Today is a very special day. It is a day You created and I am thankful to be able to watch it unfold and to experience it. You are such an awesome God. My life is full of expectations as I know that You are always working on my behalf. I know that You love me and that You will not allow anything to come my way that I cannot handle.
I would love to be able to say that I am never worried because You are with me. The truth is that doubt and fear sometimes find their way to me. It is in those moments I am reminded who my Father is.
Father, You comfort me like no one else can. When I slow down from the hustle and bustle of the day You are there. When I doubt my decisions and feel inadequate, You are there. When I allow worry to overtake me, You are there. You, My Lord, are with me always. You calm my spirit, wipe my tears and lift me up. You give me peace, and for that I am thankful.
PUBLISHER
Sandy Walker
Publisher’s Prayer
Sandy Walker
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
Sommer W. Davis
EDITOR
Jamil Rivers
CIRCULATION MANAGER
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
Robert Walker
LaDonna Fennell
My Father, My God:
Father, in the Name of Jesus:
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Moderator Johnny L. Barber
Anika Madison
Anika Madison
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.
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.
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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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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
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 cir-
14707 S. Dixie Hwy, Suite 101
A child’s love is like a whisper, given in little ways we do not hear but if you listen closely it will be very clear.
They often do not say it loud but in how they come to you... Daddy, will you play with me? Mommy, tie my shoe?
...the many ways they tell you changes as they grow Dad, I made the team today! Mom, I’ve Got to go!
Pop, I need some money
You see there’s...this girl at school... Mama, I met a boy today and wow he is so cool...!
Dad, I’ve got something to tell you... I think she is the one.
Mom, He asked me to marry him. Would you love him as your son?
Dad, I’ve got some news for you... It’s gonna be a boy!
Mom, I’m kind of scared of this, yet I’m filled with joy!
A child’s love is like a whisper, given in little ways we do not hear but if you listen closely it will be very clear.
They often do not say it loud but in how they come to you... Grandpa, will you play with me? Grandma, tie my shoe...
It is never ending
A blessing from above
Listen to the whispers of a child’s love.
- Author Unknown
Howard University installs Chadwick Boseman’s name on College of Fine Arts building
The “Black Panther” star is seen as an “icon in his own right who has left an immeasurable legacy for the next generation,” the university said.
It’s official. Howard University has renamed its College of Fine Arts after late actor Chadwick Boseman, who died last year at age 43 following a four-year battle with colon cancer.
The historically Black university shared a time-lapse video showing the installation of the new letters on the school’s building, which is now the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts.
“Yesterday, the letters were installed over the now official Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts,” the school said in a tweet Friday. “An icon in his own right who has left an immeasurable legacy for the next generation. Thank you Mr. Boseman.”
Howard University first announced in May that it would rename its performing and visual arts school after the ‘Black Panther’ star who also happens to be an alumnus of the school.
Boseman graduated from Howard in 2000 with a bachelor of arts degree in directing. During his time at the school, Boseman led a student protest against the absorption of the College of Fine Arts into the larger College of Arts & Sciences, according to the university.
In 2018, the year Boseman rocketed to international fame as King T’Challa in the Marvel cinematic universe, the university announced that its performing and visual arts school would return to its independent status.
“Chad fought to preserve the College of Fine Arts during his matriculation at Howard and remained dedicated to the fight throughout his career, and he would be overjoyed by this development,” Boseman’s family previously said in a statement. “His time at Howard University helped shape both the man and the artist that he became, committed to truth, integrity, and a determination to transform the world through the power of storytelling.”
In addition to the renaming, the university announced efforts from Walt Disney Company’s Executive Chairman Bob Iger to establish an endowment named after Boseman and raise money to build a new arts facility on the campus. The “Black Panther” film was produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Pictures.
“Through his tremendous example he inspired millions to overcome adversity, dream big and reach beyond the status quo,” Iger said in a statement back in May, “and this college named in his honor ... will provide opportunities for future generations of artists to follow in his footsteps and pursue their dreams.”
