The battle over Social Security

The battle over Social Security

June 11, 2024

David W. Marshall The Black community as a whole can never afford to lose empathy for one another. One of the core challenges in maintaining social justice is communicating the need for empathy. It is most critical to be willing to put yourself in another person’s shoes to understand their

Against the grain II

Against the grain II

June 11, 2024

We must learn to deal with the transition of loved ones Vaughn Wilson We never want to talk about it before it happens.  When you find yourself in the position, often there is no preparation.  You wake up one day and you’ve lost a loved one.  Most specifically a parent.

Bob Graham provided a striking contrast in leadership

Bob Graham provided a striking contrast in leadership

June 11, 2024

Gayle Andrews The Bob Graham story is one that changed the face of Florida politics forever. But more importantly, his 40 tenure brought Floridians something they never had; access to the state’s most revered leader in modern times.  While the wealthy South Floridian started his political career on a traditional

DEI has become the new dog whistle

DEI has become the new dog whistle

June 11, 2024

David W. Marshall Despite the wide-ranging opinions and perspectives held by individuals representing different cultures and political persuasions, there is one common denominator that should always connect people of goodwill. Facts are a common denominator that should easily be accepted by everyone, regardless of their backgrounds. This would be the

In the Black community, it’s not voter apathy

In the Black community, it’s not voter apathy

June 11, 2024

Wilmer J. Leon, III Public politics is the negotiating process between interested constituencies regarding the access to and distribution of limited resources and the resulting outcome or policies pertaining to those resources. One of the popular narratives that was disseminated in mainstream America media to explain Hilary Clinton’s 2016 presidential

The important steps to owning a home and building wealth

The important steps to owning a home and building wealth

June 11, 2024

Sheryl Merritt The most effective way for African Americans to build wealth is through homeownership. But so many families ask, where do you start when you want to buy a home? The National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) broadly provides this information so more Black families can enjoy the

HBCUs need the lobbying support of their students and alumni

HBCUs need the lobbying support of their students and alumni

June 11, 2024

David W. Marshall Every young person needs to heed the words of the late great John Lewis.  “Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and redeem the soul of America.” Lewis made this statement on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, on March 1, 2020, while commemorating the tragic events

To be equal 

To be equal 

June 11, 2024

Supreme Court abortion case is ‘the remnants of the lost cause still blowing in the political winds’ Marc Morial “This is less about policy and more about pure and simple voting harvesting. Obviously, there is very little support for neonatal care or curbing the death penalty, so ‘pro-life’ is a

Against the grain II

Against the grain II

June 11, 2024

Staley sets public example of her faith Vaughn Wilson University of South Carolina head women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley once again made history with her accomplishments on the court. Her USC Gamecocks completed a perfect season at 38-0 with a resounding victory over the Iowa Hawkeyes.   Staley is no stranger

Against the gain II

Against the gain II

April 24, 2024

The disrespect of Commission Chair Cummings must stop Vaughn Wilson I was literally appalled watching a Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency meeting online in March.  I was livid at the treatment I saw toward Leon County Commission Chairwoman Carolyn Cummings as she moderated the meeting. There were hot topics discussed that go