Nashville, Tenn. (AP) – Mandisa, a contemporary Christian singer who appeared on "American Idol" and won a Grammy for her 2013 album ‘Overcomer,’ has died. She was 47. A representative for the singer told The Associated Press that the singer was found dead in her home in Nashville, Tenn., on Thursday. The representative said the cause of Mandisa’s death was not yet known. Mandisa, whose full name was Mandisa Lynn Hundley, was born near Sacramento, Calif., and grew up singing in church. She gained stardom after finishing ninth on "American Idol" in 2006. As she left, host Ryan Seacrest told the ..read more

FREDERICA WILSON: Recognized among women who have made significant contributions to the improvement of life for of Miami-Dade County citizens. PHOTO COURTESY OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY Miami – In a career that spans more than 50 years, U.S. Congresswoman Frederica Wilson knows the ins and outs of politics and education. The Democrat from Miami, a longtime educator before entering the political arena, doesn’t shy from criticizing Republicans for sponsoring legislation that impacts the African American community such as attempts to block her higher-education bill to lower college costs, preventing equ ..read more

LOVE TRIANGLE: Tashi Duncan (“Zendaya,” “Dune”) at center of story of mood swings, betrayals, twists and turns. PHOTO COURTESY OF NNPA Sometimes, three’s a crowd. Sometimes, not. Especially when a very desirable female tennis star enjoys making two male tennis players compete for her affection. “Whoever wins, gets my number.” They’ve known each other since the early 2000s. As a teenager, Tashi Duncan (“Zendaya,” “Dune”), was once the queen of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTS) juniors. She won tournaments, was on the verge of big endorsements and was a media darling. Back then, from a dista ..read more

Miami, Fla. (BPRW) – Mark your calendars to celebrate a remarkable journey of dedication and service, as the Jessie Trice Community Health System (JTCHS) bids farewell to the remarkable career of its beloved president and CEO, Annie R. Neasman, RN, M.S. The community health system (JTCHS) and the Jessie Trice Community Health Foundation (JTCHF) are “Celebrating a Legacy of Service” on Saturday, April 27, from 5 – 11 p.m. at the Mandarin Oriental, Miami, 500 Brickell Key Dr. in Miami. General admission tickets are $200 per person. Visit annieneasmanlegacy.com/the-celebration/. “We invite the c ..read more

CANDIDATE KEVIN R. JOHNSON: Former intern and assistant pastor, 50, is search committee’s choice to succeed longtime senior pastor Calvin O. Butts III, who died in 2022, at the Baptist Church in Harlem. PHOTOS COURTESY OF X.COM A search committee previously sued for gender discrimination over its hiring process has announced its pick for the next senior pastor of a prominent New York City congregation considered by some to be the flagship of the Black church in America. Candidate Kevin R. Johnson, founding pastor of Dare to Imagine Church in Philadelphia, will be recommended for the congregat ..read more

PBSC HOSTS AI CONFERENCE: Learn about the latest trends in artificial intelligence at Palm Beach State College’s Lake Worth campus on Friday, April 26, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. “AI Places and Spaces: The Convergence of People, Work, and Industry” will bring together leading experts in the field, in partnership with the South Florida Tech Hub, to explore the broader impact of artificial intelligence. *** OUR VOICES FESTIVAL ’24: Open-air festival of words on Saturday, April 27, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., celebrating the power of literature and literacy, at Rev. Samuel Delevoe Memorial Park, 2520 NW 6th ..read more

ROY MIZELL & KURTZ FUNERAL HOME  Marilyn Rose Phinazee, 65, died April 16. Service 12 noon Saturday, April 27, at New Bethel AME Church (South Bay, FL). Cora Lee Nathan, 85, died April 17. Service 10am Saturday, April 27, at Mount Nebo Missionary Baptist Church. Claranelle A. Duncan, 96, died April 18. Funeral arrangements will be made in Ocala, FL. Shenetra Carter, died April 13. Arrangements are pending. Kevin C. Gardner, 44, died April 23. Arrangements are pending. RANGE FUNERAL HOME  Samuel Lee Daniels (Sam), 80, retired educator miami-dade county public schools, died April ..read more

AT FORUM 24: From front left, Stephanie Moliere, Doris Davis, Latronda Hayes, Javarious Jackson, Venice Howard, Jeri Pryor, Dr. Shirely Sims. Row 2: Robin Curet, Aneisha Nicholas, Ashley Dixion, Cynthia Lamar, Cyrill Garcia, Doris Coleman, Dr. Aneisha Daniel, Bobbi Williams, Dr. Danita Crawford, Dr. Philip Harris, Dawn Caveness Davenport. Row 3: Ann Maria Sorrell, Neah Alexis, Courtnie Williams, Pauline Ricketts, Seminta Dulcio, Lynette McIntosh Verdenia Baker, Faye Johnson, Kemi Moore, Barbra Smith, Kyndell Baskin, Kennie Hobbs, Sean Henderson. Back row: Melvin Stinson, Elvenn J.A. Richardso ..read more

HAMPTON ART LOVERS PRESENTS: Members of the public can RSVP for the April 26 opening reception at hamptonartlovers.eventbrite.com. PHOTOS COURTESY OF HAMPTON ART LOVERS Miami – Hampton Art Lovers has announced the unveiling of "Under a Simple Tree: The Canopy Policy Project," showcasing the works of local artist Brandon Clarke. The exhibition presented in partnership with Green Space Miami opens April 26, coinciding with Arbor Day, at Green Space Miami, 7200 Biscayne Blvd., and runs until Aug. 2024. "Under a Simple Tree: The Canopy Policy Project" delves into the essence of community, drawing ..read more

DR. ANEISHA DANIEL: “Forum 24 was an unequivocal success,” said the president of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators South Florida Chapter. PHOTOS COURTESY OF NFBPA SOUTH FLORIDA CHAPTER South Florida Chapter members still are reveling in the success of their 2024 Forum of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators. “I am thrilled to share that Forum 24 was an unequivocal success,” said Dr. Aneisha Daniel, president of the NFBPA South Florida Chapter, “brimming with vibrant interaction, engaging sessions, and meaningful exchanges that left us all recharged and inspired ..read more