EE FR
40 YEARS
CELEBRATING
JULIANNE MALVEAUX: EXAMPLES OF BLACK POLITICAL EXCELLENCE PAGE 4
OF CONTINUOUS WEEKLY PUBLISHING
YEAR 43 NO. 37
THE WEEK’S TOP HIGH SCHOOL GAMES SEE PAGE 7
SEPTEMBER 13 - SEPTEMBER 19, 2018
www.daytonatimes.com
Keeping an eye on the storm Local residents reflected on Irma and Matthew as they watched the path of Hurricane Florence BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES
As Hurricane Florence churned up the Atlantic Ocean heading toward the Carolinas, Floridians were monitoring the storm and remembering the angst they were feeling this time last year. This week marks the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Irma, which battered Volusia and Flagler counties leaving destruction in its path. Florence also had residents remembering Matthew, which hit the area in October 2016.
A familiar scene: Motorists stream down I-40 westbound as the eastbound road is empty as the evacuation of the North Carolina coast continued on Wednesday in advance of Hurricane Florence near Suttontown, N.C.
LaKeisha Pierce was forced from her home in the Westwood Heights division of Holly Hill due to Irma and spent weeks in a hotel. She won’t forget the storm that caused death and destruction. The death toll from Irma across the Caribbean and U.S. is 44 fatalities directly and 85 fatalities indirectly linked to the storm, according to a report released earlier this year by the U.S. National Hurricane Center.
Stocked up Earlier this week, she was keeping an eye on Florence. “It does bring memories of my ordeal with Irma, the last storm, which caused my family to evacuate our home. I have saved money in case we have to do it again. I
CHUCK LIDDY/NEWS
See STORM , Page 6
DAYTONA TIMES / 40 ANNIVERSARY TH
Asher announces retirement, local elections
& OBSERVER/TNS
Turie T. parents react to allegations that substitute teacher hit children BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES
A recent incident at a local school in Daytona Beach’s Midtown district has some parents thinking about the discipline practices and behaviors of teachers. Mohga Kodsy, 59, was arrested on Sept. 7, accused of pushing children’s heads against a wall while working as a substitute teacher at Turie T. Small Elementary School, according to police reports. Kodsy was taken into custody Mohga after a school reKodsy source officer, also a Daytona Beach police officer, interviewed four children ages 7 and 8. They reported that the substitute had hit their heads against a wall. All four of the children involved in the report were African-American while Kodsy is White, according to reports.
Kids called ‘evil’ Report state that the children were made to stand against a wall for being too loud while a movie was playing during the class. Kodsy allegedly said she did
line the kids up against the wall because they were laughing at her. She allegedly referred to them as “evil.’’ She has denied that she hit them. She no longer will be permitted to substitute at a Volusia County district school.
Parents concerned Parents’ of two of the children pressed charges while parents of the other two were satisfied with school disciplinary actions, according to police reports. Such actions have parents thinking about their children’s well-being in schools. Sheena Dolphus’ 9-year-old son is in the third grade at the school. Dolphus told the Daytona Times this week, “I didn’t hear about it until now. The school also didn’t inform me. As a parent, I try to stay in their faces to avoid such situations because when they know that you will advocate for your child, it holds a lot of craziness back.” Erica Gardner has two sons at Turie T. Small Elementary. She learned about the arrest on the news and said she’s a little concerned. “I asked both my boys about it, they didn’t know about it. They also didn’t know any of the kids See TEACHER, Page 6
Tourism numbers up in first half of 2018 BY JIM TURNER NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
Fifteen years ago in 2003, the Daytona Times reported that Mayor Bud Asher would retire from office at the end of his current term, and updated readers on upcoming primary elections.
ALSO INSIDE
TALLAHASSEE – Florida tourism is on pace to set an annual record, with an estimated 65.5 million people traveling to the state during the first half of the year, according to numbers released Wednesday. The tourism-marketing agency Visit Florida estimated that tourism during the first six months of 2018 was up 5.9 percent from the same period in 2017. Gov. Rick Scott said the pace should allow the state to easily surpass a record 118.5 million tourists estimated for 2017. “If we have that sort of growth the rest of the year, we’re going to have 125 million tourists,” Scott said. “Every 65 to 75 tourists is another Florida job.”
Hospitality jobs up The leisure and hospitality industry accounted for 1.26 million jobs in the state in July, up 50,400 from a year ago, according to numbers posted by the Department of Economic Opportunity. Scott announced the new tourism figures during a brief telephone call Wednesday to the Enterprise Florida Board of Directors, which was meeting in Miami. Scott, who is running for the U.S. Senate, chairs the Enterprise Florida board but was campaigning Wednesday morning in Ocala.
$118.5 mil total Visit Florida initially estimated the 2017 tourism total at 116.5 See TOURISM, Page 6
COMMUNITY NEWS: ‘MARY’S LOVE FOR GOSPEL’ A SHOW OF FASHION AND FAITH | PAGE 3 COMMENTARY: WORTHY ROLE MODELS FOR BREAKING THE GUBERNATORIAL GLASS CEILING | PAGE 4
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SEPTEMBER 13 – SEPTEMBER 19, 2018
Daytona State to host job fair on Sept. 19
Variety of companies
More than 50 local and regional employers will be on hand when Daytona State College’s Career Services Department hosts its annual fall job fair on Wednesday, Sept. 19, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the Mori Hosseini Center (bldg. 1200) on the Daytona Beach Campus, 1200 W. International Speedway Blvd. All are welcome to attend the free event and are encouraged to come prepared with their résumés in hand, dressed for success, and ready to talk about their work
Current DSC students and alumni are welcome to visit the college’s Career Services Department prior to the job fair for assistance with résumé and cover letter writing, interview preparation and other free services. Businesses representing such industry sectors as finance, health care, government, manufacturing, education, hospitality, building and construction, technology, and non-profit organizations have confirmed their participation in the job fair. For more information, visit Ca-
history and career interests.
Wisconsin Avenue in downtown DeLand. For more information, call the church office at 386-734-4425 or email trinitymgr@cfl.rr.com.
reerServices.DaytonaState.edu or call 386-506-3073.
