your lif ema t rs so wear a mask!thecommunitypressfla.org/comm press july 2020 final.pdf · social...

SERVING LEE & COLLIER COUNTIES

INSIDE THIS ISSUE OF THE COMMUNITY PRESS

Juneteenth Celebration Held In Clemente ParkPage 7

Meet The 2020Graduates OfSouthwest Fla.,Part IIPages 8

Dr. Mia German IsNew Assistant Principal at Franklin Park Elem.Page 30

****************************** REGISTER AND VOTE! ******************************

Vol. Six - No. Seven “ A L i t t l e N e w s p a p e r W i t h B i g N ew s ! ” J u l y 2 0 2 0

Your Life MattersSo Wear A Mask!

See Page 4 for more information

JULY 2020THE COMMUNITY PRESS

AFCAAM/Michigan Ave.

All Plus Beauty Store/Fowler Ctr.

American Legion Post 192/MLK Blvd.

American Legion Post,/Downtown

Bethel A.M.E. Church/Naples

Boyd Funeral Home/MLK Blvd.

Bryson Insurance Bail Bonds/ MLK Blvd.

Carrie Robinson Center/Edison Ave.

CCMI/MLK Blvd.

Chaney's Barbershop/MLK Blvd.

Charleston Park Center

Chelles Restaurant at QLC

City Fish Market/ Edison Ave.

Christ Centered Bookstore

Covenant Crab Co./ Fowler Ctr.

Crab Trap/Fowler Ctr.

Crouches Gas/Edison Ave.

Darryl & Dave's Barbers/Fowler Ctr.

Dunbar Jupiter Hammond Library

Downtown Library

Dr. Ella Piper Center

Edward Jones Investment/Lehigh

Farmer's Market/Edison Ave.

First Assembly Cornerstone/MLK Blvd.

Followers of Christ Fellowship Min.

Ft. Myers Housing/Admin/Mich. Ave.

Ft. Myers Housing/Sen Ctr/Mich. Ave.

Ft. Myers Police Department

Friendship Baptist Church/MLK Blvd.

Hickson Funeral Home/MLK Blvd.

Hodges University /Ft. Myers

Hodges University /Naples

Hook's Fish & Chicken/MLK Blvd.

Jeans Plus & More/Carrell Corners

Kappa Dev. Ctr./P. Beach Blvd.

Lee Co. Black History Society/MLK Blvd.

Lee Co. Library/Downtown Fort Myers

Lee Physician's Group/MLK Blvd.

Lehigh Community Center/Lehigh

Lias Grocery/Michigan Ave.

Looking Good Fashion/Fowler Ctr.

Macedonia M. B. Church/Naples

Maximum Hair Care/Carrell Corners

Melvin Morgan Building

Mt. Hermon Church/MLK Blvd.

Mt. Olive AME Church/Orange Ave.

Mt. Pleasant Church/Harlem Lakes

Nations Association/P.B. Blvd.

Neighborhood Discount/Ford St.

New Image Tabernacle/N. Ft. Myers

North Law Firm/Colonial Blvd.

N'Trigue Beauty Salon/Carrell Corners

Oxford School of Music/Evans Ave.

Palmetto Church Of God

Peaceful Garden Funeral Hm./Fowler St

Premiere Int. College/Central Ave.

Quality Life Center/MLK Blvd.

Red Bones Liquor Store/MLK Blvd.

Royal Palm Lodge # 512/MLK Blvd.

R&R Barbershop/Fowler Center

Sam's Food Market/Lincoln Blvd.

Sister’s Beauty Salon/Palm Ave.

Shoemaker Florist/MLK Blvd.

St. John First M.B. Church

Stars Complex/Edison Ave.

UFMBC/Naples

Unity Christian Church/Naples

Utopia Restaurant/MLK Blvd.

Utopia Barbershop/MLK Blvd.

WaWa Store/Colonial & So. 41

WaWa Store/Del Prado Blvd.

WaWa Store/South 41

Wellcare/Palm Beach Blvd.

WHERE TO FIND US

James A. Middlebrooks, Jr.Chairman / Publisher / Advertising Director3510 Veronica Shoemaker Plaza, Suite 3

Fort Myers, FL [email protected]

239-332-1073Veronica Barber

Vice Chairman/Managing [email protected]

Jacquie Matthews WilliamsSocial Media / Photography [email protected]

239-222-2073

P.D. WilliamsArt Director

[email protected]

Website: www.thecommunitypressfla.orgE-mail: [email protected]

The Community Press is published the first Thursday ofeach month and distributed FREE throughout SouthwestFlorida.Deadline for advertising, church news, business direc-

tory, and general news items is 5:00 p.m. the last Friday ofeach month for the next issue for the first Thursdays publi-cation.For advertising rates and information call

239-245-8801 or 239-332-1073. MAILING ADDRESS: 1540 Raleigh Street, Fort Myers,

Florida 33916-1925. EMAIL ADDRESS ~ [email protected] Community Press Of Florida, Inc. welcomes all con-

tributions which can be delivered to the Editor via email atthecommunitypressfla@ gmail.com. All submissions become property of The Community

Press Of Florida, Inc. The Community Press Of Florida, Inc. will sometimes re-

ceive more articles and columns than available space can ac-commodate therefore not all submissions can beacknowledged or printed. Articles should not be longer than 350 words and must

include the name and contact information of the author andobserve formal rules of spelling and grammar. The Community Press Of Florida, Inc. reserves the right

to edit all material.

Submission Guidelines & Editorial Policy

BOARD OF D IRECTORS

SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATIONOne-year mailed subscriptions: $40.00 in-state and

$50.00 out-of-statePlease call Publisher, James A. Middlebrooks, Jr, at

239-332-1073 for more information.

“A Little Newspaper With Big News!”

Contributing PhotographersYvonne Hart

[email protected]

Cedric [email protected]

239-823-7083

Al “Champ” DavisWedding & Event Photographer

239-440-5214

Broderick HallP.O. Box 2012, Ft. Myers, FL 33902

239-440-5214

Stepanie StephensNora Potts239-888-9314

James [email protected]

Contributing WritersConstance White * Jamilla BrooksJan Sommers * Janice Cass

Jack Levine * Ismael HernandezEllie Peterson * Myrna Young * Sharon Hill

Mary Ella Butler: Religion Writer & Church Liaison

God’s Vaccination for the Virus of Racism

Continued on Page 19

Just as the country isreeling from the growingpandemic of the Coron-avirus, America’s originalvirus, institutional and sys-temic racism has reared itsugly head. And it has doneso in such a way that haspricked the national con-sciousness and changed thenews cycle from conversa-tion dominated by the coro-navirus to conversationdominated the virus ofracism. And it’s a conversation

we must have. For the coro-navirus infects the body, butthe virus of racism infectsthe soul. The coronavirusshut the country down, butthe virus of racism threatensto tear it apart. The coron-avirus does not discriminatewhom it oppresses, but thevirus of racism exclusivelyoppresses the black andbrown. The coronavirusdeemed black and brownworkers essential, but the

virus of racism remindsthem that despite their es-sential service during thepandemic, they are still ex-pendable. The Coronavirusis a new virus, a novel virusbut the virus of racism isembedded in the values, in-stitutions and systems ofthis country and has beenpresent since its founding. There is currently no

vaccination for the coron-avirus, but God’s prescribedvaccination for racism isJustice! Not the justice ofthe political left nor the jus-

tice of the political right.But justice that is rooted inthe nature of God and is acore value of his Word, theBible. Psalm 82:1-4 (MSG) 1 God calls the judges

into his courtroom, he putsall the judges in the dock. 2 Enough! You've cor-

rupted justice long enough,you've let the wicked getaway with murder. 3 You're here to defend

the defenseless, to makesure that underdogs get afair break; 4 Your job is to stand up

for the powerless, and pros-ecute all those who exploitthem." From the President, to

the Senate, to the Congress,to the Governors, to judges,to the lawyers, to the policeofficers, to the preachers,and teachers, God hascalled us all into his court-room! And God has put usall on His docket. You have

Your Voice! Your Vote! Act Now!Returning Citizens Are Eligible!

