Coach Ian Headley trying to get more Blacks into soccer
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Daytona
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JAMES CLINGMAN: Jobs as we have known them are gone for good Page 4
A ROUNDUP OF LOCAL SPORTS See page 7
East Central Florida’s Black Voice
See page 3
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JANUARY 10 - JANUARY 16, 2013
YEAR 38 NO. 2
Governor gives local kids a pep talk
PEOPLE SPEAK
Scott touts food program, encourages students during visit to Turie T. Small BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES butleramj@yahoo.com
Florida Gov. Rick Scott stressed the importance of education and touted the area’s Food Brings Hope program on Tuesday during a visit to Turie T. Small Elementary School in Daytona Beach. “Only in the United States can
you become anything that you want to be – whether a governor, the president, a CEO or an astronaut, but it all starts with education,” Scott said at the school, which is in a predominantly Black neighborhood in the city. The governor was at the school to support the Food Brings Hope program, which helps provide food for economically disadvantaged students. The program seeks to end hunger in the area for all school-age children. “This is a great program and these kids are our future. If they can get a great education,
they can achieve whatever they want,” Scott said to several hundred students from around the county and invited guests who packed Turie T. Small’s auditorium.
Started in 2007 Food Brings Hope is a nonprofit organization started six years ago by Forough B. Hosseini, who serves as the chair of its board of directors. Hosseini is the executive vice president of Information Technology at ICI Homes. It is an initiative of the Com-
ANDREAS BUTLER/DAYTONA TIMES
Gov. Rick Scott greets students on Tuesday at Turie T. Small ElemenPlease see SCOTT, Page 2 tary School.
A new chapter for book festival
Scott gives no answer on school security BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES harperjames59@yahoo.com
Florida Gov. Rick Scott didn’t answer a student’s question Tuesday on what his plans are to make schools safer nearly one month after a gunman fatally shot 20 children and six adults at an elementary school in Newtown, Conn. The little girl was one of more than 10 students who approached a microphone at Turie T. Small Elementary School in Daytona Beach to ask Scott a question while he was visiting the school to talk about the importance of education. The predominantly Black school, like other elementary schools in Volusia County, has no school resource officer and is located in an area known for criminal activity.
‘A scary time’
PHOTO COURTESY OF DONNA GRAY-BANKS
Donna Gray-Banks, standing far left, is shown with the other authors who participated this month in the F.R.E.S.H. Book Festival in Midtown. Many of the authors holding up copies of their books are local residents.
Hundreds attend event at new Midtown center More than 250 people participated in the F.R.E.S.H. Book Festival at the Midtown Cultural and Educational Center during the two days of the event on Jan. 4 and 5. “The festival was awesome. The collaboration and renewal of friendships was incredible and he Leisure Services Staff of Daytona Beach were efficient and professional,” said Donna M. Gray-
Banks, organizer of the festival. Banks said she hopes next year to expand the festival to three days. Poet and playwright Milton McCulloch kicked off the second annual F.R.E.S.H. Book Festival at the center on Jan. 4. F.R.E.S.H. stands for Fiction, Romance, Erotica, Spiritual and Health. The actual book festival took place Saturday with presentations from Janis Kearney (“Conversations: William Jefferson Clinton from Hope to Harlem’’), Judge Hubert Grimes (“How to Keep
Your Child From Going to Jail’’), Pastor Riva Tims (“When It All Falls Apart’’), Dr. Irvin Winsboro (“Old South, New South or Down South: Florida and the Modern Civil Rights Movement’’), Dr. Willie Kimmons (“Parenting Guide’’), and Rahiem “The-Authortainer’’ Brooks (“Laugh Now’’). Other authors included Vernelle Nelson, Erma C. Merritt, Michael Beckford, Cynthia Hughes, Andrea Hogan, Johnnie Mae Chavis, Michelle Donice, and Tremayne Moore.
The school’s principal, Earl Johnson, who believes his students are safe, wants funding found for a permanent school resource officer who would serve as a deterrent to prevent what happened in Connecticut from happening at his school. Johnson said the students would feel more secure with an officer on campus. Scott’s response to the student was that he was worried about the Connecticut families of those who lost loved ones during the massacre, which took place on Dec. 14. “It’s a scary time. Lives are devastated. We’ve got to make sure our schools are safe,” Scott said. He was later pressed by the media to elaborate on the student’s question but would only say that all school districts were asked to review their security policies. When asked by the media if he would be seeking funding for more law enforcement officers on all public school campuses, Scott said no resources were available.
Pressed about arms The Daytona Times specifically asked the governor if he would support teachPlease see SECURITY, Page 2
Special election Tuesday for District 2 School Board seat FROM STAFF REPORTS
On Tuesday night, Volusia County should have a new School Board member. Registered voters living in the Volusia County School Board District 2, which is on the east side of the county, can vote Jan. 15 during a special election from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at their assigned polling places. Those who wish to early vote
in person can still do so up until Saturday, Jan. 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Department of Elections Historic Courthouse, 125 W. New York Ave. Ida Duncan Wright, an instructor at Bethune-Cookman University, and Dr. Kathy Williams, a retired educator and widow of Volusia School Board 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. Turnout for the primary was only 3,972 voters, or about 6 percent of the 66,166 registered voters in District 2, according to the elections office.
Absentee votes outnumber those in person Supervisor of Elections Ann
McFall said 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. Wright garnered the most votes during the Dec. 18 primary but not enough to win the race against Williams and three other candidates. Wright received 1,538 votes (39 percent) to Wil-
liams’ 1,023 votes (26 percent). Wright had to win 50 percent plus 1 vote to avoid a runoff. 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. School board members are elected to four-year terms and earn $34,010 annually.
7FOCUS
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JANUARY 10 – JANUARY 16, 2013
Dickerson Center gets updated workout equipment BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES harperjames59@yahoo.com
“It’s more updated equipment. It rivals any paid for gym,” said Chirillo.
The Midtown Educational and Cultural Center opened in Daytona Beach last May and the Yvonne Scarlett Golden Cultural Center is scheduled to open next month. Neither center has a fitness center with free weights and nautilus equipment. That’s not the case at the John H. Dickerson Center, which recently acquired all the weights and equipment from the city’s employee gym, which is no longer operating. Prior to installing the equipment, Joe Chirillo, facility manager for the Dickerson Center, said the city had a makeshift fitness center with some weights and equipment at least 20 years old. Chirillo said the Dickerson Center now has about 40 pieces in addition to free weights new to the center and available to the public for free.
