Daytona Times - February 09, 2017

Quiz about African-American entertainers SEE PAGE 5

EE FR

JAMES CLINGMAN: HERE’S HOW VOTERS CAN REALLY MAKE BLACK HISTORY PAGE 4

East Central Florida’s Black Voice

PLENTY OF BLACK HISTORY AT MUSEUM’S ANNUAL FESTIVAL SEE PAGE 3

FEBRUARY 9 - FEBRUARY 15, 2017

YEAR 42 NO. 6

www.daytonatimes.com

Shootings spark concern from police, residents According to police, the incidents were domestic disputes that got out of hand.

BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES

Shootings this week at two Daytona Beach apartment complexes have prompted local police to again ask for community assistance in curbing violent crimes.

Police responded to a shooting on Feb. 4 at the Carolina Club Apartments in Daytona Beach.

Dominic Neely 21, has been charged with first-degree murder in the shooting of Anthony Fields, his ex-girlfriend’s father.

Fields’ wife, Chaka, was grazed by a bullet and received non lifethreatening injuries. In addition, Neely was accused of physically assaulting Chakera Fields, his exgirlfriend, according to police reports.

“It’s a domestic violence situation, which is hard to stop. It is not predictable like burglary, car break-ins or robbery,” Daytona Beach Police Chief Craig Capri said about the shootings.

Capri plans to address safety

with residents of the apartment complex.

“We will be meeting with them next week about security measures and possibly more policing,” Capri told the Daytona Times.

Then on Monday, Zachary Shropshire 25, was charged with shooting Steve Leveille in the leg at the Pine Haven Apartment Homes. Leveille’s injury was reported as non life-threatening.

‘Just walk away’ “We are partnering with the State Attorney’s Domestic Violence Unit. They will review ev-

ery case in the 7th Judicial Court Circuit. Daytona probably has 1,500 or more domestic violence cases a year. We are working on creating a domestic violence unit within the department with two detectives that will work specifically domestic violence cases,” commented Capri.

Capri explained, “The community has to be vigilant and press stop the violence. Why do you have to shoot somebody? If you can’t get along, just walk away.’’

He added, “The DBPD (Daytona Beach Police Department) has a great relationship with its community that other police de-

partments envy. We even have a great relationship with the Black community, local NAACP and Black clergy. We want to keep it that way. We have to be vigilant and encourage everyone to stop the violence.”

Past Carolina Club shootings In September 2015, two Bethune-Cookman University students were shot and killed following a dispute with a roommate about rent money at the Carolina Club Apartments.

See CONCERN, Page 2

Volusia to unveil historical state markers for Black schools SPECIAL TO THE DAYTONA TIMES

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

Donna Gray-Banks is surrounded by family, friends and colleagues at the Feb. 3 banquet.

Gray-Banks named New Smyrna Beach’s top employee

BY DAYTONA TIMES STAFF

ity. It was Gray-Banks’ vision for the project.

Donna Gray-Banks has been named the City of New Smyrna Beach’s employee of the year.

Banks, community resource coordinator, is just the second African-American to receive this award from the city. She was honored for her participation on the Railroad Avenue Housing Development, which is located in the historic Westside neighborhood of New Smyrna Beach.

It had been more than 50 years since a new housing development had been built in Westside. It took a collaborative effort by the city, Volusia County and the New Smyrna Beach Housing Authority as well as local residents to make the development a real-

More awards

Dental hygienist Priscilla Montijo gives Maki Irby,10, a goodie bag after his recent visit to the Department of Health in Volusia County’s dental clinic in Daytona Beach.

ALSO INSIDE

The Volusia County Council will unveil the state historical markers for two schools that provided education for AfricanAmerican youth from the 1920s to 1969.

The ceremonies will take place at: • 3:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24, at Malloy Head Start Center (formerly the DeLeon Springs Colored School), 330 E. Retta St., DeLeon Springs • 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, at Coleman Head Start Center (formerly the Orange City Colored School), 200 E. Blue Springs Ave., Orange City The Orange City ceremony will take place directly across the street from the Orange City African-American Heritage Festival in Mill Lake Park.

The schools, which educated hundreds of local students, were funded by the Julius Rosenwald Foundation, the Board of Public Instruction of Volusia County, and local donations. Both are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Early teachers included Marian Coleman and Carrie Malloy, after whom the current Head Start centers are named.

The events are sponsored by See MARKERS, Page 2

More than 45 awards were presented during a New Smyrna Beach employee banquet on Feb. 3 at the Brannon Civic Center.

Other African-Americans recognized at the banquet were Althea Philord Bradley, the city’s finance director for 15 years of service; Otha Wright for 35 years of service; and Eugene Slaton for 10 years of service.

Gray-Banks also received a five-year award at the program.

“I was humbled because 2016 was a year of great loss for me personally, my mothSee AWARD, Page 2

The Employee of the Year award is presented to Donna Gray-Banks.

Above is a class at the Orange City Colored School, which was based in Orange City.

Principal Marian Coleman is in the back row.

Local youth receive free dental care

BY DAYTONA TIMES STAFF

As part of the annual Give Kids A Smile event on Feb. 3, 16 local children received free, comprehensive dental care from the Department of Health in Volusia County.

Dental staff in the Daytona Beach and Orange City offices collectively performed 16 exams and cleanings, 11 fillings, 61 sealants and 15 fluoride treatments.

All patients received nutritional counseling and oral hygiene in-

structions. The value of services provided was nearly $8,000. Patients ranged in age from 9-17.

Preventing cavities According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cavities are one of the nation’s most common chronic childhood conditions. Left untreated cavities can cause pain and infections that may lead to problems with daily activities, including eating, speaking, playing and learning.

The annual Give Kids a Smile

event is held in observance of February’s National Children’s Dental Health Month.

Launched by the American Dental Association (ADA) in 2003, more than five million underserved children have received free oral health services, according to the ADA’s website.

For more information about National Children’s Dental Health Month, visit the American Dental Association website. Additional information also is online at volusiahealth.com/dental.

