Daytona Times - January 3, 2013

Obama supporters to host inaugural ball in Palm Coast See page 3

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Daytona

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GEORGE E. CURRY: Blacks disproportionately depend on Social Security Page 4

A ROUNDUP OF LOCAL SPORTS See page 7

East Central Florida’s Black Voice

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JANUARY 3 - JANUARY 9, 2013

YEAR 38 NO. 1

How Midtown could look in 50 years

PEOPLE SPEAK

Residents urged to attend Jan. 7 workshop on implementing city’s master plan

BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES harperjames59@yahoo.com

Imagine a town center square in Daytona Beach located at the intersection of International Speedway Boulevard and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

The public square will be

the cultural and commercial heart of Midtown. It will include shaded seating and gathering areas with fountains, public art and Black Heritage Trail destinations.

Imagine a new public park west of the existing Dickerson Community Center on existing Daytona Beach Housing Authority property. Land acquisition through “land swaps” between the city of Daytona Beach and the Housing Authority would be required for the project.

Lincoln Street would

be overhauled to include a landscaped greenway, storm water/drainage infrastructure and a landscaped bicycle/pedestrian path that will form part of the Black Heritage Trail.

Portions of the greenway may include community gardens that are planted and maintained by neighborhood and university organizations. Diagonal street parking would be added to the Bethune-Cookman University side of the street to enhance pedestrian activity and promote environmental safety.

And let’s not forget about the Howard Thurman Gardens, which would be located across the street from the historic Howard Thurman House on Whitehall Street. There will be a neighborhood garden and an elderly housing community.

Approved by commissioners Members of the Midtown Redevelopment Area Board are hoping this is what the predominantly Black area of Daytona

Beach known as Midtown will transform into over the next 50 years.

Though it took almost two years, hundreds of days and thousands of hours, the Daytona Beach City Commission approved the new Midtown Master Plan in less than 10 seconds at their Dec. 19 meeting.

The plan has created a foundation to revitalize the area, Daytona Beach Midtown Redevelopment Project Manager Charles Bryant said this week.

“We didn’t have anything in place before. We

Light Up Midtown organizer hopes to do it again this year

couldn’t get anything done.

We always heard we didn’t have a plan. Now we have a blueprint where we want to go,” Bryant said.

‘Be part of the process’ Bryant was proud that he and others helped put down a foundation so residents after them wont have to start from scratch.

Residents are encouraged to attend a Jan. 7 workshop from 4 to 8 p.m. at City Hall. A consultant Please see MIDTOWN, Page 2

Early voting starts Jan. 5 for school board seat

BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES harperjames59@yahoo.com

The home of Birdeen and James Ashley on South Street was the winner of Light Up Midtown’s Christmas decorating contest.

BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES harperjames59@yahoo.com

T

he smiles on the faces at the final Light Up Midtown community celebration was reward enough for Charles Bryant. who works for Daytona Beach’s Redevelopment department and was one of the organizers of the event.

Bryant said the series of activities, which culminated Dec. 22 with a gospel show was a success.

Every Saturday during the month of December events were held, including a health fair, Christmas parade, and

a step show featuring area Greek organization members.

The highlight of the celebration was the lighting of a 25-foot Christmas tree at Daisy Stocking Park, which has never taken place in Midtown, an area of the city that is inhabited primarily by Black residents.

“Bringing the community together together is what we hoped to accomplish and I believe that is what we did,” said Bryant, noting a lot of talent was discovered during the events. He plans to feature that talent in future events, including the city’s Juneteenth celebration this summer.

Bryant said the Light Up

Midtown Committee will have its next meeting on at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 9, at the Peninsular Club. He would like to start planning for December 2013 but he said the ultimate decision will be up to the committee members.

Midtown winners announced The winners of the Light Up Midtown Christmas decoration contests in the residential contest was the home of Birdeen and James Ashley.

In the residential category, dubbed “Worthy Mentions,’’ were the homes of Gladys Patrick, Milton and Erma Curry,

Freddie and Trenia Barnes, Barbata Etal Young, Anna L. Watson, Betty L. Kimble, Claudia Forrester, Oneata Ledbetter-Carey, along with Gloria and Brown.

The winner in the business category was Bethune-Cookman University’s Performing Arts Center, 698 West International Speedway Boulevard.

Runner-up in the business category was Custom Works Motorcycle Shop, 833 W. International Speedway Blvd.

For more information on how to get involved with Light Up Midtown, contact Bryant at 386-671- 8185.

Even though only 16 people traveled to DeLand from Daytona Beach to early vote during the primary for the District 2 Volusia County School Board seat and the local NAACP branch raised concerns about disenfranchisement, Supervisor of Elections Ann McFall said she will continue to have only one early voting site for the Jan. 15 runoff election. Kathy “Candidates should Williams do a better job getting people out the vote,” said McFall in an interview with the Daytona Times this week. She said her job is not to get people to the polls but to count the votes.

Turnout for the primary was only 3,972 Ida Duncan voters, or about 6 per- Wright cent of the 66,166 registered voters in District 2, according to the elections office. During the primary, the elections office in DeLand – located on the county’s west side – was the only early voting site available. The District 2 school board seat’s boundaries are on the east side of the county.

Limited funds cited McFall also disclosed that more people voted by absentee ballot than those who went to their designated polling place during the Dec. 18 primary. Absentee votes were 2,714 while 1,242 voted at polling places.

The law does not require her office to open up any additional offices for Please see VOTING, Page 2

Mayor: Criteria for renaming needs to be upgraded Daytona commission won’t decide until February on Derbyshire fields

BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES harperjames59@yahoo.com

Flood gates are likely to open if Daytona Beach doesn’t upgrade its criteria when it comes to renaming city facilities, parks, streets and other city properties,

Mayor Derrick Henry told the Daytona Times this week.

Henry’s comments come after he learned Madeline Young, the widow of former Daytona Beach Commissioner Rufus Buddy Young, is upset that a part of Derbyshire Park is on its way to being renamed in honor of retired educator Harold V. Lucas before anything has been done to honor her husband, who represented the zone in which the park is located.

Young died in 2003.

“I hope to be reaching out to her to finding a way to honor

Commissioner Young. We want to make good on promises on someone who is worthy,” said Henry, who learned after reading the Times that Mrs. Young was told that a site to honor her husband was promised but has not been carried out.

Not a done deal At a meeting last month, all of the Daytona Beach commissioners were in agreement with Henry that the threshold to renaming is too low.