‘Full body workout’ Chirillo said that since the equipment was installed last month, attendance at the center has more than tripled and there is room for more. It is open from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday. “You can get a full body workout,” Chirillo said. Although the city has no personal trainers, members of his staff are knowledgeable about the equipment. Chirillo said the center also has expanded the fitness center into another area for women who may be uncomfortable working around men. The free weights are primarily used by men. The John H. Dickerson Center is located at 308 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd. For more information, call the city’s Leisure Services Department at 386-671-8337.
COURTESY OF CITY OF DAYTONA BEACH
The Dickerson Center’s fitness area has seen a boom in attendance since more equipment was added.
gram provides free after-school tutoring and activities along with field trips to cultural and sporting events. Local schools participating include Turie T. Small and Westside Elementary (Daytona Beach), Osceola Elementary (Ormond Beach), Campbell Middle school (Daytona Beach), Hinson Middle School (Daytona Beach), New Smyrna Beach Middle School, Deltona High School, New Smyrna High School and Spruce Creek High (Port Orange). Students from some of the elementary and middle schools attended the event.
Praise for school
ANDREAS BUTLER/DAYTONA TIMES
Forough Hosseini, left, created the Food Brings Hope program. She is shown with her husband, Mori Hosseini, right. Dr. Earl Johnson, principal of Turie T. Small Elementary, is in the center.
SCOTT from Page 1 munity Foundation of Volusia & Flagler, a division of United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties, Inc. “We started at Hinson Mid-
SECURITY from Page 1 ers and other school staff being armed while working. He refused to answer the question even though he was asked it twice. Scott did say, “We’ve got to do more for mental health (for students),” which is another solution that some teachers and parents have been calling for in addition to having law enforcement on the school campuses. The governor told the students there is never enough money to take care of all the needs of the state but added he wants to put as much money as he can in education. He told the several hundred in attendance that residents pay sales and property taxes and it is his job as governor to make proposals about what to do with the money.
District responds Nancy H. Wait, director of Community Information Services for Volusia County Schools said in a statement released to the Daytona Times on Wednesday that (the school district is) ‘’strictly reinforcing its comprehensive safety and security plans at all schools and has asked law enforce-
dle in 2007. I had my two daughters in the program to see how it would go. The program has grown. We realized that in Volusia County there are many homeless and economically disadvantaged kids that don’t have enough to eat and it affects them academically,” Hosseini said. “Every year, I ask powerful
ment to have a greater presence in and around all school campuses.’’ The statement added, “In addition, meetings are planned with law enforcement agencies to discuss what other actions could be taken to further enhance security.” In a recorded message to parents after the Connecticut incident last month, Volusia County Schools Superintendent Margaret Smith said “our school district has taken all of the steps that we can to keep our students safe.” Smith said the district had reviewed safety and security procedures and put additional measures in place.
Officers visible Students returned to school Jan. 7 after Christmas break with city and county law enforcement officers in their parking lots and near their schools. All Volusia County high schools currently have school resource officers. “It’s a pretty good deterrent,” said New Smyrna Beach High School Principal James Tager, who shares a resource office with a middle school located a mile away from his school. Tager said he would like to see an officer at his school and other schools full time but doesn’t expect it to happen because of the district’s
speakers to come and talk to the children on behalf of the program. We want to teach kids to work hard and stay in school so that they can become successful.’’
Free tutoring In addition to meals, the pro-
current budget crisis. Westside Elementary School Principal Judi Winch said she would welcome an officer on her campus. She recalled that before Christmas break, right after the Connecticut incident that her school had to go on a 2 ½ hour lock down because of a criminal activity taking place near the school. Winch said she would like to see more money for mental health – “more money toward being proactive then reactive.’’ She added, “I don’t want to see teachers armed in school though some of our faculty are licensed to carry a gun.’’
14 on duty Campbell Middle School Principal Craig Zablo said he is grateful for the school resource officers even though his is only at the school part time. “Parents have a comfort level with him. He’s not about arresting kids. He’s about putting them on the right path. Communication is the key,” Zablo said, adding that parents and students are comfortable going to their school resource officer asking for help if they are concerned about a child or another student. There are 14 Volusia County school resource
The benefits of the program have been seen at schools like Turie T. Small. Dr. Earl Johnson, Turie T. Small’s principal, said 95.7 percent of the students at the school receive free or reduced lunch. “Our school has made the highest gains in science in testing. The program itself reiterates the importance of education. Thanks to the Hosseinis, the program has done a lot in Volusia County by providing a way for our kids to get the best education that they can get.’’ The governor also praised Turie T. Small and the students for their accomplishments. “Everyone around the state knows about you and what you have achieved and we are all proud of you,” he stated.
Statewide problem Scott noted that more funding is needed for programs that fight hunger. “Last year, we increased state funding by one billion dollars. My goal is to increase state funding for grades K through 12. We need to increase state funding to
deputies, which are paid for out of school district coffers. At one time, there were 28 school resource deputies. When the sheriff office’s budget was cut, the department was no longer able to pay for the 14 additional officers at the schools. There are 66 schools in the county plus another 12 charter schools. The county would need approximate 60 officers hired to make sure all Volusia schools have deputies on duty, which would cost an additional $5 million more a year.
get families what they are asking for,” he said. “People want jobs and a good education for their children but don’t want the cost of living to go up.” Hosseini is doing her part to fight the hunger problem locally through the program. “The economic condition over the past six years contributes to it. We started with 900 students and now have 2,026. If you can fill the kids’ tummies, you can help them be successful academically and in life. We have too many kids that only get free lunch and breakfast, then go home and have nothing,” Hosseini explained. “They are often hungry during long weekends and holiday breaks. They worry about it. We want to take that away so that they can concentrate. We do 40 pounds of food bags with Halifax Urban Ministries once a week at some of our schools. We want to take that one issue out of their minds.’’
Children inspired Some of the children were encouraged by the governor’s visit. Fifth-grader Alaiz’a Riley said, “It was good that he came to speak to us. He encouraged us to do great things and encourage our dreams. As for the food program, I believe that it’s a good thing because everyone cannot afford food whether at school or outside of school.” Cory Jackson, also a fifth-grader, added, “It was pretty cool that the governor came to speak to us today. Not everyone can say that the governor was at their school. The food program is a good thing. I get free lunch and I know it helps people in need.’’ For more information on the Food Brings Hope program, visit www.foodbringshope.org.
