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AUGUST 8 - AUGUST 14, 2019
YEAR 44 NO. 32
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RELL BLACK: AFRICAN AMERICAN POLITICIANS SHOULD FOCUS ON BLACK ISSUES PAGE 4
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‘Ready for a fight’ Democratic National Committee vice chair rallies area Democrats; urges participation on local and national levels. BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES
Local Democrats got an extra spark for the 2020 presidential election last week. Michael Blake, vice chair of the Democratic National Committee, delivered a fiery message at the Volusia County Democratic Black Caucus’ Second Annual Black & Blue Gala on Aug. 3. It was held at Bethune-Cookman University’s Center for Civic Engagement.
Blake also is a New York Assemblyman from the 79th district in the Bronx, New York. The gala is the annual fundraiser for the Volusia County Black Democratic Caucus, which aims to get local African-American Democrat candidates and other Democrats elected to local, state and national offices.
Time to fight The audience was encouraged to be ready for a fight in 2020. “We must be ready for a fight. We are fighting for the direction of our country. We are fighting for the soul of our country. Maybe we have forgotten how to fight. We fought during slavery, Jim Crow and civil rights,” Blake told attendees at the event. “We are fighting the prison indus-
trial complex, voter suppression, inequality, injustice and more. We are the Democratic Party. We fight for the people. That is who we are and what we do.’’
Calls Trump racist Along with the 2020 election, Blake addressed Amendment 4; the mass shooting in El Paso, Texas; racism; and voter apathy. President Trump wasn’t sparred in the congressman’s speech. “People from New York and New Jersey aren’t surprised. We know what he is. He is a racist, criminal, misogynist, xenophobe and more. We know what was passed on in his house. When those around him won’t speak up, we must,’’ Blake stated.
DAYTONA TIMES / 40TH ANNIVERSARY
Azama is city clerk, Dickerson Library
See DEMS, Page 2
DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
Michael Blake addresses local Democrats during an Aug. 3 gala.
Daytona settles Huger suit; city manager in hot seat BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES
Settlements totaling more than $1 million for two discriminations lawsuits against the City of Daytona Beach causing backlash. Meanwhile, scrutiny for the City Manager Jim Chisholm is at a high, with one local group calling for his ouster. During Wednesday’s night regular Daytona Beach City Commission meeting, commissioners voted 7-0 to approve a settlement on a lawsuit with its former facilities construction and maintenance manager, Thomas Huger, for more than $600,000.
2016 lawsuit Huger, 67, sued the city for age and race discrimination after he was passed over for promotion for public works director. He worked with the city from 2006 to 2017 and sued his employer back in 2016. In 2015, he filed a claim with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. His old job paid him $105,000 annually. The job went to David Waller, a then 44-year old White male. During Wednesday night’s meeting, some residents took advantage of the allotted public comment time to address their concerns. “These lawsuits for discriminations show that there is a lot going on in the city. They wouldn’t be here if employees didn’t feel that they are being treated unfairly. I was subpoenaed for court in the Huger case,” commented resident Marjorie Johnson. Ken Strickland added, “This is
Mandatory workshops set for ECHO grant program
Thirty-two years ago in 1987, the Daytona Times reported on Gwen Azama becoming the city clerk of Daytona Beach, and on problems at the Dickerson Center, which had its own separate library at the time. The library was later closed.
ALSO INSIDE
The Volusia County Environmental, Cultural, Historical and Outdoor Recreation (ECHO) Grants-in-Aid program is starting the 2019-2020 grant cycle with two workshops. Eligible applicants who wish to apply must attend at least one of these workshops: • 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16, in the first-floor training room of the Thomas C. Kelly Administration Center, 123 W. Indiana Ave., DeLand
the second such settlement within a year. Women and minorities still feel the effects of this. The city manager is responsible and should be held accountable.”
Want ‘Chisholm gone’ Strickland is also chairman of Sons of the Beach and Friends. The group is an advocacy group dedicated to keeping access to beach driving open for everyone in Volusia County. A small group held a protest in the rain outside of City Hall before the commission meeting demanding that Chisolm be let go. “We want Chisholm gone. He is wasting money. We are losing our tax dollars. Just look at these two lawsuit settlements. We’re not going to stop protesting until he is gone,” Strickland stated.
