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CELEBRATING

HARRY C. ALFORD: ONE OF THE MILLION REASONS TO SUPPORT RE-ENTRY PAGE 4

RESILIENT SPRUCE CREEK HAWKS FLYING HIGH SEE PAGE 7

JANUARY 25 - JANUARY 31, 2018

YEAR 43 NO. 4

www.daytonatimes.com

B-CU teaching officers about trust and the Center for Law and SoThe university’s cial Justice to provide bias trainJustice and Society ing for officers and area residents Studies Department is to help improve community relations. leading bias training The university is leading the sessions that started this week, for the Jacksonville which are focusing on safety, acSheriff’s Office and countability and trust. The training wraps up on Feb. 16. some of the area’s residents.

Weeks of training

BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES

Jacksonville officers attend a bias training this week led by Dr. Randy Nelson and his team at B-CU.

Sheriff donates computers to Campbell

BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES

Students at Campbell Middle School in Daytona Beach received gifts on Tuesday afternoon that will help them excel in the classroom.

The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office donated and delivered 25 desktop computers to the school.

Twenty-five iPads also are on the way.

Sheriff Mike Chitwood had the following to say during the delivery of the computers: “We know the importance of education when it comes to crime fighting.

I know your wonderful vision here at Campbell. We know that Campbell is doing great things and anything that we can do for our children we’ll do.”

He continued, “Campbell has a special place in my heart from when I was police chief here for 10½ years. We know how hard they are working. If they need help, we are here.”

Dr. Jerry Picott, Campbell’s principal, expressed his thanks.

“This is how it’s supposed to look. This is a community working together to do what is right for kids. We all know some of these kids are in the most difficult circumstances,” Picott said.

“We provide them with love and support. Any child has the ability to grow and perform well.

On behalf of Campbell Middle School, I thank everyone for your support in doing right for the kids. Not any one kid, but all kids.”

Tragic incidents of young Black males being killed by police as well as law enforcement clashing with protestors during riots and demonstrations often have the nation divided and on edge.

Bethune-Cookman University’s Justice and Society Studies Department has teamed up with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office

Training is taking place at Edward Waters College, a historically Black institution in Jacksonville, and the Northeast Florida Criminal Justice Training and Education Center, which is the Jacksonville police academy.

It includes sessions over the next few weeks of 135 sheriff’s office personnel and 120 community members at a cost of apSee TRUST, Page 2

DAYTONA TIMES / 40TH ANNIVERSARY

Black College Reunion, affordable housing

See COMPUTERS, Page 2

Book festival provides a weekend of education and entertainment FROM STAFF REPORTS

On the heels of the countywide Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration, the F.R.E.S.H. Book Festival was able to take the momentum from the previous weekend and bring that wave of community energy to the Mary McLeod Bethune Performing Arts Center in Daytona Beach on Thursday, Jan. 18.

The evening featured “Dark Child,’’ a film by Travis Hunter.

Percy Williamson received a Literacy Community Service award for being involved with

the F.R.E.S.H. Book Festival for the last six of its seven-year existence.

On Jan. 19, the festival’s meet and greet was held at the Midtown Cultural and Educational Center in Daytona Beach with about 100 people in attendance.

They were treated to music by Amy Alysia and the Soul Operation, poetry by Gnatte Doe, Milton McCulloch and Master Poet Devery Broox II, cuisine by Tucker’s Catering and dessert by Robin of DeLand.

See FESTIVAL, Page 2

PHOTO COURTESY OF F.R.E.S.H. BOOK FESTIVAL

An author interacts with attendeeson on Jan. 20 at the F.R.E.S.H. Book Festival.

ALSO INSIDE

Twenty-four years ago in 1994, the Daytona Times reported on plans for the annual Black College Reunion and the lack of affordable housing in the LPGA housing development project then under consideration by the Daytona Beach City Commission.

COMMENTARY: REP. GREGORY MEEKS: POLITICAL ACTION, HOPE MUST OUTWEIGH ANTI-DEM FORCES | PAGE 4 COMMUNITY NEWS: HALIFAX HEALTH ANNOUNCES SCHEDULE FOR RACE SERIES | PAGE 8

7 FOCUS

R2 South Daytona company filling hundreds of jobs

Callcore Media, a South Daytona company, is holding a job fair Jan. 27 to fill hundreds of positions at its call center.

The hiring events will be held on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2040 S. Ridgewood Ave. The center, which already employs 150 workers, is looking to add 200 to 300 telemarketers who will take inbound calls and do some outbound calling nationwide to match people up with employers.

Callcore partners with job websites to find employers to match people up with jobs. Potential employers also will have the option to work from home provided they have internet access.

Most of the full-time positions will earn $9.50 to $16 an hour.

Interested applicants are encouraged to visit CallCoremedia.com or call the office at 386-256-3836.

Launch Federal Credit to host job fair

JANUARY 25 – JANUARY 31, 2018

ning a job fair at its South Daytona branch on Saturday, Feb. 3. Onsite job interviews will be taking place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for full-time teller and member service representative positions.

Professional attire and copies of your resume are required.

The branch is located at 2290 S. Ridgewood Ave., Daytona Beach.

For complete job descriptions, visit the website at www.launchfcu.com/go-beyond/employment/ and click on “Search our Careers Database.”

Campbell’s Family Literacy Night set for Jan. 25 Campbell Middle School will present a “Literacy Among the Stars” Family Literacy Night on Jan. 25 from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Games, books, children activities will take place as the school focuses on literacy from the past, present and future.

The school is located at 625 S. Keech St.

Lions Club to host health fair

Launch Federal Credit Union is plan-

The Daytona Halifax Area Lions Club will host a Health & Wellness Fair from 10

a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 3 at the Midtown Cultural & Educational Center, 925 George W. Engram Blvd., Daytona Beach.

A variety of health and nutrition vendors will be in attendance. There will be giveaways and guest speakers.

County plans workshops for prospective vendors Volusia County’s Purchasing and Contracts Division will hold two workshops for vendors who want to learn how to do business with the county.

