GEORGE E. CURRY: Rodney King symbolized police brutality PAGE 4
Daytona Alpha Kappa Alpha to present debutantes on Saturday SEE PAGE 2
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PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit #189 Daytona Beach, FL
LOCAL PLAYERS PARTICIPATE IN HOUSING AUTHORITY TOURNAMENT SEE PAGE 7
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www.daytonatimes.com
JUNE 21 - JUNE 27, 2012
YEAR 37 NO. 25
Weekend of support for foster parents
PEOPLE SPEAK
Conference to draw thousands statewide to Daytona June 22-24 BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES harperjames59@yahoo.com
Showing support to foster parents is the main priority of the Florida State Foster/Adoptive Parent Annual Conference, which takes place in Daytona Beach this weekend. John Harrell, spokesman for the Northeast Region of the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) said this week that hundreds of foster parents
would be attending this conference. “They are our partners in raising children in foster care to be successful, contributing adults,” Harrell said. Harrell said there are thousands of foster parents statewide, but there is always a need for more.
More needed In Volusia County, as of May 31, there were 811 children in foster care. Of that number, 205 are Black, 624 White and 70 Hispanic. In Flagler County there are 136 in foster care – 108 Whites, 33
Blacks and two Hispanics. “We need foster parents as diverse as the children that we serve, of every ethnicity and many languages. It is so important to be able to offer a foster home with the same cultural and language background for our foster children to feel safe and be understood,” Harrell continued. He said the greatest need is more foster homes interested in sibling groups and teens.
Race not tracked Because of the federal Multiethnic Placement Act that was put in place in the late 1990s, Please see FOSTER, Page 2
PEDRO PORTAL/EL NUEVO HERALD/MCT
Lisa and Jorge Alvarez, with their family, from left, sitting, granddaughter Noemi, daughters Natasha and Vanessa, granddaughter Mya, back, daughter Kathy Remos and her fiancee, Brandon Phillips, at home in Kendall on May 23. The Alvarez family has fostered 90 children in 12 years, some with difficult medical issues.
A Daytona Beach resolution urges all local retailers who sell tobacco products to cease the sale and marketing of all flavored tobacco products. An example of the products are shown above.
Daytona urges stores to stop selling flavored tobacco Young smokers
BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES harperjames59@yahoo.com
Daytona Beach commissioners voted on a resolution this month urging retailers to stop the sale and marketing of flavored tobacco products within city limits. Susan Cerbone, Daytona Beach public information officer, said one of the reasons the commissioners supported the resolution is because “tobacco use is the number one cause of preventable deaths in the United States and nearly 90 percent of users start before the age of 18.” “While the resolution is not an outright ban on sales, it sends a clear message that Daytona Beach cares about its youth,” Cerbone said.
According to information obtained by the Daytona Times, in Volusia County, 12.2 percent of middle school students and 26.3 percent of high school students reported using some form of tobacco one or more times in the past 30 days. Also in Volusia County, 7.4 percent of middle school students and 16 percent of high school students report having smoked cigarettes one or more times in the past 30 days.
Health department pleased Dr. Bonnie J. Sorensen, director of the Volusia County Health Department, says the agency is pleased that the city has adopted a resolution urging tobacco retailers to stop selling and marketing candy-
flavored tobacco products. All of the convenience stores surveyed sell the candy-flavored products stores in Volusia County. “Daytona Beach joins a growing list of municipalities taking a stand against candy-flavored tobacco products. There are 88 people dying daily in the state of Florida from tobacco-related illnesses. Tobacco use is the number one cause of preventable death in the United States,” said Sorensen, who also spoke before the city commissioners voted on the resolution.
Impact on Blacks Stefany Strong, spokesperson for the Volusia County Health Department, said each year approximately 45,000 African-
Americans die from a preventable smoking-related disease, which represents more than 10 percent of the estimated yearly smoking related deaths in the U.S. Strong also noted that smoking is responsible for 87 percent of lung cancers. African-American men are at least 50 percent more likely to develop lung cancer than White men. Blacks disproportionately suffer from chronic and preventable disease compared to White Americans. And of the three major causes of death in AfricanAmericans – heart disease, cancer and stroke – smoking and other tobacco use are key contributors to these illnesses, Strong elaborated. Please see TOBACCO, Page 2
Deltas ‘Remembering the Times’ at June 30 Jabberwork BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES harperjames59@yahoo.com
A musical variety show consisting of music, song and dance will take place during this year’s Jabberwock 2012. The theme for the event sponsored by the Daytona Beach Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, is “Remembering the Times.”
Jabbberwock 2012 is scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 30, at the Mainland High School Performing Arts Center starting at 7 p.m. Contestants this year include Dwan Wilson, Aireil Redding, Amariya Lopez, Saniya Times, Asaunte’ Williams, Ja’Niya Hawkins, Mercedes McMillian and Corrianna Favors.
Dates back to ‘Wonderland’ Alma Glover Smith is one of the organizers of this year’s Jabberwock and said the title is an adaptation of the character Jabberwocky in Lewis Carroll’s classic “Alice in Wonderland.” “Such characters summoned members of his kingdom to come together once a year to present a colorful pageant. This concept
was adopted by the sorority as an evening of entertainment to generate funds for scholarships and other Delta projects,” Smith explained.
