Daytona Times - January 28, 2016

B-CU quarterback signs with Canadian football team SEE PAGE 7

East Central Florida’s Black Voice JANUARY 28 - FEBRUARY 3, 2016

YEAR 41 NO. 4

EE FR

LEE A. DANIELS: Obama took the ‘smarter’ approach SEE PAGE 4

FLAGLER CHURCHES FIND UNITY THROUGH PRAYER AND SONG SEE PAGE 3

www.daytonatimes.com

NAACP focuses on morale at city meeting Branch leaders meet with Chisholm; Slater says commissioners should step up.

BY DAYTONA TIMES STAFF

Since October, Volusia CountyDaytona Beach NAACP President Cynthia Slater has been standing in front of Daytona Beach commissioners at their regular meetings, pressing them to look into the city’s hiring and promotional practices.

On Tuesday, she and other NAACP executive board members finally got the opportunity to sit down with City Manager Jim Chisholm and disCynthia cuss the morale Slater of the employees and culture inside the municipality.

“It was a start,” was Slater’s reply in a Wednesday interview with the Daytona Times. She noted that the meeting “should have

come months ago.”

“I think we did accomplish some things,” Slater said. “There was dialogue.’’

The local NAACP branch has received numerous complaints from city employees who are afraid to speak up for fear of retaliation, Slater repeatedly has stated.

She reiterated that statement at Tuesday’s meeting with Chisholm, which also was attended by Human Resources Manager James Sexton; Assistant City Manager Betty Goodman; and the Rev. L. Ronald Durham, the city’s newly-hired asset manage-

ment director/special projects.

Slater cited complaints she has received from past employees as well as those still at the city.

‘Pandora’s box’ opened She told the Times that when she addressed the commission in October about her concerns, “It was like a Pandora’s box had been opened.’’

She explained that at least three times a week, she receives calls relating to a former or current employee’s expressing unfair treatment. And those com-

plaints have primarily come from people who are veteran employees – those with at least five years on the job.

The Daytona Times also has reported recently on Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) claims filed against the city that charge racial discrimination. Those making claims said fear of losing their jobs has kept other employees silent.

Slater asks, “Why are employees so afraid to file grievances? Why are people not moving Please see MEETING, Page 2

STILL OUT IN THE COLD Dozens continue to camp outside a government building as city and county leaders battle over how to resolve local homelessness.

BY DAYTONA TIMES STAFF

Homeless people in Volusia County continued to camp out at a government building on Beach Street this week as plans to shut down operations at the site were put on hold.

Daytona Beach and Volusia County officials are still grappling with ways to fix the problem of homelessness that recently escalated publicly, with dozens of people finding shelter outside of the Volusia County Administration Center located in downtown Daytona Beach at 250 N. Beach St. The homeless began setting up camp at the building after Manatee Island Park, which had restrooms, was closed to them by the City of Daytona Beach.

City leaders cited that the bathrooms had been vandalized and needed repair.

At its Jan. 21 meeting, the Volusia County Council voted to advise the city to reopen Manatee Island Park as an interim solution.

Safety cited Recent incidents at the county building have intensified the issue.

The county announced that services at the administration center would close after an employee in the property appraiser’s office filed a police report last week stating that a homeless person accosted her.

A county press release issued Tuesday stated that the incident prompted Volusia County Property Appraiser Morgan Gilreath “on his own’’ to pull his department’s employees out of the building, a move that caught County Manager Jim Dinneen by surprise. Gilreath said he made the decision in an effort to keep his employees and the public safe.

The county had announced last weekend that all government services would end this Friday and would be in-

PHOTOS BY DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

The homeless camp out this week at the Volusia County Administration Center on Beach Street. A plan to move employees out of the building for their safety has been squashed.

Pastor Derrick Harris opened Master’s Domain to allow the homeless to stay warm.

Please see HOMELESS, Page 2

Exhibits, festivals in the works for Black History Month Here’s a look at some of the Black History Month activities planned throughout February in Volusia and Flagler counties.

Black Cowboys exhibit A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of the traveling exhibit: “Florida’s Black Cowboys: Past and Present” is scheduled at 11 a.m. Feb. 1 at Matanzas High School. The exhibit, presented by the Florida Agricultural Museum in Palm Coast, is scheduled to tour all nine Flagler County pub-

ALSO INSIDE

lic schools until the 2016 school year ends in June.

The exhibit will then travel through all branches of the St. Johns County Public Library System followed by a tour of other venues currently being arranged.

It chronicles the centurieslong participation of Africans and African-Americans in Florida’s cattle industry. It examines two under-appreciated aspects of Florida history – the origins and growth of the cattle industry, and the important roles of Black

cattlemen and cowboys in developing that industry.

Freemanville Day Ceremony The 13th Annual Freemanville Day Ceremony is Feb. 9 at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, 941 N. Orange Ave. The service, which honors Port Orange’s AfricanAmerican heritage, starts at 4 p.m.

The ceremony is hosted in partnership with the Mt. Moriah Baptist Church and the Port Orange Historical Trust.

In 1867, Dr. John Milton Hawks, a Union Army surgeon, and his fellow Union Army officers established Port Orange after the Civil War. The U.S. Post-

al Service officially recognized the community at noon on April 26, 1867. Initially, 500 former slaves settled near the shores of the Halifax River on public lands secured with the help of the U.S. Freedman Bureau in 1866.

They went to Port Orange to work for the Florida Land & Lumber Company, which Hawks and his partners formed. An additional 1,000 freed slaves made Port Orange their home six months later.

Falling on hard times, the settlement, the company and the integrated school disbanded in 1869. A majority of the settlers returned to their home states or headed for area citrus groves looking for work. A few families

and individuals that stayed made up the pioneering African-American neighborhood of Port Orange known as Freemanville.

More information: Call 386506-5522.

