Principal teaches about King at Palm Coast event SEE PAGE 3
EE FR
MARIAN WRIGHT EDELMAN: MORAL COURAGE IS STANDING UP FOR WHAT IS RIGHT PAGE 4
MLK BASKETBALL TOURNEY: A TIME FOR HOOPS AND TO HONOR ICON SEE PAGE 7
East Central Florida’s Black Voice JANUARY 19 - JANUARY 25, 2017
YEAR 42 NO. 3
www.daytonatimes.com
Reflecting on MLK, what’s to come Daytona residents at King events had plenty to say about political controversies.
MLK day events in Daytona Beach began with a breakfast, followed by a march, which started and ended at Allen Chapel. A worship service followed the march.
Trump vs. Lewis
BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES
Hundreds gathered Monday at Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church to honor slain civil rights icon, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the federal holiday. But while they reflected on King and his legacy, there was concern about the nation’s current events, specifically this week’s change in power from President Barack Obama to Donald Trump.
Participants weighed in on the change in presidents and the controversy sparked after U.S. Rep. John Lewis, a civil rights icon, stated in a “Meet the Press’’ interview that Trump isn’t a “legitimate president.’’ After Lewis’ comments, Trump took to Twitter and said that Lewis was “all talk, talk, talk — no action or results.’’ “I respect John Lewis. I think that he had a point. Trump did the same thing with Obama questioning his credentials to
be president. Lewis had a right to say what he did,” said the Rev. Nathan Mugala, pastor of Allen Chapel who chaired the Daytona MLK Scholarship Committee. He also is a member of the Black Clergy Alliance. Resident Cheryl Henry-White stated, “On one front, it’s sad to see. At the end of the day, he is president. We must come to that reality. We have to support him, but we have the constitutional right to voice our opinions, but we must find common ground and come together to achieve what is best for the nation as a whole.”
On Obamacare Trump has also promised to See MLK, Page 5
DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
Areas pastors lift their voices in song during a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. service on Monday at Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church in Daytona Beach.
New police chief plans to boost outreach in Black community BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES
PHOTOS BY DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
Author, filmmaker and professor Booker T. Mattison addresses a large crowd at Bethune-Cookman’s Performing Arts Center on Jan. 12 during the kickoff event for the F.R.E.S.H. Book Festival. The event included a film festival featuring three short films by Mattison.
Something for everyone at book festival More than 40 authors participate in sixth annual literary event. COMPILED BY DAYTONA TIMES STAFF
For book lovers, the Midtown Cultural and Educational Center was the place to be last weekend. More than 40 authors from across the country participated in the F.R.E.S.H. Book Festival held Jan. 12-14 in Daytona Beach. From comic books to romance novels to scientific theoretical research, there was something for everyone. This was the festival’s sixth year of existence and the second year of a partnership agreement with the City of Daytona Beach. The F.R.E.S.H. Book Festival was created in 2012 by Donna Banks-Gray, who also is an author, to promote literacy in the Black community. F.R.E.S.H. stands for fiction, romance, erotica, spiritual and health.
Films first Bethune-Cookman hosted the book festival’s kickoff event on Jan. 12 at the See FESTIVAL, Page 2
The Daytona Beach Police Department is under a new command. Longtime Daytona Beach Police Officer Craig “Spike’’ Capri was sworn in as chief during a ceremony last week in front of a packed house at City Hall. “I’ve always had faith in myself, this department and community. I am very excited about leading this force. Since I came back here when I was a rookie, I knew this was the place that I wanted to be,” said the new police chief. Capri spent 27 years with the department on patrol, bike patrol and in narcotics. He has held the ranks of sergeant, lieutenant and captain. Capri replaced Mike Chitwood, recently sworn in as Volusia County sheriff. He served as interim police chief before being promoted and was a deputy chief under Chitwood. “I know the city and its dynamics. I know what the city needs. I’ve put in time to see the different parts of the community. I was able to see exactly where we need to put our resources. People know my name, what I am about and what I do. I can bridge the gap between the community and department. I am going to lead by example,” Capri told the Daytona Times.
Black promoted
From left are Daytona Beach Leisure Services Director Percy Williamson, author Harold Michael Harvey, Daytona Beach Commissioner Paula Reed, authors Brenda Jackson and Booker T. Mattison. At right is Donna Gray-Banks, founder of the F.R.E.S.H. Book Festival.
Captain Jakari Young, 37, is being promoted to deputy chief and will become second in command during a ceremony at 10 a.m. Friday. Jan. 20 at police headquarters, 129 Valor Blvd. “I am humbled, honored and excited about the move. I feel extremely blessed,” said Young. He will become the second-ever Black deputy chief and second in command. “This position is different from any other that I have had. I had fun in my previous posts. This is not about me but about the men and women of this organization and this city. I will put this city on my back and do what needs to be done. I think the former chief left us in good hands,” Young stated. Young has spent 16 years with See CHIEF, Page 5
ALSO INSIDE
COMMUNITY NEWS: HALIFAX URBAN MINISTRIES’ EMPTY BOWL EVENT TO HELP LOCAL FAMILIES | PAGE 3 FINANCE: OBAMA, SPENDING POWER DRIVES AFRICAN-AMERICANS’ CONSUMER CONFIDENCE | PAGE 8
7 FOCUS
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JANUARY 19 – JANUARY 25, 2017
Daytona library plans genealogy series Six free genealogical classes will be presented next month at the Daytona Beach Regional Library at City Island, 105 E. Magnolia Ave., Daytona Beach. Genealogy librarian Kim Dolce will lead the classes, which will explore the free databases available to Volusia County Public Library card holders. The classes will take place on Wednesdays starting Feb. 1. The lineup includes: • Introduction to genealogy: 10 a.m. Feb. 1. This one-hour presentation will help get beginners started. • Ancestry: 10 a.m. Feb. 8. Ancestry Library Edition is an excellent source for genealogical records and information. • Heritage Quest: 10 a.m. Feb. 15. Heritage Quest, which can be accessed from home, is a free genealogy program with useful records and helpful hints. • America’s Historical Newspapers: 10 a.m. March 1. Explore America’s past with these searchable American newspapers. The library’s database includes newspapers dating back to 1690. • Fold 3: 10 a.m. March 8: This unprecedented collection of original historical documents and personal histories provides access to U.S. military records and several special collections, including the African American Archives, American Revolution Archives, Holocaust Archives, Native American Archives, U.S. Bureau of Investigation Case File Archives, and World War II Archives. • Free genealogy websites: 10 a.m. March 15: Explore genealogy websites that are free to use on the World Wide Web. Reservations are not required. For more information, contact Kim Dolce at kdolce@volusia.org or 386-2576036, ext. 16315.