Henry said before he supports renaming a city-owned property after someone, he wants to know the person had a long-standing set of contributions to the community.

“I do want to see criteria upgraded. If it’s not upgraded, the deDerrick cision still rests in Henry the hands of the commission,” said Henry.

Henry said he is leaning to-

ward supporting renaming the athletic fields in Derbyshire Park after Lucas but he won’t make a final decision until the commission vote in February. City staff and the planning board have approved renaming the fields after Lucas.

“People have spoken to me about this (renaming of athletic fields). It’s important for more people to speak to me who have an opinion about this,” said Henry, noting what he hears from the public will weigh heavy on his fiPlease see RENAME, Page 2

7FOCUS

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JANUARY 3 – JANUARY 9, 2013

Above is a rendering of how the predominantly Black community will look based on the City of Daytona Beach’s Midtown Redevelopment Master Plan.

midtown

orities, resources and specific actions that will result in successful implementation of plan.

from Page 1

Many challenges

hired by the city will present a progress report after having talked with 25 stakeholders in the community, Bryant said.

“Don’t sit down and wait until we make changes. We don’t know everything. We are learning to. Don’t come after everything has changed. Be part of the process. Don’t wait until the building is built to complain,” he demanded.

Bryant said it is the job of the consultant, who has been on board since Nov. 1, to bring the master plan into fruition.

The consultant, PMG, will present a strategic plan for commercial redevelopment in the Midtown redevelopment area that will provide a clear set of pri-

According to the 90-page master plan, provided to the Daytona Times by Bryant, it is based on historical research, existing constraints and opportunities “The master plan and development standards chart a course for preserving the historic buildings, places and significant institutions in Midtown while creating incentives and quality standards for new growth.”

Midtown is located in the geographic center of Daytona Beach bordered by U.S. 1 and Nova Road east to west; and Shady Place to George Engram Boulevard south to north.

The plan identifies many challenges, including a deficit of business and home ownership and a decreased tax base in relation to

other CRAs (community redevelopment areas).

No current ‘center’ In addition, the income levels are generally lower than the adjacent community; there’s a concentration of public housing; outdated infrastructure and inadequate storm water facilities; inadequate parks, playgrounds, recreation and public spaces; significant areas of vacant property; and a lack of basic services and shopping.

On top of that, the International Speedway Boulevard is a “cut through highway” that divides North and south Midtown; and there is no identifiable Midtown “center.”

During about six workshops, attendees have said what they want for Midtown – attractive streets with trees, businesses, nice streetlights, underground utilities and a family-friendly and

Vonzelle Johnson to speak at Democrats’ meeting The Democratic Club of Flagler County will hear about “Building Bridges: The Democratic Parties of Volusia and Flagler Counties” on Jan. 22 from Vonzelle Johnson, chairman of the Volusia County Democratic Executive Committee.

The meeting, open to the public, will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at High Jackers Restaurant, 202 Airport Road, Palm Coast.

There is no charge to attend and no advance arrangements are required.

Democratic Club Elections will take place during this event.

For the best directions, call 386-586-6078.

For more information about the organization, call 386-446-6061 or visit www.flaglerdems.com.

renamE

edge she has not begun.

from Page 1

D’lorah Hyacinth, daughter of Harold V. Lucas got the ball rolling to have Derbyshire’s athletic fields named after her father.

She pleaded her case last month before the planning board about the renaming.

“I am happy to see the city has recommended going forward with renaming the field. (My father has) contributed to betterment of city, state of Florida and U.S. I submitted an application of over 60 pages.

He has touched the lives of hundreds, thousands of lives people who have gone out in the city, state around the country and are making differences where they are,” Hyacinth said.

nal decision.

Young has conceded that the athletic fields likely will be approved by the commission and said she will be working to have the baseball field behind the new Midtown Cultural and Educational Center renamed after her husband.

Prior to her current home, she said her family lived a block away from the baseball field.

Henry said he would have no problem supporting her effort.

Two phases completed Overhauling of the field along with the addition of tennis and basketball courts has yet to begin as the city seeks funding to complete the project.

Leisure Services Director Percy Williamson said the city has not identified a funding source to complete Phase 3 of the center.

Phase 1 was the new aquatic center and Phase 2 was the opening of the new Midtown Cultural and Educational Center last year.

Williamson said renaming of what is known as Kelly Field to locals will not be up to him or his department.

He said there is a process that has to be initiated

by Young, which includes getting signatures on a petition, which to his knowl-

Daughter’s diligence

naming Kelly Field after her husband.

He said it is likely when construction begins on Phase 3 that funding will first be sought for new basketball and tennis courts.

“Outside basketball courts were highly used,” said Williamson, noting that the old courts were demolished when the new Midtown Center was constructed.

He also said that when the baseball field is complete it would be designed for youth little league baseball.

Premature process?

Williamson said Young could be premature in starting the process to re-

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livable community.

It also was noted during the workshops that Orange Avenue is used by Daytona Beach citizens as a shortcut between Nova and Beach Street to access Atlantic Boulevard. Crossing at International Speedway Boulevard was called dangerous and difficult for children who want to go to the local softball fields and large recreation center.

Even though there is a strong sense of community and desire to better Midtown among the key stakeholders, the groups have not formed a cohesive coalition.

Flooding is a problem in certain areas; safety and livability needs improvement; and public housing areas are large and overly concentrated in the area.

How it began The master plan was designed

by Florida A&M University (FAMU) students and staff with in-

voting from Page 1 early voting for special elections, said McFall.

She only is required to open the main elections office, which is located in the courthouse at 125 W. New York Ave. in DeLand.

Early voting for most residents of the Greater Daytona Beach area usually takes place at the City Island Library, which is about 20 miles from the elections office in DeLand.

McFall also said she overspent her budget during the general election and she didn’t have the operating funds to open an early voting site in Daytona.

Down to Williams, Wright Early voting for the top two candidates chosen during the primary will be Jan. 5 through Jan 12 from 8:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the DeLand site.

Ida Duncan Wright, an instructor at BethuneCookman University, and Dr. Kathy Williams, a retired educator and widow of Volusia School Board

put from the Midtown Redevelopment Area board, residents and businesses.

The process began on July 7, 2010 when the board, headed by resident Johnnie Ponder, endorsed the idea and approved a contract with FAMU to create the Midtown Master Plan.

Andrew Chin, Assistant Dean and Director of Architecture Programs at Florida A&M’s University School of Architecture and his colleague, Professor Craig Huffman, were invited to the Midtown board meeting to discuss their community outreach services and the possibility of creating a master plan.