Orange City festival The Orange City African American Festival is Feb. 26 and 27 at Mill Lake Park, 207 E. Blue Springs Ave., Orange City. It will include a Battle of the Bands, Brain Bowl tournament, poster contest, sweet potato pie bake off and entertainment featuring the Vibe Band. Health screenings will be available, and the festival will include college recruiters, financial institutions and employPlease see EVENTS, Page 2

COMMUNITY NEWS: CLASSIC BLACK FILMS COMING TO LIBRARY NEXT MONTH | PAGE 3 COMMENTARY: DR. SINCLAIR GREY III: STUDENTS ARE MORE THAN STATISTICAL DATA | PAGE 4

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JANUARY 28 – FEBRUARY 3, 2016

Willie Mae Davis Lloyd laid to rest On Jan. 23, family and friends attended a graveside service for longtime resident Willie Mae Lloyd, who died in Houston, Texas on Jan. 9. With her late husband Merrell Lloyd, Mrs. Lloyd was instrumental in operating Lloyd’s Electric, formerly one of Daytona Beach’s largest Black-owned businesses.

SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

A lone gunman targets innocent people in a church, school, mall, office building or movie theater.

Once considered extremely rare, these horrific trag-

MEETING from Page 1

up? Why are people being hired from other areas instead of in Daytona Beach?

Why is the city commission not doing more to address these issues?”

She inquires: “Who is that person (at City Hall) that people can really trust, to say my voice is going to be heard?’’

Outside evaluator The commission voted 7-0 on Jan. 20 to direct Chisholm to seek information from research companies that conduct independent surveys, and to have that information available by the end of February.

Slater had asked the commission to consider an independent evaluator to address the morale of employees and the culture at the city.

On Wednesday, she said an employee satisfaction survey would be a start, but she wants to see the city commission do more.

“My hope is that the commissioners do their jobs and not allow these kinds of fuses to boil over,” she remarked.

She added that, “The city commissioners have to do better. The vast majority are sitting there and not do-

EVENTS from Page 1

ment professionals.

African-American heritage events in Orange City begin at 6 p.m. with a talent and gospel program at Volusia International Bible Fellowship, 300 W. Blue Springs Ave. It will feature Faith Henderson and the Gospel Praise, Wanda Cobb, Ronald Freeman and the Singing Angels, and others.

More information: www. ocaahf.com or call 407-3141033 or 407-456-0610.

Storytelling in Ormond The Ormond Beach Library will celebrate Black History Month with accomplished storyteller Clara Bivens as a guest.

She has been a member of National Association of Black Storytellers since 1997. Bivens will weave her stories for adults beginning at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m for children on Feb. 10.

On Feb. 14 from 2 to 5 p.m., Imani Kinshasa will moderate a panel discussion titled “The African American Experience.”

Featured panelists will be

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tegrated into other county facilities because of the homeless who have camped out at the building.

“Once Mr. Gilreath represented to the news media the conditions at our building were unsafe for the public and our employees, he created a liability for us that put the county in a difficult position legally,” Dinneen stated.

According to a press release, the building houses tag, title and tax services, the property appraiser’s office, veterans services, human services, and offices for the court system and state attorney.

CHARLES W. CHERRY II / DAYTONA TIMES

Daytona police to host survival workshop Saturday

HOMELESS

edies are becoming more frequent.

Response techniques for first responders – law enforcement and emergency medical services - have evolved to be able to better identify and neutralize the threat quicker and to save lives. Often overlooked in training, however, are preventative actions the public can take to increase their own chances of sur-

vival if they are ever in the middle of an active shooter situation. Survival may depend on whether or not a person has a plan.

The Daytona Beach Police Department will provide a workshop for the public on Saturday, Jan. 30, from 10 a.m. to noon at police headquarters, 129 Valor Boulevard in Daytona Beach. There is no cost to attend the seminar.

“This is an opportunity to educate our community on the dangers of these types of situations.

The whole purpose of this seminar is to get people to think about what to do in the event they are confronted with an active shooter. The people who stay calm and have a plan are more likely to survive,” said Daytona Beach Police Chief Mike Chitwood.

ing anything, not stepping up to the plate.’’

days after a diversity report update by Sexton. The update was culled from a new, 49-page report that gives a detailed workforce diversity analysis.

The new report shows that a City of Daytona Beach workforce diversity analysis reflects that 124 employees earn an annual base pay between $60,000 and $100,000.

Of that number, 21 percent of those are racial minorities – not limited to African-Americans – and 24 percent are female.

The analysis also shows that 25 workers earn an annual base pay greater than $100,000. Of that number, 24 percent are minorities and 24 percent are female.

At a December commission meeting, it was revealed that while the City of Daytona Beach’s Black population is 35.4 percent, only 18.7 percent of the municipality’s workforce is Black.

The city’s total minority workforce stands at 25 percent.

Panelists included Chitwood; Daytona Beach Commissioner Patrick Henry; Pastor Derrick Harris, business owner and president of the Black Clergy Alliance; Volusia County School Board Chair Ida Wright; Volusia County Sheriff’s Department Major Jim Melady; and Volusia County Sheriff’s Department Captain Brian Bosco.

Questions for the panelists ranged from the city’s diversity to concerns about the Orange Avenue infrastructure project to homelessness.

Feb. 25 meeting In another move, four department heads – from the police and fire departments, utilities and public works – are slated to attend the NAACP meeting on Feb. 25.

Last week, Slater emailed Chisholm inviting him and the city’s department heads to attend the Thursday, Jan. 28 meeting at the John H. Dickerson Center to give a brief talk about their departments and answer questions.

Chisholm said that none of the department heads would be available to attend the meeting, which starts at 6 p.m., because of “several emergency projects’’ they’re working on.

Undeterred, Slater sent a second email extending the request to the heads of the police, fire, utilities and public works departments.

“The NAACP is reaching out to department heads in order to meet with and understand the processes of all departments. Our goal is to introduce all of the departments to the community in order to understand their operations,” she wrote back to Chisholm.

Diversity update The NAACP’s meeting on Tuesday at the city came

Dr. Kwando Kinshasa and Gerri Wright-Gibson.

The library’s February events will conclude with a presentation of “The War Room.” This awardwinning movie is family-friendly and explores the transformational role prayer plays using heart, wit, and humor to deliver a message.

