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APRIL 11 - APRIL 17, 2020 VOLUME 69, NUMBER 52 $1.00

Daughter of MLK Named PHILANTHROPIST, to Georgia ENTREPRENEUR and Coronavirus RECORDING ARTIST Outreach Group Keeve Murdered

eeve Hikes, Philanthropist, entre- preneur and rapper from Jack- sonville, Florida was fatally shot Tuesday evening. Keeve was pro- nounced dead on the scene, ac- cordingK to offi cials. News of his death, prompted an out- pouring of support from the Jacksonville Florida community. Dr. Bernice King, daughter of civil rights “May His peace comfort you all leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will help lead a new outreach committee in Georgia during this diffi cult time. His life was a as the state copes with the coronavirus, Gov. Testament of time well spent.” Brian Kemp announced Sunday. Keeve drew attention for industry King, chief executive offi cer of the Martin leaders from his hit single “ Bag” Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social feat. YFN Lucci, from his album en- Change in Atlanta, will co-chair the commit- titled “ No Major Deal But I’m Still tee of more than a dozen business and com- Major”. Keeve has collaborated munity leaders with Engaged Futures Group with artists including Webbie, YFN LLC President Leo Smith. Lucci, Lil Boosie, Kamillion, Mon- “Comprised of talented individuals from the ey Man, Trap Beckham and public and private sectors, I am confi dent this many others drawing inspira- committee will ensure that our state remains tion from his city but delivering prepared in the fi ght against COVID-19,” the his message in an authenti- Georgia governor said in a statement Sunday. cate and intricate street-level of storytelling. The rapper was a strong advo- cate for the Jacksonville com- Signs COVID-19 is munity where he was raised. Disproportionately Keeve was known for his philan- thropist efforts. Each year Keeve Impacting would host a Community Back to School Drive, Thanksgiving African Americans Drive and Christmas Toy Bash. In Grow Larger 2019, Keeve returned back to Jacksonville for Christmas and By Lauren Victoria Burke blessed over 400 families with NNPA Newswire Toys, Clothes, Shoes and over 15,000 dollars was awarded to In a letter dated February 4, and sent to U.S. single parent households. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Keeve wasn’t just a rap- Azar, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and per,he was a father, business- Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) said compre- man, entertainer, and inspi- hensive demographic data on people tested or ration to many. treated for the virus that causes COVID-19 doesn’t exist. Cities with large black populations have now emerged as new hot spots for the spread of the virus. They include Houston, New York, Detroit and New Orleans. Nearly 70 percent of the COVID-19 deaths in New Orleans have been African American. “Any attempt to contain COVID-19 in the United States will have to address its poten- tial spread in low-income communities of color, fi rst and foremost to protect the lives of people in those communities, but also to Earl Graves Sr., Black Singer-Songwriting slow the spread of the virus in the country as Enterprise Founder Dies Legend Bill Withers a whole,” Warren and Pressley the lawmakers wrote to Azar. Dies at 81 “States MUST start tracking and reporting Story on page 8 race data in connection with #Covid_19. As Story on page 12 Please see COVID19, page 6

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Staff Directory

CommunitListings are due the Tuesday before the next issue. y OWNER/PUBLISHER Follow Us! Email submissions preferred. Send to: [email protected] Clara McLaughlin Facebook MANAGEMENT @thefl oridastarnewspaper Rinetta M. Fefi e Twitter GENERAL MANAGER @thefl oridastar Ashes And Rubble Opio Sokoni Instagram than wealthy white people. As in survival must be fought on multiple @thefl oridastar SALES & MARKETING the fog of war, the fog of crisis fronts, and now COVID-19 has Website: Opio Sokoni narrows our focus on the enemy opened yet another one. www.thefl oridastar.com directly in front of us from moment We should not despair, however, to moment. And it takes critical over the dangerous road ahead. analysis to understand why this is Instead, we should take a lesson Join the NAACP happening to us. from our ancestors, many of whom Beaver Street The answer to this question also suffered slavery or oppressive NAACP ! Enterprise Center reveals why whites generally live colonialism in times past. The 1225 W. Beaver Street, longer than people of color: We generations that emerged from naacpjax.org Suite 112 live in different worlds. under these evils to educate Jacksonville, FL 32204 This might be an extraordinary themselves and their children Isaiah Rumlin (904) 265-4702 By Oscar H. Blayton thing to say if it was not for the while building lives, communities President reality of environmental racism. and institutions in the face of nless you have serious Environmental racism creates racism set an example for us to psychological issues, different worlds for different follow. We must support and rely The Church Directory Uyou recognize the grave people. It created the toxic on each other while demanding “Come and Worship With Us” danger the COVID-19 pandemic water crisis in Flint, Mich. It fair treatment from a reluctant poses for our global community. is one reason Puerto Rico has government. Threats to our health Greater El-Bethel Divine Holiness Church This is a time of great loss. The not fully recovered more than and welfare have always been “The Church Where Everybody Is Somebody” worst tragedies are the loss of our two years after Hurricanes Irma compounded by social injustice. loved ones. And in addition to these and Maria left it devastated in And so it is with this COVID-19 heartbreaks, we also must bear the Church Address: Mailing Address: 2017. And for years after New pandemic. 723 W. 4th St. P.O. Box 3575 simultaneous catastrophes of the Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward was With one arm we must shield Jacksonville, Jacksonville, loss of income, the destabilization fl ooded by Hurricane Katrina, ourselves and our communities Florida 32209 Florida 32206 of our families and the destruction its rehabilitation was neglected from encroachments and threats Telephone: Home: of whatever marginal security we because of environmental racism. (904) 359-0661 (904) 683-5919 like pandemics and, with our other may have had. These tragedies, which never Cell: 710-1586 arm, we must wield the sword of Because COVID–19 is going would have been tolerated in justice to eliminate public policy Bishop Lorenzo Hall, Pastor to leave communities around predominantly white and wealthy inequities born of racism and Sunday School...... 9:30 a.m. the world in ashes and rubble communities, are only a few – fi nancially, socially and examples of environmental racism. notions of white superiority and Morning Worship...... 11:00 a.m. then infl icted upon us. Tuesday...Prayer Meeting & Bible Study, 7:00 p.m. emotionally – it is extremely Interstate highways and exchanges Thursday...... Joy Night, 7:00 p.m. important that we, as people of cut through predominantly Black Our greater vulnerability to color, stay strong and focused. urban areas. Many urban areas COVID-19 is the result of conscious Email: [email protected] This murderous virus does not and deliberate decisions by policy Website: Greaterelbethel.org populated by people of color are discriminate based on race or classifi ed as food deserts by the makers under the infl uence of Come join Bishop Dr. Lorenzo Hall, Sr. every Wednesday racial bigotry and belief in white and Thursday from 12:00 Noon to 1:00 PM for Prayer economic status, but the social federal government. And in a 1987 Meeting and Bible Study structures under which we live study titled “Toxic Waste and Race superiority. It is not enough for leave some of us more exposed in the United States,” the United us to beat back this deadly virus. than others to its dangers. And Church of Christ’s Commission We also must also strategize and New Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church facts, borne out by data, show for Racial Justice found that work to eliminate those injustices 1824 Prospect St * Jacksonville, FL 32208 that people of color and the poor “indeed, race has been a factor that make us the most vulnerable in its path. And we must work “The Church Where God Provides Hope, Help & Healing” are dying of the virus at a rate in the location of commercial disproportionate to our percentage hazardous waste facilities in the with those who recognize these of the general population. United States.” Those facilities injustices in order to tackle these In the midst of this pandemic, have been deliberately located in problems collectively. it is not easy to see clearly all the and near communities of color, Out of the ashes and rubble of circumstances contributing to the resulting in a disproportionate this worldwide tragedy we must misery we now suffer. Amid the number of individuals having their build a new and more just world. scramble to survive, we are left health compromised and being Oscar H. Blayton is a former with little time to refl ect on why more susceptible to the COVID-19 Marine Corps combat pilot it is killing African Americans virus. and human rights activist who Rev. Dr. Marion A. Wise, Senior Pastor and other people of color faster For people of color, our fi ght for practices law in Virginia. H.O.P. Hour of Power (Sunday School) …………9:30 a.m. New Members Class: Sunday Morning ………….…9:30 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship: ……………………………11:00 a.m. T.N.T. Tuesday Night Teaching (Bible Study)…..7:00 p.m. Church: (904) 764-5727 - Fax (904) 764-5901 Email: [email protected] OBITUARY Web: newbethlehemmb.com

