Ormond library hosting Black History events SEE PAGE 3
EE FR
DR. E. FAYE WILLIAMS: HOW DID WE COME TO THIS, AMERICA? PAGE 4
East Central Florida’s Black Voice
HALIFAX ACADEMY BASKETBALL TEAM: COMPETITIVE AND CONFIDENT SEE PAGE 7
JANUARY 26 - FEBRUARY 1, 2017
YEAR 42 NO. 4
www.daytonatimes.com
Black History Month observances shaping up BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES
people be taught AfricanAmerican history.
The start of Black History Month is less than a week away and programs to educate area residents on the achievements and sacrifices of African-Americans will be plentiful. Black History Month grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson in 1926. In 1976, it became officially recognized by the U.S. government as Black History Month. For Linda Herring, assistant director of the Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum, it’s vital that young
Harrell’s legacy Each year, the New Smyrna Beach museum hosts a free festival. This year’s festival is Feb. 3-5 at Pettis Park. “It’s extremely important to celebrate our history. My mother, who founded this festival which now bears her name, always wanted to teach young people about our history,” Herring said. “She wasn’t prejudiced, but she had pride in our history. She wanted kids to know what happened and the things they don’t know about. She wanted kids to
“She wanted kids to know our culture, heritage and where we came from.’’
will include music, art, cultural exhibits, demonstrations, historical tools, food, historical dress and storytelling.
Tribute to B-CU founder
Linda Herring, assistant director, Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum know our culture, heritage and where we came from. Our ancestors did many great things. We invented many things that we still use today. You don’t know where you’re going unless
Mary S. Harrell you know where you come from.’’ The Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Festival will include free tours of the museum, which his located near Pettis Park. The event
The Museum of Arts and Sciences (MOAS) will kick off Black History Month a day early. On Jan. 31, a “Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Comes to Life’’ program will be held in partnership with the Florida Humanities Council. The event will take place at the Mary McLeod Bethune Performing Arts Center at Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU) from 6 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. The
SECOND IN COMMAND
event is free to the public. There’s also a Smithsonian-affiliated exhibit at MOAS that celebrates the opening o the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. “A Place for All People: Introducing the National Museum of African American History and Culture’’ is a commemorative poster exhibition that hails the museum that opened in Sept. 24, 2016. The posters highlight key artifacts that tell the rich and diverse story of the African-American experience. The exhibit was organized by the Smithsonian See MONTH, Page 2
Retired firefighter wants to encourage children through book BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES
Anthony “Tony’’ Thompson is a retired firefighter who spent 21 years with the Daytona Beach Fire Department. He also worked with the Department of Juvenile justice for 14 years. In his book titled “In His Arms,’’ which will be released this month, he attempts to inspire youth to stay out of trouble and avoid being incarcerated or caught up in the system. “Especially with my experiences with the juvenile system, I said to myself that I needed to write a memoir or something to warn my kids and others about the system. I want to encourage them not to go that way,’’ said Thompson.
Pipeline to prison PHOTOS BY DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
A packed room of family, friends and fellow officers watch as Jakari Young and others are promoted during a ceremony the morning of Jan. 20.
Jakari Young is the second Black to climb the ranks to deputy chief BY DAYTONA TIMES STAFF
Deputy Chief Jakari Young has been with DBPD for 16 years.
Free tests available on Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day The Florida Department of Health (DOH) in Volusia County will offer free rapid HIV tests from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 7 at DOH locations in Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach and Orange City. “Everyone should take advantage of this
ALSO INSIDE
The Daytona Beach Police Department (DBPD) promoted one of its own to deputy chief on Jan. 20 during a promotions ceremony held at police headquarters. Captain Jakari Young was promoted to deputy chief, which makes him second in command at the police department and the second Black to hold the position. “I am humbled, honored and excited about the move. I feel extremely blessed,” Young said in an interview that ran in last week’s Daytona Times. He has spent 16 years with the force,
opportunity to confirm their HIV status,” said DOH-Volusia Administrator Patricia Boswell. “When a person knows their status, they can protect themselves and their partners.” Rapid HIV tests only require a finger stick to collect a small drop of blood and produces results within 15 minutes. If a test result indicates a blood draw is needed to confirm the rapid results, it also can be done at a nocost onsite, Boswell added.
Testing locations Rapid HIV testing is being offered as part
serving as a detective, sergeant and lieutenant. “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,” he added, referring to former Police Chief Mike Chitwood, who is now Volusia County’s sheriff. New Police Chief Craig “Spike’’ Capri, with the department for 27 years, was sworn in earlier this month at a ceremony at City Hall. DBPD’s first Black second in command, Deputy Chief Ben Walton, left in 2012 to take a position as the executive director of public safety for the Philadelphia Housing Authority.
of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Testing is available to anyone. DOH-Volusia locations are: 1845 Holsonback Drive, Daytona Beach 717 W. Canal St., New Smyrna Beach 775 Harley Strickland Blvd., Orange City The department also offers educational information on HIV transmission and protection. Clients with positive results may receive counseling from the department. HIV treatment also is available through the Ryan White Program for clients who qualify. Appointments are not necessary. For more information, call 386-274-0662.
In both professions, Thompson has seen a lot. He saved lives as a firefighter and saw people deal with tragedy. In the juvenile justice system, he saw its effects on youth. “It was a tragedy seeing our kids go through the system, putting themselves in harm’s way and being labeled for the rest of their lives. It led to a lot of them eventually going to prison. Once you’re in the system, it’s hard to get out,’’ he explained. In America, Blacks still face a lot of injustice and are incarcerated at high rates. It also holds true for youth in juvenile detention. According to Thompson, “It’s like wildfire. Kids are locked up for wanting to be popular. Many steal cars while others even steal all the keys at car lots. Kids fall to peer pressure. They got locked up for skipping school, armed robbery and home invasions. They also knew that being in juvenile that they didn’t have to do adult time. Juvenile time was usually nine to 15 months.”
‘Encourage them’ Thompson believes that adults can do more to keep kids out of detention. “We need to remind ourselves that we are our brother’s keeper. Adult males need to spend more time with kids. Not just theirs but others. We must encourage them,” Thompson related.’
COMMUNITY NEWS: BLACK HISTORY MONTH EVENT TO INCLUDE JAZZ, POETRY AND ART | PAGE 3 PERSONAL FINANCE: WHAT AFRICAN-AMERICANS NEED TO KNOW BEFORE FILING TAXES | PAGE 8
See BOOK, Page 2
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JANUARY 26 – FEBRUARY 1, 2017
FAMU alumni chapter to host gala The Volusia County Alumni Chapter of the Florida A&M University (FAMU) National Alumni Association will host its third annual Scholarship and Fundraising Gala on Feb. 18 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort, 100 N. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach. The evening will include dinner and dancing. The speaker will be Thomas L. Battle, Jr., grand polemarch of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. For tickets and more information, call Milton Cor-
Orange City festival to offer free senior care resources Senior citizens, their families and caregivers are invited to participate in Aging Tree’s fourth annual Winter Wellness Festival from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 4. The Winter Wellness Festival is free and open to the public, and is sponsored Covance Clinical Research, Hearing Healthcare Centers, Vein and Vascular, and Votran. The Winter Wellness Festival will be at Aging Tree, 985 Harley Strickland Blvd., Suite 100, Orange City, in the Kohl’s Shopping Plaza. At the event, local seniorcare-related businesses will share information about resources available through their organizations.