All events will be held at the Ormond Beach Library, 30 South Beach St. More information: Call Suzan Howes at 386-2576036 or visit VolusiaLibrary.org.

Festival in New Smyrna The Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum will present the 25th Annual Black Heritage Festival, Feb. 5-7, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Pettis Park, 314 N. Duss St., New Smyrna Beach.

Activities at the free festival are designed to interest students as well as seniors of many cultures and backgrounds. It includes educational tours, music, art, cultural exhibits and demonstrations, historical tools, food, storytelling, as well as life stories told by seniors from the New Smyrna Beach Westside community.

Public servants meet On Monday, Slater and other area residents got a chance to hear from some city as well as county leaders on pressing issues during an event billed as a “conversation with public servants’’ at Hope Fellowship Church hosted by Bishop Derek Triplett.

On hold Dinneen said he reversed his decision after communicating Monday from Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry.

“The mayor sent us a letter late Monday in which he expressed the city’s desire for the city and county to continue to seek a joint solution to the problem,” Dinneen stated. “In response, I am putting on hold our decision to move out of the building.”

Dinneen said the county has beefed up security at the building with Volusia County Sheriff’s Office deputies and private security.

When the temperature dipped to the 30s last week, temporary shelter was made available. According to reports, just 20 of the homeless took advantage of shelter at the Salvation Army. Many chose to bundle up and remain at the Beach Street address.

Earlier this week, four homeless people were arrested at the site. Two of

them were charged with having an open container of alcohol and the others were charged with assault.

Issue of funding Advocates for the homeless have made numerous appearances before city and county leaders over the past year, urging them to provide permanent housing for the area’s homeless.

Dinneen said County Chair Jason Davis will bring up a request for a joint meeting between the Daytona Beach City Commission and the Volusia County Council at the council’s Feb. 4 meeting in DeLand.

A plan has been executed for Volusia Safe Harbor, a proposed 32,800 square-foot building shelter and one-stopshop complex for homeless people to receive help.

The county has agreed to put $4 million toward the estimated $3.8 million construction and donate a parcel of land near the county jail. Daytona Beach and other cities have passed resolutions of commitment for financial support for the shelter.

A notice posted Monday on the City of Daytona Beach’s website states that the municipality is “accepting donations to help fund short and longterm programs designed to help homeless people in our community.’’ The options are to donate to Homeless Emergency Assistance (short-term) or Volusia Safe Harbor (long-term).

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Visitors can watch woodcarving techniques; observe chores of the past, including clothes washing, soap making and quilting; see cane-grinding demonstrations; and tour a “shotgun” house.

More information: 386416-9699

Civil Rights exhibit A new exhibit highlighting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement opened on Jan. 22 at the Southeast Museum of Photography.

The exhibit brings together images by seven documentary photographers taken from three distinct portfolios that captured pivotal moments of the Civil Rights Movement in America.

The photographers are Benedict Fernandez, Leonard Freed, Matt Herron, Charles L. Moore, Gordon Parks, Flip Schulke and Dan Weiner.

“The Civil Rights Movement Restored’’ will be on display at the museum through April 17. The museum, a service of Daytona State College, is located at 1200 W. International Speedway Blvd. (Mori Hosseini Center, Building 1200).

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JANUARY 28 – FEBRUARY 3, 2016 COMMUNITY DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006

M A YNEWS OR

Ecumenical service strives toward Christian unity From across the county, choir members, faith leaders and congregations answered the clarion call of standing together and gathering in support of Christian unity.

“The Seventh Flagler Ecumenical Celebration of Unity in Prayer and Song,” spearheaded on Jan. 23 by Dr. Chau T. Phan at Santa Maria del Mar Catholic Church, reminded everyone that “Jesus’ farewell wish is that all people would be one as He and the Father are one,” said the Rev. Alberto Esposito, pastor of Santa Maria del Mar Catholic Church. “And, there are many divisions in the world and ... even divisions in the human heart, but we believe that love is stronger than sin.”

Dr. Phan conducted his plans to call for choirs and musicians, a homily, litany, subsequent reception, and a love offering to assist persecuted Christians in the Middle East.

Dr. Phan of the Christian Unity Ministry of Santa Maria del Mar Catholic Church is Associate Diocesan Ecumenical Officer of the Catholic Diocese of St. Augustine.

A unified agenda The Rev. Gillard S. Glover, guest preacher from First Church of Palm Coast, fleshed out the homily, moving toward a unified agenda.

Rev. Glover said that before Jesus’ resurrection, the church consisted of Jesus and the disciples - lacking a mission of clarity - and yet not being unified. Some thought the church’s mission was to restore Israel to a level of great political power; others thought to rid Israel of Roman oppression.

“But after the resurrection, things changed. Rather than fuss and fight about positions of authority,” Rev. Glover said, “the apostles were united. In Acts 2:42,

PALM COAST COMMUNITY NEWS JEROLINE D. MCCARTHY

Peter and the apostles explained together the event we know as Pentecost.

“What caused this great change within essentially the same men?” inquired Rev. Glover. “I believe the difference between the preand the post-resurrection church is found in our text for this evening, and it says, all that believed were of one heart and soul.”

The pastor said that the church was both in conscience agreement and subconscious agreement about the mission of the church. “They reasoned that our collective mission is greater than our individual agendas,” Rev. Glover said.

“We say, we are all one church, but we won’t cross denominational lines because our conscience and subconscious tapes are different...We say we love the Lord, but we still serve the world,” continued the pastor. “But the post-resurrection church’s subconscious beliefs were consistent with its stated beliefs... They wanted to avoid the pain of displeasing God at all costs, even dying if death would achieve the church’s mission.”

Unity in song Choir members delivered classical sacred music on the scene, traditional and contemporary music, as well as Gospel, spirituals and instrumental accompaniment.

The choirs and musicians behind the music genres were First A.M.E. Church of Palm Coast, di-

COURTESY OF HERBERT BOOKER

Taking part in the ecumenical celebration were The Rev. Alberto Esposito, host pastor; Pastor Chet Thomas, First Baptist Church of Flagler Beach; Pastor Gillard S. Glover, First A.M.E. Church of Palm Coast; Pastor Terry Wines, First United Methodist Church of Bunnell; and Pastor Vince Iocona, St. Mark by the Sea Lutheran Church of Palm Coast.

