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RELL BLACK: TRANSFORMING AND ACCEPTING YOUR LIFE PAGE 2 DAYTONATIMES.COM
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JUNE 13 - JUNE 19, 2019
YEAR 44 NO. 24
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‘NUMBER TWO’ RETURNS – FOR REAL Cherry II to broadcast on WPUL 1590 AM ‘La Jefa’ (‘The Boss’)
tona that could be solved if the sales tax was approved. I got immediately personally attacked for playing ‘the race card,’ ‘being a racist,’ and ‘bringing race into a race-neutral situation.’
BY THE DAYTONA TIMES STAFF
Daytona Times and Florida Courier Publisher Charles W. Cherry II will resume his popular half-hour radio broadcast, “Free Your Mind,” on WPUL-AM 1590 on Tuesday, June 18 at noon. The weekly show will be replayed on WPUL every Thursday at 6 p.m. His inspiration? First, a conversation in the Beville Road produce section early this year. “A brother pulled me aside and started talking to me about a show I did in 2014,” Cherry marveled. “I couldn’t believe it. That’s five years ago! We stood up there talking for another 20 minutes. “It reminded me of so much feedback I would get from people in the community if they bumped into me after broadcasts. They would say, ‘Man, you crazy,’ or ‘Chuck, you were so wrong,’ or ‘You made me think,’ or ‘You had
Banned from site
me cracking up in my car today.’ ” “I used to love that,” Cherry said.
Reaction to defeat Second: The defeat of the halfcent sales text and the way opponents attacked people who supported it. “I joined a closed Facebook group called Volusia Issues run by Greg Gimbert, a failed County Council candidate. It has about 2,400 members and was supposed to be an online conversation about issues that affect the county. “I started posting about the deferred maintenance in Black Day-
“Every sales tax supporter in that group was harshly criticized online. When I defended my position by pointing out the 100-year history of Daytona’s Black property owners’ tax money going to build only beachside infrastructure, I got banned from being able to ever post on the site again. “Even people who supported my position got banned. Needless to say, I was pissed,” he told the Daytona Times. “There is a mean, loud, mostly beachside crew of mostly Northern transplants and some locals across the political spectrum who think they can sow conflict, tell lies, be rude, and use verbal and written online aggression – especially toward elected officials – to get what they want.
DAYTONA TIMES / 40TH ANNIVERSARY
City harshly criticized, new sheriff in town
“They whine and complain to whomever will listen, and they don’t tolerate opposition to their party line,” Cherry explained.
Political targets “Since the sales tax was defeated, they’ve targeted the County Council for takeover even though they voted those folks in. The Daytona Beach City Commission is next. Can you imagine what would happen if they were in charge? “They have no solution to fix aging infrastructure anywhere in the county. They said ‘no’ to a small tax increase that tourists would have helped pay to prevent flooding, build sidewalks and fix bad roads. We citizens of Daytona Beach voted ‘yes’ in our own best interests, even though the sales tax provision was imperfect. “The beachside solution? Cuss out local rich business owners and hike real estate developer fees through the roof. Meanwhile, See CHERRY, Page 2
DAYTONA TIMES FILES
Longtime broadcaster Charles W. Cherry II says a conversation at the Beville Road Walmart and the defeat of the half-cent sales tax inspired him to get back on local radio.
Alphas team with VITAS for men to share emotions BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES
The Beta Delta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and VITAS Healthcare are letting men know that it is OK to cry. On Saturday, June 22, the local Alpha men will be engaged in a discussion in Palm Coast titled “What About Me? Men Cry in the Dark.” The event will be held at the Palm Coast Community Center, 305 Palm Coast Parkway NE. “What About Me? Men Cry in the Dark” is designed to help a caregiver or an individual who has lost a loved one deal with the grief. The free event will run from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Registration be-
gins at 8:15 a.m. and includes a complimentary breakfast. Men living in Volusia and Flagler counties are invited to attend.
Important to talk Dr. T.C. Culver, president of the Alpha chapter, highlighted the importance of men expressing their emotions. “Men are often head of the household, but we don’t have anyone who we can take our issues to. We are wired so differently from ladies. Sometimes we can talk to other men to get us through situations. We feel it’s important that we get together as a men and talk,” he told the DaySee ALPHAS, Page 2
DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
Members of the Beta Delta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity are shown at a May scholarship event at the Peninsula Club in Daytona Beach.
July event will reunite Campbell’s Class of 1969 BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES
Thirty years ago in 1989, the Daytona Times reported on Black community criticism against the city’s refusal to identify projects in Black Daytona that would qualify for federal public/private partnership money, and newly elected Volusia County Sheriff Bob Vogel’s efforts to hire Black law enforcement officers.
ALSO INSIDE
It’s been 50 years since the Campbell Senior High School Class of 1969 were all together. June 6 marked the 50th anniversary of the 141 students who graduated that day – the last graduating class of the all-Black high school in Daytona Beach. The high school was operational from 1929 until 1969. Volusia County schools integrated in 1970.