More than pageantry The eight contestants will be competing for Little Miss, Junior Miss and Miss Jabberwock. Smith said the contestants have undergone a series of pre-
liminary activities that included a kick off orientation, a career exploration in government and law, and an etiquette workshop appreciation luncheon. “Their debut of elegance and Nubian beauty while competing for the titles will culminate their Jabberwock experience,” Smith continued. Twenty-two little misses ages 3 Please see DELTAS, Page 2
FOCUS
2
JUNE 21 - JUNE 27, 2012
B-CU receives $50,000 from Coca-Cola Foundation FROM STAFF REPORTS
Bethune-Cookman University is one of 17 colleges and universities that will share grants totaling $5 million as part of the Coca-Cola First Generation College Scholarship Program. The $50,000 grant will benefit four B-CU students who are the first in their immediate family to attend college. Texas Southern University, Morehouse College and Fayetteville State University are among other schools receiving the grant.
The Coca-Cola Foundation — the global philanthropic arm of The Coca-Cola Company — awarded $26 million in grants to 85 community organizations during the first quarter. The grants support the foundation’s global priority areas, including $9.7 million for water stewardship; $3.6 million for fitness and nutrition; $7.4 million for education; and $4.9 million for community recycling, along with other local priorities such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, youth development, and civic initiatives.
“We measure the success of our commitments by the impact these grants will have in people’s lives, in their neighborhoods and in their communities all over the world,� said Ingrid Saunders Jones, chairperson of The Coca-Cola Foundation. “Seeing the tangible results of partnership and innovation inspires our continued investment to help build sustainable communities around the world.� These grants will make a powerful difference and will benefit: r NJMMJPO QFPQMF XPSMEXJEF
with improved access to clean water or sanitation; r CJMMJPO MJUFST PG XBUFS XJMM be conserved; 48 tons of debris will be collected; r NJMMJPO QFPQMF XJMM CFOFfit from increased water conservation and education; r NJMMJPO ZPVUI BOE BEVMUT will participate in fitness or nutrition programs; and r TUVEFOUT XJMM CFOefit from education programs; 32,639 will be awarded scholarships; and 169 colleges and other schools will receive grant sup-
TOBACCO from Page 1 Dymond Anthony
Jade McCrary
Lynona McKinzie
Jessica Spencer
Shantazia Howard
Jordan Pride
Shar’Quan Baker
Kydea Leonard
Shar’Quayla Baker
Ashley Daniels
Sherlyn Davis
Resolution includes flavored cigars
Cherrell Davis
Destine Willis
Gamma Mu Omega to present 13 debutantes at cotillion Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Gamma Mu Omega Chapter, will present 13 young women to society at its biennial Debutante Cotillion and Scholarship Gala on June 23 at The Shores Resort and Spa. The goal of Gamma Mu Omega’s debutante program is to provide activities that will enhance the development of outstanding young women in the Greater Daytona Beach Area. Girls selected to participate have taken part in community service projects and attended workshops covering a
FOSTER from Page 1 DCF does not track the race of foster parents. “Race is not supposed to be the deciding factor on placement. Instead we look for a match between foster children and foster parents based on . . . interests, beliefs, training and experience,� Harrell continued. Harrell said a new foster care initiative will be announced at the conference, scheduled at the Daytona Beach Hilton Oceanfront June 22-24. This initiative will be focused on five key points, including an awareness campaign that highlights how fostering changes lives and helps children become successful adults; recruitment and retention of foster parents; training and support for foster parents; extracurricular activities, social media, time with friends; and the importance of attending school, graduating and pursuing further education.
Conference speakers On Saturday, Florida Department of Children and Families Secretary David Wilkins is scheduled to speak. Since takDavid ing the job Wilkins last year, Wilkins has emphasized the necessity of community engagement in helping children, families and vulnerable adults across the state. He launched a faithbased agenda for the department and created “Camps for Champions,� a statewide program that gives thousands of foster children the chance to go to a summer camp and connect with nationally
variety of topics including social etiquette, health and personal finance. Thirteen debutantes and seven “bud debs� – girls 5 to 7 years of age – will participate in the program. The 13 debutantes are seniors and recent graduates of Volusia and Flagler high schools. Tickets for the Debutante Cotillion and Scholarship Gala are sold out. The gala, which begins at 6:30 p.m., will include a presentation dance by the debutantes, dinner and music.
recognized celebrities. Other conference speakers will be Jack Levine, a communications and public policy consultant. Levine is the founder of 4Generations Institute and is partnership director for Grand Magazine, a national publication reaching out to approximately 77 million baby boomers in their active and energetic grand parenting years. On Sunday, June 24, Juli Alvarado, an internationally recognized consultant, motivational speaker and expert in the area of relationship, attachment, trauma, and treatment of high risk, behaviorally disordered children and families is scheduled to be the keynote speaker. She is president and owner of coaching for LIFE, a personal and professional development firm with an emphasis in maximizing human potential through relationship, at home and in the office. Alvarado provides expert consultation for state departments, judicial branches, agencies, corporations and families internationally. Speaking during the NEX GEN Teen Conference on Saturday will be Jennifer Rodriguez, execVUJWF EJSFDUPS PG UIF :PVUI Law Center. Rodriguez grew up in the California foster care system and personally experienced the impact of institutionalization, inappropriate mental health services, and inadequate education support. She also has personal experience with the juvenile justice system, and the issues faced by youth without family or support systems. For more information about the conference, visit floridafapa.org.