Black Heritage Festival starts Feb. 3 The 26th Annual Black Heritage Festival will take place Feb. 3-5 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Pettis Park, 400 N. Duss Street, New Smyrna Beach. The park is located at the corner of Duss Street and Mary Avenue. The free festival promotes local history, cultural heritage and community involvement over a three-day period. Festival activities will include museum tours, music, art, cultural exhibits, demonstrations, historical tools, food, dress and storytelling. For more information, call 386-4781934.
The Watoto Children’s Choir travels around the world to raise awareness about the plight of orphaned children of Africa.
African children’s choir to perform in Ormond Beach The internationally acclaimed Watoto Children’s Choir from Africa will perform at 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 27, at Tomoka Christian Church in Ormond Beach. The performance is free and open to all. “Oh, What Love” features vibrant, original music, dance routines, stories of transformation and audiovisual effects. The show fuses lively contemporary gospel with traditional African rhythm. Attendees are invited to arrive at 5:30 p.m. for an optional home-cooked Italian meal, featuring ziti with meatballs for $7 a plate, with all funds benefiting missions.
About the choir The Watoto Children’s Choir travels around the world to raise awareness about the plight of orphaned children of Africa. UNICEF and UNAIDS organizations estimate that 47.5 million orphans live in sub-Saharan Africa, one-quarter of whom have lost their parents to AIDS. Watoto is a holistic child-care solution with a mission to serve these dire needs. Each of the children in the choir has suffered the loss of one or both parents and lives in Watoto Children’s Villages, where adults care and nurture them. The Watoto production debuted in the United States in Sept. 2011 and has performed all over the world.
Choir highlights • President George W. Bush’s tour of Africa • The White House • U.S. National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C. • Buckingham Palace • Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Pageant • Australian Parliament • Scottish Parliament • Canadian Parliament • World Vision events in Taiwan
• Recording with Nicole C. Mullen • Recording with Chris Tomlin • Passion World Tour • Hillsong Conference Sydney Australia Tomoka Christian is located at 1450 Hand Ave., Ormond Beach. The church is on the web at www.tomoka.cc.
For more information about the concert, call 386-677-6455 or email ljohnson@tomoka.cc.
FESTIVAL from Page 1
Mary McLeod Bethune Performing Arts Center. Filmmaker and author Booker T. Mattison introduced his three short films to an overflowing student population. Mattison also spoke to a class of students majoring in Mass Communications. Two other renowned authors also were on hand for book signings at the Jan. 12 event – Brenda Jackson, a New York Times bestselling author, and Harold M. Harvey, an attorney, author and activist.
Service awards At the kickoff event, Daytona Beach Commissioner Paula Reed and Star 94.5 radio personality JoJo O’Neal received the first “Champion of Literacy Community Service Award.’’ This award was presented to Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood at the Jan. 14 festival event held at the Midtown Cultural and Educational Center.
PHOTOS BY DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
Booker T. Mattison is a hit with students in a Mass Communications class at Bethune-Cookman.
Presidential diarist attends The festival included an Author Meet and Greet on Friday, Jan. 13, at the Midtown Cultural and Educational Center. The event included dinner and local entertainment. Janis Kearney, the first Black female to be a diarist to a U.S. president – President William Jefferson Clinton, also participated in the book festival. Partners for the festival included the Daytona Times, Bethune-Cookman University; State Farm Insurance; VITAS Healthcare; Best Western Plus; Ila’s Diamonds; San Harrison; Carolyn Hawkins Realtor; Armstrong Media Group; Parkside Realty Group; Gary Yoeman’s Ford; Angie Bee and Bartee Productions; The Links, Incorporated Daytona Beach; and the Daytona Beach Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Delta Sorority. The festival included workshops for people interested in publishing a book as well as one presented by VITAS Healthcare for seniors on medications and their side effects.
Above: Clayton Lawrence Desmore, second from right, gets support from family and friends for his literary work.
Daytona Times’ Senior Managing Member Julia Cherry, center, attends the festival on Jan. 14.
Left: VITAS Healthcare conducts a workshop for seniors.
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M A YNEWS OR
JANUARY 19 – JANUARY 25, 2017 COMMUNITY DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006
Principal: ‘We must take responsibility for keeping the dream alive’ Dr. Earl Johnson, school principal at the area’s Matanzas High School, drew attention to issues that we are facing today. What we lack were dealt with in Dr. Johnson’s keynote address for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. memorial celebration on Monday. It was presented by the New York City Transit Retirees of Palm Coast. Twenty-five years ago, the late Lorenzo Jones, chapter president/state president, was one of the innovators of the ecumenical program. As an activist, Dr. King stood for peace, equality, and equal justice. Our advocate of nonviolent liberation would speak on cashing in on the promissory note of the Constitution, for which AfricanAmericans and disadvantaged families should receive the residual dividends of our forefathers’ dedication to equality and social justice. “Today, I think there is a sense of apathy and intolerance when it comes to our constitutional rights,” explained Dr. Johnson. “Back in the day, we did not take our constitutional rights lightly. We were thankful for our rights, for our opportunities, for our forefathers, for our parents, for our churches, and for our neighborhoods.” We must take responsibility for keeping the dream alive.
Call for ‘actions’ Dr. King was committed as a catalyst, who brought about legislation for the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Because it was a celebration
BRIEFS
Sorority seeks candidates for Men of Tomorrow program The Gamma Mu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is looking for candidates for its biennial Men of Tomorrow program that celebrates the AfricanAmerican male by introducing 11th and 12th grade young men to various cultural, educational and social experiences. The sorority will conduct an orientation for prospective candidates at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22 in the Wendell Holmes Building at Bethune-Cookman University.
Workshops, scholarships The Gamma Mu Omega Chapter has implemented this program, which focuses on developing the leadership potential of young males for the benefit of their families and their community, since 1980. More than 250 young men have taken part in the program in the ensuing years. Participants will take part in workshops, cultural and community service activities as well as a rites of passage celebration. It will culminate with a formal final presentation and award of scholarships. Interested parents and/or youth should contact Barbara Gamble at 386-679-3934 or Belinda Williams-Collins at 386-2957314. They also can be reached via email at barbara913@hotmail.com and belindaka@gmail. com.