More than a dozen graduate architecture students joined Huffman to survey the entire redevelopment area and interview residents and businesses. Several community workshops were held along with monthly updates at the Midtown board meetings.

Chairman Al Williams were the top vote getters during the Dec. 18 primary. Al Williams died on Oct. 1 before he could be sworn in for another term.

Wright garnered the most votes during the Dec. 18 primary but not enough to win race against Dr. Kathy Williams and three other candidates. Wright received 1,538 votes (39 percent) to Williams’ 1,023 votes (26 percent). Wright had to win 50 percent plus 1 vote to avoid a runoff.

Absentee ballots going out Absentee ballots for the runoff election will be going out Jan. 4, said McFall.

According to the elections office, 10,000 absentee ballots have been sent out to voters who have asked that they always receive absentee ballots for all scheduled elections.

Registered voters interested in receiving an absentee ballot in the mail before the Jan. 15 election day can request an absentee ballot up until the Wednesday before the election.

McFall said voters also have the option of picking up absentee ballots at her office.

Local leaders disappointed Dr. Walter Fordham, political action chairman of the Daytona Beach/Volusia County NAACP, who met with McFall during a teleconference along with NAACP President Cynthia Slater, said “citizens must have an opportunity to show a stake in what happens in District 2.

Fordham also said that when a site or precinct is not accessible, it has a disproportionate racial impact in the district assumed to elect a Black representative.

Slater said she was not aware of a statute that addresses a window to hold primaries for special elections adding, “We will remain diligent in our efforts to ensure all registered voters are able to exercise the right to vote.

Volusia County Councilwoman Joyce Cusack, who served on the canvassing board for the general and primary elections, said she was very disappointed when she learned that early voting would only be at the DeLand office.

School board members are elected to four-year terms and earn $34,010 annually.

COMMUNITY M ANEWS YOR

JANUARY 3 – JANUARY 9, 2013

3 7

DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006

Florida Friends for Obama to host inaugural ball in Palm Coast Members of the Florida Friends for Obama will host an inaugural ball celebrating President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden’s reelection.

Since the majority of people cannot attend the inaugural events in Washington, there is no reason why they cannot celebrate this historic victory that they, the supporters of Obama/ Biden, worked so hard to win, right here in Palm Coast.

The local ball will be held Jan. 21, 7 p.m., simultaneously with the official Inaugural Ball in Washington, which will be telecast live at the event in Palm Coast.

It will be an evening of excellence, reflection and celebration.

Palm Coast

Community news

By Jeroline D. Mccarthy | Daytona Times Palm Harbor Academy kids recently welcomed the Flagler County Humane Society. On the right are the academy’s donations of pet supplies.

‘An action group’ The Friends of Obama write that “this is history in the making, even more so than the first election,” and they intend on rising to the occasion.

The ball will take place at the African-American Cultural Society, located at 4422 U. S. 1 North, Palm Coast.

Florida Friends for Obama was founded by Loyce Nottage Allen in 2008.

Allen writes, “We are an action group, which came together to get our president elected then and now. We are the change that begins deep within each and every one of us.

“We, the people of this great country made our voices heard, by voting to go forward, not backwards. We must carry our support and enthusiasm beyond election day. We will continue to work tirelessly in support of our President and Vice President elect!

“We pledge to continue in our support of President Barack Obama by raising our expectations and aspirations for ourselves, our families, and our community.

If you have questions, contact Allen at 609-412-3049 or email her at jazzla167@aol.com.

Humane Society visits kids at academy Students at Palm Harbor Acad-

emy were intrigued by the “Ambassador Program” provided by the Humane Education Department of the Flagler County Humane Society.

It was part of the charter school’s curriculum – providing opportunities for learning and bringing in Yvonne Presley and her colleagues to “instill respect and responsibility for animals and their environment.”

The K-6 students discovered that animal owners must be asked prior to petting any animal and animals must not be approached from behind. It was cool for the kids to see the dog tricks showed off by “Muffins,” of the canines that Presley brought along.

Through the shelter adoption program, an animal’s behavior and interests are evaluated and matched to an adopter’s preferences. Students Mason Sword and Emily Gonzalez have now become dog owners through the adoption program.

Supplies donated The innovation included Palm Harbor Academy’s donations of pet supplies to the Flagler County Humane Society. Some items were dog and cat food,

BRIEFS

orange.org.

For more information, call 386-506-5522.

Port Orange to host meet and greet for city manager candidates

Volusia plans workshops for prospective business vendors

Port Orange residents are invited to meet the five city manager candidates at a public reception hosted by the Port Orange/South Daytona Chamber of Commerce on Jan. 4 from 5 to 7 p.m. The chamber is located at the Riverside Pavilion, 3431 Ridgewood Avenue.

The City Council will interview each of the finalists on Jan. 5 in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1000 City Center Circle. Starting at 8:30 a.m., the interviews will be broadcast LIVE on pogTV channel 199 on Bright House cable, and video streamed on the City’s website, www.port-

Volusia County’s Purchasing and Contracts Division will present two workshops for vendors wanting to learn more about how to do business with the county.

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

During the workshops, county representatives will demonstrate how to register as a vendor and submit bids, proposals and quotes.

They also will discuss state

stainless steel bowls, pet toys, leashes, rugs, trash bags and Qtips.

Some supplies were donated by members of the First Church of Palm Coast. Pastor Gillard S. Glover founded the academy in 2009.

School Principal Esther Hamilton assessed that “parents, teachers and the community must work together so that our children can soar...”

Fifth-grader Miles Jackson thanked the society for contributing to the students’ educational assembly.

The kindergartners stepped up with “thank you” cards they had made, and the society gifted the academy with an appreciation certificate.

••• As always, remember our prayers for the sick, afflicted and bereaved.

Happy Birthday to You! Birthday wishes to: James Major, Doris Sheppard, Jan. 6.

Happy anniversary to the Rev. Woodrow and Mrs. Gloria Leeks, Jan. 10.

and local ordinances relevant when working with the county, explain the information channels available to all vendors, and answer questions.

For more information, call 386-736-5935, ext. 12490.

Children and Families board to meet Jan. 8 The Children and Families Advisory Board will meet at 1:30 p.m. Jan. 8 in the first-floor training room of the Thomas C. Kelly Administration Center, 123. W. Indiana Ave., DeLand.

Members will discuss funding for summer camp scholarships and hear agency presentations on the processes for requests for proposals and requests for statements of qualifications.