Chartered on Dec. 13, 1941, Gamma Mu Omega Chapter has expressed sensitivity to community needs through the involvement of its members in a diversity of projects that promote youth educational excellence as well as cultural events for the local community to enjoy. Popular programs presented by the chapter over the years include the Ebony Fashion Fair, Men of Tomorrow, the Debutante Cotillion and AcDFOU PO :PVUI
Signed on June 6 by Mayor Glenn Ritchey, the resolution urges all local retailers who sell tobacco products to cease the sale and marketing of all flavored tobacco products, which are defined as loose tobacco, including snuff flour, plug and twist tobacco, fine cuts, chewing tobacco, snus, shisha tobacco, smoking or snuffing tobacco products. The resolution also limits “all other kinds and forms of tobacco, including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco products, and blunt wraps prepared in such a manner with the purpose of chewing, inhaling, smoking, or ingesting in any manner which have been flavored through the addition of natural or artificial flavorings, herbs, spices, or other means with flavors characterizing fruit, candy, alcohol, or other similar flavorings with the exception that menthol will not be included in this definition.’’ Other information provided by the health department to persuade commissioners to support the resolution include:
Amariya Lopez
Dwan Wilson
Saniya Times
Mercedes McMillian
Aireil Redding
Ja’Niya Hawkins
Corrianna Favors
Asaunte’ Williams
DELTAS from Page 1 to 5 also will be featured as Daisy Chains. “Their performance will notably be an enchanting and charming moment during the evening,� added Smith.
Tickets are $10 and are available in advance from contestants and sorority members or can be purchased at the door. Children 5 and under will be admitted for free. Sponsors for Jabberwock 2012 include Jon Hall, Gainous-Wynn Funeral Home, New Life Ministries, Terrific Tires, and Family First Health Center.
port. The Coca-Cola Foundation awarded more than $70 million to 263 community organizations around the world in 2011 to support sustainable community initiatives, including water stewardship, community recycling, active healthy living, and education. For more information, visit www.thecoca-colacompany. com/citizenship/foundation_ coke.html.
r /JOFUZ QFSDFOU PG UPEBZ T smokers started before they were 18 years old. r $BOEZ BOE GSVJU GMBWPST mask the bad taste of tobacco, making it easier for kids to start using tobacco products. r 5IFTF QSPEVDUT DPOUBJOing flavors like vanilla, orange, chocolate, cherry and coffee are especially attractive to youth. r :PVOH QFPQMF BSF NVDI more likely to use candy and fruit flavored products than adults. Tobacco industry documents show that companies have designed these products with youth in mind. r 'MBWPSFE DJHBST DJHBSJMMPT bidis, shisha, snus, blunts and smokeless tobacco are just as harmful as flavored cigarettes and are heavily marketed to youth. City commissioners in Port Orange, Holly Hill, Deltona and New Smyrna Beach also have voted to urge retailers to stop selling candy-flavored tobacco products. The Volusia County Health Department initially made a presentation to the Volusia Council of Governments earlier this year requesting that it asks local cities to adopt resolutions urging tobacco retailers to stop the sale and marketing of candy-flavored tobacco.
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JUNE 21 - JUNE 27, 2012
COMMUNITY NEWS
3
Churchwomen raise funds through walkathon different shades of blue with white accessories for the women to wear Sept. 9 for Women’s Day. “Gifted Women of God� will be the theme. The second annual Women’s Day “Hattitude Luncheon� has been set for July 21. The Rev. Gillard S. Glover is the pastor of First Church at 91 Old Kings Road North. The church can be reached at 386-446-5759. rrr As always, remember our prayers for the sick, afflicted and bereaved.
Palm Coast
Community news
By Jeroline D. Mccarthy | Daytona Times Lehigh Trail displayed the focus of a walkathon as an activity leading up to First Church’s Women’s Day. Along the benches of the Belle Terre entrance, in a portion of Palm Coast between Royal Palms Parkway and the fire station, women gathered from First Church to rev up for the hike. The trail parallels Lehigh Canal, and other entrances are accessible through both Colbert Lane and Old Kings Road. Other folks were counting on the women for sponsoring their efforts of participating in the walkathon and donated funds ear-
marked for Women’s Day. Pledges were still coming in, especially since the trail was easy to navigate. It became a closer bonding of women, who came to explore the 3.8-mile trail. Both Women’s Day captains were on the same page with responses to the walkathon. “It was bigger than last year’s when there was just a handful of women,� said Pat Brown. “But this year, everyone who came out participated, and most women walked the three miles.� “They turned out and showed up for a nice fel-
PHOTO COURTESY OF DOUG BROWN
Women at First Church in Palm Coast are shown participating in a hike at Lehigh Trail. lowship,� affirmed Ernestine Logan. The attraction allowed for hikers to wave to passers-by. Trees encircled the linear park, providing for cyclists, skaters and pets as well.