Greater Macedonia Baptist Church of the Northside

Bobby Mitchell Senior Pastor Shirley M. Dishmen Chynna Rogers (1935–2020), Pro Football Hall Dr. Landon L. Williams, Sr. August 16, 1929 - March 20, 2020 (1994–2020), rapper and model of Famer, the Washington Redskins’ fi rst black player IF YOU CAN SEW, YOU CAN SERVE. Sunday Services Schedule of Services 8:00 AM - Early Morning Worship ANSWER THE CALL OF DUTY. 9:30 AM - Sunday School OLUNTEERS who know how also suspected that healthcare workers 11:00 AM - Morning Worship Vto sew can make a signifi cant would soon run out of masks like in Mid-Week Services difference within their communities. Europe. We believe that a fabric mask Tuesday The Army of Masks is actively and is better than nothing and we are in 7:00 PM - Prayer Service urgently recruiting mask makers all this all together. We are in war against over North America. a virus and we all need to step up to 7:00 PM - Mass Choir Rehearsal The Army of Masks is a grassroots help the ones on the front lines: we virtual community of volunteers need volunteers able to sew, deliver, Wednesday sewing and donating DIY fabric coordinate, collect fabric donations. 6:30 PM - Bible Study masks to meet the urgent needs homes, hospices, mobile dialysis Join us, we could maybe save lives.” 7:00 Mid -Week Worship within local healthcare facilities. The care teams and the Orange County Crystal L., a healthcare worker, initiative was launched in Winter Court, among many others. Since the messaged the group: “I received my Address: Garden, Florida on March 20, 2020 by CDC new guidelines came out last three requested masks in the mail 1880 W. Edgewood Ave., Jacksonvile, FL 32208 local resident Mireille Bani. Within a week, requests have been streaming today! I broke down in tears. A small Phone: (904) 764-9257 Fax: (904) 768-1736 week and with the help of a handful in constantly: over 4,000 masks are token that may save a life. Thank Email: [email protected] of friends based in Canada and the currently needed in the app. Army of you!” Website: www.gmbc.net Middle East, Army of Masks launched Masks was approached yesterday by Website launched on March 31, an informative website and a custom- one of Orlando’s major healthcare 2020: www.armyofmasks.com made application using geolocation groups, the Delaware State Troopers, Public Facebook group created to help match demands emanating as well as an organization managing on March 20, 2020: https://www. from healthcare facilities with hospice care facilities throughout facebook.com/groups/armyofmasks/ PLACE YOUR volunteer mask makers ready to help. Florida and nationwide. They alone FL private Facebook group The group has over 800 members in need several thousand masks urgently. created on March 23, 2020: https:// North America with 134 members in All indicators point to a sharp increase www.facebook.com/groups/ AD HERE the Florida chapter alone. With zero armyofmasksFLORIDA Wish to give us a News Story? in demand during such dire times. marketing, the non-profi t community Mireille Bani, 53, Founder & Application launched on March 30, Need to place an Ad? initiative website had 3,003 visitors Operations Director, said: “From 2020: Call The Florida/ Georgia Star at and 8,715 pages views in 6 days. As the beginning, we clearly knew that - Mask makers registration: register. 904-766-8834 or Send it to: of today, close to 2,500 masks have a washable fabric face mask is not armyofmasks.com already been made and delivered, - Mask makers app log in: app. info@thefl oridastar.com replacing an N95 or surgical mask, mainly to Central Florida’s nursing as explained in our disclaimer, but we armyofmasks.com APRIL 11, 2020 THE STAR PAGE 3 OPINIONS Will there be a new Commissioner JWP: “This directive after the is Survival” My Day April 30th deadline? By Dr. J. Ester Davis By Dr. James B. Ewers Jr. “social distancing”. He sings social distancing, six feet away. If you see me id you get your notices in the ptimistically, after the at the store, just wave at me. Check it mail this week about the 2020 Coronavirus started in the out. You will be glad you did. DCensus? Did you spend the United States of America, In addition to social distancing, many eight minutes to fi ll it out and return Oth April 13 was the date given whereby people have started to wear masks and it? What impact will COVID-19 have we would get back to normal. The gloves to shop and to get gas. These on the African American communities, White House at the time downplayed tools work so if you are in the position especially in Dallas County’s traditional COVID-19 and thus gave us hope of to get them, then do so. minority areas in and around the a quick recovery. However medical There are pro athletes who are country? What is the defi nition of an experts and even some of us thought sponsoring food and protective gear. ‘essential business’ in Dallas County? otherwise. Stephon Marbury, former Knicks Why is there an assumption that the In retrospect, was this date ever basketball player now living and word essential is a ‘one-size-fi t-all’ for realistic? There were some school coaching in China recently donated all corners of the county? systems that used it as a return date as 10 million masks to New York city. Dallas and its surrounding 28 plus most well-read, the undisputed one well. If you get COVID-19 from being Marbury said, “I’ve lost loved ones to cities have a lot to offer. The worldwide with the most history about any subject around people, how could schools this invisible monster. I have a cousin view of Dallas is most attractive on the you want to entertain. In this interview reconvene so soon. Maybe by saying who died yesterday.” Other pro athletes global stage. Dallas has more than 300 with Dr. Robert Ashley, KHVN News April 13th it would give the business like Demario Davis, Drew Brees and people moving here daily. In terms of Director, the Commissioner put an rd community hope of reopening. And it JJ Redick have also contributed their growth Dallas is the 3 fastest growing addendum to a question, “I am more city bursting at the waistline for over a could have been used as a temporary resources to help fi ght this disease. concerned about my community after boost to the stock market. As we see American life as we know it has decade now. Cranes fi ll our skies like a the virus”. When you listen to the video, now it was false hope and unrealistic. changed. There are fewer people on fl ock of giant fl ying dinosaurs. I could pay careful attention to what follows Now, April 30th is the new deadline. the streets and on the roads. Malls have go on and on about Dallas. . . that is phrases like, “. . . in our community”, We should stay at home and continue to closed and restaurants only have take- . . .before the music stopped. Now and “this is survival”. Being a prolifi c practice all protocols. I think this new out service. Grocery stores and drug we are confronted with “an enemy we challenger, the Commissioner explains timeline will give us a light at the end stores are still open, albeit with limited underestimated” and called it names a situation to Dr. Ashley ending with, “. of the tunnel. However, I would not hours. Walmart and Target are now in January. Before our unwelcomed . . I did challenge them on this – and I be totally surprised if we had another limiting the number of people that can change maker appeared, not all parts will again”. deadline that extended into the middle go into their stores. of the city were treated equally. We The entire video is on YouTube. or end of May. The CDC (Centers for Disease were discussing gentrifi cation, housing On Facebook @Dallas Black Press, Some of us have hard heads when Control) is now recommending that we for the poor, healthcare strategies, the I think. For your convenience, we it comes to this new deadline. We are wear masks and gloves when we are demolition of the middle class and the can send it to your cell phone and still gathering in large groups without in the public square. We are living in hazards of construction-in-the-city. you can share it, because it is one of considering the deadly consequences. unprecedented times. The coronavirus Trust, a little fi ve-letter word, is those dialogue that you want to listen We think we are immune from dying. will be a topic of conversation for years really all citizens expect when there is to more than once. So many thanks Wrong. to come. a crisis, especially one that upon arrival to Commissioner Price for your time That type of behavior is outrageous, At this very second, we need prayer. has people dying at alarming and during this time and the entire crew of and the police are making arrests as We need city leaders to announce a day disproportionate rates. Amid the high excellent professionals. they should. Let us encourage our or days of prayer so that we can pray drama of COVID-19, Dallas County Ester Davis, BPEN. CFN. EDTV fellow citizens to follow the rules and together at the same time. We need Commissioner John Wiley Price Facebook.com/ester.davis.39 to adhere to the law. states to do the same. Faith leaders (JWP) met with the Dallas Black 214.376.9000 (cell) The concept of social distancing is need to coordinate these efforts with Media last week in Downtown Dallas. NOTE: For your reading pleasure, becoming a way of life for us. Now the appropriate people at each level. We invited a millennial team with their please read the Fact Sheets on Social there are some songs about social America needs a national day or days high defi nition cell phones computers to Distancing. distancing. One of them has really of prayer. Let us make this happen. capture the social media live audiences. resonated with me. The artist is Kevon When prayers go up, blessings come Like it or not, the Commissioner is YouTube: https://youtu.be/ Carter and the title of the song is simply down. We need a blessing right now. always the most prepared guest, the cgbKELBBwFO