Distribution ManagerErnest “Bodie” McMillan

Assistant Distribution ManagerJoe Wise

By Audrea Anderson, Geraldine Ware and Kathy Dupuy-Bruno, Esq.

Editorial Disclaimer: The views expressed in these editorials are those of the authors anddo not necessarily reflect the views of the The Community Press Of Florida, Inc.

By Rev. Dr. William L. Glover

GUEST EDITORIAL

Rev. Dr. William L. Glover

In an overwhelming 65%vote in the November 6,2018 election, Floridiansapproved Amendment 4,restoring the right to vote toconvicted felons who hadcompleted their sentence in-cluding probation and pa-role. Amendment 4 givesthese returning citizens theright to register and vote.Amendment 4 does not re-turn voting rights to thoseconvicted of murder orfelony sexual offenses.Florida Amendment 4 is

also known as the VotingRights Restoration forFelons Initiative.Returning citizens are el-

igible to register and vote;

however, be aware thatFlorida Governor DeSantisis seeking to block return-ing citizens from voting. Hesigned Senate Bill 7066, re-quiring returning citizens topay associated outstandingcourt-imposed fees andcosts before registering tovote. A federal court ruledon May 24, 2020 that re-turning citizens are eligibleto vote even if they owemoney from their felonyconvictions. The Governorhas appealed that decision,but that case will not beheard until August.The law of the land in

Florida is that returning ex-felons (except for certain

committed crimes statedabove) have the right toregister and vote! No fu-ture decision will reversethat fact. Be informed anduse the precious right be-stowed by fellow Floridacitizens in the 2018 elec-tion. All civic-minded citi-zens should be proactiveand inform family, friends,and returning citizens oftheir right to vote. Returning citizens who

need help or direction in theregistration and votingprocess may contact amember of the DemocraticVoter Protection Program,Jennifer Scuteri at [email protected] or call781-856-0185.All voters have until

Monday, July 20, 2020 toregister to vote in the Au-gust 18, 2020 primary elec-tion and if not registered bythen, until October 5, 2020to vote in the November 3,2020 Presidential Election.All voters should requestyour Vote-by-Mail ballot bycalling 239-533-8683 andpress Option 2. It is just thateasy for all citizens to votefrom the comfort, safetyand convenience of theirown home. Take advantage of one

of the best benefits Floridahas to offer voters, espe-cially now that contact withothers should be severelylimited because of thespread of the Coronavirus.

JULY 2020 PAGE 3THE COMMUNITY PRESS


Your Life Matters... Wear A Mask!

CDC continues to studythe spread and effects of thenovel coronavirus acrossthe United States. We nowknow from recent studiesthat a significant portion ofindividuals with coron-avirus lack symptoms(“asymptomatic”) and thateven those who eventuallydevelop symptoms (“pre-symptomatic”) can transmitthe virus to others beforeshowing symptoms. Thismeans that the virus canspread between people in-teracting in close proxim-ity—for example, speaking,coughing, or sneezing—

even if those people are notexhibiting symptoms. In light of this new evi-

dence, CDC recommendswearing cloth face cover-ings in public settingswhere other social distanc-ing measures are difficult tomaintain (e.g., grocerystores and pharmacies) es-pecially in areas of signifi-cant community-basedtransmission.It is critical to emphasize

that maintaining 6-feet so-cial distancing remains im-portant to slowing thespread of the virus. CDC isadditionally advising theuse of simple cloth facecoverings to slow thespread of the virus and helppeople who may have thevirus and do not know it

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from transmitting it to oth-ers. Cloth face coveringsfashioned from household

items or made at homefrom common materials atlow cost can be used as an

additional, voluntary publichealth measure.

Wear your Face Cov-ering Correctly• Wash your hands be-

fore putting on your facecovering• Put it over your nose

and mouth and secure itunder your chin• Try to fit it snugly

against the sides of yourface• Make sure you can

breathe easily Use the Face Covering

to Protect Others• Wear a face covering to

help protect others in caseyou’re infected but don’thave symptoms• Keep the covering on

your face the entire timeyou’re in public• Don’t put the covering

around your neck or up onyour forehead• Don’t touch the face

covering, and, if you do,wash your hands

Take off Your FaceCovering Carefully,When You’re Home• Untie the strings be-

hind your head or stretchthe ear loops• Handle only by the ear

loops or ties• Fold outside corners

together

• Place covering in thewashing machine (learnmore about how to washcloth face coverings)• Be careful not to touch

your eyes, nose, and mouthwhen removing and washhands immediately after re-moving.Cloth face coverings are

an additional step to helpslow the spread of COVID-19 when combined withevery day preventive ac-tions and social distancingin public settings.

Who should NOT usecloth face coverings? • A child under age 2 • Anyone who has trou-

ble breathing• Anyone unconscious,

incapacitated or unable toremove the mask withoutassistance.COVID-19 is thought to

spread mainly through closecontact from person-to-per-son. Some people withoutsymptoms may be able tospread the virus. We are stilllearning about how thevirus spreads and the sever-ity of illness it causes. Sowear your masks. Your facecovering may protect them.Their face covering mayprotect you.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.

The use of cloth face coverings help slow thespread of COVID-19 Protect

Yourself

Wear Your Mask!

Lee County Supervisor of Elections Office has securedthe Dr. Carrie D. Robinson Center as an Early Voting sitefor the August 18 Primary and November 3 General elec-tions. The Center, located at 2990 Edison Ave., Fort Myers,is the eleventh of the Early Voting sites conveniently lo-cated around the county for voters who want to cast theirvote prior to Election Day. Early Voting for the August 18Primary Election will be daily Saturday, August 8, 2020, toSaturday, August 15, 2020, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For Early Vot-ing locations and directions visit lee.vote.

The Dr. Carrie D. Robinson Center Is A New Early Voting Site!


Black Lives Matter Holds March In Fort Myers, Florida

History teaches us overand over that young peopleof our "today" will be theleaders in our tomorrow.The lead young people aretaking in this current dayand time of the Black LivesMatter movement, it is evi-dent they are ready to em-brace the leadership roles in

their future. They were theleaders in this Black LivesMatter march down Dr.Martin Luther King, Jr.Blvd. Black Lives Matter"chants could be heard forblocks from the sea of racesamong the diverse group.The diversity among themwas a testament of what this

powerful movement is allabout, INJUSTICE for oneis INJUSTICE for all! Themurder of George Floyd hasstirred up sentiment acrossthe country. Chants of “Ican’t breathe" could also beheard along the march.

Photos by JacquieMatthews Williams.

