Daytona Time to focus on pool safety
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JULIANNE MALVEAUX: Black women don’t have the luxury of staying home Page 4
A ROUNDUP OF LOCAL SPORTS See page 7
East Central Florida’s Black Voice
See page 5
www.daytonatimes.com
APRIL 26 - MAY 2, 2012
YEAR 37 NO. 17
New Midtown pond remains an issue
PEOPLE SPEAK
Residents push for underground system, express concern about kids’ safety BY JAMES HARPER AND ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES VINCE TERRY/SPECIAL TO THE DAYTONA TIMES
Midtown residents have asked for an underground filtration system and want the city to cover up the retention pond.
Several Daytona Beach residents want an underground filtration system to
Funeral Saturday for ‘Mr. Fix It,’ Bobby Burch Sr.
replace a retention pond recently constructed behind the new Midtown Education and Cultural Center in Daytona Beach on Kelly Field. Residents met with Assistant City Manager Paul McKitrick and Leisure Services Director Percy Williamson a few weeks ago to discuss the matter. “We showed them the plans, which included a pond that was much small-
er, but after engineering and construction it was determined we needed a certain amount of space with the size of the building. We assured the group that if the pond is a problem that we will develop a plan to address the problem,” commented McKitrick. Darnell Troutman remembers playing on the Kelly Field baseball field as a child where the retention Please see POND, Page 2
FAREWELL FOR B-CU’S REED
BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES harperjames59@yahoo.com
Bobby Lee Burch, who was well known in Daytona Beach as “Mr. Fix It,” died April 19 surrounded by family at the home of his daughter, Murtice Beaman. Burch was 94. Burch, who was married to the late Murtice Williams for 73 years, was also known in the community for the 12 children they had together. “My dad raised us knowing one day we were going to leave this place,” said Janice Medlock, adding that she and all of her siblings had to go to church. Burch was a member of Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church for more than 50 years, where he served as a deacon and an usher. Bobby “We were prepared. He and my Burch Sr. mom raised us to believe in God and heaven. I know that is where he is today. We are celebrating his life,” Medlock added. Medlock said her parents were good providers. “We were never on food stamps. There was always room at the table for others,” Medlock concluded.
Service on Saturday at Greater Friendship Burch’s homegoing service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 28, at Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. Visitation will take place at Gainous Funeral Home on Friday, April 27, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Viewing also is scheduled before the funeral from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Greater Friendship. Burch was born March 20, 1918, in West Green Ga., one of six children of Golden and Lena Burch. Known as a hardworking man, he loved listening to music, eating lots of candy, chewing his Red Man chewing tobacco, laughing and being around his children. “All will attest to the fact that if you asked Bobby Lee Burch any kind of question, you knew that part of his answer would be telling the listener how proud he was of his 12 children,” is a quote in the program that will be passed out to those attending Saturday’s funeral. Please see BURCH, Page 2
ASHLEY THOMAS/DAYTONA TIMES
Retirement celebration held for outgoing president A man attending a retirement celebration for Dr. Trudie Kibbe Reed signs a photo memorial during the April 19 event at the Daytona Beach Oceanfront Hilton. More than 200 people gathered at the celebration for Reed, president of Bethune-Cookman University. Reed is scheduled to leave B-CU on May 13, a day after graduation.
Daytona manager limits chief’s comments to press BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES harperjames59@yahoo.com
Daytona Beach Police Chief Mike Chitwood has been limited to what he can say to the media by City Manager Jim Chisholm. The order came after Chitwood was quoted in the Daytona Beach News Journal for chastising Volusia County Council member Joyce Cusack for an appointment she made to the Halifax Area Ad-
vertising Authority (HAAA). The HAAA board is an 11-member volunteer board appointed by the county council that spends roughly $6 million on tourism advertising each year and advises the council. Chitwood was quoted in the city’s daily paper saying, “Clearly, the County Council doesn’t really know what’s going on in Daytona Beach, or at least vet who they are applying to these boards. When they heard the address, 1100
South Ridgewood, if they knew their county, they would say, ‘I’ve got to call the police chief.’”
Only can talk about crimes The appointment of hotel owner Praven Patel was made by Cusack, who took Chitwood’s statements personally, considering he had never commented in the media before in reference to appointments by her colleagues. Cusack is the only Black on the board and her appointment was Indian. She has accused Chitwood of discrimination. When asked by the Daytona Times how a city employee can comment to the media on an appointment made by a county
council member, Chisholm said, “He knows now he can’t do that.” “We (Chisholm and Chitwood) had a discussion. I don’t want any of my department heads talking about other elected officials (to the media.),” continued Chisholm. Chisholm said Chitwood can still speak to the media but only on issues related to crime. “He should not discus anything about the county council or another elected official,” elaborated Chisholm.
No response from Chitwood The Daytona Times tried repeatedly to contact Chitwood by telephone and e-mail to get him
to comment on the controversy. When approached by the Daytona Times at last week’s city commission meeting and asked why he had not returned calls or responded to emails, Chitwood responded: “Because I don’t have too” At that same city commission meeting, Chisholm said department heads can speak to the press provided they have sufficient information. Otherwise, they have to go through him. He said the normal protocol for the press is for them to go through the city’s public information officer – Susan Cerbone – to speak with a department head. The police department has it Please see LIMIT, Page 6
7FOCUS
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APRIL 26 - MAY 2, 2012
BURCH
Volusia County School Board candidate Ida Wright, (right), is shown with supporters Dr. and Mrs. Willie J. Kimmons at her March 30 campaign kickoff event held at Vince Carter’s restaurant in Daytona Beach.
from Page 1 Bentley, Durham both on program On the program, the Rev. J.C. Bentley, pastor emeritus of Greater Friendship and the pastor of the church when Burch first joined, will give words of comfort to the family. Dr. L. Ronald Durham, current pastor of the church, is scheduled to give the eulogy. Durham said he held Burch in high esteem during the nine years he has been pastor of the church. “He epitomizes the biblical example of what it means to be a Christian father and church leader. Throughout his life, he has been dedicated to providing not just the tangible necessities for his children, but more importantly, he provided them with a godly example of humility and service,” Durham added.
Ida Wright kicks off school board campaign SPECIAL TO THE DAYTONA TIMES
Ida Wright, a candidate for Volusia County School Board District 2, held a campaign kick off on March 30 at Vince Carter’s restaurant in Daytona Beach. Hosted by Mr. and Mrs. John Williams of Palatka, about 80 Volusia County residents
POND from Page 1 pond now exists. “They don’t make any more land. You all took our land away from us. We have nowhere for our kids to run and play unless they go out to Derbyshire,” Troutman said, adding he knows replacing the pond will cost the taxpayers.
$500,000 to replace pond The center, which is completed and expected to open by the end of May, cost $4.5 million to construct. Williamson says it would take another $500,000 to replace the retention pond with the underground filtration system in addition to the expense to cover up the pond and redo the landscaping. He addressed the concerns of several residents who spoke against the retention pond at the city commission meeting held last week. The commissioners took no action after the residents spoke. “It is now in the hands of our engineers. They will get back with us and we will inform residents. If we decide on an alternative, the city commission will have to decide whether we have the funds to do so. We will also have to get approval from the St. Johns River Water Management again,” explained Williamson.