The advisory board assesses and evaluates strategies to meet needs, moni-

NANCY STONE/CHICAGO TRIBUNE/MCT

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama dance at the Commander in Chief’s ball in Washington on Jan. 20, 2009. Local supports have organized an inaugural ball in Palm Coast for Jan. 21 to celebrate the president’s second inauguration.

tors program compliance, advertises funding availability, recommends appropriations for programs serving children and families, and provides recommendations to the County Council on children and family issues.

Financial education workshop scheduled Jan. 5 Mid-Florida Housing Partnership will host a financial education series: Financial Awareness 101 Jan. 5 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Fifth Third Bank Second Floor Classroom, 1030 W. International Speedway Blvd.

Learn money management skills to break the “always broke cycle.’’ banking for success to learn how to do more with less as well as learning credit management skills, how to understand your credit report,

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how to improve your credit profile and how to create fresh clean credit. Learn how to maximize your tax refund as well.

Light refreshments will be served; registration is recommended.

To register and for information, call Marcella Yon-

kosky at 386-274-4441, ext.

302 or email MYonkosky_ mfhp@bellsouth.net.

More information: Peggy Johnson, children and community programs coordinator, at 386-736-5955, ext.

15694, or visit www.volusia.org/countycouncil/cfab. htm.

Community Calendar To list your community 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. Effective immediately, paid events will no longer be listed in the Daytona Times Community Calendar. You can advertise local events for as little as $35 per week. Call 813-319-0961 or email sales@daytonatimes for more information.

Compiled by the Daytona Times ‘Super couponing’ program Jan. 23 Couponing pro Mary Edwards will share tips for saving money through “super couponing” during a free program from 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 23 at the Daytona Beach Regional Library at City Island. Edwards writes a blog, Couponers United, at www. couponersunited.com. More information: 386-257-6036, ext. 16264.

Quit smoking classes set Free smoking cessation classes sponsored by the Florida AHEC Network and the Florida Department of Health will be held on Wednesdays Jan. 3-Feb. 7, from 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the Bert Fish

Medical Center, Schildecker Board Room, Daytona State College. More information or registration: 877-784-8486 or www.quitsmokingnowfirstcoast.com.

Business workshop scheduled Presented by the Small Business Development Center at Daytona State College, this business start-up series workshop will provide an overview of the seven basic requirements for business startups Jan. 10 from 6 p.m.8 p.m. Daytona Beach Campus, Bergengren Hall (#110), Room 112. Free. To register or for additional information: 386-506-4723 or e-mail sbdc@DaytonaState.edu.

7 EDITORIAL

R4

JANUARY 3 – JANUARY 9, 2013

Kerry, not Clinton for president in 2016 President Barack Obama has won his re-election. That history is clear and the big question now is who in the Democratic Party will succeed him as president in 2016.

Prior to now, it was certain to be Hillary Clinton. But when you look at the present situation doubts about her prospects rise to the fullest. Let’s consider a few current events that will certainly have consequence in the next presidential election.

With the exception of his criticism of the Vietnam War and other military endeavors, Senator Kerry’s slate is pretty clean. His strong point is foreign affairs and he chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. When Senator Barbara Boxer botched the attempt to pass cap and trade through the Senate, President Obama asked Senator Kerry to take over the stewardship of the bill. It failed but President Obama’s trust of John Kerry was apparent. Foreign affairs and environmental issues are Senator Kerry’s strong suit.

So here we are in 2013, and what is the political climate for Democratic presidential prospects? The 2008 primary was divisive. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama camps fought bitterly. Obama won and to keep a good monitor on Hillary, he put her in his cabinet as Secretary of State. This was brilliant! She could not go off the reservation as this would seem disloyal and conniving. She was locked into place.

HARRY C. ALFORD NNPA COLUMNIST

Messy State Department In retrospect, her tenure at the State Department has been a complete mess. The world is on fire.

Our initiative to better relations with Russia has totally failed. In fact, you would have to go back to the Cold War to find worse times.

She said she was going to reset Russia. She might as well have thrown a brick at it.

The Middle East and Africa are in upheaval and we can’t seem to get a foot forward in solving the raging issues. Revolution, civil war, insurgency and chaos are running rampant in those regions and we don’t have a clue. This all falls into the lap of Hillary Clinton.

The saddest situation involves Libya. The dictator has gone but so has any semblance of peace and governance. We failed our embassy there by turning our back on its safety and we are now trying to cover it up.

It is so similar to the security failures of our embassies in Kenya and Tanzania during the Bill Clinton administration. Just like then, they identify a fall person to put the blame on. They insinuated it was Susan Rice during the Clinton

administration and then, unbelievably, they threw her under the “bus” once again.

Clinton 101 It is Clinton 101. Hillary has failed and President Obama will call on his old friend and confidant John Kerry to clean up the mess. I believe he will and in 2016 he will rise exponentially above Hillary.

He will also play a role in environmental issues such as the Keystone Pipeline and the Kyoto Protocol. EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson is also toast. The State Department will take full control of these issues.

Administrator Jackson or “Richard Windsor,” as she mysteriously calls herself in secret and illegal email account, has announced her resignation before the illegal emails are released via a court order.

John Kerry will have a hand in cleaning this up also. In essence, he is going to be the “fix it guy.” By 2016 he will be regarded as a healer and strong leader. Good bye Hillary.

Harry C. Alford is the cofounder, president/CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce. Website: www.nationalbcc.org. Email: halford@ nationalbcc.org. Click on this story at www.daytonatimes.com to write your own response.

Will Blacks vote for Black Republican senator?

If Sen. Timothy Eugene Scott is the GOP standard bearer in the 2016 presidential elections, will any Black Americans vote for him?

The appointment of Scott to a U.S. Senate seat representing South Carolina is the Republicans’ most recent example of doing everything they can to shed the perception that the party is comprised, and run by old, White men.

Being anti-Republican, however, is systemic among AfricanAmericans.

Making Scott the first AfricanAmerican senator from the South since Reconstruction is a major step forward for the Republicans.

Seven Blacks have served in the U.S Senate – four happened to be Republicans. The first was Hiram Revels, a Republican from Mississippi. From the Civil War to struggles for equality in the 1950s and 1960s, the Republican Party has led the way on civil rights, abolishing slavery, passing the 14th and 15th Amendments, ending Jim Crow and enacting the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Like so many of today’s Black males, Scott was raised by a single mother.

WILLIAM REED BUSINESS EXCHANGE

part of Republicans. The move means that this new breed of Republicans are consulting veteran Black Republicans such as strategist Raynard Jackson who says, “Republicans will not gain significant Black support unless they take policy positions that advance core Black interests. AfricanAmericans need capitalism and conservative values, and Scott is a great vehicle.”