Seeking change Strickland says people must come together in order to bring change. “We must have unity and put aside our differences no matter what neighborhood you are in. Whether it’s Midtown, beach side, Main Street or Beach Street, until we put in grassroots candidates and stop supporting those candidates that are bought and paid for, we will never get anything done or needed.” Huger’s settlement comes months after former city employee Sonja Wiles, a White woman, awarded a settlement of more than $450,000 for her suit against the city. Wiles worked as an administrative coordinator in the public works division for many years. See HUGER, Page 2
• 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23, in the third-floor training room of the Volusia County Lifeguard Headquarters, 515 S. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach The workshops are open to the public. ECHO grants are provided through a competitive application process annually and are for the purpose of acquisition, restoration, construction or improvement of facilities to be used for environmental, cultural, historical and outdoor recreational purposes for public use. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporations, municipal governments in Volusia County, and departments of Volusia County Government. For more information, visit www.volusia.org/echo.
COMMUNITY NEWS: HALIFAX HEALTH TO HOST JOB FAIRS IN DAYTONA BEACH AND DEBARY | PAGE 3 COMMENTARY: E. FAYE WILLIAMS: A SECOND LOOK AT PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN | PAGE 4
7 FOCUS
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AUGUST 8 – AUGUST 14, 2019
Stetson named one of nation’s best colleges by Princeton Review
places on the rigor of the secondary school record and academic GPA. “Stetson’s acceptance rate is deceptively high,” says the publication, explaining “this school attracts go-getters and each year’s freshman class profile is more impressive than the last.”
SPECIAL TO THE DAYTONA TIMES
Stetson University has been recognized as one of the leading undergraduate institutions in the nation by The Princeton Review for the fifth year in a row. This honor, given to only about 15% of America’s four-year colleges, appears in the 2020 edition of “The Best 385 Colleges.” “Challenging academics that help students grow intellectually while honing their problemsolving and critical thinking skills are trademarks of a Stetson education,” said Stetson University President Wendy B. Libby, Ph.D. “A Stetson degree is made more valuable by the experiential learning through internships and research, as well as the opportu-
‘Perfect location’
nities provided for international study. And for a private education, this is all amazingly affordable.”
‘Attracts go-getters’ Published annually since 1992, “The Best 385 Colleges” contains
detailed profiles of each college which includes excerpts from student surveys and rating scores in eight categories including Academics, Admissions Selectivity and Financial Aid, among others. In its profile on Stetson University, The Princeton Review editors praise Stetson for the value it
Other important factors that Stetson looks at include class rank, application essay, interview, recommendations and volunteer work. Students believe Stetson is in the “perfect location” between Daytona Beach and Orlando, with “tons of outdoor space and recreation” where students hang out with friends and relax in the sun. Students also say “the abundance of clubs on campus and willingness to let them all speak their minds,” is a very important aspect of life at Stetson that students
Applause for wait staff At the event, Blake took the time to recognize the staff that prepared and served the meal by having everyone in attendance stand and applaud them.
DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
Attendees to the Volusia County Democratic Black Caucus’ Second Annual Black & Blue Gala are all smiles.
DEMS from Page 1 Focus on every seat Volusia Democrats were encouraged to get voters out to the polls for all elections. “We can’t just focus on the White House. We must focus on the U.S. Senate, U.S. House, every state House, every state Senate, every county and every city seat.’’ Voting rights were also a topic of discussion. “It’s was a victory in this state when Amendment 4 was passed. Now you see there are those who want to change how it’s implemented. Every time Blacks, women or Latinos try to advance, they try to change the rules,” Blake shared, referring to the amendment that automatically restored the right to vote to more than 1.4 million ex-felons in Florida. It was passed on the ballot during the 2018 midterm election. However, Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation in June that requires felons’ fines to be paid before their rights can be restored.
HUGER from Page 1 She was fired by the city in 2015. Wiles sued the city for gender discrimination and harassment, along with gender-based hostile environment and retaliation. In her case, it stated that she spoke up for Huger.
Reed: I’m embarrassed Both Huger and Wiles were represented by Attorney Kelly Chanfrau of Chanfrau & Chanfrau law firm. The Daytona Times was not able to reach Huger or his attorney by the newspaper’s Wednesday night deadline. City commissioners weighed in on the Huger settlement during Wednesday’s meeting. Commissioner Paula Reed stated, “I’m embarrassed that in 2019 we find ourselves in a settlement for a discrimination case. Thomas Huger is the son of a civil rights icon James Huger Sr. Something is wrong. We can’t bury our heads in the sand. This is a lot of money for nothing to
‘Domestic terrorism’ During his speech, Blake also paid homage to the victims of the mass shooting in El-Paso the morning of Aug. 3. During the mass shooting, 22 people were killed and more than two dozen were injured. The incident sparked a debate on gun control. “We must reflect upon the magnitude of what happened. It’s an act of domestic terrorism. This person was reported to have a White Supremacy manifesto, which is anti-immigrant and anti-Latino,” Blake said. “We must hold accountable those elected officials that we have voted for. If they aren’t advocates for gun control change, then vote them out. No matter your background, you shouldn’t have to worry about coming home safely after leaving your home.