COMMUNITY NEWS: JUNETEENTH FAMILY FESTIVAL IN DAYTONA SET FOR JUNE 15 | PAGE 2 COMMENTARY: MARC MORIAL: 2020 CENSUS IS CRUCIAL TO BLACK AMERICA | PAGE 4
The Class of 1969’s 50th reunion with the motto “A Moment in Time – 1969” is scheduled for July 11-15. It will include a banquet and dance at the Palmetto Club on July 13. Other activities include a meet and greet and picnic. “We want everyone to come out, come together and have a good time,” said Valarese Poole, reunion coordinator.
Other classes welcome Poole admits that getting everyone there will be a challenge. “We are hoping for a great turnout. We want the Class of ‘69 to show up as well as other classes and the community. We hope to have at least 50 members of the Class of ‘69,” Poole told the Daytona Times. See REUNION, Page 2
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7 FOCUS
JUNE 13 – JUNE 19, 2019
ALPHAS from Page 1 tona Times. Dr. Alma Dixon, a caregiver advocate for Vitas said the program grew out of men attending a caregiver conference. “They decided they should share their experience of being a caregiver, grief and shock. In our culture, men don’t share their feelings so they decided to have this conference.”
PHOTOS BY DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
African dancers entertain the crowd at last year’s Juneteenth festivities.
Juneteenth Family Festival a day of history, music, food, games The 19th Annual Juneteenth Family Festival will take place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 15, at Cypress Street Park, 925 George Engram Blvd., Daytona Beach. The free festival will feature African dancers from Nigeria, vegetable bag giveaways, family games, pony rides, large inflatables, a 25’ rock climb wall, over 25 live entertainment acts, a fashion show, along with food vendors and others selling arts and crafts. Community health service agencies will be providing free health testing and information. A pound cake contest with judging will take place at 1 p.m. Juneteenth commemorates the day when slaves in Texas and Oklahoma found out that they were free in 1867, which was two years following the American Civil War. The official day celebrated is June 19, 1865. The Daytona Beach festival is one of the largest Juneteenth festivals in the state. For more information, visit www.juneteenthdab.com or call 386-341-0252.
B-CU student chosen for Chevrolet/NNPA journalism fellowship Tedarius Abrams, a senior Mass Communications major with a minor in Business Administration, has been chosen for the Chevrolet and National Newspaper Publishers Association’s Discover the Unexpected Program. This program is a journalism fellowship that is giving HBCU students an opportunity to receive a $10,000 scholarship, plus a $5,000 stipend and an eightweek road trip with media internships in four American cities. Abrams was one of six students at HB-
CHERRY from Page 1 they ignore the historical legacies of racism and discrimination that caused infrastructure problems in Black Daytona in the first place.”
They know ‘nothing’ Cherry went on to say: “And they know nothing about the Black community, including the fact that Bethune-Cookman University is responsible for $251 million in economic impact just in Daytona Beach. They think it’s just some little Black college they pass by on International Speedway Boulevard on the way to Home Depot. “Ask them where “PPU’’ is, and they couldn’t tell you even after a Google search. “It’s time for a strong voice of reason to beat back the foolishness, the egocentricity, the entitlement, the historical ignorance and lack of context, and let these folks know what time it is. Who better to do that than me? “I’m just getting started on them. As long as we have multiple media voices in this town, we’ll always represent a Black viewpoint, whether they can stomach it or not. And I could give a damn about how they feel about it,” Cherry added.
Cherry’s second return For 14 years, Cherry broadcast on WPUL-AM 1590, which is owned by the Cherry family. Though Cherry broadcast a few shows on WPUL-AM in 2018, he told the Daytona Times he couldn’t keep up his radio broadcasting schedule “because I had more important things to do. “Even a single weekly half-hour talk show like mine that doesn’t take phone calls requires preparation. Last year, I just couldn’t carve out the time to get the job done at the high level I demand of myself. This year, things have changed,” he related. WPUL is back on the air 24 hours a day playing a Latin Hits format while undergoing a signal improvement project. Soon it will be broadcasting on both the FM and AM bands.
Former prosecutor A Daytona Beach native, Cherry graduated from Seabreeze High School in 1974 and matriculated to Atlanta’s Morehouse
Attendees at the 2018 Juneteenth Family Festival check out the vendors and the areas highlighting Black history.
CUs around the country selected for the fellowship. “Tedarius is well deserving of this fellowship. His work ethic and thirst for knowledge in his field is undeniable,” said Troy Lyle, B-CU’s multimedia manager and university communications internship student mentor. “All across campus, you are guaranteed to run into Tedarius with his camera in tow. He is always prepared to capture the best quality content from the most innovative angles. “The content that he generates for BCU sports programs, Office of Institutional Advancement, and Communications is vital to these departments,’’ Lyle added.
“It’s time for a strong voice of reason to beat back the foolishness, the egocentricity, the entitlement, the historical ignorance and lack of context, and let these folks know what time it is. Who better to do that than me?” Charles W. Cherry II
Daytona Times and Florida Courier Publisher
College, where he earned a Journalism degree with honors in 1978. He then graduated from the University of Florida’s Holland Law Center (now Levin College of Law) and Graduate School of Business (now the Warrington College of Business Administration) with both Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration degrees, respectively, in 1982. He was admitted into the Florida Bar in December 1983. Cherry is a former Fort Lauderdale city prosecutor and South Florida (17th Judicial Circuit) state prosecutor. For more than 10 years, he served as general counsel to the high-performing Housing Authority of the City of Fort Lauderdale, where he worked closely with its visionary former executive director, the late Dr. William H. Lindsay. He practiced law for 21 years before returning to journalism and newspaper publishing as his primary occupation upon the death of his father Charles, Sr. in 2004.
