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MARCH 28 - APRIL 3, 2019
YEAR 44 NO. 13
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What happens if B-CU closes? Locals weigh in on university’s future BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES
Bethune-Cookman University remains in jeopardy of closing its doors. Recent media reports released details from an audit on the school’s finances which depict a bleak future for the historically Black university located in the heart of Daytona’s African-American community. Moore Stephens Lovelace, an
Orlando-based independent certified public accounting firm, conducted a financial audit which covered June 2017 to June 2018.
is trying to raise $7.5 million to keep the school open beyond June 30, 2020.
Multiple challenges
Local civic leaders, residents, and current students are concerned about B-CU’s future and the effect its closing would have on the local community. “B-CU has an immense economic impact on this community. Those they do business with and the employees that live and shop here will lose. We as a city, county and state should be
According to the document, B-CU is facing insurmountable debt. It also holds a junk bond status credit rating, is facing several multi-million-dollar lawsuits, and remains on probation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). Interim President Hugh Grimes has implemented pay cuts, furloughs and layoffs and
In this page taken from B-CU’s 201415 annual report, one goal of former B-CU President Edison Jackson was to ‘Increase Institutional Visibility and Image.’ Lawsuits and financial and accreditation problems have increased BCU’s visibility and compromised its image and brand.
‘Shame’ if it happens
See B-CU, Page 2
DAYTONA TIMES / 40TH ANNIVERSARY
Spring Break nudity, MMB closing
COURTESY OF B-CU
City pushes for sales tax hike SPECIAL TO THE DAYTONA TIMES
Starting next week, the Daytona Beach city officials will meet with local residents to explain the benefits of a proposed halfcent sales tax increase to help improve roads and bridges, build more sidewalks and support water quality projects in Volusia County. City leadership has already identified and ranked infrastructure projects to be completed with the sales tax proceeds. Many of the proposed projects are in Daytona Beach’s Black community.
Meetings next week City staff will host nine Daytona Beach -specific projects meetings throughout the city in April, beginning Tuesday, April 2 at the Dickerson Community Center with another one on Thursday, April 4 at the Midtown Cultural & Educational Center. The informal meetings will begin at 5:30 p.m. Residents are invited to stop by anytime between 5:30 and 7 p.m. to review project displays. City staff will be available to answer questions. Citizens and property owners can also provide feedback on project priorities.
Additional April meetings Other meetings will take place on April 9 at the Yvonne Scarlett Golden Cultural and Educational Center; April 11 at the Sunnyland Park Activity Building; April 16 at See TAX HIKE, Page 2
FILE PHOTO
Estimates are that a half-cent sales tax increase would generate about $3.7 million annually to the city of Daytona Beach for the next 20 years.
Promoter of authors has her own new book to showcase SPECIAL TO THE DAYTONA TIMES
When the next F.R.E.S.H. Book Festival rolls around in January 2020, the organizer and creator will have her own recent book to showcase. The third installment in Donna Gray-Banks’ trilogy was released this month, eight years after her second entry was published. Through her book festival, she brings in authors from around the country.
Long journey Fifteen years ago in 2004, the Daytona Times reported on a Spring Break wet t-shirt contest witnessed by Mayor Yvonne Scarlett-Golden and City Commissioner Darlene Yordon that resulted in two arrests for public nudity, and unsuccessful efforts by Bethune-Cookman College stakeholders to close a stretch of Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard that runs through the institution.
Because of her commitment to promote other authors as well as her work in the Volusia community, it took her longer than expected to finish the “Ila’s DiaDonna monds’’ trilogy. Gray-Banks “The journey to the completion of ‘Ila’s Diamonds III’ has had its pleasures and pain,” Gray-Banks told the Daytona Times. “I find it very difficult to write when I am in the eye of a hurricane, but once the air cleared in my life, completion was possible.’’ See BOOK, Page 2
ALSO INSIDE
COMMUNITY NEWS: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EXPERT DISCUSSES FINANCIAL LITERACY | PAGE 3 NATION: RELL BLACK FARMERS GEARING UP FOR ANOTHER LEGAL BATTLE | PAGE 5
7 FOCUS
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MARCH 28 – APRIL 3, 2019
Above: Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry addresses the church. Left: Rev. John Long delivers remarks.
PHOTOS BY DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
Candles were lit in memory of the victims.
Prayers for New Zealand A community prayer vigil for the victims of the New Zealand terrorist attack and their families was held on March 20 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Daytona Beach. On March 15, a gunman opened fire at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, killing 50 people.
TAX HIKE from Page 1 Allen Chapel AME Church; April 18 at Daytona Beach Fire Station #7, 2545 LPGA Blvd.; April 23 at the Schnebly Recreation Center; April 25 at the Daytona Beach Police Department; and April 30 at Church of Christ, 850 Beville Road. Town hall meetings about the proposal have already been held in DeLand, New Smyrna Beach, Deltona, Port Orange, and Daytona Beach. Municipal and county officials were on hand to answer questions and hear concerns.
Benefit countywide If approved by voters in May,
the additional half-cent sales tax is expected to generate about $45 million per year countywide for the next 20 years. That amount, which could increase or decrease in subsequent years, would then be split annually between Volusia County and its 16 cities. Using the currently established distribution formula, estimates reflect Daytona Beach’s share to be about $3.7 million annually. It is projected that the tax would generate $74.3 million in revenue to Daytona Beach over a 20-year period. The revenues generated from the half-cent sales tax can be used to plan, acquire, construct, reconstruct, finance or improve public infrastructure. Projects are restricted to roads, sidewalks, bridges, water quality and storm-
B-CU from Page 1
‘Ila’s Diamonds III,’ the third installment in Donna Gray-Banks’ trilogy, was released this month, eight years after her second entry was published.
