Immigration and America's Racial Reckoning By Jonette Christian March 31, 2022 Share The Civil Rights Movement was America's greatest Moral Crusade, the culmination of years of determined Citizen Activism, leading to radical changes in the 1960s. We didn't just settle for a level playing field. We embraced Affirmative Action, expanded Anti-Poverty Programs, rewrote history books, renamed public buildings, erected new statues, promoted talented Black people in journalism, sports and Hollywood. Multiple Black Mayors, City Councilors and Police Chiefs were elected. Black Incomes grew after World War I and the Black-White Wage Gap narrowed until around 1970. This remarkable achievement was mostly accomplished in the face of The Jim Crow Laws and with minimal help from White People. In the ensuing half-century, the gap widened to 1950 levels. What happened? A new book, "Back of the Hiring Line" by Roy Beck, offers a meticulously documented perspective on this national puzzle. Along with employment data, immigration and labor historians, Beck tells the story through the writings and speeches of Prominent Black Leaders such as: Booker T. Washington, Frederick Douglass, W.E.B. DuBois, A. Phillip Randolph and Black-Owned Newspapers, all of whom doggedly advocated for tight labor policies following the Civil War. Finally, a mounting demand by Black and labor activists forced Congress to cut immigration numbers in half in 1924. The Great Wave ended. Blacks began migrating North to fill blue-collar jobs in factories deprived of European workers. During this half-century of tight labor, wages increased, wealth disparities shrank, the middle class exploded and Black average incomes skyrocketed. Employers were forced to hire and train from within, negotiate with unions for pensions, cost of living wages and health care. But, in 1965, Congress changed course again, radically expanding annual immigration numbers. Since 1990 Congress, placating the tech lobby, has given away millions of high-paying tech jobs through guest worker programs. The demand for foreign workers is unending. This February, the House passed the America Competes Act, expanding yet again foreign worker visas. With the surge in foreign workers, some employers tended to prefer immigrants who were willing to accept long hours and lower wages. Blacks were shafted in one industry after another where previously employed. They also missed out on entry-level jobs in technology, losing the opportunity to develop those skills, networks and work experience that lead to upward mobility and generational wealth. Blacks earn one in 10 Computer Science degrees nationwide, but account for only 2.6% of Silicon Valley tech workers. Seventy-one percent of tech workers in Silicon Valley today are foreign-born. In the 1990s, Congress authorized the formation of the U.S. Commission on Immigration Reform. After seven years of study, the commission told Congress to significantly decrease immigration, setting an annual cap of 550,000. The current level of immigration is over one million annually. Congress ignored the experts they had chosen to consult and set immigration numbers to please business lobbies wanting more workers, more consumers and for the clamor to be for more foreign labor continues. Immigration numbers have played a largely unrecognized role in forcing vulnerable groups to compete against each other and Blacks have been especially harmed. The solution is simple: Congress should reduce the numbers. All workers, immigrant and native-born, would benefit from tighter labor markets and higher wages. Jonette Christian is a founder of Mainers for Sensible Immigration Policy. This piece originally ran in the Lewiston Sun-Journal. < Previous News Next News >

"Potholes Are Not Partisan" Please Do Your Part - As Every Single Vote Will Count Thu Nov 03 2022 16:05:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Aventura Offers Summer Soccer Classes Mon Jun 13 2022 04:02:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Shop Special Deals For Mother’s Day at Brand International By Felipe Castilla May 5, 2022 Share Lets face it, when it comes to mom, there is simply nothing we won’t do to make her happy - and that’s why this year - Brand International Perfume in the heart of Hallandale Beach, will once again be the place to go for gift giving ideas. As Mother’s Day is on May 8th, Brand International Perfume celebrates moms all year long. Plus, at Brand International Perfumes in Hallandale Beach, the only thing more delightful than the fragrances on sale, is the customer service that the shop provides. Every day is a special occasion for Brand International and its courteous staff. From the moment you step foot in the store Jacqueline Kels, the store owner, draws you in with her magnificent assortment of high end perfumes and eyewear. Whether you have a birthday, anniversary or you just want a special something for that special someone. Maybe you want to find that fine fragrance for yourself. Whatever the case, Brand International is always the right call. No other store offers such a wide and varied assortment of top brand perfumes and eye-wear, like Brand International does. Stop by to see for yourself as Jacqueline or one of her fine staff members, greet and assist you as quickly and courteously as possible. Jacqueline’s team of professionals will help you find the perfume, fit for any occasion. Perhaps the fragrance you’re looking for is out of stock. Well, that’s not an issue at Brand International where Jacqueline and her team go the extra mile to help you find that special scent for the perfect price. You might even find that signature scent that is uniquely your own. Although you’ll be utterly impressed by the perfumes, Brand’s excellent selections of designer eyewear, are just as remarkable. You’ll