Worked for Obama Blake was born in the Bronx, New York to Jamaican immigrants. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University in Journalism. Before politics, he worked as a television news producer. Blake was trained by
have been done.’’
Who pays settlement With the city’s insurance company suggesting settlement, the lawsuit settlement was pretty much a done deal. Most of it is paid through Lexington Insurance company/AIG, the city’s insurance company. The settlement calls for the city to pay $350,000 and AIG to pay 775,000. Zone 2 City Commissioner Carlos Delgado noted, “It’s basically where the insurance company says they’re going to settle even if the city doesn’t.’’ The commission also discussed more diversity, sensitivity and sexual harassment training and workshops during the meeting. The city says it currently has those measures in place. Chisholm said, “We do have training for employees but each case is individual.”
What Huger gets The city has already paid $525,000 in legal costs. Orlando labor attorney Ben Wood is representing the city.
President Barack Obama and worked in his administration as associate director of Public Engagement and deputy associate director of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. Prior to those positions, he was deputy director of Operation Vote for Obama’s 2012 campaign and Iowa deputy political director for Obama in 2008.
‘Don’t be on the sideline’ In addition, Blake urged people to not stand by idly while injustice and intolerance is happening. “We can’t be selective. Don’t be on the sideline while crimes are happening against women, Blacks, Latinos and people of different faiths. Speak out against homophobia, the racist border wall and people with disability who are being mocked,” Blake stressed. He further stated, “Not standing for the national anthem might not mean that you don’t love this country but you’re just tired of seeing Black and Brown people are being shot and killed by police unjustly.”
The settlement calls for Huger to get $350,000 in compensatory damages, $50,000 in lost wages and $200,000 in attorney’s fees. The city will also pay more than $3,800 in tax contributions for lost wages. Within 90 days, $400,000 is due while the other $200,000 is due by Jan. 10.
hold close to their hearts. Among student comments regarding academics: professors are their “biggest cheerleaders,” “very willing to meet outside of class,” “love to help you find research opportunities or write recommendations,” and “when someone says ‘please call/text me’ they actually mean it.” Students also say that faculty loop them into their work on consulting projects with the Orlando business community where they can “gain work experience, network and broaden [their] resume.” According to The Princeton Review: Stetson students describe the school as diverse, with an “abundance of culture radiating through our campus. This is “a fairly close-knit” group that focuses a lot on community engagement, and “some of the most friendly people you will ever meet.”
He also acknowledged the legacy of BethuneCookman University. The event was well attended by politicians at the local and county level as well as the state and national level, including Lyd-
ia Hudson with the Florida Black Democratic Caucus; Volusia County Democratic Executive Committee Chair Jewel Dickson; and Barbara Girtman, Volusia County Councilwoman for District 1.
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
www.excellencewithoutexcuse.com
AUGUST 8 – AUGUST 14, 2019
County urges mosquito precautions
SPECIAL TO THE DAYTONA TIMES
Summer fun at Islamic Center The Islamic Center of Daytona Beach’s free summer camp attracted 160 youth. The youth participated in arts and crafts, sporting games, movies and field trips. The camp included the reading of the Quran as well as other religious activities, even singing Muslim rap songs. Linda McGee was in charge of the program, which operates solely on donations from the community. PHOTOS BY DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
Halifax Health planning two job fairs Halifax Health will host a job fair on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 5:30 to 8 p.m., at Houligan’s Speedway, 1725 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach. A second one is schedule for Tuesday, Aug. 20, 5:30 to 8 p.m., at Central 28 Beer Co., 290 Springview Commerce Drive, Suite 1, DeBary. Halifax Health is seeking highly qualified candidates for its Daytona Beach, Port Orange and Deltona locations. Health care professionals, including registered nurses, medical technologists, licensed practical nurses, radiology technologists, medical assistants, therapists, and certified nursing assistants, are invited to attend.
Those interested in attending the Daytona Beach job fair should RSVP by Tuesday, Aug. 13 at noon to Nicholas.Rolando@halifax.org. RSVPs for the DeBary job fair should be emailed to the same address by noon Monday, Aug. 19. For more information, visit halifaxhealth.org/jobfair.