Size of property a factor In addition to the costs of getting rid of the retention pond, the reason the city
attended the event, which included a brief speech by Wright. A Daytona Beach native, Wright is an instructor at Bethune-Cookman University. Wright received her Master of Business Administration from Stetson University and Bachelor of Science from the University of Central Florida. She has been actively involved in Volusia County schools as a member of the Parent Teacher Association of Bonner and Champion Elementary Schools, Hinson and Campbell Middle Schools and Mainland High School. She also has served on the School Advisory Council for Champion Elementary and Hinson Middle Schools. Married to Arthur Wright for 16 years, she is the mother of two sons, Reginald and Wesley.
didn’t use an underground filtration system was because of size of the property, which is 12.5 acres, Williamson explained. “The standard was to use a retention pond. Underground is used when you have a very limited amount of property and also when the value of land is extremely high,” Williamson added. Williamson noted that there have not been problems with other retention ponds located throughout Daytona Beach on other city-owned properties.
History of Kelly Field Residents were most upset that the pond was built on a portion of Kelly Field, which means less outdoor space where children can play baseball and other sports. Also, Kelly Field, according to the city’s website, gained considerable attention in 1946 as a spring training practice field for the Montreal Royals, a minor league team for the Brooklyn Dodgers, in which baseball icon Jackie Robinson was a member of the team On March 17 of that year Robinson, a new member of the Royals, integrated professional baseball in a game at City Island Ballpark between the Royals and the Dodgers.
Pond part of master plan Williamson was baffled last week after hearing complaints from residents at the meeting. He said the retention pond, which is completed and fenced in, should not have come as a surprise to the residents because it was part of a mas-
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ter plan the city put together in 2005. “Nothing that staff did was done in a vacuum. It was done specifically with input and direction of those people who spent time and came out to give their input,” Williamson explained. He said three meetings were held at the Cypress Street Recreation Center and three at Tubman King Community Church to create the master plan which, included the retention pond. The plan included a new swimming pool, which was completed in 2009; the cultural center, which replaces the Cypress Recreation Center; and a Phase III, which will include outdoor basketball and tennis courts, along with Kelly Field being redone.
‘Kids can walk out of it’ Resident King Mallory said he was under the impression the pond was only going to be four feet wide. “Now it is 15 feet wide. How are kids going to avoid it? Putting a fence around it is not going to help. If a kid wants to go across that fence, they are going across that fence,” Mallory
Lauded as ‘great role model’ Mary Kendrick, former Daytona Times employee, who now resides in Atlanta, worked with Burch at Greater Friendship. “Deacon Burch was always helpful and willing to do whatever he was asked to do to help anyone he could. If you called him and asked him to repair something or see what was wrong with something,
remarked Williamson responded to Mallory’s concerns. “Yes it is a 15-foot (wide) pond. It is designed at a level in which kids can walk out of if they get into it. We took extra measure of having a fence put up. Risk management said it wasn’t necessary.” Williamson further noted that there have been no problems with other retention ponds located throughout Daytona Beach on other city-owned properties.
Concerns about play area, safety Mallory also worries that children will have even less land to play on when the tennis and basketball courts are constructed. “That is cutting out the running ground back there. When I was a kid, that is where I went when I couldn’t go anywhere else. The pond is going to hurt the community more than it is going to help it,” concluded Mallory. Longtime resident Walter Fordham also spoke against the new retention pond calling for the commissioners to support replacing it with an underground filtration system.
he would come to see what he could do to take care of the problem,” Kendrick added. “Most of all, he was a man who believed in God, loved God, loved his church family and loved his family. May God continue to bless and keep his family in His care is our prayer.’’ Former Daytona Beach City Commissioner Gwen Azama Edwards said Burch leaves a great legacy for his family and others to imitate. “Poppa Burch was a humble man of God and family man extraordinaire. He exemplified godly qualities of love for others, humility, caring, and a passion for life. He was the real deal, a great role model for men, husbands and fathers,” Azama Edwards said.
Fond memories of church member Patricia Harper Bennett is a friend of the Burch family and a member of Greater Friendship. “I got to know Deacon Burch when I had a boutique across the street from his home on Orange Avenue. He was a lifesaver for me when I needed something fixed right away. Even better, he often sent his grandchildren across the street just to check on me and see if I was OK,” Bennett noted. Former Greater Friendship member Mark Mayhew, who is
“Cover over this hole of danger where frogs, snakes fish and crabs will eventually exist and, hopefully, there will be no children,” said Fordham. Former Daytona Beach City Commissioner Bernard Smith offered praise on the new community center but was upset with it being called the Midtown Education and Cultural Center. He also was upset with the location of the retention pond. “The retention pond is an attractive nuisance. Kids can get over any fence. We are going to have to do something a little bit more to reduce liability,” Smith added.
Explaining the name Williamson said there was community input when the city came up with the name Midtown Educational and Cultural Center. “In conversations with people who came out to discuss it, since the new movement was Midtown, that was suggested and that was the name that was agreed upon in those meeting,” he said. Williamson added that residents were very clear in those meetings that the
now a minister in the Florida Panhandle, also remarked about Burch’s dedication to his family. “Deacon Burch was a role model and a fine example of leadership. He was always willing to lend a helping hand. I was preaching when I left Friendship. Deacon Burch was one of the men who encourage me into the ministry,” Mayhew added. Church member Jan Houston was also fond of Burch. “Deacon Burch was a lovable person, He was a good, spiritual man who loved God, the church, his family and he was indeed a people’s person, so kind and reached out to all,” said Houston. Burch is survived by his children Barbara Wright, Lancaster, Texas; Montes Rosenthal (Orteal), Irving, Texas; Twilla Parker (Robert) Arcadia; Phyllis Blackshear (Major), Fairburn, Ga.; Linda Spearmon (Joe), South Daytona; Murtice Beamon (Frank), Daytona Beach; Janice Medlock (Lutrell), Deltona; Golden Dukes (Ezekiel), Crosby, Texas; Bobby Lee Burch, Jr. (Felica) Warren, Mich.; John W. Burch (Brenda), Daytona Beach; Daytona Burch (Dietra) Dallas Texas; Veronica Burch, Daytona Beach; sistersin-law Ernestine Burch, Drissie Mae Williams and Natalie Conaway; 41 grandchildren; 72 greatgrandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.
name of the gym – T.R. Faircloth – would be maintained. The name T.R. Faircloth (a popular educator and coach) will be on the outside of new gymnasium by the first week in May. Denise McMillon, a member of the Midtown Area Redevelopment Board, supported Williamson and said she is sad to see residents speak against the name of the center and the retention pond. “It seems that everything that is done to enhance Midtown comes under fire from a few disgruntled residents, “McMillon said. She added that those who are complaining didn’t attend meetings when decisions were made on the construction and name of the new center. McMillon urged those in opposition to pledge that for the remainder of the year they “attend the city commissioner meetings, Midtown redevelopment board meetings, Planning Board meetings, CRA meetings and any other workshops to better educate yourselves instead of educating your minds via AT&T, Bell South, Facebook, Internet and the good old shade tree and barbershop line.”
APRIL 26 - MAY 2, 2012
Community Calendar To list your event FREE, e-mail us at news@daytonatimes.com. No phone calls or faxes, please. Events are listed on a space-available basis, and in the sole discretion of the Daytona Times staff. For guaranteed placement, contact Lynnette Garcia, lgarcia@flcourier.org, phone 954-882-2946, for ad rates.
