The Urban Voice

The National Action Network, Founded by Rev. Al Sharpton, holds regular monthly meetings at Nevada Partners on the First Monday of each month. The Las Vegas Chapter is led by Dr. Robert D. Bush. Our next meeting is Monday, December 4, 2023 at 5:30PM. Please take this opportunity to learn more about the organization by visiting https://nationalactionnetworklv.net/ .

Fostering Hope: Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)
Volunteers Making A Difference
by Dr. Lisa Morris Hibbler

In a world where hardships are commonplace, one of the most tragic facts is the existence of kids who wind up in the foster care system. These young people are already dealing with difficulties that most adults would find incomprehensible, and now they have to endure the turbulent trip through the unknowns of foster care. The Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) volunteers are a beacon of love and hope in these turbulent waters, giving children the precious gift of quality time and, most importantly, an opportunity for a better future. CASA volunteers have professional careers such as teachers, nurses, lawyers, realtors, business and government leaders, and retirees.

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Adoption through Foster Care: Find My Forever
by Wonswayla Mackey, Deputy Director Clark County Department of Family Services

The goal of foster care is always reunification...going home to their family or moving in with relatives. However, at times, when reunification is not possible, children and teens in foster care may become “legally free” for adoption. This means that their parents’ rights have been terminated and another life-long family is needed to raise the child/teen. The Department of Family Services encourages the child/teen’s family to take the necessary steps to improve their lives with the help of supportive services, such as counseling, drug and alcohol treatment, housing assistance, and case management. When their birth parents successfully complete their reunification plans, they can welcome their children and teens back home. Over half of children and teens leaving foster care in Clark County reunite with their families or go to live with relatives. When this is unable to occur, the case plan goal shifts to establishing a permanent family for the child, teen, or siblings in need.

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17th Annual Golf Classic is a Huge Success
by Dr. Gerald D. Curry

Coach Gene Tate hosted the 17th Annual Golf Classic this year at the Legacy Golf Club in Henderson, Nevada. Through the East Palo Alto (EPA) T-Ball/Pitching Machine, Coach Tate summoned celebrity players from across the nation to support student athletes participating in his program. Earlier in the week, at Doolittle Baseball Field, the program hosted a baseball clinic with Major League Baseball former players as Nate Oliver (LA Dodgers) and Curt Ford (St. Louis Cardinals). The EPA T-Ball/Pitching Machine is so fortunate to have Platinum Sponsors like Caesars Entertainment, MLB RBI, Las Vegas Aviators, Westgate Resort & Casino, Dusty Baker, John & Sylvia Dicello, Gary & Catherine Peters Meyer, and Curry Brothers Publishing.

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Becoming a ‘doer” of God’s Word
by Rev. Kelcey A. West, MDIV

Luke 17:11-19 - Jesus Heals Ten Men With Leprosy

Contrary to popular belief, because Luke was a physician, he trained to understand the difference between the practice of medicine and the practice of miracles.

The Bible teaches us in verse 11 how Jesus (first and foremost) went where he wasn’t invited.

Did you read what I just wrote? I know we like to take pride in being able to declare and decree – Come by here dear Lord, come by here, but you do know that because the Lord is sovereign, He does not need our devotional, promotional, and/or emotional invitations for Him to meet rejected, dejected and subjected people who are living on the edges and the borders of life.

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Remaining Calm During Chaos
by Dr. Gerald D. Curry

I can remember memorizing the poem “If” by Rudyard Kipling when I was in Junior High School. I was so impressed by the words of the poem because it offered me a mindset to deal with what seemed like overwhelming life circumstances. Naturally, as I reflect on those things now, they were truly minor issues, but at the time, they were monumental! The poem started very simple, using words that I could relate to, and even today, I still refer to this poem today as my go-to reference when things are a bit chaotic in my life.

