TheFloridaStar Podcast

Head Start programs prepare America’s most vulnerable young children to succeed in school and in life beyond school. To achieve this, Head Start programs deliver services to children and families in core areas of early learning, health, and family well-being while engaging parents as partners every step of the way. The Head Start program encompasses Head Start Preschool programs, which primarily serve 3- and 4-year-old children, and Early Head Start programs for infants, toddlers, and pregnant women. Head Start programs operate in every state, many tribal nations, and several U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico. Head Start services are delivered nationwide...

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The First Coast community is experiencing painful and heavy losses due to the deaths of Daniel Ruben Wynn (79) on Sunday, February 23, 2025 and Padrica Mendez (87) on Wednesday, February 26, 2025.  Mendez and Wynn were cultural treasures who shared their talents throughout the community and the world at large.   Like James Weldon and John Rosemond Johnson, Mendez and Wynn were Jacksonville/LaVilla born natives; they too along with their works, deeds and services were globally recognized.  Dan’s skills were in paintings and sculptures, he also modeled.  Pádraic’s talents were singing, designing, tailoring and modeling.  A lyric soprano, trained...

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          The John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation is leading a year-long celebration to honor Rep. John Lewis. Friday, February 21 would have been the Civil Rights Icon / Congressman’s 85th Birthday. They are kicking things off with a #JohnLewisSelfie social media campaign.   “Our goal is to bring to life John Lewis’ passion for equality and societal change through peaceful, non-violent methods,” said Detria Everson, President and CEO of the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation. “We are especially interested in helping young people develop the means to live informed, purposeful, fulfilling lives,” Everson added....

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    Internationally renowned heart specialist, Dr. Herman Taylor will moderate “A Heart-to-Heart Conversation with the Doctors” that include two Mayo Clinic cardiology and family medicine physicians, Dr. Bria Rice and Dr. Floyd Willis.  Bless Your Heart and learn from National and Internationally recognized heart specialists in a social environment with family and friends. Please make plans to “Cross Over the Bridge” Sunday, March 23rd and join Friends of American Beach along with the American Beach 90th Anniversary Committee as these groups seek to raise awareness of heart health.   After years of having witnessed the successful Morehouse Healthy Heart Luncheon,...

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  THE GEORGIA STAR - Brunswick City commissioners recently commemorated Black History Month by recognizing the significant contributions of its Black citizens, particularly those who have served in leadership roles at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). During a recent commissioners’ meeting, the Rev. John Fields, from First Jordan Grove Missionary Baptist Church highlighted six prominent Brunswick natives who held presidential positions at HBCUs, showcasing the city’s profound impact on Black education. The distinguished individuals mentioned included Elias Blake Jr. (Clark Atlanta University), Rufus Patterson Perry (John C. Smith University), William H. Dennis Jr. (Albany State University), Timothy C. Meyers...

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  Let’s score another victory for the All State HBCU Legacy Bowl. Its appeal to fans in football land is soaring higher with each passing year. The game with teams named in honor of legendary coaches, Eddie Robinson (Grambling State University) and Jake Gaither (Florida A&M University) was held on Saturday, February 22nd at Yulman Stadium in New Orleans Louisiana. It was televised on The NFL Network. Congratulations are extended to a lot of people and organizations. Of course, high fives to Doug Williams and James “Shack” Harris who both had outstanding college careers at Grambling State University and in...

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  Like everything, America has changed. Things we did in the past, we don’t do anymore. Do we need some of the things and customs we did in years long ago? That probably depends upon where you are in your life today. Age and experiences are telling when it comes to what you want and what you expect. Living long lives means that you have watched the country evolve and as a result you are able to compare yesteryear with this year. If you haven’t been around long enough it is hard to compare. For example, I hear much younger...

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  The Netherlands is set to return more than 100 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria, marking a significant step in addressing the colonial-era looting of African cultural heritage. These historical artifacts were taken during the British invasion of Benin City in 1897 and subsequently found their way into Dutch museum collections.   During the violent raid on Benin City—now located in Edo State, Nigeria—British forces seized thousands of intricate sculptures, carvings, and other culturally significant objects. Many of these treasures were sold to private collectors and institutions worldwide, including the Wereldmuseum in the Netherlands, where they have been displayed for decades....

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