Compiled by the Daytona Times Mentor orientation scheduled May 15 Community Partnership for Children is recruiting mentors for teenage children in foster care. The next orientation class will be held May 15 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Community Partnership for Children, 160 North Beach St. To register, contact Susan Hiltz at 386-547-2293 or via e-mail at Susan.Hiltz@ cbcvf.org. Webster to host master’s session Considering a career in counseling? A free graduate information session for the Master of Arts in Counseling program at Webster University is being held April
26, 5:30 p.m. at Uno Chicago Grill (dinner provided), 1798 W International Speedway Blvd. RSVP required. More information: 321-449-4500 or spacecoast@webster.edu. Music event returns to Edgewater The New Smyrna Beach High School Barracuda Band and the City of Edgewater will host the third annual “Jammin’ in the Park” event. It takes place April 28 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Hawks Park, 1108 S. Ridgewood Ave, Edgewater. All proceeds will help the high school music program. All donations are tax deductible. To be a sponsor, vendor or make a donation, contact Johnny
Mims at 386-481-2743 or via e-mail at jbmims@ volusia.k12.fl.us. Tea for women’s cancer awareness Do you have questions about cancer prevention and diagnosis? A panel of physician specialists will answer health questions and keynote speakers will discuss annual screenings for women, clinical trials and the latest trends in mammography. Light refreshments, goodie bags, door prizes and educational literature will be provided. The program is April 29 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Comprehensive Cancer Center of Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center, 224 Memorial Medical Pkwy. RSVP is required: 386- 231-2229. Oyster Festival set for April 28 On April 28, the third Annual Halifax Oyster Festival Presented by Costa Del Mar
COMMUNITY M ANEWS YOR
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DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006
Sunglasses will take place on Manatee Island in the Intracoastal Water along downtown Daytona Beach. The daylong event will feature a wide variety of oyster dishes prepared by local restaurants, steamed and raw shucked oysters, a number of other food options, live music, liquid refreshments, and hands-on oyster mat construction. Volunteers needed for city cleanup The City of Daytona Beach is co-sponsoring a community cleanup for Midtown on May 5. Volunteers are needed. The event will begin at 9 a.m. at Daisy Stocking Park. Call Charles Bryant at 386-671-8185 or e-mail him at bryantc@codb.us to participate. Vince Carter’s to host fundraiser The 138th annual Run for the Roses will be held May 5 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at
Sorority to host financial planning workshop Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Gamma Mu Omega Chapter, will present a free financial empowerment program at 10 a.m. April 28 at City Island Library. The household median wealth of the single Black woman is $100, for single Hispanic women
Vince Carter’s, 1250 LPGA Blvd. The Vince Carter’s Embassy of Hope Foundation will host the Kentucky Derby fundraiser in the restaurant’s Highlight Zone, which will show all Derby races on its 32 high-definition screens. Tickets are $25. Availability is limited. Proceeds will benefit the Foundation, which supports local women’s and children’s programs. More information: 386-239-8215. Hospice Duck Race coming this month Adopt a duck and help a child. The fourth Annual Halifax Health - Hospice Duck Race will be held April 28 at 5:30 p.m. 105 East Orange Ave., when 5, 000 ducks will be dumped into the waterway in front of Jackie Robinson Ballpark for
the amount is $120, and for single White women the amount is $41,500, according to the California-based Insight Center for Community Economic Development. Financial planner Earl McCrary of Ameriprise Financial will be the guest speaker. A Daytona Beach native, McCrary has 28 years experience in the financial planning arena and currently serves as branch manager. Light refreshments will be served. Seating is limited.
a race to the finish line. The lucky “adoptee” of the winning duck will win $3,000. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Lawrence E. Whelan Begin Again Children’s Grief Centers, a program of Halifax Health – Hospice of Volusia/ Flagler. For more information, visit www.duckrace.com/hovf. Committee plans hat, fashion show The Pastor’s Appreciation Committee of Living Faith World Ministries presents a Hattitude & Fashion Show April 28 at 11:30 a.m. at 950 Derbyshire Road. Cost: $12. A Bowl-A-Thon also will be held April 28 at 6 p.m. at Ormond Lanes. $20. If your team would like to participate, call 386-258-1258 ext. 11.
Palm Coast
Community news
By Jeroline D. Mccarthy | Daytona Times
William Prince and Charlotte Walls celebrated Charlotte’s 70th birthday in 2010.
Charlotte Walls and William Prince were married in December 2011.
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Charlotte Walls and William Prince celebrated Charlotte’s 70th birthday in January 2010. She and her gentleman caller gathered among guests for a spectacular party, which took place at the African-American Cultural Society. The evening was unforgettable, especially since Charlotte looked so much younger than 70 and exemplified the phrase that “70 is the new 50.” So two years later, after coming across William and Charlotte’s wedding pictures, I wanted my readers to again be privy to their December 2011 union as husband and wife. The Rev. Gillard S. Glover, pastor of First Church, officiated the covenant of marriage. Some guests ventured from across the country for the ceremony and a reception held at the home of Mark and Ruth Green, Charlotte’s son and daughterin-law. So, while mingling and socializing, the guests had almost as much fun as Charlotte and William.
Seniors meet Wednesdays at center SunTrust Bank, Member FDIC. © 2012 SunTrust Banks, Inc. SunTrust and Live Solid. Bank Solid. are federally registered service marks of SunTrust Banks, Inc.
New resident Wendy Smith King coordinates a Flagler County seniors program, sponsored by Love’s Community Outreach Inc.,
on Wednesdays. It’s from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at George Washington Carver Center and Gym, 203 East Drain St., Bunnell. For further details, contact King at 386283-5169.
Free dance class scheduled Thursdays Dancer Barbara Solomon offers a free, afterschool class in jazz, African and modern dance at George Washington Carver Center and Gym on Thursdays, 5 - 7 p.m. Solomon says that clothing should be loose and that jeans should not be worn. She says to wear socks with regard to foot covering - or ballet, jazz or gymnastic slippers - and not to wear sneakers. For additional details, check with assistant director Elijah Emanuel at 386313-4020. ••• As always, remember our prayers for the sick, afflicted and bereaved.
Happy Birthday to You! Birthday wishes to: Carolyn Bridges, Dorothy Robinson, April 26; Jimmy Morrison, April 28; David Eurie, May 1; and Joy Ragoonan, May 2.
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APRIL 26 - MAY 2, 2012
Congress wants to cut what works Despite urgent pleas from a broad spectrum of faith leaders and advocates for the poor, the House of Representatives Agriculture Committee voted to protect all the agricultural farm subsidies which primarily benefit the most well-to-do farms and to cut billions of dollars of benefits from programs that feed poor children and their families. The draconian cuts would affect all 46 million people who receive food stamps, including 23 million children. As the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities explains, “No other program under the Committee’s jurisdiction would face any cut under the proposal, despite frequent calls for reform of the nation’s farm subsidies – 74 percent of which go to the largest, most profitable farms, according to the Agriculture Department based on 2009 data. These large commercial farms received an average annual government payment of more than $30,000 a year in 2009, while having an average annual household income of over $160,000.”
Food security The Supplemental Food and Nutrition Program (SNAP) – food stamps – provides targeted assistance for families when they need help most. Since the beginning of the recession, millions of low and middle-income parents have
Helps the economy Marian Wright Edelman NNPA COLUMNIST
lost their jobs and the security of knowing their children would not go to sleep or to school hungry. With record numbers of families living in poverty and food prices increasing more rapidly than in decades, SNAP has been a critical support for millions of children while their jobless parents struggle to get their family finances back on track. A recent study by the Agriculture Department shows how essential the food stamp program is – it reduced the poverty rate by nearly 8 percent in 2009, the most recent year in the study. Hunger and malnutrition have especially devastating consequences for children because their developmental well-being depends on adequate nutrition. Hunger has been linked to low birth weight and birth defects, obesity, mental health problems, oral health problems, and poor educational outcomes. But SNAP makes a difference. The overwhelming majority of SNAP recipients – three quarters – are families with children. SNAP lifted 5.2 million Americans above the poverty line in 2010 – more than any other benefit program.