Palm Coast church to host Football Sunday Palm Coast United Methodist Church will hold its eighth annual Football Sunday services on Aug. 18 at 5200 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast, Members of the Flagler Palm Coast and Matanzas High School football teams, coaches, cheerleaders, and band members will attend the contemporary wor-
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COMMUNITY NEWS
Since the Department of Health in Orange County issued a health advisory for eastern equine encephalitis on July 25, there has been a lot of buzz about mosquitoes in Central Florida. While there is no health advisory in Volusia County, residents and visitors are urged to take precautions as mosquito populations remain high and mosquitoes pose a risk of disease transmission to animals and people. “Horses can contract eastern equine encephalitis but they cannot transmit to humans,” said Sharon Gamble, director of the University of Florida/Volusia County Extension. “Fortunately, horses can be vaccinated. Horse owners are encouraged to work closely with their veterinarians to develop an effective vaccination schedule.”
Toss standing water Volusia County Mosquito Control is actively monitoring and treating the county’s mosquito population by conducting surveillance; placing mosquito fish; spraying by truck, boat and helicopter; and educating the public.
ship service at 9:30 a.m. Members of the Bethune-Cookman University football team and coaches will attend the traditional worship service 11 a.m. Parishioners and guests are encouraged to wear a football jersey representing their favorite high school, college or professional teams. The public is invited to attend. For more information, call 386-4451600.
Caribbean Crew band to perform in Deltona Deltona Parks & Recreation will present the Caribbean Crew Steel Drum Band at The Center at Deltona for a free concert. The band will perform from 7 to 9 p.m., Aug. 17 at The Center, 1640 Dr. Martin Lu-
“Residents can also make a huge difference in breaking the lifecycle of the mosquito population by tipping and tossing standing water in their yards,” said Suzanne Bartlett, director of Volusia County Mosquito Control.
Prevention tips Bartlett offers these tips to prevent mosquito bites: • Use an EPA approved mosquito repellent. • Dress to protect exposed skin. • Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and broken appliances. • Turn over empty pots and buckets. • Replace the water in birdbaths and pet dishes at least once a week. • Clean out eaves, troughs and gutters. • Pick up beverage containers and cups. • Drain water from boats and tarps. • Cover windows and doors with screens. • Maintain the proper chemistry in swimming pools, and empty plastic pools when not in use. For more mosquito prevention tips, visit volusia.org/mosquito and click on “Tips on mosquito protection.”
ther King Jr. Blvd. Caribbean Crew performs a variety of steel drum music, reggae, calypso, soca, and dancehall. They also perform some Top-40 hits, folk songs, Jimmy Buffet selections and more. There will be limited seating for this performance inside the Grand Ballroom at The Center, but plenty of room for guests to dance to the sounds of the islands and also join the conga line. Admission to the concert is free. Those wishing to attend are asked to register on Eventbrite. The Center will offer a full cash bar and snacks. No outside food or beverages will be permitted. This event is sponsored by Deltona Parks & Recreation in collaboration with The Center at Deltona. For more information, call Deltona Parks & Recreation, 386-878-8900.
Easy grocery delivery. publix.com/shop
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R4
7 EDITORIAL
AUGUST 8 – AUGUST 14, 2019
Black politicians should focus on Black issues Whenever we seem to vote a Black elected official in, they’ll try and finesse a few votes then say, “I’m not just an official for Black people. I’m an official for all people.” Those same Black politicians thrive off our votes, yet promote and push paid-for agendas that have no positive effect on suffering parts of our city. In 2019, a new storm is brewing that will alter the future of politics and community affairs for citizens everywhere. That storm is young Black politicians stepping up to the plate.
Real local issues Black politicians discussing Black issues to get Black results. Health awareness, youth-driven programs and police/community affairs are some of the true issues of our community, and it’s time we get leaders who truly understand and respect that. Health is wealth, and our community is doing poorly. In Volusia County, HIV/AIDS rates have more than doubled in the last few years. With the promotion of promiscuity and sexual fluidity, more Black people than ever are contracting sexually transmitted diseases. Not a single politician will discuss it. Hypertension and diabetes are just two of many health issues facing our community daily. Volusia County is one of the top 10 unhealthiest counties in America. Healthier food options, including vegan and health food truck fairs
RELL BLACK GUEST COLUMNIST
The race for 2020 starts now. There will be more young, successful Black candidates than ever before. We will move our community forward, by any means necessary! Asé! and more fresh produce grocery stores, would make a difference and create a sustainable impact on the overall health of our community.
Where are the services? Mayor Derrick Henry has done a great job with his annual health and fitness challenges, but where are the mental health courses for our troubled youth? Where are the drug prevention courses on Saturdays at the local libraries for our highly impressionable teens? It’s ironic that whenever a young man is killed in a high-
What goes up must come down There is much to object to about No. 45’s presidency – his hateful racial rhetoric, his attacks on women and people of color, his appointment of extremely young and inexperienced members of the federal judiciary, his rollback of environmental protections, his attacks on public education, and more. But his economic stewardship, an arena he claims to have mastered, is as repulsive as his noneconomic stewardship. Many of his minions have, albeit gently, criticized the ways he has managed the economy. His trade wars, especially with China, may stand at the top of the list.
