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Posts tagged as “Florida”

Patti LaBelle joins Angela Bassett and Gabourey Sidibe for "American Horror Story"

By goodblacknews on August 14, 2014

Patti LaBelle, Angela Bassett, Gabourey Sidibe
Music legend Patti LaBelle is joining the cast of FX’s critically acclaimed series, American Horror Story. LaBelle joins existing cast members Angela Bassett, Gabourey Sidibe, Jessica Lange and Kathy Bates for American Horror Story Season 4, which will focus on the last American freak show and will be set in Jupiter, Florida, in the 1950’s.
LaBelle will play Sidibe’s mother, a local townie, who begins to unravel the deadly secrets of Twisty the clown killer.
LaBelle is the second music icon to appear on the series. Stevie Nicks guest starred as herself and appeared on two episodes on Coven, the third installment of American Horror Story.
American Horror Story: Freak Show debuts in October on FX.
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article by Chris Witherspoon via thegrio.com

Miami’s Darrin Gayles Becomes 1st Openly Gay Black Male Judge on Federal Bench

By goodblacknews on June 18, 2014

Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Darrin P. Gayles reached an American milestone Tuesday when the U.S. Senate confirmed him as a federal judge, making Gayles the first openly gay black male jurist to sit on the bench.
The noon vote was 98-0.
Gayles has served on the Florida circuit court since 2011 and before on the Miami-Dade county court, beginning in 2004. He graduated from George Washington University School of Law.
In February, President Barack Obama nominated Gayles and White House officials noted that he would be the first openly gay male African-American federal judge.
Click here for updates.

article by Jay Weaver via miamiherald.typepad.com  

Inspiring Teen Rapper Jeff Mortimer Who Won't Let Cancer Hold Him Back Earns Record Deal With Sony

By goodblacknews on June 3, 2014

Jeff Mortimer
This talented teen doesn’t let anything hold him back from pursuing his dreams, not even a deadly disease.
Jeff Mortimer, a 19-year-old rapper from West Palm Beach, Florida, has spindle cell sarcoma, ABC News reported. Mortimer, whose stage name is “Young Jay,” is now battling a relapse despite three years of chemotherapy. He was diagnosed when he was only 16.  But despite all the difficulties he faces, Mortimer has reason to celebrate: Last week, he signed a record deal with Sony.
Even before his big break, Mortimer used his talent for music to inspire others. He writes and produces uplifting music for other sick kids, Click2Houston reported.  “I’m not scared of anything. I just have a positive mind,” he told the outlet. “Life is too short, can’t stay sad all day.”
The talented teen will continue treatment but with a more mobile form of chemo so that he can tour, ABC reported. Mortimer’s smiling face and positive attitude is sure to serve as an inspiration to others, and a reminder to follow your dreams.
“When doors are open you have to take them,” he told the outlet, “because you never know when you’re going to see them again.”
To see video of this incredible young man, click here.
article by Melissa McGlensey via huffingtonpost.com

16-Year-Old Grace Bush Graduates High School and College in Same Week

By goodblacknews on May 7, 2014

Grace BushIt’s that time of year where high school and college students alike are celebrating their academic accomplishments and preparing themselves for the next big challenge in life. But unlike most kids who celebrate their high school and college graduations years apart, Florida teen Grace Bush is celebrating both academic achievements in the same week.
At just 16, Bush already earned her Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from Florida Atlantic University last Friday and plans to receive her high school diploma from Florida Atlantic University High School on May 9th. Attending a high school that allows high achieving students to also take college courses while working on their diploma, Bush took full advantage of the opportunity.
“I started when I was 13 at Broward College and I also took my classes throughout the summer, so I was able to finish it before four years,” Grace tells CBS Miami.
Now with a bachelor’s degree under her belt and a high school diploma on the way, Grace, who finished college with a 3.8 grade point average, plans to pursue a master’s degree this fall and then attend law school.
“I would eventually like to become Chief Justice of the United States,” says the high achieving scholar on her future career goals.
article by Courtney Connley via blackenterprise.com
 