Church serves free supper on Mondays

JEROLINE D. MCCARTHY/DAYTONA TIMES

These are the choirs behind the music genres. rected by Nathaniel Shropshire, III; First United Methodist Church of Bunnell, directed by Kermit Allison; Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, Adrian Worsley; St. Mark by the Sea Lutheran Church, Jane Mason; St. Thomas Episcopal Church Chancel Choir, Carol Heller; Santa Maria del Mar Catholic Church, the Rev. Alberto Esposito, pastor and violinist; Santa Maria del Mar Catholic Church Adult Choir,

directed by Larry Gleason; Santa Maria del Mar Catholic Church Youth Choir, directed by Kim Cazzanigga, and soloist on the keyboard with songs in English and Spanish, Ysis Praderes.

The pastors, choirs and congregation stood together and formed a circle of love - outlining the perimeter of the church - and singing, “Let There Be Peace On Earth.”

Members of Santa Maria del Mar Catholic Church are involved in providing a free hot, nourishing supper and friendship to the community. They’ve invited the homeless, others struggling financially to feed themselves and/or their children, as well as those looking for food and fellowship.

That’s the “Bread of Life Community Supper,” taking place every Monday, 5 to 7 p.m., in the church hall - 915 North Central Avenue, Flagler Beach.

For further details, contact the church at 386-439-2791.

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

Celebrations Birthday wishes to Loretta Bryant, Sondra Henderson, Dr. James Cauley, Esther Hamilton, Fred Fowler, Eleanor McCray Francis, Jan. 31; and Kionie Jordan, Feb. 2.

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– Book review, School Library Journal • How low expectations of Black students’ achievements can get them higher grades; • Want a great grade? Prepare to cheat!

• How Black students can program their minds for success; • Setting goals – When to tell everybody, and when to keep your mouth shut; • Black English, and why Black students must be ‘bilingual.’ …AND MUCH MORE!

www.excellencewithoutexcuse.com Download immediately as an eBook or a pdf Order softcover online, from Amazon, or your local bookstore ISBN#978-1-56385-500-9 Published by International Scholastic Press, LLC Contact Charles at ccherry2@gmail.com

Facebook ccherry2 excellencewithoutexcuse

for info on speeches, workshops, seminars, book signings, panel discussions.

Twitter @ccherry2

Juanita Moore, left, is Annie Johnson, and Susan Kohner portrays her daughter Sarah Jane who “passed’’ for White in the 1959 drama “Imitation of Life.’’

Library to show classic Black films this month

public. Reservations are not required.

For more information, call Kim Dolce at 386-257-6036, ext. 16315.

At 2 p.m. every Tuesday, Ben Trotter, a library assistant and film school graduate, shows a popular classic movie at the Daytona Beach Regional Library at City Island, 105 E. Magnolia Ave., Daytona Beach. He and his friends explain why each movie was selected, describe interesting facts about the movie, and point out things to look for.

Upcoming movies include these popular classics: •“Imitation of Life”: Feb. 2 •“Intruder in the Dust”: Feb. 9 •“Carmen Jones”: Feb. 23 The series is sponsored by the Friends of the Daytona Beach Library.

For more information, call Adult Program Coordinator Catherine Relda at386257-6036, ext. 16235.

Attorney to discuss estate planning

Daytona Beach library offers genealogy classes Beginners can learn how to explore their family trees at the Daytona Beach Regional Library at City Island, which offers the county’s most comprehensive genealogy resource collection.

Genealogy librarian Kim Dolce will share information about online and print resources during these one-hour programs in the library auditorium: •Introduction to genealogy: 10 a.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 3. Learn how to get started on the road to self-discovery.

•Ancestry.com, Library Edition: 10 a.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 10 •Heritage Quest Online: 10 a.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 17 •America’s Historical Newspapers: 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24 The programs are free and open to the

Daytona Beach attorney Michael Pyle will discuss basic estate planning at 3 p.m.

Feb. 3, at the Daytona Beach Regional Library at City Island, 105 E. Magnolia Ave., Daytona Beach.

He will address wills, trusts, probate, power of attorney, and health care designation documents.

The free program is sponsored by the Friends of the Daytona Beach Library.

For more information, call Cindy Fouraker at 386-257-6036, ext. 16166.

Hospice resale shops need volunteers Halifax Health - Hospice seeks volunteers for its Resale Shops located in five locations throughout Volusia and Flagler counties. Volunteers are needed to assist customers, sort donations, price merchandise and other store-related duties.

Store hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Halifax Health – Hospice Resale Shops are located in the following areas: •1750 S. Woodland Blvd., DeLand – 386734-6684 •720 S. Dixie Freeway, New Smyrna Beach – 386-426-7308 •876 Saxon Blvd., Orange City – 386456-0240 •3830-A S. Nova Road, Port Orange – 386-761-6045 •122-126 Flagler Plaza Drive, Palm Coast – 386-439-0333 Those interested in becoming a volunteer should call 386-566-5737.

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7 EDITORIAL

JANUARY 28 – FEBRUARY 3, 2016

Obama took the ‘smarter’ approach Stunning news came on January 16. “Iran released Washington Post correspondent Jason Rezaian and three other detained Iranian Americans on Saturday in exchange for seven people imprisoned or charged in the United States, a swap linked to the imminent implementation of a landmark nuclear deal between Tehran and six world powers,” the Washington Post reported.

The article indicated that Iran was also releasing a fifth American, a student detained in Tehran some months ago, separately from the exchange. The swap, according to an American official, was a “one-time arrangement because it was an opportunity to bring Americans home,” and should not be considered something that would “encourage this behavior in the future”

by Iran, and that, while it was not directly related to the nuclear talks the U.S. and five other Western nations successfully completed with Iran, the deal those talks produced “greatly accelerated talks about the prisoners.”

U.S. officials emphasized that none of the Iranians held here were suspected of terrorist activities or violent crimes. Instead, they had been charged with or convicted of violating trade sanctions against Iran or exporting technology that could be used to enhance Iran’s military capabilities.