Hardin-Gostayed glued to everySit News channel, Down possessing a higher levelSomewhere of melanin, awareness to needed change, but it’s no ingesting any news on the Coronavirus doing normal things Black people do secret that I’m not a fan of marching and as if I was having my fi rst meal coming every day, passionately asserting how large symbolic gestures. I subscribe off of a hunger strike, I was appalled they want their Country back or to make to more actionable involvement that at the Orange One demeaning an entire it great again, and feeling comfortable yields more immediate and sustainable demographic of people with his labeling enough to hurl hurtful verbal jabs results. Asking for permission to be of the virus and his initial dismissal at the 1st Children. This deadly and outraged over inequality and injustice of its severity. Instead of employing detrimental mindset is made easier never sat well with me. So, after seeing a minimal amount of intellectual by Knee Grows who make the hate the cell phone camera picture he sent, prowess and using the identifi ed easier to accomplish by rationalizing, I wished I had enough metaphorical technical name authorized by the CDC, explaining it way, apologizing for it and chairs in my possession for all those that he had to once again purposely and encouraging those victimized to love participated in that event and in similar unapologetically demonize and offend those who despise them. Is there really others across the Country. This absence “Boy, if you don’t go somewhere and an entire population of people. I guess a need to feign surprise and indignation of recliners, however, didn’t inhibit me sit down!” Those were the words my the First Lady’s ‘Be Best’ anti-bullying at the crumbling relationship, apathy, from recognizing ‘stupid’ and issuing grandmother frequently uttered when campaign is still in the planning stages? and lack of trust centered along racial my grandma’s suggestive declaration of I worked her last nerve as a child. But this is nothing new for some folks in lines or when people see no point to seated repose for their misguided civil When you’re that young and carefree Poli-tricks. We’ve been in this Twilight engaging in the political process? It’s disobedience act. I’m all for disruption like I was, I’m not sure you’re even Zone before. I recall back in 2014 when disturbing that a collective feel they’re of the process in the face of injustice aware of how many nerves adults have. Elizabeth Lauten, Communications somehow losing their lofty standing in and inequity, but marching without But when you heard that statement Director for former GOP Senator society so they have no problem pushing an end game is just walking. To keep delivered with the unwavering Stephen Fincher (R-Tennessee), wrote an agenda where they feel comfortable using ineffective strategies that only passion she did, you knew they were a cowardly and insensitive social media demonstrating a misguided physical, result in inconvenience to the protestors perilously close to depletion. Sadly, post about then President Obama’s intellectual, and cultural superiority. while yielding no long tern solutions or Cancer imposed its will on her mind two children. In the midst of the I’ve never believed in the term Minority positive outcomes may play well to the and body, and hastened her transition resulting uproar, she rightfully fell on because whether in past history or with cameras and the uninformed viewer, way too soon. It’s been over 20 years her sword and resigned. It immediately current strides and accomplishments, but it seems disingenuous and simply a bought to mind the similar heartless there are no small people making minor waste of time. since I’ve heard that never acted upon and venomous communiqué leveled contributions locally or to this great It reminds me of a strategy session I threat out loud and I really miss being at Chelsea Clinton and Amy Carter Nation as a whole. There’ve been a was invited to attend a few years ago slightly afraid. My nerve supply level over their still changing physical whole lot of skninfolk who’ve refused where the goal was to have businesses remains strong to this day because I characteristics as they grew up in the to take a seat recognize and respect the spending employed the same never acted upon White House’s shadow. With so much I recall a telephone conversation power of the Black community. veiled threat of discipline with my three attention given to cyber bullying; you several years ago with a friend who The answer was to trade in higher boys when they were children. I recall would think the most powerful man works within the heartbeat of our denomination bills for either Susan B. many occasions where I was able to in the World and others in high profi le government in Washington, D.C. In Anthony coins or $2 bills. The thought convince them to modify attitudes and positions would understand this. Oh mid-sentence, he paused briefl y and was if there was increased usage of behavior by strongly encouraging them how I wish he would take many seats. then continued on to describe a large the more unique money, businesses to sit down with speed and effi ciency. But, it goes much deeper than that. An contingent of protestors impeding would then be able to tell who spent There was no additional discussion atmosphere of hate fi lled and racially traffi c on a nearby bridge outside his what. Ridiculous. You’re still spending of a ‘time out’ or the taking away of divisive rhetoric has been allowed to offi ce window. On that preplanned money in businesses who don’t respect toys and privileges. No, it was simply exist and become the norm throughout event day, adults were urged to walk you, so where’s the lesson? And, the correct amount of infl ection in my this so called presidency. Hate speech out of work and kids were instructed to you’re inconvenienced by having to voice, coupled with an unblinking gaze is being disguised as patriotism simply leave school without permission and lie carry around a larger amount of coins as I delivered grandma’s line that made because you hug a fl ag on a stand or down in the street to interrupt traffi c. and smaller currency value. My all the difference. wear apparel with USA emblazoned I was confused. There are so many suggestion was to stop shopping at the In the past few weeks, as I engaged across it. Incendiary hate speech educational cracks and defi cits that stores altogether, shop Black or shop in in my daily routine of online immersion has replaced progressive dialogue, currently exist in the Black Community another County. of relevant world news and the mind and people rationalize their obvious where kids are struggling to keep pace, I’m exhausted just writing this and numbing pop culture fair that lessens hatred and disdain by engaging in code so I wondered why anyone would can feel my nerve supply lessening. So, intellectual capacity, I found myself words, searching for birth certifi cates, encourage a Black child or any student I’m going somewhere and sit down. wishing a few folk in the spotlight questioning patriotism because you to walk out of an educational setting? Feel free to discuss amongst yourselves would engage in immediate posterior kneel or don’t want to sing a song Black students are being suspended and while I catch my breath. parking. There is little in life that shocks absent of the 3rd stanza, assigning expelled disproportionately, so why Kenneth L. Hardin is a freelance or offends me, but my disappointment monkey like characteristics to people place them in a positon to be further writer who lives in North Carolina. He level with the lack of sensitivity of of color in political cartoons and on disciplined? I’m not minimizing can be reached at kennethlhardin65@ others does have boundaries. As I clothing, calling the cops on people for the importance of protests to bring gmail.com. Rights retained by author PAGE 4 THE STAR APRIL 11, 2020 Coronavirus Claims Life of New Orleans Jazz Pianist And Patriarch Ellis Marsalis Story and Pictures Wilson Urges Governor DeSantis to by Cleveland Bryant Jr. Work With Florida Nursing Home Administrators to llis Marsalis Jr., premier Ensure Facilities Are Following CDC jazz pianist and jazz family Guidelines patriarch-father of four sons who are acclaimed jazz Miami, FL – Today, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson led a letter to Governor musiciansE themselves-passed away Ron DeSantis and Florida Agency for Health April first at a hospital in New Orleans. Care Administration Secretary Mary Mayhew His oldest son, Branford, announced calling on them to take steps to safeguard in a statement, noting that his father the well-being of Florida’s nursing home succumbed to complications of the residents. coronavirus after checking into the Florida, which has one of the largest senior hospital with the symptoms. He was populations in the nation, is home to 691 eighty-five. licensed nursing homes that house roughly 71,000 residents. According to the Centers for Marsalis, a New Orleans native, Disease Control, older adults are at a higher was father to his accomplished world risk of contracting COVID-19 and will be famous sons Wynton, Branford, Jason more severely affected. So far, 143 Floridians and Delfayo. living in skilled nursing or assisted living Yet it was Marsalis’s work as facilities have tested positive and nursing an educator that brought him the homes across the nation, including the Life most praise and most professional Care Center of Kirkland, Washington, have satisfaction. Despite the international reported the spread of the virus. Specifically, the letter asks Governor success of his sons Marsalis recalls not DeSantis and Secretary Mayhew to work wanting a family band. with nursing home administrators throughout “In a family band the patriarch tends the state to ensure that facilities develop to dominate, and that can stifle the comprehensive COVID-19 response plans, as creativity of individual members,” he recommended by the CDC, and to announce said. which facilities have reported cases and how He continued, “Sometimes the family many residents have tested positive at each can become economically dependent facility. on the group; besides, I don’t like being “We have already seen nursing homes across the country decimated by this pandemic. Our the center of attention.” state has quickly become a hot spot for the To his credit Marsalis developed virus and I fear that given the large number the independent and improvisational Before long Marsalis returned to New 2007 for his contributions to jazz and of nursing home residents in Florida, we styles of a whole host of today’s young Orleans and signed up for a two-year music education. He recorded dozens may be primed for what could be preventible jazz musicians. In addition to his sons stint in the Marine Corp. It was during of original albums and was a sideman tragedies,” said Rep. Wilson. “I hope Governor he mentored the likes of Terrence this time that Marsalis fine-tuned for countless musicians. He was DeSantis and state officials will work my colleagues in Congres and me to safeguard Blanchard, Harry Connick, Jr., Marlon his accompaniment skills on “Dress inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall Jordan, Nicholas Payton, Donald this extremely vulnerable population group.” Blues”-a television music program of Fame in 2018 and the Ellis Marsalis Congresswoman Wilson has taken several Harrison and Kent Jordan. sponsored by the Corp. Center for Music at the Musicians’s steps to improve nursing home emergency All of these musicians were students After the Marines Marsalis led his Village in New Orleans is named in his preparedness in Florida and across the of Marsalis at the New Orleans Center own group at the original Playboy Club honor. Marsalis insisted that the Center nation, including launching a long-term care for the Creative Arts-a prestigious in Chicago, followed by three-years emergency response task force and holding provide a diverse range of resources to public arts high school where he with Al Hirt. Marsalis also toured with a congressional field hearing in Miami on low-income adult musicians from New directed the jazz program. Nat and Cannonball Adderly. Marsalis nursing homes’ emergency preparedness and Mr. Marsalis was born on November then returned to his teaching career. Orleans. response to disasters. 14, 1934, and played the saxophone During the decades that followed he Marsalis and his sons were group The letter was signed by Representatives Frederica Wilson (FL-24), Kathy Castor (FL- professionally while still in high school, taught at Xavier University of New recipients of the coveted NEA Jazz Master Award in 2011. 14), Charlie Crist (FL-13), Val B. Demings before switching to piano. Orleans, Virginia Commonwealth (FL-10), Ted Deutch (FL-22), Lois Frankel In 1956, after graduating from Dillard University and the University of New Marsalis was predeceased by his wife (FL-21), Alcee Hastings (FL-20), Al Lawson, University Marsalis spent some time on Orleans where he was the department Delores. He is survived by his sons, Jr. (FL-5), Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (FL-26), the West Coast playing in jazz clubs head and a jazz professor. Branford, Wynton, Jason, Delfayo, Stephanie Murphy (FL-7), Donna Shalala with bandmates Harold Batiste and Ed Marsalis received an honorary Mbayo, and Ellis III, and several (FL-27), Darren Soto (FL-9), and Debbie Blackwell. doctorate from Tulane University in grandchildren. Wasserman Schultz (FL-23). APRIL 11, 2020 THE STAR PAGE 5 Op-Ed: NAACP-JACKSONVILLE BRANCH FLORIDA LEGISLATIVE BLACK COVID-19 STATEMENT CAUCUS URGES GOVERNOR TO TAKE he Jacksonville Branch NAACP Stay home, wear masks and gloves, EXPEDIENT MEASURES ON BEHALF OF strongly encourages everyone and distance yourself 6 feet apart from to Tstay at home during this pandemic. others. We can limit this contagious INMATES AMIDST COVID-19 The only exceptions are essential work and potentially deadly disease if we all uesday, a letter was sent on behalf distancing and disinfecting guidelines. obligations and meeting other essential work together to comply. of the Florida Legislative Black It also highlights other states with needs. It is so important to follow We are also encouraging all CaucusT to Governor Ron DeSantis signifi cantly larger inmate populations the executive orders and COVID-19 community associations and groups to urging him to take measures to safeguard like California and Texas who have CDC guidelines. It is a matter of life refrain from community block parties vulnerable inmate populations from the already begun implementing similar and death. Particularly, the medical and large gatherings of people during deadly spread of COVID-19. This letter suggestions made by the Florida experts warn that African-Americans this period of time. is a stark reminder of the immediate Legislative Black Caucus. will suffer drastically as COVID-19 Founded in 1909, the National need for the Governor and Department “The governor’s success in protecting continues to invade our communities. It Association for the Advancement of Corrections to implement a strategic Floridians during this pandemic hinges is a fact that more African-Americans of Colored People (NAACP) is the plan after 4 inmates and 29 correctional on sealing off every possible avenue have disproportionately died from this nation's oldest and largest civil rights offi cers/contract staff test positive for of transmission. The coronavirus is virus. Underlying health inequities like organization. Its half-million adult COVID-19. already present in Florida’s corrections obesity, diabetes, and heart disease and youth members throughout the Prison reform advocate and system, threatening an explosion of make COVID-19 even more deadly. United States and the world are the Representative Dianne Hart (D-Tampa) cases not only among those imprisoned, said, “During the COVID-19 outbreak, The already existing disparities in our premier advocates for civil rights in but families, corrections offi cers, and inmates are placed at a greater risk of healthcare system for those of color, their communities and monitor equal support staff, and anyone who comes in catching the coronavirus because they those who are poor (lack of access to opportunity in the public and private contact with them. As we learned from testing), those with disabilities, and sectors. are in such close quarters. If this virus spreads throughout our facilities, we the spread of this disease across the state those who have language barriers will Contact: Isaiah Rumlin, President in recent weeks, waiting for action can only be magnifi ed during this pandemic. Jacksonville Branch – 904-764-1753 will see more deaths and more strain on our already overwhelmed prisons and result in catastrophic consequences. We medical system.” want to take every measure possible to Op-Ed: That Carona Cat The letter calls upon the Governor prevent that,” said Florida Legislative Black Caucus Chair Senator Bobby The Gantt Report Instead of choosing to chase, choose life! to consider compassionate medical By Lucius Gantt If you have symptoms like a high body release for inmates who are elderly Powell, Jr. (D-West Palm Beach). temperature, inability to smell or taste, and non-violent offenders over the Florida is the third largest correctional arona, Carona please go away and do sneezing, coughing and diffi culty in age of 60, medically ill inmates with system in the United States with Cnot come back another day! breathing, contact your doctor immediately emphasis on those with documented over 96,000 inmates and over 23,000 The COVID 19 virus has had a so your doctor can determine if you need to preexisting conditions susceptible to employees. The close quarters can devastating impact on the United States and be tested for the COVID 19 virus. COVID-19, and the release of inmates easily become a breeding ground for on the world. Sheltering in place, washing Just because you and your feline can nearing or at the very end of their the virus, quickly facilitating its spread hands, cleaning and disinfecting homes and spend more time together than ever before, wearing masks are things that we all should don’t try to beat the cat up and don’t try to sentence to reduce prison populations within the 143 correctional institutions do to win the battle of the virus war. eat it up! and assist in maintaining CDC social across Florida. I’m pretty much a homebody. Staying Spend together time trying to get to know at home doesn’t bother me as much as it each other better. Try cooking together, bothers some of my friends. Nowadays, if it cleaning together, praying together and Nahshon Nicks along with Daily ain’t about the money, I pretty much stay at working together. home. I read, I write, I listen to some jazz, Your cat isn’t going anywhere. You and Manna Serving Center and Feeding blues, R&B and some Afrobeat and I watch your cat may have lost your jobs in the a little TV or I pop in a DVD every now imposed lock downs. And, your side cat Northeast Florida and then. could be asymptomatic and have the grim Once in a while, I even go and play with reaper virus and not even look or feel like it. my favorite cat! At least for the time being, only eat your Pledge To Feed Over 200 Families Most cats love the national lock down cat food at home and only share your catnip that’s taking place. They think more time with your house cat. In The River City together will result in more intimacy and Seriously, COVID 19 is a killer! I know possibly more romance time to cuddle and two people in Atlanta that have taken their By Nahshon Nicks, Feeding grind. fi nal journey to the Land of the Plenty after Northeast Florida We still need to be careful. Chasing cats, catching the deadly respiratory virus. PRLog snakes and other things under bedroom When I have to go to the grocer or the sheets, on counter tops, in shower stalls and pharmacy, every customer looks like a on blankets in back yards can be fun and robber or an outlaw because they have on ue to the new stricter stay at deadly at the same time. face masks but it’s cool because the masks home measures, many more You see, the virus doesn’t care who you prevent them from coughing on me. families in the Jacksonville are, what your race is, what your gender is, Be safe and take care of yourself and areaD will feel the impact of business how much or how little money you have or your loved ones. After we win the virus war closures and reduced income. Amid what your sexual orientation is. The virus we will go back to the battle for equal rights battling the coronavirus, those that are doesn’t care through which orifi ce it uses to and justice. in need could be left with the decision enter your body. And, perhaps we will continue to write of spending money on food or paying I imagine it’s hard to hit the cat when the about the devil in the White House and how their bills. It's for this reason Nahshon his evil ways has made our lives more and cat has a mask on, gloves on and is wearing Nicks, is partnering with Daily Manna Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). more dangerous! Serving Center and Feeding Northeast Health:Worried About Your Immune System? Florida on a pledge to feed 200 families apart with gloves and masks, passing in Jacksonville. food to each car. Food boxes will be "The focus for everyone should be Try These 5 Natural Remedies provided by Jacksonville food bank, protecting their families. My focus is Feeding Northeast Florida. FNEFL is ody aches, fever, chills and feeding those families." said Nicks. prioritizing getting the food out into the nasal congestion, common His goal is to fi ght the virus by feeding symptoms of the fl u, can the people, specifi cally those in lower community safely and as effi ciently as stopB you in your tracks, leaving you possible. income communities. Nicks will be bedridden for days. working with local schools in these The Community Pantry Initiative will “Complications arising from these areas to set up drive thru grocery take place at different school locations illnesses can become serious,” says Dr. locations. Daily Manna Serving Center, starting with Arlington Elementary Suhyun An (www.drsuhyunan.com), an a non-profi t information hub that helps School, located at 1201 University expert on regenerative medicine and Northeast Florida households fi ght Blvd N, Jacksonville, FL 32211. The co-author of Demystifying Stem Cells: poverty by providing resources, will drive thru pantry will begin at 11 am A Real-Life Approach To Regenerative oversee the onsite logistics ensuring until 1pm. Attendees must arrive and Medicine. to follow COVID-19 guidelines. stay inside of their cars during the drive Dr. An says there are ways to prevent Volunteers will be spaced 6 feet thru. the symptoms from reaching that and eucalyptus, can have a similar serious point. To feel better and get effect. Also, vapor rub can reduce cold back on your feet, she recommends symptoms, especially in children older numerous natural cold and fl u remedies than 2 years. It helps open air passages to alleviate your symptoms: to combat congestion, reduce coughing, Vitamin C. Some studies indicate and improve sleep. It’s a good that Vitamin C can shorten the lifespan alternative to over-the-counter cold of a cold and boost your immune medicines in young children because of system. “The best way to get it is unwanted side effects.” through your diet; the fresher the food, Probiotics. These are friendly the better,” Dr. An says. “Oranges, bacteria and yeast found in the body, limes, lemons, grapefruits, leafy greens, some foods, and supplements. “They and bell peppers are all good sources of can help keep your gut and immune vitamin C. Be careful with supplements system healthy, and they may reduce because they can lead to upset stomach your chance of getting sick with an and kidney stones.” upper respiratory infection,” Dr. An Honey. Honey has natural antiviral says. “For a delicious and nutritious and antimicrobial properties. “Drinking source of helpful bacteria, include honey in tea with lemon can ease sore probiotic yogurt in your diet.” throat pain,” Dr. An says. “Research “Colds and the fl u are threats to us suggests that honey is an effective every year, but they don’t have to get us cough suppressant, too. Honey often down for long,” Dr. An says. “Natural contains Clostridium bacteria, so never home remedies can reduce symptoms give honey to a child younger than so you can be more comfortable and get 1-year-old because infants’ immune the rest you need to get better faster.” systems aren’t able to fi ght them off.” About Dr. Suhyun An, DC, MSN, Chicken soup. This popular cold and NP-C fl u remedy helps because hot liquids Dr. Suhyun An (www.drsuhyunan. reduce mucus buildup and keep you com) is the clinic director at Campbell hydrated. “Chicken soup, in particular, Medical Group in Houston and an has anti-infl ammatory properties, expert on regenerative medicine. which help reduce a cold’s unpleasant She is co-author of Demystifying side effects,” Dr. An says. “Keep some Stem Cells: A Real-Life Approach To in the freezer or even canned for fl u Regenerative Medicine and travels the season. It’s quick to prepare that way nation speaking on those topics. Dr. and soothing to eat.” An received a BS in Biochemistry and Aromas. “When you have congestion Biophysical Science from the University from the fl u, applying camphor or of Houston, graduated cum laude from menthol salve around your nose can Parker College of Chiropractic, and help break up mucus,” Dr. An says. got her master’s in nursing science “Aromatherapy oils, such as peppermint from Samford University. PAGE 6 THE STAR APRIL 11, 2020