Hattitude Luncheon scheduled July 21 The trail has been in the works to connect with other paths and sidewalks, which will take travelers to preserved, natu-
ral lands and city environs for tourist attraction. It has been marketed by Flagler County and the City of Palm Coast. It was no less marketable for the Women’s Day plans. To date, other plans include
Happy Birthday to You! Birthday wishes to: Randenese Litkett, June 21; James Sharpe, Bertram Lightbourne, June 22; and Howard Wilson, June 25. Happy anniversary to Donald and Shirley Jones, June 24; and Errol and Carmel Hooke, June 25.
Community Calendar To list your event FREE, e-mail us at news@daytonatimes.com. No phone calls or faxes, please. Events are listed on a space-available basis, and in the sole discretion of the Daytona Times staff. For guaranteed placement, contact Lynnette Garcia, lgarcia@flcourier.org, phone 954-882-2946, for ad rates.
Compiled by the Daytona Times
R&B singer Tank is scheduled July 27 at House of Blues Orlando.
How can we help you achieve more of your day-to-day financial goals? If you’re juggling today’s expenses while trying to save for tomorrow, \RX¡UH QRW DORQH $W 6XQ7UXVW RXU VSHFLDOLVWV FDQ KHOS \RX ÀQG QHZ ZD\V to save while staying on track for a rewarding retirement. Whatever your goals are for today or tomorrow, SunTrust is here to help you make smarter ÀQDQFLDO GHFLVLRQV HYHU\ GD\ Come talk to us or visit livesolid.com
:\U;Y\Z[ )HUR 4LTILY -+0* Â? :\U;Y\Z[ )HURZ 0UJ :\U;Y\Z[ HUK 3P]L :VSPK )HUR :VSPK HYL MLKLYHSS` YLNPZ[LYLK ZLY]PJL THYRZ VM :\U;Y\Z[ )HURZ 0UJ
Social Club giving away scholarship The Card Party Express Social Club is giving away $1,000 to a 2012 high school graduate from Atlantic, Mainland, Seabreeze or Spruce Creek with at least a 2.5 grade-point average. Candidates must submit the following by the July 15 deadline: a final 2012 transcript, an acceptance letter from a local institute of higher learning for the 2012 fall semester along with evidence of enrollment, and a 500-to-550 word-essay. More information: CPEclub1@cfl.rr.com. Allen Chapel hosting convention Allen Chapel AME Church is hosting the 2012 Daytona Beach Church School and Christian Education Convention of the African Methodist Episcopal Church June 21 through June 23 at the church, 580 George W. Engram Blvd. A “Backpacks for the Homeless� giveaway will be held following the “Bridge of Hope� hot meal program June 22 at 316 North St. More information: 386-255-1195. Sybil Gage to perform A performance to include a combination of jazz and blues standards and original compositions by New Orleans native Sybil Gage will be held at the New Smyrna Beach Regional Library June 22 at 7 p.m. 1001 South Dixie Freeway, New Smyrna. More information: 386-424-
2910. www.sybilsings.com. Dance workshop starts July 27 The Angels of Praise Creative Arts will host a seven-week program of “Christian Basics of Expression Dance� along with other workshops. The summer session will run through July 27. More information: 386-898-3366 or e-mail i.watson@yahoo.com. Gospel music meeting July 7 The Volusia/Flagler Chapter of Gospel Music Workshop of America will meet July 7 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. The meetings are held the first and third Saturday of each month at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 633 Roy St. Student portfolios on display The Daytona State College Southeast Museum of Photography announces the inaugural UCF Thesis exhibition featuring portfolios of recent work by graduating seniors in the University of Central Florida Photography program. Free admission. Daytona Beach Campus, Hosseini Center, 1200 W. International Speedway Blvd. More information: 386506-4475. National dance finals held The national finals for Showbiz Talent Search will be held June 25-30 at the Ocean Center. More information: www.showbiztalent.com.
EDITORIAL
4
JUNE 21 - JUNE 27, 2012
Rodney King symbolized police brutality Rodney King was found dead early Sunday morning at the bottom of his swimming pool at his home in Rialto, Calif. No foul play was suspected. King would be the first to tell you that his lifelong bout with alcohol and drugs and frequent runins with police did not qualify him for icon status. Yet, that’s what he achieved in 1991 at the age of 27 because of one video clip. The brutal beating of King, an unemployed construction worker, forced America to see what many did not want to believe existed – police officers brutalizing citizens who pose no immediate threat to them or the public.