COMMENTARY: JULIANNE MALVEAUX: TRUMP SHOULD STOP SHADY SOLAR PANEL SALESPEOPLE | PAGE 4 SPORTS: SPRUCE CREEK GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM SHIFTS ATTENTION TO THE PLAYOFFS | PAGE 7

7 FOCUS

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FEBRUARY 9 – FEBRUARY 15, 2017

FPL customers will be hit with hurricane costs

BY JIM TURNER THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

TALLAHASSEE – Whether they took the brunt of Hurricane Matthew or experienced a rainy breeze, Florida Power & Light customers will spend the next year paying for the utility’s response to the early October storm.

The state Public Service Commission on Tuesday approved – with little comment – a $318.5 million request by FPL to cover the costs of restoring power after the storm pummeled parts of the East Coast. Part of the money also will help the company replenish its storm reserve fund, which stood at $93.1 million before Matthew.

The charge will add $3.36 to the monthly bills of typical residential customers who use 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity a month.

The charge will be in place for 12 months.

Still incurring costs The Public Service Commission agreed to let FPL work with the state Office of Public Counsel

to schedule hearings in about a year to determine if the recovery charge has generated enough or more money than needed by the company. If it is more than needed, customers could receive refunds. The Office of Public Counsel represents consumers in utility cases.

FPL attorney John Butler said the company expects to have final numbers on the cost of the recovery effort by the middle of this year.

FPL is “still incurring some costs and we’re still collecting final information on invoicing for costs that were incurred,” Butler told the commission.

With the addition of the storm recovery charge, the typical 1,000-kilowatt hour bill will stand at $102.37 a month starting in March.

Monthly bill up The storm charge follows the commission approval in late 2016 of a four-year $811 million baserate increase that pushed up the typical residential customer’s 1,000-kilowatt hour monthly bill

brunt of Matthew, which did not make landfall in Florida.

By the numbers

CHARLES KING/ORLANDO SENTINEL/TNS

A couple prepares to move out of their Daytona Beach apartment the day after Hurricane Matthew ripped the roof off of the building, on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2016. by $6.93 in January. The base-rate hike will require additional increases in January 2018 and June 2019.

“We understand that no one ever wants to pay higher rates, but fortunately, FPL’s 1,000-kWh customer bill – even with the temporary hurricane recovery surcharge – will continue to be lower than it was in 2006 and approximately 25 percent lower than the nation-

al average,” company spokesman David McDermitt said in a prepared statement Tuesday.

Matthew, a powerful storm that pounded the East Coast on Oct. 6 and Oct. 7, knocked out power to approximately 1.2 million FPL customers. While FPL service was lost as far south as Miami-Dade County, counties to the north such as St. Johns, Flagler, Volusia and Brevard experienced the

Palm Coast deadline to apply for housing grant is Feb. 17 The City of Palm Coast will accept applications for the Housing Rehabilitation grant program through Friday, Feb. 17.

Grant funds are available for qualified individuals who need to repair and upgrade their singlefamily homes to bring the home back up to minimum standards. The repair needs can be interior or exterior. The program is part of the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDGB) program.

To qualify, residents must be homeowners. The home must be the homeowners’ primary residence, and they have to have lived there at least a year.

DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

Otha Wright is honored for 35 years of service to the city.

AWARD from Page 1

er and my nephew died five months apart. It was hard to catch your breath let alone concentrate on

CONCERN from Page 1

According to police reports, York Zed Bodden shot and killed Temisha “Lisa’’ Carswell, 21, and Dionna McDonald, 19.

Bodden also shot and injured Micah Perham. Bodden, a convicted felon, was apprehended in Miami.

According to reports, he committed suicide in a Miami jail cell.

Residents respond Carolina Club residents expressed concern this week about the shootings.

“Of course everybody does have concerns. We do have security but they are only here on the weekends.

That’s all I have to say,” commented Katie Brown.

Shay Johnson remarked,

MARKER from Page 1

the County Council in partnership with the City of Orange City, VIA Orange City Woman’s Club, Orange City African American Heritage Festival, Everybody is Somebody Inc.,

working. But it was the work that kept me going,” Gray-Banks told the Daytona Times about being named employee of the year.

“It was also another open door for other African-Americans to be recognized for their work in

the city and being an African-American female who had been recognized made it extra special,’’ she added.

Gray-Banks, who also is an author, is the creator of the F.R.E.S.H. Book Festival held annually in January since 2012.

“Yes, I am a little bit concerned since the incident happened in the same building that I live in.”

A man who identified himself only as Miami told the Times, “This place does regular rent and income base. They do take Section 8. I am worried a little bit about the kids that play outside daily. I have a son that lives here. My girlfriend wants to move because she doesn’t think this is a good spot for a kid.

Also, most of the shooting incidents have involved people from out of town or don’t live here.”

The Times contacted the manager of the Carolina Club by phone but he would not comment.

Chakera Fields at her parent’s residence. He got into a fight with Chaka Fields 41, Chakera’s mom, according to reports.

Neely then shot and killed 44-year-old Anthony Fields and grazed Chaka Fields was grazed with a bullet to the abdomen and pistol-whipped Chakera, reports reflect.

Chaka Fields was recovering at Halifax hospital from non life-threatening wounds and Chakera sustained a black eye from the incident.

Reports indicate that Neely fled the scene in his vehicle and was later apprehended in Palm Coast with the aid of the Flagler County deputies.

In the second incident, Shrophshire was charged with battery with a deadly weapon. He was being held in the Volusia County Branch jail on $7,500 bond.

More on the shootings Reports say that Neely got into an argument with

DeLeon Springs Community Association, Volusia County Historic Preservation Board, and the West Volusia Historical Society.

Former teachers and students are asked to contact Volusia County’s Community Information Division at 386-822-5062 or pkuehn@volusia.org so they may be recognized at the ceremonies.

CORRECTION In a Feb. 3 story titled “We Cannot Go Backward, the last name of the imam of the Islamic Center of Daytona Beach was incorrect. His correct name is Imam Belal Alzuhiry.

The company estimated that 14,600 company employees and contractors replaced over 250 miles of wire, more than 900 transformers, and over 400 poles, with 99 percent of customers back on line within two days.

FPL based its request to recoup the costs on part of a 2012 settlement agreement in a base-rate case. It said the settlement allows it to collect restoration costs above the amount in a storm reserve and to replenish the reserve.