Prior to Scott, only six Blacks have served in the U.S. Senate.

They were two Mississippians – Revels who served in 1870 – 1874 and Blanche Bruce, who served from 1875 to 1881; Edward Brooke of Massachusetts from 1967 to 1979; Carol Moseley Braun of Illinois from 1993 to 1999; Barack Obama of Illinois from 2005 until he resigned after his presidential election in 2008; and Roland Burris, who was appointed to replace Obama and served until November 2010.

After barely making it through high school, Scott went to college on a football scholarship, became an insurance salesman and eventually a U.S. congressman and senator.

Scott is a Black role model. Unfortunately, many of the opportunities Scott was able to take advantage of are not available today. Prior to being elected to Congress in 2010, Scott served on the Charleston County Council for 13 years, including four terms as chairman and in the South Carolina House of Representatives for two years where he was elected Chairman of the Freshman Caucus and House Whip.

He owned Tim Scott Allstate and was a partner in Pathway Real Estate Group.

William Reed is head of the The 47-year-old-Scott is a Tea Party conservative and isn’t mar- Business Exchange Network ried. and available for speaking/seminar projects through the Bailey Smooth move by GOP Scott a role model?

Group.org. Click on this story Scott’s appointment was an ad- at www.daytonatimes.com to Scott is the type of Black success story most would brag about. ept and “smooth move” on the write your own response.

Oliver Stone’s breakthrough documentary on U.S. history I could not believe that I was actually seeing what I was seeing.

I had heard about Oliver Stone’s 10-part documentary regarding contemporary U.S. history. I am not sure what I expected to see, but what I actually viewed was almost breathtaking.

The documentary, titled the “Untold History of the United States”[http://www.sho.com/ sho/oliver-stones-untold-history-of-the-united-states/home], is almost a visual version of Howard Zinn’s People’s History of the United States. As such it demystifies post-World War II U.S. history in a manner that I have not seen in the mainstream.

In mainstream settings we are taught about World War II and its aftermath as if it were a straight moral course taken by the United States.

BILL FLETCHER, JR. NNPA COLUMNIST

point to the real fear that the Japanese High Command had: the entry of the Soviet Union into the war and its devastating impact on Japanese troops in Manchuria and Korea (and the possible invasion of Japan by Soviet troops).

Stone presents what can be called a “counter-narrative” through an in depth investigation and use of archival footage leading the viewer to ask a very simple, yet profound question: Was the usage of the atomic bombs aimed at ending World War II or, in the alternative, putting the world on notice – and the Soviet Use of atomic bombs Union in particular – of the power By way of example, consider the possessed by the U.S.? dropping of the atomic bombs on Japan in August 1945. Most main- Social movement hurt stream sources in the U.S. insist, As Stone proceeds, the story without question, that the use of becomes more complicated, inthe atomic bombs was essential teresting and certainly eye-opento ending the war without mas- ing. The devastating impact of the sive U.S. and Japanese casualties. domestic Cold War on progresYet few mainstream sources sive social movements is some-

VISUAL VIEWPOINT: SURVIVED 2012 ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE

thing with which we live to this day since, as Stone demonstrates, the Cold War anti-communism was not aimed at any alleged ‘communist menace’ but at forces at home that were attempting to deepen the reforms that had started with Franklin Roosevelt’s “New Deal.”

In fact, the dominance of the super-rich, the so-called 1 percent, illuminated by the Occupy Movement, is in many ways the direct outgrowth of the blunting of movements for social justice first during the early Cold War, and then later in the 1970s and1980s; in the last case with a new and different form of repression.

Stone’s “Untold History of the United States” not only needs to be viewed, but more importantly, discussed. The one hour segments lend themselves to useful discussion, whether in a classroom setting or a living room setting.

Bill Fletcher, Jr. is the immediate past president of TransAfrica Forum and the author of “They’re Bankrupting Us” – And Twenty Other Myths about Unions. Click on this story at www.daytonatimes.com to write your own response.

Pat Bagley, Salt Lake Tribune

Blacks disproportionately depend on Social Security Feuding Democrats and Republicans did not plunge the country over a financial cliff, but a lively debate will continue in coming months over the role the federal government should play in the lives of its citizens.

In one corner are Republicans who contend that federal spending has run amuck – and it should be slashed. In the other corner are Democrats, including President Obama, who make the right oral arguments, but the wrong moves to defend such worthy American staples as Social Security and Medicare.

In most political crises, Republicans will fight and Democrats will take flight.

Giving away store Let’s begin with a president who doesn’t seem comfortable in the rough-and-tumble world of politics. He has a tendency to give away the store even before the store opens up its doors for business.

As Paul Krugman wrote July 31, 2011 the New York Times, “Republicans will surely be emboldened by the way Mr. Obama keeps folding in the face of their threats. He surrendered last December, extending the Bush tax cuts; he surrendered in the spring when they threatened to shut down the government; and he has now surrendered on a grand scale to the raw extortion over the debt ceiling. Maybe it’s just me, but I see a pattern here.”

Unfortunately, that pattern remains unbroken.

A Center for Policy and Budget Priorities blog noted, “Boehner complains that, in what the White House describes as an offer of $1.2 trillion in spending cuts and the same in tax increases, Obama counts interest savings that accrue as spending cuts, thus making the one-toone ratio illegitimate.

“More importantly, however, is that, when viewed correctly and in their entirety, the noninterest spending cuts under the President’s latest offer would actually exceed his proposed tax increases and would roughly equal the spending cuts that Boehner himself proposed in his

George E. Curry NNPA COLUMNIST

deficit-related negotiations with the President last year.”

And that’s on top of cuts already made.

The CBPP also pointed out, “When those negotiations broke down, the President and Congress enacted the 2011 Budget Control Act (BCA), which established annual caps on discretionary spending for each of the next ten years. These caps, which will cut spending by what the White House estimates to be $1 trillion over the next decade, reflected a tentative agreement by the President and Speaker over discretionary spending in those negotiations.”

President Obama has already signaled a willingness to make additional concessions on Social Security and Medicare.

Stand your ground Social Security plays an outsized role in the lives of retired African-Americans.

“Social Security is a particularly important source of income for groups with low earnings and with less opportunity to save and earn pensions, including African Americans and Hispanics,” CBPP said.

“Among beneficiaries aged 65 and older, Social Security represents 90 percent or more of income for 35 percent of elderly white beneficiaries, 42 percent of Asian Americans, 49 percent of blacks, and 55 percent of Hispanics.”