BOOK from Page 1 ‘Write something’ Gray-Banks has this advice for aspiring writers. “I also never wanted to give up. If I have anything to say to new writers, write, no matter what, write something. “Even though I was not completing ‘Ila’s Diamonds III,’ I was writing short stories, poetry, magazine articles, etc. There is a song entitled ‘I Hope You Dance.’ An author’s song should be, ‘I hope you write,’ she added.
How to get book The trilogy is available on Amazon, Kindle and through the author by emailing Freshbookfestivals@gmail.com to order an autographed copy. Her next project? “Ila’s Diamond IV: The House That Jack Built.’’ The 2020 F.R.E.S.H. Book Festival will be held Jan. 9-11 in Daytona Beach. It was created in 2012 by Banks-Gray to promote literacy in the Black community.
ashamed if happens. “The work of Dr. Bethune helped introduce Daytona Beach to the world. Her influence is why her image will be placed in Statutory Hall in Washington, D.C. Everyone should be knocking on the door asking to help. Her reach in society goes far beyond the university,” responded Daytona Beach Zone 6 City Commissioner Paula Reed. Quanita May, Daytona Beach Zone 3 city commissioner, echoed, “B-CU is a huge economic driver which supports many families by providing employment. The students support the local community. They consume, rent, buy and shop and support many local restaurants. “Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune helped the community so much by opening the school here which attracted businesses, professionals and students from everywhere. If the school leaves, it would be bad historically, financially and emotionally.”
water and flood control.
Dollars stay here This half-cent sales tax will be collected in Volusia County and the dollars collected will be used to improve local roads and bridges, reduce traffic congestion, build more sidewalks and support water quality projects in Volusia County. According to proponents, these projects will create many local construction jobs. A large percentage of the halfcent sales tax will be paid by visitors and tourists, which means everyone who uses the roads, sidewalks, beaches and rivers will help pay for them, not just residents and property owners. If these improvements were paid through property taxes, only lo-
Economic impact Most agree a closure would be devastating to the local economy. “Like most citizens, I am very Paula concerned. A cloReed sure or thought of closing this great university has a profound effect on the community. Bethune-Cookman has a great economic impact on the area as well as a spiritual and cultural impact. Quanita “When the stuMay dents and faculty shop in the Midtown area, it provides revenue. Our Midtown plans need to be improved to capitalize on this revenue by providing greater Pierre Wildcat shops for Louis them to purchase goods and services. The avenue is not very wel-
cal property owners would carry the burden, supporters say. Won’t apply to all purchases The half-cent sales tax will not apply to purchases of gas, groceries or medicine. For large purchases such as automobiles and boats, the tax would only be applied to the first $5,000 of the purchase because the tax is capped at $25 per purchase. Four layers of protection Supporters say there will be a local citizen oversight committee to ensure the money is spent as approved, with four layers of protection to ensure funds can only be used as outlined in the proposal: A local citizen oversight committee; Florida law ensures the money can only be used for projects listed on the ballot;
A local ordinance clearly defines where the money will go and how it will be spent; Locally elected officials, not state or federal, will be making these decisions.
Mail-in vote The vote will take place in the month of May via mail-in ballots. Registered voters in Volusia County will begin to see mail-in ballots beginning the first week of May. Those ballots should be filled out and returned in the mail to the Supervisor of Elections Office in DeLand. They may also be dropped off at the Elections Office, which is found in the historic Volusia County Courthouse. All ballots must be in the office by 7 p.m. May 21 for votes to be counted.
coming for students to feel safe or spend money and it desperately needs to be brought up to date,” commented Pierre Louis, Midtown Redevelopment Board chair. “It would be great if every student that ever attended donated a certain amount of money to save the school,” Louis added.
nities for locals too, which leads to better economic futures. As an alumnus, it’s a part of us. We took the oath of, “Enter to learn and depart to serve.’ Nobody wants to see their alma matter fail,” commented Tony Servance.
Directly affected
B-CU freshman business administration major Jayla Brown is from Tampa. She said, “I feel it would be a letdown to the local Black community and the world. It wouldn’t hurt me too much. I can transfer; I’m thinking about transferring. It would affect students’ pride in the school, its legacy and the legacy of Dr. Bethune.”
Local businesses would feel the sting from B-CU disappearing. Jason Swiley, owner of Banana Boat Café Jamaican Kitchen on Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard told the Times, “Let me give it to you straight. If the school shuts down, I lose 90 percent of my business which is from its students, faculty, staff, facility workers, etc. I don’t have 12 months to run a business; I have eight. I don’t know why I don’t get much local business, but I am close to the school. It’s been that way for three years.” Alumni and students are concerned, too. The situation also touches their pride of their beloved alma matter. “B-CU provides economic stability and development locally. The school employs thousands of people locally. The school provides higher education opportu-
‘I can transfer’
‘Losing vs. stealing’ Even those who currently make their living at B-CU have concerns. A person employed through the school who wished not to be identified said, “We hope that the school bounces back. We are concerned about its future, as well as our jobs and our economic futures. There’s a difference between losing money and stealing money. It’s an uncertain situation to be in.”
