The Gospel Truth July 2022

A Lifetime of Servanthood:

State Rep. Dr. James Bush III brings millions to District 109

PUBLISHER

Sandy Walker

Publisher’s Prayer

Sandy Walker

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Sommer W. Davis

EDITOR

Jamil Rivers

CIRCULATION MANAGER

Robert Walker

PRODUCTION ASSISTANT

My Father, My God:

LaDonna Fennell

Father, in the Name of Jesus:

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Moderator Johnny L. Barber

Anika Madison

Anika Madison

I am eternally grateful for the love You continue to bestow upon me. You love me unconditionally with all of my issues and all of my faults. You love me, Father, in spite of myself. I thank You for being with me always. I am comforted by the knowledge that You are with me every moment of my life.

Sandy Walker Publisher

The Gospel Truth Magazine 11285 SW 211th St. Suite 208 Cutler Bay, FL 33189 (786)295-5596 | sandygtnews@aol.com www.thegospeltruthnews.com facebook.com/TheGospelTruthMagazine/

Lord as I navigate this wonderful journey called life I am eternally thankful for the love you continue to surround me with. I am thankful for the love and support of my amazing family. There is nothing I have done or could ever do to earn the blessings You continue to bestow upon me. Father I pray to be a blessing to others as you so generously bless me. You, my Lord are so worthy to be praised.

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All is well with my soul as I focus my attention solely on You. I am thankful as I breathe the air You so graciously provide to me each day. How wonderful it is to be Your child. How wonderful it is to know that You are in charge. I am thankful Dear Lord for the blessings You continue to bestow. Father I know that I am in no way worthy of all that You give to me. You give me peace and love. You give me food to nourish my body. You give me all that I need to survive. Your blessings are so much appreciated as You place the right people in my life and in my path each day. I know Father that You are also placing me in the path of others so that I might do Your will in being a blessing as well. Keep my eyes open, Dear Lord, so that I might see those in need.

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Father I pray for peace during these uncertain times. As much as we try to figure it all out, Lord You already know. When I find myself pondering the circumstances of the day I take comfort in the fact that You are in charge! Nothing will happen that You don’t allow and nothing will happen that You cannot stop. I realize Dear Lord that it is not my job to understand. It is my job to be faithful and to trust that with You all is well, at all times.

This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it. Father thank You for this day. Today You give me the free will to do as I please. I get to make decisions as to how I will spend my time this day. For that choice I am thankful. Lord I thank You for my health and for the health of my family. I thank You for peace of mind and for a desire to live a life that is pleasing to You. You are the source of my strength. You provide calm in the middle of the storms.

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Father I pray for all of Your children who are feeling pain, frustration and lack. I pray Dear Lord that they will seek You in every situation and circumstance. I pray that Your name will be the one that they call out to for relief. Continue my Lord to dwell in the hearts of Your children as an eternal source of love. Thank You today and every day. I am proud to be Your child. -- AMEN

To God be the Glory. -- AMEN

Today is an awesome day. Today I breathe. Today I laugh. Today I feel the sunshine on my face. Today I am surrounded by love. It is a blessing to live in the land of the living. Father You have numbered our days. Only You know the beginning and the ending. We live based on Your timetable and Yours alone. Each day is a gift in every sense of the word.

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PUBLISHER

Sandy Walker

EDITOR

J. Rivers

As children of God we get to decide what we will do with each day. Will you laugh or will you cry? Will you need comfort or provide comfort to someone else? Choose to be thankful for the days, hours and the minutes you are blessed with. Enjoy life, and bring joy to the lives of others. Make a commitment to not only live a good life, but to live a God life. Be blessed and be a blessing.

Sommer Davis

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To God be the Glory! -- AMEN

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Dr. Walter T. Richardson, a prominent religious leader and public servant, was voted chairman of the Public Health Trust (PHT) Board of Trustees, Jackson Health System’s governing board. Dr. Richardson, who previously served as PHT vice-chairman, is replacing outgoing chairman, William J. Heffernan.

“Dr. Richardson is a pillar of our community who understands the unique role we play in ensuring everyone in Miami-Dade County has access to world-class health care,” said Carlos A. Migoya, CEO of Jackson Health System. “He’s been a tireless supporter and advocate for our patients and employees, and I look forward to working alongside him as we continue to build a future for Jackson where innovation, expertise, and compassionate care are at the forefront of everything we do.”

A fifth generation preacher, Dr. Richardson became pastor of Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church in Perrine in 1983, then a small community of faith with 125 members who met for worship twice a month. Under Dr. Richardson’s leadership, the membership blossomed, resulting in a larger sanctuary being built and the congregation growing to become a megachurch with multiple worship services each Sunday. Pastor emeritus at Sweet Home, Dr. Richardson retired in 2010.