DeLand church to host fall festival Trinity United Methodist will host its annual fall festival on Saturday, Oct. 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Holiday crafts, antiques and collectibles, baked goods, toys, books, music, jewelry and more will be for sale. Breakfast and lunch fare will be available, as well as home-baked goods. All proceeds will benefit local and international mission and outreach programs. The church is located at 306 W.
Museum to show ‘Black Panther’ On Sept. 15, the African American Museum of the Arts will present a free showing of the “Black Panther.’’ Showtime is 4 p.m. The museum is located at 325 S. Clara Ave., DeLand. For more information, call 386-736-4004 or via email at art@ africanmuseumdeland.org.
CORRECTION
In an election story published on Aug. 23, an incorrect photo was printed of Katienna Brown-Gardner, a Daytona Beach City Katienna Commission BrownGardner candidate. This is the correct photo of BrownGardner.
Last Midtown Motown of the season The band Pocket Change entertained residents on Sept. 8 at Cypress Park in Daytona Beach. It was the last of the monthly Midtown Motown concerts that have taken place at the park since April. The free concert series is presented by the City of Daytona Beach. PHOTOS BY DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
STORM from Page 1 have also stocked up on supplies such as batteries, flashlights, candles, water, and non-perishable foods.” Tony Williams’ home on Cadillac Drive was one of the last to have power restored after Matthew. He also has a daughter in North Carolina. “I talked to my daughter last night. I am definitely concerned about her being in the path of the storm. I am definitely monitoring the storm. I also recall not having power so long following Matthew,” Williams shared.
Millions in damages Irma had downgraded to a tropical storm when it hit the area, but it still caused $451 million in damages in Volusia and Flagler counties. Irma did about $50 billion in total damage, mostly in Florida. Matthew had downgraded to a category 1 storm when it hit but still caused roughly $586 million in damages in Volusia and Flagler.
‘Pay close attention’ People are reminded not to be complacent during hurricane season, which doesn’t end until Nov. 1. James Judge, Volusia County’s Emergency Management manager, said local authorities are working hard to make sure everything runs as smoothly as possible. “It’s absolutely a must that we watch and monitor these storms. Storms stay in the cone of uncer-
tainty two thirds of the time, but a third of the time they fall out. They also have been known to turn around or make turns. It’s the weather, and things change all the time. We must pay close attention. You don’t want to be off guard,” Judge stated.
Disaster prep Getting prepared for a hurricane can help people prepare for other natural disasters. “Hurricane preparedness is one reason but if you prepare for this, you get prepared for other disasters such as wildfires, floods, tornadoes, etc., Judge explained. “So, you want to make sure you know evacuation routes and have your supplies such as water, batteries, radios, can goods, etc. It’s also National Preparedness Month, which is another good reason to go ahead and prepare.”
TOURISM from Page 1 million but has adjusted the estimate to 118.5 million. The tourism industry was affected in 2017 by Hurricane Irma, which closed the Florida Keys for nearly a month after hitting the state last September. The public-private Visit Florida noted that preliminary estimates are made 45 days after the end of each calendar quarter and that final estimates are issued after additional data comes in regarding hotel-room stays and airport use.
Marketing programs cited In a prepared statement, Vis-
it Florida President and CEO Ken Lawson credited his agency’s “tremendous momentum” to “cutting edge marketing programs that highlight the diversity of our state.” This year’s state budget includes $76 million for Visit Florida to conduct marketing, matching last year’s funding. In August, Visit Florida announced the use of $500,000 on a pair of programs to help market areas – Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Sarasota, Manatee, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties – suffering from an outbreak of red tide.
Domestic numbers up One of the programs set up a six-month “complimentary” marketing partnership with Visit Florida, while the other will require counties to outline how they will market themselves as
part of an application for funding. The new numbers show increases in domestic tourists, while there was little change in overseas travel. For the second quarter of 2018, domestic visits were up 7.1 percent from the same period in 2017, accounting for 28.3 million tourists. At the same time, visitors from Canada grew by 1.3 percent.
Canada campaign Florida boosted its marketing directed at Canadians from $1 million to $1.8 million last year, after Lawson acknowledged the state had taken the nation’s northern neighbor for granted. Meanwhile, the second-quarter estimates show Florida attracted 2.6 million overseas visitors, about the same from a year earlier.
Stay alert Stay tuned to local media outlets and emergency management services for the latest information on storms, he urged. “We are constantly putting out updates and threat potentials online and out in the media. We also have an emergency management application, which can be downloaded. It also has our check list of shelters,” he related. For more information on hurricane preparedness and emergency management services, visit www.volusia.org/services/public-protection/emergency-management. You can also visit the state’s Emergency Management site at www.floridadisaster.org.
TEACHER from Page 1 involved in the incident,” she said.
Stricter screenings It remains to be seen if the school district will do stricter background checks for substitute teachers. Efforts to reach the district spokesperson was unsuccessful by the Times’ deadline. Dolphus is also a former teacher and is aware of the
county’s screening practices. “I think that substitutes should have to go through a little more strenuous background checks since they don’t have to go through the same ones as teachers,” she said. “They also aren’t as accustomed to dealing with students as certified teachers are, but no system is perfect and someone is bound to slip through the cracks. Also, subs should have steps to approach disciplinary actions that are clearly defined by the district before they enter a classroom.”
More training? Parents expect more training to be done for teachers and substitutes in regards to disciplining children. “I think since this incident has occurred, they may do more background checks and tougher background checks. They may also go over better ways to control rudely children during meetings,” Gardener related. “It’s just a shame that this has happened. Maybe the school system will properly train teachers and substitutes.’’
SEPTEMBER 13 – SEPTEMBER 19, 2018
COMMUNITY NEWS
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‘Mary’s Love for Gospel’ a show of fashion and faith Gospel vocals recently arrived on the scene of “Mary’s Love for Gospel” and fostered a fashion show of seasoned, bold and beautiful models strutting their stuff along the runway. They gave full credit to the Divine at Palm Coast Community Center, and the entertainment provided a live band and Pastor Sims Jones deejaying for the runway. Life can offer challenges, and there are moments like these that make a difference, providing respite and the fellowship of a meal. The vocals and models became the focus of the alliance between “Mary’s Love for Gospel,” Born Again Christian (BAC) Ministries, God’s Love Ministry, Soul Saving Station, and Inner City Hope. “Mary’s Love for Gospel” typifies Evangelist Mary King’s love for gospel music as a child and continuing to regenerate the showstoppers.