Screenings, giveaways Festival highlights will include hourly giveaways, free food and drinks, free blood pressure checks, hearing screenings and neck scans; specials on retirement living; a drawing for a pair of fitted compression socks; and 50-percent off home medical equipment. Associate sponsors of the event are Akin Law; ASB Financial; Advanced Imaging; Bishop’s Glen Retire-
ment Community; Blue Ocean Dermatology/Derm on the Spot; Central Florida Bone & Joint Institute; The Cloisters of DeLand; Concierge Care; Grace Manor; Grand Villa DeLand; Greystone; IIP Insurance, LLC; Roseborough Travel; VITAS Health Care; and WellCare Health Care Plans. Aging Tree’s mission is to provide safer and easier access to senior care-related products and services to families and caregivers. To learn more about Aging Tree, visit www.agingtree.com, www.facebook. com/agingtree or call 386774-2446.
ley, president of the Volusia chapter, at 386- 295-1648 or Michael Williams, vice president, at 386-804-6136.
Tubman-King revival starts Jan. 27 Tubman-King Community Church will be holding a revival on Jan. 27 beginning at 7 p.m. The Rev. Nathaniel Anderson is the interim pastor. The church’s address is 1090 George W. Engram Blvd., Daytona Beach. For more information, call 386-258-5683.
with all funds benefiting missions. 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 subSaharan Africa, one-quarter of whom have lost their parents to AIDS. Tomoka Christian is located at 1450 Hand Ave., Ormond Beach. For more information about the concert, call 386677-6455 or email ljohnson@tomoka.cc.
African children’s choir to perform Jan. 27 in Ormond
Halifax Health – Hospice seeks volunteers for meal prep
The 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. The show features 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,
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.
ECHO committee to meet Jan. 31 Volusia County’s Environmental, Cultural, Historical and Outdoor Recreation (ECHO) Advisory Committee will meet at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31, at the Brannon Civic Center, 105 S. Riverside Drive, New Smyrna Beach. Members will discuss the progress of open ECHO grants. The public is invited to attend and participate in the meeting. For more information, contact Carmen Hall at chall@volusia.org or 386736-5955, ext. 12044.
Discussion to focus on activities for brain Damarys Melendez will discuss healthy habits and activities for your brain at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1, at the Daytona Beach Regional Library at City Island, 105 E. Magnolia Ave., Daytona Beach. Melendez is the associate director of programs for the Central and North Florida Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Reservations are required; call the Alzheimer’s Association at 800-272-3900. The program is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Daytona Beach Library and the Alzheimer’s Association.
MONTH from Page 1
Institution Traveling Exhibition Service in collaboration with the museum. The museum is located at 352 S. Nova Road, Daytona Beach.
Film series at DBC Daytona State College (DBC) will celebrate Black History Month with several activities highlighted by a film series of rare AfricanAmerican filmmakers. They will be shown in the Southeast Museum of Photography Madorsky Theater, 1200 International Speedway Blvd., Hosseini Center. “First Fight. Then Fiddle. Black Identity in American Cinema 1920 -2016’’ showcases films from a new collection titled “Pioneers of African-American Cinema,’’ a series of works by Black filmmakers focusing on race issues that went unaddressed by Hollywood for decades. The series will continue with new showings through midApril. “These films are rare and remarkable. Very few people are aware that they even exist, and our spring series marks the first time they will be screened in the Central Florida area,’’ said Eric Breitenbach, photography professor at Daytona State. Each film in the series will be introduced by a Daytona State faculty member, and be followed by a question-and-answer session. All films begin at 6 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.
Film schedule • Feb. 1: “13th,’’ a documentary directed by Ava
MORE INFORMATION Black Heritage Festival and Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum: www.blackheritagemuseum.org The Museum of Arts & Science’s website:www.moas. org Daytona State film festival: Eric Brietenbach at 386506-3542 or James Pearson at 386-5063350. DuVernay, 2016 • Feb. 15: Within Our Gates, directed by Oscar Micheaux, 1920 • Feb. 22” “Two Knights of Vaudeville’’ and “Ten Nights in a Bar Room’’ directed by Ray Calnek, 1926 • March 1: “Rev. S.S. Jones Home Movies’’ and “Symbol of the Unconquered – A Story of the Ku Klux Klan,” directed by Oscar Micheaux, 1920 • March 8: “The Scar of Shame,’’ directed by Frank Perugini, 1929 • March 22: “Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution,’’ directed by Stanley Nelson, 2015 • March 29: “Selma,’’ directed by Ava DuVernay, 2015 • April 5: “4 Little Girls,’’ directed by Spike Lee, 1997 • April 12: “Welcome to Pine Hill,’’ directed by Keith Miller, 2012 • April 19, “Bamboozled,’’ directed by Spike Lee, 2000
BOOK
from Page 1 “When you see them doing something that is not good, you must talk to them. You can’t reach every kid, but we must let them know that we care about them and want to see them succeed. Don’t be a stranger to the kids in your community. Drop that knowledge on them.” As a father of five – four boys, one girl – Thompson is fortunate that his kids have stayed out of incarceration. “You’re not going to be able to always stop your kids from getting in trouble. They have a mind of their own. I guess the way that I chastised my oldest son straightened out the others. They told me this,” he told the Daytona Times. “They knew about the consequences seeing me discipline him. No matter how much I worked I stayed attentive, made myself available and was always there, I am not a perfect father. I made some mistakes.’’
‘Tested the waters’ Thompson said he could have been in the system as well. He recalls, “I did some things as a kid. I tested the waters. I tried a little of everything. It was always something in the back of my head that let me know that if I did something I would do some time. When I came to my senses, I knew. I had to readjust my way of thinking.” Thompson was born in Waycross, Georgia in 1953. He had six siblings. As a child, he said he experienced racism and other hardships, which helped to mold him. He added that he was determined not to be like his stepfather. “My stepfather was abusive. He once shot his pistol between my brother, who was 12 and myself, who was 7. I knew that I wouldn’t put my kids in this situation. I would never do it to them or do any-
PHOTOS BY DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
Anthony Thompson, center, holds a poster about his book. With him are Daytona Beach Leisure Services Director Percy Williamson; Donna Gray-Banks, founder of the F.R.E.S.H. Book Festival; Dr. Evelyn Bethune, who published the book; Daytona Fire Chief Dru Driskoll, and other fire department officers. thing to hurt them and that I wouldn’t desert my children,” Thompson added. Thompson said he moved to upstate New York in 1963, then to Daytona Beach in 1965. Thompson told the Times, “I remember both my grandfathers. My father’s father really encouraged me, was always there and always had kind words. On the other hand, my mom’s father was country and tough. He disciplined a lot. He didn’t have lights and we used an outhouse. He had me pick cotton and peanuts or whatever.” “I’ve seen the hardships and segregation. I’ve seen people on plantations doing sharecropping and use turpentine. I’ve seen White guys on horses riding through the woods,” he related.