In filings with the commission, FPL estimated restoration costs at $316.8 million and said it is entitled to recover $293.8 million of that amount from customers after adjustments related, at least in part, to an accounting methodology. The storm reserve partially offset that total, leaving $200.7 million to be recovered.

FPL also contended it was entitled to collect $117.1 million to replenish the storm reserve.

Income guidelines The owner must not be delinquent in his/her mortgage payment and must meet income guidelines. For example, a family of four must make less than $43,200 in order to qualify, and a single individual must earn less than $30,250 to quality.

The application is available on the City of Palm Coast website at http:// www.palmcoastgov.com/ cdbg-app or it can be picked up at Palm Coast City Hall, 160 Lake Ave., during regular business hours.

Completed applications must be submitted to Valerie Bradley’s attention at the Flagler County Government Services Building, 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Building 2, Bunnell. (Applications cannot be ac-

cepted at Palm Coast City Hall.)

For more information, contact Ida Meehan, Senior Planner, at 386-986-2482 or imeehan@palmcoastgov. com.

Allen Chapel men to sell barbecue The Allen Chapel AME Church Men’s Ministry will hold its annual barbecue dinner sale from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 25 in the parking lot of the Allen Chapel AME Church, 580 George W. Engram Blvd.

The dinners start at $6 and includes two sides, dessert, and a beverage.

For more information, call the church MondayThursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 386-255-1195.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE FOR BLACK STUDENTS. NO EXCUSES. The classic guide from Florida Courier publisher, lawyer and broadcaster CHARLES W. CHERRY II PRAISE FOR ‘EXCELLENCE WITHOUT EXCUSE’: “This guide for African-American college-bound students is packed with practical and insightful information for achieving academic success...The primary focus here is to equip students with the savvy and networking skills to maneuver themselves through the academic maze of higher education.”

– 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

3 7

M A YNEWS OR

FEBRUARY 9 – FEBRUARY 15, 2017 COMMUNITY DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006

Palm Coast expert on Black history will speak at library event Lionel Holder, education chairman at the African American Cultural Society, often speaks of the members of its speakers bureau, educating “the community, utilizing presentations, lectures and group discussions relative to African and African-American contributions to world civilizations and our nation.”

Fast forward: Robert Whiting, an independent speaker, as well as the organization’s bureau speaker, will be featured at the Ormond Beach Public Library for Black History Month, the brainchild of promoters Linda Epps and Lawrence Green.

That’s Feb. 10 and 12, 2 to 4 p.m., at the library, 30 South Beach St., Ormond Beach.

Whiting, a Washington, D.C. native, graduated magna cum laude with a business administration degree from the University of the District of Columbia.

He earned an MBA with a concentration in finance and investments from George Washington University.

He has worked for several agencies within the federal government and retired as a senior executive in 2001. Moreover, he has worked in the private sector, becoming a vice president, and retiring in 2005.

Whiting relocated to Palm Coast and has worked as a wealth manager and financial consultant to banks.

Scholar on Africa and Egypt

For 40 years, he has researched Africa, particularly the Nile Valley Civilizations. He’s an Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity brother, professional jazz musician with his own band, and he plays competitive tennis.

Whiting studied the Medu Netcher (Egyptian hieroglyphs) under Ankh Mi Ra’s tutelage, who is the only African-American to write a grammar book on the ancient African language.

Whiting has sat at the feet of some of the world’s most preeminent African scholars and has engaged in a study tour of Ke-

PALM COAST COMMUNITY NEWS PHOTO COURTESY OF JOE J. ZAIA

JEROLINE D. MCCARTHY

met (Egypt) with internationally renowned Nile Valley Civilization scholar/lecturer Dr. Charles Finch.

Whiting has lectured at universities, high schools, mentoring programs, fraternities, sororities, and for community groups and churches. Whiting will discuss “The Human Family Tree.”

Above is a view of the Eighth Flagler Ecumenical Celebration of Unity in Prayer and Song at the Santa Maria del Mar Catholic Church, Flagler Beach. orful, commemorative journal that will be available.

The Afro-American Caribbean Heritage Organization (AACHO) has invited the public for the free entertainment at the African American Cultural Society, 4422 North U.S. 1, Palm Coast.

Catch ‘Ms. Jackie’s Bus’ on Feb. 18

You’ll get where playwright Anthony “Tony” Felton is taking you during the presentation of “Ms. Jackie’s Bus.” The play will take place at the Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center, Feb. 18, 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. The theater is at 399 North U.S. 1, Ormond Beach.

Felton also directs the play, bringing into the spotlight Melinda Morais as assistant director.

Local thespians will be performing, and Felton and Morais have exercised great character skills: Kendrick, a senior, star athlete at Flagusia High School, is the most popular student on campus.

He is confident, funny, and personable. Yet, will he allow distractions to derail a promising future?

Priscilla is adored by everyone, even the teacher. But she holds a secret, known only to one other student, whom she’s sworn to secrecy.

Until recently, Amber, who was homeless, is on the verge of losing touch with reality. If it were not for the only two people that she trusts, she would surely become institutionalized and lost in the juvenile system.

And, Ms. Jackie, the bus driver, has taken on the monumental task of keeping everyone on track!

Tickets are $15 for adults, and $12 for students, which may be

Youth’s Reality Show returns Feb. 19

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROBERT WHITING

Robert Whiting will be the featured speaker for Black History Month at the Ormond Beach Public Library. purchased by calling the box office at 386-676-3375.

It’s a presentation by Just 4 U Productions, Inc., a 501©(3) nonprofit. The proceeds from donations and ticket sales will support theatrical workshops and scholarships.

Black Heritage Day in Palm Coast

Head on out to the Black Heritage Day Festival, Feb. 18, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

It’s the behind-the-scenes direction of a color guard, local speaker and dignitaries, youth groups and choirs, a martial arts demonstration, dancers, vendors, and plenty of food.

The festival explores the music by deejay Ronald Robinson.

The opening ceremony will take place at 1 p.m., and there’s a col-

Young thespians will disseminate the rich heritage of African-American history by adapting scenes with the most formidable African-American achievers. Youth from local churches, sororities, and the communityat-large will take part in the 14th Annual Youth Black History Reality Show, Feb. 19, 4 p.m.

The show is sponsored by the Youth Black History Reality Committee of the African American Cultural Society, 4422 North U.S. 1, Palm Coast.