Dr. Richardson currently serves as a chaplain for the Miami-Dade Police Department and is an accomplished author. From 1989 to 2015, he served as adjunct professor of religion at St. Thomas University where he taught world religions, which focused on beliefs such as Judaism, Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Dr. Richardson is called upon frequently to speak on the various religious expressions of faith.

An articulate advocate for social justice, Dr. Richardson has been a leading voice for social change throughout the state of Florida. His voice and opinions are sought after

to address issues that negatively affect the marginalized; whether women, the Black community, or any other disenfranchised groups. He is also the recipient of many awards, honors, and proclamations recognizing his dynamic work. Dr. Richardson has emerged as one of the most well-known, spirit-filled preachers, activists, and educators of our time.

“Jackson Health System is undoubtedly one of our community’s most valuable resources and, as a former patient, I can attest that the lifesaving work done throughout the health system is awe-inspiring,” said Dr. Richardson. “Having the opportunity to lead the Public Health Trust Board of Trustees is a great responsibility, and an honor that I do not take lightly, or for granted.”

A Miami native who currently lives in south Miami-Dade County, Dr. Richardson is married to M. Dolores and has two children, Walter and LaKisha, 12 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

A Lifetime of Servanthood: State Rep. Dr. James Bush III brings millions to District 109

By: Australia Gordon

State Representative Dr. James Bush III has been a leading figure in the Miami community for nearly 40 years. The Panama City, Florida-raised preacher’s son says an international tragedy inspired his transformation from aspiring toward a career that might bring popularity and exchanging that for something more significant.

“My father was a pastor, and I overheard him talk about attending Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s funeral,” Bush remembers. “I asked him to let me go. He agreed, and I went up there to Atlanta with him and his preacher friends.”

The three-time state representative says seeing Dr. King in a state of repose awakened in him a resolve to dedicate his life to creating solutions for his community.

“I was a pretty good athlete. I was thinking about pursuing athletics,” Bush shares. “But, that moment, I made a commitment to serve others.” Bush stated that he was considered a civil rights baby because he was born in 1955, the same year that the civil rights movement ignited with Rosa Parks refusing to give up her seat to a white man on a Montgomery, Alabama bus.

Bush says he matriculated through a segregated Panama City public school system during his childhood which by law he was required to attend an elementary segregated school, A.D. Harris Elementary School. When he reached middle school he attended the integrated middle school, Jinks Junior High School. He says his father felt that because of integration, he would have a better opportunity and a more competitive education in Miami. With that goal in mind, his parents sent him to live with his sister in Miami, Florida.

“I left Panama City and went to the best high school in the world, Miami Northwestern Senior High School,” says Bush, a proud graduate of the school’s Class of 1974. Bush played quarterback for the football team, played basketball, ran track, and was voted as the senior superlative best all-around male for the class of 1974. He has also been inducted into the Miami Northwestern Hall of Fame.

He later graduated from Bethune Cookman University in 1979 and earned a Master of Science in Educational Administration and Supervision from Nova Southeastern University in 1984. He earned his Doctorate Degree from Smith Chapel Bible University in Christian Education in 2004. Throughout his career, he served as an educator in various school systems,

including Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Civically, he served as president of the Miami Dade Chapter of Operation Push under the leadership of the national president Rev. Jesse Jackson. Bush has served as first vice president of People United to Lead the Struggle for Equality (PUSLE), was on the board of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and served as National Recording Secretary and then a brief period as acting National President. In 1992, the residents of District 109 elected Bush as their member of the Florida House of Representatives. After reaching term limitations, Bush was re-elected in 2008 and again in 2018 and currently serves the district.

“My job is to go to Tallahassee and get resources for my district,” Bush reveals. “I have been blessed to bring millions of dollars to my district and the people that live here. I have supported public education and scholarship opportunities throughout my career and worked to create jobs, economic opportunities, and support for health care, prison reform, law enforcement and fire fighters.” “These appropriations will continue to provide opportunities for our children and youth,” Bush said in media reports.

Bush, an associate minister at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church of Brownsville, prides himself on delivering scholarships for students at Florida historically Black colleges, resources for his district’s most vulnerable residents, and in-

vestments for economic growth. He readily admits his work to provide his community with resources leaves little time for frivolities. He enjoys spending time with his family, working out, and reading.