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Gayla James, Singer & Songwriter, CD “Spiritual Intimacy”

JULY 5 JULY 5

JULY 26JULY 19

To be a guest or advertise on Lee Pitts Live, visit LeePittsLive.com or call 877-830-0391

To be a guest or advertise on Lee Pitts Live, visit LeePittsLive.com or call 877-830-0391

Longest Running Local TV Show in Southwest Florida (28 Years)Five time Recipient of the “NAACP Image Award”Recipient of the Southwest Florida “People’s Choice Award”Recipient of the Talladega College "Stars of Magnitude Award”

Gerri Ware, Member Delta Sigma Theta, “Your Voice Your Vote”

Melissa DeHaven, PR Director, Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center

TaSheekia Perry, Host, Girl Talk on “Lee Pitts Live”

(L-R standing), Lee Pitts and Ernest McMillian, (L-R sitting) Jacquie MatthewsWilliams, James A. Middlebrooks, Jr. and Veronica Barber. (not shown, Pablo Williams)

It's official! One ofSouthwest Florida's greatnewspapers "The Commu-nity Press" now has a newlocation in the heart of theDunbar Community at 3510Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.BLVD. Their location is ex-tremely appropriate as the 5-year-old paper represents thetrue ideals of Dr. MartinLuther King, Jr.Since its inception, "The

Community Press" has madeus proud as it has coveredour community on amonthly basis in a uniqueand positive way as only itcan.On July 12th at 8:30am,

the award-winning Lee PittsLive on FOX 4 will come to

you from their new locationas Lee Pitts, host and exec-utive producer, will inter-view this world-class staff:James Middlebrooks, pub-lisher, Veronica Barber,Managing Editor, JacquieMatthews Williams, Photog-raphy & Social Media,Ernest “Bodie” McMillian,Distribution Manager andPablo Williams, Art Direc-tor.Each month, the highly-

anticipated "The Commu-nity Press", gives us a peakinto our world. A worldfilled with smiles and unityin our neighborhood fromreligion to health to educa-tion to Greek life it's allthere in radiant beautiful

LOC ALThe Community Press on “Lee Pitts Live” on Fox 4

colors. The paper literallydocuments our history withpride and keeps us informed.“I'm excited to see The

Community Press turn 5-years- old. I vividly recallthe first time I read the firstedition. It immediatelystruck me as something thecommunity really needed”,recalls Lee Pitts. “You justcan't have this type successwithout great people doingthe real work. The “Commu-nity Press” and staff have anexcellence all should striveto emulate. “I am looking forward to

presenting them to our audi-ence in the surroundingseven counties “Lee PittsLive” reaches", says Pitts.


Months after the CivilWar had ended by the sur-rendering of General RobertE. Lee and years after thesigning of the EmancipationProclamation by PresidentLincoln, some slaveholderswere still holding on to en-slaved people. Union Sol-diers on June 19th, 1865lead by General Grangercame to declare to the lastslaves in Texas that theywere indeed free. The State

of Texas was the first stateto commemorate the date,declaring June 19th as“Emancipation Day” begin-ning in 1980. In Fort Myers,the holiday has been typi-cally commemorated byThe Lee County Black His-tory Society in ClementePark where the Local BlackHistory Museum is located.After being canceled due toconcerns related to COVID-19, Malik Hines along with

assistance from MartinByrd sought to continuedthis storied tradition underthe LegacyMakers Founda-tion in 2020. It is the hopeof all involved parties thatthose within our commu-nity grow in knowledge inthis history and support ofthe local event in the com-ing years.


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Juneteenth Celebration Held In Clemente Park


On May 3rd Crystal GermanCollins received her Bachelors’degree in Psychology fromFlorida Gulf Coast University.Her plan now is to pursue a Mas-ter’s degree in School Psychology.

Crystal is a native, born andraised in Ft. Myers and is thedaughter of Clare Douglas and thelate Melvin German. Congratula-tions Crystal on achieving thishuge stepping-stone towards yourfuture. We have seen you growfrom a little girl to a youngwoman, to a wife and mother, toan accomplished young woman.We have watched you strugglethrough difficult times andwatched you laugh once youclimbed over each hurdle. Youcontinue to amaze us with yourfaith and strength, with your wisemind, bright smile, and hugeheart, set your sights on greatness.Trusting God to continue to leadyou, knowing you can do allthings through Christ, whichstrengthens you. Your brothersand I love you and are all honoredand proud of your accomplish-ments.Lovingly, Mom Clare Douglas.

May 12th was a great day for mygranddaughter, Kenadie, for she is nolonger a single-digit number as she justturned 10 yrs old. Welcome to the two-digit world! Kenadie is the daughter ofCrystal and Jimmy Collins.

Lovingly, grandmom Clare Douglas.

Meet The 2020 Graduates Of Southwest Florida, Part II

Happy BelatedBirthday,

KenadieCollins!

Congratulations Crystal Collins!

MILESTONES

Kendly PierrePalmetto Ridge High SchoolHe will be attending FGCU

or flight school

Imari K. BlackFort Myers High School

The National Society of High School ScholarsShe will be attending

Bethune Cookman University

LaQuasha JonesGraduate of Barry University With

A Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal StudiesShe plans to obtain a Masters in Psychology

e ool.

Symphony RandolphDunbar High Class of 2020

She will be attending FSW to obtain a degree in Social Work

Michael VelasquezRiverdale High Class of 2020 -

Honor StudentPlans to become a dental technician


I N M EMOR I AM

Mack Carter Calloway, Jr.06/08/20

Sonya T. Purvis06/11/20

Marshel K Matthews06/04/20

Christine Cook05/29/20

Mildred Mitchell Hampton06/15/20

Louise Williams06/18/20

Juan Nieves06/22/20

Michelle Williams06/27/20

Officer Julian Lee Keen Jr.06/14/20

Harold Nathaniel Hampton06/14/20

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Effective April 1, 2020, All visitations will be limited to 10

individuals at a time per visitation and all funeral serviceswill be streamed live until further notice. Thank you

for your cooperation during this time.


Mt. Hermon Ministriesand Christ First Church ofCape Coral joined forces on

Friday, June 26th to blessthe community with over900 boxes of food. More

Mt. Hermon Ministries and Christ First Church of Cape Coral Host Community Food Drive

than 100 volunteers fromboth congregations were onsite for the community day

of giving and distributionof over 25,000 pounds offood. Contents in the boxesincluded meat, vegetables,milk, cheese and fruit. Par-ticipants also receivedcases of almond and choco-late milk. Pastor Chris Merz of

Christ First Church and Dr.Glover of Mt. Hermongave heartfelt thanks toFirst Lady Cheryl Gloverfor creating the partnership

and coordinating the event.Both congregations had agreat time of fellowshipand service to the commu-nity. Special thanks were also

extended to Premier Mo-biles’ Deanie NadineSingh, ARNP and her teamwho were also on site andadministered several hun-dred Covid-19 tests.

Photos by P.D.Williams.

OUR FA ITH BASED COMMUNITY


Towles Garden Public Meeting Provides Update On Plans

OUR FA ITH BASED COMMUNITYPAGE 12 JULY 2020THE COMMUNITY PRESS

Phone239-936-1814

FAX239-936-8243

12830 Metro Parkway, Unit 12Fort Myers, FL 33966

[email protected] * www.4trophycase.com

On Sunday, June 21,2020, the Fathers and Fa-ther figures at Mt. SinaiBaptist Church of Fort

Myers, Florida were treatedto a short and sweet father'sday program. The program showed the

men that they are a very im-portant and crucial part ofthe family dynamic. Be theya father, stepfather, grandfa-

ther, uncle, brother, etc.,their presence matters. After the program, they

were showered with gifts

and and a take-out dinnerfrom the Cracker BarrelRestaurant. The theme was, “Fa-

thers, on this day, we saluteyou because Fathers Mat-ter.”

Photos by Mary Butler

Mt. Sinai Baptist Church Celebrates Fathers and Father Figures


3220 Martin Luther King BlvdFt. Myers, FL 33916Office 239-337-4140

Sunday Service - 9 and 11 AMWednesday Bible Study - 7 PM

First Assembly Cornerstone

Pastors Gregory & Marjorie Ford

2856 Douglas Ave. Ft. Myers, FL 33916239-334-8075

Dr. William and First Lady Cheryl Glover

"Having a Redeeming Influence!"