MARCH 28 – APRIL 3, 2019
3 7
COMMUNITY NEWS
Economic development expert shares thoughts on financial literacy at entrepreneurs’ event Dr. Fraser is founder/chairman/CEO of FraserNet, Inc., leading a global networking and economic development movement for people of African descent. The creative genius of the Harlem Renaissance brought to Harlem some of the greatest minds and talents of African Americans during the 1920s. And so, the cultural explosion had embraced the backdrop of a recent event that influenced wealth development. It was presented by the African-American Entrepreneurs Association (AAEA) with Leslie F. Giscombe in command as the founder and CEO. The cultural expression drew significance as the second annual Black History event, setting the stage at the African American Cultural Society for faith-based speaker Dr. George C. Fraser – and was inclusive of other presentations, entertainment and dinner. These presentations brought to focus: Sandra Shank, Wendy Smith-King, D’Lorah Butts-Lucas, Esq.; Leslie F. Giscombe, Dr. Evelyn Bethune, Yumalik Carey, Stan Alston, Wanda Moore of Vy Star Credit Union, Saute’ Kingz by Chef Count, Rob’s Jazz Express, and the Sapphire Ice Dancers.
Renowned speaker Dr. Fraser is founder/chairman/CEO of FraserNet, Inc., leading a global networking and economic development movement for people of African descent. He was born in Brooklyn and was orphaned and a foster child for 15 years. For 20 years, he was in leadership at Procter & Gamble, United Way and the Ford Motor Company prior to founding FraserNet, Inc. in 1987. Dr. Fraser has written six best-selling books, and has been featured on seven national magazine covers, earning over 350 awards and citations, including President Barack Obama’s Lifetime Achievement Award. He’s been named one of the best speakers in America.
Launching WINDS His “final act” is to use his massive network and influence to join the fight for financial literacy in Black America. He is in the process of launching the WINDS Wealth Building Centers and Curriculum.
PALM COAST COMMUNITY NEWS JEROLINE D. MCCARTHY
WINDS is a rebranding and upgrading of the “old-school’’ Black church “Wealth Ministries.” Dr. Fraser’s vitae reads that, “Over the next decade, thousands of new and wellequipped WINDS Centers will be open, free of charge. Classroom instruction will be provided for free by thousands of underutilized financial services professionals, who will get Certified in Financial Instruction and use the innovative WINDS curriculum.”
PHOTO BY JEROLINE D. MCCARTHY/DAYTONA TIMES
Shown are Howard Holley of the Holley Group, guest speaker Dr. George C. Fraser, and AAEA founder/CEO Leslie F. Giscombe.
Don’t compromise In an eloquent speech – in a Black preacher’s intonation and cadence – Dr. Fraser, dubbed by Upscale magazine as among the “top 50 Power Brokers in Black America,” emphasized that: Our suffering 400 years of intergenerational slavery went on for 13 generations to the detriment of the great-grandchildren. “There was no slavery in humankind ever that egregious,” said Dr. Fraser. “We are an awesome and powerful people. We survived. “But that 400 years, in case no one has told you – (but,) I’m going to tell you - was just a bump in the road to the magnificence of African people,” he said. “And perhaps had God not sent Africans here,” he continued, “America might have self-destructed by now. “Don’t you ever compromise your moral or spiritual values for anybody because America needs us,” he refrained.
On our progress Commenting on wealth, the economy, and on studies, trends, and his book, “Success Runs in Our Race: The Complete Guide to Effective Networking in the African American Community,” Dr. Fraser observed that “after 400 years, we are still the poorest people in this country” and at the bottom of every economic statistic that matters in America. He asked the audience, “Have we made
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE FOR BLACK STUDENTS. NO EXCUSES. PRAISE FOR ‘EXCELLENCE WITHOUT EXCUSE’: “This guide for African-American college-bound students is packed with practical and insightful information for achieving academic success...The primary focus here is to equip students with the savvy and networking skills to maneuver themselves through the academic maze of higher education.” – Book review, School Library Journal
COURTESY OF SANDRA SHANK
PHOTO BY JEROLINE D. MCCARTHY/DAYTONA TIMES
Sandra Shank was the mistress of ceremonies.
Wendy Smith-King, AAEA administrator, and guest Hope Swire-Laws were among the trendsetters at the event.
some progress?” “Yes,” he replied. “How does it compare to White people?” he queried. “There is no comparison,” he verbalized. Citing a newspaper editorial, he read that: “It is time for African Americans to take a seat at the table - not only in America, but also in a global economy. “(But) unfortunately, we continue to place our power in the hands of those who have historically oppressed us and even worse, we continue to oppress each other,” the instructor said. “This is the meaning of internalized oppression”... and thinking that White America controls our lives, is a true application of our personal power, he affirmed, and the reality is that each and every day is an opportunity to create a new and powerful story in our culture.
son - Dr. Fraser said that within 40 or 50 years, our out-of-wedlock birth rate will be somewhere between 65 and 75 percent, which will lay the foundation and the structure for intergenerational-and-family community poverty.