It’s free admission, but donations will be accepted.

Donations will be accepted for a college scholarship program to support the post-secondary, educational goals of the youth participating in the show. Scholarship donations will be accepted by calling 386-447-3218 or online at www.aacspc.eventbrite.com.

Unity service donations help needy

Dr. Chau T. Phan writes about donations raking in on Jan. 21 at the Eighth Flagler Ecumenical Celebration of Unity in Prayer and Song. Congregations and choirs from the area worshiped together at Santa Maria del Mar Catholic Church in Flagler Beach.

Dr. Phan of the Christian Unity Ministry of Santa Maria del Mar

Catholic Church is also the Associate Diocesan Ecumenical Officer of the Catholic Diocese of St. Augustine. Dr. Phan conducted the plans that called for the service and the reception that followed.

Nicholas Carrube, manager of Santa Maria del Mar Catholic Church, is happy to report that “love donations totaling $2,256 were received during the Eighth Flagler Ecumenical Celebration of Unity in Prayer and Song, and will be going to the ‘Aid to the Church in Need.’”

The churches and choirs that gathered in support of Christian unity were: First (AME) Church of Palm Coast, Nathaniel Shropshire, music director; Flagler Beach United Methodist Church, Kirsten Shippert, music director; Hammock Community Church, Palm Coast, Karen Hegerty, music director; Mt. Calvary Baptist Church of Palm Coast, Adrian Worsley, music director; St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church of Palm Coast, Richard Dittus, music director; St. Mark by the Sea Lutheran Church, Palm Coast, Jane Mason, music director; St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Palm Coast, Carole Heller, music director; Santa Maria del Mar Catholic Church, Flagler Beach, Larry Gleason, music director, and Alana Fitzgerald, adult choir director.

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

Celebrations Birthday wishes to Randolph Greene, Feb. 9; Lillian Gaddis, Feb. 12; Frank Quarterman III, and Candace S. Price, Feb. 14.

Plenty of Black history at New Smyrna festival The 26th Annual Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Festival took place from Feb. 3-5 at Pettis Park.

The free festival was presented by the Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum also known as the Heritage House.

The first day was filled with tours of the museum and the historic shotgun house, which is located in Pettis Park. Dr. Evelyn Bethune opened the ceremonies with the “Star Spangled Banner’’ and ended her musical set with “Trouble of the World” by Maha-

lia Jackson.

The first day was filled with music and vendors with an assortment of items to be purchased.

On day two, there was poetry, a soloist and music from the local group Packrat and the Smoke House Band.

The last day of the festival ended with gospel music from local choirs. The music of DJ Clark Sounds also penetrated the festival the entire weekend.

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

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7 EDITORIAL

FEBRUARY 9 – FEBRUARY 15, 2017

How to really make Black history It’s that time again, y’all. Black History Month! The time of year when we celebrate our history.

History has shown us what our ancestors have done, but we must take their victories to a higher level by building upon what they have done – not just talking about it.

Articles coming This month willing, I will write four articles on making Black history, and offer ways to improve on what has already been done by following the paths left by our people and building something. Then, next year this time, we will have more to celebrate – something our children can see in their present rather than in their past.

This first feature of “Making Black History” is centered on a call being put forth by THE One Million Conscious and Conscientious Black Contributors and Voters (OMCCBCV). It’s the impact of millions of Black voters going to their respective boards of elections and changing their registration designation to “No Party Affiliation” (NPA). Now that is a great way to make Black History, rather than sit back and reflect on the Black history made by our progenitors.

The original NPA idea came from co-convener of THE One Million, Amefika Geuka, who recently discussed with me a mass

JAMES CLINGMAN TRICE EDNEY NEWS WIRE

movement by Black voters to declare our independence of dominant political parties. We decided to launch the effort this Black History Month.

Go NPA We want at least One Million Black voters, in the next 90 days, to register “NPA,” thereby serving notice on all politicians that Black folks will no longer be their puppets and will no longer be ignored.

Changing our designation to NPA will strengthen us collectively and give us the power to leverage our votes for our own best interests – our “permanent interests” – as a viable and independent voting bloc. It will let politicians know that we are serious about “quid pro quo” (something for something), which they understand all too well.

Now, I understand that many Black people who are died-inthe-wool Dems or Repubs will never register as NPA, but this is not about waiting for or even trying to coax all Black voters to comply with this very sensible

Trump should stop shady solar panel salespeople As a progressive who worked hard to help get Secretary Hillary Clinton elected, it is challenging for me to accept Donald Trump as president. But he won.

At least for now, I have to make the best of a bad situation. Which means progressives like have to both resist the Trump administration’s odious policies, and also pressure – and even cooperate with – the administration to implement policies that reflect our worldview.

Important letter This is why I was interested to see a recent letter sent to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) by three Democratic congressmen. Signed by Henry Cuellar of Texas, Emmanuel Cleaver of Missouri and Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, it asked the CFPB to look into bad

DR. JULIANNE MALVEAUX TRICE EDNEY NEWS WIRE

actors operating in the rooftop solar industry.

What we are talking about here are those salespeople that go door-to-door and bombard consumers with telemarketing calls urging put solar panels on their rooftops.

For some people, rooftop solar makes both environmental and financial sense. This is why I support the industry.

But what concern me and those three congressmen are the shady operators that mislead potential customers about cost-sav-

A break of faith Not long ago, MSNBC was the first network I turned on in the morning and the last I turned off at night. As opportunities allowed, I was a loyal viewer throughout the day. I counted on it as a primary source of unbiased reporting and great discussions of issues of importance and interest to me.

I gave mixed reviews to the “Morning Joe” show. I watched it because Mika Brzezinski routinely counters Joe’s more extreme viewpoints. I guess that association does bring about assimilation because at some point, the show began leaning more right than left. So I switched to CNN to start my mornings.

Faithful viewer Later in the morning, I switched to MSNBC to watch Tamron Hall. I quickly became

DR. E. FAYE WILLIAMS, ESQ. TRICE EDNEY NEWS WIRE

a fan and faithful viewer. Her reporting was crisp and concise, and I loved the incisiveness of her interviews.

I was rarely able to watch afternoon news unless there was significant “Breaking News.” Before his evening show was canceled, when possible I watched Rev. Al on “Politics Nation.”