The workshops will be in the first-floor training room of the Thomas C. Kelly Administration Center, 123 W. Indiana Ave., DeLand, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7; and 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 8.

County staff will demonstrate how to register as a vendor; explain how to submit bids, proposals and quotes; and discuss state and local ordinances relevant to working with the county. They will also explain the information channels available to vendors and answer questions.

For more information, call 386-7365935, ext. 12490.

Cultural Council schedules grant workshops The Cultural Council of Volusia County has scheduled a Jan. 26 workshop for organizations wishing to apply for a Volusia County Community Cultural Grant.

The workshop will be at 2:30 p.m. in the first-floor training rooms of the Thomas C. Kelly Administration Center, 123 W. Indiana Avenue, DeLand.

Applications deadline The Community Cultural Grant provides general operating support to nonprofit organizations in Volusia County that have as their primary mission the delivery of cultural or heritage-based programs to the public. In 2017, more than $611,000 was awarded to 32 organizations.

Applications must be submitted online by 5 p.m. Friday, April 20. The Cultural Council will review and score the grant applications on Friday, June 1, to provide recommendations to the Volusia County Council.

For more information, contact Julie Adams Scofield at jscofield@volusia.org or 386-736-5953, ext. 12008.

COMPUTERS

will help improve the school’s academic standing.

“The sheriff’s department has extended these computers to help us remediate our students who have fallen below proficiency.

This helps us with another avenue to go one-to-one with technology for helping our students. The closer we are to every student having accessibility to a computer, the better,” expressed Picott.

Campbell was a “D” school for three straight years and in danger of being taken over by the Florida Board of Education entering the 2016-17 academic school year.

Picott took over the school last year and began a rigorous turnaround of the school. Campbell earned a “C” grade last year and looks to do even better.

from Page 1 Business help too The idea to donate the computers came from Bob Davis, CEO and president of Lodging and Housing Association of Volusia County.

“We want to help make Campbell an “A” school. Our Lodging and Housing Association has adopted 31 schools across the county and we have been donating to each of them. Members have adopted individual schools and started assisting their needs,” noted Davis.

The Lodging and Housing Association is made up of more than 100 hotels and motels. It also has laundry equipment businesses, chemical companies and other businesses as members.

Making a difference

Computers and cash The association also donated 15 laptops and a check for $1,000 to Campbell. It plans to donate an additional $300.

The sheriff’s office’s donation of the computers was approved during the Jan. 18 Volusia County Council meeting.

“This is just an example of the county and the public sector coming together to support our kids. That is what it is all about – our kids having a better life. We all need to join together to do that. It’s great that the county could be a part of it,” remarked County Councilwoman Billy Wheeler.

“I’m proud. It also helps the

DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

Campbell Middle School Principal Dr. Jerry Picott, (fourth from left), is joined by Sheriff Mike Chitwood, Councilwoman Billy Wheeler, Bob Davis, and school personnel. county financially. We are always looking for ways to fund school programs and equipment. I am thrilled that we got this much support and we are a step closer to making Campbell and ‘A’ school,’’ she added.

‘Timing was perfect’ The sheriff’s office recently got new computers but didn’t want to throw away their old ones because they were still in great condition.

Chitwood said, “Every year we recycle out a lot of equipment.

This year we got new computers and iPads. I asked IT ‘What do we do with these things?

“The timing was perfect. Bob Davis brought this to our attention. We decided to donate them to Campbell Middle. The computers are in great shape. We, of course, wiped off all the police software.”

The donated computers also will go into a new technolo-

TRUST from Page 1 proximately $27,000 to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.

According to the sheriff’s office, the training sessions “will equip our members with expanded strategies to establish positive relationships with the diverse community we serve, as well as minimize cultural misunderstandings and negative interactions.’’

Coming together

PHOTO COURTESY OF F.R.E.S.H. BOOK FESTIVAL

Author Travis Hunter speaks during the showing of his film, “Dark Child,’’ on Jan. 18.

FESTIVAL from Page 1 More awards, guidance On Jan. 20, the doors of the Midtown Cultural and Educational Center opened to students, seniors and teachers who were all given entrance to the festival free.

The Links Incorporat-

ed, Daytona Beach Chapter, brought their Rising Stars: Young Achievers group with them to accept a community literacy award. This award also was presented to the Daytona Beach Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

The featured seven authors dropped pearls of wisdom on other authors and audience members on how to be successful and treat your book as a business.

Discussions between the sheriff’s office and Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU) began last summer.

Jacksonville sheriff Mike Williams called it a highly effective way to spend funds that were allocated for agency training.

There are multiple training sessions scheduled this week for law enforcement and residents. On Feb. 16, officers and a select group from the community will have a joint training.

“The event is going very well and has been very well received. Usually when you’re talking about community engagement and law enforcement a big part of it is an unpleasant conversation. You’re talking about both positive and negative interaction between law enforcement and the community,” Dr. Randy Nelson, chair and associate professor for Criminal Justice at B-CU told the Daytona Times.

Working on trust Nelson said the training

gy lab at the school, which will be named in honor of the late Dr. James Huger, who among other distinctions, was the first Black to serve on the Volusia County Council.

The school is also selling jackets for $30 to help honor Huger and raise funds for the new computer lab. The goal is to sell 110 jackets.

Academic improvements The new technology lab also

is about two-way accountability.

“When you talk about how law enforcement perceives the community and the history of why current perceptions exist, there are a lot of factors,” he related.

“The relationship between law enforcement and the community is like a marriage. You have twoway accountability, trust and mutual respect. In most communities, particular those with trouble, there is a heighten level of mistrust between the law and community.’’

Building relationships The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office states that the training is detrimental for them to provide the public service they are meant to provide.

“We are a public service and we deal with different communities daily. It’s important to build that relationship with the community that we serve,” said Tony David, director of Police Services for the sheriff’s office.

“If we’re going to be effective in performing our duties, we must be engaged in the community and build relationships to tear down misconceptions and mistrusts. We need ongoing dialogue so we have to build ongoing relationships,’’ he added.

