You have blessed me and so many others to see the dawning of another year. Thank You Father for 2022!! I am not sure what the challenges or blessings will be for this year but I know that You know. I am comforted that nothing will happen that will be a surprise to You.
Thank You for this glorious day and thank You for the blessings it will bring. I am happy am full of joy as I reflect on You and the love You have placed in my heart. You are such an awesome and amazing God. Today finds me appreciating life’s blessings and honoring life’s challenges. You bring it all. Blessings abound as I trust totally in You. I pray, Dear Lord, that You will continue to guide me. You are the air I breathe. You are the morning sun that gives me hope that today will indeed be a good day. You are the Master of my universe! You are God. - AMEN
Father I pray for Your continued love, support and guidance. I pray that You will open doors that need to be opened. I pray for compassion and healing for those who are in need. I pray for the blessing of being grateful and appreciative of all things and all people. Fill my heart with gladness and thanksgiving. Thank You Father for working on my behalf even when I don’t realize it. Thank You for answering prayers that I have not yet prayed!!! You are an awesome and
I love You Father. --AMEN
PUBLISHER
S. Dixie Hwy, Suite 101
Dan Kenneth, vocalist, performer, up and coming author and film creator, and Grammy nominated contemporary Gospel/R&B recording artist, hails from Wilmington DE. He began singing quickly after embracing his relationship with God at the tender age of five, in his grandmother’s kitchen. Soon he began singing in local churches and as he grew older he began leading music services for his and other prominent churches in the area. He would go on to form a group, as a young adult, singing at churches, festivals, and just about any event they could get their hands on as they began to build a sizable following. However this would not hold him as he felt like what was called by the music industry, “contemporary Gospel” was becoming a predictable and watered down sound including instrumentation, harmonic vocabulary, and even lyrics. He had producers and label executives who wanted him to add, “church,” chords and instrumental sounds to his music. Growing up listening to the popular music of the day he found “Gospel” music to be lacking. So he embarked on a career bringing the styles of pop, R&B, deep house, rock, and other genres to his music. In his thinking, “So many people are afraid of the Bible and the Gospel, so why not put it in a package that those who are afraid will listen and consider.” This is why he is not afraid to step not only in to concert environments but also clubs
where most people would not expect to hear the message, but he will bring it to them in a way that is not threatening but is also uncompromising.
“The Caterpillar Song,” the first single from Dan Kenneth’s sophomore album release, “Didn’t I Tell You,” is growing in streams especially on Spotify by the thousands. As a result, several live performances for this breakout contemporary Gospel performer are now being scheduled to begin mid summer in Charleston SC, Dallas TX, Nashville TN, Chicago IL, and Detroit MI to name a few. And now his single is beginning to cross over and climb not just the Gospel streaming chart but the Country crossover streaming charts as well. Dan also recently appeared on and served as a guest host of a special edition of, “The Rebirth,” a radio and internet talk show originally broadcast from 95.3 Jams in Philadelphia PA.
We highly recommend you check out the sounds of Dan Kenneth. Call Rod Clemmons of Verdict Records at 302-354-8654 for more information on Dan Kenneth and his inspiring music.
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.”
Lady Esther Johnson’s Y.E.S. Academy helps community create financial success
A
good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of
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 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
Request a mammogram. Visit BaptistHealth.net/Mammo or call 844-971-2791.
The best decisions are made when you’re empowered with the facts. That’s why we’re here to support you through every stage of your breast health journey, beginning with getting your mammogram at any of our diagnostic imaging locations.
If further care is necessary, Baptist Health’s Miami Cancer Institute also offers cancer expertise, advanced technology and personalized treatment to provide the most comprehensive care.
We’re offering special pricing on 3D mammograms and breast ultrasounds for those without health insurance.
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*Source: FloridaHealth.gov. **If you don’t have a referring physician to write a prescription for you, call 786-596-2464 and we’ll connect you with one. Promotional offer ends May 31, 2022.
In 1863, during the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared more than three million slaves living in the Confederate states free. It was not until Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, when slaves learned that under the Emancipation Proclamation they had been freed. The name “Juneteenth” references the date of the holiday, combining the words “June” and “Nineteenth”. June 19th is now “Juneteenth National Independence Day”, a U.S. Federal holiday, commemorating the official end of slavery in the United States.
Friday, MAY 20, 2022 • 7:00 p.m.