Casual to church wear She returned with the vocals, featuring the models nailing sleek fashions and juggling apparel changes from Belk’s of Palm Coast, Lane Bryant, Ross, Shopper’s Borough in New Jersey, and online at Ashro.com. “The clothes are comfortable and withstand the heat,” said Linda Sharpe Matthews, fashion commentator/Flagler County NAACP president. Matthews coveted the designs in a full circle and uncovered casual wear to essentials suitable for church and the evening. The impact brought labels showcasing jumpsuits, dinner suits, shimmering sequins - accentuating jewelry, shoes and handbags - jacketed dresses, cape jackets, mermaid bottoms, splits in the front or back, and one-shoulder garments that have skyrocketed the world of couture. “I want to thank the models. You were absolutely, positively gorgeous – and the men, their escorts,” said Evangelist King. “And, to my guests for the fashion show, thank you, thank you so very much!”
Praise and worship They “gave it up” for the evangelist, and later, Cynthia Durden Williams reached out as the worship leader from among her gifts as a speaker, gospel singer, and graphic designer. She’s an evangelist and the daughter of the Rev. Willie L. Durden Sr., pastor at Bunnell’s Holy Temple COGIC. Evangelist Williams gave God praise,
PALM COAST COMMUNITY NEWS JEROLINE D. MCCARTHY
and retold, “There are people that got up this morning and did not make it where they were going, and so many people who did not wake up this morning who were trying to go somewhere,” she said. The evangelist began singing, “Yes Lord.” Pastor Herbert Thompson of “Kingdom to America Ministries” led with prayer. The audience then turned to Elder Jackson and The Caravans with “Praise the Lord Everybody” and “Let Us Break Bread Together.”
Mime and melodies Ford and Barbara Giles filled the art of mime. They were introduced as GFB (God Forever Blessing) Mime Praise. Their movements and expressions went into performing, “Broken to be of Service to You.” The Foundation Singers added their rhythm, harmony and melody while vocalizing “My God is Awesome” and “Every Praise is to Our God.” “Everybody has something to thank the Lord for,” the lead singer said. And so, they wound up giving their voices to “God’s Grace.” The audience put their hands together to give God a Hallelujah praise! “God’s been too good to me - even when I didn’t deserve it,” Dr. Carl Joseph said prior to taking his final bow with God’s grace and singing, “Trouble in My Way,” and the vocal, “Thank You, Lord.”
PHOTOS BY JEROLINE D. MCCARTHY/DAYTONA TIMES
Fashion commentator Linda Sharpe Matthews, featured in the background, described the model’s sleek fashion.
Featured are some members from the showstoppers, Elder Jackson and The Caravans.
••• As always, remember our prayers for the sick, afflicted, the prodigal son, or daughter, and the bereaved.
Celebrations
Birthday wishes to Dora Campbell, Sept. 14; Evangelist Faye Dadzie, Minister Carmen Caldwell, Darryl Haywood Jr., Sept. 15; and Tim Duncan, Sept. 18. Happy anniversary to Ray C. and Sondra L. Henderson, Sept. 18.
Evangelist Mary King was also a model.
Ford and Barbara Giles filled the art of mime.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE FOR BLACK STUDENTS. NO EXCUSES. PRAISE FOR ‘EXCELLENCE WITHOUT EXCUSE’: “This guide for African-American college-bound students is packed with practical and insightful information for achieving academic success...The primary focus here is to equip students with the savvy and networking skills to maneuver themselves through the academic maze of higher education.” – Book review, School Library Journal
Flagler County Fire Rescue deployed emergency help to North Carolina this week.
Flagler rescue teams head to North Carolina to help with storm relief On Tuesday, Flagler County Fire Rescue deployed a rescue team and two Strike Team leaders to Raleigh, North Carolina to assist with hurricane response. “Flagler County knows too well how critical the first responders are to residents faced with a hurricane,” said Commission Chair Greg Hansen. “We’re very proud of the men and women who are going to lend their skills and support to those in the path of Hurricane Florence.” The Flagler County Strike Team is one of five traveling from Florida in order to provide an immediate Emergency Medical Service (EMS) response to Hurricane Florence.
Equipped, prepared
www.excellencewithoutexcuse.com
Richard Bennett and Jason Powell deployed as Strike Team leaders and Dave Lawrence and Kyle Najpaver deployed with an ambulance attached to Strike Team 301, with two rescues from St. Johns County and two rescues from Clay County. “We ask that Flagler County keeps both our local responders and the communities to our north in their thoughts,” said Fire Chief Don Petito.
Trail ribbon cutting set for Sept. 21 Volusia County residents and visitors now have 20 more miles of trails on which to walk, jog, skate, bicycle and commune with nature. The Volusia County Council will cut the ribbon for the newest Volusia County trail phase at 8:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 21, in the trail parking lot at 2200 Cow Creek Road, a half mile south of State Road 442, Edgewater. The 20.2-mile phase includes two seg-
“No one wants to hear that any community may be facing a life-threatening storm, but we do feel confident that our team is well-trained, well-quipped and prepared to make a difference in the deployment area.”
Medical help The Flagler County Strike Team is tasked with providing advanced emergency medical care, evacuation support, medical monitoring, patient movement, and general EMS agency support. The responder teams are required to be self-supporting and prepared with all equipment and medical supplies required for 12-hour shifts over the course of the 8-day deployment.