What You Need to Do to Get Your Government Stimulus Check The IRS and the Treasury cial Security number will re- tion from your 2018 taxes to Department say Americans ceive a $1,200 payment. That calculate your payment and will start receiving their eco- means married couples fi ling determine where to send it. It nomic impact checks soon. joint returns will receive the can use your Social Security so for those The payments are part of full payment — $2,400 — if benefi t statement as well. years to fi le as the $2.2 trillion rescue pack- their adjusted gross income, I DON’T USUALLY HAVE soon as possible in order to age signed into law last week which what you report on TO FILE TAXES. DO I receive an economic impact by Donald Trump aimed at your taxes, is under $150,000. STILL GET A PAYMENT? payment. Taxpayers should WHERE DO I combating the economic rav- The payment steadily de- Yes. People who are not include their direct-deposit DO THIS? ages of the coronavirus out- clines for those who make required to fi le a tax return banking information on the The IRS and Treasury say break. more. Those earning more — such as low-income tax return if they want it deposit- the website irs.gov/coronavi- Most people don’t need to than $99,000, or $198,000 payers, some senior citizens, ed in their account. rus will soon provide infor- do anything to get the money. for joint fi lers, are not eligi- Social Security recipients, I DIDN’T USE mation about the check, in- But some — including senior ble. The thresholds are slight- some veterans and people DIRECT DEPOSIT cluding how people can fi le a citizens and low-income peo- ly different for those who fi le with disabilities — will need ON MY TAXES, simple 2019 tax return. ple who might not traditional- as a head of household. to fi le a very simplifi ed tax re- WHAT CAN I DO? I NEED MORE TIME ly fi le tax returns — do need Parents will also receive turn to receive the economic The government will de- TO FILE MY TAX RE- to take action. People behind $500 for each qualifying impact payment. It provides fault to sending you the check TURNS. HOW LONG DO on fi ling their taxes might child. the government basic details by mail if you did not use di- I HAVE TO GET THE also want to get caught up. WHAT DO I HAVE including a person’s fi ling rect deposit. PAYMENT? The IRS and Treasury have TO DO TO GET THE status, number of dependents However, IRS and Treasury The IRS says people con- provided more details on how CHECK? and direct-deposit bank infor- say that they will develop an cerned about visiting a tax to ensure you get paid. Here For most people, nothing. mation. online portal in the coming professional or local commu- are the basics: The money will be directly I HAVEN’T FILED MY weeks for individuals to pro- nity organization in person WHO IS ELIGIBLE deposited in your bank ac- 2018 OR 2019 TAXES. vide their banking informa- to get help with a tax return FOR THE count if the government has WILL I STILL GET A tion so that they can receive should not worry. The eco- PAYMENTS? that information from your PAYMENT? the payments immediately nomic impact payments will Anyone earning up to tax return. If you haven’t Yes, but the IRS urges instead of in the mail. It has be available throughout the $75,000 in adjusted gross fi led your 2019 taxes, the anyone required to fi le a tax not yet set a deadline for up- rest of 2020. income and who has a So- government will use informa- return and has not yet done dating that information.

Philanthropic Families Donate More Than Half A Million Dollars to Bethune-Cookman University DAYTONA BEACH, dent E. La Brent Chrite. FL –The families of Bil- “My hope is that others lye and Hank Aaron along will be similarly inspired with Thomas and Joyce and infl uenced to help Moorehead have donated support this extraordinary more than $604,000 to institution Dr. Mary Mc- Bethune-Cookman Uni- Leod Bethune envisioned versity as part of the uni- and established” versity’s Advancing the B-CU recently launched Legacy effort to protect its Advancing the Legacy B-CU’s future. campaign to preserve Dr. Known for their re- Bethune’s accomplish- spective philanthropic ments for the future. The activities, the families’ campaign was announced combined donations to- in Washington D.C. in Joyce and Thomas Moorehead Billye and Hank Aaron tal $604,000 with the collaboration with the Aarons contributing own Chasing the Dream recognize them for the Mary McLeod Bethune. nation’s top luxury car National Council of Ne- $250,000 personally and Foundation which has millions they have con- Moorehead and her hus- dealership owners, which gro Women Inc., which an additional $104,000 sponsored hundreds of tributed, including at At- band, The Moorehead include the only African was founded by Dr. through their Chasing the students to attend HB- lanta Technical College Residential Life Center American owned Rolls Bethune. The effort has Dream Foundation and CUs. The Aarons have and at Morehouse Col- on the B-CU campus was Royce dealership along raised over $5 million to the Mooreheads donat- been longtime support- lege’s Student Pavilion. named in their honor in with the largest African help close a fi nancial gap ing $250,000 to B-CU. ers of B-CU, creating a “We are pleased to 2016. American owned BMW in scholarship funding. Both families share in $200,000 endowment in provide support for the “As a proud graduate of dealership in the coun- Those who want to con- longtime commitments to honor of Joyce Moore- achievements of young B-CU, I owe much of my try. Moorehead has been tribute can donate at the Historical Black Colleges head during her time as people with limited op- personal and professional recognized by Black En- effort’s website at www. and Universities, includ- a member of the B-CU portunities and enable success to the training and terprise Magazine as Au- advancingthelegacy.com. ing Howard and Gram- Board of Trustees. Since them to develop their nurturing I received as a tomobile Dealer of the Belvin Perry, Chair, bling State universities in its inception, the endow- talents and pursue their student at Bethune-Cook- Year and the couple were B-CU’s Board of Trustees addition to B-CU. ment has funded thou- dreams,” the Aarons said man,” Joyce Moorehead recognized as the “Car expressed gratitude for Legendary baseball sands of student scholar- together. said. “We hope that this Czars” by the Washing- the commitments from star Hank Aaron and his ships. B-CU holds personal gift will likewise inspire ton Business Journal. both families. “We have wife, Billye, are long- Billye Aaron has served signifi cance for Joyce other alumni and philan- “The generous sup- come a very long way to time advocates for higher on trustee boards for both Hanks Moorehead, a thropists to support all port from the Aarons and building a new future for education having raised Texas and Morehouse graduate and an attor- HBCUs but particularly Mooreheads affi rm their this great University. We millions of dollars for colleges and numer- ney whose parents were Bethune-Cookman.” belief in and commitment are profoundly grateful scholarship funding for ous buildings have been educators and friends Thomas Moorehead is to B-CU at this crucial for this remarkable level UNCF, HBCUs, and their named in their honor to with B-CU founder Dr. recognized as one of the time,” said B-CU Presi- of support.”