Cultural Council schedules workshops for grant applicants The Cultural Council of Volusia County will conduct two workshops for organizations wishing to apply for a Volusia County Community Cultural Grant. A representative from each organization planning to apply must attend one of the workshops to be eligible to submit an application. The workshops will be at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25, in the third-floor conference room of the Volusia County Lifeguard Headquarters and Administration Center, 515 S. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach; and 2:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27, in the Conrad
PALM COAST COMMUNITY NEWS JEROLINE D. MCCARTHY
of Dr. King’s actions and the fact that it takes a village to raise a child, “we need to change how we are teaching our children; it begins at home. Good intentions are not good enough without action,” shared Dr. Johnson. We need “actions, such as educators committed to providing quality education for all students; actions, such as our Education Foundation of Flagler County; actions, such as Take Stock in Children; actions, such as our African-American Mentoring Program,” he continued. The school principal called for other “actions, such as our churches providing mentoring programs; actions, such as our Flagler County Sheriff’s Department‘s commitment to providing professional services in our schools; actions, such as the City of Palm Coast internship program for Flagler County’s former students. We need to take action. Lip service is superfluous with no action,” he said.
Top principal Dr. Johnson has an unerasable commitment to excellence and leadership, and was awarded Educational Leader for the Year 2013 and Flagler County’s Principal of the Year 2016 among other accolades. Integration came during 1968 in Volusia County. Dr. Johnson’s
Center at the West Volusia Historical Society, 137 W. Michigan Ave., DeLand. 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 2016, more than $611,000 was awarded to 33 organizations. Applications are available at www.volusia.org/culturalgrant. Completed applications must be submitted online by 5 p.m. Friday, April 21. The Cultural Council will review and score the grant applications to provide recommendations to the Volusia County Council. For more information, contact Cultural Coordinator Jessi Jackson Smith at jjsmith@volusia.org or 386-736-5953, ext. 15872.
Halifax Health – Hospice seeks volunteers for meal preparation Halifax Health - Hospice is seeking caring, supportive and dedicated volunteers to provide assistance with patient meal preparation at any one of our four Care Center locations which include Orange City, Edgewater, Port Orange and Ormond Beach. Those interested in volunteering must complete an orientation and a Level 2 background screening. For more information, contact Tammy Dunn at 386-425.4701 ext. 66127 or email tammy. dunn@halifax.org.
The Nelons to perform at Westside Baptist The Nelons, a multi-Dove Award winning and Grammy nominated group, will perform at 7 p.m. Feb. 3 at Westside Baptist Church, 1085 Mason Ave., Daytona Beach. The musical ministry of The Nelons was formed after family patriarch Rex Nelon’s 20-year career as a member of the legendary LeFevres. The Nelons were recently inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. More information is available by visiting www.daytonawestside.com.
PHOTO BY JEROLINE D. MCCARTHY/DAYTONA TIMES
Dr. Earl Johnson, keynote speaker for the MLK celebration in Palm Coast told those assembled, “We need to change how we are teaching our children.” dad, whom he described as a “grease monkey running a service station,” was bound and determined to drive his three older daughters, 30 minutes each way, to an integrated school. A year later, the rules changed and Dr. Johnson was bused to an integrated school to also receive a quality education. Dr. Johnson received an undergraduate degree from the University of South Carolina. He earned both master’s and doctorate degrees from Nova Southeastern University. Before a career-ending injury, he spent three years in the NFL with the New Orleans Saints and the Denver Broncos. Upon returning to Daytona Beach, the parent of three successful adult children, chose to serve as a math teacher and coach, assistant principal, and finally a principal in the Volusia and Flagler County schools.
Diverse participants The ecumenical celebration at Palm Coast United Methodist Church, pastored by the Rev. Dr. Kevin James, kept the dream alive for a diverse audience. Aligning themselves were Ed-
mund G. Pinto Jr., who was the prompter for the actions during the program; Beverly Patrick offering the invocation; Matanzas High School student Gabrielle Taylor reading the Old Testament; Kingdom Prep Academy’s Joshua Blow with the New Testament; Ethel Jones, Lorenzo Jones’ wife, overseeing the offering, earmarked for SHINE; and Pastor Derrick G. Jackson of Palm Coast’s Dominion Fellowship Church with the benediction. The program involved other students from the Flagler County Schools, including the wonderful music from the Ecumenical Choir, directed by Yvette Bynum, and Flagler Palm Coast High School sensation Alexis Williams singing Andra Day’s “Rise Up.” It was a telling impact of the audience holding hands while singing “We Shall Overcome.”
NAACP officers to be installed
The Flagler County NAACP will meet on Jan. 24, 6 p.m., at the African American Cultural Society, 4422 North U.S. Highway 1, Palm Coast. The State of the NAACP ad-
dress will be forthcoming in addition to the installation of newly elected officers. For further details, contact the NAACP at 386-446-7822.
Library to display AACS achievements
For the past several years, the African American Cultural Society (AACS) has been assigned the month of January for a display at the Flagler County Public Library, according to former President/ Director Vivian Richardson. The display showcases the achievements of the organization as well as highlights some of the giants of the African-American experience. The public’s view of this year’s display, which also features last year’s 25th anniversary celebration, will surely ignite a spark of appreciation for the varied cultural talents we all share. Don’t miss out on seeing the display, taking place at the library, 2500 Palm Coast Parkway, N.W., Palm Coast. ••• As always, remember our prayers for the sick, afflicted and bereaved.
Linda Cole Trio to perform at Flagler church The Linda Cole Trio will perform at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10 at Santa Maria Catholic Church, 915 N. Central Ave., Flagler Beach. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the church office or at the door. Cole, a well-known jazz singer in the area and a gospel singer since early childhood, will perform many “gospel greats” as well as recount the story of the growth of gospel music and that special gospel sound. She is a cousin of Nat King Cole.