AFRICAN HERITAGE CULTURAL ARTS CENTER PRESENTS A ‘LIVE STREAM’ EVENT
Black Professionals Network FREE | https://mybpn.org/events
Thursday, JUNE 16, 2022 • 7:00 p.m.
An Arsht Center Event: Juneteenth Juke Joint “A DYNAMIC VOYAGE OF BLACK MUSIC AND FOOD”
Featuring LaVie & DJ Nickymix
Peacock Foundation Studio
Adrienne Arsht Center 1300 Biscayne Boulevard • Miami, FL 33132
Tickets start at $25.00 per person | VIP packages available www.arshtcenter.org
Thursday, JUNE 16, 2022 • 7:00 p.m. ‘WE ARE HERE/ SoMa”
Featuring art by Miami-based black artists honoring the contributions and resilience of Black America (646) 770-3409 | editor@sugarcanemedia.net
Thursday-Sunday, JUNE 16-19, 2022
“THE SUMMIT” A WATER-BASED IMMERSIVE EVENT
Blue Lagoon Farm Miami 14451 S.W. 252nd Street • Homestead, FL 33032 www.afromermaid.com | info@afromermaid.co
Friday, JUNE 17, 2022
Miami Museum of Contemporary Art of African Diaspora (Miami MoCAAD) & Hampton Art Lovers Co-Host
JUNETEENTH CREATIVE CONVERSATION & CELEBRATION: VEO, VEO, I SEE, I SEE, MWEN WE MWEN WE
Interactive Media Mural Project at Judge Lawson E. Thomas’ Office
Historic Ward Rooming House 249 N.W. 9th Street • Miami, FL 33136 www.miamimocaad.org | https://www.hamptonartlovers.com
Friday, JUNE 17, 2022 • 11:00 a.m.
RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY
Celebrating a new beginning in Liberty City as we rebrand Northwest 12th Avenue as “Soul of Miami Way.”
Grand Opening | Liberty Outdoor Space • 12:00 p.m.
Enjoy a day in space with us as we open our own entertainment Plaza in Liberty City. We will have food trucks and entertainment to open our first outdoor space to serve our community. (646) 770-3409 | editor@sugarcanemedia.net
Friday, JUNE 17, 2022 • 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. RICHMOND HEIGHTS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION “COMMUNITY JUNETEENTH ARTS FESTIVAL” 14700 Lincoln Boulevard • Miami, FL 33176 FREE | info@artwalkpresents.com
Saturday, JUNE 18, 2022 • 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. “THIRD ANNUAL CITY OF MIAMI BEACH JUNETEENTH FREEDOM DAY CELEBRATION”
Pride Park | (305) 673-7577
18th Street & Meridian Avenue • Miami Beach, FL 33145 https://www.miamiandbeaches.com/events/miami-beach-live
Saturday, JUNE 18, 2022 • 12:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
THE XPERIENCE TOUR/AFRICAN CULTURAL ARTS CENTER/SoMa GALLERY WORKSHOP
Saturday, JUNE 18, 2022 • 3:00 p.m. CITY OF NORTH MIAMI BEACH “JUNETEENTH KIDS ZONE & MUSEUM”
Ronald A. Silver Youth Enrichment Services (YES) Center 17052 N.E. 19th Avenue • North Miami Beach, FL 33162 FREE | https://juneteenthkidszone.eventbrite.com
Saturday, JUNE 18, 2022 • 4:00 p.m.