Broadcaster, author For the past 28 years, Cherry has written commentaries, editorials and stories for the Daytona Times. His award-winning weekly column, “Straight, No Chaser,” has appeared in the Florida Courier since 2006. Cherry is also the co-author of “Fighting Through the Fear – My Journey of Healing from Childhood Sexual Abuse,” written with his good friend and former Morehouse College roommate, C. David Moody, Jr. The book, published in 2016, describes Moody’s harrowing personal journey as a childhood sexual abuse survivor.
Celebrating fatherhood and manhood The event won’t be held on Father’s Day weekend, but it is still a way to celebrate fatherhood and manhood. “Men are still men, but they must take care of their emotions too. We are celebrating Father’s Day and we need to include that we can honor our men manning up with a conference where they can express feelings of grief, loss and vulnerability, which men have a hard time expressing,” stressed Dixon. Culver added, “We knew a lot would be going on so we couldn’t tie it up with Father’s Day, but it is tied to a degree following Father’s Day. It’s about men trying to be better men at home and in the community.”
Veterans to participate Local military veterans
REUNION from Page 1 Valerese Poole has fond memories of her days at Campbell. “We were a senior and junior high at that time. What I can remember while in school is how dedicated the teachers and staff were. We didn’t have updated textbooks but they were dedicated to making sure we had current information for learning and they prepared us for both higher education and the real world,’’ Poole reflected. “They made sure our education was on par as if, not better, than those who attended Mainland, Seabreeze and Father Lopez.”
Reflecting on past She noted that there weren’t great expectations for Black students to excel. “It was a time that we were marching for civil rights. Dr. (Martin Luther) King was assassinated and the Vietnam War. If you lived in poor neighborhoods like Pine Haven and South Street projects, you were not expected to excel. “Expectations were for you to go work in a hotel, be a janitor at a schools, end up in jail or get pregnant or be on welfare,” expressed Poole.
also will share their stories at the Palm Coast event. “A lot of the veterans are still dealing so much from the things that they have seen during their time in service. So many times when someone shares a story it releases those sores we don’t realize that someone else is dealing with the same pain,” Culver noted. Alpha members like John Huger Sr. thinks the discussion is a good idea. “I think it’s a great event and it’s important to a male in society. It’s a thing that makes you look at all emotions that an individual may have. It’s good that you can express yourself and deal with grief. It is OK whether you cry, pray or whatever,” Huger said.
Other events VITAS provides hospice care services in 14 states and the District of Columbia. Since 1978, it has been a pioneer in hospice and it is the nation’s leading provider of end-of-life care. The event with the Alphas is just one of the many community service events that VITAS sponsors, including a “What About Me?” session for men and women in November and a Missing Mother’s Event for women in May. “We do plenty of events in the community with many agencies. We know we have to be community partners,” Dixon added. For more information about the event, contact Yanique Tomlinson at 386-366-6167 or email her at Tomlinson@VITAS.com.
‘Good students’ lost The Class of 1969 had its share of tragedy. Classmates Gerald Weaver and George Givins died in a car crash. “They were very good students. Gerald was voted most likely to succeed. George was a star basketball player. They say he probably could have gone pro. Being at that age it was very difficult on us losing our classmates.’’ Campbell High was housed from 1948 to 1962 in what is now the John H. Dickerson Community Center at 308 S. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. The high school was moved to Keech Street in 1969.
On integration When the school was desegregated, she believes students were ready. “I think a lot of us kids didn’t mind integrating. We were starting to party on the beach side and going to the pier,” Poole added. “Up until high school, we only went to Bethune Beach, the Black beach. By that time, we were starting to go to the beach here.’’ For the “Centipedes’’ who will attend the July reunion, the official reunion hotel is the Homewood Suites by Hilton, 151 Bill France Blvd., Daytona Beach. For more information about the reunion, contact Doris Sampson Wright at 386-252-0107 or Valarese Poole via email at VPoole2@cfl.rr.com.
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M A YNEWS OR
JUNE 13 – JUNE 19, 2019 COMMUNITY DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006
Flagler board votes to shut down The Sheltering Tree The Sheltering Tree, Flagler County’s only cold weather shelter, was shut down by Bunnell’s zoning board on May 31, according to a media release sent by Sarah Ulis for the Sheltering Tree’s board of directors. Ulis states that with a quorum of three, the city’s zoning board voted to end The Sheltering Tree’s 11 years of service to the community. The Sheltering Tree has provided the homeless with food, one-on-one assistance, and a cold-weather shelter since 2008. Based at Bunnell’s First United Methodist Church, the shelter is dedicated to provide the basic needs to the homeless including food, tents, sleeping bags, and clothing - while helping them make the transition to permanent, affordable housing, and preventing at-risk individuals from becoming homeless. The cold-weather shelter opens for volunteer/supervised/ overnight stays when the temperature dips below 40 degrees. The shelter opened 19 times this past winter. The Sheltering Tree’s board of directors will appeal the decision. Volunteers, donors and supporters are meeting this month to discuss the issue, as well as other strategies to further the mission of The Sheltering Tree.