China won’t pay He says that China will pay when he, most recently, announced that he would impose a ten percent tariff on $300 billion worth of imports from China. The Chinese won’t pay. U.S. consum-
Learned his lesson I can forgive people who do better when they know better. I think that describes Mr. Biden. I have no doubt that he has learned from the error of his ways and he has become a much bet-
Complete silence In 2017, when Shykari Willis was killed in his grandmother’s backyard after an altercation with a Daytona Beach police officer, it would’ve meant the world to our community if any elected official would’ve said, “This is unfortunate for our community, and this is a true issue around the country.” Most importantly, our youth truly needs the voice of elected officials to make sure they have a safe and successful future. With as many Black elected officials and city employees, you would expect there to be a vari-
during the early recovery from the Great Recession was an effective way to lower the cost of money and, theoretically, put more money into the economy for expansion.
No trickle-down JULIANNE MALVEAUX TRICE EDNEY NEWS WIRE
ers will. And U.S. producers and manufacturers will also pay when China retaliates against us, as they have promised to do. To be sure, China has been a “bad actor” in trade relationships with the United States. But No. 45’s intemperate and ill-advised tantrum will not only affect many in the United States –including farmers, manufacturers, and consumers – but may also play a role in slowing down the world economy. For the first time in a decade, the Federal Reserve has reduced the interest rate by a quarterpoint. Cutting the interest rate
A second look at Ronald Reagan While presidential candidate Joe Biden is struggling with being confronted with his past, let’s not forget that there were politicians with far worse records of racism than Joe. Most of us have been able to witness Joe’s evolution to become a better person. One might say he learned from his experiences, and became someone who is much loved by many of the very people who were hurt by his earlier position on several issues such as criminal justice.
speed police chase or dies from a car crash, elected officials make public statements asking for change. Shouldn’t that have been done prior to yet another unfortunate person victimized by his own environment? When are politicians going to be honest with the Black community about police brutality and human/civil rights issues? Just last month, a young man was harassed on Seabreeze Boulevard and beaten on video by a Daytona Beach police officer. Not one elected official spoke up or out against this constitutional and human rights violation. Are our current Black elected officials afraid to speak up in case they lose their status or connections? Or are they so bought and sold to the highest bidder that issues in the Black community truly don’t affect them?
DR. E. FAYE WILLIAMS, ESQ. TRICE EDNEY WIRE
ter person. Surely President Barack Obama knew about Mr. Biden’s past, and still selected him to become his vice-president. He turned out to be a good choice and that’s why so many Black people are now supporting him. Now let’s take a look at another politician from not too long ago: President Ronald Reagan. He was our 40th president, and is often admired and quoted by many on both sides of the aisle.
In reality, cheaper money didn’t trickle down to homeowners or consumers, but it did generate GDP growth. Now growth is slowing, partly because of Trump’s trade wars, and partly because his tax cuts have not trickled down, and people don’t have as much money to spend as they’d like. Interest rate cuts are a clear sign that our nation’s bankers are not confident that economic expansion will continue to be robust. Many of No. 45’s allies tout low unemployment rates as evidence of economic strength. And the July 3.7 percent unemployment rate, unchanged from June is indeed a ten-year low. The Black unemployment rate is at an alltime low. And last month, 164,000 more jobs were created, labor force participation rose, and the number of discouraged workers declined.
Not impressed I met Mr. Reagan in 1984 when I visited him at the White House with Grambling’s Coach Eddie Robinson. While I didn’t formally meet him then, I ran into him in Detroit at the Republican convention and had an opportunity to size him up. I didn’t find him impressive either time. Yet, I knew people who treated him like he was a close second to God! I never thought of him as a particularly smart person. But still today, many (White) people speak of him in glowing terms. We can’t measure him against Joe Biden. They’re very different people. Let’s measure Reagan beside Donald Trump.
Mutual disrespect Trump recently disrespected African leaders with very offensive terms. Reagan disparaged African delegates to the United Nations.
VISUAL VIEWPOINT: THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY
BRUCE PLANTE, TULSA WORLD
ety of cultural events to enrich our community. It’s disturbing that a city that houses Bethune-Cookman University doesn’t even have an annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. parade or celebration anymore. It’s time for our issues to be heard and for a true leader to be a voice for the voiceless. Unfortunately, every group or demographic except the Black community is able to openly speak about their issues and struggles. As a people, we’re supposed to show empathy and open our hearts. But when it comes to Black issues like mass incarceration, sexual assault, illiteracy, and poverty, politicians usually skate over these topics so not to offend potential voters. This is why it’s so crucial for Black politicians to focus on Black issues and attempting to find Black solutions so maybe we too
will have our stories and our lives protected and appreciated.