Started with robbery King’s entry into the national spotlight has its roots in an incident that took place in 1989. King robbed $200 from a grocery store in Monterey Park, Calif. and was sentenced to two years in prison. On the night of March 2, 1991, following hours of drinking with friends, King was spotted speeding in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles. When cops tried to pull him over, he tried to elude them by driving even faster, fearing that he would go back to jail for violating his parole. After a high-speed chase, King was cornered and ordered out of his vehicle. The two passengers accompanying him exited the car and lay facedown on the ground. When King exited, he acted strangely, waving at police helicopters that had been part of the chase and giggling uncontrollably. Supervising officer Sgt. Stac-
GEORGE E. CURRY NNPA COLUMNIST
ey Koon fired a taser into King’s back, causing him to drop to his knees. Other officers pummeling King with their nightsticks. After being struck 56 times and kicked a half-dozen times, King was handcuffed and dragged to the side of the road on his stomach to await the arrival of an ambulance. King later reported that he had suffered 11 skull fractures, permanent brain damage, kidney damage and broken bones and teeth.
Charged, acquitted Four officers were charged with excessive use of force. The trial was switched to Simi Valley, a largely White community. On April 29, 1992, a jury that contained no African-Americans acquitted three of the officers and was unable to reach a verdict on a fourth. Los Angeles exploded upon hearing the verdict. At the end of six days of unrest, there were 53 deaths and 2,383 injuries. Property damage was nearly $1 billion. In an effort to end the violence, Rodney King appeared in public to utter his now- famous “Can we all get along?” Later, the federal government obtained indictments charging the officers with violating King’s civil rights. Koon and Laurence Powell were found guilty and sentenced to 32 months in prison; Timothy Wind and Theodore Briseno were acquitted. The city of Los Angeles
settled a civil suit brought by King for $3.8 million. Rodney King’s beating was not an aberration. r Feb. 4, 1999 – Amadou Diallo was killed by New York City police officers who claimed they thought he was reaching for a gun. Four officers were indicted for seconddegree murder, but were acquitted. r Sept. 2, 2005 – Following Hurricane Katrina, Henry Glover was shot to death while near a strip mall shopping for baby clothing. Two cops were sentenced to more than 15 years in prison for shooting Glover, tossing his body into a car and setting it on fire. r Nov. 26, 2006 –Three unarmed Black men, including Sean Bell, were shot a total of 50 times by New York police officers. Bell, who had been celebrating at his bachelor’s party, died in the hail of bullets. Three officers charged with manslaughter were acquitted. r Jan. 1, 2009 – Oscar Grant was shot in the back by Officer Johannes Mehserle while on the ground at a train station in Oakland, Calif. The officer was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter, but served only 11 months in prison. Thanks to Rodney King, the public is not as quick to believe police officers who abuse their power and violate public trust.
George E. Curry is editorin-chief of the National Newspaper Publishers Association News Service. Click on this story at www.flcourier.com to write your own response.
Let’s unify around the Unity Movement Do you believe that Black people should better utilize more of our $900 billion-plus annual aggregate income to start and grow businesses? Do you believe Black people should share our information and experience with one another to build a brighter future for our children? If your answers are “yes,” join thousands of others in the Black Unity Movement. The mission of the Unity Movement is to unite, educate, and economically empower Black people nationwide. Its goal is to unite a minimum of 2 million people who represent that enormous buying power and intellectual capacity, which will be used to open new businesses, create more jobs, educate our youth, and move billions of dollars into Black-owned banks.
Provides a foundation The brainchild of Mike Moore of Cincinnati, the Unity Movement will provide a foundation of knowledge, contacts, and power from which Black people can move collectively toward the realization of the tremendous potential within our ranks. The Unity Movement, in conjunction with other such initiatives across the country, will create opportunities for Black people to leverage our intellectual resources
JAMES CLINGMAN NNPA COLUMNIST
as well as our financial resources to gain reciprocity in the marketplace, and provide an additional network of like-minded folks who are willing to share and work together toward a common goal. Our children need to see us, the adults, acting in concert with one another and doing what we want them to do as they grow older. They need to see us connected and responding unselfishly to the demands of this world, especially when it comes to sharing, collaborating, and being willing to help one another.
Keys to survival Since the Million Man March in October 1995, I have participated and helped establish several initiatives whose purpose was to empower our people. All but a couple of those initiatives eventually faded away because we simply did not sustain them. Support and sustainability are keys to the survival of any movement. We must bring the commitment and dedication to support it
and do whatever it takes to sustain it as well. The Unity Movement is certainly worth our commitment and participation. Just go to the website, www.myunitymovement.com, and add your information. We must have critical mass, and Mike Moore has determined that number to be 2 million. Let’s not get hung up on the usual things that keep us from supporting something that someone other than “I” brought forth. With all the problems facing Black folks around the world, there are never enough answers, and there is definitely not just one answer. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking, “My thing is better is than his thing,” or “My thing was here first,” or “I was doing that years ago.” That’s a prescription for continued failure. A little more love, trust, and respect for one another will bring the unity we need to move forward. Contact the Unity Movement at 1-888-93-UNITY.
James E. Clingman is an adjunct professor at the University of Cincinnati’s African American Studies Department. Click on this story at www.flcourier.com to write your own response.
Reconnecting with the Motherland I’ve traveled to several African states, often to attend the Leon Sullivan African/African-American Summits. There’s nothing like the feeling experienced when arriving on the African continent. Brothers and sisters are always exuberant in their welcome of guests, but African-Americans tend not to feel like guests. It’s about returning to the home of our ancestors who were stolen from Africa.