Sanctions remain LEE A. DANIELS GEORGE CURRY MEDIA

In other news That gripping news was soon accompanied by two other striking announcements. The first was word that 10 U.S. Navy sailors taken prisoner by Iranian military when their small, lightly-armored patrol boats had mistakenly sailed into Iranian waters, had been released within a day of their capture.

The second, announced by President Obama himself, was that officials of the International Atomic Energy Agency had declared that Iran had met the requirements of the agreement reached with the U.S. and other major world powers last July to limit its efforts to build a full-scale nuclear program. That resulted in the automatic lifting of sanctions imposed by the United Nations, the European Union and the U.S. Republicans, who had bitterly opposed the deal, bellowed their Hollywood movies-derived macho-man fantasies of how they’d conduct foreign policy. They studiously avoided offering even a dollop of praise for the president and his two foreign-policy chieftains, Secretary of State John F. Kerry and his predecessor Hillary Clinton.

The UN should monitor Flint’s water Days before the opening of the World Economic Forum, Oxfam – the international organization that works on world poverty issues – released a report that addressed inequality. They found the international wealth gap growing rapidly.

Wealth has become much more concentrated. Last year, just 62 individuals had the same wealth as the 3.6 billion people who make up the bottom half of the world population. While the top 62 people saw their wealth grow by 44 percent in five years, the bottom half saw their wealth drop by about the same amount: 41 percent.

And world incomes reflect increasingly concentrated wealth inequality. Nearly half of the world’s population lives on less than $2 a day. One in five people – 1.2 billion – live on less than a dollar a day.

JULIANNE MALVEAUX TRICE EDNEY NEWSWIRE

equality data is jarring, we don’t have to go global to witness the “particularly severe” consequences of domestic income and wealth inequality. Consider Flint, Mich., the small (population 100,000) Rust Belt city that has made national (if not international) news because of the quality of its drinking water.

Republican Governor Rick Snyder appointed an emergency manager who recommended switching the city’s water source from Lake Huron to the Flint River. The river water was so foul that General Motors refused to use it, saying it would rust auto parts.

American disaster If it would rust parts, what about While the Oxfam world in- kids?

Students are more than statistical data Education that focuses on seeing students as statistics is bound to plague our youth for years. When systems and/or institutions are setup to measure the success of a child based on how well he/she does on specific tests, the overall makeup of the child is neglected, overlooked, and ignored.

Because education is so critical to the success of our children, we must develop them holistically.

What do I mean? The educational system must see our students as human beings with creative traits that extend well beyond the classroom or any state test.

Predicable failure Sadly and shamefully, there are many students who are simply being used as pawns to fill the prison system. In many states, students are tested in third,

VISUAL VIEWPOINT: WINTER STORMS UP NORTH

DR. SINCLAIR GREY III GUEST COLUMNIST

fourth, and fifth grade to determine the number of prison beds to get ready.

Under this concept of the prison-industrial complex, many of our children, especially children of color are set up to fail. When money and contracts are contributing factors to economic and job growth within certain communities, our children suffer, families are shattered, and communities are cracked.

Each year, leaders within the educational system gather together to go over data. They discuss topics such as how well stu-

No one with half a brain would think American and Iranian officials will soon be gathering ‘round the campfire singing “Kumbaya.” Obama made that clear the very next day when he announced that, even as the sanctions mentioned in the treaty have expired, other U.S. sanctions against Iran remain in force.

Foreign policy and international trade experts said it would remain difficult for American companies to overcome “the complicated web of restrictions to doing business there.”

But there’s also no doubt the “Iranian crisis” that’s been a significant feature of American foreign policy for four decades is now substantially less tense than it was. Now, both countries’ interests are guarded by a powerful treaty and the pragmatic mutual interest in peace of the U.S., Iran, European and Middle Eastern nations.

One can describe the new arrangement in terms similar to those once used to define what came to be the wary, three-cornered Cold War relationship between the U.S., the Soviet Union, and China: “peaceful co-existence.”

We have another administration achievement that stands in sharp contrast to all those predictions by pundits – and boasts

by Republicans – after the 2010 midterm elections of a doomed Obama administration.

More than 40 percent of the people in Flint are poor. Fiftysix percent are African American. The city’s median income is about $23,000 a year, compared to $48,000 for the rest of the state.

Clearly, the people of Flint can’t afford to purchase politicians or to force them to be responsive to their needs. Instead, like a billion people worldwide, the people of Flint have been deprived of the human right to clean and safe water.

Human right We in the United States like to brag about how much better off we are than the rest of the world. In 2010, the UN General Assembly said that access to clean and safe water is a human right, noting, “Everyone has the right to water, no matter where s/he lives.” The UN has said that they will monitor the progress of nations in providing water and sanitation. Maybe the UN should come and monitor Flint.

While the UN has said that water is a human right, some industrialists disagree. In 2013, Nestlé’s chairman Peter Brabeck-Letmathe said he wanted to privadents are learning, how much they improved or declined in particular subjects, and what can be done to improve overall student performance. Teaching methods along with alternative methods to the tradition discipline of inschool and out-of-schools suspension are discussed.

The question someone will always raise is, “How can we get people in the community to participate?”

Are kids human?

Speaking as an African-American male within the educational system, I’m concerned that we have labeled and categorized children into statistical data. Listening to experts in the field, I wonder if they see our children as human beings.

I often wonder if these professionals who look at statistics ever consider the makeup of a child’s family structure and environment which includes their psychological, cultural, economic, and social status, just to name a few.

If our educational system is

BILL DAY, CAGLE CARTOONS

There were similarly confident declarations after the 2014 midterm elections when the GOP gained numerical control of the Congress, that the president was facing a gloomy, ineffectual “lame duck” end to his tenure in office. Perhaps we should retrospectively honor such predictions with the “silly goose” award.

No magic act There’s no magic to Obama’s ability to see what was possible in reducing tensions with Iran and to get other domestic and foreign policy matters done. He identified the fundamental ingredients in two brief passages in the State of the Union address he delivered just four days before the news about Iran.