SNAP is also strong economic recovery policy. As the economy struggles, getting food stamps and other payments to low-income families is an effective way to stimulate the economy quickly. Just one dollar of SNAP benefits creates a “ripple effect” through the economy, and research shows each $5 of federal SNAP benefits generates nearly twice that amount in economic activity. Despite its proven success, SNAP remains a consistent target at budget-cutting time. This latest assault by the House committee means 2 million people would be cut off from food stamps completely and millions more would have reduced benefits. Hundreds of thousands of children would lose free school meals on top of their SNAP benefits. These additional changes on top of already enacted cuts will increase child and family hunger. Where is the justice in a vote to protect wealthy farmers over hungry children? Tell your member of Congress that SNAP needs to be preserved as a lifeline for hungry Americans in hard times.
Marian Wright Edelman is president and founder of the Children’s Defense Fund (www. childrensdefense.org). Click on this story at www.flcourier.com to write your own response.
Black women don’t have the luxury of staying home When Democratic strategist Hilary Rosen said that Ann Romney had “never worked a day in her life,” Romney behaved as if she had just hit the lottery. She smugly made the media rounds talking about how hard it was for her to raise her five sons. And she’s right. Stay-at-home moms work extremely hard to cook, clean, run a shuttle for their children and their various activities, participate in school activities like “Room Mom” and “Cookie Mom.”
Working unnecessary What Hilary Rosen could have said is that Ann Romney never needed to work in the paid labor market. Even when Mitt Romney was in graduate school, they survived by living on the returns from their investments, according to them. So it isn’t that Ann Romney never worked; it is simply that she was never forced to. This entire conversation is a blast from the past, reminiscent of articles that I wrote in the 1980s. Even then this was a mostly White women’s’ conversation, since few Black women have or are married to the kind of wealth that would allow them to stay home. Unless food is a luxury, there are Black women who are in the labor market simply because they have no choice. The official unemployment rate among African-Americans is 14
DR. JULIANNE MALVEAUX TRICEEDNEYWIRE.COM
percent. The actual rate is more like 26 percent, and in many inner cities the Black male unemployment rate is nearly 50 percent. As a result, nearly 40 percent of African-American children live in poverty, too often supported by a single mom (more than 40 percent of African-American households are headed by women). There is little data to suggest the size of the African-American stay-at-home mom population, it is clear that historically, AfricanAmerican women had no choice but work. Black women as maids were paid to take better care of their employer’s children than they could possibly take of their own. And then they often paid in part with used clothes and leftover food substituting for cash.
Paid ‘family wage’ Patriarchal tradition kept White women home, while White men were paid a “family wage” that was, by definition, enough to support a whole family. Such patriarchal tradition was not economically present in the African-American community.
Few African-American men were paid a family wage, but instead something like a subsistence wage. Women needed to work to help keep the family together. Until the late 1980s, the labor force participation of AfricanAmerican women exceeded that of White women, which means that proportionately more of us were working. African-American women’s earnings often make the difference between poverty and comfort for their families. Even those African-American families who have been blessed with higher education and “good jobs” are well aware that African-Americans are “last hired, first fired.” Too many so-called middle class families are a paycheck or two away from poverty. Last time I checked, AfricanAmerican households had only 2 percent of our nation’s wealth with few investment returns to live on when no one is working. We working African-American women, stay-at-home or in the paid labor force, understand that “life for us ain’t been no crystal stair.” The labor market has never been a level playing field for us, and our salaries show it.
Julianne Malveaux is author of “Surviving and Thriving: 365 Facts in Black Economic History.” Click on this story at www. flcourier.com to write your own response.
The untold story of progress in the Congo What is the real motive of some of the so-called human rights and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that consistently propagate a negative image about Africa and about African people? I am in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) once again on a mission of initiating a local “Sustainable Job Creation Program” related to the mining sector of the DRC’s economy. The World Bank just announced that economy in the DRC is growing in “an unprecedented rate of 7 percent” annually from 2011 to 2012. It was a special pleasure over the past several days to on the ground in the Katanga Province, the leading mining province in the largest landmass for an African nation. The size of the Katanga Province alone is larger than the nation of France.
Know the truth All Americans should know more about the truth of the current positive economic and human development progress in Africa today after centuries of colonialism, imperialism, neocolonialism, and unjust exploitation. So much of what is ‘wrong’ today is the deliberate misrepresentation in the established media about the factual progress that
VISUAL VIEWPOINT: GSA WASTE VS. AFGHANISTAN
DR. BENJAMIN F. CHAVIS, JR. NNPA COLUMNIST
is being made in African nations. I will not be silent or complicit to the misdeeds of well-intentioned or ill-intentioned people who do not live in Africa, do not know Africa, and who do not care about Africa, but yet who raise money internationally for the specific purpose of attacking the legitimate aspirations and self-determination of African people across the continent.
Bad reporting For example, the BBC recently erroneously reported that Glencore Mining was using child labor in the DRC and contributing to environmental dangers. The problem is the Panorama film group featured in the BBC story had all of their facts wrong and the story was not true, but the BBC had already broadcast the negative story throughout the world. Glencore Mining officials confirmed that no one from Panorama met with the Glencore officials at the site in question to get their allegations
fact-checked. This was just one example. I’m glad that CNN did a positive story about the development of the Georges Malaika Foundation in the DRC in the Katanga Province that focused on the excellent work of Noella Musunka and the Foundation in building and maintaining a girls’ school and an adjacent community development center. Africa still has a long way to go. The DRC should be encouraged, not falsely criticized. I met with the young governor of the Katanga Province, H.E. Moise Katumbi Chapwe. I witnessed the growing economy of the Katanga Province and the overall improvement of the quality of life in that part of Africa. Let’s work harder to support sustainable development in all of Africa, as well as in our own communities in the United States.
Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis is senior advisor to the Black Alliance for Educational Options and president of Education Online Services Corporation. Click on this story at www.flcourier.com to write your own response.
JOHN COLE, THE SCRANTON TIMES-TRIBUNE
US Bank, Wells Fargo accused of housing discrimination Two of the nation’s largest banks, Wells Fargo and US Bank, are accused of seriously violating the landmark federal Fair Housing Act law – and not for the first time. Following an undercover investigation of foreclosed singlefamily homes in eight metropolitan areas, the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) filed two discrimination complaints with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The complaints allege that in handling foreclosed properties in its possession, US Bank and Wells Fargo show distinct and systematic differences in maintenance and marketing of these homes. And once again, Black neighborhoods are getting short shrift.