Why no celebration?
more than $750 billion and will cut spending on food.
Firstly, because wage growth is slow. In a tight labor market, with low unemployment rates, wages should be increasing by more than the 3 percent annual rate they are growing at now. Further, although there is slight improvement in labor force participation, and fewer workers holding part-time work for economic reasons, tepid wage growth suggests that while jobs are available, they aren’t necessarily goodpaying jobs. Slow wage growth and a slowing economy are likely to lead to a new recession. Economist Heather Boushey says that increasing inequality makes a recession more possible than it otherwise might be. And this administration does not mind increasing inequality. Most recently, they have proposed cuts to food stamp programs that will leave at least three million people – low-income workers and their children, people with disabilities and some older Americans, vulnerable to hunger. The Senate just passed a budget that will increase military spending by
A few days ago, The Atlantic published an article where Reagan in one of his racist conversations with a questionable character named Richard Nixon, who tried to convince us when he got caught that he was not a crook! Once Reagan vented his frustrations about African leaders to Nixon saying, “To see those monkeys from those African countries – damn them, they’re still uncomfortable wearing shoes!” As Trump was campaigning for president, he ran off statistics disparaging the way some Black people live. In an effort to get Black people’s support, he asked, “What have they got to lose?”
The same way Trump refers to cities where there are many Black people in derogatory terms. His reference to Baltimore as “rat-infested” and he couldn’t understand how any humans could live there was his way of dehumanizing Black
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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We are ready Our young generation of leaders are ready, thriving and hungry to make true changes in our community. We’re tired of the way things are being run. We’re upset with the lack of transparency. We are tired of seeing the same faces over and over on commission and redevelopment boards. The race for 2020 starts now. There will be more young, successful Black candidates than ever before. We will move our community forward, by any means necessary! Asé!
Rell Black is an award-winning activist, blogger and the founder of Community Healing Project Inc.
Less to spend Economic expansion depends on people spending money, and too many have little to spend. The food stamp cuts give some even less. Increased prices of goods imported from China gives them less to spend. And the administration team that touts economic strength on the one hand is undermining both growth and poverty alleviation, on the other. What goes up must come down. Can the No. 45 economic team manipulate the economy to continue expansion through the 2020 election, or will attacks on the poor result in less spending, less expansion, and an economic catastrophe?
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.
people. Years earlier, Reagan claimed minorities were better off under him. Trump claims not to have a racist bone in his body, but it’s obvious there’s racism in his heart while accusing Rep. Elijah Cummings of being racist. Reagan turned the problem back to Black people because surely he wasn’t racist! He challenged the NAACP’s Dr. Ben Hooks to imagine looking into his (Reagan’s) heart, and he would find not a trace of prejudice or bigotry there! No, it’s always the fault of the accuser! One of Reagan’s defenders denied that he was racist; he was just backward in some ways on racial issues! Sounds like racism to me.
Dr. E. Faye Williams is national chair of the National Congress of Black Women, Inc. Contact her via www.nationalcongressbw.org.
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HEALTH MA YOR
AUGUST 8 – AUGUST 2019 DECEMBER 14 - 20,14, 2006
Millennial from Kenya is ‘sickle cell warrior’ BY LAUREN POTEAT NNPA NEWSWIRE
It has been more than 100 years since sickle cell disease was first discovered in America. Today, the rare hereditary blood disorder continues to affect millions of people throughout the world. Sickle cell disease – or SCD – affects approximately 100,000 Americans and occurs among about 1 out of every 365 AfricanAmerican births, according to medical experts. Nearly 1 in 13 African American babies are born with the sickle cell trait, which medical experts said means that an individual has inherited the sickle cell gene from one of his or her parents. During its annual convention, the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), a trade organization that represents African American-owned newspapers and media companies throughout the U.S., partnered with Pfizer Rare Disease (Pfizer) to host a forum on this rare disease. “I was diagnosed with sickle cell disease at the age of 1,” said Marie Ojiambo, a consultant for Pfizer, during the forum moderated by NNPA President and CEO, Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. “And always wanted to be a support system and advocate for research, for other young women, going through the same thing.’’