In referencing past foreign

concerned with regurgitating and training and not educating, we have a problem. I use the word “train” because for so long, we have adopted a method of programming and even brainwashing our children to do this and that according to a method.

I’m not dismissing the importance of structure and memorization; I am stressing the importance of educating our children.

About ‘educate’ To help illustrate my point, let’s examine the word “educate” from the Latin meaning.

The prefix of the word is “e,” which means “out of.” Now, if we examine the root word “ducere,” you have the meaning “to draw or lead.” So if we put it together, we can conclude that to “educate” is “to draw out of.”

Students have so much in them and we need to draw out what the Creator has instilled in them. That’s why we need to deal with the whole person and not be so caught up on data that can be manipulated and misinterpreted, causing youth – especially Af-

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.

Dr. Glenn W. Cherry, Sales Manager

W W W. DAY T O N AT I M E S .C O M

Dr. Valerie Rawls-Cherry, Human Resources

Charles W. Cherry, Sr. (1928-2004), Founder Julia T. Cherry, Senior Managing Member, Central Florida Communicators Group, LLC Dr. Glenn W. Cherry, Cassandra CherryKittles, Charles W. Cherry II, Managing Members

Lee A. Daniels is a longtime journalist based in New York City. His new collection of columns is available at www.amazon.com.

tize the water supply. While he does not become “political.” Realhas been vocal in talking about ly? If politics is the practice of dithe fair distribution of water, he viding resources, then this clean also leads a company that is the water matter is intrinsically politiworld’s top seller of water, and is cal. Who gets clean water? Why? charged with returning value to shareholders no matter how wa- Check the statistics ter is distributed.

When the demographics of It would be good to see NesFlint are compared with those in tle and Mr. Brabeck-Letmathe the rest of the state of Michigan, weighing in on the Flint situation, it is clear that the poorer Blacker perhaps providing some donatresidents of Flint get far less ated water to make underscore the need for fair water access. Cer- tention from the governor than tainly, capitalism minimizes the wealthier Whiter residents. The possibility of fair access when citizens of Flint have been forced proposals to privatize water are to accept a deficient water quality, for political reasons. considered.

The plight of Flint citizens will Cher has donated 180,000 bothardly make the agenda of the Datles of Icelandic Global water to Flint. She is paying for half of the vos World Economic Forum. But bottles of water, and the water bot- the United States cannot claim tlers are donating the other half. lofty space as a world human She has shared her outrage about rights leader when our own citithe Flint situation in cyberspace, zens are denied the basic right to calling out Gov. Snyder for his cal- clean water. lous indifference to the people of Julianne Malveaux is a WashFlint. The governor’s tepid apology, only delivered under pres- ington, D.C.-based economist sure, does nothing to ameliorate and writer. Her latest book, “Are the damage to thousands of chil- We Better Off? Race, Obama dren and young people who have and Public Policy,” is availbeen exposed to the leaded water. able for preorder at www.juliSnyder says he hopes the issue annemalveaux.com.

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.

policy disasters in Vietnam and Iraq, he said American officials had to learn to take “a smarter approach, a patient and disciplined strategy that uses every element of our national power.” Moments later, he stated that “American leadership in the 21st century is not a choice between ignoring the rest of the world ... and rebuilding whatever society is unraveling. Leadership means a wise application of military power and rallying the world behind causes that are right.”

Jenise Morgan, Senior Editor Angela van Emmerik, Creative Director Cassandra Cherry Kittles, Willie R. Kittles, Circulation Penny Dickerson, Staff Writer Duane Fernandez Sr., Kim Gibson, Photojournalists

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rican-Americans – to suffer.

School systems must learn how to collaborate/partner with outreach programs that are able to reach and teach students regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, and sexual orientation.

Parents and community leaders cannot simply cheer children on in athletics and fail to attend and participate in PTA meetings and board of education meetings. Without active participation and holding all parties accountable, students suffer.

Here’s the challenge. Invest in our children not just to take a test, but to become leaders throughout the world by educating them and not training them. As Ralph Ellison stated, “Education is all a matter of building bridges.”

Dr. Sinclair Grey III is a speaker, writer, author, life coach and radio/television talk show host (Tuesdays at 7pm). Contact him at www.sinclairgrey.org, drgrey@sinclairgrey.org or on Twitter @drsinclairgrey.

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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JANUARY 28 – FEBRUARY 3,142016 DECEMBER - 20, 2006COMMUNITY

MAYOR

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Seeking a place to belong Daytona Times photojournalist Duane C. Fernandez Sr. has spent months capturing images of the homeless in Volusia County.

Most recently, he followed them as they left Manatee Island Park, a Daytona Beach site with public restrooms where many gathered at night to sleep. When it was shut down, he was there when they set up at the Volusia County Administration Center. And this week, the Salvation Army became a temporary home for some of the area’s homeless.

Fernandez also was present when various meetings with elected officials and local leaders have focused on solutions to curb the homeless issue around Daytona Beach and in Volusia County.

On this page are just some of his images relating to a people seeking a place to belong.

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1. Master’s Domain C.O.G.I.C. Church was opened this week to people trying to escape the cold.

2.The website provides updates on the homelessness issue in the county.

3. Dozens have been sleeping outside of 250 N. Beach St.

4. The homeless camp out at the Volusia County Administration Building.

PHOTOS BY DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

5. One person’s belongings – some food and clothing in a shopping cart.

6. Father Phil Egitto, homeless advocate, speaks with Daytona Commissioner Paula Reed at a rally earlier this month.

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JANUARY 28 – FEBRUARY 3, 2016

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IF YOUR CHILD IS IN THE RIGHT CAR SEAT. VISIT SAFERCAR.GOV/THERIGHTSEAT

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JANUARY 28 – FEBRUARY 3, 2016 SPORTS DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006

MAYOR

Williams signs with Canadian Football League SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

Bethune-Cookman University’s former quarterback Quentin Williams has signed to play with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League.

Williams also competed on Jan. 17 in the inaugural Tropic Bowl in North Miami Beach. The Tampa native was named most valuable player for the National Team after producing stellar numbers in the game.