Local grad, veteran Thompson attended Campbell Senior High
School and graduated from Mainland in 1969. He served in the United States Air Force from 1972 to 1975 and attended Georgia State College in Atlanta. In 1977, he started the fire science/paramedics program at then-Daytona Beach Community College. He was the first AfricanAmerican to retire from the Daytona Beach Fire Department in March 2000. Thompson served as a senior officer with the Department of Juvenile Justice (2000-2009); overnight counselor for both the Volusia House (20092012) and the StewartMarchman-Act drug treatment program for Juveniles (2012-2015). The book, “In His Arms,’’ published through Bethune Publishing Company, will be available at Amazon.com. It’s also available from Thompson at 386-253-6445 or via email athompson102@cfl. rr.com.
Anthony Thompson was one of the authors showcasing their books at the recent F.R.E.S.H. Book Festival in Daytona Beach. Dr. Evelyn Bethune’s company, Bethune Publishing Company, published the book.
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M A YNEWS OR
JANUARY 26 – FEBRUARY 1, 2017 COMMUNITY DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006
Black History Month event to include jazz, poetry, art Be blown away by songstress Linda Cole’s sensational opening performance at the Ormond Beach Public Library come Feb. 3, 2-5 p.m. Cole will create the right vibes and evoke the history behind the classical art form of jazz. She will hone in for Black History Month and your applause to an introduction by Gerri Wright-Gibson, Daytona Beach Symphony Guild President. With the perspective, “Jazz in the Afternoon,” promoters Linda Epps and artist Lawrence Green will bring other presentations, poetry and reflections, in addition to window displays of paintings and photographs. The topics and presenters will mark the second annual lineup by Epps and Green. All events are free to the public. Epps, who is a natural when it comes to event planning, and Green, whose artwork debuted upon opening the original World Trade Center, have created opportunities to celebrate Africans and African-Americans for Black History Month.
‘Human Family Tree’ and much more Assuming a position on center stage will be the Rev. Gillard S. Glover, pastor/teacher at the First Church of Palm Coast. Rev. Glover, an attorney, will make his way and address “Where Do We Go from Here?” That’s Feb. 8, 2-5 p.m. at the Ormond Beach Public Library, 30 South Beach Street, Ormond Beach. All events have been designed to move us forward as a people. They have been scheduled at the library, along with lecturer Robert Whiting, who has mastered Egyptian Hieroglyphs. He will make his appearance Feb. 10 and 12, 2 -4 p.m., discussing the “Human Family Tree.” Don’t miss teen guitarist/singer Eric Dangerfield on Feb. 19, 1-4:30 p.m.; performer Clara Bivens of the National Association of Black Storytellers on Feb. 21, 2-3
PALM COAST COMMUNITY NEWS Linda Cole
Gerri Wright-Gibson
Cindi Lane
p.m.; and lecturer Kwando Kinshasa, Ph.D., discussing the movie, “Rules of Engagement,” on Feb. 25, 2-5 p.m.
chestra, Spyro Gyra, Chuck Mangione, Bob Newhart, Maynard Ferguson, among others.
Cole’s career started early
Local and national fame
That’s Feb. 10, 6 p.m., at 91 Old Kings Road North, Palm Coast. Tickets are $25 per person. They are available by calling 386446-5759.
Looking back, Cole’s career began at 3 years old, vocalizing with her parents, James and Erma Cole, in Freeport, Ill., and later including Cole’s six siblings singing gospel and pop for community events. They were dubbed the Singing Coles, becoming popular in the central part of the United States. At age 20, Cole went out on her own, appearing in Manhattan, then in Detroit as an opening act for a Motown Revue. She released hit singles and starred in a play that became the TV movie, “Talkin ’Bout Love.” Cole established herself as a rhythm and blues singer. In Los Angeles, she brought her unique style to audiences and collaborated with Billy “Spinner” Henderson of The Spinners and Billy Davis Jr. of the Fifth Dimension. She shaped some powerful works as a musical director, vocal coach, songwriter and arranger in Pasadena. In 1991, Cole settled in Florida, showcasing the venues and setting the stage at fine restaurants, hotels, country clubs, nightclubs, festivals, for jazz associations, and on college campuses throughout the southeastern United States. It was here in Central Florida that she turned to singing “straight-ahead jazz” and “standards.” Cole is much loved. She has performed with the London Symphony Orchestra, the Temptations, the Count Basie Or-
She arouses audiences singing “Embrace Me’’ – written by George and Ira Gershwin - and made famous by cousin Nat “King” Cole. She rocks the mic singing Duke Ellington’s “Take the ‘A’ Train” and “Satin Doll,” and makes irresistible “What A Difference a Day Makes” and “God Bless the Child (That’s Got His Own).” In 2014, Cole arranged a musical partnership with pianist/ arranger Joshua Bowles. They recorded “What A Wonderful World’’ and formed a brilliant quintet with trumpeter Alphonso Horne, bassist Billy Thornton and drummer Ben Adkins. Cole interacts with the band as another instrument. She mentors youngsters and children’s choirs. Cole was appointed to the board of the Victims Advocate Coalition for the Seventh Judicial Circuit and the Very Special Arts of Florida. She is a member of the Governing Board at Flagler Auditorium in Palm Coast.
These competitive internships are full time and open to all current college students and, if required, may qualify for college credit. Students can receive more details about the 14-internship positions and apply online at www.palmcoastgov.com/internships. “Our internships give students the opportunity to network with professionals, get hands-on experience in their career field, and make a difference in the community,” said Palm Coast Director of Human Resources Wendy Cullen. “We ask all residents to spread the word to their friends and neighbors who are in college. We’d love to have them join our summer internship team!” Applications must be submitted by Feb. 10 at www.palmcoastgov.com/internships. For more information, contact Palm Coast Human Resources at 386-986-3718 or human_resources@palmcoastgov.com. ••• As always, remember our prayers for the sick, afflicted and bereaved.
JEROLINE D. MCCARTHY
Music by candlelight with Jessica Rogers Hear the gospel/jazz interpretations of vocalist Jessica Rogers at a candlelight dinner. The chanteuse will perform at the Gospel/Jazz Cafe at First Church, which has given new life to gospel/jazz music, the creative thinking of Pastor Gillard S. Glover.
Stewardess Board to serve dinners Find the no-hassle approach to cooking: Attend the 10:45 a.m. service on Feb. 12 at First Church. Then, join the Stewardess Board for appetizing baked chicken, yellow rice, steamed cabbage, yams, a roll, dessert, soda or water. The donation is $10 per person. First Church, at 91 Old Kings Road North in Palm Coast, can be reached at 386-446-5759.
Deadline is Feb. 10 for summer internships Cindi Lane, Communications & Marketing Manager for the City of Palm Coast, writes that the deadline for college students – having grown up in Palm Coast or in the area – to apply for summer internships with the City of Palm Coast is Feb. 10. The city is offering paid internships in environmental science, landscape architecture, GIS (Geographic Information Systems), public administration, capital projects management, CAD, information technology, utility, public relations, parks and recreation, video production and human resources.
Daytona State’s STEMinar series resumes Feb. 6
From left to right are Drs. Kyle Correll, Bich Nguyen, Leslie Williams, Emma Robertson Blackmore and Rhonda Verzal.