Paying it forward Flagler County IT Administrator/E911 Database Specialist Suzanne Eubanks was also notified to expect deployment as part of the Northeast Florida All Hazards Incident Management Team and to anticipate travel later this week. Eubanks typically fills a Logistics Section Chief role upon deployment. “Flagler County has received an outpouring of assistance for our emergencies in the past,” said Craig Coffey, County Administrator. “We hope to return that assistance and pay it forward to our friends to the north in their time of need.” ments: one that runs from Gobblers Lodge Road to Maytown Spur Road, and another that extends from the Brevard County line north to Cow Creek, where it connects to existing trail and the pedestrian overpass on State Road 442. With the completion of this segment, Volusia County has 58.7 miles of trails that stretch through cities and rural areas. This $16.1 million project, funded by the Florida Department of Transportation, is part of the East Central Regional Rail Trail, the Coast to Coast Trail, and the St. Johns River to Sea Loop.
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SEPTEMBER 13 – SEPTEMBER 19, 2018
Examples of Black political excellence Senators Corey Booker (DN.J.) and Kamala Harris (D-Cal.) used their time wisely in their questioning of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, the elusive man whose hidden documents would perhaps disqualify him from the court. Both (along with Senator Dianne Feinstein and others) raised important points in grilling Kavanaugh, and Booker went on a limb to defy Senate protocol and release so-called confidential emails from Kavanaugh. He earned a warning from one of his colleagues, and praise from embattled Democrats who are likely to lose the fight to keep Kavanaugh off the court because the numbers just don’t add up.
Mumbled and fumbled Harris also pushed Kavanaugh hard, and left him speechless when she asked him if he knew of any laws “that the government has the power to make over the male body?” I whooped when she asked the question, appreciating the point she was making. Kavanaugh could not answer. He simply mumbled and fumbled. Most of the Democrats brought their “A” game to these hearings, but I’m lifting up Booker and Harris because they are examples of Black political excellence. The two are also chairing the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference, the annual September gathering of African-American legislators, activists, and others. Both stand out because of their preparation, excellence, and
JULIANNE MALVEAUX TRICE EDNEY NEWS WIRE
The awful outcome of the 2016 election has emboldened young African-Americans to seek public office against all odds. connections to the African American community. They weren’t the only recent examples of Black political excellence.
Unexpected win In Florida, the underfunded Andrew Gillum, the only nonmillionaire in the race for governor, pulled out an unexpected victory as Democratic nominee. While he didn’t have the money that his rivals had, he had an army of amazing volunteers who combed the state mobilizing voters. The Tallahassee mayor who backed Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential race was boosted by a late endorsement from Senator Bernie Sanders and critical campaign dollars from billionaires Tom Steyer and George Soros. His victory was close, but it wasn’t a squeaker. And he van-
Current events: Ain’t that peculiar! So much goes on these days that one hardly knows where to begin with what else could possibly be happening when a network stops everything and says, “BREAKING NEWS.” These days, we almost have to assume it’s something about the White House and No. 45’s bungling something else. That’s just the way it is, but before we go to that, I hope you watched Brett Kavanaugh turn completely red as he faced questions from Senators Kamala Harris, Corey Booker, Sheldon Whitehouse, Diane Feinstein, Richard Durbin and Richard Blumenthal. They had their work cut out for them while questioning Kavanaugh, who had many memory lapses. They proved to be up to the challenge.
DR. E. FAYE WILLIAMS, ESQ. TRICE EDNEY NEWS WIRE
Second thoughts? It’s really peculiar that he thought No. 45 would be his saving grace to breeze through his examination. It’s been anything but that. He may still be confirmed, but I’m sure he’s had a lot of second thoughts about whether he bargained for the battering he’s faced just to get him to tell the truth. Meanwhile, at the White House, No. 45 is learning the
Breaking the gubernatorial glass ceiling “Now we have black and white elected officials working together. Today, we have gone beyond just passing laws. Now we have to create a sense that we are one community, one family. Really, we are the American family.” – Congressman John Lewis In the 24-year history of the United States, four AfricanAmerican men have presided as the chief executive of a state or commonwealth. Only two were elected in their own right – Deval Patrick of Massachusetts, in 2006, and Douglas Wilder of Virginia, in 1989. (David Paterson of New York was elevated to the office upon the resignation of Eliot Spitzer in 2008.) Before Wilder’s election, we have to go all the way back to
MARC H. MORIAL TRICE EDNEY NEWS WIRE
1872, during Reconstruction – the period when the federal government enforced racial equality in the former Confederate states – to find another African-American governor. P.B.S. Pinchback served as governor of my home state of Louisiana for six weeks, while an impeachment case against John McEnery was tried.
Three on the ballot Given this history, it is nothing short of remarkable that this year, there are three African-American
VISUAL VIEWPOINT: DONALD TRUMP AND BARACK OBAMA
quished former Congresswoman Gwen Graham, daughter of a former governor and part of a political dynasty. What has been most impressive about Gillum, though, has been his eloquence and self-possession in the wake of his victory. Congressman Ron DeSantis, the despicable Trump supporter who won the Republican nomination, followed the example of his patron in using racially-coded language against Gillum, urging voters not to “monkey up” the state. When asked about DeSantis’ ignorance in interviews, Gillum asked voters and others to focus on the issues, not the racism. He appeared unruffled in these exchanges, and indicated exactly the kind of principled governor he will be. Excellence.
Beat an incumbent In Boston, City Councilor Ayana Pressley defeated 10-term Congressman Michael Capuano. With no Republican opposition, she will be the first African-American woman to represent Massachusetts in Congress. Pressley also demonstrated excellence, resilience, and persistence. Ignoring advice that she should “wait her turn” before running for Congress, undeterred by the fact that many members of the Congressional Black Caucus endorsed her opponent, Pressley remained focused on her message and amassed an amazing army of volunteers to earn a stunning victory. Excellence.
meaning of “The Resistance.” The New York Times published an anonymous op-ed article indicating that someone in the White House is “working diligently from within” to frustrate parts of No. 45’s agenda and his worst inclinations. Since he doesn’t know who this person is, he doesn’t know who he should fire! He’s probably searching under his bed at night, looking in his closets and listening in on telephone calls trying to figure out this one. Meanwhile, Colin Kaepernick just had a commercial released by Nike. I can just bet No. 45 got an upset stomach over that. Now No. 45’s friends and supporters have gone ballistic, burning their Nike shoes to protest that move. I guess protesting is okay if you are one of No. 45’s buddies who thought it was all wrong when Colin did it.