Fully engaged This year, Hope Sullivan Masters, daughter of the late Dr. Leon Sullivan, will take the Summit to the Republic of Equatorial Guinea. Its president, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasago, came to Washington, D.C., and I had an opportunity to meet him and his first lady. Both were gracious and invited us to travel to their nation for the next Summit. The Ninth Summit is a great way for some of us to re-connect with our motherland. It’s made up of world leaders who will again gather August 20 – 24, 2012 in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea under the theme “Africa Rising.” The overriding theme of the Summit will be human rights in an increasing-
DR. E. FAYE WILLIAMS, ESQ. TRICE EDNEY WIRE
ly global society. The first lady inquired of me as to which pain of separation was worse – ancestors being taken from the Motherland or those who were left behind. I told her it was difficult to measure, because the pain must have been great for both. Our ancestors experienced both pain and fear upon being torn from Africa. I’m sure those left behind experienced pain, but without the fear. That might make for a difference in the level of pain, but pain is pain!
Obama applauded The Sullivan Foundation recently applauded President Obama for his extraordinary new partnership challenging the pandemic of chronic hunger in Africa. He and other leaders made a bold stride to make food security a priority for the tens of thousands of children dying from starvation and the incalculable loss of life
that continues to mount, despite the fact that Africa holds most of the world’s unused arable land. The U.S. is the single largest donor of aid in some portions of Africa, and has a large presence in Equatorial Guinea. About 4,000 delegates are expected to attend – many from the U.S. President Obiang has said he is inviting all 54 African presidents to attend in the new city of Malabo, which was built to create a state-of-the-art platform for the summits of the African Union. President Obiang has made significant reforms in his country and the Central African region, stressing the importance of democratic ideals and creating an enabling environment for new investment and sustainable development. It’s great to re-connect with our Motherland, so I encourage all who can to travel to the Summit this year.
Dr. E. Faye Williams is national chair of the National Congress of Black Women, Inc. Click on this story at www.flcourier.com to write your own response.
VISUAL VIEWPOINT: AMERICA’S MIDDLE CLASS
CHRISTOPHER WEYANT, THE HILL
SunTrust, Wells Fargo settle mortgage discrimination lawsuits Two of the nation’s largest banks have each agreed to multimillion-dollar settlements of mortgage lending lawsuits that alleged widespread discriminatory lending. Wells Fargo, with $1.3 trillion in assets, announced on May 29 that it agreed to pay Shelby County, Tenn. and its largest city, Memphis, $7.5 million. Of these funds, $4.5 million will be dedicated to local programs that will be available later this year for down payment assistance, financial education and home renovations. Consumers purchasing a home in either Memphis or Shelby County may qualify for grants of up to $15,000. This program will also stipulate that prospective buyers must agree to live in the homes for at least five years. Tennesseans seeking renovation assistance are eligible even if their mortgage was with another lender. The remaining $3 million of the settlement funds will support various existing governmental programs focused on small business development, public safety initiatives, financial counseling and neighborhood revitalization. Over the next five years, Wells has additionally pledged to lend $425 million at market rates in the city and county. Of this lending sum, $125 million will be allocated for low and middle-income homebuyers.
SunTrust Mortgage, the nation’s 11th largest commercial bank, was alleged to have discriminated against AfricanAmerican and Hispanic borrowers in pricing their mortgage loans. These borrowers also qualified for loans with pricing set by SunTrust’s objective criteria. After reviewing documents and data covering more than 850,000 residential mortgage loans between 2005 and 2009, the DOJ’s conclusion was that minority borrowers had been overcharged because SunTrust Mortgage allowed its loan officers and mortgage brokers the discretion to change a loan’s pricing. The bank encouraged this discriminatory practice by sharing the inflated charges with retail loan officers and mortgage brokers. SunTrust did not require its employees or agents to justify or document the reasons for many of the pricing adjustments not based on borrower risk. The lender also failed to adequately monitor for and fully remedy the effects of racial disparities in these pricing adjustments.
Ends lawsuit
Partial justice
The settlement will end the lawsuit filed in 2009 by the city and county accusing the lender of Fair Housing Act violations by deploying discriminatory mortgage lending practices and unnecessary foreclosures. Under the settlement, residents whose homes were foreclosed by Wells Fargo will not be directly compensated. By contrast, a recently negotiated settlement between the U.S. Justice Department and SunTrust Mortgage will directly benefit at least 20,000 African-American and Latino families in 34 states and the District of Columbia. These borrowers obtained SunTrust mortgage loans between 2005 and 2009. Together, these borrowers will share in a $21 million settlement of mortgage discrimination claims.
CHARLENE CROWELL NNPA FINANCIAL WRITER
The consumers who lost hundreds or even thousands of dollars on these mortgage markups got a measure of justice and will be comforted with some cash compensation. The real tragedy in all of these discriminatory lawsuits is that they have occurred long after federal laws were enacted to protect and prevent people of color from suffering these kinds of injustices. We may have won our civil rights, but we still have a long journey towards ‘silver’ rights.