Halifax Health doctors’ research recognized at international forum SPECIAL TO THE DAYTONA TIMES
The research of top physicians in the Halifax Health - Family Medicine Residency Program was recognized at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s (IHI) 28th Annual National Forum on Quality Improvement in Health Care held in December in Orlando. The physicians joined nearly 6,000 health care professionals at the international forum to gain actionable ideas and to effect real change in healthcare quality and safety. Halifax Health - Family Medicine Residency physicians and faculty submitted four storyboards highlighting their research for presentation at the IHI forum.
Storyboard topics Establishing the Physical Health
Needs of Victims of Domestic Violence by Kyle Correll, MD; Susan W. Howard, MD; Blake DePaul; Shane Ganga; and Emma Robertson Blackmore, Ph.D. Implementation of A Physician-Led Rapid Response Team to Decrease Code Blue Calls by Rhonda Verzal, MD; Bich Nguyen, MD; Tara Fritze, MD; Michael Landau, MD; Charity Eko, MD; Blake DePaul; Jonathan Harvey, MD; Jennifer Kirkman, MD; Carrie Vey, MD; Ginny Kwong, MD; Carl Chotas, MD; Grant Howard, MD; Roy Lemaster, MD; and Emma Robertson Blackmore, Ph.D. Electronic Tracking of Opiod Prescriptions Among Family Medicine Physicians by Leslie D. Williams, MD; Jason Keister, MD; Shanie Foster, RN, MSN, MBA; John Shelton, MD; and Emma Robertson Blackmore, Ph.D. Improving Patient Safety Event Reporting Among Family Medicine Residents and Faculty: A Mixed Methods Approach by Emma Robertson Blackmore, Ph.D.; Bich Nguyen, MD; Leslie Williams, MD; Terri Long, RN, MSN, LHCRM, Steven Miles, MD; and Rhonda Verzal, MD
Unique program All four storyboard submissions were accepted by IHI – three of which were displayed at the Resident and Student Storyboard Walkaround Session. The storyboard created by Rhonda Verzal, MD, associate program director for the Halifax Health – Family Medicine Residency Program, was selected - as one of just six storyboards from 600 submissions - to be showcased during a focused walkthrough presentation by IHI leadership at the scientific symposium. This opportunity allowed presenters the chance to learn from their peers as they demonstrated how they can play a critical role in improving health care both during their training and in their future careers. The Halifax Health residency program has an IHI Open School chapter, one of six in Florida and the only one in Volusia County. It was established last year with Kaiser Family Foundation and sponsorship by Verzal as faculty sponsor and Halifax Health Chief Quality Officer Dr. Steven Miles as executive sponsor.
The School of Biological and Physical Sciences at Daytona State College has announced its STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) seminar series for spring 2017. The series is free and open to the public. The one-hour seminars are held on Mondays, starting promptly at 5 p.m. in the Madorsky Theater, located in the Hosseini Center (Bldg. 1200), on the Daytona Beach campus, 1200 W. International Speedway Blvd. The first talk, on Monday, Feb. 6, is “Unraveling Atmospheric Chemistry Mechanisms: From Mega-city Air Pollution to Global-scale Environmental Change’’ presented by Song Gao, Ph.D., associate professor of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Stetson University.
Series lineup STEMinar presentations continue throughout the spring, as follows: • Feb. 20, 5 p.m. Florida’s Springs in Danger: The Impacts of Invasive Species and Reduced Water Flow by Melissa Ann Gibbs, Ph.D., professor and director of the Aquatic & Marine Biology Program, Department of Biology, Stetson University • March 6, 5 p.m. How Cells Move: The Physics Behind Cell Migration, Holley E. Lynch, Ph.D., assistant professor of Physics, Stetson University • March 27, 5 p.m. Sexual Selection & Conflict, Ecological Immunity, Animal Behavior and Life Histories by Ken Fedorka, Ph.D., associate professor, University of Central Florida • April 10, 5 p.m. Amazing Migratory Stem Cells and Other Tales from Hydractinia, a Colonial Marine Invertebrate, Christy Schnitzler, assistant professor, Biology, Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience, University of Florida The STEMinar series is coordinated by Dr. Jeffrey Squires, a Daytona State professor. For more information, contact Squires at 386-506-4714, Jeffrey. Squires@DaytonaState.edu
Celebrations Belated birthday wishes to Kilus White Sr., Jan. 19; Gloria Wilder, Jan. 20; Raven Sword, Jan. 23; and Sheldon Henderson, Jan. 24. Birthday wishes to Shaaf McGlown, Jan. 26; Master Roman Sword, Jan. 27; the Rev. G. Vincent Lewis, Jan. 29; Loretta Bryant, Fred Fowler, Eleanor McCray Francis, Sondra Henderson, Esther Hamilton, and Dr. James Cauley, Jan. 31.
Free genealogy series to start on Feb. 1 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.
About the classes • 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 386-257-6036, ext. 16315.
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7 EDITORIAL
JANUARY 26 – FEBRUARY 1, 2017
US Senate is not diverse or inclusive Since our founding in 1910, the National Urban League has been focused on economic civil rights and empowerment issues. At the core of civil rights is the idea that all people should have access to jobs for which they are qualified. For instance, in the 1960s, the venerable Whitney Young worked to convince CEOs of America’s top corporations that “Negroes” were qualified to do more than just mop floors. Mr. Young describes proposals for integration and affirmative action in his two books, “To Be Equal” (1964) and “Beyond Racism” (1969).
Working on diversity Even today, the National Urban League is engaged with Corporate America in the areas of diversity and inclusion. We have worked with companies such as AT&T, Verizon and Comcast to diversify their companies from top to bottom. While there is work to do yet, we’ve seen some progress. For instance, there are nearly 40 general counsel of color standing at the legal helm of Fortune 500 companies. Despite the progress this country has made related to corporate diversity, our Congress, specifically the U.S. Senate, has failed to move when it comes to diversity and inclusion. While policy decisions affecting all Americans are debated in the halls of Congress, persons of color are largely absent from top‐level staff positions. Thus, on issues like education, the economy, health care, and decisions of war and peace, Members of Congress are legislating without the perspectives of Black and Brown staff.
MARC H. MORIAL TRICE EDNEY WIRE
While policy decisions affecting all Americans are debated in the halls of Congress, persons of color are largely absent from top-level staff positions. Thus, on issues like education, the economy, health care, and decisions of war and peace, Members of Congress are legislating without the perspectives of Black and Brown staff. Not new The lack of diversity on Capitol Hill is not a new issue. I addressed this issue in 2006. Senators will still preach the benefits of diversity, but they won’t necessarily put
What’s next for the economy? The economic philosophies of Democrats and Republicans are drastically different. While neither party is intent in dismantling the predatory capitalism that extracts surplus value from workers, Republicans are more interested in reinforcing such capitalism and “free markets,” while Democrats are more interested in ameliorating the effects of predatory capitalism and regulating in ways that produce somewhat more equitable results.
Generally speaking Democrats are more likely to protect and support workers, while Republicans are more likely to oppress them. Thus, many Democrats advocated for an increased minimum wage, while Republicans have opposed it.
DR. JULIANNE MALVEAUX TRICEEDNEYWIRE.COM
Conservative Dems are likely to be supportive of free market rhetoric. There were liberal Republicans (I think they are now extinct) that would side with Democrats on some issues. We can expect Republicans in the House and Senate to eliminate regulations, lower taxes, and support the “business climate.” The stock market has actually gained.