WORSHIP SERVICESSundays 11:00 am

Youth Church 11:00 amFamily Bible Study: Wednesdays 7:00 pm

2044 Brown St. Ft. Myers, FL 33916Admin Building: 2929 Price St. Ft. Myers, FL 33916

Phone: (239) 334-0591 or (239) 334-7531Fax: (239)334-7564

Email: [email protected] Worship Services

7:30 am & 11:00 am (Sunday school 9:30 am)Wednesday Evening

Prayer Meeting & Bible Study 7:00 pm

Rev. & Mrs. James C. Givens, Pastor & First Lady Roberta Givens

Rev. Leon Williams, Pastor

Mt. Olive African Methodist Episcopal Church

St. John First Missionary Baptist Church

Mount Hermon Ministries

Add Your House Of Worship To Our Directory For Only $25 Per Month

“The Church That Cares”2754 Orange Street, Fort Myers, FL 33916

Sunday7:30 am - Early Morning Worship

9:30 am - Church School11 am - Morning Worship

Wednesday6 pm - Intercessory Prayer7 pm - Family Bible Study,(Children, Youth & Adults)

81 Pondella Road in North Fort Myers, Fl 33903Phone: (239) 464-0991 or (727) 365-9325

New Image TabernacleA non-denominational Christian Church

Empowerment Academy Sunday: 8:45 AMWorship Service Sunday 10:00 AM Wednesday Prayer Service Wed. 6:00 PMBible Study Wed. 7:00 PM

[email protected]

Service Times:

Pastors: Alan &Mary Stockton

3105 Douglas Ave., Ft. Myers, FL 33916239-204-9346 Church Phone239-204-9347 Church Fax

SCHEDULE OF SERVICESSunday School - 9:30 a.m.Morning Service - 11:00 a.m.

Youth Church ea. Mon.@ 6 p.m.Prayer Meeting / Bible Study each Wed. @ 7 p.m.

Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, Inc."The Church Where We Give The MASTER Charge Of Our Life"

Dr. Benny McLeodPastor

Of Lee & Collier Counties

239-244-6073

Weekly Ministry ScheduleSunday: Breakfast For Guests/Members................. 8:00amSunday: Church School (Classes for all ages).......... 9:00amSunday Worship........................................................ 10:30amTuesday: Worship Prayer - Bible Study....................7:00pmWednesday: Youth Ministry...................................... 5:00pm



Pastor Alfred D. & First Lady E. Mae Jones2935 64th Street SW Naples, Florida 34105-7315Phone/Fax: 239-261-0719 "Pray, and let God worry." Martin Luther

Phone/Fax: 239-261-0719E-mail: [email protected]: www.bethelnaples.com

Bethel A.M.E. Church of Naples, Florida

1006 3rd Ave. No. , Naples, Florida 34102Phone (239) 262-4877

Sunday School - 9:30amSunday Worship - 11:00amPrayer Meeting Tues & Thurs - 7-8pm

Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church

Lonnie E. Mills, Pastor

PALMETTO CHURCH OF GOD1123 Veronica Shoemaker Blvd.

Ft Myers, FL 33916239-693-6162

WORSHIP SERVICES

Sunday School 9:30 amMorning Worship 11:00 am

Sunday Evening Worship 6:00 pmMonday Evening Prayer Service 8:00pm

Bible Study Wednesdays 7:30 pm

Bishop Egbert May and First Lady Georgia MayBishop Egbert May and First Lady Georgia May

Sunday Service.................................................................... 9:30amWorship Service.................................................................. 11:00amWednesday Bible Study........................................................ 7:00pmDiscovery Ministry for Youth................................ 5:30pm Wed Eve.

(Except 1st and 5th Wed.)

ZION HOPE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

Rev. Samuel B. Watkins

2250 Palm Ave., Fort Myers, Florida 33916Email:[email protected] Number: 239-851-1536Schedule of Service

Sunday School/Orientation........................................ 9:30 A.M.Morning Worship:.........................................................11:00 A.M.Monday Evening Prayer Service and Bible Study..... 7:00 P.M.

Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church

Rev. Larry D. Wimbush, Pastor& Sister Ruby Wimbush

Rev. Larry D. Wimbush, Pastor& Sister Ruby Wimbush


3845 BECK BLVD., NAPLES, FL. 34114Mailing Address: P.O. Box 990397, Naples, Fl. 34116

239-601-6100Sunday Worship Service...10:00am - Mid-Week Bible Study...Wed. 7:00pm

Pastor R.L. Neal &Lady Tami Neal

2424 BroadwayFort Myers, FL 33901

239-337-7677

St. Phillip Christian MethodistEpiscopal Church

Sunday School, 10 a.m.Sunday Morning Worship, 11 a.m.Bible Study - Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.

1920 Lillie Street, Fort Myers, FL 33916

2112 Mitchell Court, Ft. Myers, Fl. 33916Phone: (239) 332-4411

[email protected] * [email protected]

Sunday School: 9:30amSunday Morning Worship: 11:00am

Monday Night Brotherhood Meeting (For Men): 7:00pmWednesday Night MId-Week Service: 7:30pm

Last Friday of the Month Corporate Prayer: 7:00pm-8:00pmIf you need transportation please call us at 239-332-4411 and

we will pick you up. Leave us a message and we will call you back.

Church School On Sunday Morning at 10:00amSunday Mornings Worship Service at 11:00am

Wednesday Night Prayer and Bible Study at 7:30pm

House of Prayer Apostolic Faith Church of God, Inc. Grace New Testament Church In His Blood



Pastor Judy W. Sykes

Each One,Bring One

New Address2087 Fountain St. Ft. Myers, Fl. 33916

Grace Pastor Cecil Hendley: (239) 222-3338Grace Pastor A. Addison: (239) 321-1868

Pastor A. Addison

Pastor C. Hendley

4901 Palm Beach Blvd. Unit 310-320 Fort Myers, FL 33905Phone: (239) 689-1442

SERVICE TIMES:Early Morning Worship 1st & 3rd Sundays – 8:00am

Sunday School – 10:00amMorning Worship- 11:00amBible Study- Tues. 7:30pm

Mid-Week Service-Thursday Nights 7:30pm

New Apostolic Faith Grace Ministries Inc.A non-denominational Christian Church

Apostle Luke A. Green-Founder/Overseer

Pastor Leslie and FirstLady Robin Green

Full Gospel Pentecost Missionary Baptist Church

Sunday School Class...................................................................... 9:45 amSunday Morning Worship Service.............................................. 11:00 amTuesday Morning Prayer Band Meeting.................................. 9:00 amWednesday Evening Prayer/Bible Study................................ 6:00 pm2nd Saturday Men/Women Ministry........................................ 4:00 pm4th Saturday Youth Discussion................................................. 4:00 pmPastor Willie Troy Green - Founder Willie C. Troup

Matthew 16:18 - “UPON THIS ROCK”

2021 Lincoln Blvd. Fort Myers, Florida 33916 * 239-281-3715

Sunday Service - 12:30pmBible Study Tuesday - 7:00pm

True Temple of Faith Missionary Baptist Church

2301 Fowler StreetFort Myers, FL, Unit 4, 33901

239-440-8864 * Church: 239-440-8864

Second & Fourth Sunday Evening Services Start at 6:00pmSunday School at 9:45am

Sunday Worship Service at 11am

Bible Study every Tuesday night at 7:00pm.We would like for you to come out and join usin service where God is moving in our life!