Any time of day or evening, I would watch Joy Ann Reid and her excellent reporting. Chris Matthews even said she was the smartest person he knew. Because Joy Ann often filled in or did commentary for one of the

VISUAL VIEWPOINT: DEVOS APPOINTED EDUCATION SECRETARY

and simple strategy.

A critical mass of Black voters, willing to close ranks around Congressman Bill Clay’s famous assertion: “We have no permanent friends and no permanent enemies, just permanent interests,” will give us the leverage we must have, nationally and locally, to determine the outcomes of various elections and gain reciprocity from those whom we support.

So, this is my first recommendation on how we MAKE Black history this month instead of just celebrating it and being told what our history is via commercials, sales, and folks with very little or no Black history.

What about imprisonment?

A case in point is the recent tweet by Vice President Mike Pence, who wrote, “As Black History Month begins we remember when President Lincoln submitted the 13th Amendment, ending slavery, to the states.” Say what!?

He suggests we celebrate Black History by acknowledging a White man – someone who did not end slavery by “submitting the 13th Amendment.” I wrote to Pence and suggested that in keeping with his “Lincoln freed the slaves” theme, that he should make history by calling for the Exceptions Clause to be removed from the 13th Amendment. Then

ing benefits of installing those panels.

Three concerns First, new customers may be unaware that the panels can cost upwards of $15,000 and that until that money, they will have an additional lien against their home, making it harder to sell and decreasing its value. For Americans barely getting by, and counting on every dollar of equity in their house, this is problematic.

Second, salespeople sometimes tell customers that they will save a lot of money on their utility bill. In reality, many people’s electric bills are coming down, stabilizing or going up single digits. This is because of the cheap and abundant natural gas used to produce electricity.

Solar panel customers don’t see any savings on electric bills, but have to pay back the cost of buying or leasing the panels. Every month, people are out of pocket more, not less.

Third, many solar panel sales pitches include promises of “no money down” and other pressure sales tactics. Anyone who has ever dealt with a shady salesperson knows that these tactics are not the tools of an honest broker.

late evening hosts, there was little chance of my switching channels in the evening.

Like Matthews For a long time, I’ve faithfully watched Matthews. His excellent reporting earned him my forgiveness when he occasionally went off course. I continue to watch MSNBC for the rest of the evening because I absolutely love Chris Hayes, Rachel Maddow and Lawrence O’Donnell.

They never disappoint, except recently when Rachel tried to ‘sell’ us on Greta Van Susteren! I forgave her for what I assumed to be her kindness in welcoming a new colleague.

Noticing a gradual shift to the right, I thought that MSNBC was overreaching in an attempt to create greater “balance” in reporting. Now I find myself viewing a network that has two new hires from FOX – Megyn Kelly and Greta Van Susteren – who’ve been most dishonest and dis-

TAYLOR JONES, POLITICALCARTOONS.COM

slavery in all forms and under all circumstances –especially for those “duly convicted of crimes” – would be eliminated. Don’t you just hate condescension?

Johnson agrees The call for us to register NPA is also in line with the advice business mogul Bob Johnson gave in his interview with me. I will be reaching out to him to be the national honorary chairman of this effort.

Meanwhile, just go do it. We don’t need fanfare or hoopla.

James E. Clingman is the nation’s most prolific writer on economic empowerment for Black people. His latest book, “Black Dollars Matter! Teach Your Dollars How to Make More Sense,” is available on his website, Blackonomics.com, and Amazon Kindle eBooks.

Predatory loan?

Republicans “in honor” of Black History Month, but he made no specific commitments. It would have been fantastic had he taken this small issue on, signaling that he understands the exploitation that some communities experience because of this solar chicanery.

The solar industry generates more than 200,000 jobs across the nation. While Donald Trump might not be concerned about producing energy, he says he cares about protecting American workers.

That is why I am urging his administration and the CFPB to take steps to eliminate the bad actors in rooftop solar. Unless we do, people will catch on and walk away from solar. That will hurt our economy and impair the fight to beat climate change.

Hopefully these concerns are enough for the new administration to act.

Plus, as the Wall Street Journal exposed, many solar panel salespeople are pitching so-called government loans that can be used to help make homes more energy-efficient.

In reality, these Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) loans give creditors top priority on securing repayment – even priority over a mortgage. No wonder, according to the Journal, that PACE loans are likely “the fastest-growing type of financing in the U.S.” The title of the article should make us all fearful: “America’s Fastest Growing Loan Category Has Eerie Echoes of Subprime Crisis.”

The CFPB letter from Congressmen Cleaver, Cuella and Thompson illustrates why this regulatory agency is important.

Action against these shady rooftop solar companies (who seem to target communities of color) is one way that this administration could showcase its commitment to the working people who supported it.

No commitments President Trump hosted a “listening session” with some Black

respectful to everything I care about.

There are few who can forget Megyn Kelly’s overly-enthusiastic assertion that “Jesus is White.”

If she cared to visit the volumes of evidence to the contrary or read the biblical description of Jesus, she might be a little less cocky.

Van Susteren was no better with her assertion that the Obama administration “went stupid” by creating a “completely unnecessary fight” by kicking Andrew Jackson off the $20-dollar bill. She said, “Give Tubman her own bill. Like a $25 bill.” Her disrespect for Harriett Tubman conveys both racial and antifeminist overtones.

Blacks leave Along with these hires, I have also watched MSNBC’s systematic removal or displacement of the few Blacks with significant hosting duties at the network.

Melissa Harris-Perry was dis-

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.

Dr. Glenn W. Cherry, Sales Manager

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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

Get to your respective registration board and change your party affiliation to “NPA.” Let’s stop accepting someone else’s interpretation of Black History. Let’s make our own.

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

MEMBER

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National Newspaper Publishers Association

Society of Professional Journalists

National Newspaper Association

Associated Press

Julianne Malveaux is a Washington, D.C.-based economist and writer. Her latest book, “Are We Better Off? Race, Obama and Public Policy,” is available at www.juliannemalveaux.com.

placed. Al Sharpton has been relegated to one hour per week. Joy Ann Reid’s contract expires next month and her show’s future is in limbo. And as of January 31, Tamron Hall has left the network because the 9-10 a.m. “Today Show” segment she co-hosted with Al Roker has been taken to accommodate the interests of Megyn Kelly.