Linda Cole, who began singing with her parents at events in Illinois as a child, has performed on stages all over the country. DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./ HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY. COM
Empty Bowls fundraiser set for Saturday
The Ninth Annual Empty Bowls Event, a benefit to help Halifax Urban Ministries overcome hunger in Volusia County, will be held on Jan. 21 at Bethune-Cookman University’s Center for Civic Engagement, 740 W. International Speedway Blvd. Hundreds of area residents will be treated to entertainment by Brad Yates and a lunch of soups, salad, breads and dessert donated by local restaurants served in bowls handmade by local art students and teachers. Participating restaurants are Bob Evans, Wendy’s, Steve’s Famous Diner, Sloppy Joes, Riptides, Funky Pelican, Stonewood Grill, Olive Garden, Sodexo and Second Harvest Food Bank.
The event hours are Art & Gift Auction, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with lunch from noon to 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 and are available online at www.HalifaxUrbanMinistries.org or at Halifax Urban Ministries, 215 Bay St., Daytona Beach. A limited number will be available at the door. Each ticket donation will provide 140 complete hot meals for the homeless at the Halifax Urban Ministry Bridge of Hope or provide two 40 pound bags of groceries to struggling families.
Tobacco Free FloridaVolusia Partnership meets Monday
The Tobacco Free FloridaVolusia County Partnership will meet at 4 p.m. Jan. 23 at the Department of Health in Volusia County, 1845 Holsonback Drive
room 516A, Daytona Beach. Partners will discuss a new public housing ruling, including what is required of agencies and assisting agencies with the transition. The partnership is a countywide, locally organized group committed to saving lives and improving the overall health and wellbeing of residents and visitors by reducing and/or eliminating the use of tobacco products. The Partnership is organized to advocate on the local, state and national level for prevention of the initiation of tobacco use among youth, protection from secondhand smoke, and promotion of tobacco cessation. To access the meeting via conference call (audio only), dial 1-888-670-3525, passcode 9179147160. For more information, contact Kristen Mialki at 386-274-0601 or Kristen.mialki@flhealth.gov.
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7 EDITORIAL
JANUARY 19 – JANUARY 25, 2017
Moral courage is standing up for what is right On January 11, Senator Cory A. Booker (D-NJ) and Representative John Lewis (D-GA) testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee against the nomination of Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL) for U.S. attorney general. Both were assigned to a panel at the very end of the hearing process, a slot fellow panelist Representative Cedric L. Richmond (D-LA), the head of the Congressional Black Caucus, called “the equivalent of being made to go to the back of the bus.”
Both spoke out Several Senate committee members who have publically supported Sessions left before Booker’s and Lewis’s important testimony began. But that didn’t deter them from speaking out against the threat they see to the civil rights progress our nation has made if Sessions becomes attorney general. Lewis noted that he was born in rural Alabama too, not far from where Sessions grew up, but as a Black child he inherited a far different society: “There was no way to escape or deny the chokehold of discrimination and racial hate that surrounded us.” He said, “A clear majority of Americans say they want this to be a fair, just, and open nation… They are concerned that some leaders reject decades of progress and want to return to the dark past, when the power of law was used to deny the freedoms protected by the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and its amendments.
‘Law and order’ “Those who are committed to
MARIAN WRIGHT EDELMAN NNPA COLUMNIST
As we celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, we all should find the courage to honor him by standing up for what is right to stop a senator who has fought against racial justice over a lifetime from becoming the nation’s chief law enforcement voice. equal justice in our society wonder whether Senator Sessions’ call for ‘law and order’ will mean today what it meant in Alabama... The rule of law was used to violate the human and civil rights of the poor, the dispossessed, people of color.” In additional written remarks, Congressman Lewis was even clearer: “Some people argue that the 48 years of a fully-operational Voting Rights Act simply erased hundreds of years of hate and vi-
Nothing’s wrong with Senator Jeff Sessions Unless you think all conservative Republicans are bad, I dare you to find anything horrible about Senator Jeff Sessions. There is an immense outcry by Democrats and a few civil rights advocates of whom I find little credibility. I haven’t seen such an organized character assassination since the nomination of Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court.
Why’s he hated? It’s all about politics. He is loved by his constituents, who are 27 percent Black. Not one person opposed him during his last election. Maybe he is picked out for character assassination because he speaks with a deep South-
HARRY C. ALFORD GUEST COLUMNIST
ern drawl and is from the old Jim Crow state of Alabama, which is very Republican. His appearance and demeanor can give people the impression of a mean person. His conservatism is clearly apparent and unbending. Perhaps the biggest reason for all this hatred is that Presidentelect Donald Trump is a fan of Jeff Sessions, and the feeling is mutual. Sessions was one of Trump’s first supporters, and is Trump’s advisor and confidant.
‘The Tears’ have come and gone It’s easy to remember “The Tears.” The first time they visited me was 11 p.m. on November 4, 2008. That was the time that the polls closed in the West and political announcers felt free to deliver the great historic news. I vividly remember the announcer saying, “We’re free now to announce that Barack Obama has won 270 electoral votes and has been declared the 44th President of the United States.” I’d never felt that type of emotion before. I watched many celebratory demonstrations broadcast from locations around the nation. The celebration in Chicago’s Grant Park dwarfed those in every other city. Chicago’s own Barack Obama had just been elected president,
DR. E. FAYE WILLIAMS, ESQ. TRICE EDNEY NEWS WIRE
Full of joy I watched as the Obamas appeared on stage. The presidentelect began thanking those who supported him and reassuring those who didn’t that they all would be recipients of the “Hope and Change” on which he’d campaigned. Then “The Tears” came again. I didn’t invite them, but they came anyway. They came because in the state of my raw emotions, I
olence. This is not ancient history; the scars and stains of racism are still deeply embedded in our society. This is proven by the thousands of pages of evidence submitted to Congress which verify continued voting rights discrimination across our nation and in the Deep South. “…the senator turned a blind eye to the persistent and consistent efforts to make it harder and more difficult for minorities, the poor, the elderly, and others to exercise the right to vote…after the Shelby v. Holder decision [the 2013 Supreme Court decision striking down key provisions of the 1965 Voting Rights Act], minorities were in mourning as Senator Sessions was celebrating. He declared the decision was ‘good news for the South.’ “Alabama and other states immediately adopted voter ID legislation – making it harder for minorities to execute their right to vote. We are a multi-racial, multi-ethnic country…[a]nd we cannot avoid the fact that there is a systematic, deliberate attempt to destroy the advances of civil rights in this country and take us back to a period when America declared its greatness on one hand, but fostered the worst kind of racial discrimination on the other.” Booker took the courageous step of being the first sitting senator to testify against the confirmation of another senator.