New face Of course, he was protesting for a good cause called justice.
major-party nominees for governor, each of whom stand to become the first Black governor of his or her state. If elected, Stacy Abrams, not only would be the first Black governor of Georgia, she would be the first Black woman governor anywhere in the United States. No stranger to the title “first,” her record as a trailblazer extends to her school days, when she became the first African-American valedictorian in memory at her Dekalb County High School. She was the first woman and the first person of color ever to hold the office of minority leader in the Georgia state House. Her political career, too, reaches back to her school, when she was hired as a speechwriter on a congressional campaign when she was just 17. It’s a stunning record of achievement for one born into a poor neighborhood in Gulfport, Mississippi, one of six children in a family that often relied on the social safety net to make
ED WEXLER, CAGLECARTOONS.COM
Stacey Abrams, the Democratic nominee for governor in Georgia is also an example of this excellence. She pulverized her opponent, Stacey Evans, back in June, and is now waging a campaign against another Trumptype opponent. Her excellence stands out and makes her a role model for other African-American women who seek higher office, often against all odds. She has used her personal story to galvanize people, much in the same ways that Ayanna Pressley and Andrew Gillum have. Their stories are persuasive to voters because they assure voters that they may be able to better understand their hardships than others can.
early 40s. Booker is 49, and Harris is in her early 50s. This is quite a change from the entrenched political leadership that endorsed Pressley’s opponent. It doesn’t suggest that the entrenched generation needs to “step aside,” as some have said, but it does suggest that they will have to find ways to work together and learn from each other. The awful outcome of the 2016 election has emboldened young African-Americans to seek public office against all odds. It’s an exciting development in an otherwise gloomy political time, and it ought to also be motivation for people to vote in the midterm elections!
Relatively young
Julianne Malveaux is a Washington, D.C.-based economist and writer. Her latest book, “Are We Better Off? Race, Obama and Public Policy,” is available at www.juliannemalveaux.com.
What is exciting about the Black political excellence is that it also represents a generational changing of the guard. Gillum is 39, Pressley and Abrams, in their
No. 45 wouldn’t know about that. Not only is Colin getting paid for his work, he’s actually the new face of Nike’s “Just Do It” campaign. The comedians have had fun with Nike’s decision to do the right thing by Colin. Jimmy Fallon said that No. 45 was so upset that he told his staff to throw away all of his Nike workout gear. His staff rightly told him, “Sir, you don’t have ANY workout gear.” That seems pretty obvious as he tugs at his coat to hide his eating sins, but he wouldn’t let it go. He said, “Look, just buy it and throw it away!” Guess he didn’t realize how happy that makes Nike. I doubt that Nike cares what No. 45 does with his products once he pays for them. The more No. 45 and his friends buy, the more they can put in Colin’s paycheck! That was probably a bit too difficult for No. 45 to figure out!
Multiple ‘mistakes’ According to Jimmy Fallon,
ends meet.
‘Person of the Year’ Andrew Gillum, a nominee for Florida governor, also showed early signs of great promise, selected by the Gainesville Sun newspaper as a “Person of the Year” upon his graduation from high school. At 23, and still an undergraduate student at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, he was the youngest person ever elected to the Tallahassee City Commission. He became mayor of Tallahassee at the age of 35. Ben Jealous, candidate for Maryland governor, is a familiar face to the Urban League movement. During his five years as president of the NAACP – the youngest person ever to serve in that office – we worked side-byside on issues of racial justice and civil rights. Like myself, the son of two fierce civil rights activists, Jealous was born into the movement. His
Charles W. Cherry II, Esq., Publisher
Opinions expressed on this editorial page are those of the writers, and do not necessarily reflect the editorial stance of the newspaper or the publisher.
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Bob Woodward says No. 45 regrets criticizing White supremacists and said it was the biggest mistake he’s made. Upon looking at his son, Don, Jr., he said, “Actually, second biggest mistake.” If what Omarosa says about the relationship between No. 45 and his son in “Unhinged” is true, that may not be a joke. It’s mighty peculiar that No. 45 can run around at taxpayer expense, pay no taxes, disrespect women (and just about everybody else), lie about everything, obey no laws and run the country with a total lack of knowledge about what it means to be president. Thank God for people like Colin Kaepernick who is a breath of fresh air, and is finally being recognized for the great sacrifice he’s made in an effort to perfect our union while No. 45 destroys it.
Dr. E. Faye Williams is national chair of the National Congress of Black Women, Inc. Contact her via www.nationalcongressbw.org.
African-American mother Ann faced taunts and threats as one of a handful of Black students to desegregate Baltimore’s Western High in 1955. His White father Fred participated in sit-ins to desegregate Baltimore’s lunch counters. As editor of the Jackson Advocate, Mississippi’s oldest historically Black newspaper, Jealous’ work helped to expose corruption in Parchman State Penitentiary and led to the acquittal of a farmer wrongfully accused of arson.
Role models These three candidates have compiled a stunning record of achievement, and they stand as worthy role models for a new generation of young activists and leaders. While we do not endorse candidates, we do encourage everyone to get out and vote!
Marc Morial is president and CEO of the National Urban League.
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NATION MA YOR
SEPTEMBER 13 – SEPTEMBER 2018 DECEMBER 14 - 20,19, 2006
are feeling that connection.”
9/11 factor Crawford is in discussion with local university professors to assess whether simple breathing exercises hold promise for those students too. She selected 9/11 as a start date for Georgia Breathes because she wanted to turn the day into a Day of Action, a way to commemorate the tragedy by bringing people together to build a more connected community. “I want students to connect to their breath, to connect to each other in their classrooms and other classrooms throughout Georgia,” said Crawford.
United Way support An optional tracker helps assess whether the breathing activity helps them gain energy and calm down. Crawford said she’s asking schools to do the activity for 40 days to establish the breathing activity as a habit. Counselors at Berkeley Lake Elementary School and other schools plan to monitor the program, and if deemed effective, will make Georgia Breathes a part of their daily routine throughout the year. She’s hoping Georgia Breathes will be adopted by schools in all 159 counties. The nonprofit behind the initiative is receiving financial support from Lululemon and the United Way.