Major disparities The investigation involved foreclosed homes in Atlanta, Baltimore, Dallas, Dayton, Miami/ Fort Lauderdale, Philadelphia, Oakland and Washington, D.C. NFHA found that while properties in predominantly White areas were consistently wellmaintained with signage indicating the homes were available for sale, foreclosed homes in minority communities typically had multiple maintenance and marketing deficiencies such as substantial amounts of trash, overgrown grass and shrubs, broken doors or locks, peeling or chipped paint and holes in the structures. In Atlanta, Baltimore and Washington, D.C., nearly 75 percent of foreclosed homes held by US Bank in minority neighborhoods had substantial amounts of trash. The availability of “for sale” signs on homes in these eight markets also revealed a racial divide. Signage is significant because it represents a marketing tool and contact information for neighbors who could want to report any problems with the property. In both Philadelphia and Oakland, NFHA found almost twice as many for sale signs in White communities than in Black or Latino communities. In Dayton, 90 percent of Wells Fargo properties and 94 percent of all US Bank properties located in minority areas had no signage at all. In Washington, D.C., Wells Fargo had four times as many for sale signs in White neighborhoods than in neighborhoods of color. These new allegations mirror broader research findings by the Center for Responsible Lending: • Racial and ethnic differences in foreclosure rates persist even after accounting for differences in borrower incomes. Among borrowers with a FICO score of
Charlene Crowell NNPA FINANCIAL WRITER
higher than 660 (indicating good credit), African-Americans and Latinos received a high interest rate loan more than three times as often as White borrowers. • African-Americans and Latinos were much more likely to receive high interest rate (subprime) loans and loans with features that are associated with higher foreclosures, specifically prepayment penalties and hybrid or option adjustable-rate mortgages. • Between 2004 and 2008, African-American families were almost twice as likely to have been impacted by the crisis. As of February 2011, approximately onequarter of all African-American borrowers had either lost their home to foreclosure or were seriously delinquent, compared to less than 12 percent for White borrowers. These findings are also mirrored in a series of settlements negotiated by the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. In 2011 alone, the division filed a record eight lending-related federal law suits, and obtained eight settlements providing for more than $350 million in relief to the victims of illegal lending practices. This figure includes the settlement with Countrywide Financial Corporation, the largest lending discrimination case ever brought by the Department of Justice, as well as a record settlement under the Service Members Civil Relief Act. In the approximately two years since this administrative adjustment, the division has filed or resolved 16 lending matters. By contrast, from 1993 to 2008, the department filed or resolved 37 lending matters, an average of a little more than two cases per year. In other words, four times as many cases are now being pursued. Fair housing may have been the law for 44 years; but its letter and spirit have yet to be fully embraced. Ironically, the theme for the 2012 national observance of the law is “Live Free.” Too bad we are not doing that yet.
Charlene Crowell is the Communications Manager for State Policy & Outreach with the Center for Responsible Lending. Click on this story at www.flcourier.com to write your own response.
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MHEALTH AYOR
APRIL 26 14 - MAY 2012 DECEMBER - 20, 2, 2006
5 7
Local task force focuses on pool safety Speakers emphasize importance of swimming lessons for children during April 19 event at Aquatic Center BY SHAUNA NABORS SPECIAL TO THE DAYTONA TIMES
Enough children drown each year in Florida to fill three to four preschool classrooms. Drowning is the leading cause of death among Florida children ages one to four, and Florida’s rate of toddler drownings leads the nation. Daytona Beach community leaders are coming together to raise awareness about drowning prevention in hopes of saving lives. “Drowning can be a silent catastrophe, one that can happen in the few minutes you take to answer a phone call or run inside for a towel,” said Dr. Bonnie J. Sorensen, director of the Volusia County Health Department. “We encourage parents to watch children around water and take measures to make sure they are safe.”
At least eight drownings in 2011 After at least eight toddler drowning deaths in Volusia County last year, the Volusia County Health Department, Daytona Beach Fire Department, Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center, Halifax Health, Volusia/Flagler Family YMCA, Safe Kids and other partners formed the Volusia County Drowning Prevention Task Force to raise awareness about pool safety. So far, there have been zero toddler drownings in the area this year. Daytona Beach Mayor Glenn Ritchey was one of five speakers at a news conference held at the Cypress Aquatic Center on April 19 to address the issue.
“We are here to deliver a very important and sobering message about pool safety,” Ritchey said. “It is important for our residents and visitors to stay safe in and around water. We applaud the efforts of all of the partners gathered here today to promote drowning prevention measures in our community.” The Daytona Beach Fire Department is on the frontline when it comes to responding to toddler drownings and near drownings in the city.
Swim lessons for children urged “Parents and caregivers, it is essential to ensure your child receives swimming lessons before entering the water,” said Chief James Bland, Daytona Beach Fire Department. Gretchen LeCompte, a parent and swim instructor, wasted little time in introducing her toddler, Riley, to swim lessons. Riley and the other toddlers showed off their skills by floating and swimming in the pool with their parents and swim instructors nearby. “It is extremely important to teach children how to swim for their own safety,” LeCompte said. “There are many different situations where you would feel far more assured to know that your child is able to swim.”
Layers of protection Water Proof Florida, the Department of Health’s drowning prevention campaign, recommends the following layers of protection: Supervision: The first and most crucial layer of protection, supervision,
means someone is always actively watching when a child is in the pool. Barriers: A child should never be able to enter the pool area unaccompanied by a guardian. Barriers should physically block a child from the pool. Emergency preparedness. The moment a child stops breathing, there is a small, precious window of time in which resuscitation may be possible – but only if someone knows what to do. Even if you’re not a parent, it’s important to learn CPR. The techniques are easy to learn and can mean the difference between life and death. In an emergency, it is critical to have a phone nearby and immediately call 911. For more information, visit www.waterproofFl. com.
Top: Two-year-old Olivia Birkedal began taking water safety lessons at 11 months old. She shows her swim instructor, Gretchen LeCompte, how she can float on her back in the water.
Shauna Nabors is a Mass Communications senior at Bethune-Cookman University graduating in May. She is a Public Information intern at the Volusia County Health Department.
Above: Danielle Zili, director of Business Development and Marketing at Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center, Lt. Larry Stoney, public information officer, Daytona Beach Fire Department, and Stefany Strong, public information officer with the Volusia County Heath Department organized the news conference to promote pool safety. Not shown is Susan Cerbone, public information officer for the City of Daytona Beach.
PHOTOS BY SHAUNA NABORS/SPECIAL TO THE DAYTONA TIMES
State health department issues warning about whooping cough SPECIAL TO THE DAYTONA TIMES
I AM POSITIVE.
The Florida Department of Health (DOH) is advising parents, childcare workers and health care providers to verify the children they care for are properly immunized against pertussis, a respiratory disease also known as whooping cough. The DOH and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) experts also advise new parents, grandparents and relatives to get fully immunized before being around an infant. Since Jan. 1, DOH has identified 112 confirmed and probable cases of pertussis, with at least one case in 22 Florida counties. The counties include Alachua (3), Broward (2), Citrus (1), Clay (1), Collier (4), Miami-Dade (15), Duval (2), Escambia (1), Gulf (1), Hillsborough (35), Lee (13), Leon (1), Martin (1), Monroe (4), Nassau (3), Orange (3), Osceola (3), Palm Beach (7), Pasco (5), Polk (5), Seminole (1) and Volusia (1). The occurrences in Florida are consistent with the rise in cases seen across the
United States. Recently, outbreaks have occurred in Montana, North Carolina, Texas, Wisconsin, and Washington State. Family members are most often the transmission source of pertussis to infants. A typical case of pertussis starts with a cough, runny nose, sneezing and a lowgrade fever. After one to two weeks, the coughing becomes more severe. Rapid coughing fits can occur that often end with a whooping sound. Pertussis is spread when infected individuals cough or sneeze while in close contact with others. Pertussis is most dangerous for infants and children, and usually a milder disease in adolescents and adults. Pertussis is treated with antibiotics. Additional information about school immunization and school health requirements for children can be found at these DOH Web sites: http://www.immunizeflorida.org/community/index.htm and http://www.doh. state.fl.us/Family/School/parent/parent_ info.html.
This is personal. Educating. inspiring. changing pErcEption. People with HIV are fathers, grandmothers, friends and neighbors. They are people you pass on the street and people you meet. And they have one important characteristic in common with us all: they are human beings. The Faces of HIV project offers an intimate look at Florida residents living with HIV and AIDS through captivating portraits, insightful interviews and poignant journal writing. To watch their stories, read their journals and to view the mobile art exhibit schedule, visit wemakethechange.com/faces.
