The district rival between Miami Carol City High (2-5) and Miami Central (6-0) took place last Friday at Traz Powell Stadium. I was fortunate to sit next Martha Odom and Derreck Lockett, parents I learned later had three daughters who graduated from Carol City: Lucille Odom, a former captain of the flagettes, Tarsha Lockett, who graduated in 2010 and Janeese Day, a former Bud of Spring.
Quarterback Akeem Jones, connected with receiver Raheem Oliver on an 80-yard touchdown pass on the game’s first offensive play, while Lockett and Odom screamed to the top of their voices and Carol City went ahead 8-0 on a two-point conversion and the Chiefs never got back into the game, because the Rockets scored 48 unanswered points to stay unbeaten.
During halftime, the Rockets performed first and displayed satisfaction of dynamic choreography as they spread out between the thirty and showed on the hip hop routine. The Chiefs took to the field in front of the home team, marched to center field and reverse their formation and faced the fans. They never stopped moving as they interchange with various formations.
Sharonda J. Strachan, mother of Erin Strachan, took out her cell phone to take pictures of her daughter kneeling, standing, falling on the ground and swinging her trumpet.
Hats off to Band Director Mike Scott, for his deep interest in keeping the band as one of the best bands in the world.
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Congratulations to Minister Gloria Pacley for planning her husband Rev. James L. Pacley, Sr., with a surprised 15th Year Pastoral Anniversary Program on last Saturday at Arcola Lakes Park Banquet Center. New Born Faith Deliverance M. B. Church, Rev. Bobby Brown, senior pastor of Birth with a Purpose Ministries, Inc. and friends, completed the 100 people that showed their support.
Minister Greg Watts served as the emcee of the event. He called upon the Praise and Worship team from Birth with a Purpose Ministries, Inc. The team included Minister Tabitha George, Pastor Cathi Hall and Rev. Bobby Brown.
Watts followed by calling on Rev. John Graves, pastor of Salem Baptist. Sister Wendy Goins was asked to give a selection. After the meal, George was called upon to perform a liturgical dance. She chose “For every Mountain” as her musical piece. She would make your program a success. Call 786-879-2238 for her service.
Minister Floyd Sloan, Leverne Roundree, and Pastor Hall thrilled the crowd with their arrangement of “The Blood” just before keynote speaker, Rev. Bobby Brown. “The Blood” was his chosen topic as he preached. Others on the program were Michael Menzies, Reginald Wilkerson, Tillie Tibbins, president, Singing Angels; Etta Mae Lowery, Cynthia Walker and husband.
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Reverend Joann Brookins, newly appointed pastor for Opa-Locka UMC and Carol City UMC has shown much growth in her two churches while inviting The Men of Ebenezer to be the guest choir on Sunday, Oct. 9th for two services at both churches and one service on Sunday, Oct. 24th, for the rally. The keynote speaker was Rev. Purnell Moody and The Men of Ebenezer provided the music featuring Ja’Von Brown, Walter and William Clarke, Tim Strachan, with Ricky Strachan on the drums.
Order of service included mistress of ceremonies Gloria Murray, Sylvia Foster, Pratt Hardley, Opa-Locka Dance Ministry, Opa-Locka Chorus, and Presentation of Families, the main objective of families donating monies for a successful rally.
Each family picked up a basket and filled it up with envelops while announcing the amount. The amounts arranged from $10 up to $300. The total amount will be announced at the next activity.
The next activity will be the gospel choir from Bethune-Cookman University. Alumni notified to make donations are Dr. Cynthia and William Clarke, Pernella Burke, Dr. Geraldine Gillard, John and Annetta Williams, Charlie and Dorothy Davis, Wayne Davis, Audley Coakley, Richard J. Strachan, Martha Day, Nancy Dawkins and Kathy D. Thurston.
Rev. Moody spoke on “Taking Care of God’s House” and the return will be reciprocal.
Rev. Brookins gave remarks filled with dignity and pride for the end result of the program.
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The funeral of Annie Woods Mickens filled Ebenezer United Methodist Church on Saturday, Oct. 15th with an enormous group of family members, church members, and friends.
Mickens was born in 1923 to Joseph and Annie D. Woods. She was the youngest of nine children while seven preceded her in death and her mother died before she was two-years old, while being raised by her aunt Ethel Brewster. She graduated from Miami Jackson Senior High, Miami Dade, and served as a home manager until illness took over.
She was a faithful member of Ebenezer under Dr. Rev. Aaron Hall. She left to stay with her daughter, Debra, in North Florida for three years and returned back to Miami and Ebenezer UMC under Rev. Dr. Joreatha Capers.
Songs she requested were “Amazing Grace,” “Oh It Is Jesus,” “Eyes on the Sparrow,” “Who Holds My Hand,” and “It Is Real.” Paying tributes were made by Eddie Broussard, Monica Broussard, Pricilla and Howard Lewis, Gregory Mickens, Joann Johnson, Debra Mickens, Vince Mickens, Beverly Mickens, Morgan Jones, Nakita Broussard and Courtney Mickens.
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