Dealing with racism When it comes to law enforcement and the Black community, there is a history of racism, inequality, injustice and discrimination that can’t be ignored, Nelson emphasized.

Picott told the Daytona Times, “I worked at Creekside and Ormond Beach Middle. They didn’t compromise their standards. At Campbell, we are striving to the highest level. We’re not striving to make it by, we are striving to perform well and I think our kids are able to do it.”

Law enforcement also believes that it’s detrimental that everyone in the community help children achieve in education.

Chitwood noted, “The greatest crime-fighting tool is education.

When we arrest juveniles, the perpetual ones cannot read…at least not at grade level. If you cannot read, you can’t be successful in life no matter what you do. You have to be able to read.”

For information about donating to Campbell Middle School, call 386- 386-239-6250.

“It is grounded into race and hate in a historical context just as everything else in American society, including education, the judicial system and more.

Racism and discrimination was founded and grounded in American institutions, but I don’t think it’s any more prevalent in law enforcement than any other profession.”

‘We want change’ Law enforcement also sees the need to build better relations to combat that history even in the Black community.

“We want positive change in all communities. In the Black community, relations have always been tense, but these issues plague our community together. It’s very important that we come together to address these issues in a fair and transparent way,” Davis added.

Training helps Nelson doesn’t think training will eliminate unarmed killings of Blacks.

He also doesn’t think the training will end officers being gunned down in the line of duty.

“I don’t think it will end. … I think it can reduce it on both sides. We want to reduce unarmed men being killed as well as the officers who are killed in the line of duty. I think it’s both. If you have a relationship with someone, you are less likely to hurt someone,” said Nelson.

Impact of HBCUs The training also is a way that historically Black

colleges and universities (HBCUs) are impacting the justice system, law enforcement and other career fields. Many, including Bethune-Cookman, Florida A&M, University, Edward Waters College, and Florida Memorial University – all Florida HBCUs – are partnering with law enforcement and criminal justice agencies.

“Bethune-Cookman has some partnerships. We have partnered with the Florida Sheriffs Association. It’s about changing the perception of the community and law enforcement, Nelson explained.

“When a majority minority community sees more minorities in law enforcement on a regular basis, then the relationship grows. Also, at HBCUs, one of the largest degree programs is criminal justice.”

The next generation HBCUs play a critical role in getting AfricanAmericans into criminal justice and similar career fields.

Nelson told the Times, “I came here three years ago when B-CU started the master’s degree program in criminal justice. I had developed a lot of this training before I was at Bethune. My desire is to build a base.

“I see this building the next generation of law enforcement professionals.

We just need to bring in faculty that have experience in law enforcement, corrections and justice system that are able to relate this experience. B-CU and our other HBCUs are qualified,’’ he added.

JANUARY 25 – JANUARY 31, 2018

COMMUNITY NEWS

3 7

Artists, educators will highlight library’s Black History series Linda Epps and Lawrence N. Green are off the ground running, highlighting a narrative portrait of the African-American heritage during the third annual Black History Month series.

The Ormond Beach Regional Library - 30 South Beach St. – opened a window for the promoters to pay tribute and keep the African-American heritage and culture alive.

Green was on the scene working many years for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

He exhibited his paintings for the Port Authority’s Employees Art Exhibit, the original World Trade Center, a one-man exhibit for the JFK International Arrivals Building, the Rochdale Village Community Festival, and later Plantation Bay Golf Club.

Green’s talent was encouraged early on in Savannah, Georgia, by his dad.

It’s the third year to show off his paintings in the window display for the library.

PALM COAST COMMUNITY NEWS JEROLINE D. MCCARTHY

Clara Bivens

Kwando Kinshasa

Malcolm Dodson

dent of the Manasota Branch of the Association for the Study of African-American Life and History. He will describe the types of political messages expressed in the Black music lyrics.

‘Learning experience’ Epps, who’s a Sony Corporation retiree from New York, is an expert when it comes to planning, organizing and promoting community events. She’s a natural for the operational aspects of the events.

Epps mentioned that “We thank God for helping us bring awareness of our AfricanAmerican history to our people and our communities.

“This is our third year, and we can’t thank our speakers and our communities enough for being part of our African-American history. It’s been a learning experience for all.

“Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you,” reiterated Epps.

Epps and Green welcomed the opportunity to celebrate Africans and AfricanAmericans for the free series during the month of February.

Spoken word too It’s a logical fit that Good Brother Malcolm Dodson of Palm Coast will perform the art of the spoken word regarding his life come Feb. 4, 1 to 2 p.m.

Telling a story Robenia B. Gary

Lawrence E. Robert Gary Huggins

Robert Whiting

Jim Stewart

On the same day, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., Jim Stewart, Ph.D., will weigh in on “The Message in the Music: Political Commentary in Black Music.”

Stewart, a professor emeritus, is presi-

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Linda Epps and Lawrence N. Green

Up next is a storyline about “How to Tell a Story: Everyone Has a Story.”

That’s Feb. 6, 10:30 a.m. to noon, to learn how to structure, develop and tell a story.

The workshop will be facilitated by Clara Bivens, who earned a B.S.Ed. and a M.S.Ed. from Wilberforce University, as well as a M.S.Ad. from Buffalo State College.

Bivens attended her first conference of the National Association of Black Storytellers in 1997, in which Tradition Keepers, Black Storytellers of Western New York – the first storytelling group that Bivens ever joined - became an affiliate in 2011.

Social issues session Recognizing the gravity of “Protesting in America,” Green will lead a panel discussion on Feb. 8, 1 to 4 p.m. with panelists Robenia B. Gary, Ph.D.; Lawrence E. Gary, Ph.D.; and Robert Huggins, retired deputy superintendent of the Erie County, New York, Sheriff’s Office, and who has worked in federal and local public service for 36 years.

Robenia B. Gary, retired professor from Bowie State University, Bowie, Maryland, has instructed courses in several areas: social welfare policy, social and ethical issues, social work and health, and male/female relationships.