She was the cornerstone of our family. But my mother died of colon cancer when she was only 56. Let my heartbreak be your wake-up call. Colorectal cancer is the 2nd leading cancer killer in the U.S., but screening helps prevent this disease. Terrence Howard, actor/musician
If you’re 50 or older, please get screened. Screening saves lives. 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) • www.cdc.gov/screenforlife
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
7 COMMUNITY NEWS & CLASSIFIEDS
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APRIL 26 - may 2, 2012
Donations sought for Chiles Academy students BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES harperjames59@yahoo.com
Students at Chiles Academy need help from the community. Daytona State College’s Rotaract Club, a service club for young professionals and students ages 1830, has started a service project it is calling Mommy’s Wish list, said spokesman Huong Luong. Mommy’s Wish List helps provide necessities that government funding may not be able to provide to mothers such as toiletries and other hygienic items.
Learning independence and leadership The Wish List is geared toward Chiles Academy, a local charter school. “We are looking for inkind donations among the local businesses and within our community. We are gathering up items such as baby bags, purses, toothbrushes, toothpaste, toilet paper, shampoo, feminine products, face wash, deodorant, razors, shaving cream, etc.,” Luong said. Rotaract clubs provide young people with opportunities to foster leadership, responsible citizenship, and promote international peace and understanding. The mission of the Chiles Academy is to combine a community of support and guidance for pregnant and parenting students with the goal of attaining a high
LIMIT from Page 1 own public information officer, Jimmy Flynt.
Support for chief Sophia Huger, the only Black member of the HAAA board, said she believes Chitwood is doing a good job as the city’s police chief. “As a citizen, he had the right to speak to the press,” Huger said. However, Huger said she supports Cusack’s appointment. “I want us to be as inclusive as possible,” Huger added. Pat Heard, a member of
Bags such as these will be filled with items such as toothbrushes and toothpaste by Rotaract Club members and distributed during their Mommy’s Wish List service project. school diploma, which will empower them to become independent and responsible citizens.
Infant mortality rate among concerns
110 with Dr. Nayar or in building 130 (cafeteria) outside of room 154 in a designated drop box. Donations are also accepted and welcomed at the Rotaract Club meetings which are held every Monday in building 130 room 154 at the Daytona Beach Campus. “We ask that monetary donations be dropped off at either one of our meetings or to Dr. Nayar in his office,” she continued. Dr. Nayar can be reached at 386-506-3776 or at his email at Nayarr@daytonastate.edu The Rotaract Club’s next meeting is April 30.
The Rotaract Club of Daytona Beach has begun a service project for local mothers in the area. This is an annual event that raises funds and awareness to help promote the significance of awareness, treatment, prevention, and research of early birth defects in babies. The event is
The academy serves 150 pregnant/parenting teens and children in Volusia County. “The DSC Rotaract Club is aware of the high infant mortality rate and have chosen to help the Chiles Academy that caters to this very problem,” continued Luong. Donations are accepted at all times. Luong said their next scheduled drop off for Mommy’s Wish List to the Chiles Academy is during the first week of May. Donations can be dropped off at Daytona State College, Building 410 Room
The club is also participating in the March of Dimes: March for Babies.
the Midtown Area Redevelopment board also praised Chitwood and supported what he said about Cusack’s appointment, whose motel on Ridgewood Avenue has had a reputation for criminal activity. Chitwood told the NewsJournal the police department received 375 calls for service to the Heritage Inn at 1100 S. Ridgewood Ave., from April 1, 2010, through April 1, 2012. Those calls included eight for drugs and five for prostitution. “Don’t shoot the messenger. The chief is doing a wonderful job. There are things that I don’t like that he might do,” Heard said. “There are many things that need to brought to our
attention. As far as South Ridgewood, it needs to be cleaned up. If he (Chitwood) had not come and spoken out, we would have never known that many calls had been made to the police station (about Patel’s hotel).” she concluded. However, community activist Marjorie Johnson spoke before the city commission last week and said Cusack deserved an apology from Chitwood and the city. “What business doesT:7” he (Chitwood) have in the county’s business? It is not the police chief’s job to vet a county council woman’s appointment. Joyce Cusack is due an apology,” she told city commissioners.
Future events planned
Florida Health Care Plans www.fhcp.com EOE/AA A Drug Free – Smoke Free Work Place
scheduled Saturday, May 5. Donations are accepted up until the day of the event. Donations can be made on line at www.marchforbabies.org/s_team_page. asp?seid=1866230.
Members of the Daytona Rotaract club can be reached via email at Daytonarotaract@gmail.com or on Facebook by searching Daytona Rotaractor.
Advertise For all local sales for The Daytona Times & WPUL AM 1590 News Progressive Talk, Sports & Inspiration call Deborah E. Ford at 386-492-2908 ext 12
INSTEAD OF JUST HANGING OUT ON SATURDAYS
IBECAUSE HELP KIDS HANG IN THERE AT SCHOOL I DON’T JUST WEAR THE SHIRT, I LIVE IT. GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER. LIVE UNITED
®
Michael Cleveland is part of United Way’s ongoing work to improve the education, income, and health of our communities. To find out how you can help create opportunities for a better life for all, visit LIVEUNITED.ORG.
APRIL 26 - may 2, 2012 DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006
MSPORTS AYOR
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Waters, Williams lead Wildcats in football game BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES butleramj@yahoo.com
Broderick Waters threw for 57 yards and a touchdown while running for another 83 yards with a score to lead the Gold team past the Maroon team 28-3 at Municipal Stadium last week. Waters, a Louisiana Tech transfer, has only been at the school for two weeks. He was recruited as a wide receiver but coaches wanted to look at him at quarterback. “Coach told me that I could be an asset to the team if I learned to play both positions,” responded Waters. Also looking good at quarterback was Quentin Williams. Williams was Florida’s Mr. Football in 2010 after leading Tampa Jefferson to a state title. He redshirted last season. Williams was 8-for-9 passing with 85 yards. He filled in for Jackie Wilson, who left the game with an ankle injury. “I played alright; the offensive line and running backs were doing their jobs so things went well,” commented Williams. “All our quarterbacks showed some good things. We wanted to see if they could run the offense,” added Brian Jenkins, BCU’s head football coach. David Blackwell moved from Quarterback to wide receiver and caught five passes for passes 82 yards. David Allen and Andronicus Lovett each had a touchdown run while Courtney Keith had a touchdown reception for the Gold team. Sven Hurd’s 32-yard field goal was the lone score for the Maroon team. Running backs Isidore Jackson and Anthony Jordan was held out to give other players a look.
Baseball: Weather cancels series finale Bethune-Cookman’s series finale with North Carolina Central University (NCCU) was canceled due to heavy rains on Sunday.
B-CU ROUNDUP The two teams split a double header the previous day. Cory Williamson’s RBI double scored Troy Marrow’s as NCCU (13-27, 9-8) won game to 4-3 in the eight inning. David Lee went 2-for-4 with two RBIs to lead B-CU. Alejandro Sanchez was also 2-for-4 and Jordan Taylor had an RBI for the Wildcats. Brandon Turner’s threerun single in the ninth inning gave the Wildcats a 5-4 win in nine innings in the first game. Turner finished 4-for-2 and Scott Garner got the win pitching two innings in relief for B-CU. Josh Johnson was also 2-for-5 and Jordan Taylor 2-for-4 for BCU. B-CU (24-16, 13-4) still leads the MEAC South Division. The Wildcats were to play in DeLand against I-4 rival Stetson (26-13) on Tuesday and in Gainesville against No. 1 Florida (31-9) on Wednesday. B-CU will travel to Greensboro, N.C. to face North Carolina A&T (1626, 7-8) April 27 and 28. The April 27 game will air live at noon on ESPNU.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF B-CU SPORTS INFORMATION
Quentin Williams scrambles away from defenders during the Wildcats spring football game.