Pastor RobertFletcher & FirstLady Fletcher

“God Bless”revfletcher7873@

gmail.com

Trinity Christian Outreach Ministries

Location: Pine Brook Suites 12995 So. Cleveland Ave., Suite # 174 & 175

Fort Myers, Fl. 33907

ORDER OF WORSHIP

Sunday School- 9:30am Church Service - 10:30am

Monday Nights– Choir Rehearsal 7:00pm Tuesday Nights– Bible Study 7:00pm

205-246-9709 or 205-246-9773

PastorsEddie

& AprilSmith

1648 Palmetto Ave.. Ft. Myers, FL [email protected]

[email protected]

Ronnie Battles, Pastor * 239-218-7203Princess L. Battles, Co-Pastor * 239-209-8076



OUR FA ITH BASED COMMUNITYMt. Hermon’s Congregation Surprises Their Pastor With A Drive-By Thank You Parade

Dr. William Glover ofMt. Hermon Ministries wascaught off guard by mem-bers, family and friendswith an unexpected ThankYou Drive-By Parade. Aftercompleting his virtual serv-

ice on June 28, 2020Glover walked outside tothe sight and sounds ofmore than 50 cars honkingtheir horns to make theirpresence known. Mt. Her-mon has been on virtual

services for the past threemonths. Members wantedGlover to know they missbeing with him in churchand are standing behind hiscommunity outreach ef-forts.

Cars adorned with bal-loons, hand held signs andsigns taped to cars, paradedone-by-one in front of theirvery surprised Man of Godto express words of loveand gratitude. He was also

blessed with monetarygifts, customized signs,flowers, cards and even hisfavorite, a watermelon!In a video response,

Glover expressed his sur-prise in how well the secret

of the event was kept andended with a special thankyou to his members, saying“my heart is full.”



Marguerite DonaldsonMiller was a 1940 graduateof Dunbar High School(Valedictorian of her class).She graduated from FAMUwith a Bachelor of Arts De-gree and Master of Sciencedegree. She also attendedNew York University andMiami University.She retired from the

Broward County School Sys-tem in 1983 after 39 years ofservice. She was a lifetime mem-

ber of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority,Inc. She was also an activemember of her church and

other organizations beforeher health began to fail.She is survived by her

daughter, Monise (Gilbert)Graves, grandchildren Tarynand Alexander Graves,Miami, FL., cousins Bernard“Jimmie” Wooten, Marianna,FL; Rosa Wooten Williamsand Maltoria WootenChancey and God daughter,Joyce A Dean, Fort Myers,FL.Funeral services were

held on Tuesday, June 30,2020 at 11am at RedeemerCatholic Church, 1301 NW71st St., Miami, Florida.

Marguerite Donaldson MillerSeptember 23, 1922 – June 22, 2020

IN MEMORIAM

JULY 2020 PAGE 19THE COMMUNITY PRESSPASTOR GLOVER EDITORIAL FROM PAGE 2

got to appear, and you havegot to give an account forhow you are managing jus-tice issues in this country.You have got to appear andyou have got to give an ac-count of how your values,legislations, public policies,laws, preaching and teach-ing impact people’s lives.You have to appear andgive an account of whetheryou “Did justice, lovedmercy and walked humblywith God (Micah 6:8).” God has called the lead-

ers of America, its values,systems and institutionsinto his court room and hasput us on his docket. AndGod has said “I’ve hadenough!” Enough literallymeans “as much as I cantake; as much as I can han-dle; as much as I can stom-ach.” And listen verycarefully to what God hashad enough of. He has hadenough of the “corruptionof justice” and specificallythe “wicked getting awaywith murder.” But the cor-ruption of justice in Amer-ica is not per se the wickedgetting away with murder.The corruption of justice inAmerica is law enforce-ment officers, who havesworn to protect and serve,getting away with the mur-der of God’s beautiful blackchildren. Ahmaud Arberymurdered while jogging(though not by an officer).Breonna Taylor murderedwhile sleeping in her home.George Floyd murderedwith a police officer’s kneeon his neck (I can’tbreathe). And most recentlyRayshard Brooks murderedwhile fleeing from the po-lice. It seems not to matter:jogging, sleeping, in cus-

tody, fleeing and unarmed!Yet murdered! Black folksare not the only ones whohas had enough. God hashad enough!My question to my

Evangelical Christian broth-ers and sisters is when willyou have enough? My ques-tion to compassionate con-s e r v a t i v e s / R e g a nRepublicans/George W.Bush Republicans is whenyou will have enough. Myquestion for decent whitepeople who don’t knowwhat to do with their privi-lege is when will you haveenough? Because God hashad enough of the corrup-tion of justice and thewicked getting away withthe racist murder of hisbeautiful black children. God has had enough,

and He would remind youof your Christian and Civicduty. 1) Defend the defense-less. Defend those whocan’t defend themselves:the marginalized, disenfran-chised and dehumanized.To defend means “to protectfrom harm or danger, to re-sist the attack.” 2) Makesure the underdog has a“fair break.” Please under-stand, black folks don’twant free, we want fair! Thesame starting line, the sameopportunities, the same pro-tections under the law. It isan indictment against whiteprivilege when fair causesyou to feel discriminatedagainst! 3) Stand up for thepowerless. You can’t standup for the powerless if youare always standing on theside of the powerful no mat-ter how corrupt. And 4)Prosecute all those who ex-ploit the oppressed. Takethe corruption out of justice

and hold the murders ac-countable, be they thewicked or be they law en-forcement. But Justice is still cor-

rupt and the wicked still ex-pect to get away withmurder, especially the mur-der of black men, becausethe corruption and racism issystemic. And you do notchange systems by seekingto change individual hearts.You change systems bychanging, laws, policies,values and leadership. Thechurch will continue tomiss the mark of redeemingthe systems that governmen’s lives as long as wefoolishly believe that ouronly calling is to changemen’s hearts. Systemic evilwill continue to prevail. To every clergy and con-

gregation, regardless of

race, ethnicity, gender, ori-entation, and faith persua-sion who wants to dosomething that results inchanging the systems thatgovern the souls of men, Iinvite you to join LIFE –Lee Interfaith for Empow-

erment. We are currently 15interfaith/interdenomina-tional congregations whohave covenanted togetherto work solely on systemicjustice issues that nega-tively impact citizens ofLee County. It is our aim to

channel the anger into sys-temic change and theprotest into changed policy.When the emotion of themoment has passed, wewill be measured by whatwe have managed tochange. Please join us!


WWW.SOLOMONS-AC-APPLIANCES.NET490 PROSPECT AVE SUITE 10, FORT MYERS, FL 33905

[email protected] or [email protected]

LICENSE # CAC057176LICENSE # CAC1820416

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(239) 693-1569 Toll Free 1-877-634-1304Family Owned & Operated Since 1995Family Owned & Operated Since 1995

*(239) 693-1569 Toll Free 1-877-634-1304*


The root of the gingerplant is well known as aspice and flavoring, but cando much more than spiceup your supper. Ginger teahelps ease congestion andsoothe an upset stomachwhile keeping you hy-drated. Here are eight oftwelve benefits of Gingerlisted by WebMD:

Fights GermsCertain chemical com-

pounds in fresh ginger helpyour body ward off germs.They’re especially good athalting growth of bacterialike E.coli and shigella, andthey may also keep viruseslike RSV at bay.

Keeps Your MouthHealthy

Ginger’s antibacterialpower may also brightenyour smile. Active com-pounds in ginger called gin-gerols keep oral bacteriafrom growing. These bacte-ria are the same ones thatcan cause periodontal dis-ease, a serious gum infec-tion.

Calms NauseaThe old wives’ tale may

be true: Ginger helps ifyou’re trying to ease aqueasy stomach, especiallyduring pregnancy. It maywork by breaking up andgetting rid of built-up gas inyour intestines. It mightalso help settle seasicknessor nausea caused bychemotherapy.

Eases Arthritis Symp-tomsGinger is an anti-inflam-

matory, which means it re-duces swelling. That maybe especially helpful fortreating symptoms of bothrheumatoid arthritis and os-teoarthritis. You might getrelief from pain andswelling either by takingginger by mouth or byusing a ginger compress orpatch on your skin.

Lowers Blood SugarOne recent small study

suggested that ginger mayhelp your body use insulinbetter. Larger studies areneeded to see if gingercould help improve bloodsugar levels.

