Attorney Crump to keynote
forum on social justice

The South Dade Democratic Black Caucus will host its first event to help improve  community dialogue on criminal and social justice.  

Attorney Benjamin L. Crump will speak on “Advancing the Cause for Equal Justice” at 6 p.m. Aug. 28 at the Embassy Suites, 3974 NW South River Drive in Miami.

Crump, a civil rights attorney,  is known for his vigorous representation of the families of Trayvon Martin of Miami Gardens; Michael Brown of Ferguson, MO.; and Martin Lee Anderson of Panama City, FL. 

South Dade Democratic Black Caucus members believe that all segments of the community should work together to address real and perceived issues that adversely affects every community. 

Cost of the event is $60. For more information, contact Daisy Black, 305.754.6141.

Broward Center offers
open house for fall classes

FORT LAUDERDALE –  The Broward Center for the Performing Arts will host an open house for the Rose Miniaci Arts Education Center 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, August 29.

Guests will be able to participate in family-friendly activities, observe or take a sample class, enjoy light refreshments, tour the education center, meet the teaching artists, win prizes and register to win a fall class registration.

Classes start on Sept. 9 at Broward Center, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale.  Online registration and a complete class listing is available at BrowardCenter.org/education or by contacting registrar@browardcenter.org or calling 954.414.6904. 

Opa-locka Commissioner Kelley
hosts community feeding

OPA-LOCKA — On the third Friday of each month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the City of Opa-locka, in partnership with Feeding South Florida, will distribute food to community residents at the Segal Park, 2331 NW 143rd St., hosted by Commissioner Joseph L. Kelley.

During the City of Opa-locka Community Feeding, non-perishable groceries such as can goods, fresh vegetables, meat, sweets and a variety of other nourishments will be distributed to fill the bag, box or cart of local residents whose only requirement is to present proof of identity and a utility bill.

For further information, call 305 953.2800 / 2801 

Florida House moves
ahead with new map

TALLAHASSEE — The Florida House is moving ahead with changes to the state’s 27 congressional districts, despite criticism it would disenfranchise black voters.

A House panel on Thursday approved a new map that would make several significant changes, including shifting the district now held by U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown.

Brown is suing to stop the Legislature. But she testified before lawmakers and told them their proposal would dilute the voting strength of blacks. Brown suggested that Florida has been able to avoid racial strife that hit other cities because blacks living in the state have representation in Congress.

The House panel approved a map that would move Brown’s district from one that runs from Jacksonville to Orlando to a district that stretches westward to Tallahassee.

Legislators are holding a special session because the state Supreme Court ruled that the Legislature violated the state constitution while drawing up the current districts.

                      Compiled from staff, wire reports