Track and field
Softball: B-CU sweeps North Carolina A&T The Ladies softball team had its series finale postponed with North Carolina A&T due to heavy rains on Sunday. The game was played Monday with the Wildcats bombing the Aggies 18-4 to finish a sweep of the series. B-CU (24-23, 9-0) posted season highs in both runs and hits (20) and extended its MEAC winning streak to 24 games. Shanel Tolbert (17-11) pitched a complete game shut out while Amari Foster was 2-for-4 with four RBIs for the Wildcats. Calesha Shelly was 4-for5 with three runs scored, Kelsey Rodney 3-for-4 with an RBI, Michelle Banuelos-Smith 3-for-4 with two RBIs, Sabrina Ferguson
Bethune-Cookman’s Jackie Wilson (5) throws a pass during the spring game. 2-for-4 with two RBIs, Karina Romero 3-for-4 with an RBI, Aurelia Gamch 2-for-4 with an RBI and Cesley Tafoya 2-for-3 with two RBIs and three runs for B-CU. Foster, Ferguson and Edmonds (1-for-2, two RBIs) each hit home runs for the Wildcats. B-CU swept North Carolina in a double header on April 21. Gamch’s RBI single scored Breanna Chavez in
the top of the seventh inning proved to be the game winner as the Wildcats edged the Aggies 4-3 in the first game. Gamch and Chavez each had two hits while Tafoya, Ferguson and Romero each had RBI doubles for B-CU. The Wildcats won the second game 6-2 as Tafoya went 3-for-4 and Rodney 2-for-3. Banuelos-Smith had two RBIs while Gamch and Ferguson each had an
Spring full of high school sports action BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES butleramj@yahoo.com
Spruce Creek’s George Hannah won the 139-pound class title at the 2A state Weightlifting Championships in Kissimmee this past week. Hannah became Creek’s 81st individual champion and first since 2009. The Hawks (13 points) finished third in team
VOLUSIA COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS REVIEW competition behind champion Ponta Gorda Charlotte (17 points) and runner-up Longwood Lyman (14 points). Creek has won a state best 24-team titles but hasn’t won one since 2008. Other local high finishers include New Smyrna’s Bryan Hall (169) second,
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DeLand’s Jojo Kemp (183) fourth, Creek’s Zack Johnson (238) sixth, and Flagler Palm Coast’s Devon McIntire (119) and New Smyrna’s Luke Belliveau (219) seventh. Matanzas’ Chris Santana (129) and Matt Whalen (139) both finished as runners-up in their respectable weight classes at the Class 1A State Weightlifting Championships. Other Pirates Joel Manning (219) and Shawn White (238) both finished third and Casey Kronemeyer (154) finished fourth.
Softball districts: Five teams make postseason Taylor McGowan went 2-for-3 with two RBIs and Aleimalee Lopez also went 2-for-3 to lead Deltona past Seabreeze 3-2 for the district 8-6A championship. Carlee Bruno and Ashley DeLarenzo had RBIs for Seabreeze. Tiffany Taynor had two RBIs for New Smyrna in an 8-3 loss to Viera in the district 3-7A championship. Brittany Clark, Rachel Titus and Abigal Clark each went 2-for-3 with two RBIs to lead Calvary Christian past Jacksonville Cedar Christian for the district 2-2A title.
Other scores
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1-8A Championship: Jacksonville Mandarin-5, Flagler Palm Coast-1. 2-8A Opening Round: Oviedo Hagarty-4, Spruce Creek-3; Lake Brantley-8, DeLand-2. 3-7A semifinal: New Smyrna-2, University-1; 8-6A semifinals: Seabreeze-4, Pine Ridge-1; Deltona-22, Edgewater-8. 4-5A:
Championship: Ponte Vedra Beach-3, Matanzas-0; semifinals: Matanzas-2, St Augustine Menendez-0. 6-4A Championship: Lake Highland Prep 16, Atlantic-1; semifinals: Taylor-8, Wildwood-0. Playoffs First Round: 8A: Flagler Palm Coast (215) traveled to Lake Mary (16-10); 7A: New Smyrna (14-9) traveled to Winter Springs (25-2); 6A: Deltona (19-5) hosted Melbourne (18-9), Seabreeze (13-8) traveled to Melbourne Eau Gallie (25-2); 5A: Matanzas traveled to Baker County; 4A: Atlantic traveled to Satellite (20-7) 2A: Calvary (12-7) hosted Quincy Munroe Day (12-6), Deltona Trinity hosted Brooksville Hernando Christian (156). 1A: Taylor traveled to Baldwin. All games were on Tuesday. Baseball district tournaments April 23-29: 2-8A: Spruce Creek, DeLand, Lake Mary, Oviedo Hagarty, Altamonte Springs Lake Brantley, Sanford Seminole. Local standouts: Spruce Creek: Kyle Marsh (0.78 ERA, 50Ks), Griffin Fuller (0.98, 44 Ks), Zack Spivey (11 SBs); DeLand: Scott Moss (.364, 51 Ks, 1.63 ERA), Gage Hutchinson (1.99 ERA), Alex Burnett (2.02 ERA). Note: This is a district where anybody can beat anybody and just about every team has a stud ace pitcher. Creek and DeLand are the top seeds but have to come with their Agames to make final and get in postseason. 3-7A: New Smyrna, University, Viera Local standout: New
RBI and Tolbert won both games on the mound for B-CU. The Ladies were to face No. 17 University of South Florida (40-2) in Tampa on Wednesday. The Wildcats host Savannah State University (19-19, 8-1) on April 28 and 29 in their final home weekend series of the year, which also will determine the champion of the MEAC South Division. Smyrna Beach: Brandon Amendolare (.359BA), Jed Tylutki (.397BA), Dylan Woods (358BA); University: Cody Killon (.467BA). Note: The winner of the New Smyrna Beach-University game makes the championship game and clinch playoff berth. 8-6A: Mainland, Seabreeze, Pine Ridge, Deltona, Orlando Edgewater. Local standouts: Pine Ridge: Ty Turner (.492BA), Albert Neff (1.67 ERA); Seabreeze: Chase Rachal (.408BA), Anthony Campanella (0.88 ERA, 52 Ks); Mainland: Matt Moak (.379BA), Vince Maggio (0.68 ERA, 80 IP). Note: Second-seeded Mainland has had the best year but third-seeded Seabreeze and fourth-seeded Pine Ridge are capable. District 6-4A: Atlantic, Orlando Bishop Moore, Orlando Jones, Orlando Lake Highland Prep. Local standout: Atlantic: Joseph Roberts (.450BA) Note: Not much expected out of Sharks. District 4-3A: Father Lopez, Warner, Lake Mary Prep, Oviedo Master’s Academy. Local standout: Lopez and Warner should make title game and postseason. Lopez beat Warner twice this season. Note: Father Lopez: Zach Hawk (.406BA), Lorenzo Boden (.377BA), Nick Restuccia (.444BA); Warner: Taylor Oldham (.434BA), Brandon Wilkes (.411BA), Noah Hukill (.392BA). 2-2A: Jacksonville First Coast Christian, Jacksonville Cedar Christian, Trinity. Local standouts: Trinity: Brady Van Hook (.400BA), Ryan Hagy (.396BA), Ryan Thompson (.375BA) Note: Trinity is expected to win the tournament.