Charlene Crowell is the Communications Manager for State Policy & Outreach with the Center for Responsible Lending. Click on this story at www.flcourier.com to write your own response.
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JUNE 21 - JUNE 27, 2012
HEALTH
Employers aim to cut health costs with on-site clinics BY MARCIAHEROUX POUNDS SUN SENTINEL (MCT)
FORT LAUDERDALE – When employees at ADT headquarters in Boca Raton need a flu shot or are suddenly feeling ill, they don’t have to leave the building for medical care. In May, ADT security firm joined a growing number of large companies, including JM Family Enterprises, Royal Caribbean and City Furniture, by adding on-site health clinics for employees and their families. With health care and workers’ compensation insurance major expenses for employers, some companies find economical to build on-site clinics. Convenient medical services can minimize time off work and prompt workers to get preventative care. On-site clinics tell workers they’re valued and help with employee recruitment, companies say.
Helping to keep workers out of ER Anita Graham, ADT’s human resources chief, said the company’s clinic makes preventive care easy for workers. “People either put off treatment or going for a physical, and they end up going to an emergency room, worsening their health outcome,� she said. Since ADT opened its clinic a few weeks ago, “I’ve been there three times,� said Jodi Calfee, manager
Students can learn about water safety at Daytona State camps
of interior design. Calfee, 34, has a 2 ½-year-old son and has visited ADT’s clinic for a cold and sinus infection. “I get all the day-care colds,â€? she said. ADT, which has 700 employees in Boca Raton, sees reducing the spread of colds and flu in the workplace as one benefit. Employees can schedule physical exams, blood work, vaccinations and health screenings at the clinic, as well as visit for emergency needs. The clinic is staffed with a nurse practitioner from Tenet Florida.
Primary care for employees, families Tenet also has opened a clinic at Royal Caribbean Cruise headquarters at Port Miami. The clinic opened in September and is providing primary care to employees and their families. Companies adding health care services often look to JM Family Enterprises, which has had onsite health services since 1989 on its Deerfield Beach campus. JM Family has three fulltime doctors on staff and visiting doctors who specialize in obstetrics and gynecology. Its Deerfield Beach clinic has been wellused, with its 1,400 employees making a total of 13,000 clinic visits in 2011.
Life-threatening illnesses diagnosed
GINA FONTANA/SUN SENTINEL/MCT
Ken Comeforo, left, an IT Manager at ADT, gets examined by nurse practitioner Carline St. Vil-Joseph on May 23 in ADT’s new on-site health clinic for their employees and families in Boca Raton. While many health clinic visits are routine, one JM Family employee found the company clinic a lifeline. Morris Castaneda, 40, complained to a clinic doctor of trouble swallowing and an earache that wouldn’t go away. The doctor referred him to a gastrointestinal specialist, and he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. He had chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. The clinics’ doctors and nurses were there for him, providing physical and emotional support, he said. “They guided me through the entire process,� said Castaneda, who said he’s now cancer-free.
Less expensive than urgent care Tamarac-based City Furniture is modeling its clinic, opening in late July, on JM Family’s. City Furniture has partnered with Holy Cross Hospital, which is providing a nurse practitioner to care for City Furniture’s 925 employees and dependents, for free. Janet Wincko, human resources director, said it will be less expensive for the company if workers see the nurse practitioner than visit an urgent care center or outside provider. The company also sees the clinic as a benefit that will attract new workers. “It helps us to be an employer of choice,� she said.
Daytona State College will host two water-skills camps in July. Junior Lifeguarding Camp is scheduled July 9-13, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Participants ages 11-14 will learn water safety and rescue skills, basic first aid and CPR for infants, children and adults. Aspects of pool, water park and ocean lifeguarding also will be covered. The camp includes trips to Daytona Lagoon to shadow water park lifeguards and to the beach to learn more about ocean lifesaving and how the beach patrol operates. Campers who successfully complete covered material will receive an American Red Cross Community Water Safety and CPR certificate. Participants should bring bathing suit, towel and dry change of clothes. Camp participants must be pre-registered and bring lunch. Lunch time will be supervised and students will remain with their camps. Parents are welcome to volunteer or visit anytime. Cost for this five-day camp is $130. From July 9-13, a scuba camp is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Upon successful completion of this camp, participants ages 12-18 will receive a lifetime SSI World Wide SCUBA certification. Instructors from Spruce Creek SCUBA will teach this weeklong camp consisting of classroom work, pool time and five checkout dives at area springs. Participants must attend all classes and complete skill requirements to
5 obtain certification. Textbooks, camp T-shirt, rental equipment and tanks will be provided. Students must provide their own mask, fins, snorkel, weight and weight belt. A mandatory parent meeting will be held Wednesday, June, 20 at 6 p.m. Cost for this five-day camp is $150. The camps will be held at the Daytona Beach Campus, Lemerand Center (#310), 1200 W. Int’l. Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach. For more information call 386-506-4386 or visit www.DaytonaState. edu/SummerCamps. rrr
Volusia County to show off antimosquito arsenal Volusia County’s Mosquito Control Division will host an open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 27 to show off its mosquito-fighting equipment at 801 South St., New Smyrna Beach. Staff members will offer guided tours and tips on mosquito-proofing your home and protecting your skin. Participants will get a close-up view of the county’s mosquito-fish hatchery, spray trucks, helicopters, airboats, sentinel chickens and mosquito traps. Hot dogs, popcorn and bottled water will be available. Environmental health specialists from the Volusia County Health Department will be on hand to share information about mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile virus and eastern equine encephalitis. The open house is being presented in recognition of National Mosquito Awareness Week, which is June 24 to 30. For more information, call 386-424-2920.
