Urban Community Connections, Inc. Health & Wellness, News & Events

Coca-Cola uses diversity to prove that they are more than just a beverage company

Sharron Henley interviews Fred Clarke

Do you remember your favorite childhood Coca-Cola commercial?  Well, Coca-Cola has been in business since 1886 so no matter what age group you’re in, you’ve probably had a coke and a smile.

 Coca-Cola commercials have evolved over the years while promoting diversity and inclusion, as the company began creating new products promoting culturally sensitive advertisement and marketing strategies to satisfy consumer demands that dates back to 1955.

According to Coca-Cola Company, Mary Alexander, the first African American woman appeared in a Coca-Cola advertisement, sparking diversity and inclusion during the American Civil Rights Movement. Suffice it to say, Coco-Cola showing consistency of promoting diversity, recently received a perfect score on Human Rights Campaign’s corporate equality index.

Coca-Cola brands have expanded from the single “refreshing drink” to dairy, coffee, tea, juice, sparkling soft drinks, water, and plant-based products.

Fred Clarke, department manager for 1 of 10 top local warehouse stores in South Florida, began offering his experience of consumer supply and demand with Coca Cola products, during the current pandemic.

“Although our merchandise is sold in bulk and discounted prices, the current pandemic has forced our department to set limits on bulk purchasing in an effort to preserve the supply”, said Clarke.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug administration February 18, 2021 press release, Janet Woodcock, M.D., acting commissioner of food and drugs announced that there was no scientific evidence that COVID-19 is transmitted through food packing, prompting Coca-Cola distribution centers to heighten COVID-19 safety measures while ensuring efficacy of supply and demand for consumers, and wholesale centers.  

Clarke, while sharing his experience and 23 year anniversary in the industry, began offering his favorite uses of the Coca-Cola beverage.

“It’s one of my favorite drinks that I use for chasers if I’m drinking an adult beverage, or just on a hot sunny day, just sipping on some coke with some ice.”

Coca-Cola’s brand is more than just a beverage company, it’s a Coca-Cola System coupled with a Coca-Cola Foundation that supports equity, inclusion, diversity while supporting communities and families in their time of need, offering employment opportunities, scholarships and philanthropic giving.

According to Market Line Industry Profile on Soft Drinks in the United States, “As of December 2020, Coca-Cola operated 32 owned principal concentrate and syrup plants, 97 owned and 12 leased principal beverage manufacturing/ bottling plants and 120 owned and 154 leased distribution and storage warehouses. As of December 2020, it also operated 1,743 leased retail stores. The company distributes products in over 200 countries and territories through distributors, independent bottling partners, wholesalers, retailers, and its owned or controlled bottling and distribution operations to two billion customers per day.”

For more information on the Coca-Cola Foundation visit https://www.coca-colacompany.com/shared-future

References

MarketLine Industry Profile: Soft Drinks in United States. (2021). Soft Drinks Industry Profile: United States, pg.28  https://eds-s-ebscohost-com.oclc.fullsail.edu/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=3&sid=f06d5f1a-1637-47af-9036-2d869be218ee%40redis

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Urban Community Connections, Inc. Bullying, Education, School Safety

Dean of Students discusses concerns about bullying and weapons on campus in Miami-Dade County Public Schools

Sharron Charito Henley interviews Anthony Harris, Dean of Students for Excelsior Charter Prep Academy

As the 2021 Holiday Season approaches, students and teachers are preparing for an extended holiday break filled with celebrations and family gatherings. However, the recent school threats and social media threats are putting a damper on the joyous holiday season.

According to NBC Miami three students are facing felony charges for making deadly threats on social media against a local high school at Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

In an interview with Anthony Harris, Dean of Students, known for his raspy voice, at Excelsior Charter Prep Academy, of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, also known as Coach Harris, proudly discussing his 17 year anniversary of serving as a disciplinarian, mentor and coach to impressionable youth in urban areas of South Florida, showing considerable concern regarding the notifications of recent threats, and possible weapons found on several campuses across the local school district.

“In the past 17 years I’ve served over 12,000 students, many whom were either victims or aggressors of bullying. However, most students, whether they’re victims or aggressors, don’t realize they’re actually bullying someone, on and off social media.  This is behavior is not tolerated in the school district or at my school sites”, said Harris.

As a former athlete Harris reluctantly recalls using bullying tactics, a common practice during his adolescent years, to members of the opposing team in high school. Harris recalls seeing the effects of bullying on others, leading into their adult careers and professional lives, in his hometown community of Ft. Myers, Florida.

Overwhelming outcomes and experiences of becoming a college student, adjusting to changing behaviors as a professional athlete, transitioning to an NFL player, became a life changing decision for Harris to improve and expand his community involvement efforts to save troubled youth in urban school districts, experiencing bullying, potential suicide as a victim of bullying.