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JANUARY 10 – JANUARY 16, 2013
COMMUNITY M ANEWS YOR
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DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006
First Church to host worship workshop, concert Let’s pull back the curtain on the “Heart of Worship Workshop and Concert” and gear up for the understanding of excellence in music ministry. Worship facilitator James Robbins, through God’s grace, is making his mark. He’ll chart the biblical meaning of worship and will orchestrate the music for God’s kingdom building. “He’s our own, gifted James Robbins, now in Tampa and involved with the 11th Episcopal District,” said the Rev. Dr. Gillard S. Glover of the First Church of Palm Coast, which is part of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME). “We are looking forward
Palm Coast
Community news
By Jeroline D. Mccarthy | Daytona Times to a wonderful time,” said the pastor. Robbins is the district’s music director and a seasoned facilitator of the workshops. He recently preached his first sermon, “New Season,” at Allen Temple AME Church, where his pastor is the Rev. Dr. David W. Green, Sr. As the church’s Minister of Music, Robbins “supports, motivates, trains and di-
rects those whom God has called into the music ministry for a spirit of excellence, service and humility.” Choir members and other musicians will reap the enhancement of praise and worship. The registration and rehearsal will take place at First Church on Jan. 25, 7 p.m. A workshop session will follow on Jan. 26, 10 a.m. The concert cul-
James Robbins
Leonard Hunt Sr.
minating from the workshop is scheduled for Jan. 26, 6 p.m. The cost to register is $20.
Accompanied by Hunt Leonard Hunt, Sr., the First Church Minister of Music, will provide the accompaniment for Robbins on piano and organ.
Hunt learned the foundational hymns in the church early on, “the Christian compositions that give musical expressions to doctrine, and the songs, referring to the poetic words set to music. The themes are directed toward worship and the expression of the Christian relationship with God.” He studied under nationally renowned gospel/jazz organist Bruce Allen at the age of 15 in Jacksonville. He has accompanied Yolanda Adams, the Rev. Timothy Wright, Dorothy Norwood, Byron Cage, among others. Hunt’s excited and believes “you must first educate folks on what’s praise and worship and why it’s
vital to the personal, private and public areas of life.” First Church is located at 91 Old Kings Road North in Palm Coast, and can be reached for details at 386446-5759. ••• As always, remember our prayers for the sick, afflicted and bereaved.
Happy Birthday to You! Birthday wishes to: Miriam Pincham, Jan. 10; Marva Jones, Jan. 11; Tracey Robinson, Jan. 16. Happy anniversary to the Rev. Woodrow and gospel musician Gloria Leeks, Jan. 10.
Young soccer coach trying to get more Blacks interested in sport Eyes on state title
BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES butleramj@yahoo.com
Ian Headley, the girls soccer coach at Warner Christian Academy in South Daytona, is trying to build the program from the ground up. The school just brought back the sport after a sevenyear absence. In addition, Headley is trying to spark interest in the sport in the Daytona Beach area among AfricanAmerican kids. “I don’t see a lot of interest in the Black community in Daytona. I don’t see a lot of the sport in Daytona as a whole. Soccer is more popular in DeLand and Orlando. I’m not sure that the kids, especially the Black kids in Daytona are getting introduced to it. Once you learn how to play this game, color doesn’t matter,” Headley told the Times.
The Warner Eagles are composed mostly of middle school students that compete against high school varsity teams. They are 2-4 so far this season. “We are outmatched in just about every game. It’s a learning experience. We are moving towards what it takes to be a successful program. The plan is to build a team that can win a state title in a few years,” Headley told the Daytona Times. Warner currently doesn’t have any more games scheduled but hopes to find more opponents to play. The soccer season runs through January, Headley said.
No major soccer background The 24-year old Headley hails form Delray Beach, where he attended Olympic Heights High School. He is a graduate of Bet-
hune-Cookman University, where he received a degree in sociology back in May. Headley isn’t in the ideal situation nor is he an ideal coach. He didn’t play the sport in high school nor college. “I played soccer when I was young and up through middle school, but I mostly played football and ran track. I played a year of football as a wide receiver in college at Jacksonville University – then transferred to Cookman,” Headley noted.
Some challenges Headley says he has faced challenges as a local Black coach. “Sometimes people look at me and question my position. They wonder what do I know about the sport and why am I coaching it? I can say at a private school like Warner, we have a lot of diversity with a small student population. So, being Black often helps me
get others interested who wouldn’t be into the sport,’’ commented Headley. Headley is one of two Black soccer coaches in Volusia County. He is building a program while Antuarn Williams at Pierson Taylor is in a program that has had success in recent years. Williams also is head football coach at Taylor.
Coach, science teacher There have been other challenges for Headley coaching the team. “Of, course being a startup program is very difficult and the hardest thing of all. There is a lot going on, but you’re trying to get everything to go and run. It is also challenging because we didn’t have a lot of success,” Headley explained. “We often practice well but didn’t play like expected. It’s not that the girls weren’t good enough, but it is more of it will take time for us to develop and become good at what it takes to be successful.’’ Soccer isn’t the only sport that Headley is involved in. He also is an assistant football coach and will be an assistant track and field coach at the school. He also was recently hired as a full-time science teacher at Warner. When he isn’t teaching,
Ian Headley is the girls soccer coach at Warner Christian Academy in South Daytona. he runs his company, Epic Speed and Agility. As a speed coach, he helps athletes by using drills, techniques, and exercises to help them get faster. He started the business in No-
BRIEFS Cultural Council schedules workshops for grant applicants
GET TO KNOW IDA
PERSONAL Lifetime Daytona Beach Resident Married to Arthur Wright ‒ 16 years Sons, Reginald and Wesley Wright PROFESSIONAL Instructor, Bethune-Cookman University School of Business ‒ 9 years Small Business Owner AM Wright Construction PARENTAL Parent/ Parent/Teacher Association (PTA) Parent/Teacher/Student Association (PTSA) School Advisory Council Band Parent Football Parent Mr. and Mrs. Mainland High School Judge COMMUNITY Junior League Junior Achievement Daytona Beach Pop Warner Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Paid for and approved by Ida Wright for Volusia County School Board, District 2.
The Cultural Council of Volusia County will conduct two workshops in January for organizations wishing to apply for a Volusia County Community Cultural Grant. The workshops will be at 2 p.m. Jan. 29 in the third-floor conference room of the Volusia County Lifeguard Headquarters and Administration Center, 515 S. Atlantic Ave., and 2 p.m. Jan. 30 in the first-floor training rooms of the of the Thomas C. Kelly Administration Center, 123 W. Indiana Ave., DeLand. To be eligible, organizations must send a representative to one of the workshops. The Community Cultural Grant provides general operating support to nonprofit organizations in Volusia County that have as their primary mission the delivery of cultural or heritage-based programs to the public. In 2012, more than $610,000 was awarded to 32 organizations. Applications must be delivered to Volu-
vember 2011. Headley decided to stay in Daytona after graduating from B-CU because he figured it a good place to start his business of training athletes.
sia County’s Parks, Recreation and Culture office at 202 N. Florida Ave., DeLand, by 5 p.m. April 26. In June, the Cultural Council will review and score the grant applications to provide recommendations to the Volusia County Council. \For more information, contact Cultural Coordinator Mike Fincher at 386-7365953, ext. 15872, or mfincher@volusia.org.