Sadly, the NBC and MSNBC networks have made a 180-degree shift from the programming that earned them a faithful viewer. So many people who gave me a reason to watch are either gone or leaving.

I am left to ask, “Why are we still watching MSNBC when the network seems unconcerned about keeping Black talent in secure or prominent positions?

Dr. E. Faye Williams is national chair of the National Congress of Black Women, Inc. Contact her via www.nationalcongressbw.org.

Central Florida Communicators Group, LLC, P.O. Box 48857 Tampa, FL 33646, publishes the Florida Courier on Fridays. Phone: 877-352-4455, toll-free. For all sales inquiries, call 877-352-4455; e-mail sales@flcourier.com.

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The Daytona Times reserves the right to edit any submission, and crop any photograph, for style and clarity. Materials will not be returned.

FEBRUARY 9 – FEBRUARY 15, 2017

5 7

BLACK HISTORY DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006 M AMONTH YOR

How much do you know about Black leaders in arts and entertainment? Take our test and find out.

Louis Armstrong. Denzel Washington. Oprah Winfrey.

Black Americans, all, who’ve left a vital, indelible mark in the world of entertainment.

But that’s just a start. For Black History Month, we offer a board game on important people in the arts. Use this game to test how much you know. Or use it to learn something.

By working your way around the board, you’ll meet fascinating people who’ve made remarkable contributions to literature, music, dance, television and film.

Some questions are about people living today, so current you can see them on TV, in movies or concerts. Others focus on people from the past, their stories found in books or on the Internet.

OK, everybody ready? You

need one die and playing pieces for each team (coins for one team, buttons for the other, for example) to mark the squares. The game ends when every square has a marker. It might be helpful to have a nonplayer checking answers.

Here’s how to play: Divide into two teams and flip a coin to see who goes first.

The first team throws the die and moves the appropriate spaces. If the team answers the question correctly, place a marker on that square (the marker remains throughout the game). If the team gets it wrong, the other team tries to answer that question and mark the square. If no team answers the question correctly, the square remains empty for this round. The second

9

10

Which record company, founded

by Berry Gordy (right), launched Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, and Martha Reeves and the Vandellas?

Atlantic Motown

team then throws the die and proceeds around the board.

(Note: Each turn begins at the open square after the last question asked. For instance: The first team rolls a three and lands on the question about the Pulitzer Prize winning playwright. The next team starts counting with the fourth square. Let’s say that team rolls at two. The team’s question will be about the St. Louis dancer.)

Teams continue throwing the die and moving around the board, skipping squares filled with markers. Teams will have to travel around the board more than once to hit every square. The team with the most markers on the board wins.

But if you’ve learned something along the way, how can you lose?

1

She was the first Black performer to win an Oscar for her controversial role as Mammy in the epic film “Gone With the Wind.”

Sun

Hattie McDaniel

Chess

Cicely Tyson

Called “Poet Laureate of Harlem,” he rose to prominence during the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s.

Richard Wright

Eddie Rochester Anderson

Ernest Gaines

Leslie Uggams

James Weldon Johnson Langston Hughes

8

2

Famed comedian who co-starred in “Silver Streak” and “Harlem Nights” and won Grammy Awards for his comedy albums.

This hip-hop innovator who started her career as the lead singer of the Fugees won five Grammy Awards in 1999 for her solo work.

BY LIZ DOUP AND MARGO HARAKAS SUN-SENTINEL, SOUTH FLORIDA ILLUSTRATIONS BY BONNIE LALLKY-SEIBERT

Redd Foxx

Richard Pryor

Lauryn Hill

Whitney Houston

Chris Rock

Eddie Murphy

Lil’ Kim

Queen Latifah

7

3

The artist and professor is known for her “story quilts,” including “Tar Beach,” which shows a child soaring through the clouds over Harlem.

This playwright and civil rights activist won two Pulitzer Prizes, for “Fences” in 1986 and “The Piano Lesson” in 1990.

Faith Ringgold

Margaret Burroughs

Charles Fuller

Alice Childress

Betye Saar

Elizabeth Catlett

August Wilson

Langston Hughes

He photographed for Life magazine, authored about a dozen books and directed several motion pictures, including 1971’s “Shaft.”

Bill Cosby

Robert Townsend

Gordon Parks

Sidney Poitier

SOURCES: THE WORLD BOOK ENCYCLOPEDIA; BRITANNICA.COM; “BLACK WOMEN IN AMERICA”; THE NEGRO ALMANAC; SUN-SENTINEL RESEARCHER BARBARA HIJEK.

4

5

Since her start in TV news in Nashville, she’s built a media empire that includes a TV show, a magazine and movies.

Born in St. Louis, she danced her way across the United States, then moved to France and became the toast of Paris.

Lena Horne

Josephine Baker

Melba Moore

Leslie Uggams

Cicely Tyson

Diahann Carroll

Ruby Dee

Oprah Winfrey

ANSWERS: 1-D, 2-A, 3-B, 4-D, 5-C, 6-B, 7-A, 8-C, 9-B, 10-A

6

7 CLASSIFIEDS

FEBRUARY 9 – FEBRUARY 15, 2017

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M ASPORTS YOR

FEBRUARY 9 – FEBRUARY 15, 2017 DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006

Hill and Smith power new ESPN show ‘SC6 with Black hosts made its debut this week

BY STEPHEN BATTAGLIO LOS ANGELES TIMES/TNS

BRISTOL, Conn. – A glance at the stage light boxes on the set of ESPN’s “SportsCenter” reveals the passions of its new, early evening hosts Michael Smith and Jemele Hill.

Photos or illustrations of Prince, Michael Jordan, Tommie Smith and John Carlos — the track stars who protested at the 1968 Summer Olympics — the Notorious B.I.G. and Bob Marley are displayed alongside some personal and professional snaps, including one with former President and First Lady Barack and Michelle Obama.

Smith mentions a few more he wants added on a break during a recent rehearsal at the sports network’s headquarters.

“I really want the place to feel like our home, not just a studio,” the New Orleans native and former Boston Globe sports columnist said. “The inspiration was: ‘How would we decorate it if we were roommates somewhere?’”