According to a CNN article adults serving as perpetrators of bullying, are most likely victims of childhood bullying, troubling childhood experiences and adolescent bullying.

Similarly, deLara’s article Consequences of Childhood Bullying on Mental Health and Relationships for Young Adults describes the need for expanded research by health care providers to continue supporting the impact of childhood bullying and the effects of the behaviors lasting into adult life.

Harris suffering an injury as an NFL Player  in 2003 decided to use his talents and experience of self-control on the football field to assisting, training and developing youth off the field in education, to deter youth from at-risk behaviors. He began volunteering as a mentor for local school districts, providing crime prevention and self-esteem building activities coupled with sporting events at no cost to youth in South Florida.

During the interview Harris stated that, “Students should be able to come to school without worrying about bullying, gangs or illegal drugs on campus”.

“Students oftentimes become used to the behaviors of bullying, as victims, they become reluctant to report the incidents for fear of retaliation, but we have a zero tolerance for bullying, threats of school violence, or any other at-risk behaviors at our schools”, said Harris.

“Serving as a Dean of Students comes with an array of responsibilities, but first and foremost it is my responsibility to create a safe environment where the teachers can teach without distractions and the students can learn without distractions”, said Harris.

This story involves details of bullying. If you need additional assistance, please visit https://www.stopbullying.gov/

Resources

deLara, E. W. (2019). Consequences of Childhood Bullying on Mental Health and Relationships for Young Adults. Journal of Child & Family Studies, 28(9), 2379–2389. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-018-1197-y

Urban Community Connections, Inc. Domestic Violence, Education, Mental Health Awareness, News & Events

Former NFL Player Zac Stacy, accused of beating his girlfriend, may have been a victim of bullying.

The arrest of  Zachary Latrell Stacy former NFL player, known as Zac Stacy offered no surprises to the social media community that viewed the disturbing video , reportedly showing him beating his ex-girlfriend in front of their 5-month-old son in Florida on November 13, 2021. 

In an interview with reporter Anika Hope of  WESH2 TV in Orange County, Florida, Kristin Evans, ex-girlfriend of Stacy, shared her story of the incident, and her fear of him bonding out, which would lead to possible retaliation of reporting the crime. In the interview, Evans admitted that the abuse began in early May 2021, but failed to report the abuse to authorities. Evans was quoted saying, “He has bullied me for so long and put me in a mental state where at one point, I believed it was my fault.”

As a survivor of her recent domestic violence incident, Evans developed a GoFundMe page in an effort to raise awareness about domestic violence.

According to the CNN article adults serving as perpetrators of bullying, are most likely victims of childhood bullying, troubling childhood experiences and adolescent bullying.

Quinn (2015) discusses that people who brutally attach others with violence, without treatment or mental health services, are experiencing unhealed trauma, neglect, and abuse in their backgrounds that will lead to adult abuse in relationships.

In an interview with former NFL Player Anthony Harris  Harris became visibly upset while viewing the video. “My personal opinion concerning the Zac Stacy incident is that of total disgust. That behavior is completely out of line on several levels, as a man I don’t care what she did or supposedly did doesn’t deserve that type of treatment! As a former NFL Player I’m sure I can speak for most that he deserves severe consequences and should be incarcerated for a very long time”, Harris said.

Football has always been a violent sport whereas a typical description of a football player is often defined as indestructible, aggressive and violent. Domestic violence is not a newly occurring type of crime, but the problem is when that aggressive and violent behavior leaves the football field and returns to the home of players.

According to deLara’s  Consequences of Childhood Bullying on Mental Health and Relationships for Young Adults Consequences of Childhood Bullying on Mental Health and Relationships for Young Adults Article the author describes the need for expanded research by health care providers to continue supporting the impact of childhood bullying and the effects of the behaviors lasting into adult life, is essential.

“As a member of the NFL Alumni Association, although it is my responsibility to help my brothers in the NFL to focus on healing as opposed to exhibiting violent behaviors towards loved ones, there is no excuse for bullying, or intimidating anyone, especially a woman. I have three sisters and I don’t want anyone putting their hands on them”, said Harris.

The NFL has health and wellness resources for current and former NFL players, in an effort to promote awareness and prevention in the areas of physical, emotional, spiritual, social, and financial services.

The Orlando Sentinel reported that Stacy is out of jail on a $10,150 bond, but prohibited from being in the state of Florida, and will be checking into a mental health facility for 30 days in Colorado for treatment.

This story involves details of bullying and domestic violence. If you need additional assistance, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit https://www.stopbullying.gov/

References

deLara, E. W. (2019). Consequences of Childhood Bullying on Mental Health and Relationships for Young Adults. Journal of Child & Family Studies, 28(9), 2379–2389. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-018-1197-y

Quinn, P. (2015). Adult bullying — are we taking it seriously? Therapy Today, 26(8), 18–21.