Is this sustainable? Economist and Harvard Pres-
How did we come to this? For several months, we’ve been bombarded with so much hatred that we thought was in our past. We’ve heard declarations of making America great AGAIN, as though it’s always been great for all of us and not just the few. Hearing that declaration, I want to ask people making it if they know that America has never been so great for women, who are nowhere found in our Constitution. We want to be considered full human beings and that our rights are human rights. For that, we need an Equal Rights Amendment.
‘Double jeopardy’ I wonder if those who talk about making America great
DR. E. FAYE WILLIAMS, ESQ. TRICE EDNEY NEWS WIRE
AGAIN know about the double jeopardy of Black women. Like other women, we were not considered to have rights. We’re certainly not mentioned in our Constitution, while Black men were considered 3/5ths of a person. You can read it many times over never find the word “woman.” America has certainly never been at its greatest for me as a Black American or as a woman. I would like be able to truth-
their sermons into practice. The lack of diversity is especially pronounced at the senior level. There are 100 senators. Each senator has three senior positions: chief of staff, legislative director, and communications director. Those positions shape the $3.8 trillion U.S. federal budget; provide oversight of federal agencies; and hire, manage, and promote junior Senate staff. They advise the senators on all issues, and their recommendations are usually carried. In 2015, the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies released a 31-page report depicting the diversity problem. It found that although people of color make up more than 36 percent of the U.S. population, they represent only 7 percent of chiefs of staff, communication directors and legislative directors in personal offices of all U.S. senators. And when it comes to numbers for African-Americans, the findings are even more alarming.
Pitiful numbers There is only one AfricanAmerican chief of staff out of 100. There is only one African-American legislative director out of 100. There is only one African-American communications director out of 100. Most troubling is the fact that out of the three African-American senior staffers just mentioned, only one works for a Democratic senator. So why hasn’t this issue been addressed in the past? The answer is simple: Members of Congress have exempted themselves from most labor laws like the Equal Employment Act of 1972 and the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
ident Lawrence Summers acknowledges that the Republican approach to the economy might “drive major increases in investment and hiring, setting off a virtuous circle of economic growth and rising confidence.” The International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicted world economic growth at 3.4 percent, with US growth at about 2 percent, and robust growth in China and India, where growth is likely to exceed 6 percent. But the IMF cautions that restrictions on global trade would constrain global growth.
Who will benefit? Certainly, not the folks at the bottom. Indeed, one might attribute the Trump victory to the fact that macroeconomic growth indicators have not quite trickled down. The heavily pro-business Republican leadership is counting on the trickle-down to create jobs for the 99 percent. They can’t force capitalists to use the proceeds from their tax cuts for jobs. When banks were bailed
fully say, “Make America great AGAIN, but I can never add the word “AGAIN” to that sentence, because I’m not in that group of White males for whom America has always been great.
Ask them Ask my Native American friends at Standing Rock and elsewhere in places where their sacred lands have been stolen or decimated, and air and water around them is polluted, if America is so great AGAIN. Ask my Latino friends if making America great AGAIN would apply to them. Ask them why they fear that all the work they’ve done here to make America great for them too, seems to be at risk as we welcome a new administration. Ask women like me if we feel that America can be made so
VISUAL VIEWPOINT: DONALD TRUMP
NATE BEELER, THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Thus, there is no legal requirement for senators to provide answers to anyone when it comes to the employees they hire for their personal staffs and/or committee assignments. The Senate also doesn’t have to follow the federal Freedom of Information Act that gives citizens access to information about their government. So, citizens and groups like the National Urban League can’t get to congressional employment figures even though we can get such numbers from companies that receive federal contracts. On January 5, the National Urban League’s Washington bureau hosted a lunch and panel discussion on this important issue. Discussion centered on solutions for addressing the lack of diversity at the senior staff level and the creation of a pipeline for junior staffers of color.
Possible solutions The National Urban League proposed the following: • Congress must enact legislation or rules subjecting it to employment laws which require re-
out, they held onto the money that politicians hoped they would loan to small businesses to start growth and economic expansion. African-Americans with moderate incomes (about $35,000), lower-income people, and the economically vulnerable are not likely to gain in the “new economy.” Businesses, however, are likely to do well. Is America made “great again” if economic vulnerability increases? I think not! There is likely to be tension between the Trump administration and the Federal Reserve. How quickly will the interest rate be increased? What impact will it have on the “average” American?
Hard to get Millennials who have been saving to purchase a home (those who have paid off student loans) will need to save even more to accumulate down payments. And Ben Carson, who is likely to be secretary of HUD, is not likely to do anything to make their quest for homeownership any easier. President Obama stabilized
great AGAIN for us when we think of the horror of having a leader who’s been known to disrespect us and brag about his exploits of women in vulgar terms.
Hope and change Eight years ago, so many of us had so much hope that things would change for us. Many things did change, because we had a president who truly cared about our wellbeing and was respectful of us. No, he didn’t get everything done that he tried to do. But he moved us up from where we were when he came to office. On his Inauguration Day, we were running to the National Mall to be a part of that historic event. People were excited and looked forward to the Obama administration. Eighty-four percent of Americans gave him a positive rating going into office, and still
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.
CREDO OF THE BLACK PRESS The Black Press believes that Americans can best lead the world away from racism and national antagonism when it accords to every person, regardless of race, color or creed, full human and legal rights. Hating no person, fearing no person. The Black Press strives to help every person in the firm belief...that all are hurt as long as anyone is held back.
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porting of employment demographics. • Congress must publish and announce vacancies for senior staff positions so those vacancies are no longer filled in secrecy and behind closed doors. • Once vacancies are announced, fair interview processes must be established employing the National Football League’s “Rooney Rule,” the NFL’s policy that requires league teams to interview minority candidates for head coaching and senior football operations positions. In the coming weeks, the National Urban League will send the résumés of senior level candidates to newly-elected senators and senators representing states with high minority populations, providing a qualified pool to interview when senior positions become open. Diversity and inclusion a part of our legislative priorities. It’s about time the U.S. Congress brings its diversity problem out of the attic for the integrity and effectiveness of our nation’s laws.
Marc Morial is president and CEO of the National Urban League.
the economy. The unemployment rate is below five percent, growth has been stable, and the stock market has been strong. The benefits of this strong economy were not evenly distributed, though. It is even less likely that the benefits of the growth that the IMF predicts will be evenly distributed. Markets don’t distribute benefits fairly. Political will is a factor in fair and even distribution. We know that Republican free market economic philosophies suggest that there is no political will for fairness. We will experience macroeconomic ecstasy and microeconomic angst with economic indicators looking strong, and individual experiences looking far more troubled. What’s next for the economy? The one percent will benefit, and the rest of us will experience increased vulnerability. As Summers said, “Hope for the best, plan for the worst.”
Julianne Malveaux is a Washington, D.C.-based economist and writer.
gave him a high rating as he left office.
Pushing back He did a yeoman’s job in making America great for all her citizens – not AGAIN, but ONCE – for Black people, poor people, Asians, Native people, Hispanic people, women, children, people with disabilities. The very people coming in to RULE our nation now push back on progress for us. We skipped the 2017 inauguration because there is no way we could celebrate. We can only hope, pray and serve those in need. I don’t know how we got here, but it’s up to all of us to move our agenda forward!