Yes, money spent on Social Security and Medicare is well spent. And that’s why Obama should summon the courage to stand his ground.

George E. Curry, former is editor-in-chief of the National Newspaper Publishers Association News Service (NNPA.).

Click on this story at www. daytonatimes.com to write your own response.

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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ENTERTAINMENT MAYOR

5 7

JANUARY 3 – JANUARY 9, 2013DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006

Russell Simmons to host Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball again NNPA NEWS SERVICE

Russell Simmons will throw a second hip-hop ball to celebrate the genre’s influence in the re-election of U.S. President Barack Obama.

The music mogul organized the Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball after President Obama became the first African-American to be voted into the White House in 2008.

The event took place following Obama’s official inauguration ceremony in January 2009, and it honored rappers T.I., LL Cool J and Young Jeezy for their work inspiring Russell young people during the 2008 race.

Simmons After the president’s second win at the polls in November, Simmons announced he will be hosting a second ball, set to take place at the Harman Center for the Arts in Washington, D.C on Jan. 20.

Ticket prices start at $500 and proceeds will benefit Philanthropik, an organization which encourages philanthropy.

L.A. Reid exits ‘X Factor’ Antonio L.A. Reid, a judge on the Fox singing competition alongside Britney Spears, Demi Lovato and Simon Cowell, will not return to the panel next season. He’ll be exiting the show to devote more time to his day job as chairman of Epic Records, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

“I have the utmost respect for Simon Cowell. He is the very best and I have had the opportunity to learn so much from him,” Reid said in a statement obtained by The Hollywood Reporter. “Working with him on ‘X Factor’ has been a once-in-alifetime experience, I’m honored to L.A. Reid have sat on the panel with such incredible talent.”

Added Reid: “Of course I will miss the show. In my opinion Simon attracts the best talent, but I’m looking forward to getting back to my core business and the responsibility of running Epic Records.”

Reid joined the American version of the show in 2011 after leaving his job as chairman and CEO of Island Def Jam Music Group, where he helped launch careers for acts like Rihanna and Justin Bieber.

At Epic, his roster includes Sade, Fiona Apple, Karmin, Ciara and “X Factor” season one winner Melanie Amaro.

Jackson discusses role as house slave in ‘Django Unchained’

BY STEVEN ZEITCHIK LOS ANGELES TIMES (MCT)

Samuel L. Jackson has incarnated some colorful, fast-talking characters in Quentin Tarantino movies over the years, such as his scripture-quoting hit man Jules Winnfield in “Pulp Fiction” and scheming gun runner Ordell Robbie in “Jackie Brown.”

Jackson takes on perhaps his most morally slippery Tarantino role yet in the violent dark comedy “Django Unchained.”

As house slave Stephen, Jackson plays a conniving opportunist to Leonardo DiCaprio’s unctuously evil plantation owner Calvin Candie (overseer of “Candieland”) in the snappily written revenge fantasy.

Under the pretext of looking out for his owner, Stephen self-servingly turns every situation and challenge to his advantage – while wearing some serious geezer makeup to boot.

Jackson recently talked to the Los Angeles Times about reinventing the slave character, Hollywood’s relationship to Black culture and even the roots of school shootings.

‘Unapologetically menacing’ Q. You’re playing a slave we haven’t much seen on screen – someone who’s not a victim and is, in fact, kind of the bad guy. Was that hard for you?

A. I don’t think there’s any question Stephen is one of the most despised Negroes in cinematic history.

He’s unapologetically menacing. He’s the power behind the throne. He’s the Dick Cheney of Candieland. But I also understand his position. He doesn’t want to upset the apple cart. On the plantation, he can function like a free man. But he goes 75 miles away and he’s just an ordinary slave.

Q. Did you think to give him some appealing edges? Even your bad-guy roles often have a certain wisecrack-y relatability.

A. I’m not one of those actors who feels like audiences have to like him.

Stephen’s funny – he does funny things, at least. There’s an insulting jocularity to him. But he’s still insulting.

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Samuel L. Jackson is house slave Stephan in “Django Unchained.’’

Disrespects slavery?

Q. Some of the power of the character just comes from the way he looks – a paunchy, hobbled old man with an old face. Not your usual Samuel Jackson character.

A. (Laughs) No, it’s not. At least, I hope it’s not. Quentin and I wanted to give Stephen a certain look – we wanted him to appear like the most ancient slave in the place. Which he is. But we also wanted him to seem strong and smart. He looks feeble, but there’s also something else there.

Q. Perhaps because it takes on such a serious subject as slavery, which we usually see only in dramas, and contextualizes it in a fantasy and a comedy, the film is likely to face some criticism. What would you say to someone who says the movie disrespects slavery and its horrors?

A. Quentin has an affinity for writing horrible things and then making you laugh. So there’s the scene ... where the Klan is gathering and they’re about to go do some terrible stuff, and then they start arguing about their hoods because they can’t see out of them. I think it’s dangerous if this is where you get your information from. He’s making entertainment.

Hopefully, it makes you go ask ques-

tions and you Google it. If you want to learn something from a movie, watch a documentary.

Black films, violence Q. Hollywood seems to be a little more willing to make stories about Black history, but those films are still few and far between. Does that bother you?

A. They’re making entertainment.

I can’t blame them for that. And it comes down to what people want to watch when they’re eating popcorn. I just saw this movie “Sex Traffic.” It’s a documentary about the sex-slave trade across Europe. Awesome movie. But no one’s going to see it. Look at “The Hurt Locker.” Oscar winner. Did anyone go see it? No. You can’t blame Hollywood for wanting to make entertainment.

Q. This movie has a fair amount of gun violence and can be a bit flippant about it. Does that give you pause in the wake of what happened in Connecticut?

A. I don’t think movies or video games have anything to do with it. I don’t think (stopping gun violence) is about more gun control. I grew up in the South with guns everywhere, and we never shot anyone. This (shooting) is about people who aren’t taught the value of life.

7 CLASSIFIEDS

R6

JANUARY 3 – JANUARY 9, 2013

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MSPORTS AYOR

7

Lady Wildcats looking for their identity

BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES butleramj@yahoo.com

Bethune-Cookman had too many mishaps in a 63-54 loss to the College of the Holy Cross at Moore Gymnasium on Sunday.

The Lady Wildcats were doomed by a lack of offensive execution. They shot only 36 percent from the field and converted only 10-for-22 free throws.