Lawrence E. Gary is a professor emeritus of Howard University. He has instructed at the University of Michigan and held endowed chairs at Virginia Commonwealth University (the Samuel S. Wurtzel Professor) and Hunter College in New York (the Henry and Lucy Moses Distinguished Visiting Professor).

Lecture by Whiting Robert Whiting is another who has been summoned.

Whiting will present “The Kemetic (Egyptian) Judgment Scene Decoded,” the belief that the afterlife is determined by weighing the heart. The Nile Valley historian will present his talk on Feb. 11, 1 to 4 p.m.

Whiting, a federal government Senior Executive retiree, has completed over 40 years of research on Africa and has studied the Medu Netcher (Egyptian Hieroglyphs) under the tutelage of Ankh Mi Ra, the only African-American to write a grammar book on the ancient African language.

“Roman J. Israel, Esq.” starring Denzel Washington, is a downtime, lunch-time movie, which will be featured, on Feb. 21, 11 to 1:30 p.m.

The Academy-Awards actor fills the role of a defense attorney, “whose life is upended when his mentor, a civil rights icon, dies.”

‘History as Spirituality’ Kwando Kinshasa, Ph.D., will challenge the audience while presenting “History as Spirituality: The African-American Veteran” and his experiences.

That’s Feb. 28, 10 to 1:30 p.m.

Dr. Kinshasa is a professor emeritus of sociology from the African Studies Department of John Jay College of Criminal Justice, The City University of New York.

He is a chronicler of the African-diaspora experiences.

He wrote his first book, an expansion of his NYU Ph.D. dissertation, which is titled, “Emigration vs. Assimilation: The Debate in the African-American Press: 1827-1861.”

His most recent acclaimed publication is titled “The Scottsboro Boys In Their Own Words: Selected Letters, 1931-1950,” which is among many of Dr. Kinshasa’s published works.

You will have taken it up a number of notches after having heard the narrative portrait of the third annual Black History Month series at the Ormond Beach Regional Library.

Moreover, listen as Epps and Green encapsulate the upcoming series on Jan. 30, 1 to 2 p.m., on 106.3 FM radio with host Andrew Moore.

Concert a part of pastor’s anniversary Allen T. D. Wiggins and Bruce V. Allen are mainstream, jazz artists positioned as the celebrated Allen and Allen.

The notables will be on the scene for a gospel/jazz concert, celebrating the 20th pastoral anniversary of the Rev. Edwin Coffie.

That’s Jan. 26, 7 p.m., at the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church of Palm Coast, 75 Pine Lakes Parkway South.

There’s no charge, but a free-will offering will be taken for this exciting musical venture.

To inquire for further details, call 386447-5719.

••• As always, remember our prayers for the sick, afflicted, the prodigal son, or daughter, and the bereaved.

Celebrations Birthday wishes to Shaaf McGlown, Jan. 26; Master Roman Sword, Jan. 27; the Rev. G. Vincent Lewis, Jan. 29; Eleanor McCray Francis, Sondra L. Henderson, Esther Hamilton, Dr. James Cauley, and Loretta Bryant, Jan. 31.

Church of God symposium coming to Daytona

For more information, contact Sean Castello at 386-986-4758 or scastello@palmcoastgov.com.

The Florida Cocoa Church of God 2018 Preaching Symposium and Training will be held Feb. 23-24 at Daytona Deliverance Church of God, 601 George W. Engram Blvd. Daytona Beach.

Speakers will include Dr. Randolph Bracy, Bethune-Cookman University; Dr. Claude Alexander, The Park Church, North Carolina; and Dr. Mark Williams, North Cleveland Church of God. For more information, call 321-632-5660 or visit churchofgodflcocoa.org.

Free workshops on healing from grief begin Jan. 31

Palm Coast sets meeting about Whiteview corridor The City of Palm Coast will hold a public meeting on Jan. 31, to share details about proposed improvements to the Whiteview Parkway corridor (from U.S. 1 to Pritchard Drive).

This meeting will be 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 31 at the African-American Cultural Center, 4422 N. U.S. 1, Bunnell. The public is invited to attend, and residents and property owners are encouraged to attend.

City staffers recently conducted an analysis of the entire Whiteview Parkway corridor and identified potential projects to improve safety and efficiency on the City’s roadway system.

The objective of these projects is to benefit motorists and bicyclists/pedestrians.

Lohman Community Outreach, a program of Lohman Funeral Homes, will offer Healing Path workshops to anyone in the community who has experienced the loss of a loved one.

This eight-week long workshop series is free and open to the public. The series begins on Wednesday, Jan. 31 at 3 p.m. at the Casements Cultural Center, 25 Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach.

Workshop topics Topics will include Coping with Loss; Home Safety & Personal Defense; Financial & Practical Matters in Bereavement, and Technology 101.

Each workshop allows individuals to learn about the grief process as well as benefit from advice provided by area professionals. The final workshop will be a healthy eating presentation delivered by a local nutritionist.

This workshop will focus on how grief and sadness affect hunger, meal planning strategies following the loss of a loved one and more. A free dinner event at a local restaurant will follow the presentation.

Register by calling Community Outreach Coordinator Leslie Fisk at 386-673-1100.

R4

7 EDITORIAL

JANUARY 25 – JANUARY 31, 2018

One of the million reasons to support re-entry The task of bringing our exoffenders back into full-fledged citizenship is immense and long-term. Millions of Blacks who have violated the law and have been incarcerated find that returning to normal life can sometimes feel like an impossible task.

A felony can haunt you for a lifetime. It can affect you and your loved ones, prevent you from having a normal life or a pleasant future. The odds are against you, and things can sometimes seem hopeless and unforgiving.

Millions of victims An organized conspiracy started in the 1990s: the crack invasion. The illegal activity found millions of victims – both the users and the distributors, who were usually caught and prosecuted. An ex-offender may have to pay for the crime for life. This affects most Black families, including mine.

I have devoted much time trying to help a relative get back into mainstream society. Finding a job can seem to be an endless task, even though one may be qualified. The mark of a felony is a curse that seems to be impossible to get rid of.