Consulting firm to present tourism-marketing report The Strategic Advisory Group will present the preliminary report on the effectiveness of tourism marketing at 6 p.m. Jan. 28 in rooms A, B and C of the Ocean Center, 101 N. Atlantic Ave. A reception will begin at 5 p.m. The Volusia County Council hired the Duluth, Ga., consulting firm in February 2011 to conduct an independent analysis of countywide tourism and convention marketing efforts by the county’s advertising authorities and the Ocean Center. The public is invited to attend, and public participation is welcome. More information: 386-736-5920. couponersunited.com.
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 Historic board convenes Jan. 22 The Volusia County Historic Preservation Board will meet at 3 p.m. Jan. 22 at the Thomas C. Kelly Administration Center, 123 W. Indiana Ave., DeLand. Members will discuss the board’s programs and policies. More information: Contact Julie Adams Scofield at 386-736-5953, ext. 12008, or jscofield@
volusia.org. ‘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.
Business workshop scheduled Jan. 10 Presented by the Small Business Development Center at Daytona State College, this free 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. To register, call 386-506-4723 or e-mail sbdc@DaytonaState.edu. City Commission meets Jan. 16 The next meeting of the Daytona Beach City Commission will convene at 6 p.m. on Jan. 16 at the Commission Chambers in City Hall, 301 S. Ridgewood Ave.
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Jobs as we have known them are gone for good In consideration of the latest shenanigans from Congress as it pertains to the economic conditions facing most Americans these days, unemployment and underemployment being the most serious, the case for entrepreneurship is more important than ever. For Black people especially, whose unemployment rate is double that of the national average and even as high as 50 percent in certain cities, the need for entrepreneurship cannot be denied. Education and training, business startups, and firms that have the ability to grow and increase their number of employees are all essential factors for any group of people interested in economic empowerment. Black folks have an urgent imperative to revert to the days when we owned and operated not only individual businesses but entire economic enclaves in various cities across this country. The nostalgia we feel when we remember Black Bottom in Detroit, Hayti in Durham, Harlem in New York, Greenwood in Tulsa, and Sweet Auburn in Atlanta should provide us with the incentive, well beyond the emotional side of it, to move in that direction.
VISUAL VIEWPOINT: 113th CONGRESS
you will be ahead of the game.
JAMES CLINGMAN NNPA COLUMNIST
es, after teaching the glowing history of business ownership in this country by Black people, as well as our entrepreneurial skills and acumen even before we were brought here, I offer the following suggestion: “Make something or do something and sell it to someone.” That’s simply what entrepreneurship is all about. Of course, we need to heighten our presence and participation in manufacturing, distribution, and starting businesses that lend themselves to growth or “scale,” as some would say, in order to move to a point of being able to control projects, industries, and systems rather than always be at the mercy of those who do. How do we accomplish that? We can start by simply hiring ourselves, individually at first and then expanding to hire others. We cannot afford to wait for the folks in Washington to provide jobs for us, nor can we sit back and think the private sector will help decrease our rate of unemployment. Even if they do finally get it together in WashingEntrepreneurship ton and on Wall Street, hire yourdefined self by starting some kind of busiIn my entrepreneurship class- ness, and when things get better
Hire yourself Hire yourself by turning a hobby into a revenue stream. Hire yourself by offering your skills to someone who needs your services. Hire yourself by selling what you know; after all, we are in what Peter Drucker called a “Knowledge-based Society.” Hire yourself and make your own job, and stop allowing the sweet sounding political rhetoric to lull you to sleep. In his book, “Job Shift – How to prosper in a workplace without job,” William Bridges writes, “The first thing we must do is to demand that our politicians have the courage to abandon the fantasy that jobs can be recovered or recreated as they once could have been. We need to understand that there is no way we can pump out more jobs as though they were industrial products, and every time our leaders play into our old fantasy that that is possible, they do us an enormous disservice - promising more jobs is an effective electoral tactic. Furthermore, it sounds public spirited and humane.” Bridges also says, “The disappearance of jobs, with every passing month, is more and more a change that has already happened. It is also a change that can be exploited by individuals and organizations that know how to do so.” You can find more infor-
David Fitzsimmons, The Arizona Star
mation on this subject in William Julius Wilson’s seminal work, “When Work Disappears”, which should be a staple in your personal libraries.
We are already 12 years late, folks. Whether you like it or not, jobs as we have known them are gone for good. So even if you are not convinced of that reality, do your children a favor by encouragOwn our jobs ing them to pursue some form of Another writer, James Brown, entrepreneurship by hiring themalso known as the Godfather of selves, even as they seek jobs from Soul, put the following words of someone else’s company. advice to music when he said, Jim Clingman, founder of “Let’s get together and get some land; raise our food like the man; the Greater Cincinnati African save our money like the mob; put American Chamber of Comup a factory and own the jobs.” merce, is the nation’s most proHow are we ever going to be ec- lific writer on economic empowonomically empowered if we do erment for Black people. He is an adjunct professor at the Uninot own our jobs? Consider this quote from versity of Cincinnati and can Charles Handy: “Less than half of be reached through his webthe workforce in the industrialized site, blackonomics.com. Click world will be in ‘proper’ full-time on this story at www.daytonajobs in organizations by the begin- times.com to write your own response. ning of the twenty-first century.”
Black community biggest loser of 2012 As I have reflected on the year just ended, I noticed everyone doing their usual year-end lists of the biggest winners and losers of the year. I am not a big fan of these lists, but I will acknowledge that the Black community was the biggest loser of 2012. I have been very critical of how media-appointed groups/individuals have been labeled as the leaders of the Black community. It’s funny that the media doesn’t use similar language when referring to the White community. Who are their leaders? Last year, Blacks gave President Obama 93 percent of their vote against Mitt Romney (Black women voted 96 percent for Obama), yet they sat quietly by as Obama gave goodies to illegals in the country and created new rights for homosexuals. What did Blacks get from Obama? NAACP President Ben Jealous ignorantly went on national TV last week and stated that newly sworn in U.S. Senator from South Carolina, Tim Scott, did not support civil rights. It would have been more accurate to say Senator Scott does not support “liberal rights.”