Personalities count That Smith and Hill have input on the look of their “SportsCenter” — which is known as “SC6 with Michael and Jemele” — is also a statement about the evolution of ESPN’s signature news show.

As game highlights and scores are instantly accessible on computers and mobile devices, “SportsCenter” has moved toward featuring distinctive personalities whom viewers will tune in for even if they know the results of events.

The format shift has already worked on the midnight Eastern edition hosted by Scott Van Pelt, who gives the program a latenight comedy feel with running gags and humorous intros. It’s regularly the most-watched program in its time slot among men ages 18 to 34.

ESPN management has tapped Smith and Hill to lead the next iteration of that transition. Their partnership did not come out of a research department focus group or an executive retreat.

From ‘His & Hers’ Both are veteran newspaper sports columnists who joined ESPN as writers and became regulars on such discussion shows as “Around the Horn” and “The Sports Reporters.”

As they became colleagues and friends, they started their own podcast in 2011 called “His & Hers,” identified by a stylized logo with Smith’s rectangularframed college prof specs and

COURTESY OF ESPN

Michael Smith and Jemele Hill started their own podcast in 2011 called “His & Hers.’’ Now they’re the hosts of an ESPN news show, “SC6’ with Michael and Jemele.’’ Along with games, expect them to discuss diversity, politics, social justice and so much more.

Hill’s no-nonsense hair bun.

They were not compensated for the podcast, but it gained fans internally and eventually paid off big time. By 2014, Smith’s previous ESPN2 show, the statisticsdriven “Numbers Never Lie,” was renamed “His & Hers” and added Hill as his co-host.

Real talk In an era when vein-bulging, finger-pointing debates are filling hours of sports talk programming, Hill and Smith often agree and never take an opposing view just for the sake of creating provocative television.

The approach hardly puts them at a disadvantage. They are powered by the wound-up energy that comes from years of turning out columns and stories under tight newspaper deadlines.

“The conversations they have on television are the same conversations they have when nobody is watching,” said Rob King, senior vice president of “SportsCenter” and news for ESPN. “They really talk with each other and they manage to surprise each other.”

Not a couple People who discover Smith and Hill typically think they are a couple, have been a couple, or are secretly a couple. Check none of the above.

“If we were ever in a relationship this show would not work the way it does,” said Smith, a

37-year-old married father of three children. “She would have killed me, probably.”

“I’m the pettier person,” adds Hill, 41, who grew up poor in Detroit before starting her journalism career while attending Michigan State. “I would never have worked with him. There are plenty of exes that I’m cool with that I don’t want to be around.” (She is in a relationship with a man referred to only as “Ole Boy.”)

More than sports But the duo is aware that they are a rarity — if not a first — in TV outside of local news: a malefemale African American cohost team on a national program where they determine the content.

Along with a breakdown of the previous night’s games, they have used their platform to talk about diversity, social justice, domestic violence and other issues whether they are related to sports or not.

“We’re really in a comfortable, happy place because it’s not like we’re stuck in a sports box,” said Smith. “It’s not like we have a wandering eye and say, ‘I wish we could talk about this.’ We do it here.”

On politics Hill, who has shown up as a guest on cable news shows, believes the mix of politics and sports is unavoidable at a time when the media is saturated by the ramifications of the histor-

ic election of President Donald Trump.

“If Donald Trump is bragging and boasting at every opportunity about his friendship with (New England Patriots quarterback) Tom Brady, it has to become a sports story,” she said.

“Tom Brady with a ‘Make America Great Again’ hat in his locker — he has made it a sports story. Whether we want it to be or not — the figures in sports are dragging us into these conversations because they are reacting to what’s happening in our society.”

A lighter side The political comments of Smith and Hill — on TV and in social media — have led the right-wing website Breitbart News to monitor their show and use it to promote the idea that ESPN has become a bastion of liberal bias.

“Yeah, this is where all the flaming liberals and hippies are walking around smoking weed in the hallways,” she said, her voice heavy with sarcasm at the notion, which she considers ridiculous.

Fans of “His & Hers” are well aware that Hill and Smith have a much lighter side. As pop culture obsessives, they have produced and starred in elaborate parodies of iconic films such as “Coming to America,” “Boyz n the Hood,” and “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy.”

Lucius and Cookie In a spot-on takeoff of the hit TV drama “Empire,” Smith and Hill have a boardroom clash as Lucious and Cookie Lyon. Let’s just say if Fox executives ever need a backup for Taraji P. Henson, they should give Hill’s agent a call.

The spoofs will be crossing over to their new show. In the opening titles for “SC6 With Michael and Jemele,” Smith and Hill will be re-creating their favorite 1980s sitcoms. They recently shot one of them in the lobby and hallways outside of their studio.

“You know what’s hilarious about this place?” said Hill, who asked that the show homage be kept a surprise. “I’m walking around in lingerie and nobody’s asking why.”

Tribute to mentors As the launch date for their new show got closer, Smith and Hill thought a lot about Stuart Scott and John Saunders, the veteran Black ESPN anchors who both died in the last two years.

Both were big supporters of Smith and Hill and encouraged ESPN executives to increase the pair’s exposure.

“Stuart was once watching ‘His & Hers’ and he called Michael’s phone to say, ‘Man, you two are going to do big things,’” Hill recalled.

“Michael still has the voicemail.

It will make me tear up if I hear it.

Stuart would be so proud of us.”

Spruce Creek girls win district hoops title

BY ANDREA BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES

Heading into the season, there was no doubt that the Spruce Creek High School girls basketball team was talented. The question was, would it show when needed?

The Hawks beat Flagler Palm Coast (FPC) 62-44 on Feb. 4 to win the district 9A-1 title.

“I thought over the past few years we were good enough to win the district and some games in the playoffs. To get it done this year is great. The kids work hard year in and year out,” said Head Coach Kelvin Hamm.

During the tournament, Spruce Creek (19-8) also beat Jacksonville Mandarin 73-27 in the semifinal.

“We started hitting shots. We shortened our rotation a little bit.

We also played a lot better offensively. We struggled offensively early in the year,” said Hamm.

Getting the job done A district title is bittersweet for players like senior guard Irelynn Davisson, who has been on the varsity team for four years.

“It’s great to finally get the job done and have this accomplishment,” said Davisson, the team captain and leading scorer.