Locals respond to Cuba travel change Sybil Dodson Lucas wrote on Facebook on June 6, “We were informed while at sea that ours is the last ship that the United States will allow to travel to Cuba.” This was a result of an April 17 White House foreign policy release announcing that Trump is continuing his efforts to hold the Cuban regime accountable for its abuses and to reverse previ-
Verna Johnson, Louise Reid and Carmel Hooke (standing), all dressed in red for Pentecost Sunday, celebrated June 9 at First Church in Palm Coast.
PALM COAST COMMUNITY NEWS JEROLINE D. MCCARTHY
ous policies that enriched the regime. Lucas further stated that “two vessels were turned around. Ship’s crew are in tears. Passengers weeping. “Our wonderful trip ends with a sense of loss, sadness. “There’s anger as well. “The feeling is that an unseen hand is squeezing the life out of people, worldwide.” Melinda Morais said, “I’m glad you enjoyed your trip. I wish I had gone already!” Yours truly answered, “OMG (oh my goodness). That’s horrible. What a loss of opportunity for America. I thank God that I went in 2000 through the auspices of the African American Cultural Society, sponsored by Dr. Alberto N. Jones.” Patricia Bottoms answered, “I’m so glad that we went with Alberto (Dr. Alberto N. Jones) and Silvia in 2015.” Dr. Alberto N. Jones said, “These are the results of irrationality, bullying, fundamentalism, and ignorance, that keeps the world in constant fear and threats.” Meshella Woods answered, “You may want to consider our group trip to Ghana with a twoday stopover in Dubai. That’s July 22 to Aug. 5. Call me at 904-6396040.”
Opera singer will perform at church Singer Kela Holmes gave herself permission to be awesome while video advertising for “Ford’s Mustang Moment with
Actress, model and opera singer Kela Holmes will be in concert at First Church. Kela Holmes,” a feature of her performing at the San Francisco Opera. She again will be awesome in concert with classical, jazz and contemporary music at First Church, Saturday, June 22, 4 p.m. The actress, model, opera singer will return, where she rendered a “stirringly beautiful take of ‘Summertime’ last June in a performance of ‘Porgy & Bess.’”
Happy Birthday to Rufus S. Coaxum, the father of columnist Jeroline McCarthy, who is celebrating his 100th on June 15.
The ticket price is $15 per person. For tickets, call the church at 386-446-5759. First Church, pastored by the Rev. Gillard S. Glover, is located at 91 Old Kings Road North, Palm Coast. ••• As always, remember our prayers for the sick, afflicted, the prodigal son, or daughter, and
the bereaved.
Celebrations Birthday wishes to the Rev. Pat Coley Ford, June 12; Ray C. Henderson, June 14; my dad, Rufus S. Coaxum on his 100th birthday, June 15; Danielle Delaney, June 16; Imani Kinshana, June 18; and Elaine Koonce, June 19.
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7 EDITORIAL
JUNE 13 – JUNE 19, 2019
2020 Census crucial to Black America A leadership gap, inadequate funding and staffing and a deliberate campaign to intimidate immigrants and communities of color all make the 2020 Census among the most challenging in American history. This was my testimony last week before a special field hearing of the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Reform Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties regarding the upcoming Census. The hearing, entitled “Getting Counted: The Importance of the Census to State and Local Communities,” was held at Queens Community College at the request of Congress Members Carolyn B. Maloney, co-chair of the House Census Caucus, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Power grab Days after the hearing, irrefutable evidence emerged to bolster my testimony that the “citizenship question” is a ploy to rob vulnerable communities of their political power. A political strategist who played a key role in adding the citizenship question authored a study concluding the question would allow lawmakers to draft even more extreme gerrymandered maps to shift power away the targeted vulnerable communities. The National Urban League has a long history of playing an active role in the decennial census, beginning with Urban League Executive Director, Whitney L. Young, Jr.’s testimony before the House
MARC H. MORIAL TRICE EDNEY WIRE
Subcommittee on Census and Statistics in September 1970. Continuing his legacy, the Urban League has served on past Census advisory committees, and I’ve had the honor of chairing the Census Bureau’s 2010 Census Advisory Committee at the invitation of President Barack Obama’s then-Secretary of Commerce, Gary Locke.
At risk During last week’s hearing, I testified that the racial and political polarization of our society puts at risk the most important element of our representational democracy. Distrust of government is historically high, and the looming presidential election threatens to politicize the process. Hostility toward immigrants, emanating from the highest offices in the land, has created a climate of fear inhibiting people from responding. We must combat these threats.