find the most fashionable frames and elegant assortment of eyewear at Brand without having to break the bank to get them. Everyone wants to find that set of glasses that will frame their face just right. It doesn’t matter if a pair caught your eye, perusing through your favorite fashion magazine or saw the perfect pair on TV, Brand international will get them for you. Gone are the days where you have to drive from store to store, comparing prices for a pair of glasses that are close to what you want but not quite what you’re looking for. Brand Inter-national is your one-stop-shop for all your eyewear needs. They don’t only have brilliant designer sunglasses, they have a fine assortment of prescription glasses as well. Jacqueline wants to make it easy for you to buy a pair of eyeglasses that you not only see in, but also see your best self in. Operating with over two decades of experience, Brand International will find your style for a price you’re comfortable with. “Your eyes are so important,” Jacqueline said. “We make it easier than ever for you to come, bring your prescription and find the perfect frame that will have you looking and feeling great.” When it comes to perfumes and eyewear, Brand has the best because they know you deserve the best. Some examples of the designer brands you’ll find waiting for you include: Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Vera Wang, Burberry, Ray-Ban, Oakley, Dior, Versace and many more. So with this vast array of prestige eyewear and high-end perfumes, you will never leave empty handed and you will always get what you came for. With Brand, you know you’re getting the best deals at the lowest prices. Jacqueline and her staff understand that you don’t have to be a fashion icon to deserve the best brands. That’s why she started Brand Inter-national under the guidance of her late husband, Elliot. For high end brands at a much lower price than the department stores, look no further than Brand International. Their knowledgeable staff, friendly service and amazing prices will make you a regular customer. You won’t find luxury brands at such a significant discount anywhere else in Broward. Most of these top quality products go for $200 or $300 retail price. However, at Brand International you will get the exact same designer perfumes like Dolce and Gabbana and Thierry Mugler’s at significantly lower prices. Other high quality perfumes available at Brand International include: Maison Francis Kurkdjian, Juliette has a Gun, Montale, and more. Whatever brand you’re interested in, regardless of how hard to find it is or if it’s being made, Brand International will have it for you. After all, Elliot’s motto was always: “If you can’t find it, we may have it.” It’s always difficult finding the right gift or even finding the right brand. But with Brand International walking you through every step of the way, you’re guaranteed to find exactly what you wanted or even something better. Best of all, they are open seven days a week, so, you can drop in at your earliest convenience. Brand International is located at 121 Northeast 3rd Street in hallandale Beach, Florida 33009. Their hours of operation are Monday- Saturday 9:00am-6:00pm and Sunday 9:00am- 3:00pm. If you don’t live in the area or are unable to visit the store, you can always give Jacqueline herself a call at (954)457-1969. Even living out state is not a problem. Brand International ships UPS all across the United States. < Previous News Next News >

Toula Amanna: Chapter 3 Reinvention…. Wed May 17 2023 16:09:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Keeping Progress In the Forefront: City of Hallandale Beach Introduces An Impressive $320 Million Capital Improvement Plan Thu Nov 02 2023 16:13:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Big Adventures, Bright Vibes - Fresh Ride, Bright Vibe: Your Ride. Your Space. Your Community. By Jose Paz, BCT Oct 15, 2025 Every Sunday Morning, 10-Year-Old Ethan Jumps Out Of Bed A Little Faster Than Usual. He Knows It’s Not Just Any Day; It’s “Grandma Day.” For the past year, Ethan and his grandmother Rachel have made it a tradition to ride the bus together every Sunday. It’s their shared ritual: no rush, no screens, no distractions. Just the two of them, discovering new corners of Broward County one route at a time. Sometimes it’s a visit to the park for kite flying and ice cream. Other times it’s a trip to the library, a stop at the local market, or even an afternoon exploring nature at a community center. The destinations change, but the feeling stays joyful, relaxed, and connected. “The ride is part of the adventure,” says Grandma Rachel. “And for me, it’s also a way to keep moving, keep social, and share time with my grandson without worrying about driving or parking.” As a senior, Rachel rides with a reduced fare, which helps stretch his budget. She’s also grateful for the thoughtful design of the buses, which have low floors, accessible seating, and drivers who greet her with a smile and lend a hand when needed. For Ethan, the bus is magical. He loves watching the city roll by, choosing the “best” seat, and announcing their next stop. “It’s like we’re going on a mini vacation every Sunday,” he says. “And Grandma lets me pick the route.” Their favorite trip? “The one where we went to the farmers market, tried dragon fruit for the first time, and rode back home just in time to catch the sunset.” Ron laughs, remembering the day. “It was a great ride. The bus was cool, clean, and quiet. We were tired, but happy. It’s something we look forward to every week.” At BCT, we believe public transit should be more than just transportation; it should be a fresh experience that makes daily life better for every age. Whether you’re a grandparent creating memories or a kid with a curious heart, there’s a seat for you on board. Fresh Ride. Bright Vibe. For senior fares, family-friendly routes, and planning tools, visit: www.Broward.org/BCT - Or call: (954) 357-8400. Previous Next