Here’s an example of mail (as it was written) I often receive: “Governor Rick Snyder: Hello, my name is Jonathan Earnest

HARRY C. ALFORD GUEST COLUMNIST

and I reside in Flint, Michigan.

I need your help. I was fired from my job on 1-16-2018 from Kroger because I did not pass my back-ground check for a non-violent crime that happen in 1999 almost 20 years ago. The hurtful part about it, I was one of the founding employees to open the new fuel center in flushing and I was the only African American working at the fuel center. Now for their grand opening 1-182018 to 1-21-2018 I will not be able to participate in because of bad decision I made almost 20 years ago.

Governor Snyder, I am not the only one who has been discriminated against because of a bad choice made in our lives, yet 20 years later, we are still being denied human rights, like working so we can pay our bills, take care of our families. So basically, if you have a felony on your record, we are not classified as being humans, therefore treated like dirt.

Michigan companies are discriminating against ex-felons and finding a way around discrimination laws. There should

Trump’s infidelity is personal and presidential Not surprisingly, one of the latest revelations about No. 45 is the report that in 2016, his lawyer Michael Cohen paid adult film star Stephanie Clifford (also known as “Stormy Daniels”) $130,000 to secure an agreement preventing her from disclosing the details of a 2006 sexual liaison with Donald Trump.

Unfortunately for No. 45, Clifford had already memorialized the details in a 2011 magazine interview. She disclosed that a yearlong affair began four months after Melania delivered Barron, No. 45’s youngest son. The most ardent Trump supporter must admit that these circumstances fall well within the definition of “infidelity.”

No surprise That this $130,000 payoff has

DR. E. FAYE WILLIAMS, ESQ. TRICE EDNEY NEWS WIRE

caused so little public concern is also not surprising. After all, Trump offered that he could shoot someone in Times Square and lose no support. Maybe I have become inured to his bad acts, but I find that any discussion of his behavior only informs or reinforces my evaluation of the nature of his character. Or should I say lack of character!

The definition of “infidelity” is “a breach of trust or disloyal act.”

Using that, infidelity is not uncommon to the personal life of

Political action, infinite hope must outweigh anti-democratic forces Anti-democratic forces have penetrated American politics, and those forces have the potential to breed widespread hopelessness and political apathy.

For example, gerrymandering – the partisan act of creating voting districts in favor of one’s own political party – has led to situations like that in Virginia, where 55 percent of voters pulled the levers for Democrats to only lose the House of Delegates by the drawing of straws. These Virginians, and other marginalized voters, could lose hope and sit out future elections conceding that their votes and voices matter little.

Depressing participation Anti-democratic proposals –

REP. GREGORY W. MEEKS GUEST COMMENATRY

including a bid by Attorney General Jeff Sessions to require Census respondents to answer selfincriminating questions about their immigration status – have the potential to discourage participation in a process that determines the size of each state’s congressional delegation and each state’s receipt of federal funds for essential programs like quality public education. Such forces do more to depress civic partici-

be a standard that Michigan companies must follow to receive tax breaks and other rewards they are given for having their business in Michigan.

Mr. Snyder, you are our Governor and it is your duty to fight for us, and stand up for us when we are being taken advantage of and disrespected as humans because we have a felony on our record.

I am not going to take this sitting down, I am fighting for everyone who has been discharged from their job because of a point system these Michigan companies have that will determine if you will be discriminated against or not. Kroger’s is one of the leading grocery retailers in the nation, yet they are given cart blanche to openly discriminate and have no form of sanctions placed on them.

We the tax paying citizens demand that you do something about the racial profiling, stereotypical discussions these Michigan companies can make, and the government just ignore, that is not acceptable and will not be tolerated. So please do not place this on the back burner, I am asking that you act on this NOW. Sincerely, Jonathan Earnest.

Mr. Earnest is just one of the millions of Blacks who have been caught up is a penal system that is cruel and inhumane.

VISUAL VIEWPOINT: GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN

BOB ENGLEHART, CAGLECARTOONS.COM

How do we fight it?

One avenue we are cultivating is entrepreneurship. Learning how to start a business and make a living is something that can overcome the official road blocks they put in your way.

My son-in-law is a work in progress. It has been 10 years since his incarceration. Unable to find work and support his family, he eventually created his own job. He has gone through at least a dozen ventures that brought money to his household.

Finally, I think he has found his niche. He saved enough money to buy a commercial truck, received a commercial driver’s license and is now hauling deliveries throughout the

Donald Trump.

Trump’s affair with Marla Maples while still married to his first wife Ivana is an event that’s been well-publicized and enshrined in the public record. Later, while married to Marla, he began an affair that ultimately led to his marriage to Melania.

Since becoming a public figure, news reports and self-admissions have connected him with numerous affairs and improprieties with random women. His tawdry behavior shapes my evaluation of his relationship with his wife/wives. This same behavior shapes my evaluation of the character of one given the sacred responsibility of making decisions for the well-being of 324 million-plus Americans.

In that context, I have determined his character as devoid of any moral compass. He has shown himself to be a narcissistic opportunist without values that aren’t connected to his own enrichment. More disturbing is the fact that any infidelity involving his wives or family is insignificant when balanced against the infidelity to which he has subjected the nation.

Let me explain

pation and they create a disconnected class of Americans, rather than encourage lawfulness.

Many pre-civil rights era-measures that suppressed minority voters, like poll taxes and literacy tests, have despicable descendants that plague the modernday electoral system. Discriminatory voter identification laws, voter roll purges, limitations on early voting procedures, and other impediments to voter registration and ballot casting continue to suppress Americans to this day.

If the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. means anything, today’s challenges are a call for increased involvement in our democratic process. A number of democratic victories reaffirm Dr. King’s call to “accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.”

A recent federal court decision that found North Carolina’s partisan gerrymandered districts, which unjustifiably favored Republicans 10 to 3, unconstitutional provides persuasive ar-

guments as to why the Supreme Court should conclude the same in two pending cases.