Effect of inaccuracy An inaccurate census will deprive communities of accurate data for most federally-produced statistics, such as the Consumer Price Expenditure survey, Centers
We’re better than that I can’t remember a time in my adult life when I wasn’t working on justice issues on behalf of people in my community. I’ve worked for the benefit of women who shared my views and some who didn’t, but it’s rare that I’m embarrassed about something women are doing. Lately, I’ve taken the time to view a lot of videos on various rappers and tried to give them the benefit of the doubt. I understand the argument about what they do is the life they live. Some say it’s their reality.
No easy life Well, “My life ain’t been no crystal stair,” as the saying goes. I’ve had my ups and my downs, but I’ve always wanted to do better and I’ve tried to help others do
DR. E. FAYE WILLIAMS, ESQ. TRICE EDNEY NEWS WIRE
the same. I sat for hours viewing videos that made me sick, but I had a purpose. I didn’t just want to say, “Rapping is the style and some young people who do the really hate-filled and vulgar stuff don’t know any better or aren’t capable of doing something reputable to make a living.” Then I began viewing videos that explain how people of other races lure young people into contributing to their own oppression because they’re so caught up
Transforming and accepting your life On July 15, 2018, everything I thought I knew and loved about life suddenly changed. I was diagnosed with a severe muscle condition known as rhabdomyolysis. This mysterious illness broke down my leg muscles and led to my kidneys almost being removed. Unfortunately, doing the type of outreach work I’m used to, you suck it up, roll with the punches and remember the greater goal. Due to my condition, I’ve lost my ability to walk without a cane. I’ve lost my independence – and temporarily my sanity.
Still working hard Because of this, I decided to no longer feel guilty, and started embracing my new superpower. I wanted to make an even bigger impact that would transcend generations and change the world. Thus, my organization has been hard at
RELL BLACK GUEST COLUMNIST
work the last 10 months attempting to secure resources and information as we prepare to launch a new community initiative. “One Step At A Time” is an enrichment program focusing on providing adequate and cost-efficient resources and comfort via medical, recreational and psychological treatment for young children and adults who are suffering from chronic muscle and bone disorders.
Counseling, therapy With the beautiful and gener-
VISUAL VIEWPOINT: THE 2020 CENSUS
for Disease Control, the National Center for Educational Statistics and a host of others. An inaccurate census will deprive communities of critical social, demographic and economic research conducted by think tanks, academic institutions and the private sectors. An inaccurate census will deprive communities of billions of dollars in federal funding. An inaccurate census will deprive communities of the just enforcement of civil rights laws and constitutional protections like fair housing and voting rights. And most importantly, an inaccurate census will deprive communities of fair political representation in the U.S. Congress, the Electoral College and state and local legislatures.
Still undercounted Over the past 60 years, Census accuracy has steadily improved, but some groups still experience higher undercounts and omissions from the Census than others. These include racial and ethnic minority groups, immigrants, single-parent households, nonEnglish speakers. Other populations that are chronically undercounted are renters, mobile young adults, people displaced by natural disasters and the formerly incarcerated. In the 2010 census, the Black population had the highest net undercount and omission rate of any major race or ethnic group. Overall, 9.3 percent of the Black
in being a star! They’re lured into horrible things, given money, flashy cars and everything they could ever hope for – except decency.
Rappers lose They’re introduced to drugs and crime and spending on things they’ll never need, but it becomes a part of their lifestyle. Then one day they think they’re a star, and get “uppity” enough to ask for their own money instead of having things issued out to them. They then find that other people have gotten rich on them while the rapper, with few exceptions, is actually in debt. I see beautiful and smart-appearing young women resorting to a low life of which their parents never taught them. I identify with them simply because they are Black and women. I cringe and become drained when I see a group like the one called “City Girls” dancing and
ous contributions of a multitude of community-loving citizens, we will be able to provide affordable mental health counseling, physical and developmental therapy, public awareness seminars, after school social and recreational activities to lift self-esteem. We will utilize STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) educational principles and tutoring, as well as routine exercise/mental wellness courses for families of members as well. Each of our “Step-Soldiers” will be evaluated thoroughly before, during and after their sessions with our team. Our longterm goal is to uplift, inspire and empower every citizen who is suffering.
Making a change Through emotional, physical and social interactions, we’re dedicated to making a long-lasting and sustainable change in the lives of survivors. We are here to make their lives a little more peaceful, fulfilling, and reinvigorated, one step at a time. With the support, love and understanding from donors and
STEVE SACK, THE MINNEAPOLIS STAR-TRIBUNE, MN
population was completely missed in the census, based on the Census Bureau’s post 2010 census Demographic Analysis.
constitutional principle of one person, one vote.
Missing in action
We urge every community to get involved and to encourage their neighbors, family members, church members, and co-workers to participate in the Census; to count everyone in the household, including babies, foster children and extended family members. It is important, safe and easy. In addition, we urge Congress to continue to hold oversight hearings to shed light on issues the public needs to know about regarding census readiness; especially cybersecurity, the 2020 Census Integrated Communications Campaign, and field infrastructure.