The best FBS College football players from around the country met Tropic Bowl college all-star game at North Miami Stadium. The new FBS all-star game created a scouting opportunity for top-level talent from the NCAA’s Division 1 FBS levels top seniors who are looking to go pro. The Tropic Bowl was scouted by 26 NFL teams and 4 CFL teams who flew in for the event.

Successful season The award allowed the 2016 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) First

Team member to sign a professional contract with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Friday, Jan. 22. He represents the first player to ink a professional contract from the 2015-16 senior class at BethuneCookman.

Williams enjoyed, statistically, his most successful seasons in 2015. He finished the regular season as the FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) leader in passing efficiency (187.2), third in passing yards per completion (16.45), tied for 23rd in passing touchdowns (19), tied for 39th in points responsible for (134), 40th in passing yards (2,171), tied for 40th in points responsible per game (12.2) and 46th in passing yards per game (196.9).

In addition, Williams was just the second quarterback since Bernard Hawk to pass for over 2,000 yards in a season, matching Matt Johnson (2010).

For more information on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, visit BlueBombers.com.

This story is courtesy of BCU Athletics.

KIM GIBSON/DAYTONA TIMES

Quentin Williams (3) grips the ball during B-CU’s game against the University of Miami in September 2015.

Standout B-CU player enshrined into coaches hall of fame SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

COURTESY OF FACA

Coach Calvin Jackson, a former offensive lineman for the Wildcats, left, is honored for his achievements in track.

Palm Coast hosting USTA tournament SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

See the rising stars of men’s tennis from around the world Friday, Jan. 29, through Sunday, Feb. 7, at 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 seventh 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 clay court facility for a $10,000 purse and the ranking points players need to ascend to the next level.

Kids Day starts at 2 p.m.

Jan. 30, where children 6-12 will have fun and games oncourt 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.

Feb. 1 are $35; advance registration is required at the tennis center. Play right alongside touring professionals.

The schedule is as follows: •Qualifying begins Friday, Jan. 29 and continues through Monday, Feb. 1 •Kid’s Day will be Jan. 30 at 2 p.m.

•Pro Am will be Feb. 2 at 5 p.m.

•Main Draw singles and doubles begin Tuesday, Feb. 2

•Doubles quarterfinals will be Wednesday, Feb. 3 •Doubles semifinals are on Thursday, Feb. 4 •Doubles final will be Friday, Feb. 5 •Singles quarterfinals will be on Friday, Feb. 5 • Singles semifinals are on Saturday, Feb. 6 •Singles final will be Sunday, Feb. 7

Free through Feb. 4 All matches are free through Thursday, Feb. 4. From Friday, Feb. 5, through Sunday, Feb. 7, 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-andcoming 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 such current stars as 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, visit www.PalmCoastTennisCenter.com or call 386986-2550.

If offensive lineman never get the glory, heaven help the offensive lineman who also runs track.

Calvin Jackson will be best remembered as one of the top linemen in Bethune-Cookman football history – remember, Larry Little also played defense during his playing days before the NFL – as Jackson opened holes for two of the greatest running backs in program history – Willie Jackson and the late Randy “Sweetback” Walker, both of whom are enshrined in the Bethune-Cookman Athletic Hall of Fame.

So, of course, how was Jackson recently honored by the Florida Athletic Coaches Association (FA-

CA)? By being enshrined in its Hall of Fame …. for track.

After graduating from Bethune-Cookman with a bachelor’s degree in education, Jackson embarked on a long and legendary career as head track coach at famed Miami Northwestern, where he guided the boys team to a 1991 state 4A championship. His storied run ended in 2007 one point shy of Flagler Palm Coast in his final state appearance.

‘A blessing’ During his tenure, 60 Northwestern athletes won state championships, and the team took 18 district and four regional titles.

“I’ve always loved track,” Jackson said. “To be able to remain involved in the

sport as long as I did was truly a blessing. I was fortunate to always have great athletes and great support.

It’s been a family affair – his wife, Carmen, “converted” from Miami Jackson High School to Northwestern and has three titles of her own.

At Bethune-Cookman, Jackson plowed and anchored a dominate offensive line that helped produced one of the greatest Wildcat football victories – the 1972 win at Florida A&M that ended 19 years of Wildcat frustration against the archrival Rattlers.

Proud moment Later that year, Jackson had his moment in the track spotlight – he swept the discus and the shot put

at the 1975 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championship meet in Atlanta.

“Proud of that one,” Jackson smiled.

His days at BethuneCookman played a major influence in his coaching career.

“Bethune-Cookman taught us about service, going the extra mile, grinding it out and being there for one another, “Jackson said.

“Jesus said it best ‘If you serve the least, you’re serving Me.’” Jackson’s contribution to Wildcat track continues this day – three former Northwestern student-athletes are on the track roster.

This story is courtesy of B-CU Athletics.

Newton now entertainer, icon, Super Bowl quarterback Signed, sealed, delivered

BY JOSEPH PERSON CHARLOTTE OBSERVER/TNS

The Carolina Panthers’ biggest star will play on the world’s biggest stage.

Cam Newton — entertainer, icon … and Super Bowl quarterback.

Newton turned in a vintage performance in a 4915 victory over Arizona on Sunday in the NFC Championship Game, throwing for 335 yards, accounting for four touchdowns and sending the Panthers to the second Super Bowl in their 21-year history.

Newton will take the dab to Santa Clara, Calif.

“We did what a lot of people said we couldn’t do. It’s not over, yet,” Newton said on a stage at Bank of America Stadium while the crowd serenaded him with “MVP!” chants.

Newton completed 19 of 28 passes for 335 yards and two touchdowns, ran for 47 yards and two more scores and dominated the first playoff meeting between two Heisman-winning quarterbacks.

It wasn’t even close, as the Panthers rolled to the highest point total in an NFC Championship Game.

More heroes The Panthers forced Arizona quarterback Carson Palmer into six turnovers — two fumbles and four interceptions. The Cardinals (14-4) finished with seven turnovers as a team, tied for the sixth-most in a playoff game during the Super Bowl era.