Kristen Clarke of the made up almost half of made up 35% of cases Camera Jones, who spent has also been a factor. COVID19 Lawyers Committee for Milwaukee County’s 945 and 40% of deaths as of 13 years at the CDC. Rumors and conspiracy Continued from page 1 Civil Rights Under Law cases and 81% of its 27 Friday morning. Loui- “This is the time to name theories proliferated on on April 3rd. deaths in a county whose siana has not published racism as the cause of all social media, pushing of Friday morning, Afri- An April 3rd report in population is 26% black. case breakdowns by race of those things. The over- the bogus idea that black can Americans made up ProPublica analysis stat- Milwaukee is tracking either. representation of people people are immune to the almost half of Milwaukee ed that “early data shows COVID-19 cases by race “COVID is just unmask- of color … is not just a COVID-19. Much of the County’s 945 #Covid_ African Americans have — one of few cities that ing the deep disinvest- happenstance … It’s be- initial focus was on inter- 19cases and 81% of all contracted and died of does so. ment in our communities, cause we’re not valued.” national travel and closing 27 deaths in a county coronavirus at an alarm- In Michigan, where the the historical injustices As public health offi - borders and not underly- whose population is 26% ing rate.” state’s population is 14% and the impact of residen- cials watched cases rise ing health disparities that Black,” wrote attorney “African Americans black, African Americans tial segregation,” said Dr. in March misinformation persist in the U.S. Georgia Power Extends Sanders Drops 2020 Presidential Bid Sen. Bernie Sanders, who saw his once Suspension of Disconnections strong lead in the Democratic primary As the COVID-19 coronavirus many customers face unemployment evaporate as the party’s establishment pandemic continues to bring eco- due to forced business shutdowns and lined swiftly up behind rival Joe Biden, nomic upheaval, Georgia Power’s stay-at-home orders that are meant to ended his presidential bid on Wednesday, suspension of disconnections is keep the coronavirus from spreading. an acknowledgment that the former vice being extended after a vote by the Tuesday’s vote extends the decision president is too far ahead for him to have Georgia Public Service Commis- beyond the original timeframe, assur- any reasonable hope of catching up. sion. ing customers that the suspension of The Vermont senator’s announcement The company originally announced disconnections will remain in place as makes Biden the presumptive Democrat- it would suspend disconnections in the pandemic continues to impact cus- ic nominee to challenge President Donald mid-March for at least 30 days as tomers in the state. Trump in November. APRIL 11, 2020 THE STAR PAGE 7 FLA/GA LOCAL TEACHERS STEP UP AS Family and community speak out COVID19 FIRST RESPONDERS against Tallahassee police killing of children's fi rst responders. A fi rst responder is someone responsible for going immediately to Mychael Johnson the scene of an accident or emergency to provide assistance. By Zachary Schultz | April 7, 2020 Within two weeks of the nation facing the COVID19 pandemic, the n March 20, Tallahassee Duval county school system was on Police Department Offi cer the scene to transition our students to Zackri Jones killed a virtual education environment where 31-year-old Mychael they can safely learn and feel a sense of Johnson.O Mychael Johnson was the normalcy. Educators executed a plan to second person shot and killed by Jones, ensure the progress of children during a and the fi rst since Lawrence Revell By Edward Gaston time when it would have been easier to became chief of police in January. just stop teaching. Revell’s nomination in November and hey are underpaid, complained Instead, the First Responders of the his later appointment led to protests Duval County, Florida School District about, overworked, disrespected, due to his killing of George Williams, a beatT up, thrown under the bus, and ran toward the emergency of students. often politicized. Educators--our Superintendent Diane L. Greene Black teenager, in September 1996. children's teachers and principals-- and an enormous team of educators The Tallahassee Police Department have gone from teaching and breaking and partners stepped up to aid the has issued statements claiming that up occasional fi ghts to being vigilant city, stabilized communities, and fed Johnson had attempted to steal a car protectors during school lockdown students, while quickly establishing and had fought with Offi cer Justin drills. a new way to deliver quality public Davidson before being shot and killed As a society we have demanded education. They mobilized, ramped by Jones. However, the family is a great deal from educators and it is up, and provided students with laptops questioning whether the police have more evident as we, parents, attempt to and worked with business partners told the full story. manage schooling at home. Educators to ensure wifi was available in most “Mychael was fun, loving, intelligent, neighborhoods. In addition, the school are required to teach, discipline, guide, he was a giver, and a protector, he was a buy supplies, respond to unfounded district worked with its business complaints, tutor for no pay, respect partners, like Chartwells and First son, brother, father, and a great friend to those that don’t respect them, remain Student, to make food available and have known,” Johnson’s sister Mildred Mychael Johnson defenseless against physical attacks, to transport educational materials and Richardson said. “I think that there is have emotions of steel, not get involved food through established school bus way more to the story that we aren’t into police and city offi cials on March politically, identify abuse, then clothe, routes for the students. Donning masks getting and the small details that we 25 to ask for the release of body cam feed, and transport our children, and so and gloves, teachers, principals and have received just doesn’t sound like or dash footage and for an independent much more. And, today as the World food service staff put themselves in him at all, it’s just not sitting well and investigation led by the community. faces the wave of a novel virus and high harm’s way daily to ensure that children adding up with the family.” “We can’t let the police investigate level pandemic, these same educators were fed and prepared to continue their The family is also questioning themselves, as we see time and time are now on the front line, stepping into educational experience. whether the police were justifi ed in Using new, online technology, classes again that the police never have a the critical role of fi rst responders for using deadly force. our children. Even more, our educators have returned in spite of the crisis. Now, transparent process,” said TCAC are being asked to step in and continue each day as if they did not have families “What I think happened is that he was President Regina Joseph. “We need an their craft in the midst of protecting themselves, educators continue to mold afraid, he wasn’t trying to hurt anyone, independent investigation for this case, but he didn’t want to go back and themselves and their loved ones during the minds and pour into other people's and every case from now. That is why have to spend time in a broken prison this crisis. children. They re-establish a sense of we are fi ghting for community control We see very clearly that medical normalcy that parents alone could not system,” said Mychael Johnson’s of the police. We need an elected body providers and supporters throughout offer. They are building the boat while mother Evelyn Johnson. “I feel like he that will investigate all police crimes the nation are superheroes and COVID treading water with us. was running for his life because he was warriors and that parents are the As a father, the role of an educator scared. It’s sad that I reached out to his and bring peace and justice to our main protectors of children, but, it is has become even more crystal clear. probation offi cer, the police offi ce, the community.” imperative that we also recognize the Educators, do more than teach. They Apalachee center, and the Leon county “I want people to know what type of run in to assist, they care, they step huge role educators have embraced. sheriff’s department, before this point. person that he was, I don’t want his name Our teachers are amazing fi rst up, they comfort, and in some cases to go in vain,” said Mildred Richardson. they heal. They have been and are fi rst And the only thing that they assisted responders coming to the rescue of our She continued, “And I also want people most precious assets: our children. As I responders, and they, too, are precious with was taking his life.” watch my child's teachers interact and assets. Their presence is like the IV The Tallahassee Community Action to be more aware of the police violence as I listen to numerous broadcasts on and gurney of a paramedic or the Committee (TCAC) has criticized the against the Black community, and that the impact of COVID on education, outstretched hand of the fi refi ghter. lack of transparency from TPD. They if we all stick together so many things I am convinced they are truly our And we are eternally grateful. organized community members to call can be accomplished.”