The undercount rate for Black males age 18-49 was very high – 7.6 percent – meaning almost 8 percent of all African American males in this age group were undercounted. And because Black men experience disproportionately higher rates of incarceration, they are more likely to be counted in the communities where they are imprisoned – typically rural jurisdictions – than in their own communities. “Prison gerrymandering,” as this practice is known, along with the fact that Black communities are undercounted and non-Hispanic White communities are more likely to be overcounted, represents a massive transfer of political power and violates the
prancing and shamelessly using vulgarities in front of white men who appear to be shocked by the sight of what the women are doing. I keep saying to myself, “We’re better than that.” I ask myself if this is why our ancestors often died to gain opportunities for all of us, including our sisters to be able to be free to do anything they want to do.
Not advancing us Some argue with me saying they’re exercising their freedom of speech or freedom of expression. I think you will agree those are not freedoms that advance any of our righteous causes. Please go to your computer and look up City Girls Act Up. Look up Cardi B, Nikki Minaj (and I am not yet asking you to look up some of the men who encourage drug use, murder, rape, etc.) Just look up the young women rappers I’ve named and ask yourself if this is
those willing to invest into this life-altering movement, no more children and families will suffer in silence. As a chronic sufferer of muscle fatigue, extreme pain, muscle spasms, constant cramps and occasional complete immobility, I’ve learned the importance of physical and mental support. Mental anguish and hopelessness comes when you’re no longer in control. If you’ve ever felt this way, it’s okay. That’s why programs like this are necessary and essential.
Coping mentally Prescription pills, alcohol, drugs, and gambling are all ways we’ve learned to mask and deal with physical pain. How to we mask mental pain? We must discuss these issues, accept our situations, and embrace them. By supporting this program and this movement, you’re not only saving a life, you’re truly changing the world. Seeing a change being made in the community is one of the most vital experiences of a young person’s life. When children become
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.
CREDO OF THE BLACK PRESS The Black Press believes that Americans can best lead the world away from racism and national antagonism when it accords to every person, regardless of race, color or creed, full human and legal rights. Hating no person, fearing no person. The Black Press strives to help every person in the firm belief...that all are hurt as long as anyone is held back.
Dr. Glenn W. Cherry, Sales Manager
W W W. DAY T O N AT I M E S .C O M
Dr. Valerie Rawls-Cherry, Human Resources
Charles W. Cherry, Sr. (1928-2004), Founder Julia T. Cherry, Senior Managing Member, Central Florida Communicators Group, LLC Dr. Glenn W. Cherry, Cassandra CherryKittles, Charles W. Cherry II, Managing Members
Jenise Morgan, Senior Editor Angela van Emmerik, Creative Director Cassandra Cherry Kittles, Willie R. Kittles, Circulation Andreas Butler, Staff Writer Duane Fernandez Sr., Kim Gibson, Photojournalists
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Get busy
Marc Morial is president and CEO of the National Urban League.
what the Essence Festival should be promoting as the essence of a Black woman. This year, City Girls are invited to the Essence Festival along with First Lady Michelle Obama! On the one hand, they’ve invited a woman of substance, along with a group with no class. Essence Festival leaders need to hear from you about their choices of who represents Black women. Lately, J.T., a member of City Girls, has been forced to experience ‘success’ of her group behind federal prison bars for a case of fraud. Her lawyer is actually trying to get her out on good behavior. Look at the City Girls video and see if you can find the good behavior.
Dr. E. Faye Williams is national chair of the National Congress of Black Women, Inc. Contact her via www.nationalcongressbw.org.
teenagers they discover the world, temptation, and outside influences, so it will always take the influence of positive leaders to lead them on the right path.
Inspired organization Community Healing Project, Inc. was inspired by the great work of Malcolm X, Marcus Garvey and Bobby Seale, and we have been blessed with the task of changing lives, helping families and igniting a cultural appreciation in our youth which has been sadly missing as of lately. With branches being developed in Miami, Houston, Chicago and Brooklyn, we plan on turning this local network of love into a worldwide phenomenon. I’m a leader, visionary, entrepreneur and activist. But at the end of the day, I’m a Black man in America attempting to make a way for his people. Until we change the world one community at a time, my work is never over.
Rell Black is an award-winning activist, blogger and the founder of Community Healing Project Inc.
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M& AWORLD YOR
JUNE 13 – JUNE 19, 2019 NATION DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006
ILLUSTRATION COURTESY OF NNPA NEWSWIRE
Altogether, 2.8 billion girls and women live in countries that get either a “very poor” (59 and below) or “poor” score (60 – 69) on gender equality.
Study finds most of the world failing at gender equality BY STACY M. BROWN NNPA NEWSWIRE
Nearly 40 percent of the world’s girls and women live in countries that are failing on gender equality, according to information compiled by Equal Measures 2030 and its partners. According to the website for the project, “The 2019 SDG Gender Index measures the state of gender equality aligned to 14 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 129 countries and 51 issues ranging from health, gender-based violence, climate change, decent work and others. “The 2019 SDG Gender Index provides a snapshot of where the world stands, right now, linked to the vision of gender equality set forth by the 2030 Agenda.”