MIAMI LAKES “ANNUAL JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION” FEATURING GUEST SPEAKER JIHAD RASHID Town Hall Council Chambers | www.miamilakes-fl.gov 6601 Main Street • Miami Lakes, FL 33014
$5 Early Bird Ticket Special (until May 18th) Regular Admission: $10 | PROMO CODE: EARLYBIRD https://tickets.ftfshows.com/TheaterManager/1/ tmEvent/tmEvent666.html
Saturday, JUNE 18, 2022 • 6:00 p.m. CITY OF NORTH MIAMI BEACH JUNETEENTH “STEP SHOW AND DRUMLINE” North Miami Beach City Hall 17011 N.E. 19th Avenue • North Miami Beach, FL 33162 FREE | https://juneteenthstepshow.eventbrite.com
Registration open: May 19th (786) 287-7008 | info@muce305.org
Sunday, JUNE 19, 2022 • 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. JUNETEENTH MURAL PROJECT UNVEILING” – CITY OF MIAMI
Absolute equality art installation dedication - Event & Mural Unveiling
Jackson Soul Food in the Historic Overtown 950 N.W. 3rd Avenue • Miami, FL 33136 (786) 318-7047
Sunday, JUNE 19, 2022 • 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. ‘‘FRIENDS & FAMILY DAY @ THE SQUARE” Featuring BBQ, Games, Pre-School Graduation and Fellowship (646) 770-3409 | editor@sugarcanemedia.net
Sunday, JUNE 19, 2022 • 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS’ “2ND ANNUAL JUNETEENTH PARK & PARTY” CELEBRATION Calder Casino (Lot E) 21001 N.W. 27th Avenue • Miami, FL 33056 FREE | VIP $125 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2022-juneteenth-parkin-party-we-are-one-tickets-320853490427
Sunday, JUNE 19, 2022 • 8:00 p.m. SHOW TIME THE RHYTHM FOUNDATION’S JUNETEENTH INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION North Beach Band Shell | (786) 453-2897 7275 Collins Avenue • Miami Beach, FL 33141 www.RhythmFoundation.com/NorthBeachBandshell. com
Monday, JUNE 20, 2022 • 7:00 p.m. “A VISUAL LECTURE ON THE HISTORY OF AFRICA: FROM FREEDOM TO FREEDOM” Curated by Matthew Piggatt African Heritage Cultural Arts Center Wendell Narcisse Performing Arts Theater 6161 N.W. 22nd Avenue • Miami, FL 33147 (305) 638-6771 | www.ahcac.org
The best medicine.
Jackson Health System wishes a happy Mother’s Day to the ones who always offer the best medicine to help us feel better – love.
CATCHING zzzz’s BENEFITS YOUR BRAIN AND BODY
Sleep is a fundamental part of life. And while it’s not entirely understood by scientists, we know it has a huge effect on how we function during the day. Dream up ways to make it a priority, because powering down for the night recharges your health.
When you’re getting enough sleep, you benefit in so many ways:
Unleash your brain power
Getting a good night’s rest helps your brain work at maximum capacity. That raises your productivity, your ability to concentrate and your emotional and social intelligence. If you’re well rested, you’ll be more empathetic. You won’t be yawning as your friend bemoans a breakup. And you’ll find the right words to encourage an overworked colleague.
Bonus: Getting enough sleep has the added perks of sharpening your memory and problem-solving skills, no matter your age.
Revitalize your body
Hitting the gym? Sleeping well can improve the quality of your workouts.
“From lifting weights to running faster, sleep means your muscles can fully rest and recover so you won’t drag your feet at the gym,” says Dr. Boris Gilyadov, sleep medicine specialist and family medicine physician at Geisinger Mount Pocono.
With enough sleep, you’ll lower your risk of heart disease, heart attack, stroke, depression and inflammation. You even enhance your immune system, so you’ll be in top form for fighting off viruses and bacteria.
What are the effects of not getting enough sleep?
Sleep deficiency doesn’t target one age group — it hap-
pens to children and adults alike. Stress, anxiety, narcolepsy and sleep apnea can all cause sleep deprivation. And that can lead to other problems. Some of the less-obvious effects of poor sleep? Obesity, an increased sense of pain and a weaker response to vaccines.
Chronic sleep deprivation may also increase your risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
“Sleep deprivation and poor sleep quality can have a direct impact on performance and behavior at school in children,” says Dr. Gilyadov. “Poor sleep quality includes frequent nighttime awakenings.”
So, how can you sleep better?
Hack your sleep and wake up refreshed with a few tweaks:
Set a routine. Get up and go to bed at the same time daily. Even on weekends.
Get up and at ’em. While you’re awake, add movement to your day. “Spending time outside and exercising are great ways to get a better night’s rest,” says Dr. Gilyadov. Both activities help lower stress levels, which directly impacts your quality of sleep.
Don’t sleep too much. If you’ve had enough sleep, don’t sleep more — because oversleeping isn’t good for you, either. It can raise your risk for diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Stick to that sleep schedule mentioned above.
Turn off your phone. Put the phone away at least an hour before bed. Exposure to blue light can shorten your slumber.
Have a medical issue interfering with your sleep? Talk to your doctor. They’ll help you find the best treatment to improve your Zzzs.
CHURCH DIRECTORY
Pastor James R. Polk, Sr. Pastor / Teacher
Doris Granberry, Pastor Rev. Doris Granberry, Pastor