Color that matters Briefly and showing respect, Dr. Fraser affirmed that “White people will not be saving Black people.” Once more, you cannot live in a capitalistic society, and be financially illiterate. In a capitalistic society, “The only color that matters,” he said, is “green. “Black people must become a community of owners and savers instead of a community of consumers and renters... and unless things change, that strategy will lead us into a second slavery,” Dr. Fraser warned. From a stark review released in 1965 by Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan - commissioned by President Lyndon B. John-
The good news This is exactly what happened, he related, where 72 percent is the out-of-wedlock birth rate of our culture, and we can see the Black family’s destruction. The good news is, “There is nothing that we’ve done of any significance – as Africans in America - that has not come out of the leadership from the Black church, whether it is our fighting for freedom, civil rights, voting rights, public access, (or against Jim Crow)... “You cannot pretend that you can begin the process of teaching our people something new, without getting the halo effect and the blessing of the Black church,” Dr. Fraser said. “It must come through the Black church. It must. Twenty-five hundred references on money and wealth come from the Bible,” he weighed. ••• As always, remember our prayers for the sick, afflicted, the prodigal son, or daughter, and the bereaved.
Celebrations Birthday wishes to Barbara Jackson, March 28; Cynthia L. George-Durbin, Shirley Jones, March 29; and Olivia R. Price, April 3.
Kids, officers ride their bikes in Midtown
www.excellencewithoutexcuse.com
The City of Daytona Beach and the Daytona Beach Police Department hosted its third annual Daytona 100 Bike Ride and Community Day on Saturday at the Midtown Cultural & Educational Center in Daytona Beach. The Daytona 100 is a free event geared toward children between 8 and 12. During the event, children had the opportunity to join staff and officers of the police department, including school resource officers, on a bike ride in the neighborhood near the Midtown center. After the ride, the children were treated to food and games at the center.
Officers and youngsters participated in the Daytona 100 bike ride on March 23. DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./ HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
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7 EDITORIAL
MARCH 28 – APRIL 3, 2019
Daytona’s youth are its future. Get used to it The way young leaders and business owners are treated in Daytona Beach is disgusting. We are marginalized, neglected and treated as societal outcasts. As a young Black man, I’m already carrying a backpack full of stereotypes and microaggressions on my back on the daily. Nothing makes it worse than when your own people attempt to silence you and make you feel invisible. So many people have asked why young people don’t attend city engagement and official meetings. The truth? Because we are not accepted. We are treated as if what we have to say is miniscule and as if our existence is just for going to parties and buying clothes.
Quit hating Could you imagine growing up and having to constantly turn the other cheek to racist White people in order to make it, and now watch a new generation demand their seat at the table by any means necessary? The new leaders have arrived, and it’s time to stop hating and start embracing. The main reason I launched my non-profit Community Healing Project, Inc., was because there were about 10 people in this city who were speaking the same message I was. People who were interested in Black empowerment, Black education, African spirituality, world history, and just being as Black as possible. A modern-day Marcus Garvey-style UNIA (Universal Negro Improvement Association), my
RELL BLACK GUEST COLUMNIST
Now is the time to embrace the new energy that is entering the political and business world here in town. We are coming, and we are going to fight for justice by any means necessary. plan was to join all the conscious and militant minds of the city and have a community resource available to everyone in Volusia County. My goal was to unite an elite group of young Black people who promoted Black businesses, helped fight injustice and truly and genuinely cared about Black communities.
Organization moves forward Eventually with the help of some mentors, we decided to turn it into a nonprofit so we could impact more people and get help from the government at the same time. Due to the hard
The myth of meritocracy William Singer is going to jail. He’s the man who masterminded the college cheating scandal, collecting more than $25 million in bribes between 2011 and 2018 for helping the children of millionaires get into college through what he called “the side door.” More than 50 people got caught up in his scam, including a couple of well-known actresses, and some not so well- known corporate CEOs who were willing to pay big money to get their unqualified children into elite colleges like Yale, Georgetown, and Stanford.
Extreme measures Singer’s unsavory antics were outrageous – hiring people to take ACT and SAT scores for young people, photo-shopping photos onto athletic bodies, lying about student’s background and athletic prowess. He created op-
JULIANNE MALVEAUX TRICE EDNEY NEWS WIRE
portunity for young people who are already endowed with the blessing of their parent’s wealth. It flies in the face of the notion of “meritocracy.” If you are surprised by this entrance-buying scheme, you are deluding yourself. Wealthy people have been buying their children’s admission to elite schools for years; they just did it the legal way. They gave substantial contributions to colleges and then asked for a place for their children. Or, they took advantage of the legacy preference (affirmative action for White people) to get their children in. So Singer
Women are stepping up! We’re near the end of Women’s History Month. Every woman should be proud of who we are, about the number of women who serve as mayors of key cities, women who ran for and won congressional seats, and the number of women who’re in the presidential race. We always knew Sen. Elizabeth Warren would run for president. She already had her policies ready to go out front as soon as she announced. Sen. Kamala Harris announced shortly thereafter and raised an impressive amount of campaign funds. Amy Klobuchar was impressive as she announced with snowflakes falling all over her, seeming to be unbothered by them! Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand has
DR. E. FAYE WILLIAMS, ESQ. TRICE EDNEY NEWS WIRE
made a lot of television appearances this week, and her campaign is in full swing. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard announced a while back but hasn’t seemed to pick up steam yet.