Urban Community Connections, Inc. News & Events

Parent Advocate Regina Davis Responds to Florida’s Mask Mandate

South Florida weather proved to be a scorcher for the opening of the 2021-2022 academic school year for Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS). The fourth largest school district with more than 330,000 students enrolled annually, would traditionally be bombarded with issues like bus routes, class schedules, underpaid teachers, and cafeteria glitches. However, the global pandemic welcomed a new found opening of schools factor, the infamous COVID-19 mask.

Although Florida Governor signed the Executive Order , Ensuring Parents Freedom to Choose-Masks in Schools, which enforces the power of choice with parents as it relates to wearing masks during school hours, community leaders of parent groups like Regina Davis issued a community executive order recommendation of her own.

In an interview with CWCNews Davis was quoted as saying, “I am the Black Community Superintendent, and when I ask parents to move, they move. So when I say mask-up, they mask up.”

Photo CWC: Regina Davis Interview

Davis, a long-time parental involvement community activist mentioned that she was recently honored during the 2021-2022 Opening of Schools Session by M-DCPS Superintendent, Alberto Carvalho. “I saw my picture on the screen and then I heard a roaring round of applause when the superintendent called my name. I felt like a celebrity, and I was honored for the recognition! But, I am not here for the notoriety, I am here for the parents in the community. I was recognized for empowering parents while holding the school district and elected officials accountable for the safety of our children, their employees, and our parents in the schools .” said Davis.

Davis, a retired Licensed practical nurse (LPN), that currently serves as the M-DCPS Community and Parent Advocate and Parent Coordinator for the It’s On Us Parent (IOU) Initiative that was developed from the 2012 Florida Department of Children & Families Breaking The Cycle Initiative , and managed by The Urban League of Greater Miami, Inc. IOU is a parental involvement and training program with more than fifteen hundred active parents, caregivers, and concerned citizens of the inner city community serving as parent advocates for the voiceless, and uninformed. “I give each parent sector an authoritative title in our over 1000 member organization, so they can have some sense of ownership, while I strategically empower them.” said Davis.

While community leaders and parent groups are encouraging clients and residents to take advantage of free testing and free vaccination sites, Davis is more concerned with educating parents as to why it is important wear a mask, and to send their children to schools with masks or face coverings. Davis discussed Miami-Dade County Public Schools Back to Schools Safety Protocols Video, that gives parents information about what to expect when their youth return to school. “I believe that an informed parent is an active advocate for their children. It is our right to have a choice when it concerns are children individually, but it is also our right to work together collectively to save our communities through, education, health and wellness with community preservation.” said Davis.

To donate or become an IOU volunteer in the Miami-Dade county communities contact Regina Davis at davis_regina@bellsouth.net

Urban Community Connections, Inc. News & Events

A local high ranking black female officer files lawsuit after demotion in Miami, Florida

Keandra Simmons, a notable law enforcement officer whom has served the Miami Police Department  and Miami community, since 2004, was demoted by newly appointed Chief Art Acevedo of Miami Police Department.

Simmons, a single mother of a young son, is an exemplary officer, one of many sworn law enforcement officers that possesses the respect and admiration of the Miami community. Simmons, an inductee of 40 Under 40 Honoree of the International Association of Chief of Police is a product of the Miami community, that rose quickly through the ranks of the Miami Police Department.

Simmons made history by being the first black female public information officers, and placed amongst the highest number of promoted, female African American officers in the Miami Police Department, as a result of her outstanding service in the division positions such as battery, communications, general patrol, homicide public information, and sexual assault.

In a November 24, 2019 interview at Excitement Radio Station on Conversations with Charito Radio Show, Simmons expressed her desire to continue to encourage change and positive interaction between police officers and the community, as well as improving her leadership skills while working alongside her male counterparts.

However, after the recent appointment of newly appointed Chief Art Acevedo, and pursuant to Civil Services Rules and Regulations her position was rolled back to Police Lieutenant, in accordance with the City of Miami’s Pay Policy. Simmons is alleging discrimination by Chief Art Acevedo as a result of her demotion, and is seeking whistleblower status. Simmons intends to file a civil rights lawsuit against Miami Police Department, and is seeking reinstatement of her status of Major.

There hasn’t  been a discrimination case related to demotion and civil rights in Florida since Bailey v. Town of Lady Lake, Florida where John Patrick Bailey, an African-American male police officer for the Town of Lady Lake Police Department, alleged discrimination as a result of demotion.

Bailey was promoted to sergeant then demoted to a patrol officer, in less than a year, and returned to the rank of sergeant.  Bailey’s claims, based on allegations and retaliations, against officers in the department, found to have no merit, according to court documents because Bailey failed to provide evidence of any pattern, policy, or practice of discrimination or retaliation.