RAYNARD JACKSON NNPA COLUMNIST
Last month, I wrote about the band of Black women who courageously took a principled stand in support of Obama nominating Susan Rice to be Secretary of State. Yet, these same principled women were so blinded by Obama’s race that they could not bring themselves to criticize him for throwing Rice under the bus. A lot of these liberal groups and individuals complain that I am too critical of them. Interestingly, they never complain about the accuracy of what I write, just the fact that I put my thoughts out in the marketplace of ideas.
Blacks becoming relevant So, for my first column of the New Year, I will offer some suggestions to these groups as to how they might begin to become more relevant in 2012.
One way the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) can begin to address the perception that they are a liberal professional organization is by providing at least two college interns to both the Democratic National Committee and the Republican National Committee every summer. These students should be given a stipend and living expenses. I don’t want to hear any excuses about lack of funds for this. If their leadership is not willing to reach into their own pockets to help these students, then why should corporate America? They need to be what they are looking for. The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) rarely if ever engages in public policy hearings on the congressional level. They have many engineers with relevant expert knowledge, but are totally invisible to most members of congress. When New Orleans had the oil spill a couple years ago, why was NSBE not contacted and asked to provide a list of chemical and environmental engineers from their membership to testify before congress? The answer is a very simple one. They have never positioned
themselves as an organization that has any value to add to any public policy discussion. Furthermore, why do they not provide interns for their students with congressional committees that have oversight over various issues relating to engineering? Can you imagine a student graduating with a degree in engineering plus internships with the private sector and a congressional committee on their resume?
Viewed as party throwers The NAACP, The National Urban League, The Congressional Black Caucus still can play a role in our community – if they decide to become relevant. They and other Black professional groups can have a bigger impact within our community, but they must be willing to step up and not continue to be viewed as groups that primarily throw a lot of parties. If any of these groups were hauled into a court of law and accused of being an effective advocate for their respective communities and staying true to their missions as stated in their bylaws—would there be enough ev-
idence to convict them? The problem with most of these groups is their leadership lacks creative vision for a 21st century world. They have become stale and dated. What does it say about these groups that they are all funded by White corporate America? Do they lack such relevance that their own community sees little value in them? The days are over where you support a group because it has “Black” (or “National) in their name. In today’s tight fiscal climate, what is the rationale for anyone to support them? What is the deliverable? What is the call to action? What is the value they provide that can’t be obtained elsewhere? If these groups don’t have a positive answer to these questions, then they are deserving of being on next year’s biggest loser list.
Raynard Jackson is president and CEO of Raynard Jackson & Associates, LLC., a Washington, D.C.-based public relations/ government. Click on this story at www.daytonatimes.com to write your own response.
Influencing Barack Obama’s second act There is a different feel in the air, and it should not be surprising. As historic as was the re-election of President Obama, nothing can replace the uniqueness of the opening of his first term four years ago. The expectations; the history that was made; the level of excitement. It was all too impossible to replicate. The November 2012 re-election of the president, nevertheless, was a remarkable feat. Taking place during a time of war and economic crisis against a very well-funded opponent, combined with the Republican use of voter suppression efforts in many states, victory was far from assured. The forces of irrationalism were blunted in their tracks, however, at least for the moment. Yet, as we approach Inauguration there are important concerns. In the ‘fiscal cliff’ negotiations, President Obama, despite the public being on his side, once again displayed his tendency towards what I would call over-compromising, a reluctance to engage in hard-bargaining and a tendency to blink at the wrong time. Yes, things could have been worse, but that does not mean that they went well.
Obama on right side? Beyond the fiscal cliff there are other issues facing us: climate change; turmoil in the Middle East; the continued war in Afghanistan, the threat of war with Iran; and, obviously, the economy. On each of these issues and more,
to expect over the next four years comes down to two very different and clear scenarios: One, in the absence of pressure, the adBILL FLETCHER, JR. ministration will offer wonderful rhetoric as it continues to retreat, NNPA COLUMNIST or, two, the administration will be compelled to shift gears and fulfill the mandate that it received from we should not assume – in fact, the decisive November election as we cannot assume – that Presi- a result of pressure that it receives dent Obama will be on the right from people like us. side. The drone strikes in Pakistan continue, for instance, and so too do the attacks on civil liberties at Boots on the ground In case you missed this, the adhome. The question, then, is, what ministration can only be comshould we expect over the next pelled through mass action. That four years? The answer actually means more than emails and depends on us much more than phone calls, but instead public it does on President Obama. In displays of protest – boots on the the fiscal cliff negotiations, we ground. In addition, when we have saw what happens without us: the Republicans in Congress who, due wrong compromises are made in to gerrymandering, have districts the name of bi-partisanship. The that are solidly Republican and, problem is that Obama cannot be thus, they have little fear of any bi-partisan if the other side is being electoral challenge, the only thing fanatically partisan. Such attempts that will shake them up is if society appear to be surrender rather than is a bit shaken. responsible diplomacy. One thing that we do not need is Thus, the real answer to what to find ourselves, four years from
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JANUARY 10 – JANUARY 16, 2013DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006
Year of strides, strains for Black women After extraordinary feats, athletes Gabby and Serena had to deal with criticisms and putdowns
Serena Williams defeats Victoria Azarenka in the women’s finals of the US Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadow, New York, on Sept. 9, 2012.
BY STARLA MUHAMMAD SPECIAL TO THE NNPA
No matter the degree of skill, beauty or grace displayed, 2012 was a year of great symbolism and accomplishment mixed with double standards and ridicule for Black women. From economics to entertainment, Black women also had their share of ups and downs. While Oprah Winfrey and Nene Leakes may have seen their net worth’s increase or remain stable, for the majority of Black women it was a different story financially. It was a challenging year for Black women, said Dr. Avis JonesDeWeever of the National Council of Negro Women. “We are still reeling from the after effects of the Great Recession so many of us having difficulty getting fully reattached to the workforce and we still are suffering from lower wages than many of our counterparts both male and female for the jobs that we hold even though sometimes we have the responsibility of being the sole bread winners for our families,” Jones-DeWeever told The Final Call.