“We missed a lot of free throws, especially in one-and-one situations that could have swung the game in our favor. It showed a lack of concentration at the line on our part,” commented Coach Vanessa Blair.

B-CU went 4-for-15 from the three-point range and was hurt by the 18 turnovers.

The Crusaders also committed 25 turnovers and shot only 35 percent from the field, but they were 7-for-18 from beyond the arc and they made 26 of 33 free throws.

“We knew that Holy Cross would be physical and big. They run their sets well. We put them on the free throw line too much,” responded Blair.

Things started well for B-CU after a pair of three pointers by Chastity Rene Taylor; the Lady Wildcats held an early 8-2 lead in the first half.

Holy Cross (6-6) battled back and took a 31-25 lead into halftime on a pair of three’s by Ashley Cooper.

The Crusaders led 44-33 lead after a three by Alex Smith with 9:11 to play.

Bethune-Cookman (5-6) got within 49-43 following a threepoint play from Sharnese Neal with 6:30 to play.

‘We hurt ourselves’ The Crusaders would again push their lead out to double digits, but the Wildcats would again pull within six but get no closer.

Taylor led the Wildcats with a game-high 19 points while Neal and Amanda Hairston each had nine.

“We needed stops. We got them some times but couldn’t convert offensively. They didn’t stop us offensively but we hurt ourselves,” responded Taylor.

Smith led the Crusaders with 15 points while teammates Coo-

B-CU’s Rene Taylor (3) drives on Holy Cross’ Brisje Malone (2) during a recent game. The Wildcats fell to the Crusaders 63-54.

B-CU ROUNDUP per and Christine Ganser each added 13.

Finding their way B-CU has a young team this season with eight new players.

The Wildcats don’t have any seniors on their roster.

“We are young. We didn’t have any expectations. A lot of gelling has to take place. We are starting to see some. Tonight we didn’t play as well after being off five days,” commented Blair.

Newcomers in junior college transfers and juniors Taylor (14.1 ppg) and Terrenisha Hollis (8.3 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 2.18 spg) along with freshman Jasmine Evans (5.8 ppg, 4.7 rpg) have stood out thus far.

“Taylor is consistent. She is our outside threat. Terrenisha is good at attacking and finishing. Jasmine is a defensive stopper who

can make some offensive plays,” stated Blair.

Eastern Kentucky University transfer and junior Shakeyia Colyer (5.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.63 apg) has also helped at the point guard position.

B-CU also has back post players in junior forwards Amanda Hairston (11.3 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 1.63 bpg) and Sharnese Neal (5.9 ppg, 5.9 rpg).

“Having them back is a good thing for us. They feed off each other and play well together.

These two have played together for two years. They give us a presence in the post,” mentioned Blair.

The Wildcats are off to a 5-6 overall start, but are still looking to find their identity.

“We have been trying to find each other. We have been building. We have preached defense and offensively we have feed through Rene outside and Aman-

da inside,” added Blair.

Gearing up for MEAC B-CU faced Kent State on Wednesday, which was after the Daytona Times’ deadline.

The local team also is gearing up for the conference schedule, which will start soon. B-CU will open its MEAC slate against Florida A&M in Tallahassee on Jan. 7.

“Every game is important and its one game at a time. We have to be consistent every night,” expressed Blair.

Football: More honors for Wildcats Head football coach Brian Jenkins recently was named Coach of the Year by HBCU Huddle/ College Sporting News.

It was his third such honor as he was also named MEAC and AFCA Coach of the Year.

Jenkins led the Wildcats to a 9-3 record, 8-0 conference mark, MEAC title and FCS playoff berth.

In three seasons at B-CU, he has a 27-8 record, 21-3 MEAC mark, two MEAC titles and two FCS playoff appearances.

B-CU was the only HBCU ranked in the final Sports Network FCS Top 25 poll at No. 22.

Offensive linemen Terrance Hackney, a junior, and senior Eugene Solomon were named to the HBCU Huddle/College Sporting News All-American team offense.

Hackney received his third AllAmerican honor this post season. He was also a BoxToRow. com and Beyond Sports Network All-American.

Senior defensive lineman Harold Love III was named to the AllAmerican defense team.

Holiday hoops highlight high school action

BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES butleramj@yahoo.com

Atlantic High School girls finished third and the boys fifth in their own tournament.

Ronni Williams posted 21 points and 10 rebounds to lead Atlantic past Perry Central (Hazard, Ky.) 52-39 in the consolation game.

Destiny Woodard added 17 for the Sharks.

Williams (31 points, 14 rebounds, 10 steals) recorded a triple double to lead Atlantic to a 56-38 win over Pike County Central (Pikeville, Ky.) while Woodard added 12 to open the tournament.

Atlantic lost to Archbishop Prendergast High (Drexel Hill, Pa.) 52-47 in the semifinal. Williams had 18 points, Woodard 17 and Destiny Howard 12 for the Sharks.

“It was a great tournament with great competition. We should have been in the championship game. We beat a team in Perry Central that played in the national tournament in South Carolina with us a week earlier. We also got our school’s 400th victory,” said Atlantic Coach George Butts.

Two wins, one loss for Atlantic boys The Sharks boys team lost to Pebblebrook High of Mableton, Ga. 71-56 to open the tournament. Justin Vallejo had 15 points for the Sharks.

The Sharks rebound-

“It was a great tournament for us to be in. It had some good competition.

We will be in it again next year,” stated James Henry, New Smyrna’s head coach.

DeLand tops New Smyrna

VOLUSIA COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL REVIEW ed to beat Sunland Baptist Academy, Freeport, Bahamas 42-39 the next day. In that game, Vallejo tallied 18 points for Atlantic.

Atlantic finished the tournament by taking down Hialeah 44-37. Vellejo led the Sharks again with 12 points.

Lopez loses to Leesburg in final Father Lopez and Mainland both competed in the Father Lopez Holiday Tournament.

Leesburg High spoiled Lopez’ bid for the title by beating them 71-60 in the tournament final.

Cameron Breehl led the Green Wave with 19 points while A.J. Ford and Mailik Maitland each added 16.

Also during the tournament local teams matched up and Father Lopez topped Mainland 65-59.

Breehl had 20 points, Ford 18, and Maitland 13 for the Green Wave while Craig Wilmore scored 17 points and Cameron Hadley 13 for the Buccaneers.

Mainland did pick up a win over West Palm Beach’s Kings Academy 4839 led by Brandon Thompson who scored 15 points and Hadley, who tallied 12.

Mainland also beat Jacksonville Bishop Kenny 5047.