‘Justice for all’ In his prepared remarks, he said, “I want an attorney general who is committed to supporting law enforcement and secur-
Democrats who are still in shock about the election see Sessions as a soft target. The Democrats are going to push against every cabinet nominee that Trump nominates. Sessions is going to be one they fight against the most. By their reasoning, he is “the devil.” He fights against illegal immigration, has no tolerance for amnesty, and isn’t too fond of legal immigration, because migrants are willing to work for cheap labor and compete against middle-class wages.
Going crazy He is also a climate change skeptic. That makes the environmentalists rise against him. These are the people who have no tolerance for any doubters. So we have the radical side of the Democratic Party, the environmentalists, and minorities ganging up on this public servant. Trump will become president and now this “boogeyman” is go-
juxtaposed the image of the new First Family against the memories of all the struggles that preceded their election. I remembered Dr. King, Medgar Evers, Fannie Lou Hamer, Malcolm X, Ida B. Wells, Denmark Vesey, Crispus Attucks, Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, etc. I thought of Black veterans who fought and died in every war this nation waged from the American Revolution to Iraq and Afghanistan. I remember smiling as I saw Rev. Jesse Jackson with cheeks wet with tears and the hundreds of others who shared our emotions. With immeasurable joy and complete sadness, I reflected on those who went to their graves hoping for a day like that or with doubts that one would ever come. For the remainder of that night and the next day, “The Tears” were my companion, a fitting escort. Like all uninvited guests, they eventually left.
VISUAL VIEWPOINT: INAUGURATION 2017
MIKE KEEFE, CAGLE CARTOONS
ing law and order. But that is not enough. America was founded heralding not law and order, but justice for all. And critical to that is equal justice under the law. Law and order without justice is unobtainable...” Booker added: “His record indicates that as attorney general, he would obstruct the growing national bipartisan movement toward criminal justice reform… (W)e cannot count on him to support state and national efforts toward bringing justice to a justice system that people on both sides of the aisle readily admit is biased against the poor, drug addicted, mentally ill, and people of color. “His record indicates that at a time when even the FBI director is speaking out about implicit racial bias in policing and the need to address it; at a time when the last two attorneys general have taken steps to fix our broken criminal justice system; and at a time when the Justice Department he would lead has uncovered systemic abuses in police departments all over the United States including Ferguson, in-
cluding Newark; Senator Sessions would not continue to lead urgently needed change…
ing to enforce law over all of us. They can’t handle it. There is also something else bothering the left. If Sessions becomes attorney general, Hillary Clinton be at risk. She has been protected from prosecution for possible crimes she has committed as secretary of state. Sessions will bring anyone to justice who has broken the law. Thus, many feel Sessions must be stopped. They are trying to take a fine American away from his destiny. He has an impeccable record and has diligently served Alabama citizens. One of his major accomplishments as Alabama attorney general is his crushing victory over the Ku Klux Klan. However, his political enemies ignore that as the negative propaganda rolls on. The Senate must stand firm and do the right thing. His confirmation would be consistent with the hard work and determination he has displayed while serving. Blacks who have worked under him are proud of their ex-
perience. They aren’t complaining.
Trust confirmed
reset the standard for civil discourse and model behavior in his administration. Neither he nor any member of his family engaged in conduct that would discredit the office or the nation. Beyond stewards of the national interests, Michelle and he were the exemplary couple and parents. I know that another visit by “The Tears” is imminent. On January 20, 2017, as we say farewell to one of the greatest presidents on record, “The Tears” will not blind me from continuing the work of preserving the Obama legacy. As he said in his farewell, our efforts to continue the work he began now rests in our individual effort and commitment. YES, WE CAN!
They came again on January 20, 2009 and again on January 21, 2013. These visits were more along the order of Tears of Joy. “The Tears” that came in 2013 served to confirm the confidence and trust that my president had earned from his fellow citizens. On the evening of January 10, 2017, I watched as my president gave his farewell address. “The Tears” came once more to cloud my vision of the television screen. But they didn’t prevent me from hearing the message and resolve of my president to continue to influence the forward progress of our nation. As he enumerated the achievements of his administration, I more clearly understood the personal sacrifice and the depth of his efforts to accomplish what he had.
Role models “The Tears” didn’t prevent the pride I felt for my president who
Charles W. Cherry II, Esq., Publisher
Opinions expressed on this editorial page are those of the writers, and do not necessarily reflect the editorial stance of the newspaper or the publisher.
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‘Bend’ the arc “Challenges of race in America cannot be addressed if we refuse to confront them. Persistent biases cannot be defeated unless we combat them. The arc of the universe does not just naturally curve toward justice – we must bend it.” I’m deeply grateful to Senator Booker and Congressman Lewis for their extraordinary testimony and moral leadership. As we celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, we all should find the courage to honor him by standing up for what is right to stop a senator who has fought against racial justice over a lifetime from becoming the nation’s chief law enforcement voice. That’s like putting the fox in charge of the chicken coop.
Marian Wright Edelman is founder and president of the Children’s Defense Fund (www. childrensdefense.org).
He’s no racist The media who constantly maligned the character of Donald Trump quickly switched gears after the election and pounced on Sessions. They call him a racist, although his son-in-law is Asian and sat behind him during the hearings. There have been no discrimination lawsuits against him. Jefferson Beauregard Sessions will become our attorney general. The press and Democrats won’t block him as they did in 1986. Led by Senator Ted Kennedy, the same tactics were used and he was denied a federal judgeship. Things will be different this time.
Harry C. Alford is the cofounder and president/CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce.
Dr. E. Faye Williams is national chair of the National Congress of Black Women, Inc. Contact her via www.nationalcongressbw.org.
Central Florida Communicators Group, LLC, P.O. Box 48857 Tampa, FL 33646, publishes the Florida Courier on Fridays. Phone: 877-352-4455, toll-free. For all sales inquiries, call 877-352-4455; e-mail sales@flcourier.com. Subscriptions to the print version are $69 per year. Mail check to P.O. Box 48857 Tampa, Fl 33646, or log on to www.daytona.com; click on ‘Subscribe’.