Lowers CholesterolA daily dose of ginger

may help you battle your“bad” or LDL cholesterollevels. In a recent study,taking 5 grams of ginger aday for 3 months loweredpeople’s LDL cholesterolan average of 30 points.

Protects Against Dis-easeGinger is loaded with

antioxidants, compoundsthat prevent stress anddamage to your body’sDNA. They may help your

HEALTHY L IFE CHOICES

The Health Benefits of The Ginger Rootbody fight off chronic dis-eases like high blood pres-sure, heart disease, anddiseases of the lungs, pluspromote healthy aging.

Relieves Indigestion

If you live with chronicindigestion, also called dys-pepsia, ginger could bringsome relief. Ginger beforemeals may make your sys-tem empty faster, leaving

less time for food to sit andcause problems.

For a full list ofWebMD’s Health Benefitsof Ginger, go tohttps://www.webmd.com/


Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church Holds Civic Engagement CookoutOUR FA ITH BASED COMMUNITY

We Do ItRight TheFirst Time!

239-321-1868 Aaron AddisonOwner

Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church hosted a“Civic Engagement for the Dunbar Commu-nity” on Sunday, June 28, 2020 on theirparking lot grounds. Pastor James C. Givens thought that

there was no better time than now to gather

the people who could engage the communityon the topics that are a major concern to ourcommunity: COVID 19 testing, Census2020, Registering to Vote and Black OutDay. Photos by Jacquie MatthewsWilliams and P.D. Williams.


POLL WORKERS NEEDEDDo you know a student or staff member looking to en-gage in meaningful work this election cycle? Coronavirus has created a larger gap than usual infinding poll workers this year. Help fill big needs andGET PAID by serving as a poll worker in Augustand/or November. To apply or learn more about thedetails go to: https://www.lee.vote/Become-a-Poll-Worker

Positions available for the 2020 elections:

• Register Inspector ‐ Verifies that voters have therequired identification and checks voters into theprecinct using an electronic poll book.• Ballot Inspector - Issues ballots to voters• Voter Assistance Inspector - Assists voters whorequest assistance in voting. (To apply for this position, it is preferred that you can read and writeEnglish and Spanish fluently, but it is not required.)• Precinct Deputy ‐ Stationed outside the pollingroom, responsible for maintaining order at the polls.

All poll workers are responsible for setting up and dis-assembling the polling room on Election Day. Pollworkers work under the general direction of the Clerkassigned to their precinct on Election Day.

NFL Super Bowl Star, Sammy Watkins IV, officially endorses Jacquelyn D. McMiller for Mayor of Fort Myers

PAGE 24 JULY 2020THE COMMUNITY PRESS

NFL Super Bowl Star, Sammy Watkins IV, officially endorses Jacquelyn D. McMiller for Mayor of Fort Myers

Sammy Watkins encourages all his fansand supporters to vote for JacquelynMcMiller because she is the most transfor-mational and progressive candidate in therace.

Ms. McMiller priorities include: * To create a safer city.* Livable communities.* Purge out government corruption. * Invest in youth services. * Create affordable housing. * Support education.* Improve infrastructure by developmentof more streetlights, sidewalks and street repair.

Sammy Watkins IV, NFL Super Bowl star, has officially endorsed his aunt and Democratic nominee, Jacquelyn D. McMiller for Fort Myers Mayor.

If Ms. McMiller is elected, she will become the first woman and first African AmericanMayor in the city’s 135-year history. Fort Myers is a remarkably diverse city that is aminority/majority city with 36% African American, 20% Latino, and 65% Democrats.

For More Information on Jacquelyn’s Priorities,go to www.mcmillerformayor.com

or email: [email protected]

**Paid political advertisement, paid for and approved by Jacquelyn McMiller, for Fort Myers Mayor.


Urgent Message FromYour Lee County Democratic Party

We are calling on all Democrats to vote for the Democratic Nominee for Mayor of Fort Myers, Jacquelyn McMiller. It is timeto put an end to the 20-year republican rule of this city. Her two Republican opponents, Kevin Anderson and Gaile Anthony,are clones of Donald Trump. They will continue the failed policies of the Republican Mayor, Randy Henderson. The Republicanleadership of Fort Myers has failed us. They have given us a corrupt police department that racially profiles and discriminatesagainst minorities; they have destroyed our environment by allowing toxic sludge to be dumped for years on South Street.They have neglected the communities of 1, 2, and 3 city wards, while they have worked to gentrify our neighborhoods.

It is time to elect a Democrat who will continue the legacy of President Obama, and stand with Vice President, Joe Biden, bybringing forth new policies of criminal justice reform, ending police brutality, and ending housing/employment discriminationagainst formerly convicted felons. The new democratic administration will decriminalize possession of marijuana and imple-ment “smart on crime” initiatives.

Democratic Party of Lee CountyPhone: 239-939-2866 www.leecountydems.org

Political advertisement paid for and approved by the Lee County Democratic Party.

FAILED REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP

STRONG PROGRESSIVE LEADERSHIP


With three physicians inthe local Ft. Myers Alum-nae Chapter, the membersof Delta Sigma ThetaSorority, Inc., under theleadership of chapter presi-dent Kathy Bruno, took onthe task of delivering lunchfor eleven straight weeks tohealthcare workers at Lee

Health Systems here inFort Myers, Florida. Mrs. Brunso said that

Delta member Chris Rham-ings had the vision for theoperation and the rest of thechapter made it happen. Pulling double duty, the

Fort Myers Alumnae Chap-ter of Delta Sigma Theta

Sorority, Inc. not only deliv-ered lunch to the healthcare

Lee County Deltas Feed Lee Health Employees For 11 Straight Weeks

Lee Health has workedthroughout the COVID-19pandemic to show South-west Florida that we areStronger Together and SaferTogether. Today, these mes-sages move beyond ourCOVID-19 health chal-lenges to other parts of oursociety. We believe that weare indeed Stronger To-gether – especially acrossrace, geographic, gender,economic, political or otherboundaries that threaten todivide us. In light of recentevents, we are deeplygrieved by what we seehappening around us. Ourdeepest sympathy goes outto the family and friends ofGeorge Floyd. Lee Health is uniquely

woven into the social fabricof the communities weserve. We stand firm withour employees, patients,families and community toensure that all feel valuedand respected as equalmembers of society, and toaddress all forms of racismand injustice. What is happening in our

communities today, andwhat has been happening inour country is painful towatch. As a society, we arebetter than that. No doubtpeople are hurting, and ashealth care providers, ourfirst instinct is to heal. Weknow more must be done toensure equality and justicefor all citizens and that wemust find ways to peace-fully and productively haveour voices heard. It is ourresponsibility to speak up inthe face of injustice, espe-cially those of us with thepower to affect change.At Lee Health, we strive

to live by the Exception-alLee Promise, whichstates: “We promise to lis-ten and communicate effec-tively, embrace empathy,act with compassion andcontinually improve care –creating a safe, comfortingand healing environmentfor our patients, their fami-lies and each other.” Thisstandard of kindness, empa-thy and compassion ismeant for everyone and canlead to more than physicalhealing. We firmly believethe Promise is somethingwe can all embrace nowmore than ever.Let us rise to this chal-

lenge together, stronger, tobe the change this worldneeds.

Yours in Health,Larry Antonucci, M.D.,MBA, President & CEO,Lee Health

David Collins, Chair, LeeHealth Board of Directors

Thank you for your sup-

Lee Health President’s Message

Stronger Together

Larry Antonucci, M.D., MBAPresident & CEO, Lee Health

LOC AL

workers at Lee Health butthey came armed with in-formation on voting. The local Deltas are

making sure voting is at the

top of mind of awarenessfor our community.