Average rating: Poor The index reveals that 1.4 billion girls and women are living in countries that get a “very poor” or failing grade on gender equality. The SDG Gender Index is considered the most comprehensive tool available to measure the state of gender equality when compared to defined SDGs. The average score across the
129 countries – which represent 95 percent of the world’s girls and women – is 65.7 out of 100, which translates to a “poor” rating based upon the index’s scoring system). No single country is the world’s best performer – or even among the world’s top 10 performers – across all goals or all issues.
‘Failing’ on promises In 2015, world leaders from the participating countries committed to achieve gender equality by 2030 for every girl and every woman when they signed on to the ambitious goals and targets of the SDGs. “With just 11 years to go, our index finds that not a single one of the 129 countries is fully transforming their laws, policies or public budget decisions on the scale needed to reach gender equality by 2030,” Alison Holder, the director of Equal Measures 2030 said in a news release. “We are failing to deliver on the promises of gender equality for literally billions of girls and women,” Holder said.
Lowest in Africa Overall, the world is furthest
behind on gender equality issues related to public finance and better gender data (SDG 17), climate change (SDG 13), gender equality in industry and innovation (SDG 9) and – worryingly – the standalone “gender equality’ goal’’ (SDG 5). Denmark tops the index, followed closely by Finland, Sweden, Norway, and the Netherlands. The countries with the lowest scores in the index – Niger, Yemen, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Chad – have all faced conflict and fragility in recent years. Altogether, 2.8 billion girls and women live in countries that get either a “very poor” (59 and below) or “poor” score (60 – 69) on gender equality. Just 8 percent of the world’s population of girls and women live in countries that received a “good” gender equality score (80 – 89) and no country achieved an “excellent” overall score of 90 or above.
Countries impacted The 129 countries featured in the index cover five regions – Asia and the Pacific, Europe and North America, Latin America and the Caribbean, Middle East and North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. “It’s clear that even the most gender-equal countries need to improve on issues like climate change, gender budgeting and public services, equal representation in powerful positions, gender pay gaps, and gender-based violence,” Holder said. The index also shows that
countries with far fewer resources are still able to tackle key gender inequalities. Senegal, for example, has a higher percentage of women in parliament (42 percent) than Denmark (37 percent), despite Denmark’s GDP per capita being 56 times higher than that of Senegal.
‘Progress is possible’ Kenya has very high rates of women who use digital banking (75 percent) – higher rates than three quarters of the world’s countries. Colombia has better coverage of social assistance (81 percent) amongst its poorest people than the United States (65 percent), a higher-income country. “This report should serve as a wakeup call to the world. We won’t meet the SDGs with 40% of girls and women living in countries that are failing on gender equality,” said Melinda Gates, Co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. “But the SDG Gender Index also shows that progress is possible. Many countries with the most limited resources are making huge strides in removing the barriers for girls and women across economies, politics and society – demonstrating that when it comes to gender equality, governments shouldn’t have excuses for inaction,” Gates said. Investment and support Officials said it’s also imperative that the global community provides investment and support to fragile and conflict-affected countries – those with the lowest scores in the Index, such as Ye-
men, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo and Chad. “As advocates for gender equality in Africa, we can no longer operate on presumptions and approximations,” said Memory Kachambwa, the executive director of the African Women’s Development and Communication Network – or FEMNET. “Gaps of inequalities must be marked, counted and recorded so that the trail of implementation is clear and decision makers are held to account. The SDG Gender Index will help to ensure that Africa’s girls and women are counted and accounted for,” Kachambwa said.
Other concerns While some issues are lagging far behind, dedicated international efforts appear to have made a difference on other issues. Overall, countries have performed best on issues where coordinated and concerted policy focus and funding has been directed over the past 10-20 years, including on hunger and nutrition (SDG 2), water and sanitation (SDG 6), health (SDG 3) and education (SDG 4). “With 8,000 decision-makers, advocates, and influencers gathered in Vancouver as part of the Women Deliver Conference, and over 100,000 participating around the world, we have the collective power to drive real progress on these gender equality scores and create real impact for girls and women,” said Katja Iversen, the president and CEO of Women Deliver.
Kids still being poisoned by laundry detergent pods BY ELLEN WAGNER THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH/TNS
While the number of children poisoned by laundry detergent pods has decreased slightly in recent years, they still pose a serious risk to young children, according to a new study. From January 2012 to December 2017, there were nearly 73,000 calls to U.S. poison-control centers about exposure to single-use liquid laundry detergent packets, or pods, according to the study published online last week in the journal Pediatrics. The Center for Injury Research and Policy and the Central Ohio Poison Center, which are part of Nationwide Children’s Hospital, studied exposure to the laundry pods in those five years. Most of the cases involved children younger than 6 years old.
Design change Henry Spiller, director of the Central Ohio Poison Center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and co-author of the study, said the number of people being exposed to laundry detergent packets was doubling every year. Then in 2015, the leading laundry pod manufacturers changed
the design to make it harder for children to access the colorful, squishy pods. Child safety groups, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, began campaigns to increase awareness about the pods’ hazards. Since then, cases of poisoning have dropped 18%.
