What's going on?

That's what many have been asking about B-N-D. Wellll...not much as you can tell. That doesn't mean that Miami-Dade County hasn't been buzzing with events and happenings! Not to worry peeps; B-N-D will be back very soon with more of the highlights and issues you love to read about. Thanks to those of you who have checked in and expressed very clearly that you want to read MORE! You are appreciated. To all new readers, a great big WELCOME to you!

Wishing all of you many blessings. Read more!

A Bad Look for Barry

Attention past and present Bucs...your school is in the news, and not in a good way. Miami New Times reported a few weeks ago that Barry University has had several complaints against them of racial discrimination. Some have even gone as far as the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) with their claims of racial tension at the university. Click HERE for the entire article, it's an interesting read. Of course, Barry University spokespersons have denied all claims of racism against them. It looks like Barry alum may need to get some answers.

(source: Miami New Times; Blogging Black Miami) Read more!

Best of the Best is back

On Sunday, May 24th, Miami will welcome THOUSANDS of reggae and dancehall fans onto Bayfront Park. That's right, it's time for Best of the Best 2009! Special performances include Mavado, Bounty Killer, Beenie Man, Spice and Elephant Man (Eeeeenergy!!!). A few Florida folks will hit the stage (Khaled, T-Pain, Rick Ross), but we know this show is all about di dancehall! Check out the official website HERE

Read more!

Miami-Dade NAACP battle confederate flag display

Bishop Victor Curry and members of the Miami-Dade NAACP are gearing up for a fight to keep the confederate battle flag from being displayed publicly. The uproar started 6 months ago when the Sons of Confederate Veterans paraded the flag in a Veterans' Day parade in Homestead. Curry and officials are strategizing the next move, which may include protests of Homestead chamber businesses. Check the full story out HERE

(source: MiamiHerald.com) Read more!

Updates on the way...

You don't have to say it...BND has been on a SERIOUS hiatus. Not to worry Miami peeps and visitors, we're in the process of getting back up and running. Hang tight while we tidy up. Read more!

Black Crossroads makes March debut at Historical Museum

Thanks to Vanessa over at Blogging Black Miami, I spotted the news on a GREAT exhibition set to open March 5th at the Historical Museum of South Florida Downtown. Black Crossroads will be featured at the museum from March until January 2010. The exhibition features historic photos, videos, audio and literature displaying the impact Africans in the Diaspora have contributed to Miami and South Florida.

Go HERE for more info on Black Crossroads, and be sure to check it out! Read more!

Get ready for Jazz in the Gardens 2009

This year's line-up for the 4th Annual Jazz in the Gardens is on the up and up! One of Chi-City's best lyrical representers, Common, has joined the slate to perform at the annual jazz festival hel at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens (Carol City). Other acts include Maze ft. Frankie Beverly, Anthony Hamilton, Kenny G., the one and only Ms. Badu and many more! Jazz in the Gardens has had a huge turnout since its inception, but expectations are high this year, with 30,000 projected to attend. Check the details:

WHAT: 4th Annual Jazz in the Gardens

WHEN: March 28th & 29th

WHERE: Dolphin Stadium, click HERE for directions

Please visit http://www.jazzinthegardens.com/ for info on tickets, artist bios and more!

Read more!

Miami Herald video honors Overtown's musical history

Check out this video that includes interviews, live audio and music from back in Overtown's heyday. Here's something I didn't know...Sam Moore of Sam & Dave ("I'm a soooooouuul maaaaan!) was a Towner 4 life!


http://www.miamiherald.com/video/index.html?media_id=2994975 Read more!

Miami-Dade has a new Public Defender

Miami-Dade County has inducted its first Cuban-American Public Defender, Carlos Martinez. Martinez now takes over an office dealing with serious budget cuts from the state and an enormous amount of cases. How these cuts and previous reports of the PD's office having to refuse cases will affect the poor in need of defence remains to be seen under Mr. Martinez's leadership. Check out Carlos Martinez's story and rise to our county's top defender HERE in today's Miami Herald. Read more!

In Case You Missed It...

CBS-4 News had their I-team do a not-so-shocking expose on how our Commissioners are spending our money. Expenditures from tax-payer money, such as Dorrin Rolle's $10,000 Christmas cards (is he SERIOUS??!), other commissioners' personal bills (cell phones, satellite radio, etc.) were featured in the investigation.

Check out the I-Team's investigation HERE! Read more!

Long time coming...

From 3/5ths human in the Constitution, to the highest office in the land.

The 44th President of the United States of America is Barack H. Obama!!!!!

THANK YOU Miami-Dade! We were a BIG part in turning the state of Florida my favorite color.

Read more!

Everybody get ya vote on

Attention Miami-Dade County! Early voting began this Monday, October 20th. So no excuses! Go HERE to view all early voting poll sites throughout the County. There are several amendments to vote on this election, so go HERE to check out a sample ballot (some cities have a specific ballot, which can be viewed as well). The lines have been LONG since early voting began. So have patience, get comfortable, and let NOTHING deter you from exercising your right!

(Photo source: BBC News)

Read more!

Newsflash!

Last week during the University of South Florida's (USF) Homecoming concert, Miami's own Flo-Rida shouted "look at all these beautiful ladies at UF!"

Whoops!!!

I know it's hard out there on the road, but c'mon hometeam! You reppin' FL, you gotta know what school you're at. Especially if you gone share the name of the state, seriously.

(Photo Source: The Insider)

Read more!