It’s good for me, but I can’t do it without my teammates. Actually we all can score. We have had different leading scorers in many games,’’ she remarked.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS Other top players The Port Orange team also has one of the top players in the area in junior point guard Jayla Adams.

“I know it’s a bull’s-eye on me. I just go out there and play. I know that if we win it proves that I am one of the best players,” responded Adams.

Senior forward KeAubree Edwards is an athletic rebounder at 5’10”.

“It doesn’t matter the size or the talent of the player even if they are a Division I recruit. It’s going to be a fight for the rebound, to score on me and for them to stop me from scoring,” stated Edwards.

Hamm added, “KeAubree is undersized, but she is a beast on the boards. Jayla is a playmaker and a big part of what we do. Irelynn makes it go. She has those leadership qualities. Her impact over the last month has been really big. She even keeps me in line sometimes.”

‘A close bond’ Junior guard Yoke Tassent and freshman guard Delayna Gillard are also important to the team.

“Yoke can score and defend.

Iliana has become a two guard and another ball handler for us,” said Hamm.

The girls know that this team is special.

COURTESY OF SPRUCE CREEK HIGH SCHOOL

The Spruce Creek girls team has developed a close bond, according to members.

“We play as one and we work together. We are all dedicated. We pick each other up and we play for each other,” said Edwards.

Davisson echoed, “We have a close bond. Also, we have a good coach who has our back on and off the court. We’re like a family.”

“We lost to Apopka, Jones (Orlando) and Lake Highland Prep (Orlando). I thought all those games were winnable. We just came out not ready to play. I think that helped us in the long run. It showed that we were talented but had to come and play every day,” recalls Hamm.

Lesson from losses

Regional play

The team’s ability could be seen long before the season.

“I knew the possibilities from the summer. The group of kids that we had coming back with the new kids that we had what it takes to win,” Hamm noted.

Edwards agrees,” Even over the summer as we worked out, we just knew that the team had the talent.”

In early December, a threegame losing streak had the Hawks at a low.

Spruce Creek now shifts its attention to the playoffs.

The Hawks host Winter Springs (22-4) in the opening round (regional quarterfinal) on Feb. 9, which was after the Daytona Times’ deadline.

The winner faces the winner of Flagler Palm Coast (14-11) and Oviedo (22-5) in the regional semifinals on Feb. 14.

The regional finals will take place on Feb. 17. The Final Four takes place on Feb. 24 and the

state final also is Feb. 24 in Lakeland.

“We have to play hard. If we play hard every night and play our best, I think that we have a chance at the Final Four. If we continue to play at this level, we will be tough to beat,” said Hamm.

Adams agrees, “We have to execute. We’ve all bought into the system. We got to stick to our way of playing and continue to do what makes us successful.”

Other local teams that made the state playoffs include Flagler Palm Coast (9A), Father Lopez (7A), New Smyrna Beach (7A), Deltona Trinity (3A), Warner Christian (3A), and Ormond Beach Calvary Christian (2A).

For the playoff bracket and schedule, visit www.fhsaa.org.

R8

7BLACK HISTORY MONTH

FEBRUARY 9 – FEBRUARY 15, 2017 was a teenager.

“The starting point of the movie are the words of a person, a great author, James Baldwin,” Peck said at The Hollywood Reporter’s Documentary Oscar Roundtable. “My job was to put myself in the background. I knew those words since I was 15 years old.

“If I can summarize the essential part of Baldwin, it is the ability and obligation to always question whatever truth is put in front of you. Beginning with images, beginning with stories, beginning with cinema. This is something that I learned very early on,” Peck told a reporter. “And Baldwin gave me the words and the instruments to do that, to be able to deconstruct whatever was put in front of me—ideology, stories, narrative—very concretely.”

Left America

In 1979, author James Baldwin wrote a 30-page letter outlining a biography of slain civil rights leaders Medgar Evers, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr. Although Baldwin’s manuscript was never completed, his letter and other writings serve as fuel for an examination of race relations in America. “I Am Not Your Negro,’’ about Baldwin, is nominated for an Academy Award in the best feature documentary category.

Director reflects on Baldwin’s eloquence, impact

BY LAUREN VICTORIA BURKE NNPA NEWSWIRE

On the first day of Black History Month, the National Museum of African American History and Culture premiered the Oscarnominated documentary “I Am Not Your Negro,” which features commentary by James Baldwin.

The film is a tribute to the stag-

gering contribution of one of America’s greatest men of letters.

Director Raoul Peck spent 10 years completing the film.

The documentary was inspired by one of Baldwin’s unfinished manuscripts regarding his friendships and views on three of his friends: Medgar Evers, Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. None of the three would live

Raoul Peck

to see their 40th birthday. Medgar Evers was assassinated in 1963 in Jackson, Miss.; Malcolm X was assassinated in 1965 in New York City; King was assassinated in 1968 in Memphis, Tenn.

Changed director’s life At the heart of the film, the jarring documentary provides Baldwin’s sociopolitical observations and showcases the writer’s eloquence and directness as a communicator.

Peck credits Baldwin with changing his life after he read “The Fire Next Time” when he

Baldwin was an American social critic, novelist, essayist, playwright and poet. His essays, as collected in “Notes of a Native Son” (1955), explore issues of race and class differences in a poignant, sometimes provocative way. His books include “The Fire Next Time” (1963), “Giovanni’s Room” (1965), “No Name in the Street” (1972), and “The Devil Finds Work” (1976).

There hasn’t been anyone who has been able to duplicate the power of Baldwin since his death at 63 in France in 1987. Baldwin confronted the “moral monsters” of racism in the United States and dealt with the complex social and psychological pressures confronting Black people in America. Baldwin often challenged White Americans on the question of racism.

“It does matter any longer what you do to me,” Baldwin said in an interview in 1965. “The problem now is how are you going to save yourselves?”

Lauren Victoria Burke is a political analyst who speaks on politics and African American leadership. She is also a frequent contributor to the NNPA Newswire and BlackPressUSA.com. Connect with Lauren by email at LBurke007@ gmail.com and on Twitter at @ LVBurke.

Film series continues at college Daytona State College is continuing its film series of rare African-American filmmakers. They are being 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 AfricanAmerican 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 mid-April.

All films begin at 6 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.

Film schedule 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

It’s a

to be on your list today.