Private, public schools ALYSSA POINTER/ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION/TNS
Berkeley Lake Elementary School fifth grader Nahile Guzman, right, participates in a deep breathing exercise with a group of her peers at the school in Duluth, Ga., on Sept. 5. Georgia Breathes is a deep breathing initiative created to reduce stress and anxiety within students at Georgia public and private schools.
Georgia schools try breathing exercises to help manage stress BY HELENA OLIVIERO ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION/ TNS
Ten-year-old Akshay Maheshwari said he likes to help people and solve problems. And that’s why the fifth-grader decided to undergo special training to become a peer mediator for a new, school-wide program designed to relieve tension and stress. Georgia Breathes officially kicked off on Tuesday, Sept. 11. The initiative calls for four breaths, practiced for a total of four minutes, for 40 consecutive school days. “This feels like something that would be really helpful for the school,” Akshay said on a late morning recently in a train-
ing room at his school. “Sometimes when people get angry, they can do reckless things, and these breathing exercises can help people feel better.”
‘Breath of Joy’ A growing number of small studies of children and meditation suggests the impact from meditation can be impressive, helping youngsters with everything from improving their social skills to improving their focus in school. For teachers and administrators, breathing exercises are a powerful new skill to offer students, not only to manage stress but also to keep them from acting out and to even help with
academic performance. The four breaths in Georgia Breathes include the “Breath of Joy,” “Washing Machine,” “Wake Up Mountain,” and “Lotus Breath.” The “Breath of Joy” calls for swinging arms straight out in front at shoulder height with palms up, while the “Washing Machine” incorporates twisting side to side. “Wake Up Mountain” gets students and staff up on their feet and reaching high.
Promoting happiness With “Lotus Breath,” palms come together in front of the heart, and with pinkie and thumbs side together, and the rest of the fingers away from each other to resemble a lotus
flower. All the exercises focus on breathing deeply, slowly to decrease negativity and promote happiness. The founder of Georgia Breathes is Cheryl Crawford, a longtime yoga instructor and co-founder of Grounded Kids Yoga, which has been adopted by several schools in metro Atlanta. The idea for Georgia Breathes came to her after spending time at schools across Georgia, and sensing elevated levels of anxiety after a string of school shootings across the country. “I was hearing teachers and students say they can’t breathe,” she said. “And it just came to me. Georgia Breathes … When you are breathing together, you
Schools participating include schools in Gwinnett County, Cobb County and DeKalb County, City of Atlanta schools and City of Decatur schools, along with schools in Savannah, Calhoun County and Chatham County and several private schools including Westminster Schools. Georgia Breathes training kits — which include peace flags from Nepal, guided instructions, and student assessments — cost $44 for schools. Financial assistance is available. Some schools are starting by implementing the initiative in one or a small number of classes, while other schools are immediately making the program school-wide. Georgia Breathes is also appealing because this simple intervention has effects that can stretch beyond the classroom.
Helpful at home Nahile Guzman, a fifth-grader, has already seen the benefits of Georgia Breathes at home. After noticing her younger sister, Brielle, who is 5, get upset while playing with Lego bricks, she gathered her younger sister and parents, and led them in a series of breathing exercises. “I could tell everyone liked it,” she said. “It puts a peaceful mindset in people’s heads.”
Cosby spokesman salutes Owens, slams Hollywood BY STACY M. BROWN NNPA NEWSWIRE
Hollywood’s biggest names, including Tyler Perry, Halle Berry and Patton Oswalt all joined a list of celebrities speaking up for former Cosby Show actor Geoffrey Owens who was shamed on social media for working at a Trader Joe’s in New Jersey. Following Owens’ appearance on Good Morning America, Bill Cosby’s spokesman Andrew Wyatt exclusively told NNPA Newswire that he and the comedian are both proud of Owens. “There’s nothing wrong with working at Trader Joe’s and I commend him for taking care of his family,” said Wyatt, who noted Cosby was unavailable to comment because he’s continued to closely follow the terms of the court order that has him under house arrest.
Lack of residues Wyatt said Owens and other “Cosby Show’’ actors have been victimized by Hollywood studios which have elected to halt reruns of the iconic show and all of Cosby’s works. The result, Wyatt said, is actors like Owens are deprived of potentially lucrative residues cast and writers earn from syndicated shows. “You take ‘The Cosby Show’ off the air, yet you leave ‘7th Heav-
en’ on the air and all of Harvey Weinstein’s movies are still playing whether it’s on Netflix or Hulu you can find them everywhere because you don’t want to hurt these Hollywood starlets and take away their money and residue pay, yet you take ‘The Cosby Show’ off the air,” Wyatt said.
Collins’ charge While Cosby was convicted of aggravated indecent assault for an incident that he maintains was consensual, “7th Heaven” star Stephen Collins admitted to molesting at least three young girls and Weinstein has been charged with several counts of rape and more than 100 women have come forward accusing the movie mogul of assault. Sporting his Trader Joe’s badge, Owens appeared on Good Morning America on Tuesday, Sept. 4, one week after Fox News broadcast photos of him stocking shelves at the grocery store. “No one should feel sorry for me,” said Owens, who played Elvin, the husband of Sandra Huxtable on ‘The Cosby Show.” “I’ve had a great life. I’ve had a great career and I’ve had a career that most actors would die for,” he said.
Actor, teacher, producer The actor noted that he was overwhelmed by the response he’s received after the shaming
incident. “I feel like more of a celebrity now than when I actually was a celebrity,” he said. Since leaving “The Cosby Show,” Owens has worked parttime as an actor and as a producer. He has taught acting and directing at Yale and other universities for more than 30 years. But, he said he took the Trader Joe’s job 15 months ago to support his family. Since the GMA appearance, however, Perry has publicly offered him a role on a popular OWN television show and others like Berry and Oswalt have tweeted support. “My respect to actor Geoffrey Owens, who found honest work between gigs. As Fox News will tell you, all actors, when not acting, seal themselves in proteinsolution ‘shame pods’ until reactivated by the Council of Casting,” Oswalt said.