Father Sherwood Brown Sr. and Son Sherwood Brown Jr. Graduate From College Together

By goodblacknews on May 6, 2014

Father Son Graduate
Sherwood Brown Jr. and his father Sherwood Brown Sr. graduated together Saturday from FAMU. (Image courtesy of FAMU)

Sherwood Brown Jr. and his father, Sherwood Brown Sr., graduated from college Saturday — together.  The father and son each received their degrees from Florida A&M University’s School of Business and Industry, according to a news release from the university’s official website.
Sherwood Jr. entered FAMU in 2008 with his eyes set on a career in the music industry. He took classes in FAMU’s Department of Music and courses on the “business of music” in SBI.
Sherwood’s father graduated from FAMU with a bachelor’s degree more than 20 years ago. He made a promise to himself to return to FAMU and complete a Masters in Business Administration, which he finally did this past weekend.
Sharing the stage was a coincidence, the duo tells the university’s official website:  “It was not planned,” said Sherwood Jr. “We just looked up one day and realized that we would both be graduating at the same time.”
The elder Brown wanted to be an “example to his children” on the importance of “never giving up on your goals.”  The Brown family mantra is: “If you start something, finish it.” On Saturday, they finished their education together.
article via thegrio.com

Florida High School Teen Chad Thomas Offered 150 College Scholarships

By goodblacknews on March 24, 2014
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Chad Thomas (FACEBOOK)
It’s good to have options.  And if you’re Chad Thomas, a senior at Booker T. Washington Senior High in Miami, you have a ton of options.  Thomas, 18, has received 150 scholarship offers for his football skills and his abilities as a nine-instrument musician, 10 News Tampa Bay reports.
Thomas, who helped the Booker T. Tornadoes win back-to-back state championships and also a national title this season, told the news station that he has chosen to attend the University of Miami and will play football but will also work on his music at the university’s Frost School of Music.
It was Thomas’s late grandmother who inspired his love for music. As a young boy, he would listen to his grandmother’s gospel CDs. Then she bought him a guitar and signed him up for piano lessons. By the time he was 5, Thomas was performing, 10 News reports.
Thomas plays the piano, trombone, euphonium (a small tuba), bass guitar, regular guitar, snare, tuba, trumpet and drums, and he has no plans of abandoning music even if someday the NFL comes calling.  “So if I make it to the NFL, that would be a blessing for me,” said Thomas. But his love for music remains a passion. “I have love for music and took it upon myself to learn and play the instruments I hear in the songs.”
And if he had to choose between the NFL and music?  “It would probably be music,” said Thomas.
Read more at 10 News Tampa Bay.
article by Stephen A. Crockett Jr. via theroot.com

"Stand Your Ground" Protest March Scheduled for March 10th in Tallahassee

By goodblacknews on March 2, 2014
Black community leaders are taking a stand against the controversial “Stand Your Ground” law.  On March 10, 2014 in Tallahassee, Florida, leaders across the country including Reverend Al Sharpton and the National Action Network are gathering in the Sunshine State to rally and a hold a prayer vigil in protest of SYG.
Sharpton will also be joined by Attorney Ben Crump and the parents of Trayvon Martin and Jordan Davis.  The march begins at 9:30am ET at the Tallahassee Leon County Civic Center,  located at 505 W Pensacola St, Tallahassee, FL 32301.  After the march is completed, the rally begins at the State Capitol located at 400 South Monroe St, Tallahassee, Florida, FL 32301.
article via blackamericaweb.com

Florida Prosecutor Angela Corey says State Will Retry Michael Dunn For 1st-Degree Murder

By goodblacknews on February 17, 2014

Michael Dunn is seen in the courtroom before the jury reached a verdict on Saturday. (Bob Mack, Associated Press / February 15, 2014)
Michael Dunn is seen in the courtroom before the jury reached a verdict on Saturday. (Bob Mack, Associated Press / February 15, 2014)

