The 44 Percent: DEI in Florida, Brownsville incorporation townhall, Black coaches

What’s a new year if it feels apocalyptic?

I do not ask that to sound defeatist, but I do wonder about the mental fortitude required to undertake this year and those ahead, especially as we’re learning about increasing homelessness, intense wildfires, and yet another mass killing in a predominantly Black city at the start of what should’ve been a promising new year.

My hope is always that Black communities are safe and shielded from as much harm as possible, but with racial and ethnic hate crimes on the rise, it seems our communities are in a vulnerable position.

Even with that, I hope—as best as one can—for an inspiring year for us all. I hope that we have the mental strength to overcome any challenges ahead. Most of all, I hope this new year is much kinder to those who had a challenging 2024.

INSIDE THE 305:

Residents divided on idea of historically Black Miami neighborhoods becoming a city

While some residents in Miami’s historically Black communities want to become a city, others aren’t so sure. At a town hall Wednesday, at least 100 residents packed the Arcola Lakes Senior Center at an event held by District 2 Commissioner Marleine Bastien to voice concerns about becoming and city and inquire about any potential benefits.

‘We’re in trouble’: Miami DEI leader says state policies left the industry in freefall

Minority Business reporter Michael Butler chronicles how the 2022 Stop Woke Act has affected businesses that aim to enhance DEI efforts in communities that most need them.

As Butler writes: Miami Shores resident Roni Bennett launched South Florida People of Color in 2015 to educate businesses and universities about marginalized communities and help them learn why diversity, equity and inclusion — DEI, for short — is important to the foundation of any company or organization.

A decade later, Bennett has seen her work limited by Florida legislation affecting DEI that has been supported by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, including the 2022 Stop Woke Act. She estimates that her annual revenue, which once hovered around $300,000, has been cut in half because of the legislation.

Miami U.S. Attorney, first Haitian-American in post, to resign before Trump takes office

Miami Herald courts reporter Jay Weaver reported that U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe, a Haitian-American immigrant who became the first Black lawyer to serve in the most powerful federal law enforcement position in South Florida, will resign from his post effective Jan. 17, three days before Donald Trump will be sworn in as president.

Weaver writes: “In an announcement, he touched upon his personal history as a native of Haiti, the Caribbean country’s longstanding struggles, and growing up in Miami’s Liberty City neighborhood before joining the U.S. Marines and attending Florida State University on the journey to his high-profile law career.

Lapointe, 56, who assumed the U.S. Attorney’s position in January 2023 after being nominated by Democratic President Joe Biden, presided over a post-COVID-19 office that cracked down on government loan scams, false Medicare claims and nursing-school diploma mills, as well as Venezuelan corruption, Ponzi schemes and developer Sergio Pino’s murder-for-hire plot targeting his wife.”

OUTSIDE THE 305:

California wildfires and how to help those affected

For much of this week, residents in Los Angeles and surrounding cities have been grappling with massive wildfires, which has most recently spread to the Hollywood Hills area. Some have lost family homes and are in need of help. Time Magazine has broken down ways you can help those in need.

South Carolina statue honoring Black hero Robert Smalls will stare down a segregationist

A group studying where to put South Carolina’s first Statehouse monument to an individual African American has decided Robert Smalls’ statue should be staring down a notorious white supremacist who dismantled most of the former slave’s work after the Civil War.

“The Smalls statue would stand along the sidewalk where thousands of children on field trips walk from buses to the Statehouse each spring. Backers hope that will spur conversations about a man who lived a heroically full life.”

HIGH CULTURE:

Franklin, Freeman representing Black football coaches on national stage at Orange Bowl

All eyes will be on South Florida tonight as Penn State and Notre Dame battle it out at the Orange Bowl. This year’s match-up will also feature two Black coaches, James Franklin and Marcus Freeman. The game begins at 7:30 p.m.

Raisa Habersham

Miami Herald

Raisa Habersham is the race and culture reporter for the Miami Herald. She previously covered Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale for the Herald with a focus on housing and affordability. Habersham is a graduate of the University of Georgia. She joined the Herald in 2022.