In a recent interview with Acevedo at Excitement Radio Station on Conversations with Charito Acevedo was questioned about the recent demotion of Simmons. Acevedo responded that since litigation is involved, he had no comment on the allegations, but he is confident that his decision and the outcome will be favorable towards the Miami Police Department. “My father a former police officer in Cuba, fled the communist country in search of freedom and opportunity in the United States. “I came to this great county as an immigrant, and migrated to Texas for more opportunities. I am not a communist, not a racist, but a person of Christian faith that believes in justice, equality, and opportunity for all.” said Acevedo.

Major Keandra Simmons Law Enforcement Timeline
Urban Community Connections, Inc. News & Events

Local South Florida School Board Member Responds to Deadly Surfside Collapse

July 25, 2021 2:45 PM ET

By Sharron “Charito” Henley CWCNews.org


A South Florida city known as The Town of Surfside famous for warm sunshine, palm trees, breezy beaches, and celebrity sightings, was bracing itself for summer vacations and returning to a sense of normalcy mid-pandemic.

But what happened overnight on June 24, 2021, wasn’t remotely the catastrophe Surfside had in their 2020 emergency management plans.  The Champlain Towers South, a 12-story beachfront condominium in the Miami suburb of Surfside, Florida, partially collapsed in the middle of a busy week, at approximately 1:25 am. 

Despite a small handful of residents escaping the collapse, many remained trapped in the concrete debris. Echoes of despair and desperation were seen on every news media outlet, until a young child was rescued from the debris, visibly shaken, but alive.  

Dr. Steve Gallon, III, School Board Member and Vice Chair of Miami Dade County Public Schools, the 4th largest school district in the United States, explained the districts involvement during the Surfside Collapse aftermath. “Miami-Dade County Public Schools remains committed to deploying all available resources, including emergency supplies, food, and crisis counseling, to assist students, employees and families who have been affected by the tragedy in Surfside.” Said Gallon.

Gallon further explained that “M-DCPS has a longstanding commitment to the residents of Miami-Dade County affected by the tragedy regardless of age or enrollment status. We are currently partnering with our local United Way in Operation Helping Hands to provide support for affected families. The District’s Crisis Management team has been deployed to assist families in need.” 

Florida Senator and Attorney Jason Pizzo, servicing District 38 , which includes the Town of Surfside, tweeted images of the site, showing the property where the 12-story Champlain Towers South once stood, as several recovery workers used a crawler loader to collect remaining debris.


The United Way of Miami Dade County is looking for volunteers to assist the victims of Surfside. Become a Relief Emergency Volunteer and sign up at United Way Volunteer .

Urban Community Connections, Inc. News & Events

Miami-Dade County Public Schools Reopening of Schools Parent Webinar To Be Held August 25, 2020

Reposted with permission from originator Daisy Gonzalez-Diego, Miami Dade County Public Schools dgonzalezdiego@dadeschools.net

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, August 14, 2020

Reopening of Schools Parent Webinar To Be Held August 25

Additional resources for families are also now available

With a little more than two weeks before the start of the 2020-2021 school year, Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) continues to provide families with a myriad of helpful resources to assist them in ensuring their children have a strong and successful start to their academic year.

In addition to the Reopen Smart/Return Safe Reopening Guide already shared and posted on M-DCPS’ dedicated schools reopening web page,http://reopening.dadeschools.net, the District has also posted Frequently Asked Questions and a Back-to-School checklist in multiple languages. Parents are encouraged to read through these materials to prepare for the upcoming school year.

In an effort to answer additional questions, Superintendent of Schools Alberto M. Carvalho will also host a webinar for parents and guardians on Tuesday, August 25, at 5:30 p.m. Parents can submit questions for the webinar by emailing questions@dadeschools.net. The deadline to submit questions is Friday, August 21. 

The hour-long webinar can be accessed by visitinghttp://reopening.dadeschools.net and will also air simultaneously on WLRN-TV Ch. 17. Click here for an informational flier.

Parents will also be provided with additional resources during M-DCPS’ virtual Week of Welcome, taking place August 24-28. During this week, parents and students will access video and digital tutorials in English, Spanish and Haitian-Creole on a variety of helpful topics, including connecting virtually, supporting student success, healthy mind and body, and what to expect once schools reopen. More details on the Week of Welcome will be provided early next week.

Communication is especially important in a virtual environment. To stay connected, it is imperative for parents to keep their contact information updated at their child’s school. Families can also sign up to receive emergency text messages by texting “Y” to 67587. Attached is a flier outlining the various ways families can stay connected.

For the most up-to-date information, please download the Dadeschools mobile app to your iPhone or Android device. Follow us on Twitter @mdcps and @miamisup, on Instagram @miamischools and @miamisup, and on Facebook at MiamiSchools and AlbertoCarvalho

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