Carolina linebacker Luke Kuechly returned the last interception for a 22-yard touchdown for the game’s final points.

Then, because he’s Kue-

DAVID T. FOSTER/CHARLOTTE OBSERVER/TNS

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) yells as he celebrates with the team after winning the NFC Championship over the Arizona Cardinals on Jan. 24 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. chly, he celebrated the score by helping a guy who fell out of the stands to his feet.

There were plenty of other heroes for the Panthers (17-1), who will face Denver (14-4) in Super Bowl 50 on Feb. 7.

Free safety Kurt Coleman had two of the interceptions against Palmer.

Wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr. caught a touchdown and saved another one by running down cornerback Patrick Peterson on Newton’s lone mistake — a second-quarter pass that he floated over tight end Ed Dickson and into Peterson’s arms.

But that was the lone blemish for Newton, who now won’t be able to accept the MVP trophy, given that the NFL’s Honors awards program is the night before the Super Bowl.

No matter. He has the Panthers in position for their first Super Bowl title.

At his best Newton was at his best Sunday, dropping perfectly thrown passes inches over the outstretched hands of defensive backs, running over defenders and dancing to the delight of the 74,000-plus at Bank of America Stadium.

The Cardinals had given up only one rushing touchdown to a quarterback all season. Newton had two before the fourth quarter — a 1-yard stretch across the goal line and a 12-yard somersault into the end zone.

Newton’s flip was extraneous — he bopped center Ryan Kalil on the head on his descent and took an unnecessary shot from safety Rashad Johnson.

Whether he felt emboldened by the $103.8 million extension the Panthers gave him in June or was just tired of the “not a prototypical passer” talk is unclear.

And it doesn’t really matter.

But if there was any question before whether this was Newton’s team, there isn’t anymore.

“When you give a guy a contract like that, what are you saying to him?” general manager Dave Gettleman asked. “You’re saying we believe in you. We trust you. We love you. Here’s the keys to the Lamborghini.”

Newton stepped into the driver’s seat without his top target riding shotgun this season.

Stayed healthy Newton stayed healthy all season, and the yards, touchdowns and victories kept piling up.

Newton will face a tough test in Santa Clara against the Broncos, the NFL’s best defense. The Broncos intercepted Tom Brady twice in Sunday’s 20-18 win in the AFC Championship Game.

But Newton has proved time and again — in the national championship game at Auburn, Sunday against the overmatched Cardinals — he’s at his best in a big game.

It won’t get any bigger than Super Bowl 50.

“I thought of this moment way before this moment,” Newton said.

“You’ve played it out so many times in your head.”

Only this time it’s all very real. And Newton’s ready for his close-up.

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JANUARY 28 – FEBRUARY 3, 2016

Gaps in teacher effectiveness can hurt young minority students

BY FREDDIE ALLEN NNPA NEWS WIRE

Minority and low-income students are less likely to have consistent access to effective teachers between preschool and the third grade than students from high-income households, according to a new report by the Center for American Progress (CAP), a Washington, D.C-based think tank.

Rachel Herzfeldt-Kamprath, a researcher at CAP and a co-author of the report said that research on brain development shows that kids are learning a lot during that time period and gaining foundational skills that they build on throughout the rest of their academic careers.

“So, having continuity across that time period is really important so that the skills are building on each other,” said HerzfeldtKamprath.

Access and earnings The report found that more than 60 percent of children in prekindergarten that come from households earning more than $100,000 have access to highly educated teachers (a bachelor’s degree or higher), while about half (52 percent) of the students in prekindergarten that come from households earning less than $20,000 have access those teachers.

“As children prog-

ress through elementary school, they are slightly more likely to have a highly educated teacher,” the report said. “This is particularly true for children from higher-income families: 60 percent of the highest income second-graders have a teacher with a master’s degree compared to only 46 percent of kindergarteners in the same income group.”

However, only about half of second-graders from households earning less than $50,000 have access to highly educated teachers.

This finding is particularly troubling because studies show that African-American children are more likely to be enrolled in prekindergarten or child care centers that receive food subsidies and are more likely to attend schools in poor neighborhoods than their White peers. According to the report, 70 percent of Black children are enrolled in such programs compared to 28 percent of White children.

Teachers’ pay matters Black children are also more likely to have teachers whose household income is below $50,000 when compared to their White and Asian peers, according to the report.

“In the early childhood field, studies have found both direct and indirect

NNPA NEWS SERVICE

Black children more likely to have teachers whose household income is below $50,000 when compared to their White and Asian peers, according to a new report. links between teachers’ pay and the quality of education provided, with comparatively better-compensated educators creating a higher-quality classroom environment,” the report said.

The report highlighted a number of priorities including increasing access to high-quality prekindergarten programs, raising teacher pay, promoting collaborative professional development and in-service training, and schoollevel support.

“These supports should include both infrastructure supports—such as upto-date textbooks, technology, and developmentally

appropriate classroom materials—as well as environmental supports, including teacher-planning time during the school day; adequate teacher and schooladministrator compensation; and a school community that empowers teachers to be effective,” the report said. “Additionally, teachers need supportive school leaders; access to community social services to address the broader needs of children and families; and alternative approaches to classroom and school discipline.

Choose wisely Herzfeldt-Kamprath said

that parents need to focus on seeking early learning opportunities and highquality child care centers that offer developmentally appropriate practices as part of their curriculum.

“The main takeaway is that we know that learning starts very early for kids and building those foundational skills is hugely important and parents can play as big a role as teachers can,” said HerzfeldtKamprath. “Ensuring that they have access from birth is really critical piece.”

Rebecca Ullrich, who also co-authored the report, said that parents should look for schools or child care centers that are mak-

ing an effort to engage and involve families in their child’s learning.

“Preschool itself isn’t necessarily a one-off shot,” said Herzfeldt-Kamprath.

“We need continuity between prekindergarten and the K-12 system to ensure that kids who get a good quality early education build on the skills that they learned rather than going from a system that takes care of their social and emotional development and their academic skills to an environment that does not necessarily provide the same support that they were receiving.”