Representative Dr. Bush’s District Offices

District Address

13300 Northwest 27th Avenue

Opa Locka, FL 33054-4827

Phone: (305) 953-3086

Capitol Address

402 South Monroe Street

1003 The Capitol

Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300

Phone: (850) 717-5109

THE GOSPEL INDUSTRY NETWORK (GIN) will host its first Conference in July

THE GOSPEL INDUSTRY NETWORK (GIN) will host its first Conference from Sunday, July 17, through Thursday, July 21, 2022, at the DoubleTree Grand Biscayne Bay in Downtown Miami. Music Industry Leaders and Gospel’s new Gatekeepers, brand marketers, influencers, music executives, songwriters, producers, artists, publicists, promoters, radio announcers, and television hosts will converge in Miami for four days with the intention of understanding and navigating the evolution of Gospel music. “We are offering everyone a seat at the table to be seen and heard,” says GIN President Bishop Kenneth Wells. Daily workshops and panel discussions will include: The Metaverse, The Power Of The Pastor, New Artist Development Masterclass, Understanding Your Voice, Your Instrument, Creators Masterclass: Curating Digital Content That Counts, The Innovation of Quartet Gospel: Where We Are, Where We Are Going, Radio Facts: Understanding Charts, Formats, and Airplay Protocol, Commanding The Stage: Image, Stage Presence, and Performance, Production & Recording Masterclass: Studio Sessions, Equipment, Producers Protocol, Music Publishing Masterclass: Your Song, Your Intellectual Property, Your Money and so much more. “We are delighted to serve in the role of local hosts for

the GINs first-ever national conference,” said Johnny Sanders, noted recording artist, arts and culture curator, entertainment professional, and president of the Miami Dade Alliance Gospel Industry Network. “As the local affiliate of the national Gospel Industry Network, we can attest that there is no better place to be than here in Miami. Under the leadership of our Host Committee Chair, Advisory Board Member, and Assistant General Manager of AM 1490 WMBM, Debra Toomer, under the leadership of Bishop Victor T. Curry, President/ GM, we look forward to an awesome conference experience for our guests and locals alike,” Sanders ended.

The GIN is also excited to debut the Gospel Runway Fashion Show. In addition to daily workshops and panels with over 35 influential speakers, artist showcases and several fun activities are slated to take place. This inaugural conference will also allow attendees to immerse themselves in the ins and outs of the industry alongside some of the biggest names in music.

The conference is being presented in part by IR Music Group, Tyscot Records, Dare Records, The Bellamy Group, The Belle Report, MDA, and the WMBM Media Group!!! For more conference registration or more information, please visit www.thegin.org.

Lady

Esther Johnson’s

Y.E.S. Academy helps community create financial success

By Zach Rinkins

A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just. - Proverbs 13:22 King James Version

A recent survey from Pew Research Center reveals that most Black Americans say they can meet only their basic financial needs with little money left for extras. Data from Boston College’s Center for Retirement Research notes the average Black household approaching retirement had 46 percent of the retirement wealth of the typical white household. These crushing realities, plus a financially painful childhood, inspired Esther Johnson to create Young Excellent Scholar (YES) Academy, LLC, to help people create wealth for themselves, their families, and their futures.

“When I was a teacher, I would eventually share lessons about finances, economics, and business with my students,” says Johnson, owner of YES Academy, a platform that provides free financial education to underserved communities. “Eventually, some of their parents would call asking about the same financial lessons they heard from their children. Many did not know how to complete business incorporation forms or start investment accounts.” Johnson created Y.E.S. Academy to fill the need and spread the message of financial empowerment to underserved and marginalized communities, including shelters for homeless populations and battered families. Workshops cover credit restoration, real estate, investing, and financial literacy topics. She knows what it takes to transition from living in the projects and enjoying prosperity.

Johnson says she grew up surrounded by poverty. She remembers her family struggling financially and emotionally. She even says she witnessed numerous deaths and destructive behavior throughout her community. A desire to break this debilitating cycle led her to pursue

a deeper relationship with God and to take control of her finances.

“There is a tremendous benefit in improving your finances. Once you understand the importance of investing and saving, you gain the opportunity to position your family for financial success,” Johnson shares. “That allows you to build a legacy where your children don’t have to live in survival mode.”

The investor and entrepreneur says she purchased her first home before the tinder age of 23. She believes financial success begins with financial literacy and real estate. One transaction more than 30-years ago transformed her life forever.

“I met my husband, Carl Johnson, through real estate,” she reveals. “I sold him his first home. And, I’ve encouraged and empowered him to expand our portfolio.” Lady Esther Johnson’s Y.E.S. Academy helps community create financial success.