Dr. E. Faye Williams is national chair of the National Congress of Black Women, Inc.
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’.
SUBMISSIONS POLICY SEND ALL SUBMISSIONS TONEWS@DAYTONATIMES.COM Deadline for submitting news and pictures is 5 p.m. the Monday before the Thursday publication date. You may submit articles at any time. However, current events received prior to deadline will be considered before any information that is submitted, without the Publisher’s prior approval, after the deadline. Press releases, letters to the editor, and guest commentaries must be e-mailed to be considered for publication. The Daytona Times reserves the right to edit any submission, and crop any photograph, for style and clarity. Materials will not be returned.
5 7
M ANATION YOR
JANUARY 26 – FEBRUARY 1, 2017 DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006
grant, NNPA will engage its 211-member publications in more than 70 markets across the country in a campaign designed to heighten public awareness of ESSA, and to focus on efforts and policies aimed at closing the achievement gaps for students of color and low-income students, Chavis said.
‘Tremendous opportunity’
Dr. Benjamin Chavis, president and CEO of the NNPA, says that by raising awareness of ESSA policies, the NNPA seeks to empower parents to advocate for these policies for their students and communities.
NNPA receives $1.5 million Gates grant for education campaign BY STACY M. BROWN NNPA NEWSWIRE
The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), a network of 211 Black-owned media companies, has received a $1.5 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to support a three-year, multi-media public awareness campaign focusing on the unique opportunities and challenges of the recently enacted Every Student Succeeds Act – or ESSA. “The NNPA is pleased to partner with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to raise public awareness throughout the Unit-
ed States about the ESSA,” said Dr. Benjamin Chavis president and CEO of NNPA. “Bridging the academic achievement gap in education K-12 in particular for African-American students and others from disadvantaged communities is of critical importance over the next several years.”
Focus on students Chavis noted that, in 2017, the Black Press in America will celebrate 190 years in publishing and there’s no more important issue than the education of students from communities who cry out for the highest quality education.
“The ESSA law was established to help increase the effectiveness of public education in every state,” said Chavis. “Our task is to inform, inspire, and encourage parents, students, teachers, and administrators to fulfill the intent and objectives of ESSA with special focus on those students and communities that have been marginalized and underserved by the education system across the nation.” Under the ESSA, states will adhere to more flexible federal regulations that provide for improved elementary and secondary education in the nation’s public schools.
Effective Jan. 30 The law also ensures that every child, regardless of race, income, background, or where they live have the opportunity to obtain a high-quality education. ESSA, which reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary School Act (ESEA) and replaces No Child Left Behind, received bipartisan support and was signed into law by President Barack Obama on Dec. 10, 2015. The regulations are administered by the U.S. Department of Education and will go into effect later this month, on Jan. 30. With the Gates Foundation
By raising awareness of ESSA policies, the Washington, D.C.headquartered NNPA seeks to empower parents to advocate for these policies for their students and communities, he said. Additionally, for opinion leaders, this is a tremendous opportunity to support policies and issues that will make a difference in closing the achievement gap, Chavis said. “The ESSA grant is critical to improving education for minorities,” said Dr. Elizabeth V. Primas, the project manager for NNPA/ESDr. Elizabeth the SA grant and diV. Primas rector of Literacy and Acceleration at the Friendship Public Charter Schools. Primas has a lifelong history of achievement in teaching and leadership within D.C. public schools. “Despite past laws, many minorities have been left behind,” said Primas. “NNPA will be instrumental in ensuring that all stakeholders are aware of the components in the ESSA law that will increase the number of students that are college ready.”
Awareness campaign Specifically, the NNPA will research state efforts to ensure success for all students, gather feedback while conducting forums, and maintain multiple platforms to keep the community informed, she said. “For the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to give the grant to NNPA to fund a 36-month multimedia public awareness campaign focused on the unique benefits and challenges of ESSA to the African-American community, means that the Gates Foundation understands and appreciates the value, reach, and influence of NNPA,” Primas said.
How to protect yourself from Medicare fraud FAMILY FEATURES
Every day, Medicare fraud affects people with Medicare and their families across the U.S. – regardless of background – robbing them of hard-earned money and peace of mind. Scammers know the ins and outs of the Medicare system and their attempts can be well thought-out enough that it’s not always easy to know when and where fraud is occurring. By remembering some simple but effective tips, you can protect yourself against scams, including identity theft and prescription drug fraud. Remembering to protect, detect and report fraud helps everyone, including you.
Protect Protecting your personal information is your best line of defense against health care fraud. Treat Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security numbers like credit card numbers. Never give them to a stranger and don’t carry your cards unless you need them for
appointments. Medicare doesn’t call or visit to sell you anything. Outside of a trusted health care setting, never give this information to anyone who asks for it.
Detect No matter how careful you are, you may be targeted for fraud. Always review your Medicare statements closely. Things to look for include charges for something you didn’t purchase or receive, duplicate charges and charges for services not ordered by your doctor. Compare these documents to your personal records and receipts. Recording medical visits and procedures in a journal or on a calendar can help you keep track of what happened at each appointment and make it easier to spot inaccuracies.
Report If you suspect you’ve been a target of fraud, report it. This can help you and others at risk for fraud. If you have questions about your Medicare statements,
COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES
No matter how careful you are, you may be targeted for fraud. call your health care provider. If you’re uncomfortable calling or are not satisfied with the response, help is available through your local Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP). SMP volunteers work
Cheaper fares: Does the day you buy matter? BY LINDA LOYD PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER/TNS
Travelers everywhere would like a magic potion to predict the best time to buy an airline ticket to get a good deal at the lowest price. Although seasoned travel advisers say there is no perfect moment to book an airfare, a recent study by Expedia Inc. and Airlines Reporting Corp., or ARC, suggests that based on thousands of flights in 2016, the lowest average ticket prices were purchased on weekends, especially on Sundays.
Expedia crunched numbers gathered by ARC from corporate travel companies and online and brick-and-mortar travel agencies and determined that flights within the United States booked on Sunday were 11 percent cheaper.
Waiting for weekend Flights from the United States to Europe were 16 percent cheaper, and between the U.S. and Asia, fares purchased on Sunday cost 10 percent less. “One reason that you are going to see average ticket price on Saturday and Sunday being so much lower is because of the type of
travel that is purchased,” said Chuck Thackston, ARC’s managing director of enterprise information. Most travel purchased on the weekends is for holiday or leisure travel, while more “premium” or business travel is booked during the week. “Business travelers booking at the last minute, those fares will typically be higher,” Thackston said. “Airlines are aware that leisure travelers are looking on the weekends, so they’ll make those fares available on the weekend.”
with Medicare beneficiaries and their families and caregivers to stop health care fraud, errors and abuse. You can also report suspicious calls and direct general questions through this resource.
You can find your local SMP program by calling 1-877-8082468 or at SMPresource.org. Suspected fraud can also be reported to 1-800-Medicare or by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS.
Another take
When to fly
Others say the picture is more complicated. “I have never experienced that purchasing the ticket on a certain day of the week makes any difference,” said Jeffrey Erlbaum, president of ETA Travel in suburban Philadelphia. “The fares don’t change very much from day to day. It’s availability that generally makes a difference. Somebody might have booked that flight, a group, and that’s going to jump your fare up. “I’ve seen no rhyme or reason to the fare sales,” Erlbaum said. “A fare between two points can go on sale any time, but if availability on the flight you want isn’t there — if the flight is full — that’s going to make a difference.”
