EE FR
40 YEARS
CELEBRATING
SPORTS: MAINLAND HIGH BASKETBALL TEAM LOOKING TO RETURN TO PAST GLORY PAGE 7
OF CONTINUOUS WEEKLY PUBLISHING
A PREVIEW OF LOCAL MLK EVENTS SEE PAGE 2
East Central Florida’s Black Voice JANUARY 10 - JANUARY 16, 2019
YEAR 44 NO. 2
www.daytonatimes.com
LOOKING FORWARD Local leaders weigh in on their plans to better their communities in 2019 BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES
It’s a new year, but old challenges remain on how to improve the quality of life for the people in Volusia County, including the lives of residents in predominantly Black neighborhoods. Challenges also remain on how to improve the makeup of the Black community – whether it’s good-paying jobs and economic opportunity, affordable and fair housing, infrastructure, education, health care, and access to healthy food, and more. We asked some of the area’s Black leaders to share their plans for 2019.
Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry
“I will work to ensure the successful opening of the First Step Shelter and a growing multifaceted approach to addressing homelessness. I will work to help implement Amendment 4 directly and through all available communication channels. “I will implement a community program honoring fathers and encouraging men to embrace youth mentoring. I will steer the city and region towards a collective effort to make affordable housing a primary a primary objective. “I will continue to focus on attracting employment opportunities to the community. I will ensure the resurfacing of MLK Boulevard and Jimmy Ann Drive.”
Barbara Girtman, Volusia County Council Member (Seat 1)
“As the only person of color serving on our County Council, I look forward to working with my colleagues and fellow council members to ensure diverse and inclusive investments in communities of color. We will identify how to improve resources for underserved communities within our municipalities for the residents. “I believe it’s important to preserve communities such as Spring Hill in DeLand and Midtown in Daytona Beach. I will be working with the Minority Elected Officials of Volusia, a caucus of local Black elected officials. “Our county and city governments will be the key to strategic planning for redeveloping these communities. It is critical howev-
DAYTONA TIMES / 40TH ANNIVERSARY
Body found, MLK events set
Derrick Henry
Barbara Girtman
Dyrell Johnson
Quanita May
Cynthia Slater
Shyriaka Morris
Dannette Henry
Pierre Louis
er that we move all communities of Volusia forward to ensure the rising tide lifts all communities.” Pierre Louis, Midtown Redevelopment Board Chair and president of the Military Officers
Association of Volusia County “To move forward in 2019, I feel that we should have capital improvement projects on MLK and See LEADERS, Page 6
Ex-felons register to vote as amendment goes into effect BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES
bation, sex offenders and violent offenders.
It was an emotional day for many ex-felons as Amendment 4 went into effect Tuesday in Florida. Across the state, voter registration drives were held this week, specifically for former felons. In November, Amendment 4 passed by 65 percent or by 5.2 million votes. The amendment restores voting rights to ex-felons who have finished all the criteria of their sentences except for those currently on parole or pro-
‘A civic duty’ The Daytona Beach/Volusia County NAACP held an Ex-Felons Voters Restoration and Voter’s Registration Drive at the John H. Dickerson Center on Tuesday night. “It’s a civic duty to vote and be educated in the voting process. We must protect their vote. Now that we have ex-felons that can vote. Many have waited for See REGISTER, Page 2
DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
Dwight Simmons registers to vote Tuesday at the event organized by the Volusia County/Daytona Beach NAACP.
My ‘field trip’ to the gubernatorial inauguration BY QUANITA MAY DAYTONA BEACH CITY COMMISSIONER ZONE 3
Fifteen years ago in 1998, the Daytona Times reported that fugitives from the law gave themselves up after hiding in a Maple Street apartment and finding a dead body in the attic there. The newspaper also reported on the event lineup for the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration.
ALSO INSIDE
Going to Tallahassee was an unexpected opportunity. I decided to go because I am known for encouraging clients I coach to see the world differently, but to also experience the differences. I always say that to make big changes requires risk. I managed to complete a few city meetings before leaving. I then closed my health and wellness business for
two days, rescheduled my clients, packed my bag, and hit the road. I had never been to the state capital. I found a hotel at the last moment and depended on my phone to tell me how to get there. I just knew that I was going to have an adventure!
Saw FSU, FAMU Upon arriving in the city of Tallahassee, I was struck by the moss-covered trees, hilly landscape, and well-lit streets. I was staying across from Florida State University, a short jog from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. I used my exercise time as a way to explore both campuses.
COMMENTARY: JULIANNE MALVEAUX: A MORE DIVERSE CONGRESS, A MORE PERFECT UNION? | PAGE 4 HEALTH: PATIENTS WHO OPTED FOR KNEE REPLACEMENTS TALK ABOUT PAIN AND REGRET | PAGE 8
See MAY, Page 6