Can’t give up! With all of these impressive women candidates, I’m already hearing, “The country is not ready to elect a woman.” I cringe. Hillary Clinton came so close two
work we put in, we began receiving support from around the world from Uganda to Moscow – even news outlets and tv shows. Little did I know that there were organizations in this very city who were speaking out against the idea of potential donors and sponsors collaborating with me and my team on essential community programs such as entrepreneurship courses, street and park cleanups, health walks, and even our events for the children. These organizations claim to truly care about this city but because of personal issues, they decide not to help with the work. Therein lies the problem. There have even been some community leaders who have gone as far as going to elected officials and begging them not to support my organization and our mission. There are organizations and leaders in this city who I’ve personally reached out to help create initiatives for the city as well as launching programs. I was declined countless times because they didn’t want to look “too Black or too radical.”
Efforts rebuffed My organization was completely shunned by the powers that be here in town. Maybe the issue isn’t that we don’t wanna collaborate. It might be because when we try, we get shut down and shut out. In August 2017, my team hosted a “Remembrance Walk” for the memory and family of Shakyri Willis, a mental health pa-
called himself “the side door” to admissions, with traditional admissions being the front door, and large contributions being the back door. We in the African-American community are clear that the front door has often either been closed to us or slammed in our faces, while we lack the wealth to enter the back door or side door. The fact that money buys admission through either door makes the notion of meritocracy a bad joke.
Wealth, connections matter Meritocracy suggests that people hold power (or have access to things like jobs or college seats) because of their ability, but America’s current leadership suggests that meritocracy is a myth. Our 45th president seems to lack the ability to behave himself (witness the attacks on John McCain), read a briefing book, or do his job correctly. He’s also found a gaggle of miscreants to make and implement public policy.
years ago, but some people have lost the will. Women can’t give up. Without knowing what White women will do to elect a woman in 2020, women of color are as ready as ever. So many are prepared to run for office, and I believe a majority of women of color are excited about the potential of a female president.
Teach them If you have a niece, daughter, sister, granddaughter or any young girl in your life, before this Women’s History Month is over, why not begin to teach her about the many great accomplishments of Black women? What many Black women have done didn’t just help Black women. What they did helped everyone, but too often Black women get no recognition. That’s why Women’s History Month is so necessary. Look at how long it took for us
VISUAL VIEWPOINT: DONALD TRUMP AND THE MUELLER REPORT
RJ MATSON, PORTLAND, ME
tient who was shot and killed by a Daytona Beach Police Department officer, as well as other victims of police brutality and gun violence. A representative for of one of the oldest and most respected Black organizations – not only in town but in the world – made it her duty to “make sure I tell the people their organization had nothing to do with this peace rally.” Ironically, this same organization’s entire message is about the advancement of colored people, apparently. So when we talk about young people not wanting to be involved or not caring about the community, it’s just not true. We are here; we just don’t get the respect or support we truly need.
this city and its elite society club where it’s all about clout and climbing to the top. Whether your noticed or not, there is a new school of talent that is brewing and ready to explode in Daytona Beach. The gap between the older Baby Boomers and Generations X and Z has become more transparent than ever. Now is the time to embrace the new energy that is entering the political and business world here in town. We are coming, and we are going to fight for justice by any means necessary. You never know, one of these social media-addicted “know it all” Millennials may just be your next mayor.
Moving forward
Rell Black is an award-winning activist, blogger and the founder of Community Healing Project Inc.
Luckily because I’m creative, I’ve found other ways to promote my organization outside of
That Betsy DeVos runs the Department of Education flies in the face of meritocracy. That the man who lives in the House that Enslaved People Built brought his law-breaking daughter and son-in-law onto his staff as “senior advisors” flies in the face of meritocracy. That the administration is actively seeking appeals court judges whose primary qualifications are their youth and conservatism flies in the face of meritocracy! Alison Rushing, at 37, has not even practiced law for a decade. Now she is a member of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit. That court covers North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, South Carolina and Maryland. She has a lifetime appointment! What meritocracy?
Nothing new for us
class and first-generation Black students – do not have. The elites spent thousands of dollars on prep courses. They’ve used alumni-rich networks for recommendations and advice. They’ve taken advanced classes that are not available at all schools, especially inner-city schools. The playing field has never been level, nor has there ever been a meritocracy! The real tragedy? Millions of African-American young people can’t afford to go to college, no matter their merit or ability. When they graduate, many face a hostile job market, and often experience pay discrimination. And even walking while Black might get you shot if the wrong police officer finds your walk “threatening.” Meritocracy? Please.
African-American people are clear that meritocracy has never worked for us. Even those who get into school “the old-fashioned way” come to the front door with myriad advantages that many African-American students – especially poor, working
Julianne Malveaux is a Washington, D.C.-based economist and writer. Her latest book, “Are We Better Off? Race, Obama and Public Policy,” is available at www.juliannemalveaux.com.
to hear about the very important work of the women who helped to lead the launch of John Glenn to go into and return successfully from space! Most of us knew nothing about Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughn, and Mary Jackson – the brains of one of the greatest operations in history. These brilliant Black women had their incredible story told in the movie “Hidden Figures.” We never had the privilege of reading about them in our history books. Yet, we read about many not nearly so important things about men –mostly White men. We must tell our young people about women such as the great Fannie Lou Hamer, Amelia Boynton, Ella Baker, Diane Nash, and others who played important roles in the civil rights movement. They must know the stories of Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, Irene Morgan, Claudette Colvin, Rosa Parks and the important roles they played in gaining rights for
Charles W. Cherry II, Esq., Publisher
Opinions expressed on this editorial page are those of the writers, and do not necessarily reflect the editorial stance of the newspaper or the publisher.
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women and for Black people.