George Hobica, founder of the fare alert website Airfarewatchdog.com, said: “As far as Sunday being the best day to buy tickets, that’s nonsense. An incredibly low fare can be snuck into the reservation systems any day of the week in terms of booking.” But not in terms of flying, he said. “Tuesday and Wednesday are the best days to fly.” Erlbaum said availability on flights is greater on Wednesdays, and that translates to lower fares. “As the flight gets fuller, those lower-fare buckets get sold out, and you are pushed into a higher-fare bucket.” Tickets purchased 21 days in advance are usually cheaper than closer-in purchases.
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7
M ASPORTS YOR
JANUARY 26 – FEBRUARY 1, 2017 DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006
Halifax basketball keeps pushing forward BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES
The Halifax Academy boys basketball team is flying under the radar with a 15-7 record this season. The Knights have won eight of their last nine games this month, heading into their Jan. 25 game with Pierson-Taylor, which was after the Daytona Times’ deadline. “We have come together. They have figured out that they are better individually and as a team when they play together. We also have great on the court leadership with Snoop which helps in game situations,” said Head Coach Shamus Dougherty.
No height issues Senior point guard LaShawn “Snoop’’ Wilder is between 5’5’’ and 5’6.’’ However, he is a gamer and true leader. Wilder has been on the squad since sixth grade. “I get underestimated a lot about my size. I just play hard. It doesn’t matter. I feel pretty good about being a leader and go-to guy. I’ve played point guard since PAL League. It’s nothing new to me,’’ he said. Earlier this month, Halifax won the MLK tournament it hosted. “We had some games canceled and we wanted to pick up some. We called some schools that we didn’t play. That tournament along with some others that we played in against schools from other states showed us different competition and gave us confidence,” commented Dougherty.
Other key players Sophomore guard Terrell Franklin is the Knight’s leading scorer and sophomore guard/forward Herbert Pickney is the leading rebounder and provides a scoring-post presence. Junior forward Jude Thorn, the tallest player at 6’2” and junior guard Toure Mack are both improving.
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS Sophomore guard Chauncy Williams is showing promise. “It’s fun, but I am still just learning how to play. This is my first year playing organized basketball. I don’t feel like a role player. I feel like I am part of the team. We all count upon each other,” said Williams. Added Wilder, “We’re young, but we have players willing to learn. Everyone on the team is a team player.’’
Playing two sports The academy has around 100 students with 57 in high school. Sustaining success is difficult. “We really split our players’ time between football and basketball. We don’t get our players back until about a week before our first game. We don’t do a lot of workouts over the summer because most of the kids are in football camps,” Dougherty explained.
Feb. 6 tourney The Knights have a few games remaining until their district tournament. Halifax plays in Class 3A in a district with Jacksonville St. John’s Country Day, Gainesville St. Francis, Lake Mary Prep, and Deltona Trinity. The Knights are the third seed and will face Country Day on Feb. 6 in the tournament. “We just have to keep playing as a team. We must be ready to play and approach each game with focus. We don’t have the one or two stars to depend upon in crunch time like previous years,” Dougherty related. “I think we are more complete because of that. We rely upon Snoop’s leadership, but we’ve had six or seven different leading scorers in games throughout the year, which has made us harder to defend.’’
Earlier this month, Halifax Academy won the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. tournament that it hosted.
DeLand 5K to help cancer patients SPECIAL TO THE DAYOTNA TIMES
A record number of runners and walkers are anticipated to attend Volusia County’s 5K on Saturday, Jan. 28, in DeLand. The sixth annual ME STRONG 5K will run its course around historic Downtown DeLand and neighboring communities beginning at 8 a.m. Registration is available for the ME STRONG 5K online via www.mestrong.net. In-person registration will be available during packet pickup and the morning of the event. Race fees range from $20 to $35 per person. The inaugural event in 2012 attracted 1,000 runners and walkers. Organizers expect the 6th Annual ME STRONG 5K to welcome nearly 3,000.
Strong support The financial support ME STRONG has received since 2012 has
been equally impressive. To date, participant registrations and sponsorships of the ME STRONG 5Ks have netted more than $400,000 for local cancer patients and research. ME STRONG is a 501© (3) charitable organization that supports individuals in their battle against cancer and promotes community members to commit to healthy living. “We continue to be overwhelmed by the response the 5K walk/run receives,” said Kim Martin, ME STRONG’s volunteer race coordinator. “So many of us are affected by cancer, and we want to make a difference in others’ lives. Participating in the ME STRONG 5K allows people to help others while prioritizing their own health.” In addition to the annual 5K, ME STRONG hosts a variety of events that promote healthy living and strong communities throughout the year. For more information, visit www.mestrong. net or www.facebook. com/mestronglinda.
COURESY OF HALIFAX ACADEMY
Members of the Halifax Academy’s boys basketball team are shown during a trip to Disney World.
Knights girls are sticking with it Halifax Academy girls team has played just six games with a 3-3 record. The team is still holding together. “The girls still work together and support each other. It’s a great team. We have four seniors that lead by example, give 100 percent and have a great attitude. They help the younger girls. They hold it together. I am just here to guide,” commented Head Coach Holly McIntyre. Sixth-grader Ziona Harris, 12, is the leading scorer. “It’s different than playing middle school. I feel the pressure, but I take it one game at a time,” Harris said. McIntyre added, “She is dynamite. She is fast. She is really starting to come into her own. She has so much potential.” Senior center/forward Raychell Jones is the post presence, leading rebounder and team captain. “I get frustrated sometimes when the younger players don’t know what to do but I like teaching and helping,” she said.
The Halifax Academy girls basketball team closes out the season on Jan. 31 with a game against Melbourne Community Christian.
Young team The Knights also have seniors in guards Jada Cooper and Amber McIntyre and forward Brinn Stamper. Eight-grade guard Ava Dougherty is a defensive specialist and good things are expected out of newcomer freshman forward/ center 5’9” Treasure Eberhart. The team is young with four seniors, two freshmen, one seventh grader,
Usain Bolt of Jamaica anchors the 4x100-meter relay team to gold on Aug. 22 2008, in Beijing, China. PAUL KITAGAKI JR./ SACRAMENTO BEE/ TNS
Bolt stripped of gold medal over teammate’s substance abuse EURWEB.COM
Usain Bolt had to give up one of his nine Olympic gold medals on Wednesday after his Jamaican teammate, Nesta Carter, tested positive for a banned substance. Bolt, 30, completed an unprecedented “triple triple” at Rio in 2016, becoming the only man to win all three sprint events at three Olympic Games. But the gold Bolt won in the 4x100m relay in Beijing 2008 will no longer count after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) disqualified Jamaica’s sprint team on Wednesday.