In addition to managing her academy and investments, Lady Johnson serves as the first lady of 93rd

Street Community Baptist Church. Her husband has led the dynamic and growing ministry as the senior pastor. With nearly 30 years of perspective, Lady Johnson is intentional about taking care of herself, her family, and then the church, in that order.

“Mental health is critical. My children are young adults now. So, my primary responsibility is to take care of myself. I did not realize I was not taking care of myself properly, and I paid a heavy price for that,” Johnson asserts. “Taking care of myself first allows me to take care of my husband and serve the people of God properly.” Johnson admits her portfolio is dominated by real estate and includes a small offering of equities. She advises prospective investors to be patient, diversify their investments, and monitor their portfolio’s performance.

“Don’t dive into the market. Do your research and learn about the market. Then create a plan,” she advises. “You can start purchasing investments through Robinhood, Charles Schwab, and Vanguard.” She says

there are many benefits to maintaining different types of investments. “Diversification is important because you don’t want to put all of your eggs in one basket,” she adds. “Consider stocks, bonds, real estate, and life insurance.”

Finally, she says to be patient and make sure your investments help you reach your goals. “All investors are taking a risk. But, we must invest for the long term to accomplish our goals,” she advises. “Prices are going up all around us. Inflation is ridiculously high. Investing in the right things can help you fight inflation.”

Ultimately, Johnson wants to see more families experience financial success. She is pleased to report that all of her children are blessed to be homeowners. She remains committed to sharing the tools of prosperity with as many children and adults as possible.

Log on to www.yesacademy.miami for more information about Y.E.S. Academy

Mothers, Victims and Residents Unite Against Gun Violence at Florida

City’s Inaugural Survivors Peace and Praise Walk

The Carrie Meek Foundation joined The Office of Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kionne McGhee, The City of Florida City, Survivors Affected by Violence, The Jack Brown III Foundation (2022 Meek Mobilize Grants Winner), and mothers who’ve lost their children to gun violence to host Florida City’s Inaugural Peace and Praise Walk on Saturday, June 25, at Florida City’s City Hall.

The event united community members to memorialize children who lost their lives to gun violence with mothers leading the peace walk through the streets of Florida City. During the mile-long walk, community residents were energized to take action as the Junkanoo band danced and played music while the crowd chanted “Peace and love in Florida City.”

Mothers spoke about their individual experiences and expressed commitment to continue the fight to reduce gun violence. During the Community Resource Fair, the Citrus Health Network assisted residents with getting access to primary and mental health care services, additionally, Citizens Crime Watch of Miami recruited residents in Florida City to join their countywide network of neighborhood watch groups. Miami-Dade Expressway Authority (MDX), Bullets for Life, Together for Children, The Educational Federal Credit Union, The Elite Key Insurance Group, KADA, and the Injury Attorney Group also provided attendees with helpful resources aimed at improving their quality of life. Musical performances were provided by ICEE Squad, a hip

hop group centered around positive and inspirational rap music. Attendees also received complementary lunch and give-a-ways during the event. A special memorial program was presented by City of Homestead Councilwoman Jennifer N. Bailey, the Southwest Advisory Committee (SWAC), SPROUT Up (2022 Meek Mobilize Grants Winner) & Artwalk Presents. Recycled flower beds, created and decorated by youth in SPROUT Up’s summer camp, commemorated each victim and were featured in a ceremony for their families to plant seedlings in their memory.

“The Peace Walk was a first step in the Foundation’s broader effort to advance community-based initiatives that improve public health in Florida City, especially reducing violence and it’s impact on residents, youth and families, and increasing access to health care resources,” said Lucia Davis-Raiford, President & CEO of the Carrie Meek Foundation.

About The Carrie Meek Foundation:

The Carrie Meek Foundation, Inc. is a private foundation whose mission is to advance Congresswoman Carrie P. Meek’s vision for civically engaged, well-resourced and resilient communities. We help improve the lives of residents in Miami-Dade County and the larger South Florida community through Education, Housing, Health, and Economic Development. Learn more about how we put her legacy in action at carriemeekfoundation.org

Diagnosed With ADHD

It was the headline of the week: Rates of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children are skyrocketing. This data, from a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report, said 11 percent of children aged four to 17 have the disorder, a 16 percent jump since 2007 and a 53 percent rise over the last decade. The most dramatic increase was among high school boys; one in five are said to have ADHD, which is characterized by an inability to pay attention for extended time periods, impulsive behavior, hyperactivity and difficulties forming relationships.