Attorney General Moody Works with Florida’s Senior Groups to Protect Older Floridians from COVID-19 Scams ttorney General Ashley falsely identifi ed, website names where devices, putting the recipient of the unknown individuals or business Moody and leading senior they can provide misinformation or message at increased risk for identity representatives moving door-to-door organizations are joining attempt to gain consumers’ sensitive theft and fi nancial exploitation. offering to sell consumer products, forces to protect older personal or fi nancial information or Counterfeit Product Offers and medical kits, vaccines, cures, whole- FloridiansA from COVID-19 related fi nances in exchange for pandemic High Demand Goods home sanitization or in-person scams. Attorney General Moody, updates. Legitimate websites should Ignore offers for COVID-19 COVID-19 testing. Promptly contact American Association of Retired display a padlock sign in the URL vaccinations and home test kits. local law enforcement to report such Persons, Association of Mature address bar indicating the site is secure. Currently, no vaccines, pills, potions, activities and, if it can be done safely, American Citizens, American Seniors Be on the lookout for emails asking lotions, medications or other alert neighbors, particularly seniors, of Association and the Florida Council for the verifi cation of personal data, prescription or over-the-counter these concerning door-to-door offers. on Aging today met virtually to discuss including Medicare or Medicaid products are available to treat or cure Phony Charities and Donation emerging scams designed to target information, in exchange for receiving the novel coronavirus. This applies Requests older Floridians amid the COVID-19 economic stimulus funds or other to offers made online, in stores, by Coming together in a time of need pandemic. benefi ts from the government. electronic message, or over the phone. and extreme hardship is testament to Attorney General Ashley Moody Government agencies are not sending The U.S. Food and Drug Administration the Florida way of life; however, when said, “Seniors are uniquely vulnerable out emails asking for sensitive personal has not authorized any home test kits disasters and life-changing events to COVID-19 and to scams designed information in order to receive for COVID-19. such as the current pandemic occur, to exploit the fear surrounding the government funds or other offi cial As many have seen fi rsthand, some be cautious as to where donations are pandemic to rip off Floridians. That pandemic fi nancial relief. consumer products are in extreme going. is why we are working with the top Telephone and Text Messaging demand. Household cleaning products, Unfortunately, scammers take senior groups in Florida to make sure Scams sanitizers, personal hygiene products, advantage of good will and generosity older Floridians have the resources Even before the crisis, robocalls and health and medical supplies may be by creating fi ctitious charitable necessary to avoid falling prey to these were a continuing problem for many offered via online or in-person sellers organizations and seeking donations fraudsters. I want to thank these groups Floridians. Now that more Floridians aiming to capitalize on the scarcity of that never go to the fake charity’s stated for the work they are doing to stay on than ever are working remotely and are these products. cause and take money away from those top of emerging scams and keep their members informed.” home and responding to an increasing When buying online, be sure to in need. Some common COVID-19 related volume of phone calls, some may fi nd it research the seller by searching online Be sure to research where a charitable scams by category include: cyber scams, diffi cult to ignore calls from unknown for the person or company’s name, donation is going. Visit the charities telephone and text messaging scams, numbers. phone number, and email address, plus portion of ConsumerResources.org counterfeit product offers, bogus door- If anyone receives a robocall, hang words like review, complaint, or scam. for guidance on charitable giving or to-door testing offers, offers to sell fake up! Do not press any numbers or If everything checks out, pay by credit CharityNavigator.org. virus cures, and phony charity donation characters on your phone. Scammers card as opposed to debit, and keep a When giving, always do so by credit solicitations. are calling with offers involving record of your transaction. Bring any card or other secure payment processor. Cyber Scams everything from COVID-19 treatments concerns about the pricing of essential Never give via gift card, wire transfer Be wary of all emails claiming to be and cures to work-from-home schemes. commodities to the attention of the or other anonymous electronic payment from the Centers for Disease Control and The recording might say that pressing a Attorney General’s Offi ce by contacting process. Prevention, World Health Organization number will direct the recipient of the the Price Gouging Hotline at 1(866) Remember, misinformation and and other healthcare organizations, call to a live operator or even remove 9NO-SCAM, visiting MyFloridaLegal. rumors create panic and disorder. offering to share information about the recipient from the robocall list, but com or downloading the NO SCAM Always fact-check sources, messages the virus. For information from these don’t buy it. Pressing any button on the smartphone app. and businesses before acting. Never organizations, go directly to the phone will likely lead to more robocalls. For tips on reporting price gouging: provide personal information or money organizations’ websites. Like email phishing scams, text http://myfloridalegal.com/webfiles. to strangers or unexpected salespeople. Take extra precaution to avoid messages from unknown sources may nsf/WF/GPEY-BMKMW4/$file/ Anyone who encounters a spoofed or phony websites by offer hyperlinks to what appears to PG+Memo.pdf. coronavirus stimulus package scam only visiting websites with clearly be automated pandemic updates or Bogus Door-to-Door Tests and or any other type of COVID-19 fraud distinguishable URL addresses. interactive infection maps. These are Fake Virus-related Products should contact the Florida Attorney Scammers seek to exploit individuals just two examples of ways scammers To ensure personal safety, do not General’s Offi ce at 1(866) 9NO-SCAM by directing web traffi c to similar, but can install malware on mobile electronic answer the door or allow inside any or MyFloridaLegal.com. PAGE 8 THE STAR APRIL 11, 2020

Tyler Perry Earl Graves Sr., Black Enterprise Founder Dies Pays Grocery By Stacy M. Brown of Excellence in recognition of New York Attorney General Bills For NNPA Newswire his achievements in minority Tish James called Graves “the business enterprise. Black En- ultimate champion of Black busi- Senior Citizens Tributes have poured in for terprise Magazine is recognized ness and a fi ghter for racial and at More Black Enterprise founder Earl G. as the defi nitive resource for economic justice in our nation.” Than 70 Graves Sr., who died this week at African American business pro- “He helped African Americans the age of 85. fessionals, entrepreneurs, and make a name for themselves in Supermarkets “At 9:22 p.m. this evening, policymakers in the public and the business world and build their Atlanta, GA — Filmmak- April 6, my father and hero, Earl private sectors, The HistoryMak- very own American dream. May er, actor, and playwright Graves Sr., the founder of Black ers noted. He Rest in Peace,” James stated. Tyler Perry is once again Enterprise, passed away quietly “We are grateful for the leg- The family didn’t immediately making headlines for help- after a long battle with Alzhei- acy, life, and leadership of Earl announce funeral plans. ing those who are largely mer’s,” Earl Graves Jr. wrote on Graves Sr, and extend our heart- Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. affected by the coronavirus Twitter. “I loved and admired this felt condolences to his family,” emphasized, “On behalf of the pandemic. Under the name giant of a man and am blessed to The King Center tweeted, along National Newspaper Publishers “Atlanta Angel,” he report- be his namesake. Love you, dad.” with a photo of Graves escorting Association (NNPA), we express edly paid for the groceries A tweet from Black Enterprise Coretta Scott King to the funeral our profound respect and con- of all elderly shoppers at stated, “We will evermore cele- Earl Graves Sr. of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy just dolences to the family of iconic over 70 supermarkets in brate his life and legacy, in this, assistant, according to his profi le two months after Dr. Martin Lu- publisher, Earl Graves, Sr. Under Atlanta and New Orleans. our 50th Anniversary Year, and on The HistoryMakers. ther King, Jr. was assassinated. the leadership of Graves, Black The 50-year old enter- beyond.” After Kennedy’s assassination, “It is with a heavy heart that we Enterprise, more than any other tainment tycoon, who Born January 9, 1935, in New Graves entered the business are- acknowledge the passing of Earl single publication, helped tre- grew up in New Orleans York, Graves learned hard work na, where he was to realize un- Graves Sr., Founder & Publisher mendously and effectively to sup- and now currently lives and perseverance from his par- precedented success. of Black Enterprise,” Tweeted port African American-owned in Atlanta, purchased the ents, Earl Godwin and Winifred Since founding Black Enter- the U.S. Black Chamber of Com- businesses for decades across the groceries for seniors at 44 Sealy Graves. After receiving a prise Magazine in 1970, Earl merce. “Mr. Graves was a friend nation and internationally. While Kroger stores in Atlanta B.A. in economics from Morgan Graves has been named one of of the U.S. Black Chambers and we all mourn, it is also import- and 29 Winn-Dixie stores State University, he served two the ten most outstanding minori- a true advocate for Black entre- ant to rededicate ourselves to the in New Orleans. The re- years in the Army, followed by a ty businessmen in the country by preneurship. Our deepest condo- high standards of excellence ex- ceipts for those groceries three-year stint as Senator Rob- the President of the United States lences go out to his family and emplifi ed by the life and legacy showed that it was paid for ert F. Kennedy’s administrative and received the National Award loved ones.” of Earl Graves, Sr.” by “Atlanta Angel.” COVID-19: Job Losses Hitting Minorities, Women, Teens Hard By Chris Isidore Policy Research. “They’re lion people who fi led for ployment rates for mi- in which they typically of workers last year who As the economy contin- working in sectors like ho- jobless benefi ts in the last norities and teen workers work will be more affect- were Hispanic, and 13% ues to hemorrhage jobs, tels, restaurants and retail two weeks. is probably worse. He ed by current lockdown who were black. it’s becoming apparent that are being harder hit.” While the unemploy- said the true rate is likely policies in much of the At department stores, that some groups are more Minorities are also los- ment rate increased to 20.7% percent for African country. most of which have shut at risk of unemployment ing jobs such as custodi- 4.4% from 3.5% in the Americans rather than the “Those groups’ jobs down because of the cri- than others. al services as businesses offi cial report, the last two offi cial rate of 4.1%, and were at greater risk going sis, 19% of employees Minority workers, teens close or are operating re- weeks of unemployment 18.7% for Hispanic work- into this downturn,” he were black and another and, in many cases, wom- motely. benefi t fi lings suggest that ers, as opposed to offi cial said. 19% were Hispanic. The en, are losing jobs at a The virus has so far re- the true rate is probably rate of 6%. For teens, he About 30% of workers catchall labor department higher pace than other sulted in 701,000 lost jobs about 18.3% for adults, puts the true rate at least at hotels in 2019 were His- category that includes groups. according to the March according to William Rod- 26.7% not the 14.3% re- panic, and another 19% temporary workers, custo- “There’s no doubt about jobs report released Friday gers, chief economist at ported by BLS. are black, according to dial help and landscaping it, they’re getting hit by the Bureau of Labor the Heldrich Center for Rodgers agrees that the the BLS. Restaurants, bars services lost 61,000 jobs worse,” said Dean Baker, Statistics. And that doesn’t Workforce Development higher rates for minorities and other food services, in the offi cial March labor senior economist at the even include the full im- at Rutgers University. and young workers is pri- which have been partic- report. About half of those Center for Economic & pact of the nearly 10 mil- He estimates the unem- marily because the sectors ularly hard hit, had 27% workers are minorities.

H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H GET YOURElected Officials Involved H H H H H H In Making Your Community Better

Mayor Lenny Curry DISTRICT 11: Phone: (904) 255-5000 Danny Becton Email: [email protected] Phone: (904) 255-5211 Email: [email protected] District Council Members DISTRICT 12: DISTRICT 1: Randy White Joyce Morgan Phone: (904) 255-5212 Phone: (904) 255-5201 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] DISTRICT 13: DISTRICT 2: Rory Diamond Al Ferraro Phone: (904) 255-5213 Phone: (904) 255-5202 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] DISTRICT 14: DISTRICT 3: Randy DeFoor Aaron L. Bowman Phone: (904) 255-5214 Phone: (904) 255-5203 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] At-Large Council Members DISTRICT 4: Scott Wilson Group 1: Terrance Freeman Phone: (904) 255-5204 Phone: (904) 255-5215 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

DISTRICT 5: Group 2: Ronald B. Salem LeAnna Cumber Phone: (904) 255-5216 Phone: (904) 255-5205 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Group 3: Tommy Hazouri Phone: (904) 255-5217 DISTRICT 6: Michael Boylan Email: [email protected] Phone: (904) 255-5206 Email: [email protected] Group 4: Matt Carlucci Phone: (904) 255-5218 Email: [email protected] DISTRICT 7: Reggie Gaffney Phone: (904) 255-5207 Group 5: Samuel Newby Email: [email protected] Phone: (904) 255-5219 Email: [email protected]

DISTRICT 8: Historic Preservation Commission Ju’Coby Pittman Commission contacts: Phone: (904) 255-5208 Phone: (904) 255-7800 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

DISTRICT 9: City Planner Supervisor: Garrett L. Dennis Christian Popoli Phone: (904) 255-5209 Phone (904) 255-7859 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