Cosby ‘legacy’ Wyatt said Owens displayed what “The Cosby Show” was all about. “What Mr. Cosby built was legacy. It wasn’t just legacy to show how families should conduct themselves and live in a certain way in society,” he said. “It was to make sure that these actors were able to survive and enjoy their livelihoods. Yet, [the powers that be] have taken it away.”
Geoffrey Owens shares his story on ABC’s “Good Morning America’’ after he was job-shamed for working at a Trader Joe’s.
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7 CLASSIFIEDS
SEPTEMBER 13 – SEPTEMBER 19, 2018
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JOMY, stroke survivor.
THIS IS WHAT HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE LOOKS LIKE. You might not see or feel its symptoms, but the results – a heart attack or stroke – are far from invisible or silent. If you’ve come off your treatment plan, get back on it, or talk with your doctor to create a new exercise, diet and medication plan that works better for you. Go to
LowerYourHBP.org before it’s too late.
7
M SPORTS AYOR
SEPTEMBER 13 – SEPTEMBER 2018 DECEMBER 14 - 20,19, 2006
Local teams take every week serious BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES
It’s still early in the high school football season, but each week makes a difference for the local teams. Some teams are doing well and some are struggling. Right now, everyone’s postseason hopes are still alive, at least to some extent. DeLand, Atlantic and Deltona Trinity Christian Academy are the only remaining unbeaten teams. The Sharks have won both of their games thus far after going winless last season. “Our hard work in the offseason is paying off. We have some talented players and the kids are buying into the culture that we have set. On the other hand, we are still making too many mental mistakes, so there is work to be done,” said Atlantic Coach DJ Mayo.
‘Good chemistry’ The Bulldogs have impressive wins over talented squads Mainland and Sanford Seminole. They also handed rival Deltona, their only loss. “We’ve beat some good teams. Deltona also has athletes and will test some people. We have good players and good coaches. We have good chemistry and everyone believes in what we’re doing,” said DeLand Coach Steve Allen. “A lot of our players were young on last year’s 2-7 team. They have worked to get better. Add them with the new guys and it’s working thus far.’’
PHOTOS BY DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
Guyvin Williams of Atlantic High School, the ball carrier, is tackled by the Pine Ridge defense. The Atlantic Sharks are off to an 2-0 start and is one of the area’s top teams.
District play Teams like New Smyrna, Deltona and Father Lopez have all looked good with 2-1 records. The larger schools (Class 8A through 5A) are now getting into district play, which is important. The winner of each district gets an automatic bid to the playoff and won’t have to rely on the points system based on averages of wins and losses of teams and their opponents to earn an atlarge bid. “We just go out and play. It’s a new opponent with a different scheme, different uniform and different color each week. Every game counts but winning a district definitely ensures us of making the playoffs,” said Allen.
Every game counts Mainland is 1-2, the players are more talented than their district teams and have won 23 straight district titles. Their losses have come to unbeaten teams, so their playoff hopes are intact. A winless school like Seabreeze can still make a run by winning some district games. Meanwhile, with the smaller schools (Class 4A through 1A), every game really does count
Atlantic High’s coaches give instruction to players during the game against Pine Ridge. since there are no districts. The top six teams in each region earn a playoff spot with the top two earning first round byes.
13 region teams Last year, only four teams in each region got in; the FHSAA expanded the field this season. “We just have to win. We just go out and play. There are 13 teams in each region,” Mayo related. “You want to be in the top two, but the top six make it. If you do lose a game throughout the year,
you want to lose to a team with a winning record,’’ he added.
Week’s top high school games Deltona (2-1) at New Smyrna Beach (2-1): It is the district opener for both teams as both the Wolves and Cudas have shown improvement. It’s a good measuring stick and the winner playoff chances increase. This should be the best game played locally this week. Jacksonville Sandalwood (2-0)
Atlantic’s Trevor Young (10) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against Pine Ridge.
at Spruce Creek (2-1): The Hawks are looking for a win in their district opener, but the Saints will present them with a challenge. Jacksonville Mandarin (1-2) at DeLand (3-0): The Bulldogs have looked good and now they look to open district play with a win. If they play like they did against Mainland and Seminole, they’ll be fine. Flagler Palm Coast (2-1) at St Augustine (1-2): The Bulldogs look to bounce back. They will need to find their offense on the road to beat the Yellow Jackets.
Atlantic (2-0) at Taylor (1-1)” The Sharks look to go 3-0. The Wildcats aren’t as deep as last season year, but they are still a tough team. This could be a good one but Atlantic looks more talented and deeper than Taylor.
Prep seven football rankings 1. DeLand (3-0), 2. Flagler Palm Coast (2-1), 3. Mainland (1-2), 4. Spruce Creek (2-1), 5. Atlantic (20), 6. New Smyrna Beach (2-1), 7. Deltona (2-1).
Quarterback, kicker win top weekly honors from MEAC SPEICAL TO THE DAYTONA TIMES
NORFOLK, Va. – After a dominating 79-16 win over Virginia University of Lynchburg over last weekend, Bethune-Cookman Football collected a pair of Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) weekly awards, announced Monday afternoon from the league office in Norfolk, Virginia. Akevious Williams was announced as MEAC Offensive Player of the Week, while Uriel Hernandez was tabbed Co-Specialist of the Week. Williams, a 6-3, 185-pound redshirt junior quarterback from Madison, turned in a career day over the weekend to grab the first Offensive Player of the Week award of his career. Uriel He came off the bench to register a career-best 297 yards and four Alexander touchdowns on 12-of-13 passing in the game. He would add another rushing score to account for a career-best five (5) touchdowns overall in the BCU victory.
Hernandez scores DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
Walkers and runners stretch before participating in an event on Sept. 8 at City Island in Daytona Beach to raise cancer awareness.