Role model for millenials “Because of this, I always felt like it was important for me to not only introduce myself by my profession, but also as a sickle cell warrior,” said the Kenyan native. “When I competed in the Miss Africa USA pageant back in 2014, I made sure that my pageant platform, represented the same personal goals I had for myself and advocated for, sickle cell disease awareness,” she said. Chavis emphasized, “The NNPA is grateful to Pfizer for introducing Marie Ojiambo to the Black Press of America. Ms. Ojiambo is an excellent role model for millennials, and in particular for young African and African American women, who are interested in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math)
Marie Ojiambo is the founder of the Sickle Strong Initiative, a Kenyan-based NGO whose mandate is to raise awareness around sickle cell disease and advocate for better health care opportunities for patients suffering from the disease in Kenya. fields of study. “Marie Ojiambo’s outstanding success as a research scientist is truly inspiring as she did not allow the challenges of Sickle Cell Disease to prevent her from achieving her professional career goals.”
Sickle Strong Initiative According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, the sickle cell disease trait is most commonly found in places like Africa, India and Southeast Asia.
However, it is not exclusive to one race. Also, as the hemoglobin disorders follow the malaria belt around the globe, those who have the trait are relatively protected from malaria. Although most who carry the sickle cell trait remain healthy, medical statistics show that if two healthy people who carry the trait join to conceive a child, there’s still a one in four chance with every pregnancy that they would have child with active SCD.
Ojiambo, who graduated from St. John’s University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in New York and who specializes in pre-clinical Pharmaceutical Research, is also the founder of the Sickle Strong Initiative, a Kenyan-based NGO whose mandate is to raise awareness around sickle cell disease and advocate for better health care opportunities for patients suffering from the disease in Kenya.
‘Get tested regularly’ While she champions research
and viable medications and solutions, Ojiambo also emphasizes the importance of being regularly tested. “Both of my parents were carriers of the sickle cell trait and so when they came together, I received the disorder,” Ojiambo said. “It is so important to know your status and to get tested regularly,” Ojiambo continued. “Take part in clinical trials and work to make sure you have access to primary care physicians and a good hematologist.”
What to do with refrigerated foods after power outage jellies can grow mold after three or four days. Toss out ones that show signs of mold. Butter/margarine. Hard and processed cheese are typically OK. Foods that don’t actually require refrigeration like fresh herbs, spices, flour and nuts. Fresh bread and rolls. Whole fruits and vegetables that show no signs of decay.
How to clean
DREAMSTIME/TNS
Glass containers can help you keep an eye on leftovers while they’re hanging out in the fridge. BY SUSAN SELASKY DETROIT FREE PRESS/TNS
Intense and fierce storms bring heavy winds and rains and can knock out power for many people. That means refrigerators and freezers full of food not being powered by a generator are not working. It also brings on food safety issues and plenty of food is going to go to waste. Here’s what you need to know and what to do. The first rule to remember is “when in doubt, throw it out.” And also, never ever taste a food to determine if it’s OK. If your power was out just a few hours and you didn’t open the refrigerator or freezer, chances are the food is OK.
Consider dry ice A refrigerator should keep food
cold for six hours and a half-full freezer 24 hours (48 hours if the freezer is full) if you don’t open the doors, according to the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service. Here’s a checklist gleaned from www.fsis.usda.gov Try not to open the refrigerator and freezer doors (doing so lets the cold air escape). If you know the power will be out for an extended period, get ice or dry ice to keep foods cold. Fifty pounds of dry ice, the FDA says, should hold an 18-cubicfoot freezer for two days. Take care when handling dry ice, don’t handle it with bare hands or place it directly on foods. Use a refrigerator-freezer thermometer to check the temperature. In either the refrigerator or freezer, if the temperature is 40
degrees or below, the food is safe. If food still contains ice crystals or is at 40 degrees or below when checked with a food thermometer, you can refreeze it, but the quality may not be the same. Group foods together in the freezer to help them stay cold longer. Keep food on ice in coolers.
Foods to toss Bacteria growth can take place in these foods that have been above 40 degrees for two hours or more. Discard the following if your refrigerator has been without power for more than four hours. Raw, cooked or leftover meat, poultry, fish, soft cheeses, milk, yogurt, eggs, leftovers, hot dogs, bacon, lunch meats, pizza, shredded cheeses, casseroles, pasta and pasta sauces, cut fruits
and vegetables. Cream-based salad dressings, sauces and soups. Opened mayonnaise, tartar sauce and horseradish of they were held above 50 degrees Fahrenheit for over eight hours. Discard any foods like bread or salad greens that may have become contaminated by juices dripping from raw meat, poultry, or fish. Pasta salads. Sour cream-based or any dairy-based dips. Fruits and vegetables that have become slimy or spoiled.