DISTRICT 10: Downtown Investment Authority Brenda Priestly Jackson CEO: Lori Boyer Phone: (904) 255-5210 Phone: (904) 255-5301 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] APRIL 11, 2020 THE STAR PAGE 9 MORE NEWS New To Working From Home? Here Are Some Tips By Chida Rebecca, work, physical exertion, or activity. You decide to give Editor-in-Chief, Black & Magazine it a rest with the intention of getting back to your task within a reasonable amount of time.” Did you know he idea of working from home has always that sitting for long periods of time is said to put you been a glamorized one. Rolling out of bed at a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, depression, whenever you’d like, sitting poolside with and obesity? Simply stepping away from your desk yourT favorite drink at noon. Man! That sounds like and taking a walk, stretching or some form of activity a day anyone would enjoy. Especially if you find can reduce the negative effects of too much sitting. If yourself working for a company that you may not you have other individuals in the house, taking breaks particularly like physically going to. In the last affords you the opportunity to connect with them and few weeks, we’ve seen corporations big and small shift your mind from any stressful thinking you may come to a major halt due to COVID-19. Businesses be engaged in. have essentially locked their doors and are requiring 4. Create an End Time employees to work from home. While some may have Knowing when to start working is just as important been excited, others are realizing that working from as knowing when to stop. When I initially started home is not for everyone. working from home, I found that when I got into a I grew up in a family business and was accustomed good flow, it was hard to stop. So, I wouldn’t. I would to working for long hours at my desk. I had an innate sit from 7 am until 11 pm at times with minimal breaks. discipline that helped me stay glued to my seat and with the structure I need to work efficiently. I was determined to ride out the wave of productivity, maybe a little too much. But as times changed and 2. Structure Your Time sometimes working beyond midnight. My dad would opportunities arose for me to work from home, I This is a must. Try to keep the same hours you had always encourage me not to work past the midnight realized that I had to implement some different habits when you were physically going to work. Working hour because I was cheating myself out of the next day. at home than that of my former office space. For those from home can be one of the biggest distractions there He was right. Pushing yourself beyond an established of you that are new to “working from home,” here is. From the television to the kitchen to the laundry cut off point can lead to burnout quickly. Ultimately, are a few tips I’ll share with you to help you in your and even YOUR BED! These are all things that will it’s about setting boundaries with yourself. Give it transition. beg for your attention during the times you should be your all within the time allotted and then stop. Put all 1. Pick a Designated Work Area working. When I first started working from home, my your focus and energy into the hours you set, the same When I started working from home, I thought I house seemed magical. It just had a different feeling way you did when you physically clocked in at work. could sit on my bed, spread out documents and my on Wednesday at 11 am than a Saturday or Sunday at When you’re done – then you’re done. Save work for laptop and have at it. Well, I soon found that I would 11 am did. If you don’t structure your time you won’t the next day. There will ALWAYS be something to do. start off sitting up, legs crossed and attentive, then get anything done. The great thing about going to Time is the one thing we cannot replace. Remember progressively move into a slouched position, followed work is that your office was, for the most part, a space to unplug and regroup. by a full-on fetal position with complete attention designated purely for work. It pretty much shaped Chida Rebecca is the Editor-in-Chief is San Diego’s on the television while my computer and papers how you worked and to what degree. Your home is only digital Black lifestyle magazine called “Black & were strewn off to the edge of the bed. Talk about a usually considered a place for rest and relaxation – Magazine”. www.blackandmagazine.com reality check. After being in denial about the obvious a place you escape to. So, understand your brain is Photo Captions: Working from home can be one of the distractions, I opted to get an actual desk with a chair going to need some slight rewiring and some patience. biggest distractions there is. From the television to the and sit there. I went from papers all over the house to 3. Take Your Breaks kitchen to the laundry and even YOUR BED! These are all everything being in one central location. The desk and ‘In the workforce, breaks are mandated. According things that will beg for your attention during the times you chair in a designated part of the house started me off to Psychology Today, “A ‘break’ is a brief cessation of should be working. (Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA)

Enterprise Florida Suspends Initial Fees Resource Center Jacksonville, FL 32246 people who have recovered from the through its Microfinance Guarantee • Aging Matters in Brevard Nassau County coronavirus who can be potential donors. Program to Support Florida Small • Brevard Alzheimer’s Foundation 96042 Lofton Square Court OneBlood has also launched a social media Business Community • Informed Families Yulee, FL 32097 initiative to bring heightened awareness to • Legal Aid Society of the Orange Putnam County people who have recovered from the virus, TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (April 6, 2020) County Bar Association, Inc. 400 Highway 19 North, Ste. 53 letting them know that they are needed – Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) today • Meals on Wheels, Etc. Palatka, FL 32177 and could hold the potential key to helping announced that it will suspend initial fees • Seniors First St. Johns County critically ill coronavirus patients recover. for its Microfinance Guarantee Program to • Share the Care 525 State Road 16, Suite 109 “Hospitals are eager to use this support Florida’s small business community • Osceola Council on Aging St. Augustine, FL 32084 therapeutic treatment. OneBlood has the impacted by COVID-19. EFI manages In addition to supporting seniors and In addition to the hard copy applications, ability to help during an unprecedented time the Microfinance Guarantee Program disabled adults, as well as providing the Department of Economic Opportunity and our team is working around the clock to designed to stimulate access to credit for opportunities for restaurants, Meals of (DEO) has developed a downloadable meet the growing demand for COVID-19 entrepreneurs and small businesses in this Love is also creating new job opportunities application that is available on its website. convalescent plasma,” said Forbes. state by providing targeted loan guarantees for those in need in the community with the It is also available in Spanish. Workers can People who think they may be a candidate to lenders made to such entrepreneurs and meal delivery roles. download the document and mail it to DEO are urged to go to OneBlood’s website at small businesses. This program provides “Service is at the heart of what we do at the following address: www.oneblood.org to fill out the online guarantees up to 50% on loans of $250,000 every day in the restaurant industry, and Florida Department of Economic form. Donors who meet the FDA criteria to or less. Meals of Love is a way for us to serve Opportunity P.O. Box 5350 Tallahassee, FL be a donor will be contacted by OneBlood “Governor DeSantis is focused on the community during an especially 32314-5350 to coordinate their donation. helping Florida businesses as they respond difficult time,” said Keri Burns, Regional Although during the COVID-19 In addition to local efforts, OneBlood to the impacts of COVID-19,” said Jamal Director at Florida Restaurant and Lodging Pandemic CareerSource NEFL offices and is also cooperating with the federal Sowell, Florida Secretary of Commerce Association. Career Centers are closed to the public, government and anticipates participating and President & CEO of EFI. “EFI is Meals of Love is currently accepting its staff is working remotely, providing in a national-level initiative to be able to committed to assisting businesses across applications for seniors and disabled services over the phone to job seekers and provide convalescent plasma when and the state as they recover and will support adults who are interested in meal delivery businesses. where it is needed. Florida as it recovers from this crisis.” and restaurants that would like to prepare CareerSource Northeast Florida, operated OneBlood is one of the largest blood The Microfinance Guarantee Program meals. For more information visit by First Coast Workforce Development, centers in the country and already has the has the following requirements: mealsoflove.org. For more information Inc., is responsible for providing a trained technology in place to be able to collect, Entrepreneur or small business located in about Senior Resource Alliance, visit workforce to the employers in Baker, test and process plasma from donors. Florida; SeniorResourceAlliance.org. Clay, Duval, Nassau, Putnam, & St. Donor Eligibility Requirements Employs 25 or fewer people; ______Johns Counties. First Coast Workforce COVID-19 convalescent plasma Generates average annual gross revenues CareerSource Northeast Florida Development administers an annual budget must only be collected from recovered of $1.5 million or less per year for the last Distributes Paper Applications for of over $20 million. For more information individuals if they are eligible to donate 2 years. Reemployment Assistance Beginning on CareerSource NEFL’s services, visit blood Interested businesses must apply through This Week their website at careersourcenefl.com. Required testing must be performed and a local lender. For further information ______the donation must be found suitable please contact your lender or visit Career Centers in eight locations will People Step Forward to Donate Prior diagnosis of COVID-19 Enterprise Florida’s website: https://www. make paper applications available to COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma with documented by a laboratory test enterpriseflorida.com/small-business/ Northeast Florida residents who don’t have OneBlood Complete resolution of symptoms at least microfinance-guarantee-program/ Internet access, struggle to get through on 14 days prior to donation ______phone lines for assistance Providing Hope to Coronavirus Patients in Have a negative result for COVID-19 MEALS OF LOVE CONNECTS April 6, 2020: CareerSource Northeast Critical Condition ISOLATED SENIORS AND Florida (NEFL), the regional workforce Meet all standard FDA blood donation DISABLED ADULTS WITH development organization, will be (April 8, 2020 - Miami, Florida) requirements MEAL DELIVERY FROM LOCAL making available paper Reemployment OneBlood, the not-for-profit blood center In addition, the recipients of the plasma RESTAURANTS Assistance (unemployment) applications serving Florida, North Carolina and other will also have to meet FDA criteria in order from the Florida Department of Economic parts of the southeastern United States, is to qualify to receive this therapy for treating Partnership Infuses Working Capital into Opportunity (DEO.) A limited number of actively collecting plasma from people life-threatening COVID-19. Restaurants While Supporting applications will be available for pickup in who have recovered from the coronavirus ______Seniors and Disabled Adults Isolated front of eight CareerSource NEFL Career so it can be transfused to people with life- Local Rescue Missions: Protecting the Amid COVID-19 Pandemic Center locations beginning Monday, April threatening coronavirus infection in hopes Vulnerable Homeless Community Amid 6 at 3:00 PM. The locations will be fully of aiding their recovery. COVID-19 Crisis ORLANDO, Fla. (April 7, 2020) – This stocked and have pre-addressed envelopes Miami Mayor Francis Suarez was month, as older adults face challenging available by Wednesday April 8. OneBlood’s first COVID-19 convalescent COVID-19 has touched the life and times, up to 1,000 fresh, restaurant-prepared Workers can pick up applications, fill plasma donor, and less than a week later, routine of every person in our society, meals will be safely delivered to the homes them out at home, and send them in the several more people have stepped forward and introduces particular challenges to of seniors and disabled adults thanks to mail to DEO for processing. (see address to donate. Among the qualified donors, a our neighbors dealing with homelessness. Meals of Love. Infusing working capital page 2.) The applications will be available cardiologist and a registered dietician. City Rescue Mission and Trinity Rescue into restaurants while supporting those in English, Spanish, and Creole. The The experimental treatment is approved Mission are both a part of the Citygate most vulnerable to COVID-19 – created in organization is initially printing 10,000 by the FDA to be used on an emergency Network of missions around the country, direct response to the pandemic – is a new applications. basis and is called “COVID-19 convalescent serving on the front lines of the COVID-19 partnership among the Florida Department To ensure the safety of visitors and plasma”. crisis to protect the extremely vulnerable of Elder Affairs, Senior Resource employees, the applications and envelopes “OneBlood is actively identifying homeless community and prevent the Alliance, the Department of Business and will be available outside the centers for self- qualified donors and arranging for their spread of disease in our community. You Professional Regulation, and the Florida service. No staff will be available onsite. donations. In some cases, donations have can support City Rescue Mission and Restaurant & Lodging Association. CareerSource NEFL locations: been issued to hospitals within 24 hours of a Trinity Rescue Mission in their efforts to “Now, more than ever, we need to take Baker County person donating,” said Susan Forbes, senior protect the homeless and flatten the curve care of each other,” said Karla Radka, 1184 South 6th Street vice president of corporate communications of COVID-19 through financial gifts, food President and CEO of the Senior Resource Macclenny, FL 32063 and public relations at OneBlood. donations, supplies (like masks, hand Alliance. “Meals of Love benefits our Clay County People who recover from coronavirus sanitizer, disinfectant wipes & sprays), and beloved elderly and disabled adult 1845 Town Center Blvd., infection have developed antibodies to the calling the Mission’s to get involved with population, complementing the incredible Suite 150 virus that remain in the plasma portion of remote volunteer jobs. year-round service provided by our agency Fleming Island, FL 32003 their blood. Transfusing the plasma that For more information or to give to either partners, while providing an economic Duval County contains the antibodies into a person still of these great organizations, go to https:// opportunity for the hard-hit restaurant Downtown: 215 N. Market Street fighting the virus can provide a boost to the www.crmjax.org/ or https://trinityrescue. industry.” Jacksonville, FL 32202 patient’s immune system and potentially org/. As Jeff Foxworthy stated, “We’re Meals of Love will serve Orange, Gateway: 5000 Norwood Avenue, Suite 2 help them recover. called to take care of those who can’t take Seminole, Brevard and Osceola counties in Jacksonville, FL 32208 In addition to State Health Departments, care of themselves.” We thank you for partnership with the following agencies: Southside: 11160 Beach Blvd., OneBlood is working directly with their being a community that comes together and • Alzheimer’s & Dementia Ste. 111 hospital partners and physicians to identify cares for one another. PAGE 10 THE STAR APRIL 11, 2020