Every president swears an oath “to protect and defend The Constitution of the United States from all enemies, foreign and domestic” and adhere to “The Rule of Law.” As chief executive, No. 45’s job is to provide for the lawful defense and security of all citizens of this nation without regard to race, gender, religion, creed, color or national origin. It is his job to preserve the institutions that form the foundation and provide for the orderly conduct of the nation’s business.

In these responsibilities No. 45 has demonstrated Infidelity far worse than that which he has shown his family. Most commonly, he has: • inflamed and fomented racial hostility and divisiveness with his rhetoric and actions; • violated emolument laws and continues to use the influence of his office for the enrichment of his family and himself; • demeaned and discredited every Branch of Government, agency or person who would not acquiesce to his demands for special favor or consideration;

Leveling the field If the Supreme Court adopts North Carolina’s reasoning, the result may be a more leveled political playing field during 2018 midterm congressional elections, and a more accountable Washington, as a result.

Democratic Senator Doug Jones’ statewide victory in Alabama is also an example of why our infinite hope should always trump finite disappointment, especially in the electoral process.

If only a few voters lost hope and decided to sit out the Alabama senatorial race, the result could have been status quo in the Senate during a time where resistance to anti-democratic forces in Washington is needed more than ever.

We must heed the words of Dr. King, who warned us that “history will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the stri-

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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nation. He is saving a portion towards owning multiple trucks, hiring drivers, and starting his own multi-truck hauling service line. The nation has a demand for 50,000 more truck drivers and he is seizing that opportunity.

One of my sons has started a promising high-tech incubator to train ex-offenders and veterans in the information technology industry with the hope of starting their own businesses.

Re-entry is the key to our future as a people.

Harry C. Alford is the cofounder and president/CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce. Contact him via www.nationalbcc.org.

• attempted to shape the legal process in order to evade prosecution for violations; • failed to protect our national electoral process from the threat, as identified by national security agencies, of tampering by a hostile foreign adversary.

Vote wisely!

Viewed in the aggregate, his conduct suggests his intent to move our government away from democracy to the establishment of an authoritarian regime akin to the nature of his businesses.

That effort must not succeed!

We must not forget that No. 45 was rejected by a margin of three million votes in 2016. If it were not for the outdated Electoral College, we wouldn’t have to endure this ongoing atrocity.

We must take the recent lessons of the value of our votes and use them wisely.

Dr. E. Faye Williams is national chair of the National Congress of Black Women, Inc. Contact her via www.nationalcongressbw.org.

dent clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people.”

As chair of the Congressional Black Caucus’ Political Action Committee, I am inspired by Dr. King’s infinite hope now more than ever before.

Make it real This year, concerned citizens can make Dr. King’s philosophy real in the voting booth. Lawyers can do the same in the courts, as well as advocates throughout the halls of Congress and state legislatures.

If we all maintain hope and action, the outcome will be a more democratic America where our institutions reflect our true values, not the perverted aspirations of the powerful few.

Congressman Gregory W. Meeks represents the 5th Congressional District of New York and is the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus’ Political Action Committee.

Central Florida Communicators Group, LLC, P.O. Box 48857 Tampa, FL 33646, publishes the Daytona Times on Thursdays. Phone: 877-352-4455, toll-free. For all sales inquiries, call 877-352-4455; e-mail sales@flcourier.com.

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The Daytona Times reserves the right to edit any submission, and crop any photograph, for style and clarity. Materials will not be returned.

5 7

MAYOR

JANUARY 25 – JANUARY 31,142018 DECEMBER - 20, 2006 EDUCATION

PHOTO COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES

Foundation for the future STEM plays a vital role in your education FROM FAMILY FEATURES

Making sure your kids are ready to take on the world as adults is arguably one of the most important roles of a parent. Now, more than ever, education is the foundation of that preparation.

As technology continues to evolve, it’s important that kids are learning, and also developing skills in high-demand areas, such as science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). A strong foundation of STEM learning is an important tool for the future, no matter the career path.

The experts at the America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education program, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, are aiming to raise awareness of the benefits for today’s students, and partnering with farmers to award STEM grants that enhance programming at rural public school districts.

While nearly everyone has heard about STEM education in one way or another, some people don’t understand its true value in school and in the workplace.

It’s cutting edge. When it comes to innovation, there’s no disputing that STEM is progressing changes throughout society. STEM fields are at the forefront of nearly all of the exciting modern developments, from the latest digital gadgets enabled by technology to ground-breaking scientific research. Another benefit of this progressive environment is the financial and social impact on the community. Skilled STEM workers are driving trends and innovations, which can create jobs and boost the economy. All of these attributes appeal to eager, young graduates looking to make their mark.

It’s where the jobs are. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics published a report on the 10 fastest-growing occupations through 2026. In the report, 100 percent of the jobs fall into STEM categories, from the No. 1 growth career – solar photovoltaic installers – to a handful of medical

field jobs to statisticians, software developers and mathematicians.

It’s a chance to make a real difference. STEM fields can drive true social change. Researching and uncovering new treatments, or even the cure, for a debilitating disease is only possible with skills gained through STEM learning. However, science isn’t the only STEM field that brings opportunities to make a difference in others’ lives. A career in technology could mean helping a child hear or see for the first time using a specially constructed device, for example.

It’s a stepping stone to dozens of industries. While STEM learning lends itself well to a fairly large scope of career choices, that list is everexpanding. In fact, most of today’s graduates find themselves hardpressed to secure a position without some STEM training. Consider a seemingly distant field such as fashion, for example, where digital technologies enable design sketching, mathematic skills factor into creating patterns and some engineering knowledge is necessary for designing a runway show. Beyond the less obvious career choices, STEM learning provides practical experience with methods of problem solving that can be applied to virtually any aspect of personal or professional life.

It's helpful in developing additional skills. The specific training involved in STEM education can help lead to certain career paths that will be available in the future. However, it can also help with more general skills your child can use immediately. Students typically follow processes in STEM programming and training, such as the scientific method, that give them a chance to work with other students, test hypotheses and find solutions. These challenges can often help in developing teamwork, leadership and other collaborative life skills.