No separation We can’t separate being a woman from being Black. Our feminism is different from that of White women. We can’t vote against our best interest, as some of our White sisters do, and still be okay. We must weigh every vote before we cast it, because our ancestors risked death to gain the right for us to vote. The big divide in the 2016 presidential election prevented women from saying we finally elected a woman to America’s highest office. Black and Latina women did our part. White women need to step up.
Dr. E. Faye Williams is national chair of the National Congress of Black Women, Inc. Contact her via www.nationalcongressbw.org.
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NATION MA YOR
MARCH 28 –14APRIL 3, 2019 DECEMBER - 20, 2006
PHOTO COURTESY OF NNPA NEWSWIRE
The fight for nearly a decade has been to have the money already set aside to pay the additional class-action claims to farmers and their heirs.
Black farmers gear up for another legal fight Appeals court has denied the group’s USDA complaint. BY DR. SYBIL C. MITCHELL NNPA NEWSSWIRE
The Black Farmers and Agriculturalists (BFAA) recently hit a snag when the U.S. Court of Appeals, District of Columbia Circuit, denied the group’s complaint against the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). “It was anticipated that the quest for justice and the cash award for BFAA’s 20,000 members for past years of racial discrimination could be won,” said Bishop David A. Hall Sr., ecumenical support advisor for BFAA. “The fight is very costly, but the dues of BFAA’s members afford the Association the opportunity to continue vigorous le-
gal action on behalf of Black farmers and their heirs.” The descendants of Earnest Lee Boyland from Mason, Tennessee filed a lawsuit in the 1990s alleging that the USDA adhered to discriminatory policies against African-American farmers between the years of 1983 and 1997 when loans and other assistance programs were systematically denied to Black farmers. Others joined Boyland’s heirs in a class action and in 1999 an appellate judge agreed approving a settlement. By 2011, $1.06 billion had been paid to 16,000 growers across the country.
2008 deadline provision Tens of thousands missed the September 2000 deadline to file a claim under the initial ruling. To remedy this, Congress added a 2008 provision to the Farm Bill, allowing them to petition the court for their portion of the settlement. In 2010, Con-
gress appropriated $1.2 billion for the second round of settlements. The BFAA’s fight for nearly a decade has been to have the money already set aside to pay the additional class-action claims to farmers and their heirs. Some have passed away over the past decade, waiting for redress. Previously, this same court had denied the USDA’s motion for a summary ruling, which would have dismissed the claims of the additional litigants. BFAA President Thomas Burrell called that decision a monumental one that “vindicates our movement and vindicates the organization.”
‘Prepared for a fight’ Attorneys for the BFAA contended that a private claims administrator hired by the USDA improperly denied the plaintiffs’ efforts to join the second phase of settlements.
The attorneys for the 20,000-member organization had argued before a panel of judges with the District of Columbia Third Court of Appeals on Oct. 1, 2018, in Washington, D.C. Although the latest decision announced by the Circuit Court caught BFAA by surprise, the issue is nowhere near over, Hall said. “We will make the correct assessment of the ruling and will file appeals appropriately. BFAA is prepared for a fight.” Hall, who is a farmer, said the Black Farmers and Agriculturalists Association is undeterred from its pursuit of social injustice, rectifying rural and urban disparities and demanding fair and equitable policies for African Americans. “(BFAA) stands on its convictions that this nation has a moral and social responsibility to provide equal treatment under the law.” This story is special to the NNPA NewsWire from the New Tri-State Defender.
Marcus Garvey’s son still trying to clear father’s name BY STACY M. BROWN NNPA NEWSWIRE
Dr. Julius Garvey probably felt like channeling his father, the late civil rights leader Marcus Garvey, when he responded to Fox News analyst Katie Pavlich’s misguided comment that America should get “credit for being the first country to end slavery in 150 years.” Garvey simply laughed and brushed off such superficial racist rhetoric. “It shows that she has no clue,” Garvey said during a Black Press Week luncheon in Washington, DC just days after Pavlich’s remarks. “Look, it’s pretty said,” he said. He also said a healthy discourse on reparations is long overdue. “Reparations is a conversation that is in-depth and involved and it’s a long and necessary conversation,” Garvey said. Garvey was born on Sept. 17, 1933 in Kingston, Jamaica. He graduated from Wolmer’s Trust High School for Boys in Kingston in 1950; then earned his B.S. degree from McGill University in Montréal, Canada in 1957, and his M.D., C.M. degree from McGill University Faculty of Medicine in 1961.
Medical career Garvey began his medical career by interning at Royal Victoria Hospital in Montréal in 1961, according to his biography from The History Makers. In 1962, he began his first res-
idency in surgery at Mount Sinai Hospital of New York, completing his residency in 1965 and completed residencies in surgery at the Harlem Hospital Center in 1968 and in thoracic and cardiovascular surgery at the University of Maryland Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1970. He became an instructor in surgery at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1971 and later joined the Albert Einstein College of Medicine as an instructor in surgery where he became an assistant professor of surgery. While teaching at Columbia University and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Garvey served as an attending surgeon in cardiothoracic surgery at the Harlem Hospital Center and Montefiore Hospital, as well as associate attending and head of thoracic surgery at the Montefiore Morrisania Affiliate.