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5 7
M A FOCUS YOR
JANUARY 19 – JANUARY 25, 2017 DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006
MLK
from Page 1 repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, commonly called Obamacare. The loss of Obamacare could leave 20 million Americans without health care. “It is a concern for those who fully and partially depend on it. It’s great to say that you have a plan but you have to show it. You need to show alternatives of what could work, what could be tweaked but you can’t take it off the table unless you have a full resolution in place. It doesn’t make sense to ax it, especially for those with pre-existing conditions,” Henry-White stated. “They haven’t come up with a solution yet. They say they want to get rid of it, but they can’t tell us what their plans are. I don’t think that they have a plan to repeal it or come up with something better,” added Henry-White.
Reflecting on King’s legacy Turning their attention to MLK Day, locals were proud to get out and commemorate King’s legacy. “It’s important just to come together. This is what his legacy is about. It’s about community and everyone coming together,” said Taneshia Williams. Shawn Holmes added, “It’s absolutely important when you think about everything King accomplished. It’s important for the entire human race. He wanted everyone to be able to function together and for people to look past the color and gender.” Even young people felt honored to participate. “It’s about coming together. Look, it’s Blacks and Whites marching together…What his dream was about,” remarked Miracle Dowdell, who attends Warner Christian Academy. Bethune-Cookman University student William Gomillion stated, “It’s important to honor Dr. King who fought for us to be together. He did a lot to make things better for us.’’
What would King say? Resident also reflected on what King’s response would have been about today’s issues if he had lived to see them. In many cases racism, inequality, injustice still exists. “It’s hard to say. You will always have changes over time. Even with leadership, sometimes you see changes with development of people and growth of our nation. I think he would still be in a leadership role and pushing for change. It’s hard to change people without people wanting to
PHOTOS BY DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
Elected officials, community leaders and clergy march past Bethune-Cookman University on Monday during an observance of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. federal holiday. change,” commented Holmes. Williams reflected, “I think he would be disappointed about some things. It’s been a lot of years but still a lot hasn’t changed.” Henry-White added, “He would be doing the same things he did still fighting for the rights of the people.”
‘Back to the basics’ Mugala believes that King would want to see people get back to the basics. “I think one of the things that Dr. King would say is that we need to go back to the basics as a people. Family, church and community life have to become important again,” he said. On the Daytona Beach King celebration, he stated, “This is a remarkable celebration. I think that we need to be venerable about what we do when we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I am glad that the community came together. Also, we must teach our younger generation to keep the dream going.’’ Henry-White hopes that next year’s MLK Day celebration will draw a larger crowd. “We used to meet under the big tree at City Hall going back 30 years ago. It’s good that it is now a national holiday, but it’s a shame that more people aren’t coming out,” she noted. “When it first started, we had people coming from everywhere,” she added. “We had all the schools and their bands as well as Bethune-Cookman. There were a lot of people like Dr. King who made sacrifices and lost their lives for our rights. I hope next year they will go back to it.”
Above: Daytona Beach police officers join in with local leaders. Left: A worship service was held at Allen Chapel following the march.
CHIEF
from Page 1 the force, serving as a detective, sergeant and lieutenant. He is popular in the city and Black community. “Not only do I think that I’ve been prepared for the job and I have had just about all the top level officer and upper police management training – the only training that I haven’t had yet is the FBI Academy, but I look forward to going there soon,” Young noted.
On Black community
PHOTOS BY DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
A large crowd attends the new police chief’s swearing-in ceremony at Daytona Beach City Hall.
Above: Captain Jakari Young will become the second in command. Right: Police Chief Craig Capri is sworn in by Mayor Derrick Henry.
The police department will continue to make inroads in the Black community. Capri expressed, “I’ve always been out in the community. We will continue to reach out to the community and the Black community. We will have outreach programs. We’ve got to start reaching these kids. We must get them in the right mindset for education, careers and college. If we don’t, we’re doomed. We need to work with the community. The police are an extension of the community. We cannot do our job without community support.” Young added, “It’s extremely important. When you look at other areas, they fail to build inroads in community, especially the Black community. I have plans for community engagement. I have a lot of things that I want to do with the kids in the community. I am very excited about efforts and what is to come.’’
Clergy, NAACP praised Capri also praised the Black clergy and NAACP for their work with the police. “I thank the clergy. I wouldn’t
be here without the clergy and the NAACP. They do a lot for this community. This police department hasn’t had the problems that you see in other cities thanks to the work of the clergy and NAACP,” he noted. During Capri’s swearing-in ceremony, Mayor Derrick Henry stated, “Capri is the man for the job. We all believe in this man. Even though he wasn’t born here in Daytona Beach, he is one of us. He is prepared for the job. With all the things that he has done while working in this police department, he has earned the job.”
More training Capri wants more de-escalation training for police. He explained, “De-escalation training will continue to be mandatory. Do you have to shoot an unarmed person alone in their home? Do you have to rush in there? Absolutely not! You can sit back, start a perimeter and open dialogue. You got to change the mindset. Not everyone with a gun or knife causes a situation. Now if they are in a school that’s a different story.’’
Minor changes Capri plans to build on Chitwood’s success. This includes reducing crime, using cutting edge technology, community outreach and sensitivity training. “We will have some minor changes. I am excited about the challenges ahead. The most important thing is officer safety, which ties into community safety. The sanctity of life will be our No. 1 focus,” responded Capri. He added, “I will continue to be accessible. Without your support, I wouldn’t be here today. I am humbled. I will continue to work to make Daytona Beach a safe and better place for everyone to work, play and live.”
R6
7 CLASSIFIEDS
JANUARY 19 – JANUARY 25, 2017
86 million Americans SOMETIMES MY HUMAN DOESN’T WEAR PANTS AT HOME. IT’S A RIOT. — COLBY adopted 06-18-11
Maybe even you,
have prediabetes. person-ABOUT-TOFACT-CHECK-THIS-FACT.