INTRODUCTIONOn May 24, 2020, a federal court ruled that many Floridians with felony convictions are eligible to register to vote and vote even if they still owe money from theirfelony conviction(s).As a result of this court decision, you may be eligible to vote even if you still owe unpaid money from your conviction. If you have been convicted of a felonyother than murder or a sexual offense, and if you have completed prison, probation and parole, the following information can help you understand the court’sruling.

SUMMARYIf you only owe court “costs” and/or “fees,” you are eligible to register and vote. If the court sentenced you to pay a “fine” or “restitution” to a victim but you areunable to pay, you are eligible to register and vote. The three questions below are meant to guide your determination

1. Do you only owe court “costs” and/or “fees”? (no “restitution” or “fines”)

2. If you owe “restitution” and/or “fines,” were those financial obligations converted to a civil lien?

3. Did you have a public defender for your most recent felony conviction?

If you answered YES to one or more of the questions above, you may register and vote. No additional action is required.If you are unsure of the exact amount you owe, but you know that you genuinely cannot afford to pay the money you owe, you may register and vote.DETERMINING WHAT YOU OWE AND WHETHER YOU CAN PAY1. If you answered NO or I DON’ T KNOW to all of the above questions, consider completing a short form requesting an advisory opinion from the FloridaState Division of Elections. The Division of Elections can assist you in determining how much you owe and whether you are considered unable to pay if: a. You do not know whether you owe “restitution” or “fines”.b. You know that you owe “restitution” and/or “fines” but you do not know whether you can afford to pay because you do not know how much you owe; orc. You know how much you owe, but you do not know whether you are considered unable to pay.• You may submit a financial affidavit to the Division of Elections along with your request for an advisory opinion; or• You may submit a financial affidavit with your voter registration application

2. If the Division of Elections does not provide you with an advisory opinion within 21 days after receiving your request, you may register and vote...3. You are not required to request an Advisory Opinion, but it may help you decide whether you are eligible to vote and protect you if election officials

later conclude that you’re not eligible.

If you were convicted of murder or a felony sex offense in Florida, you are not eligible to register and vote unless your voting rights were restored by the Florida Ex-ecutive Clemency Board. For more information about applying for clemency, visit the Clemency Board’s website at www.fcor.state.fl.us/restoration.shtml

If you are not yet eligible under these rules, but your conviction is from another state and your rights were restored under that state’s laws, you may register and vote.

DISCLAIMER: ACLU, ACLU of Florida, NAACP-LDF, Brennan Center, and Southern Poverty Law Center represent multiple clients in a challenge to SB7066’s LFO requirements.This information does not represent an endorsement of those requirements or waiver of any legal claims. This card is a resource, not legal advice. It is provided for informationalpurposes only and not as a substitute for or supplement to the legal advice necessary to address the specific concerns of any individual. Moreover, Florida law may change afterthe publication of this card. Therefore, it is your responsibility to determine how all applicable laws concerning voter registration, voting, and the restoration of voting rights inFlorida affect you. Distributed May 29, 2020.

Contact Jennifer Scuteri, Democratic Voter Protection at [email protected] or call her at 781.856.0185, with any questions.

CAN I VOTE IF I HAVE A PAST FELONY CONVICTION?


ASK THE EXPERT

Saladin Ambar, PhD, As-sociate Professor of PoliticalScience at Rutgers Univer-sity-New Brunswick was in-terviewed on Understandingracial disparities in theCovid-19 pandemic. Hestated that the true viral con-tagion confronting us is whitesupremacy, unfettered capi-talism, and spiritual empti-ness. My expertise surrounds

spiritual emptiness. What isit? Religions are the handeddown traditions and estab-lishments that profess a cer-tain belief system andworship style. Spirituality isthe cosmic intelligent energythat animates our body andmind so we can experiencelife. When I was growing up, I

was deeply religious. Manyof my family interactionswere hurtful and unlovingwhich caused much confu-sion, sadness, and suffering. Iwas taught there was onlyone right way. We did not saythat we loved each other,were not hugged, and weseemed to only criticize andblame each other for our ownunhappiness. God was some-one who judged me severelyand loved me conditionally.With this belief, I was filledwith fear and angst. Yes, Isurvived yet felt lost withnowhere to turn. The world of

events, I learned that blackparents have talks with theirchildren about race. My parents lacked the

communication skills to giveme the sex talk and racialprejudices were overheard,seen, and felt. When we arechildren, we are defenseless.Unprocessed emotions getphysically stored in ourminds and bodies causing usto keep a dysfunctional cyclegoing. We want to survive sowe adjust to our environment.My belief is that our par-

ents gave us the best theycould. Now is time for eachof us to root out our own prej-udices. We need to becomeconscious of our thoughts andfeelings. When we allowthem to flow through us, wefree ourselves from past con-ditioning.In this compassionate

space, we can offer healing toothers. Sometimes my ownthoughts tell me to give up, orthis is too hard. Awareness isthe beginning, reframing thethought comes next then tak-ing the appropriate action. Weneed to be willing to changeand do our part.Anyone can feel empty in-

side. Take time to know whoyou really are by spendingyour time journaling, readinguplifting messages, prayer,meditating, being in nature,enjoying your body andmind. To be the change wewant to see in the world, we

need to let the spirit fill us up.For more information or

to contact Ellie Peterson,email: ellie@powerpositive-

workouts.com or visitwww.ppworkouts.com.

Spiritual Emptiness

Ellie Peterson

By Ellie Peterson

violence and hate did notmake sense to me. I thoughtif this is how the worldworks, I do not want to be init. To me this is spiritualemptiness. This emptiness fueled my

teenage pregnancy, my di-vorce at age 23 with threesmall children, my financialsituation ($80/week as ‘Elliefrom the deli’). My upbring-ing positioned me to feel likea victim. Life happened to meand frankly I felt helpless andhopeless to better my situa-tion. When I discovered myown personal power and ex-ercised it in a way thataligned with my true spiritnature, my experiences andcircumstances improved. George Floyd’s death, the

COVID-19 pandemic, andthe rioting have shown me itis time to actively understandour inequalities. By partici-pating in Say Their Namesand Women of Color online


MILESTONES

After four years as anadministrator at theEarly Childhood Center,Dr. Mia German will bethe new Assistant Princi-pal at Franklin Park Ele-mentary School. Thisvoluntary transfer willafford her the opportu-nity to gain new knowl-

edge and grow as aleader. She is very excited to

join Michelle Freemanand the FPE family asthey work hard to makea difference in the livesof children and familiesin the community.

Scripture says, “He whofinds a wife finds a goodthing and obtains favorfrom the LORD,”(Proverbs 18:22). Erick Scott, Sr., believed

that scripture when hefound and married hisbeautiful wife and cele-brated her with a weekendfit for the queen she is inhis life.

Dr. Mia German To Become New Assistant Principal at Franklin Park Elementary

Family and Friends Celebrate LaToya Scott’s Birthday!

LaToya Scott

He planned a surpriseweekend full of treats to lether know that he appreci-ated her and all she does forhim and their son. A smallgathering of family and

friends shared in the cele-bration of love to bring theweekend full circle.