Other appointments In 1974, Garvey was named attending-in-charge of thoracic surgery at Queens Hospital Center, in addition to serving as an attending surgeon in thoracic and cardiovascular surgery at the Long Island Jewish Medical Center. He became the Long Island Jewish Medical Center’s acting program director for the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery from 1980 to 1982, and assistant professor of surgery at State University of New York at Stony Brook
“I wish to clear my father’s name and to continue to help Africans wherever we are in the U.S., Caribbean and on the continent,” said Dr. Julius Garvey, left, son of Marcus Garvey, right. from 1978 to 1988. Garvey started his own private practice in 1983. He served as chief of thoracic and vascular surgery at Queens Hospital Center from 1993 to 2006, and chief of vascular and thoracic surgery at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center from 2000 to 2004. In addition to his other medical appointments, Garvey served as an attending surgeon at North Shore University Hospital, Franklin General Hospital, Massapequa General Hospital, Catholic Medical Centers, and Little Neck Community Hospital. Commuted, then deported In recent years, he has worked to secure a pardon for his famous father who, along with three others, was charged with conspiracy to use the mails to defraud.
“The charges against the other three were dropped, but my father was convicted by an allWhite jury on charges that were widely considered politicallymotivated and in a trial tainted by misconduct,” Dr. Garvey said. After spending nearly three years in jail, President Calvin Coolidge, under public pressure in 1927, commuted Garvey’s sentence but still deported him. The senior Garvey wasn’t allowed to return to America and his son has said that all of the momentum his father built up on issues of racial justice stalled. Marcus Garvey died in London in 1940. “I wish to clear my father’s name and to continue to help Africans wherever we are in the U.S., Caribbean and on the continent,” Dr. Garvey said.
Reparations ‘necessary’ He said reparations are necessary if there is ever to be a complete healing of the evil slave trade. “We are the original people and the original civilization. African praxis directs us to the truth that we are at home in the universe and should treat it as our home.’’ It’s also up to those of African descent to assume some responsibility in carrying forward the legacies of his father and other civil rights leaders, Dr. Garvey said. “That will move us further along the arc of redemption, renaissance and the redevelopment of our people as a civilization,” he said.
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7 SPORTS
MARCH 28 – APRIL 3, 2019
Wildcats softball looks to defend MEAC title BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES
Fresh off a series sweep of Savannah State to open Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), play, the Bethune-Cookman University Wildcats are where they want to be. The Wildcats took down the Tigers 7-0, 8-4, and 7-5 from March 22-24. “We play in a tough conference with the toughest teams in our division and on our schedule. We play tough competition to prepare us for conference (play). We came in confident and played that way. “Any MEAC series on the road is tough. We took it one game at a time and were able to keep the moment. Teams play us tough with our history and us winning the MEAC last year,” said Head Coach Laura Watten.
Championship legacy Bethune-Cookman (11-22, 3-0) is the defending MEAC champions. B-CU has won 9 MEAC tournament titles dating back to 2000. Watten led the program to all but three (2010-2012) MEAC titles. She returned to the program in 2015. She coached at Maryland (2006-2014) and BethuneCookman (1998-2005) previously. She also led B-CU to seven NCAA Regionals and one Super Regional, and Maryland to three NCAA Regionals. The Wildcats have a long road and plenty to do in order to win the MEAC again. Watten explained, “The season is a marathon, not a sprint. We must stay focused and be our best, one pitch at a time. We must trust the process of how the game evolves, one pitch to another. We must play every team at a high competitive level.” The Wildcats have played some tough competition this season. They played in some of the nation’s top tournaments, including the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic Feb 21-23.
‘Compete with anybody’ Said Watten: “We learned that we have the potential to play and compete at a high level. When this team leans in and buys into the game plan, we can compete with anybody. Once we commit to the process, we succeed.” The Wildcats beat Oregon 5-3 in that tournament on Feb. 21. Oregon was ranked No. 17 in the country at the time. “Oregon is still a top program, not top two or three like they used to be. They lost a lot of key players, but they’re still top 25.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF B-CU ATHLETICS
Jackie Smith cheers her team on as Brianna Paysinger forces an out at second base. Far left: Alexis Bermudez throws a pitch during a recent game. Left: Kaiya Epps Lee runs the bases during a game at a tournament at Florida Atlantic University earlier this year. We were able to play them well in a tough environment like the Mary Nutter Classic, which is as close as you get to a College World Series-type atmosphere. Just the energy and environment is a challenge to play in,” Watten asserted.
Offense needs improvement Pitching and defense fuels BCU’s success, while the offense still needs work. “Our pitching staff has kept us in games by keeping runs down. We have also played good defense behind them,” said Watten. She further stated, “The challenge has been getting our offensive production going. We are waiting for our hitting to take a turn; they did this past weekend.
We do face some of the top pitching in the country. We have some speed. We need to get them on base for our big hitters. We still have to balance the game.”
Strong pitching Sophomore Alexis Bermudez (5-14, 4.67 ERA, 94 SO, 111.1 IP, 1 save) and junior Destiny Enriquez (5-5, 4.22 ERA, 74.2 IP, 2 saves) are the Wildcats’ pitching leaders. “They have kept us in games and provided us with some leadership,” noted Watten. Junior utility person Jacki Smith (.314 BA, 32H, 12R, 12SB) is also a key player. “She is a stable on defense and has done well offensively the past two years. She is coming around on offense now,” added Watten.