Learn more about the America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education program at GrowRuralEducation.com

SUPPORT STEM LEARNING As a parent, there are many ways you can support STEM learning in your local school district. It’s little secret that school district budgets are continually shrinking, so an important way you can encourage STEM learning is by exploring funding opportunities that can bolster STEM programming.

Initiatives like America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education focus on bringing STEM education to rural school districts. Eligible farmers can nominate their local public school districts for the grants, which help enhance STEM education. Schools then participate in an application process to compete for $10,000 and $25,000 grants.

One school district in Royal, Washington, is utilizing the program to raise academic achievement for students in the classroom and on state-mandated math tests. The America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education grant allows teachers to extend learning for students, especially those who are learning English as a second language, who need intervention but lack the technology at home.

An important learning barrier is being removed through the use of Chromebooks and Kajeet, a system that allows internet connectivity but also has a filter to ensure the technology is limited to academic use. Learn more about the program and nomination process at AmericasFarmers.com.

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M SPORTS AYOR

JANUARY 25 – JANUARY 2018 DECEMBER 14 - 20,31, 2006

Resilient Spruce Creek Hawks flying high

BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES

The Spruce Creek Hawks (154, 3-0) girls’ basketball team is one of the best locally.

The team sits atop the district 1-9A standings and has some wins over some top programs, including Tallahassee’s Rickards High School.

“We have just been resilient all year. We have been in games when we were up and others when we were down. We have just been able to grind out wins despite injuries. Injuries have hurt us this year,” said Kelvin Hamm, the team’s head coach.

Hamm is in his sixth year heading the program and has led the Hawks to two playoff appearances, including a 21-9 record and trip to the Elite Eight (Regional Finals) last year.

Key players Once again, the Hawks are led by a talented group of young ladies starting with senior point guard Jayla Adams, who will play at Florida Atlantic (FAU) next year.

“I don’t mind being a go-to player or a leader. I am willing to do whatever the team needs me to do for us to win. I’ll take whatever role is needed,” said Adams.

Creek also has senior guards Yoke Tassent (Rollins College) and Danika Hamilton.

Other key players include sophomore guards Delayna Gillard and Peryonna Sylvester along with senior guard/forward Keasia Edwards.

Edwards has been out with a concussion all year. The team hopes to have her back within a week or two while Sylvester missed the past week with an injury.

‘Fast and aggressive’ The players still like this year’s quad and its potential.

Yoke Tassent

Jayla Adams

Coach Kelvin Hamm

Danika Hamilton

Still, the Hawks are an exciting team to watch play basketball.

Hamm said, “We play up-tempo basketball. Everyone wants to see the boys play, but we have a few DI prospects and a player headed to a DII powerhouse program. Just come out and see some good basketball. We are skilled and fun to watch. We don’t slow it down.”

Eyes on state

The Spruce Creek High girls’ basketball team has been able to post wins this season despite injuries.

“We lost a lot of players from last year. We’re smaller, but we play fast and aggressive. We have had injuries, but ultimately I think everyone is on the same goal of trying to win a state championship,” said Tassent.

Hamm sees something special in this group as well.

“They are willing to put out so much. Other teams, I could push but they would push back.

This group is willing to accept the challenges. They let me push them as hard as I need to in order to get where we need to be,’’ Hamm explained.

‘Fun to watch’ Spruce Creek has strong guard play but lacks size.

Hamm admitted, “Our guard play has been our biggest strength, but on the flip side we don’t really have a true post player.”

In the end, the goal is getting to the Final Four to make a run at a state. The Hawks believe in themselves.

“We just have to continue doing what we’re doing and get better. We can’t be intimidated by an opponent at the beginning,” said Adams.

Hamm echoed, “We got to get healthy, continue to play well and get better. This group hasn’t even played our best basketball yet. We want to go down the stretch during the district tournament and the playoffs.”

Carter still surprising himself on the court Daytona Beach native is oldest active NBA player

BY BRENDAN MARKS CHARLOTTE OBSERVER/TNS

it, I wouldn’t have the desire to put the work in that I have to put in each and every day.

“The day I don’t want to prepare for the season, prepare for a game, is the day I’ll walk away — and I’m still willing to do it.”

As the Sacramento Kings finished shootaround, Vince Carter noticed music playing in the background of the Spectrum Center.

The song was by Bob Marley, or for Carter, 40, someone he’s been listening to for years. As for the rest of his team, one of the youngest in the NBA? [Carter turns 41 on Jan. 26.]

“I guarantee you,” Carter said with a grin, “they didn’t know that that was Bob Marley playing.”

It’s a trivial moment in the grand scheme of things, but it’s also the perfect example of Carter’s standing on his own team and in the league.

Still got it

Oldest player

To manage Carter’s minutes (and physical needs), coach Dave Joerger has implemented a rotating schedule for resting his few veterans. That means Carter may not be active for every game, but that’s more a method for keeping him fresh than anything else.

“Sometimes you see a guy out here who is stronger, faster, taller, jumps higher than you now, all that stuff, it’s just the competition,” Carter said.

“With him being able to do that, I just try to outsmart my opponent. It’s the preparation that’s the toughest, that everybody doesn’t see.”

Jackson, who has been taken under Carter’s wing somewhat, said he’s still constantly surprised by some of the things Carter can do.

“You’re not supposed to be able to still jump and shoot the way that he can at 40 years old,” Jackson said. “It’s the reason he’s going to be in the Hall of Fame.”

At 40, Carter is the oldest player in the NBA, and on this youthoriented Kings squad (where 11 of 17 players are 25 or younger), his veteran status stands out even more.

He’s also the last of a generation of NBA players coached by former UNC coach Dean Smith, who died in 2015.

This offseason when he signed with the Kings, Carter knew the situation he’d be coming into — loads of young, unproven talent; a mentoring role; and trying to educate inexperienced players on what the NBA is all about.

In fact, the first text message he received after signing was from rookie Justin Jackson, a fellow North Carolina alum (who was 3 years old when Carter entered the league).