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Heat Islands Hurt Quality of Life In Southern Nevada
by U.S. Representative Steven Horsford

Recently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that Nevada would be getting $15.7 million dedicated to investments in urban forestry. When I voted for the Inflation Reduction Act, I knew the unprecedented investments in combatting climate change would be vital to our communities. That legislation was a commitment to act on issues we can't afford to ignore, whether the rising cost of living or the rising temperatures on our doorsteps.

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Dear friends and fellow advocates,

I am writing this open letter to share my excitement about the incredible social activism and collaborative efforts taking place in Las Vegas. As president of the National Action Network Las Vegas chapter (NANLV), and with the recent news of my appointment as the publisher of The Urban Voice (TUV), I’m filled with a new sense of purpose and determination to make a positive impact in our community.

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NAACP Las Vegas to host candlelight vigil for victim of gun violence

The Las Vegas NAACP is hosting a candlelight vigil to honor the life of Se’Mauri Norris-Johnson. Se’Mauri was a 17-year-old student at Desert Pines High School who was killed while he was out trick-or-treating with friends. This candlelight vigil is intended to bring greater awareness to the ongoing problem of gun violence in our community and to generate greater public support for Se’Mauri’s family and their goals for a thorough and transparent investigation.

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This is going to be amazing. I just got word the Urban Chamber of Commerce will be featured on the cover. You don't want to miss being listed in this directory. And you definitely don't want to miss the release party...

https://bit.ly/45XbcCp

Urban Directory | FALL 2023 Official Magazine Release Party Las Vegas' Premier Online and Print Directory for African Americans, the Urban Directory is published by Unrelenting Media, Inc.

If you are in Las Vegas tonight, you should consider joining us on the Historic Westside for an Introduction to the Nevada Democracy Project. If you are unable to attend in person, you may watch their livestream here: https://bit.ly/45j6COM

Nevada Week | Nevada Democracy Project Promo | PBS Naoka and Amber introduce the Nevada Democracy Project

The National Action Network, founded by Rev. Al Sharpton, is holding its Western Regional Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada this year. The local chapter is led by Dr. Robert D. Bush. On Saturday, October 14, 2023, Mayoral Candidate and Administrator of the Nevada Equal Rights Commission moderated a panel discussion on social justice. Alex Cherup of Nevada Legal Services, Judge Jennifer Schwartz, Judge Jessica Goodey, and Nevada Supreme Court Justice Patricia Lee all participated. If you would like to learn more information about the conference, or the local chapter at https://nationalactionnetworklv.net/.

The National Action Network, founded by Rev. Al Sharpton, is holding its Western Regional Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada this year. The local chapter is led by Dr. Robert D. Bush. On Friday, October 13, 2023, SEUI 1107 | Las Vegas hosted a morning breakfast featuring Keynote Speaker Attorney General Aaron D. Ford, as well as, an LGBTQ Panel discussion. If you would like to learn more information about the conference, or the local chapter at https://nationalactionnetworklv.net/.

Joint Center Presents Federal Reserve Board Member Dr. Lisa DeNell Cook with Louis E. Martin Great American Award
Economist has unwavering dedication to improving the economy for all

(Washington, D.C. | October 19, 2023) — The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies honored Federal Reserve Board Member Dr. Lisa DeNell Cook with its highest honor — the 2023 Louis E. Martin Great American Award.

The Louis E. Martin Great American Award recognizes individuals who have made transformational contributions that furthered the promise of America as a land of hope and opportunity for all. The award, first given in 2003, is named in the memory of Louis E. Martin (1912-1997), a principal founder of the Joint Center and the first chair of its board. Dr. Cook received the award at last night’s 2023 Future of Black Communities Summit VIP Reception.

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SPLC Applaud Court’s Decision to Move Redistricting Case Forward

Several Georgia voters and civil rights groups are challenging the state’s 2021 redrawn congressional district map that dilutes the voting power of Black Georgians.

ATLANTA — A three-judge panel for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia is allowing a case challenging Georgia’s racially gerrymandered congressional district map to move forward. The case, brought by several Georgia voters, Common Cause Georgia and the League of Women Voters of Georgia will go to trial in November.