There’s more than enough food in America for every child who struggles with hunger. Help get kids the food they need by supporting Feeding America, a nationwide network of food banks. Visit FeedingAmerica.org
7
M ASPORTS YOR
JANUARY 19 – JANUARY 25, 2017 DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006
Local teams show well during MLK hoops tourney BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES
Many local boys basketball teams celebrated the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on the hardwood. Atlantic, Seabreeze, Spruce Creek, New Smyrna, Father Lopez, Matanzas, Flagler Palm Coast and Deltona all played in the 2017 Martin Luther King, Jr Holiday Classic at Atlantic High in Port Orange. The event consisted of 22 teams playing 16 games over two days with seven games played on Monday and nine two days earlier. “It was absolutely a success. It provided a great atmosphere and opportunity for all the teams involved. We had some good teams that came and competed. The coaches are pleased. We even had some scouts come in. We have commitments for teams to return next year. The hope is that it grows,” said David Howard Sr., Atlantic’s head coach. The best local players were on display. They included Stacy Beckton Jr. (Atlantic), Blake Hinson (Deltona), Hayden Beiri (Spruce Creek), Jerry Antoine (Spruce Creek), Nick Heard (New Smyrna), Jacquez Davis (Atlantic), Lee Williams (Atlantic), Jaylen Monroe (Deltona); Colin Castleton (Father Lopez), Malik Hinson (Deltona), Josh Spencer (Father Lopez), Rodney Rhoden (Spruce Creek), and Anthony Butler (New Smyrna).
Honoring MLK’s legacy The tournament also honored King’s legacy. “It was good to have our team together during the holiday as well as these other teams. The tournament provided a good atmosphere. Dr. King changed the world. He gave so much to us. I try to teach his message to my players with unity and brotherhood,” commented Joe Giddens Spruce Creek’s head coach. Howard added, “I had a dream myself to put this together and for it to be successful. It aligned with Dr. King’s holiday. It’s a great way to honor him to get people and different teams together during his holiday.”
Sharks win two On Monday, Atlantic used its depth, athleticism and up-tempo style to defeat Lake Mary 61-47. DeAndre Harvey had 12 points and Jordan Sears 10 for Atlantic. DeAndre Harvey added 12 points, Tyrell Brown eight points with four steals, Jacquez Davis eight points, Dewarren Bolden seven rebounds, Lee Williams eight assists, Tyresse Seals three blocks, Kevin Beans seven points and Stacy Beckton seven points for the Sharks. Two days earlier, they downed Fort Lauderdale Boyd Anderson 6848. Beckton had 28 points, Williams nine assists and Harvey nine points for the Sharks.
EMYLEE MCKENNY/SPECIAL TO THE DAYTONA TIMES
Spruce Creek’s Jerry Antione goes up over an Olympia defender.
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS “We played great and competed this weekend. We beat a very good team in Boyd Anderson. Lake Mary played us tough in some aspects of the game,” responded Howard.
Hawks, Barracudas split Orlando Olympia edged Spruce Creek 65-61 on Monday. Hayden Beiri had 19 points, Jerry Antoine 16, Max Lesoles 13 and R.J. Rhoden 11 for the Hawks. Two days earlier, Creek defeated Orlando Lake Minneola 68-51. Lesoles had 17 points and Clint Hubbard 10 for the Hawks. “We played well, but we have to step it up on defense, crash the boards and hit our free throws. To be 13-5 in January is big for us,” said Giddens. New Smyrna Beached used an up-tempo style and the three-point shot to beat Orlando Central Florida Christian Academy 78-64. Nick Heard had 28 points, Anthony Butler 26 and Logan Malecki 15 for the Cudas. Two days earlier, New Smyrna Beach fell to Jacksonville Andrew Jackson 58-53.
EMYLEE MCKENNY/SPECIAL TO THE DAYTONA TIMES
Atlantic’s De’Andre Harvey gets up over the Lake Mary defense. Harvey led a balanced team effort with 12 points.
Other tournament scores Palatka 63, Seabreeze 61; Central Florida Christian Academy 54, Father Lopez 49; Fort Lauderdale Boyd Anderson 55, Flagler Palm Coast 29; Oviedo Hagarty 58, Deltona 52; Crescent City 51, Cocoa 46; Olympia 54, Matanzas 39; Jacksonville Englewood 68, Father Lopez 30; Seabreeze 60, Jacksonville Westside 59; Central Florida Christian 42, Deltona 41.
ANDREAS BUTLER/DAYTONA TIMES
New Smyrna Beach’s Anthony Butler shoots a free throw during the game with Central Florida Christian Academy.
Palm Coast center to host USTA Pro Circuit Men’s Futures tourney The rising stars of men’s tennis from around the world will participate Jan. 27-Feb. 5 in the USTA Pro Circuit Men’s Futures Tournament at the Palm Coast Tennis Center, 1290 Belle Terre Parkway. This is the City of Palm Coast’s eighth year hosting the tournament. Making stops in local communities across the United States, the USTA Pro Circuit is the pathway to the professional ranks for the next generation of worldclass players. In Palm Coast, up to 128 touring professionals will compete at the City’s out-
standing clay court facility for a $10,000 purse and the ranking points players need to ascend to the next level.
Jan. 23 deadline A Wild Card Men’s Open tournament for local players’ entry in the qualifying portion of the Futures Tournament will be Jan. 24-26, with entry fee of $40 per player. The Wild Card is singles only. Deadline to register is noon Monday, Jan. 23. Contact Tournament Director Deborah Stanfield at 386-986-2552 or by email at dstanfield@kempersports.
com to register. The winner gets a wildcard entry into the Main Draw, and the runner-up gets a wildcard into Qualifying. Spectator admission is free to the Wild Card Tournament, along with Futures Tournament Qualifying Jan. 27-30 and Main Draw play Jan. 31-Feb. 2. Also free is Kids Day at 2 p.m. Jan. 28, where children 6-12 will have fun and games on-court with the head pro and some stars of tomorrow. Advance registration for Kids Day is recommended, at the Palm Coast Tennis Center. Tickets to participate in
the Pro-Am Event at 5 p.m. Jan. 30 are $35; advance registration is required at the Tennis Center. Play right alongside touring professionals!
Tournament schedule • The Wild Card Men’s Open tournament will be Jan. 24-26. • Qualifying begins Jan. 27 and continues through Jan. 30. • Kid’s Day will be Jan. 28 at 2 p.m. • Pro Am will be Jan. 30 at 5 p.m. • Main Draw singles and doubles begin Jan. 31. • Doubles quarterfinals will be Feb. 1. • Doubles semifinals are on Feb. 2. • Doubles final will be Feb. 3.
ANDREAS BUTLER/DAYTONA TIMES
New Smyrna Beach’s Nick Heard (55) is one of the area’s best player. Heard was a top scorer in both games during the MLK holiday tournament.