VERNON BRYANT/ DALLAS MORNING NEWS/MCT
Gabrielle Douglas waves to the crowd after receiving her gold medal for winning the women’s individual all-around finals at North Greenwich Arena during the Summer Olympics on Aug. 2, 2012 in London, England. VERNON BRYANT/ DALLAS MORNING NEWS/MCT
‘Still have fight’ The median wealth for single, Black women is about $100, according to some reports. “On the good side, AfricanAmerican women show a tremendous amount of grit and resiliency and retain our desire and our action in terms of fighting to move ahead. I was proud to see that once again we are really leading the nation in terms of voter participation,” said Dr. Jones-DeWeever. Black women came out in large numbers in support of President Obama in 2012 like they did in 2008 added Jones-DeWeever, executive director of the 75-yearold organization founded by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, also the founder of Bethune-Cookman University. “The fact that happened even in these challenging times bears a special recognition that even though so many of us are hurting disproportionately, we still have hope, we still have resolve, we still have fight, we still want to make a difference, we still understand the importance and the responsibility of making our voices heard on Election Day,’’ JonesDeWeever noted.
Cheers, jeers in sports There were cheers and accolades as gymnastics teen phenom Gabrielle Douglas won gold medals in both individual and team all-around events at the 2012 London Olympic Games. And Claressa Shields, another talented Black teen, won the first gold medal awarded for women’s middleweight boxing in the London games. Yet, Gabrielle’s historic achievements were almost overshadowed by ridiculous conversations about her hair. Tennis champ Serena Williams, winner of seven singles titles in 2012 was not only lambasted by her critics for her celebratory victory dance after winning gold this summer but the year also ended with her “friend,’’ a White female tennis player padding her chest and backside at an exhibition match in Brazil in a “harmless imitation” of the 31-year-old star athlete.
Lots of attacks Despite the dignity and class of Black women like First Lady Michelle Obama and the academic
Evelyn Lozado had plenty of drama on and off “Basketball Wives’’ last year. The series returns in March. success as exemplified by Brittney Exline, who earlier this year at 19, became the nation’s youngest Black engineer graduating cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania, an Ivy League school, media focus continued to be on “Basketball Wives’’ and other over the top shows that have come to unfortunately “define” Black women to the masses. In the world of hip-hop, pop culture and entertainment Detroit native dream hampton is known for her activism and writing and pens her name in lower case letters in part as a tribute to author bell hooks. In 2012 there continued to be an attack on Black women, the author and filmmaker told The Final Call. “Some of it is virtual attacks. There’s a whole lot of talk about everything that we’re doing wrong, you know? “Be it the way we’re eating, raising our children or failing to attract marriage partners or the very real high incidents of domestic violence,” said hampton, the first female editor of The Source magazine and co-author of the best-selling book “Decoded” with hip-hop star Jay-Z. “I’m basically demanding that Black people, particularly Black men speak up about the violence
‘Sesame Street’ adds divorce to its toolkits BY HEIDI STEVENS CHICAGO TRIBUNE (MCT)
With the national divorce rate hovering around 40 percent, Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit organization behind “Sesame Street,’’ has decided to tackle the issue in its series of online toolkits, alongside such topics as starting school, preparing for natural disasters and coping with
financial difficulties. The toolkits, under the educational organization’s “Little Children, Big Challenges” initiative, offer tips and age-appropriate resources for parents guiding their 2- to 8-year-old children through complicated terrain. “Children of divorce often have questions that they may not know how to voice,” says Jeanette Betancourt, senior vice presi-
that Black women suffer from in their homes in the places where they’re supposed to be safe, in their sanctuaries and sometimes it’s a generation’s long problem. But the numbers are off the charts,” hampton pointed out as she mentioned the murder of Kassandra Perkins. The 22-year-old was shot and killed Dec. 1 by Jovan Belcher, her boyfriend a player for the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs.
Health and hair “When I look back on this year there were some great highs and some great lows when it comes to Black power among women. I like the way that Black women are celebrated now on these different television shows like ‘Black Girls Rock,’ ” said Perri Small, a radio host on 1690 WVON in Chicago. “I look at Gabby Douglas, and I look at how proud we were of her and the foolishness about her hair. Which brings me to a health issue too. If Black women cared as much about their bodies as they do about their hair and nails, I think that we would be healthier and we would have better self-esteem,” added Small. Terrie Williams, author and mental health advocate said Black women did make great strides this year in areas of trying dent for outreach and educational practices at Sesame Workshop. “Or they come up unexpectedly and the parent may be caught off-guard and not know how to answer them. “We really try, in these resources, to say, ‘It’s OK that these questions come up and it’s really important to help your child know they’re not alone. Some things will change, others will stay the same. We offer some basic facts that help children cope.”
‘Very targeted program’ A group of educators and clinical psychologists advised “Sesame Street’’ on the initiative, in-
among Black women it is still easy to become overwhelmed. “I still also think that there’s the matter of it’s a lot for so many of us to shake, is feeling like you have to be superwoman. That you have to do and be everything for everybody and the reality is … but you cannot breathe unless you are taking care of yourself,” said Williams.
to work on improving their mental health. “I do a lot of speaking at colleges. I just did something last week with about 25 young sisters and it was really very interesting because they’re feeling empowered in a way that I hadn’t experienced young women being in a long time,” said the author of “Black Pain: It Just Looks Like We’re Not Hurting.” Williams said though she noticed what she called an awakening, steely strength and focus
This story was special to NNPA News Service from The Final Call.
cluding internationally renowned researcher and author JoAnne Pedro-Carroll, who has spoken on the topic of divorce to members of Congress and the White House staff, and Robert Hughes Jr., the head of the department of human and community development at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. An early “landscape review,” Betancourt says, showed that few resources existed to help children cope with divorce. “Sesame Street” has been loath to tackle divorce, only once toying with the idea of airing a scene in which Snuffleupagus copes with his parents’ split. But it bombed
with test audiences, and the network decided not to air it. “It wasn’t the best way to deliver this kind of information,” said Betancourt. “Children who weren’t experiencing a divorce suddenly started having questions about it. This is a very targeted program, distributed through outreach or community engagement for families specifically experiencing divorce or separation and looking for resources.” For more information, visit www.sesamestreet.org and type Little Children, Big Challenges in the search field.
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JANUARY 10DECEMBER – JANUARY 14 -16, 20,2013 2006
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Father Lopez shines during holiday Showdown BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES butleramj@yahoo.com
The boys basketball team at Father Lopez won their own New Year’s Showdown tournament last week. “In any tournament, you want to stay sharp and play good competition. The plan is for it to benefit you down the road,” stated Eddie Miller, Father Lopez’s coach. Class 2A Lopez dominated Class 8A Southwest Miami 61-42 to win the tournament final. “Our pressure defense was great. We moved well despite being in a funk offensively. We held a good team to 42 points. You cannot be disappointed in that,” said Miller. Fueled by a 12-0 run, the Green Wave pushed its lead out to 25-16 early in the second quarter. The Eagles got within 25-23 at halftime but Lopez pulled away in the second half, gaining several double-digit leads despite the Miami team getting within eight points in the third quarter. Cameron Breehl had 22 points and A.J. Ford added 16 for the Green Wave. Josel Aloma had 11 points and Daniel Bornemann 10 for the Eagles. A day earlier, Lopez took down Deltona Trinity Christian Academy 78-52. Mason San Sousei led the Green Wave with 14 points while Malik Maitland added 12 and Ben Marello 10.