During a press conference following Michael Dunn‘s murder trial, Florida state special prosecutor Angela Corey said he will be retried for the murder of 17-year-old Jordan Davis.
RELATED: Michael Dunn Convicted on 4 of 5 Charges in Jordan Davis Murder Case
“We intend to fully push for a new trial….Justice for Jordan Davis is as important as it is for any victim,” said Corey.
As previously reported, Dunn, 47, has been found guilty of 3 counts of attempted second degree murder and one count of hurling a deadly missile. A mistrial was declared on the first-degree murder charge in the shooting death of 17-year old Jordan Davis.
The jury deliberated for four days and remained deadlocked on the 1st-degree murder charge and lesser charges, including second degree murder, manslaughter, justifiable homicide, or excusable homicide.
Protesters have begun marching over to the prosecutor’s office and demanding Corey’s resignation for, what they feel, is her failure to get justice for Davis.  Corey was also the special prosecutor in the George Zimmerman murder trial.  Last year, Zimmerman was found not guilty of murder in the shooting death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin.
Both Martin and Davis were killed when they were 17-years-old. Tomorrow, February 16, would have been Davis’ 19th birthday. Trayvon Martin would have been 19-years-old on February 5.
article via newsone.com

Trayvon Martin’s Parents Stand By Jordan Davis’ Parents

By goodblacknews on February 16, 2014

Jordan Davis trayvon martin
If anyone understands the pain that Jordan Davis’ parents are feeling at this moment, it’s Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin. The parents of Trayvon Martin offered their support to Lucia McBath and Ron Davis this weekend, who heard Michael Dunn’s verdict on the eve of what would have been their son’s 19th birthday.  In a statement, Sybrina and Tracy said that this case is “yet another reminder that in Florida, racial profiling and stereotypes” may serve as the basis for illegitimate fear “and the shooting and killing of young teenagers.”
Dunn, a 47-year-old software developer, fired 10 rounds at a SUV carrying four teens in a Jacksonville gas station parking lot after an altercation over loud rap music. On Saturday, a jury found him guilty on three counts of attempted second-degree murder and one count of shooting a deadly missile into a vehicle. However, the 12 jurors could not reach a decision on the top count of first-degree murder — meaning he was not convicted for three of the 10 shots that hit 17-year-old Davis and ultimately cost his life.
Although the jury did not convict her son’s killer of premeditated murder, Lucia McBath still expressed gratitude for the verdict. “We are so grateful for the truth,” she said. “We are so grateful that the jurors were able to understand the common sense of it all.”  “[Dunn] is going to learn that he must be remorseful for the killing of my son,” father Ron Davis said at the post-trial press conference, “it was not just another day at the office.”
article by Myeisha Essex via hellobeautiful.com

Michael Dunn Convicted on 4 of 5 Charges in Jordan Davis Murder Case

By goodblacknews on February 15, 2014

Michael Dunn is seen in the courtroom before the jury reached a verdict on Saturday. (Bob Mack, Associated Press / February 15, 2014)
Michael Dunn is seen in the courtroom before the jury reached a verdict on Saturday. (Bob Mack, Associated Press / February 15, 2014)

A jury has found Michael Dunn, the Florida man accused of shooting unarmed teenager Jordan Davis to death during a dispute over loud music, guilty of four charges, but the jury was unable to reach a decision on the top count, first-degree murder.  Dunn, who is white, fired 10 shots into an SUV, killing Davis, 17, who was black. The shooting in a convenience store parking lot in Jacksonville erupted after Dunn asked the teenagers in the vehicle to turn down their music.

Dunn was charged with first-degree murder, three counts of attempted second-degree murder and one count of firing into a vehicle in the Nov. 23, 2012, shooting. The jury couldn’t reach a decision on the first-degree murder charge, but convicted on the other four.  Dunn contended he acted in self-defense. Prosecutors suggested that Dunn, 47, was angry because he was being disrespected by a young black man.
Dunn was remanded to the custody of authorities. Sentencing, which could total as much as 75 years in prison, was set for around March 24.  The sequestered jury began its deliberations Wednesday, a week after opening statements began. That Dunn had fired into the SUV and killed Davis was never in question. What the jury had to determine was whether Dunn had acted in self-defense.