Foods to keep Condiments, such as ketchup, mustard, jelly, jams, soy sauce and bottled marinade. Typically, these have high salt and sugar content that can act as a preservative. Keep in mind jams and
Once the power is restored, here’s how to care for the inside of your refrigerator or freezer and rid them of any odors. Dispose of any spoiled or questionable food. Remove shelves, crispers, and ice trays. Wash them thoroughly with hot water and detergent. Then rinse with a sanitizing solution of 1 tablespoon of unscented, liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of drinking water. Wash the interior of the refrigerator and freezer, including the door and gaskets, with hot water and baking soda. Rinse with a sanitizing solution. Leave the door open for about 15 minutes.
Still an odor? Wipe the inside of the unit with equal parts of vinegar and water to destroy mildew. Leave the door open and allow to air out for several days. Stuff the refrigerator and freezer with rolled newspapers. Keep the door closed for several days. Remove the newspaper and clean with vinegar and water. Sprinkle fresh coffee grounds or baking soda loosely in a large, shallow container in the bottom of the unit. Use a commercial product available at hardware and houseware stores. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. The USDA’s Meat and Poultry hotline, 888-674-6854, is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.
R6
7 SENIORS
AUGUST 8 – AUGUST 14, 2019
Ways to make the world better place for seniors FROM FAMILY FEATURES
By 2050, the senior population (adults age 65 and older) will be more than double that of the world’s youngest citizens, and the number of people living beyond age 80 is expected to triple over the next 30 years. As the aging population increases, some 11.3 million seniors are living alone, according to the Institute on Aging. In addition, women are twice as likely as older men to live by themselves. Without proper support, seniors may face a wide range of issues including limited mobility, chronic conditions, improper nutrition and feelings of loneliness. For example, older adults can have problems chewing or may take medications which interfere with their appetites. However, research shows lack of companionship may be the biggest challenge. In fact, an AARP survey found 1 in 5 adults over the age of 40 were “socially disconnected,” which can impact health. People who reportedly experienced loneliness and isolation had lower mental well-being scores, and those who were dissatisfied with their level of social engagement were more likely to report a decline in cognitive function, as well. While anyone can benefit from a kind gesture, seniors are some of the most inneed members in many communities. There is likely a wide range of opportunities to enhance the lives of seniors in your area. Numerous programs and agencies exist to help you determine the best way to make a difference. One example is Ready to Care, an initiative from Home Instead Senior Care that challenges people to complete weekly care missions. Each activity guides members through various ways to give to senior-related causes, learn about the aging crisis and issues impacting seniors, and serve seniors through small actions of kindness. Most care missions are simple acts, such as opening a door, learning about Alzheimer’s or helping with a chore. Each week, a new mission is delivered to participants’ phones via text message. Small gestures, like these simple acts of kindness, can go a long way toward improving a senior’s day.
Physical assistance Most seniors are eager to retain their
HOW YOU CAN HELP
independence, but everyday tasks can pose fall risks or require exposure to harsh weather conditions that can be dangerous to older adults. • Offer to bring in the daily newspaper or mail. • Mow their lawn or offer to help with other yardwork. • Lend a hand in caring for pets, such as taking a dog for a walk or helping clean up waste from the yard. • Offer moral support and a sense of physical safety by volunteering to join them on a walk.
Social support Loneliness is common among seniors, especially those who live alone. Show seniors in your area they have a meaningful place in the community and options for companionship. • Offer a friendly wave and say hello when you see them out. • Invite them to dinner, either at your
home or at a restaurant. • Have your children or kids you know in the area draw pictures or write letters. • Make a date for an afternoon or evening of entertainment, such as cards, a movie or board games.
Practical solutions For various reasons, some seniors may be unable to complete everyday tasks. Offer a helping hand in their daily routines when possible. • Lend your time to take them to run errands. • Deliver baked goods or a homecooked meal to improve access to nourishing foods. • Help arrange for professional assistance and services, such as an audit to ensure homes are safe. To find more ways you can care for the seniors in your community, visit imreadytocare.com.
Consider these simple ways you can help the aging population by taking action and learning about issues impacting seniors: • Lend your voice. Be an advocate for change in public actions and medical research for the aging society. If you’re an expert by experience, share your knowledge about senior-related issues and public policy measures. • Give from your heart. Less than 1% of charitable donations go to organizations that help seniors. Find seniorfocused non-profits to give your next charitable donations to, such as one dedicated to raising awareness, inspiring change and accelerating progress in Alzheimer’s care and research. • Get prepared to care. Educate yourself on issues that impact seniors and complete small acts of kindness for seniors in your life. Sign up for weekly care missions and find additional information to better equip yourself to care for seniors at imreadytocare.com. • Give your time. Volunteer with local non-profit organizations that help seniors or offer support related to senior-affiliated issues.