Re-analysis of Carter’s samples from Beijing resulted in a positive test for the prohibited substance methylhexaneamine. This means that all four members of the team — Bolt, Asafa Powell, Michael Frater and Carter, a bronze medalist at the 2013 World Championships – must give up their titles. Speaking last summer about the Carter situation, Bolt — the 100m and 200m world record holder — said returning one of his golds would be “heartbreaking,” but added that he would not have a problem doing so.
one sixth grader and a fifth grader. Jones stated, “I think we play well together and I think that we do play together as a team. I think that we have gotten over our nerves from earlier in the season.’’ Harris remarked, “We pulled together and have really helped each other. We were more nervous the first couple of games of the season. I know that I was.’’ The girls team close their season with games against
Pierson Taylor on Jan. 25 and Melbourne Community Christian on Jan. 31. Halifax girls play as an independent under the Florida High School Athletic Association. They won’t have a district tournament or chance at the playoffs. “We are just going to close out the season by having fun, doing our best and playing together,” McIntyre added.
Weems becomes fourth Wildcat on a Super Bowl team SPECIAL TO THE DAYTONA TIMES
Eric Weems became the fourth former Bethune-Cookman University football player to advance to the Super Bowl when the Atlanta Falcons beat the Green Bay Packers 44-21 in the NFC championship game on Sunday. Weems joins Larry Little (Super Bowls VI, VIII and VIII), Maulty Moore (Super Bowl VII) and Nick Collins (Super Bowl XLV) as Wildcats who have played for an NFL championship. Little and Moore played in the Miami Dolphins’ undefeated team of 1972 that defeated the Washington Redskins, and Little went on to win his second Super Bowl the following year when the Dolphins repeated with a win over the Minnesota Vikings. Eric Collins had an interception return for a Weems touchdown in the Green Bay Packers’ 3125 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2011.
Weems’ record Weems, a former Seabreeze High School Sandcrab and Wildcat star, is averaging 23 yards per kickoff return and 11.4 yards per punt return in his 10th NFL season. He also had a 73-yarder against Oakland earlier in the season. On Jan. 22, he contributed one kickoff return for 23 yards and a punt return for 14 for the Falcons, who got 378 yards and four touchdown passes from Matt Ryan. His Wildcat legacy includes 178 receptions, 2,533 receiving yards, a combined 24 touchdowns, a four-touchdown game against Savannah State in his 2003 debut, and a game-winning touchdown against Florida A&M in the 2006 Florida Classic. Super Bowl LI is slated for Feb. 5 in Houston.
R8
7PERSONAL FINANCE
JANUARY 26 – FEBRUARY 1, 2017
What Blacks need to know before filing taxes BY STACY M. BROWN NNPA NEWSWIRE
Tax season has officially begun and it’s time to find those deductibles and items that might help offset some of what you might have to pay the government by April 15. For African-Americans, filing income taxes has never been simple – nor has it historically been anything to look forward to. “One thing that’s certain at the top of each year is tax season. Yes, that one thing that most of us dread yet we know we have a short window of time to complete what should be done as the new year begins,” said Cozette M. White, an acclaimed author, financial analyst and tax strategist. White is also founder and CEO of My Financial Home Enterprises, a financial management firm that helps organizations and entrepreneurs develop solutions that fuel business growth and transform products into accelerating profits.
File early White said it’s important to decide early on who will be preparing your returns. “Tax preparers are the least trained, but the cheapest to hire,” she said, noting that enrolled agents are typically more competent than tax preparers but much less so than a certified public accountant. Further, White said it’s important to be organized – set aside a manila folder for all tax documents. “Schedule your appointment early, especially if you have a child applying for financial aid and, if you have not updated your payroll department with your new address, do so today to avoid delays,” she said. The new tax year accompanies an interesting set of new facts for African-Americans, according to The White House. For instance, the unemployment rate for African-Americans has seen a larger percentage-point decline in the recovery, much faster than the overall unemployment rate over the last year, President Barack Obama’s
administration reported. The real median income of Black households increased by 4.1 percent between 2014 and 2015 and President Obama enacted permanent expansions of the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit, which together now provides about 2 million African-American working families with an average tax cut of about $1,000 each.
Income growth A recent report from the Census Bureau revealed that the real median household income grew 5.2 percent from 2014 to 2015, the fastest annual growth on record. Income grew for households across the income distribution, with the fastest growth among lowerand middle-income households. The number of people in poverty fell by 3.5 million, leading the poverty rate to fall from 14.8 percent to 13.5 percent, the largest one-year drop since 1968, with even larger improvements including for African-Americans, Latino-Americans, and children. The poverty rate for AfricanAmericans fell faster in 2015 than in any year since 1999. While the poverty rate fell across all racial and ethnic groups, according to a Census Bureau study released last year, it fell 2.1 percentage points for African-Americans, resulting in 700,000 fewer AfricanAmericans in poverty.
Large gains African-American children also made large gains in 2015, with the poverty rate falling 4.2 percentage points and 400,000 fewer children in poverty. So, for tax time, it means more African-Americans need to better understand what they should and shouldn’t do –what deductions and credits might be available, White said. The veteran tax expert urges contributions to 2016 Roth accounts and, if donations have been made to charities in any amount above $250, be sure and have the proof to support the write-off.
A financial analyst and tax strategist says it’s important to decide early on who will be preparing your returns. “Tax preparers are the least trained, but the cheapest to hire.’’ The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) says that charitable contributions are deductible in the year made and donations charged to a credit card before the end of 2016 count for the 2016 tax year, even if the bill isn’t paid until 2017. Also, checks to a charity count for 2016 if they are mailed by the last day of the year.
Defer bonuses Taxpayers who are over age 70½ are generally required to receive payments from their individual retirement accounts and workplace retirement plans by the end of 2016, though a special rule allows those who reached 70½ in 2016 to wait until April 1, 2017 to receive them. So, what else can be done to limit tax liabilities for individuals and businesses? “Defer bonuses,” said Lisa Greene-Lewis, a certified public accountant and Turbo Tax expert. “If your hard work paid off this year and you are expecting a year-end bonus, this extra money in your pocket may bump you up to another tax bracket and in-
crease your tax liability,” she said. Folasade Ayegbusi, a certified public accountant (CPA) and owner of Suncrest Financial Services in Maryland, advises business owners to call their payroll processing company and have them process a one-time annual salary amount to satisfy any SCorp reasonable compensation requirement. Also, she said, purchasing depreciable assets like a car, furniture, iPad, computer and other items needed for a business would help offset any tax burden.
Make wise purchases Randy Hughes, founder of Counting Pennies, a nationwide tax and accounting firm that specializes in tax preparation, bookkeeping and debt management, said African-Americans need to immediately think about taxes and not wait until the April 15 deadline. Hughes recommends making wise business purchases, maximizing health savings accounts and managing tax withholdings and exceptions.
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“Employees that changed jobs or started a new job should review their tax withholdings and exemptions claimed on their new hire paperwork,” he said. “Claiming too few exemptions could result in giving the government more money than necessary, which could result in a cash flow problem for you during the year.”
Tax scams Perhaps as important as any suggestions, the IRS said it continues to see an uptick in tax scams – one of the most recent involved a caller telling a taxpayer that he or she is entitled to a large refund, but first must hand over a certain amount of money first. “Taxpayers across the nation face a deluge of these aggressive phone scams,” IRS Commissioner John Koskinen said in a statement. “Don’t be fooled by callers pretending to be from the IRS in an attempt to steal your money. We continue to say, ‘if you are surprised to be hearing from us, then you’re not hearing from us.’”