Walk/run focuses on cancer awareness The “Celebration of Hope Walk/Run’’ on Sept. 8 at City Island in Daytona Beach was presented by Bethune-Cookman University’s Odessa Chambliss Quality of Life Fund, Inc. The director is Dr. Diana Lee. Participants in the walk/run, which focused on cancer awareness, included Lucille O’Neal, a B-CU grad and board of trustees member, as well as her family members. The Odessa Chambliss Center for Health Equity is named after O’Neal’s mother, Odessa Chambliss, who was a nurse and a woman of faith who inspired her family to improve the quality of life of the community. The center focuses on opportunities for B-CU students, faculty, staff and the surrounding community to improve their overall health.
Uriel Hernandez, a 5-7, 209-pound senior from Homestead, was the MEAC’s leading scorer as he finished 11-for-11 on his point-after attempts in the Wildcats’ win over the Virginia team. It was a career-high in extra point attempts. He also kicked off four times for an average of 57.8 yards per kickoff, also netting one touchback with 231 yards altogether. Hernandez shared the Specialist of the Week award with North Carolina A&T punt returner Kashon Baker, who broke open a tight contest for the Aggies late in the second quarter with a 78-yard punt return for a touchdown versus Gardner-Webb. He finished with a total of 95 yards on two returns for an average of 47.5 yards per punt.
Florida Atlantic next Delaware State’s Brian Cavicante was named Defensive Player of the Week, while North Carolina A&T’s Marcus Pettiford received Offensive Lineman of the Week honors. Sherman McLeod of North Carolina Central earned Rookie of the Week accolades following the Eagles’ victory against St. Augustine’s. Bethune-Cookman returns to action Saturday, Sept. 15, when the Wildcats travel to Boca Raton for a meeting with Florida Atlantic at 6 p.m.
This story is courtesy of BCUAthletics.com.
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7CULTURE
SEPTEMBER 13 – SEPTEMBER 19, 2018 “We are evolving into a society that accepts that people make mistakes and should be given a second chance,” said Johnny Taylor, president and CEO of the Society for Human Resources Management, which has been encouraging employers to consider hiring people with records. If the nation’s low unemployment rate continues to fall, “no one will have the luxury of not at least considering this,” he said.
Mindset shift
ABEL URIBE/CHICAGO TRIBUNE/TNS
Andre Joachim in shown in his counseling office called Taking Control on Aug. 28. He did time in prison but changed his life and now wants to help people with mental and social problems.
Employers more open to hiring people with criminal backgrounds BY ALEXIA ELEJALDE-RUIZ AND LISA SCHENCKER CHICAGO TRIBUNE/TNS
Three documents that would have seemed improbable 15 years ago now hang, carefully arranged, above Andre Joachim Jr.’s desk: a master’s degree in counseling, certification from the National Board for Certified Counselors, and an Illinois license as a professional counselor. Fifteen years ago, Joachim was just about to enter prison for the fourth time. “If you would have told me 15 years ago I would have graduated with my master’s degree, I would have laughed,” Joachim said. “I thought I’d be dead by 30.” Yet after his fourth incarceration, Joachim began to recon-
sider life. He attended classes at Joliet Junior College, an ankle monitor hidden beneath his pant leg. He earned associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Law change The last hurdle was getting licensed by the state — something that until recently was banned for people with backgrounds like Joachim’s. But a 2016 law changed that, allowing people with forcible felony convictions to become licensed health care workers. “It was an amazing experience,” Joachim said. “I felt this new lease on life since getting licensed. Doors have opened up for me.” Doors long closed to people with criminal records have
begun to crack open in industries ranging from health care to banking as employers seek new sources of talent and lawmakers bet that gainful employment will reduce the risk that people will return to prison.
Tweaks to policies In Illinois, lawmakers have changed licensing laws to make more than 100 occupations more accessible to people with criminal records, including in real estate and accounting. The state also has expanded the types of convictions that can be sealed and therefore invisible to most employers. Meanwhile, tweaks to federal banking policies make it easier for banks to hire people convicted of minor crimes.
Many companies are still reluctant, concerned about negligenthiring lawsuits should something go wrong. And while some companies are targeting people with records as part of their diversity initiatives, few are broadcasting it loudly, Taylor said. Advocates say it is a population that employers can’t ignore. Giving convicted felons a fair shot at a good job is increasingly being embraced as necessary. “Society as a whole has started to shift its mindset,” said Sakira Cook, senior counsel at the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. “Housing, education, job opportunities are all basic needs, and if the needs are met then the likelihood of someone engaging in criminal behavior is reduced.”
Lack of awareness Though more doors are being opened, it’s not clear how many people are walking through them. Just nine people with criminal records have so far taken advantage of a 2016 Illinois law removing the lifetime ban on health care licenses for people with certain felonies, according to the state Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. That likely stems from a lack of awareness, said Sodiqa Williams, general counsel and vice president of external affairs at the Chicago-based Safer Foundation, which provides re-entry help to the formerly incarcerated. “For decades people understood that certain professions are not attainable, so they don’t even try it,” Williams said. “You have to change the culture.”
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Tried anyway Joachim, for example, didn’t know he could get his license until just before he took his National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification. He understood that he might not be able to get a license, but went to school anyway in hopes of building a better life. He thought he had thrown away his life at 15 when he joined a gang after being kicked out of his home. Over the years, he was convicted of armed robbery, crimes related to dealing drugs and illegal possession of guns. His feelings changed, however, when his sons were born, shortly before his fourth term in prison.
A helping hand He didn’t want crime and apathy to be his legacy. He began taking classes behind bars, and once he was released, a psychology professor at Joliet Junior College took an interest in him. That professor helped spur him into a career as a counselor. He found that he had a knack for connecting with people and enjoyed helping others, including those, who, like him, have vitiligo, a disease that causes the loss of skin color in blotches. It’s a career that’s given him purpose, he said.
Moving forward Ultimately, employers will be the ones who decide whether to give individuals with criminal histories a second chance. But the recent policy changes are giving hope to many who feel they’ve paid their debts to society and are ready, in some cases, to give back. Joachim is now working on his doctorate in counselor education and supervision. He also works part-time and already has more than half a dozen clients. He hopes one day to become a clinical director or own a practice. His passion in life is helping others. “For those who want to change and be productive members of society, now you can do that,” Joachim said.