Calvary clips Trinity During the tournament, Calvary Christian Academy beat Trinity Christian 66-62. Zach Camporese had 36 points for the Calvary Lions while teammates Marquis Miller added 11 and Christian O’Riley 10. Benniah Kimming paced the Trinity Eagles with 16 points while J.J. Castro added 12 and Tyler Lawrence 13. Calvary also lost to Southwest Miami 71-33 in the tournament.
Good season so far The Green Wave has been Volusia County’s best program so far this season. “We have kids who are tough and play hard all the time. Our guard play and inside play have been solid. Our chemistry is
PHOTOS BY ANDREAS BUTLER/DAYTONA TIMES
Cameron Breehl (33) of Father Lopez goes up for a basket during the game against Southwest Miami last week.
VOLUSIA COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL REVIEW great; we are unselfish and hardnosed,” responded Miller. Lopez has been sparked by the backcourt tandem of Ford and Maitland. “A.J. is a great competitor. He can score and rebound. He does everything. Malik can beat you a lot of ways. He can score and he can pass the ball. Defensively, he has a nose for the ball,” commented Miller. Breehl also has been outstanding on the inside for the Wave while Marello has shown some ability. “Cameron has really stepped up and done everything we can ask. Ben has become our fourman and has really progressed,” added Miller.
The Green Wave is hoping that things come together so the team can make a deep playoff run and get a shot at a state title. “A lot of things have to go our way. We have to catch breaks, rebound and defend. Hopefully that happens and we can make a run,” expressed Miller.
Prep Sports Seven basketball rankings Girls: 1. Father Lopez (15-3), 2. Atlantic (9-6), 3. DeLand (14-2), 4. Flagler Palm Coast (12-4), 5. Seabreeze (8-5), 6. Trinity (11-4), 7. Warner (6-4). Boys: 1. Father Lopez (13-2), 2. DeLand (10-4), 3. New Smyrna (14-3), 4. Mainland (7-5), 5. Spruce Creek (6-5), 6. Halifax (83), 7. Calvary (10-4). Note: The rankings are as of Jan. 7 at noon.
The Father Lopez boys basketball team huddles during a timeout at a recent game. The Green Wave has been the best local team so far this season. game in school history. His six steals put him in an eight-way tie for sixth in a single game in school history. Smith also has 32 blocks this season. On the season, Smith is averaging 8.9 points and 6.6 rebounds a game.
Ladies fall to FAMU
ANDREAS BUTLER/DAYTONA TIMES
Bethune-Cookman’s Chastity Rene Taylor (3) runs the offense while being defended by Holy Cross’ Lisa Mifsud (12) during a recent home game. The Lady Wildcats head into the MEAC conference play this weekend against North Carolina teams.
Wildcats now shift focus to conference play BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES butleramj@yahoo.com
The Wildcats wrapped up the non-conference part of their basketball schedule with hard-fought losses to Florida International University (FIU) on Monday and Louisiana State University two days earlier. A final three-point attempt by B-CU fell short in a 74-72 loss to FIU. “You want an opportunity to win the game. We had a good look, but it didn’t go
B-CU ROUNDUP down,” said Gravelle Craig, B-CU’s head coach. B-CU (5-11) cut a 12-point deficit down to two points after a layup by Ricky Johnson with 17 seconds left. The Wildcats scored 22 points off 18 Panthers turnovers and held the advantage in bench points 38-23. B-CU started well and led 26-16 with 6:37 to go in the first half after a lay up from Adrien Coleman. Coleman finished 20
points while Kevin Dukes added 15 points and Javoris Bryant 14. The Panthers held the edge in points in the paint (42-32) and rebounding (42-36).
Tigers outmatch ‘Cats Alex Smith had 10 points, 10 rebounds, seven blocks and six assists for the Wildcats in a 79-63 loss to LSU (Louisiana State University). B-CU shot 37 percent of the field but held its own
on the boards only trailing 38-33. The Tigers outscored the Wildcats 40-26 in the paint and 29-15 off the bench. “We started slow. We had to use a lot of energy to fight back. Their size also wore us down. I am pleased with the effort but we need to start better,” commented Craig. Coleman paced B-CU with a game high 24 points in that contest.
Smith honored For his performance, Alex Smith was named MEAC Defensive Player of the Week. It was the second consecutive week that Smith received the honor. Smith’s seven blocks against LSU tied him for the third most in a singe
Bethune-Cookman fell to archrival Florida A&M 76-60 in the conference opener for both teams. FAMU (4-10, 0-1) remained a thorn in B-CU’s side. The Rattlers have now beaten the Wildcats 17 times in the last 21 meetings spanning over the past 11 seasons, including 13 straight. The Wildcats turned the ball over 35 times, which resulted in 37 points for the Rattlers. “The girls were ready and hyped up, but you cannot turn the ball over that many times against a good team,” responded Vanessa Blair, B-CU’s head coach. B-CU (5-8, 0-1) outrebounded the Rattlers 4723 and outscored them in the paint 30-18. Amanda Hairston had 12 points with 13 rebounds and two blocks for B-CU while Rene Taylor added 18 points.
Men to face N.C. teams Both basketball programs now shift their attention to Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. Both teams will host North Carolina A&T on Jan. 12 and North Carolina Central University (NCCU) on Jan. 14. On the men’s side, North Carolina A&T (7-9, 0-1) will be a test for B-CU. Like always the ‘Cats will be a bit undersized. The Aggies feature Adrian Powell (12.7 ppg), Lamont Middleton (13.0) and Jean Louisme (10.8 ppg). North Carolina Central (7-9, 1-0) will be a formidable foe for the Wildcats.
The Eagles were picked to finish in the top four in the conference pre-season polls. The Eagles boast Jeremey Ingram (16.5 ppg), Stanley Kidd (14.7 ppg, 7.1 rpg), Ray Willis (12.1 ppg, 5.4 rpg) and Jay Copeland (9.2 ppg, 5.1 rpg). Note: NCCU played a game on Tuesday night which was after deadline.