The Wildcats had a good showing at the Tom Jones Memorial Invitational in Gainesville last week. The top finishers for BCU included: third place by La’Quan Howard in the triple jump; fourth place from Sasha Smallwood in the pole vault, Ricy Brown in the 800m dash, men and women 4c100m relay teams, and women 4x400m relay team; fifth place by Arkeem Barthol in the pole vault, Deidre Jordan in the high jump and Kadian Dunkley in the 1500m dash; sixth place from Stephon Pamilton in the 400m dash, and Desiree Richardson in the shot put; along with eighth place by Juliette Hyppolite in the high jump. B-CU will compete in the historic and prestigious Penn Relays at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia on April 2728. The event is now in its 117th year and hosts one of the largest fields of teams in the nation. 8-1A: Taylor, Crescent City, Wildwood, The Villages, Palatka Peniel Baptist. Local standouts: Taylor: R.P. Waldron (.469BA), Rhett Tollison (.444BA), Tanner Campbell (.362BA). Note: Third-seeded Taylor needs to play well to get in title game and make post season. Flagler Schools: Flagler Palm Coast competes in 1-8A with Jacksonville Sandalwood and Jacksonville Mandarin while Matanzas plays in 4-5A with Ponte Verde Nease, Ponte Verde and St Augustine Menendez.
FHSAA to webcast championships The Florida High School Athletic Association will do live streaming of the spring sports championships live over the website www.fhsaa.org. The FHSAA is teaming up with Play On Sports to webcast championships in baseball, softball, track and field and boys and girls lacrosse.
Baseball scores Seabreeze-8, New Smryna-7, FPC-9, St Augustine-8; Lopez-8, Matanzas-3; Creek-12, Atlantic-0; St Joeseph-2, Taylor-0; Jacksonville Providence-11, Lopez-6; Mount Dora Bible-3, Pine Ridge-2, Creek-4, Deltona-2, Seffner Chr-13, Warner-7.
Prep Sports Seven Baseball 1. Spruce Creek (21-4), 2. DeLand (20-4), 3. New Smryna (12-9), 4. Mainland (13-9), 5. Father Lopez (11-9), 6. Taylor (14-9), tie 7. Warner (12-12), Flagler Palm Coast (12-12). Others: Trinity (11-12), Pine Ridge (11-13).
7SPORTS
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APRIL 26 - MAY 2, 2012
B-CU’s Black baseball players impact season Four discuss playing at HBCU, percentage of African-Americans in Major League Baseball BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES butleramj@yahoo.com
Bethune-Cookman University has built a strong baseball program dating back to the mid-1990s. The Wildcats arguably has the top HBCU (historically Black College and university (program). B-CU has won 14 MidEastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) titles and made 14 NCAA Regional appearances in the past 16 years, including six straight. Former coach Mervyl Melendez, a Latin American, was able to recruit numerous Latin American ball players. Melendez hails from Puerto Rico. Melendez left for Alabama State University in June; now Jason Beverlin heads the program. This season the Wildcats are 24-16 overall and 1334 in the MEAC atop the Southern Division. Latin and White players dominate the composition of the team, but there are four Black players making a positive impact this season.
Players’ strengths Brashad Johnson, Anthony Stokes, David Lee and Jake Welch each have contributed to the team’s success and will be counted on to continue it.
“Each guy definitely brings a certain dynamic to the team. They are not all vocal guys, but they go out there and get after it. David Lee is the most visible leader in the clubhouse. He is the voice of reason in the locker room and everyone respects him,” responded Beverlin. Stokes (.284BA, 9HR, 30 RBIs, 23R) a junior designated hitter and first baseman from Chesapeake, Va., has provided the power, leading the team in homeruns and RBIs. He is a business administration major with a 2.58 GPA. Lee (.314BA, 3HR, 27 RBIs, 31R, 11 SBs), a junior outfielder out of Jacksonville, has produced runs. He is second in the team in homeruns and RBIs. Lee is a criminal justice major with a 3.2 GPA. “We all had to step up this year; we lost a lot of players. We are doing a great job of being team players this year,” said Lee. Johnson (.313BA, 1HR, 21 RBIs, 25R, 10 SBs), a senior shortstop from New Hope, Minn., has been an all-around player. Johnson is a sociology major with a 3.28 GPA. Welch (7 RBIs, 1SB), a freshman outfielder from Hollywood, Fla., also has contributed. Welch has a 3.58 GPA and is majoring in business administration.
“I just wait until my number is called and go out there and do what I can do,” added Welch.
Different team Last year, B-CU had a lot of power hitting 58 homeruns but this year the team has only 17. Power hitters such as Peter O’Brien (14HR, 69 RBIs) and Ryan Durrence (10HR, 48 RBI) are gone. (B-CU 2011 team stats: .288BA, 58HR, 369 RBI, 54 SBs). The Wildcats also had four other players with six homeruns in 2011. Johnson commented, “We lost a lot of power, but we still play team ball. We do more of bunting runners over, stealing bases and whatever we can to score. It’s more team ball.” The Wildcats have played had to play more small ball on offense this year. (2012 team stats: .273BA, 17 HR, 179 RBIs, 55 SBs). “We don’t look at it as if we don’t hit homeruns, but we are more of a contact hitting team as in regards of an approach to the plate,” reiterated Lee. Pitching has carried the club this season. Last year they posted a 4.46 team ERA, with 18 saves, 309 runs and 255 earned runs with a .964 fielding percentage. This year they have a 3.71 team ERA with 9 saves, 185 runs and 141 earned runs with a .961 fielding percentage.
Under the radar Playing baseball at an
ANDREAS BUTLER/DAYTONA TIMES
Shown above are Brashad Johnson, David Lee, Jake Welch and Anthony Stokes. HBCU has the players fly under the radar more than usual. “It is different at an HBCU. The fans don’t really come out. Growing up there were a few minorities playing so we are kind of used to it,” said Lee Welch echoed, “It is different, but we know as a team that we can compete. We just come ready to play everyday.” Baseball not only takes a backseat to football and basketball in Black communities but also at HBCUs. “It’s different, not a lot of spotlight makes it tough to play, but we still come out and do it,” Johnson noted. Stokes added, “It’s different because we really don’t have fans but we still come out and compete on a daily basis.”
More Black players at HBCUs The players are accustomed to low Black representation in the sport. ”Growing up there weren’t a lot of AfricanAmericans playing the game but it didn’t affect
me,” recalls Stokes. Lee agrees, “The experience was similar for me. I didn’t have a lot of fans cheering me on, but I love playing the game and kept at it.” Playing at an HBCU actually puts them on a team with more Black players than normal. Welch stated, “I always was the only Black kid on the team. I was used to it but now it’s actually better because there’s more of us here.” “It takes a lot of hard work. I have always been the only Black on the team. I just work hard. My goal has always been to play professionally. I just go and play hard,” Johnson told the Times.
Black baseball dilemma A recent US Today article reveals that African-Americans make up 8.5 percent of Major League Baseball players. The numbers are reflected at the college and high school levels. Different factors contribute to low percentages of
Blacks in the sport. Johnson commented, “The choice of sports in our community is more towards football and basketball. Also, there aren’t a lot of people in our communities to teach the game to kids and the cost of travel ball (AAU) is very high.” “Our youth don’t see Blacks playing, so many don’t want to play; we do have a few. Also the pace of the game is slower and doesn’t have the action of the football and basketball,” added Lee.
Looking ahead The Wildcats have 17 games remaining; 15 will be on the road. The team is looking forward to the MEAC and NCAA tournaments. “Our goal is to win the MEAC tournament and a Regional. We want to go into the MEAC tournament playing at a high level. If we do that, we like our chances,” Lee explained. Stokes added, “We are just staying focused and taking it game by game as the season goes along.’’
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