Miami Herald recommends Barack Obama for President

Here's a snippet of the Herald's recommendation:

"Indeed, the way the two candidates responded to the
economic meltdown offers a lesson in contrasting styles of leadership. Both have
put forth a series of worthwhile policy options, but where Sen. Obama was calm,
Sen. McCain was frantic. He first put his campaign ''on hold'' and suggested he
would cancel the first debate, and then suddenly decided to take part even as
the first bailout deal cratered. He said the fundamentals of the economy were
strong, then a few days later vowed to 'name the names' of those responsible for
the financial crisis."

Read (and weep for some) the entire recommendation HERE!

Read more!

Catch Up

It's been a minute since the last post, and life has definitely been HAPPENING! But I couldn't leave BND alone. So I'll steal from Jeezy right quick and say "let's get it!" Read more!

Clarification for South Florida voters

There have been mass emails, text messages and blogs going around among South Floridians about the "No Match, No Vote" law and how it will affect this election. The Miami-Dade Department of Elections released this message to clear the air for voters regarding IDs, address match, and voting rights:

"We have received several calls from voters who were sent text and email messages
stating: “if your driver’s license address does not match the address on your
voter’s registration card, you will NOT be permitted to vote.” This was a mass
mail out, and in anticipation of voters calling for clarification, please be
advised of the following information which should be used in the event you get a
call regarding this:
It is not required that the address on your license
match the address on your voter information card. However, we urge you to ensure
your correct, current address is on file with our department. The address we
have on file determines your precinct and the ballot that applies to you.
ID
required and checked at the polls is used solely to confirm the voter’s
identity. Not to verify the voter’s ID number or address. The photograph on the
ID is compared to the person standing before the poll worker and the signature
on the ID is compared to the signature on record.
Therefore, you must bring
a current and valid identification that contains your photograph and
signature. Acceptable forms of identification include:
State of Florida
Driver's License
ID Card issued by the State of Florida
U. S.
Passport
Debit/Credit Cards
Military ID
Student ID
Retirement Center
ID
Public Assistance ID
Neighborhood Association
ID


Best Regards,
Christina White
Assistant to the
Supervisor of Elections
Miami-Dade Elections Department"

Click HERE for the official press release from the Florida Department of Elections regarding "No Match, No Vote."

Please everyone, stay aware of your rights as a voter! If you receive information, fact check for clarification. Not sure about the rules? CALL YOUR ELECTIONS DEPARTMENT, EMAIL THEM! Do whatever you have to do to ensure that you are clear on voting procedures for the state and for your County.

Photo Source: NAACP Legal Defense Fund

Read more!

Tick Tock

So, Miami-Dade School Board incumbent, and avid Rudy Crew supporter, Evelyn Greer was deafeted in the local elections by Larry Feldman with what is being called a successful "grassroots" campaign. Guess where that left Dr. Crew, Miami-Dade Schools Superintendent? You guessed it, on the chopping block.

The School Board held a meeting this morning to discuss what to do with Crew (that was not done on purpose!). A buyout was is being negotiated as you read.

Time now to put the focus back on the children! Ok, we all saw the side-show, but our students need appointed and elected officials who truly care about their future. We're waiting... Read more!

Overtown set to vote for new COB members

Towners, this is your week to select the new members for the 2008 Overtown Community Oversight Board! As you may (or may not) know, the elections were postponed because of cancellations during Tropical Storm Fay. The members of this board will be advising City of Miami officials of issues that are affecting the Overtown community, so it is important to have members that actually care about this community more than building their resume!
Here's the breakdown:

WHAT: Elections for members to the Overtown Community Oversight Board
WHEN: THIS THURSDAY! August 28th
WHERE: Overtown N.E.T. office, 1490 NW 3rd Ave, Suite 111
TIME: Voting will be from 2pm-6pm only, so make sure you are there during these hours!

To vote, you must:
1. Be at least 18 years old or,
2. Be a resident of Overtown (that means Swamp, Bucktown, Town Park, and everywhere in between) or,
3. Own property or a business/be an employee of a business in Overtown or,
4. Be an employee or board member of a community-based organization that operates in Overtown

Click HERE for the complete list of candidates (there are only 5 seats open) and more information.

(Source: City of Miami Clerk's Office) Read more!

Third public meeting for Virginia Key this week

The 3rd public meeting for Virginia Key's master plan will be this Tuesday. If you are interested in getting the latest info plans for the direction of this historic park and beach, please plan on attending. Check out the breakdown:

WHAT: Virginia Key master plan meeting
WHEN: Tuesday, August 26th
WHERE: Miami City Hall, 3500 Pan American Drive, Miami, FL 33133
TIME: 6:30pm Read more!

Big Money Balla$!

Check out this post from the blog Eye On Miami detailing the most current net worth of incumbent County Commissioners running for office HERE. These amounts will astonish you, seeing that commissioners STILL want a salary increase (to the tune of about $90,000). Here's a snippet of Eye On Miami's breakdown of the cash flow:

County Commission Chair Bruno Barreiro's net worth 12/31/07 was $1,365,496.70
about $300,000 more than last year. Same date, Jose "Pepe" Diaz was worth
$267,373. He shows $82,666 income from the Asti Group in Coral Gables.
12/31/2004 Pepe was worth $225,833. Audrey Edmonson was worth $249,000, in 2006
she claimed her worth was $212,700. She gets $50,150 from the School Board.
Doing what?

That's a questions everyone should want answered...anyway, there are the figure$! Don't forget to click the link for the full report, and do what you will with the info in mind at the polls.

Read more!