The women face tough program North Carolina A&T (95, 1-0) is always one of the MEAC’s best programs and are always tough for the Lady Wildcats. The Aggies won MEAC regular season crowns from 2008-2010 and won a MEAC tournament title in 2009. They feature JaQuayla Berry (11.9 ppg, 6.3 rpg), Amber Calvin (10.2ppg) and Tracy King (8.4 ppg, 4.9 rpg). North Carolina Central (0-14, 0-1) has struggled so far this season. The Eagles are led by Chassidy Williams (10.5 ppg, 6.7 rpg).
Football: Wildcats ranked in final poll Bethune-Cookman finished the 2012 football season ranked No. 22 in the final Sports Network FCS Top 25 poll released on Monday. B-CU went 9-3, won the MEAC title and made the FCS playoffs. The Wildcats also were 8-0 in conference play this season. The Wildcats were the only HBCU team ranked in the final poll. They lost to Coastal Carolina 24-14 in the first round of the FCS playoffs. The Chanticleers finish the year ranked No. 24. National Champion North Dakota State took the top spot after winning the title a week ago.
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7JANUARY 10 – JANUARY 16, 2013
Government extends houseflipping waiver BY STEVE KILAR THE BALTIMORE SUN (MCT)
BALTIMORE — Federal officials have extended a regulatory waiver that makes it easier to “flip” properties — a move meant to encourage the renovation of foreclosed homes but that critics say could herald the return of predatory schemes. The Federal Housing Administration has waived through 2014 an anti-flipping regulation, which had prevented the agency from insuring mortgages on properties sold within 90 days of acquisition. The waiver, first implemented in 2010 to bolster the flagging housing market, is intended to enable investors to buy and quickly rehab properties as the market continues to struggle. But in Baltimore, one of the cities most affected by fraudulent flipping, some housing experts are concerned that another extension of the waiver may usher in a repeat of predatory transactions that duped hundreds of buyers in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and left many Baltimore neighborhoods scarred with abandoned homes.
Controversial waiver The anti-flipping waiver has been controversial even within the Department of Housing and Urban Development, which oversees the FHA. Kenneth M. Donohue, HUD’s inspector general, raised concerns about the waiver and its implications soon after it was instituted. “While we recognize FHA’s business decision to again institute its anti-flipping waiver as a way to encourage investment, stimulate the housing market, and reduce blight through home ownership, we continue to
have concerns that the anti-flipping waiver will also invite fraud schemes to occur,” Donohue’s office said in a statement last week. He added that officials continue to devote resources to investigating flipping schemes “wherever they may arise.” “We’re getting ready to go right back into the mess we just had,” said Larry Chriscoe, who says he was the victim of a flipping scam in 1999.
Flipping schemes Chriscoe used an FHA-backed mortgage to buy a house in the Waltherson neighborhood of Baltimore. He said the seller had owned the home for a short time and used cosmetic improvements, such as paint and caulk, and a deceptive appraisal to charge him tens of thousands of dollars more than the home was worth. “I walked out on the property,” said Chriscoe, who decided it wasn’t feasible — or logical — to pay off a mortgage that cost much more than the value of his home, which needed major roof repairs and an electrical overhaul. “There were so many things wrong in that house.” Flipping schemes proliferated throughout Baltimore and targeted first-time and lower-income buyers. In some areas, groups of homes were bought cheaply by speculators, revalued by conspiring appraisers and resold within days — or hours — for many times over the seller’s purchase price.
Some housing experts are concerned that another extension of the waiver will usher in a repeat of predatory transactions that duped hundreds of buyers in the late 1990s and early 2000s. them the same day for nearly $50,000 each to unsuspecting buyers, according to tax records and Baltimore Sun reports. They were subsequently purchased by the city and demolished. Like Chriscoe, many buyers walked away from their homes and left behind vacant properties to be dealt with by banks, City Hall and the federal government. The transactions also destroyed buyers’ finances. Chriscoe filed for bankruptcy and said he is still trying to get his credit in order, eight years after leaving his flipped home. In 2003, after flipping had been a growing problem in Baltimore for the better part of a decade, prompting Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski and others to hold hearings in the city about the practice, HUD issued the anti-flipping rule that restricted what mortgages FHA would insure. “‘Quick flips’ will be eliminated,” the FHA said in a statement at the time. But after the housing bubble burst and foreclosed homes became commonplace, the FHA decided to lift the ban to accelerate the resale of homes.
Buyers’ finances destroyed
Monitoring difficult
In the Oliver neighborhood of Baltimore, for instance, one unscrupulous investor purchased six row houses in 1997 for less than $6,000 apiece. He resold
At the time, Donohue said the action had not been vetted with his department. “While we understand the underlying reasoning to turn around foreclosed
properties in a quicker manner, we believe its imposition may open a new round of fraud-related flipping abuse,” he said in written comments to a congressional committee. Donohue said the FHA should be wary of loosening regulations because the government, to encourage lending, has insured more mortgages. In each of its two most recent fiscal years, the FHA insured 1.2 million loans — well over $200 billion worth of mortgages each year. More FHA loans can make “careful and comprehensive lender monitoring difficult,” Donohue wrote in his comments. He noted that in previous periods of high volumes of FHA loans, “the program was vulnerable to exploitation by fraud schemes, most notoriously flipping activities, that undercut the integrity of the program.”
Different market The waiver has been extended twice before, in single-year increments. The second extension was set to expire Dec. 31, but in November HUD announced it was again extending the waiver — this time for two years, until Dec. 31, 2014. “FHA research finds that in today’s market, acquiring, rehabilitating and reselling these properties to prospective homeown-
ers often take less than 90 days,” HUD said in a statement in December 2011, announcing the second extension. To some, the extensions make sense as a way to keep the housing market moving forward. “It’s a different market now,” said Andre Weitzman, a Baltimore attorney who represented many homeowners victimized by flipping fraud schemes. “The main catalyst for flipping was the easy availability of loans. Money’s not so easily available now.”
Guarding against fraud As long as lenders are more stringent in their mortgage requirements, there seems to be little room for inflated home values to be used as a way to get a quickflip payout, he said. Appraisers, too, are being more careful now than they were during the housing bubble, said Fern Dannis, the director of housing programs for the Maryland Association of Realtors. When the market was hot, appraisers were more likely to be taken in by the constantly rising values, instead of focusing on the value added only by improvements. Restrictions built into the waiver should also guard against fraud, said Owen Jarvis, an attorney at St. Ambrose Housing Aid Center, which helped lead efforts against flipping in Baltimore.