(Originally published on Blackprwire.com)
Tips To Reduce Pesticides In Your Produce Tips To Reduce Pesticides In Your Produce
Eating fruits and vegetables, whether organic or conventional, far outweighs the risks of the pesticides they may contain. That said many of us still want to minimize our intake when possible. Even if you don’t have the luxury of buying organic foods there are things you can do at home to help reduce your intake of pesticides in the produce you purchase.
Tips to Reduce Your Intake of Pesticides From That National Pesticide Information Center
• To avoid exposure to a single pesticide make sure to include a variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet.
• Thoroughly wash all produce whether it has a peel or is labeled organic.
• To avoid pesticides sticking to produce, wash under running water instead or soaking or dunking it.
• Air or spin produce dry or wipe with a paper towel or clean cloth towel when possible.
• Scrub firm fruits and vegetables like melons and root vegetables
• Remove the outer layer of leafy vegetables, such as lettuce or cabbage.
• Peel fruits and vegetables when possible.
• To avoid residues that might accumulate in the fat of animal protein, trim fat and skin from meat, poultry, and fish.
• If intake of fruits and vegetables is low, consider supplementing with purified polyphenol extracts that have minimal pesticides.
Ranking of Pesticides in Fruits and Vegetables
The Environmental Working Group is an organization that has created a ranking system of fruits and vegetables based on their likelihood of being contaminated with the highest levels of pesticides. The ranking is established after the fruits and vegetables have been washed or peeled. The top offenders include those that have soft skins because they are more likely to absorb pesticides, which they term the “Dirty Doz-
en”. If you already purchase some organic produce or are thinking about making the switch, buying organic based on the Dirty Dozen list might be a good place to start. Here is the 2021 list.
This year’s “Dirty Dozen” includes:
Strawberries
Spinach
Kale, collard and mustard greens
Nectarines
Apples
Grapes
Cherries
Peaches
Pears
Bell and hot Peppers
Celery
Tomatoes
The good news is that there are a good number of non-organic fruits and vegetables without high levels of pesticides. Since many fruits and vegetables have peels, they offer a higher level of protection, which have been dubbed the “Clean 15” since they have little to no pesticides.
This year’s “Clean 15” includes:
Avocados
Sweet corn*
Pineapple
Onions
Papaya*
Sweet peas (frozen)
Eggplant
Asparagus
Broccoli
Cabbage
Kiwi
Cauliflower
Mushrooms
Honeydew melon
Cantaloupe
SOUTH FLORIDA PLAYWRIGHT REPRESENTING AT ATLANTA BLACK THEATRE FESTIVAL
South Florida Playwright E. Claudette Freeman is making waves in theatre again. Freeman’s whose works have been selected for performances before at the National Black Theatre Festival’s Reading Series, and the Women’s Theatre Festival of Memphis is headed to the 10th Celebration of the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival.
Freeman’s show PEEING IN A SODA BOTTLE is part of the Staged Reading schedule in the festival. PEEING IN A SODA BOTTLE is a one-woman show running over with humor, insight, and bitter memories. Freeman says of the script, “While I originally wrote the piece to honor Southern, front-porch wisdom and to illuminate that the most profound and critical life lessons may come from someone who seems unimportant; I began to see deeper possibilities in this show.”
Those possibilities for Freeman, include bridging the gap of generational respect, self-respect and to correct false behaviors prominent on reality TV.
Freeman says, “The thought is that proverbial front porch discussions, honesty and wisdom could ignite discussion and gentle redirecting from the stage.”
The play centers around the sole on-stage character, Chayonne. Freeman describes Chayonne as a “High yel-
low, hooch drinking, trash talking, cussing, ball of truth; whose life has taught painful lessons.” Chayonne largely talks to her must trusted companion, an old rifle named Tilda; but also has brief interactions with characters we don’t see. Through her sometimes bitter, often comical and always vulnerable observations she spills the tea on incest, sexual assault, respect, while giving advice on loving a man and living life on one’s own terms.
The Atlanta Black Theatre Festival is the nation’s largest self-producing platform for Afro-centric theatre. Each year the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival presents a curated selection of world-class theatre sharing the most incredible heartwarming stories of African descendants from across the diaspora. This year’s festival is scheduled for October 28, 29 and 30, at the Hilton Atlanta Hotel and the Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre. More information is available at www.atlantabtf.org.
