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Bull Dog Gazette
February 2016
Pi ne Ridge Educa tion C enter
Belinda Hope, Principal
Timothy Sternberg, Assistant Principal
Special events at Pine Ridge:
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Tribute to “Motown”
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Commissioner Bobbie H.
Grace First AfricanAmerican Woman
elected as Mayor in
Dania Beach, FL
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Mr. Clarence E. Jones,
First African-American
Firefighter in Dania
Beach, Fl.
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Mr. Bobby Henry,
Owner and CEO of the
Westside Gazette
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“Celebrating Black History”
February 2016 marks 44 years
(1971-2016) that the achievements and
contributions that African
Americans have made to the world,
have been nationally acknowledge
and recognized through the official
celebration of “Black History Month”
during the month of February.
Thanks to the hard work and
determination of Dr. Carter G.
Woodson. Dr. Woodson was a scholar,
a writer, and a historian known as
the “Father of Black History Month.”
He received a doctorate from
Harvard University in 1912; and
dedicated his career to the field of
African American history and
lobbied extensively to establish black
history as a nationwide institution.
Woodson lobbied schools and
organizations to participate in a special
program to encourage the study of
African-American history, which began in
February 1926 with Negro History Week.
The program was later expanded and
renamed Black History Month. (Woodson
had chosen February for the initial
weeklong celebration to honor the birth
months of abolitionist Frederick Douglass
and President Abraham Lincoln.)
To help teachers with African-American
studies, Woodson later created the “Negro
History Bulletin” in 1937 and also penned
literature for elementary and secondary
school students.
Information Courtesy of Bio.com
Valentine’s Day Dance
Principal- Ms. Belinda Hope
Assistant Principal- Mr. Timothy Sternberg
Bull Dog Gazette
Tribute to “Motown”
“Ms. Brown’s 4th grade
class as the
Temptations.”
Students at Pine Ridge pay tribute to the legends of Motown.
Teachers and students channeled the spirit of the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s,
and 90’s “Motown Sound” through song, dance, Afros and bellbottoms, from groups and artist such as the Temptations, Smokey
Robinson, Jackson 5, Aretha Franklin and Boyz II Men. Motown is
responsible for contributing musically to the world, producing hits
that are still being used today, in commercials, ads, movies and hit
songs by today’s hottest artist. Motown is responsible for hit songs
like “Ain’t to Proud to Beg”, and “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” These performances
not only took us back down memory lane but they also helped us to
recognize how music can influence all cultures and generations.
Thank You Motown!!!
Barry Gordy
Berry Gordy outside of
‘Hitsville USA”
Born in 1929 in Detroit, Berry Gordy Jr. founded Motown Records in 1959.
The 1960s and '70s saw popular artists who Gordy developed—including the
Supremes the Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye —dominate the
music scene. Gordy sold the company in 1988, and was inducted into the
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame that same year.
Information courtesy of Bio.com.
Commissioner Bobbie H. Grace
Comisssioner Bobbie H. Grace
with 3rd Grade students as the
“Jackson 5”
Commissioner Bobbie H. Grace was the first African
American woman to be elected Mayor for the City of Dania Beach
Florida. She served as Mayor and Commissioner from 1989 to 1997.
She was reelected in 2010 after defeating cancer, and served on
numerous boards and commissions. Her commitment to public
service and random acts of kindness has made her an icon to her
community. She has spearheaded numerous developmental projects
that have brought both beauty and revenue to the city of Dania
Beach. Commissioner is a visionary who is dedicated and determined
to make sure that the citizens of Dania Beach are prosperous and
productive. Commissioner Grace talked to the students at Pine Ridge
about her career in politics and her success as a courageous leader.
Information courtesy of Bobbie Grace’s biography
“Heroes Amongst Us”
Mr. Clarence E. Jones
When Clarence Jones joined the Dania Beach Fire Department about 26 years ago, he
wasn't trying to make history. He was 21 and had just finished serving in the U.S. Navy during
the Vietnam War, during which he fought fires. Once home in Hollywood, he figured he'd try
to get a job in a field in which he had some experience.
After a mentor encouraged him to apply, he became the first black firefighter in Dania. "I was
the first black hired and the first one to retire," joked Jones, who was 47 at the time. Dania
Beach Fire Chief Kenneth Land said, "He's probably one of the best firefighters I've ever seen.
He's gotten medals of valor during his career and several accolades for bravery.
Jones, a Dania Beach resident, said there were times it was lonely being the sole black
firefighter in the department. "When I was first hired I was liked by a few and hated by
many," Jones said.
“Mr. Clarence Jones 1st African
American Firefighter in the City of
Dania Beach, Fl. talks to students
about his experiences and
accomplishments.”
But, over the years, he said, the sentiment changed. Jones said while he was there, he tried
to recruit more black firefighters, but there were never more than three in the department
at one time. "I always thought it would be a sad day in Dania if I retired and there was still
only one African-American firefighter, like there was some 20 years ago," Jones said. While
serving the city of Dania Beach Mr. Jones’ was awarded the “Medal of Honor” and the
prestigious” Firefighter of the Year Award.”
Information Courtesy of SunSentinel.com
Mr. Bobby Henry
Since the first issue rolled off the press in 1971, the Westside Gazette newspaper has maintained the
professional, insightful and reader sensitive reporting that has gained the trust and respect of South
Florida’s African American community.
In our relenting effort to empower our community with information, the Westside Gazette newspaper
has been sensitive to the special needs of our readers. We believe that the most potent tool with which
to face the challenges and opportunities of this new century is the dissemination of information. As
Broward County’s oldest and largest African American owned and operated newspaper, it is our
responsibility to inform, educate, and reinvest in our community.
The motto of the Westside Gazette is: “A POSITIVE PAPER FOR POSITIVE PEOPLE”. This precept is our
commitment to delivering inspirational, informative and empowering stories to South Florida’s African
American community.
“Mr. Bobby Henry talks to
students about his career as owner
and CEO of his family’s legacy
The Westside Gazette.”
The Westside Gazette is a sponsor of several events that benefit and uplift our entire community. Some
of these events include Sickle Cell Foundation of Broward, Annual David Deal Play, Sistrunk Historical
Festival, and Dr. Martin Luther King Celebration. The Westside Gazette enhances the quality of life not
only for the African American community but all communities because of our trusted ability to provide
positive relevant information.
Information Courtesy of TheWestsideGazette.com
Valentine’s Day
Dance
Pine Ridge’s very own “Non-Instructional Employee of the Year,”
Ms. Betty Symonette collaborated with Pine Ridge Mentors to put on a
Valentine’s Day Dance for the students. There was food, music, fun, and
lots of “sweet treats.” Thank you Ms. Symonette!!!