Shared Triumphs In The Face Of Adversity

The keynote address and spoken word were by Keyera Lyn, Miss Black Florida USA 2025, and who is in the alumni class of 2015 at our Hallandale Beach High School. In support of Miss Black Florida USA were her sorority sisters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated. Among other speakers that gave words of empowerment were Pastor Wayne Allen Sr. of Greater Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, who gave an insightful call to action on the importance of how we bridge the gap. Pastor Jamaal McClain of Logos New Birth Faith Tabernacle Church, who charged attendees with reaching new heights in our communities.

Past president of the HBCCCA, Qunea Gordon, introduced her guest, Teriyah McFadden who gave “A Moment in Black History Tribute.” Teriyah McFadden is a standout junior in high school all-around student athlete under the direction of Coach Antwon Chaney of West Express Ladies Flag Football. At just 17 years old, she inspired the audience as she made her first of many impacts in history, in South Florida as the first girl to receive a Name, Image and Likeness deal as a junior in high school. She holds a 4.2 GPA and encourages everyone to “Look up to yourself.” Teriyah will also receive recognition at our March 5th City Commission Meeting as we present her with a proclamation during Women’s History Month.

Mrs. Glass was a pioneer, a Hallandale Beach native and affiliated with St. Anne’s Episcopal Church. Mrs. Glass had a love for education and ensured all children would reach their highest potential. She was dedicated to making sure all graduates received some type of monetary assistance when they graduated from High School. Because of her tireless efforts, Mrs. Glass was often recognized with very prestigious awards throughout her community advocacy, even being dubbed, “the unofficial Mayor” of the Northwest community!

Our City Commission met last week with three separate meetings on Wednesday, February 19th. The Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency, Three Islands Safe Neighborhood District, and regular City Commission meeting.

In the HBCRA, meeting we heard from our local restaurant owner, Tanika Evans, Owner of our local Firehouse Subs on East Hallandale Beach, she was awarded a Restaurant Rent Emergency Stability Grant. You may recall that I wrote about our CRA programs, and I am happy that not only is our CRA providing solutions but meeting the needs of our business community in a proactive way. She was recognized by City Manager Dr. Jeremy Earle as the first African American woman to own a Firehouse Subs franchise in the nation, making history right here in our Hallandale Beach.

Special presentations of the Khojaly Remembrance Day Proclamation sponsored by me as well as an End Jew Hatred proclamation sponsored by Commissioner Anabelle Lima-Taub, co-sponsored by myself & Vice Mayor Michele Lazarow.

While antisemitism continues to rise it is important as ever to continue to support organizations that promote Jewish education and preserve Jewish history. The Holocaust Documentation & Education Center, Inc. (HDEC), which has been in existence for the past 45 years, is a nonsectarian, Non-Profit Organization dedicated and devoted to documenting the authentic memory of the Holocaust and educating today's generation about the evils and dangers of hatred, bigotry, and bullying.

The HDEC hosts their annual online raffle event for 2024-2025. This year's drawing will take place online on June 10th, 2025 and all proceeds from the raffle will benefit the HDEC's Documentation and Educational Outreach programs, which will continue to educate students about the lessons and legacy of the Holocaust. As a reminder, the price of one (1) raffle ticket is $100 and if you buy five (5) raffle tickets, you get one (1) free for a chance to win the Grand Prize of a 7-night Royal Caribbean International European cruise valid for Northern Europe or the Mediterranean itineraries for 2, or any of our 21 other amazing raffle prizes, donated by our many gracious and generous donors!

To purchase your tickets, visit: https://hdec.rallyup.com/hdecraffle2025 - You can also purchase tickets by contacting Anne at the Holocaust Documentation & Education Center at: (954) 929-5690. Extension#: 302. Support HDEC by purchasing raffle tickets.

As always, I am available anytime for your questions, concerns, and ideas to make our City a better place on my Phone/Text at: (954) 632-5700. Or you can email me at: jcooper@cohb.org

Please visit me on my Facebook page at Mayor Joy Cooper. Like! Follow! Share!