For theatre lovers who’d like to support and help offset the cost of participating in a producing festival, Freeman may be reached at claudette@eclaudetteliterary.com. Freeman’s PEEING IN A SODA BOTTLE is scheduled for October 29th at 12:00 P.M. and 11:00 P.M. at the Hilton Atlanta Hotel.
Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs awarded $1.5 million by The Children’s Trust
to support cultural arts programs for children and families
Key partnership jointly serves over 200,000 children and youth annually
The Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs was awarded $1.5 million by The Children’s Trust to support cultural arts programs for children and youth throughout Miami-Dade County. The long-standing partnership between The Children’s Trust and the County is instrumental in engaging 200,000 children, youth and their families in diverse cultural enrichment and arts education experiences every year.
“The arts have the power to transform lives,” stated Michael Spring, Director of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs. “The partnership with The Children’s Trust allows us to nurture young people’s creativity and ensures that children of all abilities can participate fully in the arts. We are grateful for The Children’s Trust’s support of these critical cultural programs for youth. Now, more than ever, as children have endured the unimaginable stresses and challenges of the past year, the arts continue to play a critical role in helping young people process their experiences, express themselves creatively and innovatively imagine a brighter future.”
Investing $19.3 million in the Department of Cultural Affairs’ youth arts programs since 2006, The Children’s Trust funding has been transformational in the development of the Department’s inclusive arts programs for children with disabilities such as the All Kids Included – Accessible Arts Experiences for Kids initiative, which promotes and presents inclusive arts and cultural programs in school settings and throughout the community; the creation of arts inclusive professional development programs for educators; as well as the continued investment and support of nonprofit organizations through the Department’s Youth Arts Enrichment grants program and the Summer Arts & Science Camps for Kids grant programs.
For information about the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs’ arts education and outreach grants programs and the All Kids Included initiative visit www.miamidadearts.org.
Gospel Music Heritage Month Heats Up With The 15th Annual McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration® Gospel Tour
In honor of Gospel Music Heritage Month, which takes place annually in September, McDonald’s is serving inspiration with a side of friendly banter for music fans of all ages. Starting Sept. 19 through Oct. 10, the 15th annual McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration® Gospel Tour, a long-standing event that is fostering community through the deeply rooted tradition of gospel music, will take place virtually every Sunday at 8 p.m. ET on BET Network’s YouTube channel and BET.com.
Brought to fans by McDonald’s Black & Positively Golden movement, award-winning gospel artists hailing from the Gulf Coast, West Coast, Carolinas and DMV regions will put their talent and artistry on full display while showing which region produces the greatest gospel hitmakers and hits. Multi-award-winning musician and syndicated radio personality Lonnie Hunter will host the four-part “Gospel City Playlist” series, featuring legendary gospel artists like Tasha Cobbs-Leonard and Israel Houghton, and rising gospel artists like Mali Music and Pastor Mike Jr., among many others.
For the first time in tour history, fans can watch the show from the McDonald’s app while reppin’ their city. Ahead of each show, fans can also experience a virtual red carpet hosted by social media comedian @NotKarltonBanks who will perform lively skits, host spirited interviews with tour artists and give viewers a peek behind-the-scenes.
“Faith and inspiration are a core part of gospel music, and an integral part of McDonald’s community-based gospel tour,” said Erica Campbell, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and 2021 McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour performer. “Communities need inspiration, and I am proud to join such an amazing line-up of artists to help reach gospel music lovers nationwide.”
(Originally published on blackprwire.com)
St. Matthews celebrates 100 years of ‘Making a Difference in the Community, One Life at a Time’ Historic Church commemorates a century of worship, service, and community
Whether feeding the hungry, worshipping on Sunday mornings, or providing affordable housing, St. Matthews Missionary Baptist Church has been a beacon of faith and service within the Miami community for 100 years. Founded in Overtown by Bahamian Pastors and settlers, St. Matthews invites the South Florida community to join the church in celebrating a century of worship, service, and community.
The church recently commemorated its centennial anniversary with a community worship service, a historical tribute, and a celebration banquet with the appropriate themeBeyond the Centennial.