“He called me Mr. Carter, kept calling me sir,” Carter said, laughing. “I was like, ‘Hey man, cut it out — it’s VC or Vince or whatever.’ ”

‘I love it’ But even given Carter’s advanced age, he hasn’t accepted a bench role or stopped giving the game his all.

That makes sense, considering it’s what drives him to keep playing.

“I love it, to be honest with you,” Carter said. “If I didn’t love

It’s also not like Carter is just holding a ceremonial roster slot for this team either. He may only be averaging 4.5 points per game in 15.7 minutes, but there are still flashes of the man known better as “Air Canada.’’

For example, when he scored 24 points in a win over the Cavaliers, or had 12 points and eight rebounds against the Nuggets … in the span of two weeks.

Those sorts of performances are outliers, of course, but they demonstrate that when Carter is on, he’s still got it.

Rotating schedule

‘40 is 40’ But does Carter ever surprise himself? With his longevity, or outbursts like against Cleveland, or anything?

“Sometimes I do surprise myself,” Carter said, “because some days I feel awful. If you watch me in the mornings walk in, you’ll be like, ‘There’s no way he’s playing today.’

HECTOR AMEZCUA/SACRAMENTO BEE/TNS

Sacramento Kings guard Vince Carter (15) strips the ball from the San Antonio Spurs guard Dejounte Murray (5) in the first quarter on Jan. 8 at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, Calif.

He continued, “That’s the honest truth, they kill me all the time.

I think that’s the motivation because I know. I try to walk all

cool, calm and collected, and sometimes I can’t do it because it’s 40. Forty is 40.

“I know some of those days,

you’re gonna watch me like, ‘Oh, he looked bad today. Why is he playing?’ ” Carter said. “But if I love it, I just keep going.”

8

7HEALTH

JANUARY 25 – JANUARY 31, 2018

Halifax Health and YMCA to present race series Halifax Health has announced the schedule for the 2018 Live Your Life Well Race Series hosted in partnership with the Volusia Flagler Family YMCA. The race series consists of 20 distinct events that will take place throughout 2018.

For the fourth consecutive year, Halifax Health and Volusia Flagler YMCA have partnered to host the Live Your Life Well Race Series with the goal of playing a continuing role in the improvement of the overall health and wellness of Volusia and Flagler county residents.

Schedule of races

ALLEN J. SCHABEN/LOS ANGELES TIMES/TNS

Patients wait in the emergency department at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Orange, Calif., on Jan. 5. This has been a very active flu season around the country. As of Friday, 30 children in the U.S. have died this year.

Flu shots still available at health department The Department of Health in Volusia County (DOHVolusia) is urging residents to get a flu vaccine now if you have not already.

DOH-Volusia offers flu vaccines from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at all DOH-Volusia locations.

The locations are: 1845 Holsonback Drive, Daytona Beach.

775 Harley Strickland Blvd., Orange City.

717 W. Canal St., New Smyrna Beach.

Appointments for flu shots are not required.

There are still weeks of flu activity to come. It is not too late to get the flu vaccine. The

flu vaccine is safe and recommended for everyone six months and older, including pregnant women.

Injectable shots This year, the CDC only recommends injectable flu shots.

Flu vaccines can vary in effectiveness from season to season, but they continue to be the best way to prevent influenza infection and serious influenza complications.

To locate a flu shot at other locations near you, contact your health care provider or use DOH’s flu shot locator: www.flhealth.gov/findaflushot.

Treat right away If you become ill with flulike symptoms, contact your health care provider as soon as possible. Your health care provider can prescribe antiviral treatment if appropriate.

Treatment is most effective when started within 48 hours, so calling as soon as you become ill is important, especially if you or your loved one is at a higher risk for complications: children younger than 5, adults over the age of 65, pregnant women, and those with underlying medical conditions.

Stay home from work and keep children home from school or daycare when sick to help prevent spreading the

This is Sunday Dinner. It’s when we all come together to enjoy really good food. And each other.

Get recipes at publix.com/sunday-dinners.

flu to others. It is also essential to practice good hygiene by properly and frequently washing your hands.

Clean surfaces Make it a habit to clean and disinfect commonly used surfaces in your home, school or office. You can take additional steps to ward off the flu by coughing or sneezing into a tissue or your elbow and avoiding touching your face.

Visit FluFreeFlorida.com for more information on how you can be a part of #FluFreeFlorida.

Visit www.floridahealth.gov/ floridaflu for more information on influenza and influenza-like illness in Florida.

The 2018 Live Your Life Well Race Series features the following races: Feb. 11: My Heart Matters 5K Walk and Run, Daytona Beach March 24: The Tomoka Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K, Ormond Beach April 21: Corporate 5K, Daytona Beach May 5: Southeast Volusia Family YMCA 5K, New Smyrna Beach May 6: DeLand YMCA Family Fit Fest Triathlon & 5K, DeLand June 23: Ormond Beach YMCA Triathlon, Ormond Beach July 1: Team RWB Freedom 4 Mile Beach Run and Walk, New Smyrna Beach July 21: Port Orange Family YMCA Sprint Triathlon, Port Orange Sept. 1: Colorific 5K, Daytona Beach Sept. 8: Halifax Health - Hospice 5K, Port Orange Sept. 22: DeLand and Four Townes YMCA Kids’ Triathlon, DeLand Sept. 29: Run For Success 5K at LPGA International, Daytona Beach Oct. 6: Camp Winona Mud Fest, DeLeon Springs Oct. 28: Lighthouse Loop Half Marathon and 5K, Port Orange Nov. 11: Deltona Honor & Remember 5K Run and Walk, Deltona Dec. 1: Ormond Beach 5K Beach Run and Polar Plunge, Ormond Beach Dec. 7: Holly Hill Jingle Bell Jog 3K Fun Run and Walk, Holly Hill Dec. 8: Bulow Woods Trail Run and Ultra Marathon, Ormond Beach Dec. 22: Holiday Bridge Challenge, Ormond Beach To sign up for any of these races or for additional information, visit LYLWseries. com.