• Singles quarterfinals will be Feb. 3. • Singles semifinals are Feb. 4. Singles final will be Feb. 5. All matches are free through Feb. 2. From Feb. 3 to 5, daily tickets will be $5 for adults, and free for juniors 16 and under. A schedule of matches will be posted daily at www. PalmCoastTennisCenter. com. Times are subject to change, so check the online schedule often. No refunds will be given. “We’re proud to host the USTA Pro Circuit Men’s Futures Tournament again this year,” said Debbie Stanfield, tournament director for the USTA Pro Circuit Men’s Futures Tournament at Palm Coast. “The tournament is a great opportunity for area
tennis lovers and players to see the up-and-coming generation of the world’s best players. It’s our biggest event of the year, and we invite the public to join us to see some great, world-class tennis.” The USTA Pro Circuit is the largest developmental tennis circuit in the world and has launched the careers of current stars Victoria Azarenka, John Isner, Mardy Fish, Andy Murray, Maria Sharapova and Caroline Wozniacki, as well as past champions Andre Agassi, Jim Courier, Lindsay Davenport, Justine Henin and Pete Sampras. For more information on the upcoming Futures Tournament in Palm Coast, visit www.PalmCoastTennisCenter.com or call 386-9862550.
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7PERSONAL FINANCE
JANUARY 19 – JANUARY 25, 2017
Obama, spending power drives Blacks’ consumer confidence BY STACY M. BROWN NNPA NEWSWIRE
Despite a plethora of economic and social challenges, African-Americans remain among the most optimistic consumer groups in the nation’s economy. A recent report by the market research firm, Packaged Facts, revealed that nearly half (47 percent) of African-Americans believe they will be better off financially 12 months from now. The report, titled, “AfricanAmericans: Demographic and Consumer Spending Trends, 10th Edition,” found that just 37 percent of “other Americans’’ are as optimistic.
Tied to faith Also, revealed in the report, affluent Black Americans hold especially strong convictions about how their financial future will unfold, although the abiding optimism of African-Americans transcends income levels. “For African-Americans, optimism is not tied to their affluence or wealth, but to their faith,” said Princess Jenkins, an entrepreneur and founder of the nonprofit “Women in the Black,” an organization that assists female entrepreneurs. Jenkins also owns the Brownstone Lifestyle Boutique in New York. “We have survived yet another inescapable era and come out on the other side of it better, brighter, informed and with affordable health coverage for our families.” Jenkins continued, “I have benefited from the consumer optimism shared by those in the Packaged Facts report because, in the aftermath of the presidential election, Blacks feel that the economic growth engines put in place under the eight years of President Barack Obama have started to pay off.”
Key factors Jenkins said that Black people have rode the economic downturn, the fall of Wall Street, the threatened closure of the auto industry and the mortgage crisis and have finally emerged on the other side and the cloud has lifted. The 2016 Nielsen Consumer Report showed that the spending power of African-Americans has exceeded $1 trillion. The spending power is just one reason for the optimism, Packaged Facts noted. The reasons for the steadfast confidence of African-American consumers are many and complex, the report’s authors said. To begin, despite the growing chasm between the very rich and the rest of American society, there are strong empirical reasons for African-Americans to believe that upward mobility remains achievable for them. Key social and economic indicators point to a significant increase in the number of middle- and higher-income AfricanAmericans over the past decade.
‘The Obama effect’ During this period, the number of African-American households with an income of $100,000 or more jumped 83 percent, while the number of African-Americans employed in management and professional occupations grew from 3.8 million to 4.8 million, an increase of 26 percent. There are now nearly two million Blacks who earn at least $75,000 annually. The confidence of Black consumers may also stem from the “Obama effect,” a phenomenon that among other things sparked renewed optimism among African-Americans based on their pride in the election of the country’s first Black president. A Packaged Facts analysis of
Princess Jenkins, owner of the Brownstone Lifestyle Boutique in New York, stated that “Blacks feel that the economic growth engines put in place under the eight years of President Barack Obama have started to pay off.” trends in the consumer confidence index of Simmons National Consumer Study data has found a factual basis for this hypothesis. In 2007, Blacks were less likely than other Americans to be ranked as “highly confident” consumers (20 percent vs. 25 percent). By 2009, the year after the election of President Obama, the positions of each segment had reversed, as 26 percent of Blacks and just 17 percent of other Americans were classified as “highly confident” consumers. By 2013, following the re-election of President Obama, 42 percent of Black consumers were rated as “highly confident” compared to just 28 percent of other American consumers.
Invest in community More recent trends suggest that the Obama effect may in fact have been in play in recent years, at least when it came to boosting the optimism of Black consumers. The proportion of AfricanAmerican consumers categorized as “highly confident” fell from 42 percent in 2014 to 38 percent in 2015 and 31 percent
in 2016. Nevertheless, as the Obama administration neared its end, African-Americans remained more likely than other consumers to have a high degree of consumer confidence (31 percent vs. 27 percent). “I work with African-American entrepreneurs each day who believe that they can create opportunity and generate profit. Words like hustle, ingenuity, faith, and luck almost always trump fear and pessimism,” said Lyneir Richardson, director of the Center for Urban Entrepreneurship and Economic Development, a research and practitioner-oriented center at Rutgers Business School in Newark, New Jersey. Still, it’s vital that AfricanAmericans continue to keep their money flowing within the community, said Samson Adepoju, the founder and CEO of Salon Your Way in New York. “African-Americans should invest part of their money back into local Black businesses and, if there isn’t one in a particular area, start one up,” Adepoju said. “Financial education is crucial and a lot of our money can be invested in stocks and bonds. Rather than spending $350 on a pair of Air Jordans, why not buy Nike
stock, which is about $50 per share? That way, you can actually own a piece of Nike,” he said.
Employment concerns Despite the optimism, some have expressed caution, because there’s still a large swath of the Black community that’s unemployed or underemployed. “It’s a little troubling to see such strong optimism from the African-American community while our unemployment rate has grown to 14.1 percent,” said Steve Burton, who started his first E-Commerce business at 18, which allowed him to invest in music. Burton, who started a business to license music for television shows and movies for FX, Disney, Lifetime and BET, owns PerfectTux.com. “I believe that we are in a time where African-Americans are starting to realize the impact of their own buying power and the importance of spending wisely, building wealth, and starting businesses,” said Burton. “These factors would lead to optimism that transcends income levels, because when you know better, you do better.”
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