Father Lopez also beat Jacksonville Harvest Com-

DUANE FERNANDEZ/HARDNOTTS PHOTOGRAPHY

Atlantic’s Ronni Williams (1) posts up a defender during a game with Archbishop Academy (of Drexel, Penn.) at the Atlantic Sunshine Holiday Tournament last week. Williams, the 13th-ranked player in the nation, helped the Sharks place third in the tournament. munity 77-35. Maitland had 17 points while Ford and Breehl each had 12 for Lopez.

Green Wave girls win their tourney Father Lopez’ girls team has lived up to their billing as a state title contender so far this season. The Green Wave continued their good play by winning their own tournament this past week.

Lopez defeated Fort

Pierce Lincoln Park Academy 65-43 in the championship game fueled by Shannon Crenshaw’s 27 points, eight rebounds, five steals and five assists.

The Green Wave also beat Titusville Astronaut 71-45 and Orange Park Oakleaf 75-45 in the tournament.

Crenshaw had 26 points, Ashley Folsom 22 points, 19 rebounds with seven blocks and Simone Brown contributed 13 points with 10 boards against Astronaut.

Folsom scored 24 points, Crenshaw 21 and Brown 19 for the Green Wave against Oakleaf.

New Smyrna Beach also competed in the tournament and got a win over Tampa Blake 46-29. Gabby Kostenbader led the Barracudas with 16 points in that game.

New Smyrna lost to Pikesville, Ky. 38-32 and Osceola 53-50. Jasmine Hill and Gabby Kostenbader had 15 points each for New Smyrna against Osceola.

Local teams DeLand and New Smryna squared off in the annual Russ Gibbs Holiday tournament in DeLand.

DeLand beat New Smyrna 62-51 in the tournament championship game, avenging an earlier loss to them this season.

Monolito Hamilton led the victorious Bulldogs with 19 points while Chauncey Kennedy had 10.

Marcus Johnson had 11 points, Desmond Mitchell 10 and Davarez Bryant eight points with seven rebounds for the Barracudas.

New Smyrba defeated Delray Beach Villages 5554 in the semifinal. Mitchell had 20 points in that game and made the game winning free throw in the final seconds.

New Smyrna also defeated Orlando Olympia 64-58 to open the tournament behind Mitchell’s 31 points.

DeLand also had wins over St. George Bahamas 59-56 and Trinity Christian 67-30. Kyle Epping had 24 points for DeLand against St. George and 13 against Trinity.

Prep Sports Seven basketball Girls: 1. Father Lopez (15-3), 2. Atlantic (9-5), 3.

DeLand (14-2), 4. Flagler Palm Coast (10-4), 5. Seabreeze (8-5), 6. Trinity (114), 7. Warner (6-3).

Boys: 1. Father Lopez (11-2), 2. DeLand (10-4), 3. New Smyrna (12-3), 4.

Mainland (7-5), 5. Spruce Creek (6-5), 6. Halifax (83), 7. Calvary (8-3).

R8

7HEALTH

JANUARY 3 – JANUARY 9, 2013

Being moderately overweight might not pose health risk Health professionals also know that the BMI — a number that is calculated using a person’s height and weight — is not a perfect indicator of how much extra fat someone carries because people who are extra muscular may score as overweight when they’re not, for example, Heymsfield added.

BY ROSIE MESTEL LOS ANGELES TIMES (MCT)

It’s a common medical refrain: Carrying extra pounds raises the risk of ills such as heart disease and diabetes and therefore the risk of a premature death.

But does that heightened risk of early death apply across the board to those who are merely overweight?

A new analysis of nearly 3 million people suggests maybe not.

The finding, published online Tuesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association, pooled data from 97 studies encompassing adult men and women in the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, China, Taiwan, Japan, Brazil, India and Mexico.

Survival advantage

BMI studied A total of 270,000 people died of any cause during the studies. When the scientists crunched the numbers, they found, as expected, that people who were significantly obese — with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or more — had shorter life spans on average than those who were of normal weight, defined as having a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9.

But the scientists also found that people classed as overweight (with a BMI of 25 to 29.9) died at slightly lower rates — not higher — than those of so-called normal weight. And they found that those who were mildly obese (with a BMI of 30 to 34.9) died in no greater numbers than did their normal-weight peers.

Study lead author Katherine M. Flegal, an epidemiologist with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said she and her colleagues could not say what lay behind

SHAWN ROCCO/RALEIGH NEWS & OBSERVER/MCT

Courtney Ward, 44, is shown working out in 2010 at the Institute for Lifestyle & Weight Management in Raleigh, N.C. Ward had a BMI of 31.9, obese, when he decided he needed a lifestyle change. the apparent survival edge for overweight people. But she noted that it had been observed before in other studies.

Range of reasons Flegal added that smoking — which raises the risk of early death but also tends to keep people thinner — doesn’t appear to be the explanation, since that factor was carefully controlled for in the analysis.

The paper didn’t make

any recommendations for doctors or members of the public, Flegal added. “Our goal is really to summarize existing information and not conclude what people should do, other than follow good health practices, no matter what their weight,” she said.

There are a range of possible reasons why people who are overweight might fare better in studies than those who are of normal weight, said obesi-

ty researcher Dr. Steven B. Heymsfield, executive director of the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, La. Only some of those explanations suggest that carrying a few extra pounds truly makes someone healthier.

Preferential treatment For example, some studies suggest that people who are overweight or mild-

ly obese are treated more aggressively by their doctors for blood pressure or cholesterol problems than those who are of normal weight, said Heymsfield, who was not involved in the study but co-wrote a commentary that accompanied it.

Preferential treatment could more than compensate for a higher rate of health problems among those who are overweight or mildly obese.

But there also could be real reasons why carrying extra pounds could confer a survival advantage. Fatter people are not as prone to osteoporosis and have more padding to protect the bones should a patient take a tumble, lowering the risk of a life-endangering hip fracture.

And carrying extra fat provides energy reserves in cases of a severe illness.

Doctors know, for example, that plumper patients with heart failure or kidney failure do better than their leaner peers, and there could be other situations in which the same thing is true.

“I think we should be open-minded and ask, ‘OK, what could be helpful about fat?’” Heymsfield said.

The survival edges reported in the analysis were not large. Those who were overweight were on average 6% less likely to die during the studies than those whose BMI scored in the normal range.

Those with mild obesity — also known as grade 1 obesity — were at no increased risk of death compared with people with a normal BMI. But those who were fatter than that (with a BMI of 35 or above) had a 29 percent higher risk of death during the studies.