We’re really excited about having...... Easter egg hunts in our back yards!

Kids: color Newspaper Fun! stuff in! www.readingclubfun.com Annimills LLC © 2020 V16-14

10 12 children chocolate “Hoppy” Easter! 4 rabbit I enjoy delivering Easter baskets. People 3 Germany say that I am as quick as....well...a bunny! I 1 2 have strong back legs that allow me to jump 5 life as high as three feet and as far as nine feet. 6 See if you can read the clues below to fill baskets cards bonnets in this week’s puzzle about me and a couple chick of other favorite “Easter” animals. Hop to it! 9 11 8 1. The Easter Bunny is a young ______. 2. No one is sure how the Easter Bunny started his eggs Whew! 7 work, but it is thought that he “hopped” across the sugar ocean with the people who came to America from ______. lamb 3. It is believed that the first bunny-shaped treats Gosh! I don’t like were made out of pastry and ______. to complain, but 4. Today, milk, dark or white ______bunnies are a favorite treat at Easter. shouldn’t we be the 5. Many families hard-boil, dye and decorate ______to eat or to hunt at Easter. ones who get to 6. The Easter Bunny delivers ______full of treats to children for Easter morning. deliver the eggs? 7. Easter baskets began with children leaving their hats or ______to be filled with treats by the Easter Bunny. 8. The Easter Bunny hides colored eggs for ______to hunt! 9. Another popular Easter animal is the soft, yellow, peeping ______. There are four 10. On ______they are often shown popping Yay! I get sets of eggs that are out of eggs or sitting in baskets. to help with the exactly the same. 11. A woolly, soft, white baby ______eggs this year. Can you find and or kid is often shown as a cake. circle the 2 identical 12. Baby animals are signs of new ______in the springtime. eggs in each set?

Look what Have You Ever Seen? A Basket Full of Fun and Surprises! I can do! In Australia, some families are What kinds of treats might the Easter Bunny put choosing this chocolate animal for in baskets to delight children on Easter morning? Easter celebrations rather than a Unscramble the letters to fill in the blanks. chocolate rabbit. This animal is native s c 1. ______and coloring book r a n to Australia whereas the rabbit is not. y o Wild rabbits were brought to Australia 2. small toy car or ______r Quack! by settlers for food. Rabbits have k c t u grown in large numbers and compete 3. ______tickets m with this animal for food. About the e v o i size of a rabbit, this animl carries 4. ______book o its young in its pouch. What is it? m c c i Find and M A R S H M A L L O W C H I C K circle these C R E A M F I L L E D E G G S M 5. story ______favorite ______What on Earth o o b k V C Y N N U B E T A L O C O H C is that? Hey, it’s Easter candies B C V O D S P O I Q W E N F R l i b y b 6. box of ______me in chocolate! c a h k l in the basket: L A P W O Q R U G F U S I E O I E J E L L Y B E A N S O 7. stuffed ______1. malted eggs n a l m 2. cream-filled eggs W O I N F D S U I B R Q I i a Z I U N O R G N J I O W 3. marshmallow chick 8. rubber ______b lla F S G G E D E T L A M 4. chocolate bunny 9. jump ______o r p e 5. jellybeans

Uh-oh, what is Bunny worried about? After Easter, his magician Alphabet key for secret message: A Magical Job! friend wants Bunny to join his magic show. Bunny knows that the magician’s favorite trick is to: Gee, I delivered __A __B __C __ D __E __F __G all the baskets and Follow the 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 hid all the eggs! alphabet H I J K L M N I’m pretty tired... code to “see.” ______8 9 1 0 11 12 13 14 ______O P Q R S T ______by Annimills! Created LLC © 2020 16 21 12 12 1118 229 20 15 21 20

15 16 17 18 19 20 Fun ______! __U __V __W __X __Y __Z 15 68919 8 1 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

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Legend Bill Withers Dies at 81 PAGE 12 THE STAR DECEMBER 17, 2016 By Lauren Victoria Burke NNPA Newswire PAGE 12 THE STAR DECEMBER 17, 2016 Three-time Grammy Listen to Award winner Bill With- ers, a singer-songwriter of music with lyrics and har- Listen to mony carrying messages that stayed in the minds of many listening in an indelible way, has died at with The Florida and Georgia Star Newspapers 81. Withers passed away in Los Angeles. with The Florida and Georgia Star Newspapers Withers’ family refer- STRIVING TO MAKE A enced a heart condition DIFFERENCE! as the cause of his death STRIVING TO MAKE A which has not been linked DIFFERENCE! to COVID-19. 2008 Bill Withers Tribute: Pictured are Bill Withers & Corey Withers (Provided photo) TUESDAY - Issues and His song “Lean on Me” Information is one of the most popular and I kept listening to with Columbia Records. TUESDAY - Issues and in modern popular music “Grandma’s Hands” — Bill Withers was born and was judged to be one and you say to yourself: on July 4, 1938 in Slab Information of the greatest songs of You didn’t hear many re- Fork, West Virginia, a THURSDAY - Reaching all time by Rolling Stone cords with people talking coal mining town. He magazine along with about their grandmothers, recorded from 1970 un- THURSDAY - Reaching our Youth “Ain’t No Sunshine.” but everybody has one. til 1985 and his hits in- IMPACT RADIO Withers soulful songs His records to me made cluded “Lean on Me”, our Youth “Lean on Me,” “Lovely so much common sense. “Ain’t No Sunshine”, IMPACT RADIO Day” and “Ain’t No Sun- It was like you were just “Use Me”, “Just the Two Clara e Florida Star since 1951 shine,” have now become talking to somebody. You of Us”, “Lovely Day”, e Florida Star since 1951 Still the people’s Choice! standards heard for fi ve listen to “Lean on Me.” and “Grandma’s Hands.” Clara McLaughlin decades in feature fi lms One of the songs he wrote His life was the subject Still the people’s Choice! and in the background of that I still think is a great of the 2009 documentary McLaughlin endless TV episodes. song talked about the fi lm Still Bill and he was Withers most recently Vietnam War,” infl uential inducted into the Rock Callers are welcome to call in at appeared in the docu- music executive Clarence and Roll Hall of Fame in mentary The Black God- Avant explained. 2015. Callers are welcome904-766-9285, to call in at during IMPACT and be father on Netfl ix. The “All those kinds of “Lean on Me,” was fi lm, directed by Reginald things just resonated with performed at the inau- 904-766-9285, duringpart IMPACT of the discussion. and be Hudlin, was a tribute to me and I said wow this gurations of both Barack part of the discussion. the life of infl uential mu- guy has got it,” Avant said Obama and Bill Clinton. sic executive Clarence of Withers. At the time Withers married actress Avant and was released Avant owned Sussex Re- Denise Nicholas in 1973 ON WCGL 1360 AM by Netfl ix last year. Avant cords. Avant signed With- but they divorced in 1974. ON WCGL 1360Tuesday AM and Thursday detailed his association ers and had Stax Records In 1976, Withers married with Withers. associate Booker T. Jones Marcia Johnson, and they Tuesday and Thursday “I kept listening to him. produce Withers’ fi rst al- had two children, Todd 8:30 P.M to 9:00 P.M. I kept listening to Harlem bum. Withers later signed and Kori. 8:30 P.M to 9:00 P.M. LISTEN ONLINE AT LISTEN ONLINE AT WCGL1360.COM BET PlansAll-Star WCGL1360.COM Coronavirus Special Set For April 22

DJ Khaled, Charlie tress Kelly Rowland, TV our relationships with Wilson, Chance the Rap- personality Terrence J the creative community, WonderingWondering per, Kirk Franklin, Fan- and actress Regina Hall. sponsors, businesses and tasia and Melvin Crispell The special will give up- charitable organizations III are slated to perform to-date information and to support our communi- in a special BET show drive viewers to needed ty in this time of crisis.” what to give? that will assist people of resources. Celebrity guests will what to give? color in dealing with the “Every day, there are give up-to-date informa- coronavirus. new reports of how this tion and drive viewers to The “Saving Our pandemic is killing Afri- needed resources during THIS Selves: A BET can Americans at much this unprecedented time, GIVE SOMEONEGIVE A SOMEONE A COVID-19 Relief Ef- higher rates than other and in partnership with fort” broadcast special communities,” said Scott United Way, proceeds will air April 22 at 8 p.m. Mills, BET president. are being donated to Af- SUBSCRIPTION SUBSCRIPTIONTO TO EDT. “BET is using all of our rican American commu- The special will be resources – our capital, nities severely impacted hosted by singer and ac- our media platforms, by COVID-19. SUBSCRIBE TO

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