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JUNE 21 - JUNE 27, 2012
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JUNE 21 - JUNE 27, 2012
SPORTS
7
Housing authority hoops tournament gives kids fun, experience, opportunity The Daytona Beach Housing Authority teamed up with Daytona Beach Leisure Services and put together a youth basketball team earlier this month. The youth, ages 18 and under, competed in the Tampa Housing Authorityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s basketball tournament in Tampa from June 8-10. The team consisted of 10 players ages 14 to 18 from public housing units in Daytona; they played against other kids from public housing units in other cities across Florida. The Daytona Beach Housing Authority sponsored the team while the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Leisure Services Department organized and operated it.
The Daytona team went 2-2 overall and 2-1 in a pool play during the threeday event. They came out as the second seed from a Pool B after picking up wins over Palatka and Pinellas County. The local team did suffer a defeat to West Palm Beach. Daytona lost to Lakeland in the following round, which eliminated them from competition. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This was a great event. The kids got to travel, be on the road, stay in a nice hotel and play upscale basketball. They learned team camaraderie and got to both compete and befriend other kids who live in public housing in other cities,â&#x20AC;? said Coach Jerry Johnson. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was a great adventure for them. It also got them
away from the area to see something else and have fun.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;
Just two weeks to prepare Johnson is a Leisure Services Department employee who coached the team; he was assisted by longtime city employee Fred Morrell. Putting the team together was a challenge for Johnson and Morrell. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We only had two weeks to prepare. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a short time to get the kids together and get them competitive as a team. We did the best that we could,â&#x20AC;? commented Johnson.
Pleasant experience The players say they had fun, enjoyed their experience and would like to participate in similar tournaments in the future.
COURTESY OF DAYTONA BEACH LEISURE SERVICES
The Daytona Beach Housing Authority hosted a basketball tournament in Tampa earlier this month with area kids competing against youngsters from other public housing units across the state. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The experience was pretty good and I had a lot of fun. It was a great opportunity for us whose parents donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the time or money to take us traveling a lot. I think that this should be done again,â&#x20AC;? responded Raqwon Sloan, 15. Wilton Whiter, 14 agreed, â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was a good experience. We had a lot of fun. As a basketball player, I got a
chance to work on becoming a better defender during the tournament. I liked it and would love to play in it again.â&#x20AC;? There have been such tournaments conducted by housing authorities. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In the past, I played in a similar tournament, which was organized by the housing authority. I garnered # @ MVP honors. We got to go
to Las Vegas and Denver. That was fortunate for us,â&#x20AC;? recalled Johnson. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wes Chandler was our director and Morris Small was our coach. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s good to have this for the kids. I hope that they continue this. This also allows kids to see something different that they havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seen before,â&#x20AC;? Johnson added.
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Travel, competition and challenge
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COMMUNITY NEWS
JUNE 21 - JUNE 27, 2012
Celebrating freedom Annual Juneteenth Festival attracts thousands to Cypress Street Park
Performances at this year’s Juneteenth celebration included traditional African dance, a drumline and band, and various singing groups.
Thousands turned on Saturday for the 12th Annual Juneteenth Celebration sponsored by the city of Daytona Beach. The scent of barbecue ribs filled the air. Children ran around unattended – having a good time riding live animals, climbing rock walls, bouncing on inflatables and on a bungee ride. Admission was free to the festival at Cypress Street Park. Attendees also took time to swim in the city’s pool and tour the new Midtown Cultural and Development Center. Also mixed in the crowd were candidates hoping to be elected in the upcoming Aug. 14 primary. Many groups also took the time to register people to vote. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of the Civil War. This was two and a half years after slaves had been freed by the Emancipation Proclamation, which was signed by President Abraham Lincoln on Sept. 22, 1862. Daytona Beach is one of many communities across the country that celebrates Juneteenth, which marks the time Texas slaves learned they were free. In Palm Coast a Juneteenth celebration “Remembrance, Reflection and Recitation” will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 30 at the African American Cultural Center, 4422 N. U.S. 1. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, call the African American Cultural Society at 386447-7030. The event will include arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, entertainment, face painting and a program from noon to 4 p.m.
Sitting atop saddles draped with red, white and blue, these youngsters took advantage of free pony and horse rides, under the watchful eye of their caretakers.
Leisure Services Director Percy Williamson enjoys Juneteeth with wife Carmen.
An on-site petting zoo caught the attention of these little ones.
Candidate for Daytona Beach Mayor, Edith Shelly (second from left) was among three candidates speaking with potential voters during the event.
Spider mountain was a big hit for those willing to tackle it.