Another study of nearly 850,000 5-to-11-year olds found that African-American children are diagnosed with ADHD at much higher rates than children of other races and ethnicities. What’s almost as troubling as these diagnosis statistics? About two-thirds of the children diagnosed with ADHD are being treated with stimulants such as Adderall, Concerta or Ritalin, which come with significant side effects, including addiction, anxiety, suppressed growth and serious weight loss. Experts caution that these numbers may need closer study. The CDC data was collected via phone interviews with parents, not from more reliable medical or school records.

“We think the numbers are not growing,” said Rahn K. Bailey, M.D., chair of the department of psychiatry at Wake Forest in North Carolina. “They’re [holding steady] at about 5 percent. The numbers aren’t substantially different in boys and girls. They’re not substantially greater in blacks.” This discrepancy highlights a problem: If the numbers in this new report are wrong, a significant chunk of children are being misdiagnosed. This misdiagnosis could lead to improper treatment with dangerous medications.

An appropriate diagnosis (the American Academy of Pediatrics updated its guidelines) should include evaluation from a physician and input from the child’s parents and teachers. Often these evaluations aren’t covered by health insurance, which leads some pediatricians or primary care physicians to pull out their prescription pads instead of seeking effective non-drug treatments, such as behavior therapy.

Both Ritalin and Adderall are stimulants commonly used to treat the symptoms (inattention and hyperactivity) of ADHD by boosting levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Though they relieve symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic, they don’t cure the disorder. In addition to the side effects of these stimulants, some experts are concerned that early use of behavior-modifying medications might alter a child’s social development.

Just as worrisome as misdiagnosis and overmedication is underdiagnosis. In areas where mental health services are scarce, ADHD diagnoses are less common. Children in rural or urban areas with a legitimate diagnosis of the disorder are less likely to be treated properly, putting their long-term health at risk. Studies also show roughly 60 percent of children with ADHD have a learning disability, and 60 percent could go on to develop another mental illness by age 19.

“If children legitimately have ADHD, they need treatment,” Dr. Bailey said. “They need good quality care to have good quality life.” If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, follow these tips:

Focus on good qualities. “Catch” your child behaving well at least three times a day and tell them you noticed.

Tell your kid what you want them to do, instead of what you don’t want them to do. (Say “Walk” instead of “Don’t run.”) Provide immediate, constructive feedback often throughout the day. Keep it brief, specific and descriptive. Make sure your child gets regular meals and snacks of healthy food. (They may have difficulty sitting still long enough to eat because of hyperactivity and side effects from medication.)

Make sure your child is safe. Kids with ADHD may need to be watched more closely than other kids their age because they can be active and impulsive. There are certain things you should do to keep them safe, like make sure they wear a helmet when biking or rollerblading.

Make sure your child’s caregivers are familiar with daily routines and behavioral goals.

(Article originally posted on Blackhealthmatters.com)

A Financial Planner’s Advice About Saving For College: JUST DO IT!

More Floridians are saving in Florida 529 Savings Plans than ever before. In December 2017, there were just over 66,000 accounts; now, that number now is nearly 119,000 — almost double in the past five years! Why the increase?

We asked Mari Adam, a certified financial planner at Mercer Advisors in Boca Raton, to weigh in. Over her 31 years in the industry, she has talked to hundreds of Florida clients about saving for college. She said 529 savings plans are “a happy contagion,” with people spreading good news by word of mouth and opening accounts for each new grandchild. She also said that when Florida Prepaid repositioned its 529 Savings Plans to reduce fees and increase investment options three years ago, people took notice.

“It’s really now best in class,” she said. “We look out for a couple things when recommending a 529, and one of them is fees. This is one of the very lowest-cost plans out there. And they put in some really attractive investment options, with very appropriate age-based solutions and the option to choose your own investments. The simple solution is there; the sophisticated solution is there. Most do not offer that flexibility.” Parents who also buy a Florida Prepaid Plan — like she did for her two children — enjoy the bonus conve-

nience of keeping all of their investments in one location.

Feeling inspired to open an account? Adam has several pieces of advice to help you get started and be successful.

Just do it. About half of all people are still saving for college using a savings account. “It’s good to save, but that is really not the optimal way, just because of the growth and tax advantages you’re missing out on,” Adam said. “529s are clearly the Rolls Royce of the saving-for-college world.”

“The mere act of opening a 529 account and saving for college means you will end up saving twice as much for college as someone who does not plan ahead. And end up with 47% less student debt. And your kids or grandkids are over four times more likely to graduate,” she said.

Don’t delay. While it’s never too late to start, the earlier you start, the better.

“For my kids, I started when they were just like under one year old,” she said. “And that’s really the key: Get the money in there as early as possible. Let it compound, let it grow.”

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