Sunny Isles Beach Career Expo September 22, 2022 Share The City of Sunny Isles Beach is hosting a Career Expo on Thursday, October 13, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Gateway Center, 151 Sunny Isles Boulevard, Sunny Isles Beach, Florida 33160. Bring your resume and meet and connect with local employers from various industries. Now Accepting Exhibitors And Sponsorships The Sunny Isles Beach Career Expo is an opportunity for local Sunny Isles Beach businesses to promote vacant positions and connect with potential candidates. All industries are welcome. The Career Expo will be held on Thursday, October 13, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Gateway Center, 151 Sunny Isles Boulevard. Sunny Isles Beach, Florida 33160. Registration Deadline The deadline for businesses to sign up for the Career Expo is at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 23rd. 2022. Spaces are limited; exhibitors will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis by industry. Exhibitors are expected to stay throughout the entire event. Applications will be reviewed, and employers will be notified once they have been accepted. The City of Sunny Isles Beach reserves the right to deny any application as they see fit. A $50 Registration Fee is required for all participating businesses. The Registration Fee includes a table, chairs and refreshments for your staff. The Registration Fee is Non-Refundable. Sponsorships are also available. The City is accepting in-kind donations (i.e. gift certificates or products) to be raffled off during the event. Participants will be included in select marketing materials as an event sponsor. Payments can be made by check, money order, or credit card in person at the Sunny Isles Beach Government Center, 18070 Collins Avenue, Sunny Isles Beach, Florida 33160. Contact the Human Resources Department at: humanresources@sibfl.net . Or: (305) 792-1708 for payment options. To register for the Expo visit: https://sunnyislesfl.seamlessdocs.com/f/Career_Expo_Participation_Request < Previous News Next News >

Can A Public School Child Get A Jewish Education? Thu Sep 12 2024 16:15:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Michael Kessler & Melinda Jackson “BROADWAY WITH HEART” - Song, Dance & Pizazz Thu Jan 26 2023 17:12:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Parks, Arts & Entertainment: PAL Comedy Night, Food and Groove & Curci Village Are Gems In Hallandale Beach By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper February 16, 2023 Share This weekend back by popular demand PAL is hosting its Comedy Night at Sports of Kings Theater. On Saturday February 18th. Hosted by comedy legend Bruce Smirnoff with three other comedians including Craig Shoemaker “The Lovemaster” you will have a fun filled night. Tickets are only $50 dollars and include dinner, a buffet and a complimentary drink. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. with the show starting at 8:00 p.m. Come out, have fun and support our local kids! Tickets can be purchased at: www.hallandalebeachpal.com/comedy-night Hallandale Beach is home to many parks thanks to our residents that supported our GO Parks Bond. We have added parks and have redeveloped the old ones. We are currently developing Sunrise Park located in the northeast section of the City. We broke ground on the park during COVID-19 and construction has been moving forward as planned. The original small pocket park was expanded and has been designed with a larger playground, extreme fitness course, butterfly garden, restrooms and parking. At our last meeting two residents came forward to ask questions about the park and its elevation. Due to Sea Level Rising, all new construction is required to be built to address flooding. While buildings will be higher all construction is required to keep drainage on their property. Many residents are not aware that cities are not exempt from the process. We must file permits and meet the same standards as all applicants follow the same rules to build this including city properties and infrastructure. The other concern was speeding around the park. Our current Staff was unaware that a while back there was a Commission Directive that I had suggested to install speed calming at all parks. This simply makes sense. Speeding is a real threat around the entire playgrounds and obviously created an additional concern for children's safety. Now that it has been brought up, Staff will be addressing these areas. The next Groundbreaking will be a Curci Village. This hidden gem is located in the southwest section of our City right off Dixie Highway. It is the Historical Home of one of our founding families. The City restored the home with the help of developer contributions. While the house has been open for tours, the building itself is not fully Handicap Accessible. On February 24th we will be hosting a Groundbreaking to start a makeover of the surrounding grounds and the addition of a Handicap Elevator. The property lends itself to be a quaint party facility. I actually officiated the first wedding there a few years back. A new patio area will be added to accommodate a party area. For more Information visit: https://hallandalebeachfl.gov/facilities/facility/details/Curci-House-Historic-Village-6 The last park that is scheduled to be done is Chaves Lake. Currently due to construction delays and the increased cost of construction, we are still working on financing. Originally we were going to make this site a charging area for our Electric Bus System and create a park focused on sustainability. When the parks were planned I had envisioned