LOC ALPAGE 32 JULY 2020THE COMMUNITY PRESS

I recently participated inan event at First AssemblyMinistries to have “the sys-temic racism” conversation.It was called, “How do wechange the Narrative? Thespecific question given tome was “How can we useEducation to end SystemicRacism?” The followingwas my response: How can I help educate

you to listen, learn, absorband educate someone else?I am a Prov. 31 Womanwho is Black! Prov. 31:8-9says, “Open your mouth forthose who cannot speak,and for the rights of thosewho are left withouthelp. 9 Open your mouth.Be right and fair in whatyou decide. Stand up for therights of those who are suf-

fering and in need.” Thatmeans, I represent the mar-ginalized while being mar-ginalized. As a black woman, I

have to be stronger, smarter,run faster, learn more andaccept less. I know myplace, stay in my lane, don’task confrontational ques-tions. As a black woman,being an example to othersis more complicated thanyou think in a marginalizedway of life. I am a wife and mother

and educator. I teach my sonto reach for the stars and en-courage him to go after hisdreams, while cautioninghim to be aware of hisblackness. Unfortunately somany people of color mustfeel it necessary to walk twolines in life. They must beconsciously aware of not

The Lesson Plan: July 2020

being to black so their whitecounterparts will feel com-fortable being around them;and not too “white” to turnoff their black counterparts.That’s exhausting!How many times have

you cradled the little face ofyour small child and lookeddeep into their eyes to ex-plain and help them under-stand something? I wish Icould do that with each ofyou reading, to help you get

FROM THE LEE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD

it! I wish I could help youunderstand the pain andhurt of watching and attend-ing too many funerals; ofbeing overlooked and ig-nored too many times;while praying for the safetyand well-being of our chil-dren, our future. 2. Being Educator I have

to teach something. So let’sdefine: Systemic Racism

a. Systemic, you’veheard it a lot in the last fewweeks. It means deep inyour core, flowing throughyour veins. As Jeremiahsays like a “fire shut up inyour bones”. You learned itat the dinner table, at theparty, at the family gather-ings; you were fed a con-stant diet of “better than.” Iknow and you know it isthere, but we pretend it isnot. We smile and say, “I’ll

pray for you.” Then, we areforced to watch along withthe rest of the world, theblank look on the face ofsomeone ending a black lifethat “didn’t matter!”

b. Racism, you must sayit “racism” not diversity thatis too soft a word to de-scribe the pain felt by a cul-ture of people. We alreadyknow there is a difference;we need define it and get ridof it once and for all. 3. So, what can I answer

my white sisters and broth-ers that ask, sympathetically“what can I do?”

a. You Can Listen –More than you speak. Listento my answers. Please don’tcompare my pain to yourmisfortunes. You havechoices we do not have.Systemic hurt, fear and ragewould affect anyone. So,

please do not tell me I’mbeing too sensitive becauseyou are uncomfortable withwhat I say. My hurt andpains ARE REAL.

b. You can Speak Upfor Justice in Education, notRestorative Justice…Youcannot restore somethingyou never had! Dispropor-tionate discipline numbershave “shifted” from year toyear, but they have notchanged. Speak up for thefact that the AchievementGap is not truly closing; it isa chasm that Covid19 willmore than likely widen evenmore. Mentor a child, helpthem to read, let them knowthere are people that trulycare. Please, do not start amentoring relationship youare not willing to continue.Do not disappoint a childthat way.

c. You can be proactiveas stated in Prov. 31:8-9“Open your mouth for thosewho cannot speak, and forthe rights of those who areleft without help. 9 Openyour mouth. Be right andfair in what you decide.Stand up for the rights ofthose who are suffering andin need.”On a final note, during

this summer break do not letyour children take a breakfrom reading! Read withthem and let them read toyou. That is one way tohelp close The AchievementGap!

On Saturday, June 27,2020, The ladies of ZetaPhi Beta Sorority Incorpo-

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Observes Global Day of Service

rated, The Electrifying EtaAlpha Zeta Chapter ob-served Zeta’s Global Day

of Service. The Chapterprovided a hot lunch,drinks and face masks to

the Fort Myers Fire Depart-ment to show their appreci-ation of the service the men

and women provide to thecommunity and their con-tinued work as an essential

By Gwynneta GittensSchool Board Member

Gwynneta Gittens

Lee County SchoolBoard member ChrisPatricca was recentlysworn in as President-Elect of the FloridaSchool Board Associa-tion. She will serve inthat role for the next yearwhile also continuing torepresent District 3 on theLee County SchoolBoard.Patricca served as

FSBA Vice President dur-

Lee County School Board Member Sworn In As FSBA President-Elect

ing the 2019/2020 schoolyear. The entire slate of

FSBA officers for the2020/2021 school yearwere approved in a unani-mous vote during a virtualmeeting with school boardmembers from around thestate. The new officers are:Jane Goodwin, Presi-

dent, Sarasota CountyChris Patricca, Presi-

dent-Elect, Lee CountyThomas Kennedy, Vice

President, Citrus County

Wendy Atkinson, Treas-urer, Charlotte CountyTim Weisheyer, Imme-

diate Past President, Osce-ola CountyPatricca was elected to

represent District 3 on theLee County School Boardin November 2016. In No-vember 2018 she was se-lected by her fellow boardmembers for a one-yearterm as Vice Chair. Hercurrent term expires in No-

vember.The Florida School

Boards Association(FSBA) provides leader-ship development oppor-tunities and a vastnetwork for school boardmembers to preserve theirmission: to increase stu-dent achievement throughthe development of effec-tive board leadership andadvocacy in publicschools.

Chris Patricca

worker.Photos by Jacquie

Matthews Williams.


For the past 20 years Mr. Thomas has been an advocate for policereform and accountability for the Fort Myers Police Department.The Thomas plan for 21st Century police reform is:

Political advertisement paid for and approved by the Antony Thomas for Fort Myers City Council Ward 2 Committee.

Ban no-knock warrants, excessive use of force, and unwarranted police pursuit in residential communities.

Establish mandatory diversity training, annual mental and physical health evaluationsfor fitness of office.

Ban police officers from resigning or retiring in the middle of a misconduct investiga-tion. If the officer is fired, mandatory reporting to the State to revoke their certification.

Establish new staff and leadership within the Internal Affairs Department and require itto be in an off-site location of the Police Department.

Create a truth and reconciliation committee to investigate past police misconduct. The committee will be made up of legal experts and community leaders who will talce public testimony to produce a public report. This will be identical to what was done to by Nelson Mandela at the end of the apartheid in South Africa.

Change the disciplinary process by which there is probable cause that an officer has violated departmental policy they will be immediately placed on unpaid leave subject tothe conclusion of the investigation. (Example: Disgraced former Police Captain Jay Rodriguez was placed on paid on administrative leave for six months despite video evidence of his crime, before he was ultimately arrested.)

ELECT ANTHONY THOMAS FOR FORT MYERS CITY COUNCIL WARD 2

"NEW GENERATION OF LEADERSHIP”

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COMMUNITY PRESS BUSINESS DIRECTORY

[email protected] * 239-222-2073Jacquie Matthews Williams

BOBBY DENNIS SR.HANDYMAN

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE - LAWN SERVICERESCREEN - REPAIRS - PRESSURE WASH

CLEAN UP -TRASH REMOVALFREE ESTIMATES239-822-4198

CITY OF FT. MYERSLICENSE # BUS2006-07

LEE COUNTYLICENSE # 0610068

Al Davis Photography

“Champ”Wedding & Event Photographer

239-440-5214

“I Specialize InPhoto Books! ”

1540 Raleigh St. Fort Myers, FL33916239-332-1073

e-mail: [email protected]



Tuesday - Saturday10am - 6pm

milestones !Johnnie Tarver IV Celebrates Drive-Thru Graduation

Congratulations to Johnnie TarverIV, the proud son of Johnnie Tarver IIIand Valerie. Johnnie graduated fromDunbar HS and was celebrated in aGraduation Drive By that was high-lighted by the presence of one of theloves in his life, Grandma Sally. Shewas not going to let COVID-19 steal

the joy from her grandson's graduation. Shewasn't going to let a little rain stop the Grad-uation Drive-By neither. Ms. Sally said thatthe "show must go on" and it did. Johnniewill be fulfilling his collegiate dream by at-tending FSW this fall.

Photos by Jacquie Matthews Williams.

Johnnie Tarver IV


“Where Quality Is Always Important!”

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