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Open Letter from the Publisher of The Urban Voice
by Joseph C. Abraham

Rarely am I speechless. I quit. There, I said it. https://bit.ly/45wWqlH

Lending to Black Small Business Owners
Has More than Doubled
by Representative Steven Horsford

During the Congressional Black Caucus Institute’s Annual Legislative Conference, I joined the U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator, Isabella Casillas Guzman, for an important announcement. We shared new data showing the rate of SBA-backed loans going to Black-owned businesses has more than doubled under the Biden-Harris Administration.

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Black Entrepreneurship Rising!
Dr. King’s Dream of “material prosperity”
depends on entrepreneurs
by Shaundell Newsome

“One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity.”
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

According to the Small Business Administration Black Entrepreneurship is rising across the country. Black businesses that employ America’s workforce is slightly increasing from previous years. This is progress towards Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Dream” from his famous speech on the steps of the nation’s Capital in 1963.

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Before I Change My Mind!
by Dr. Rev. Kelcey A. West

Being born in 1971 meant that as a small child, my favorite television shows included Happy Days, All in The Family, and Good Times. As a teen, I fell in love with that magical Thursday night lineup on NBC that featured such shows as The Cosby Show, Family Ties, Cheers, and Hill Street Blues.

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Breaking The Cycle: Holiday, Guilt, Shame and Crash Diet
by Izzy Spears

The holiday season is upon us once again, bringing with it the promise of warmth, love, and joy. Yet, for far too many of us, the holiday season also ushers in a season of anxiety, self-doubt, and the pressure to conform to the capitalist cycle of “holiday to you drop,” sprinkle on some shame, then purchase this “gym membership” or participate in the latest “diet craze.” Let’s break the cycle of post-holiday body shaming and enjoy our holiday in peace or without the capitalist undertones that drive sales and damage self-esteem at the very least.

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Establishing Justice for All
by Dr. Gerald Curry

After watching the dismantling of the House of Representative, reflecting on the abolishing of Affirmative Action, reaction to immigrants coming across the borders, and recent banning of books in several Republican States, I’ve concluded this country’s ultimate sin of enslaving a race of people continues to haunt us. After the United States tremendous accomplishments of becoming a world power, in spite of its horrific decision of treating black and brown people poorly, you would think there’s a moral fiber that seeks freedom, equal rights for all, democracy, and world peace for the entire world, but in my opinion, I believe just the opposite is happening. We are seeing the effects of centuries of systemic and institutional racism play out before our very eyes, but I’m still optimistic that things will turn around.

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The Shepherds Breakfast
Inspiring Unity and Collaboration in Our Community
by Bishop Bill H. McDonnell, Jr.

A Monthly Gathering that Bridges Clergy, Leadership, and Community

In a world often marked by division and discord, it is essential to find opportunities to foster unity within our community. The Shepherds Breakfast, a remarkable event that has been bringing together local clergy, entrepreneurs, and political leaders for 14 years, stands as a shining example of how collaboration and fellowship can inspire positive change. This monthly gathering has become a platform for dialogue, networking, and sharing ideas, creating a harmonious environment that transcends boundaries and unites our community.

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Re-imagining an 89106 Original
Celebrating the grand opening of a new location
by Joseph C. Abraham

The economic toll of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. will reach US$14 trillion by the end of 2023, our team of economists, public policy researchers and other experts have estimated. Consequently the Biden Harris Administration, working with Congress, developed a strategy to revitalize the economy. As a result, the American Rescue Plan Act, allowed for a partial funding of the purchase and renovation of 1425 W. Lake Mead (formerly CVS). On Monday, October 30, 2023, the staff of Mario’s Westside Market will welcome members of the community for its official ‘Grand Opening’.

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Keeping siblings together in foster care
by Wonswayla Mackey, Deputy Director of Clark County Department of Family Services

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the word sibling as two or more children, having one or both parents in common. Now ask yourself – what memories do you have with your sibling? And how would you feel if you were ever separated from your siblings?

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