Others contribute Sophomore catcher Kayla Traylor (.100 FLD); junior utility player Sasha Killings (.242 BA, 3 HR, 10 RBI) and junior outfielder Kaiya Epps Lee (.287 BA, 27H, 1HR, 16 RBI) are also major contributors. “Kayla is a staple behind the plate and Sasha has done well. She had a breakout series offensively against Savannah State,” Watten stated. Freshman outfielders Quianah Mitchell (14H, 4SB) and Brianna Paysinger (17H, 12RBI, 4SB) have stepped in and made a difference. “We have three freshman that have come and in and become key role players for us. Kiki is a hard worker. Bre’s batting average doesn’t show what she does for us,” added Watten. B-CU will also need talented
‘We’re a no-excuse program’ BY MIKE BIANCHI ORLANDO SENTINEL / TNS
‘Happened fast’ When asked about the play after the game, Aubrey Dawkins said, “I thought I got pushed in the back a little bit, but I don’t know. It happened so fast, but I could have sworn I got pushed in the back. Refs make calls sometimes and they miss calls; that’s life. Unfortunately for us they
Home games Along the Wildcats 2019 journey, you can catch home games at Sunnyland Park which are free to the public. Watten noted, “When you watch us play, you see a hardworking and dedicated team that plays with a lot of energy. We play at a fast pace. It’s a fun game to watch. This is a fun team to watch. You will see a strong show of unity, connection and energy.” To keep up with the BethuneCookman University Wildcats softball team, go to www.bcuathletics.com.
speech in which he told his sobbing players, “We’ve always said it’s going to end one of two ways when you invest like we’ve invested. It’s going to end celebrating or it’s going to end crying. It’s going to end in tears. We end in tears. That’s because we invested so much in each other.” • Asked how hard it was for him to keep his composure in that heart-wrenching moment, Coach Dawkins replied: “It was difficult. I had even extra emotions because that was my mentor and my coach and my friend. (Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski).
No blame for UCF loss
ORLANDO – As of Tuesday morning, Central Florida basketball coach Johnny Dawkins still couldn’t bear to watch the tape of the heartbreaking, oh-so-close loss to top-seeded Duke in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, but he still refused to blame the defeat on some questionable officiating non-calls at the end of the game. Many UCF fans and neutral observers thought there were two or three non-calls that went Duke’s way at the end of the game that could have been the difference in UCF winning and losing – specifically when Duke phenom Zion Williamson missed a free-throw attempt with 14 seconds left as UCF’s Aubrey Dawkins attempted to box out Blue Devils freshman RJ Barrett. Replays show that Barrett pushed Dawkins in the back before retrieving the offensive rebound and scoring on the gamewinning layup.
players like senior infielder Brianna Sanders (1HR, 5RBI, 10R, 5SB) and senior outfielder Cheyenne Jacobs (21H, 14R, 5SB) to step up.
Sacrifices made
AILEEN PERILLA/ORLANDO SENTINEL / TNS
In this file photo, UCF Head Coach Johnny Dawkins looks on during action against the University of Cincinnati at the CFE Arena in Orlando on Jan.16. didn’t see anything, but a great play by him (Barrett) to have the presence of mind to pursue the ball.” Said Johnny Dawkins on our Open Mike radio show Tuesday morning: “You know me, we’re a no-excuse program. No excuses. We had our opportunities. … That play doesn’t decide the game for us. We had opportunities; we just did not make enough plays down the stretch. It had nothing to do with a play like that.
No knockout punch “To beat a team of that caliber; I always use boxing analogies with our team: I always tell our guys, you’re not going to outpoint the champs; you have to knock champions out. We were close. I thought we had them on the ropes, but we just couldn’t knock them out.
“They showed who they were. They showed their character. Look, they have a once-in-ageneration player in Zion Williamson. Some of the plays he made put them in that position. Give them credit. He made plays, quite frankly, that I haven’t seen a college basketball player make in a long time.” Here are some other tidbits from the Dawkins interview Tuesday: • On how agonizingly close his son Aubrey’s last-second tip came from going in and giving UCF a victory for the ages: “Literally I just watched that play over again about five minutes before calling in to your show. I hadn’t wanted to see it and I haven’t watched any of the game, but I got curious about what happened on that last play. We got the look we wanted. We got B.J.
(Taylor) where we wanted him on the floor – to his sweet spot – and got the shot he loves.
‘It hung on’ “Aubrey came in and made a great play and tip at the end. And it hung on the rim and hung on the rim; and you’re thinking it’s going in; and it just rolls out. I don’t know how it didn’t go. But that’s the nature of our sport. It’s about inches and we just missed it by a few inches.” • On whether Aubrey has decided to come back for his senior season: “We have not sat down and discussed that at all. Right now, we’re still recovering from a hard-fought battle. I’m sure at some point in time over the next few weeks we’ll sit down and try to figure out where he is, but now is not the time.” • On his emotional post-game
“Like I said in the speech, that’s what happens when you invest in each other throughout a season like that; when everybody makes sacrifices to get to that point. You don’t get there without sacrificing and everyone sacrificed. That’s why I think you saw the overall outpouring of emotions.” • On whether he’s privately broken down into tears in two days since the game: “I’ve had a few tough moments and you’re to relive this for a while, but the thing I’ve learned from these experiences is that it passes and you’ll remember fondly all the things that you did to get there and the amazing moments you shared with your team. It’s difficult right now; it’s difficult for all of us; but our guys will get stronger from this experience and so will I.” • On the long, emotional embrace he shared with Coach K after the game: “I know there was a lot of excitement around the game, but for he and I that was a no-win situation for both of us. You could tell how difficult it was for him and for me. It’s just tough. Even reliving it now is tough.”