creating an intercity bike trail connecting all the parks. While formal plans were not done during the initial phases, Staff have continued to work on mobility projects. Not only are we connecting the parks, we were just presented with the plan to create the Hallandale Beach Art Trail. Once completed it will be the longest continuing art trail at 8 Miles in Broward County and maybe the state. Each park will contain a trail head that will be designed with various amenities and art installations. The trail itself will be a marked path. Once a visitor arrives at the trail heads the markings themselves will be artist designs. There will be various artist indicators on the streets drawing visitors to stop by and enjoy the installation. There will be interactive technology and art fixtures. The trail will also be adaptable to change out different art installations. Keeping with arts and entertainment goals here, the Hallandale Beach CRA is once again hosting its Food And Groove. As part of the South Beach Wine and Food Festival and in partnership with Gulfstream Park Pegasus Park will be the place to be on February 25th. Starting at 7:00 p.m. you can come out and try out tastings from over 50 of our local restaurants. In addition to great food and drinks there will also be live entertainment. Please visit: www.SOBEWFF.org for ticket information. If you want a more intimate experience there will be a dinner hosted by by Celebrity Chef Jernard Wells and Icebox Café’s Corporate Executive Chef Omar Martinez at the Ice Box Café. Proceeds from all events support the FIU Hospitality and Tourism Management Program. Tickets to the Celebrity Chef Dinner are $175 and include a complimentary ticket to Food & Groove, a $75 value. Purchase tickets now at http://bit.ly/sobewff2023 As always, I am available for your questions, concerns and ideas to help make our City a better place. Please feel free to reach out to me at my Office: (954) 457-1318. On my Cell/Text at: (954) 632-5700. Or email me at: jcooper@cohb.org < Previous News Next News >

Gardening With Grandma: An Alzheimer’s Story for Children and Their Families March 22, 2024 Share The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) announced a new educational tool to help adults discuss Alzheimer’s Disease with young children in an age-appropriate way. Gardening with Grandma: An Alzheimer’s Story for Children and Their Families is an educational children’s book created by AFA as a resource for adults. The book is available in English and Spanish through AFA’s e-store at: www.shop.alzfdn.org “When Alzheimer’s enters a family’s life, it often brings many questions—children especially may not understand what is happening or why their loved one is behaving a certain way,” said AFA President & CEO Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. “This educational tool gives adults a way to explain Alzheimer’s Disease to a child in an age-appropriate way, help them understand brain changes, provide tips on how to engage with their loved ones, answer questions and show them that love is a bond that Alzheimer’s can never break.” Gardening with Grandma is designed to be a teaching tool adults can use to have a conversation with a child about Alzheimer’s Disease. The book follows 8-year-old Luke’s learning experience as he finds new ways to connect with his grandmother who has Alzheimer’s Disease. Grandma, who is early in her diagnosis, is able to share with him that even though she has a disease that affects her memory and behavior, she still loves him. The story unfolds as Luke adjusts to her move to a new home with more support. Gardening with Grandma also includes a special message to adults to help them have meaningful, age-appropriate conversations with a child when a special person in their life has Alzheimer’s, including guidance on how to initiate the conversation, sample questions to ask the child, and tips to help them better understand. AFA’s Helpline, staffed entirely by licensed social workers and available seven days a week, can also provide information about discussing Alzheimer’s Disease with a child or assistance with other Alzheimer’s-related questions. The Helpline can be reached by phone at: (866) 232-8484, web chat at: www.alzfdn.org Or text message at: (646) 586-5283. The web chat and text messages features can serve individuals in more than 90 languages. “Young children, in particular, may sense something is amiss when a family member has Alzheimer’s, but may not be able to understand the subtle changes that are occurring early on in the disease progression,” said Jennifer Reeder, LCSW, AFA’s Director of Educational & Social Services. “Reading this book together with your child and having a conversation can help make them more understanding and compassionate, less fearful, and ultimately learn new ways to communicate with their loved one.” Gardening with Grandma: An Alzheimer’s Story for Children and Their Families is available for purchase through AFA’s e-store at: https://shop.alzfdn.org/ in both English and Spanish. Proceeds go toward AFA’s programs, services, and research toward a more effective treatment/cure for Alzheimer’s Disease. The AFA The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide support, services and education to individuals, families and caregivers affected by Alzheimer’s Disease and related Dementias nationwide and to fund research for better treatment and a cure. Its services include a National Toll-Free Helpline (866-232-8484) staffed entirely by licensed social workers, caregiver support groups, educational programs and publications for caregivers, Dementia-care training for healthcare professionals, the National Memory Screening Program, and more. For more information about AFA, call: 866-232-8484, visit: www.alzfdn.org < Previous News Next News >