Number of reports In central Ohio, there were 53 reports of exposure to detergent packets in 2012, 320 reports in 2015 and 268 in 2018. Those numbers include people of all ages. “We are seeing a decrease,” Spiller said. “The one concern is that we are still seeing these, though.” The study also showed some cases of adults, particularly those with dementia or developmental disabilities, being poisoned by liquid laundry detergent packets. The detergent packets, which were first sold in the United States in 2012, attract children because the colorful pods look like candy, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Warning to parents Laundry detergent packets can be punctured and cause chemi-
DREAMSTIME/TNS
Parents urged to use liquid or powder detergents if they have children under 6 years old. cal burns to skin, eyes or be ingested. Liquid laundry detergent packets are more dangerous than traditional liquid or powder detergent, but researchers aren’t sure why. Spiller recommends using liquid or powder detergents if you
have children under 6 years old or keeping the laundry detergent packets out of reach of children. He said the industry will continue to work with health care providers, pediatricians and news media to educate people on the harm laundry detergent
packets can cause and how the packets are different than other laundry detergents. “We don’t want the message to be, ‘Hey, the problem is fixed,’” Spiller said. “We want parents to know these are dangerous if you have them in your house.”
R6
7 SPORTS
JUNE 13 – JUNE 19, 2019
PHOTOS BY DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
Youngsters line up to sprint during drills at this month’s Bruce McNorton Football Clinic. More than 300 kids participated in the two-day event.
Despite rain, McNorton’s clinic draws hundreds of kids BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES
The Bruce McNorton Football Clinic (BMFC) was once again a success. The two-day event on June 6 and 7 at Derbyshire Sports Complex in Daytona Beach brought in former professional athletes along with local coaches at all levels to teach skills and drills to boys and girls ages 6-20 free of charge. The event was sponsored by the BMFC and City of Daytona Beach. The clinic dodged thunderstorms both days, but was able to persevere. More than 300 kids participated during the two days. “We’ve battled rain both days, but it didn’t stop us. It actually cooled the air off. Turnout has been great,” Bruce McNorton told the Daytona Times.
19 total years McNorton, who works as a scout for the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers, created the camp during his playing days. He is a retired NFL player who spent 10 seasons in the league, including nine with the Detroit Lions and one with the Miami Dolphins. The camp has existed for 19 years, including 14 consecutive ones in Daytona. It was originally held in Detroit for five years when McNorton was still playing there. McNorton told the Times, “This is just my way of giving back to my community. Having everyone come out and participate and volunteer their time to help out is also a great thing.”
NCAA seminar too The clinic included an NCAA Eligibility Seminar, which was held on June 5 at the Yvonne Scarlett Golden Educational and Cultural Center. This portion of the clinic is designed to help high school players and their parents learn what is needed for the kids to play football in college. “The seminar portion is starting to progress. We had a lot more kids and a lot more parents this year take advantage of this portion of the camp, which provides them key information if their kid wants to play at the collegiate lev-
“This is just my way of giving back to my community. Having everyone come out and participate and volunteer their time to help out is also a great thing.”
With the assistance of pro athletes and local coaches, students learn football fundamentals and proper techiques.
– Bruce McNorton el,” said McNorton. This portion of the clinic has been going four consecutive years now.
Vickers motivates Johnny Vickers served as the speaker at this year’s event. Vickers is a motivational speaker and CEO and co-founder of Warnell A. Vickers Enterprises LLC. He also played football in college as a running back at Bethune-Cookman (1999-2003). “I really stressed the importance of graduating high school with those NCAA eligibility requirements already completed. They can learn now what they need to be eligible,” said Vickers.
Bruce McNorton, an NFC scout and former player, motivates a student during his annual youth football clinic.
A local kid runs during the Bruce McNorton Football Clinic where former NFL players and coaches instruct kids in drills and skills.
‘Megatron’ participates Many of the instructors on the field during the two- day clinic were former NFL players. Calvin Johnson, also known as “Megatron’’ spent nine years with the Detroit Lions. He retired following the 2015 season. Johnson was glad to be at the camp with the youngsters. “I do a few of these camps and clinics a year. Coming out to teach these kids is only the right thing to do. I am all for that. It’s all about the positives. It’s important and necessary to give back whenever you have a chance to do it. So, just go ahead and do it,” expressed Johnson.
Women helped too Other former NFL players included Ernie Mills, John L. Williams, James Harrell, James Jones and Kelvin Fisher. Most of the players played in the 1980s and 1990s like McNorton.
Johnny Vickers of Warnell A. Vickers Enteprises, LLC was the guest speaker at the NCAA Eligibility Seminar. NFL players and local high school and youth coaches weren’t the only instructors. The Daytona Beach Waverunners, a women’s semi-professional team that competes in the Women’s Football Alliance, helped out. “It’s a great thing having a clinic like this which isn’t an easy
Coach Lorenzo Siler teaches drills during the annual BMFC. thing to put together. It’s critical to volunteer and help out. I also came here to show these little girls that they can play too,” commented Waverunners quarterback Shar’quayla Baker.
‘A good thing for us’ The kids also gave positive feedback.
Jared Jackson, 16, will be a junior at Atlantic High in the fall; he also plays football at the school. Jackson stated, “This camp is a good thing for us to have to come out learn and have fun. It helps players like me and others to sharpen our skills and get ready for the upcoming season in the fall.”