in Miramar B5