“Words cannot express how proud we are of the great heritage and legacy left behind by our Founders and first ministry supporters who built a solid foundation for our generation to stand on.” said Rev. Vincent Brown, Pastor/Teacher of St. Matthews Missionary Baptist Church. “From 1921 to
2021, we are keeping the faith and setting our eyes toward higher heights of achievement and excellence while never forgetting from which we have come. Our vision is clear and we have an exciting future ahead of us.”
Established on September 11, 1921, the Reverend Nathaniel Francis Clark welcomed its first parishioners into a modest storefront on Overtown’s eleventh terrace and second avenue. The church eventually transformed a wooden structure on N.W. 17th Street into its new ministerial home. The edifice served the Overtown community for more than 45 years. Under Rev. Clark’s leadership, the church marched into its current sanctuary in Miami’s Liberty City community in June 1969. Pastor Clark retired later that year. After a nearly two-year interim pastorate, the church installed Rev. Dr. Philip Clarke as its second Pastor on October 8, 1972. Clarke led the flock for four decades served until his passing in 2011. In April 2012, Rev. Vincent Brown was elected as the church’s third Pastor. Rev. Brown provides the vision
and leadership needed to positively impact the community for future generations to come.
The celebration marks a century of faith, family, and service. Since its founding, St. Matthews has extended its service and ministry beyond the four walls of the church. The church family serves its community through spiritual en-
richment, affordable housing, and dozens of active ministries to equip the saints for ministry and support the greater community.
The details are as follows: St. Matthews Missionary Baptist Church invites the community to help celebrate 100 years!
Key Events:
• Community Worship Service - 10.00 a.m. – At the Church – 6100 NW 24 Avenue, Miami, FL
• Celebration Banquet (ticketed) - 3.00 p.m. - Embassy Suites Hotel Miami Airport at 3974 N.W. South River Dr., Miami, FL
Theme: Beyond the Centennial
For more information or interview opportunities, contact Sister Evelyn Brown at stmatthews6100@gmail.com or (954) 483-6058.
The healing power of sunlight
When it comes to sunshine, you can definitely get too much of a good thing. Sunshine in moderation can benefit body, mind and spirit.
Think about it. Sunshine is practically a synonym for happiness. Let’s check out the science behind sunlight’s power to heal and nourish us.
1 – Managing our moods
It’s not called a “sunny outlook” for nothing.
Sun exposure is linked to the production of serotonin — a hormone associated with boosting your mood. That’s why light therapy is often used to combat seasonal affective disorder. The warmer, sunnier months offer us a chance to step right outside and soak up some mood-mending rays the natural way.
2 – Take your vitamins
According to the World Health Organization, getting 5 to 15 minutes of sunlight on your skin two or three times a week can give you a healthy dose of vitamin D.
Those are broad guidelines, and they change depending on your skin tone and other factors, like whether you’ve had skin cancer.
But the bottom line is, the sun can deliver an essential nutrient right to your bare arms and legs.
What does vitamin D do? Among other things it:
Supports bone growth
Combats osteoporosis
Reduces inflammation
Regulates processes like cell growth and immune function
So, if you don’t get the bulk of your vitamin D from the sun, be sure to supplement from another source, like salmon, eggs or mushrooms.
3 – Is the sun good for your skin?
There’s no denying that too much sun can be dangerous for your skin. But some doctors are harnessing the sun’s positive powers, too, using carefully controlled UV radiation exposure to treat skin conditions like:
Eczema
Acne
Psoriasis
Sunlight can also combat jaundice.
And researchers are exploring the use of sunlight to treat other autoimmune disorders including inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto’s (thyroid) syndrome and a common form of lupus. That gives new meaning to the phrase “treatments on the horizon.”
4 – Sun: Friend or foe?
It’s always smart to practice sun safety. Use sunscreen and be even more careful if you take medications or have conditions that make sun exposure downright dangerous.
But remember that the sun isn’t anyone’s enemy. Along with sustaining life as we know it on the planet, it can nurture us personally, too, even if we’re just looking out the window at a cheerful, sunny day.
If you’re not sure how much sun is good for your unique situation, talk with your doctor.
Lance B. Bailey Sr. Pastor
Pastor James R. Polk, Sr. Pastor / Teacher
Doris Granberry, Pastor Rev. Doris Granberry, Pastor
