Daytona Times - April 14, 2016

Local singers take Motown to Ormond stage SEE PAGE 3

EE FR

CHARLENE CROWELL: Deceptive debt collectors target veterans and military families SEE PAGE 4

East Central Florida’s Black Voice

B-CU SCHEDULING TOURS OF NEW RESIDENCE HALL SEE PAGE 2

APRIL 14 - APRIL 20, 2016

YEAR 41 NO. 15

www.daytonatimes.com

Free summit to tackle health issues affecting Black men

BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES

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

Operation Safe Surrender helped residents with issues relating to their driver’s licenses, identification card renewals and replacements, name and address changes, vehicle registration renewal and purchase of specialty license plates.

Cloud lifted for residents with a record

Pastor Derrick Harris and Greg Hall were among those assisting residents seeking to clear their records during Tuesday’s Operation Safe Surrender.

Volusians with warrants, legal issues get help, peace of mind during Operation Safe Surrender

BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES

Local authorities have dubbed this year’s Operation Safe Surrender a success.

Sixty-four Volusia County residents took advantage of the event held at Master’s Domain Church of God in Christ in Daytona Beach on April 12.

“It was a success. Special thanks to all those involved with this event. We even had people outside waiting even before we started. Our goal was to serve at least 100 people,” said the Rev. Derrick Harris, president of Daytona Beach’s Black Clergy Alliance and pastor of Master’s Domain.

Only one person was arrested at the event sponsored by the Black Clergy Alliance and the Daytona Beach Police Department (DBPD).

Political strategist to speak at B-CU’s spring commencement COMPILED BY DAYTONA TIMES STAFF

Donna Brazile, a veteran political strategist and vice chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee, will be the keynote speaker at BethuneCookman University’s May 7 commencement. The graduation will be held at Daytona Beach’s Ocean Center, 101 N. Atlantic Ave. In a statement, the university said it has made an effort “to expose its students and the community to politics and the importance of voting via various events and initiatives.’’

“Donna Brazile is a phenomenal woman who is committed to the advancement and progression of our young people. As we continue on into this election year, it is fitting to have someone like Donna Brazile to speak to our graduates,” stated B-CU President Edison Jack-

ALSO INSIDE

son. “We are confident that she will leave them inspired and empowered as they prepare for their next steps.”

Professor, pundit Brazile is an adjunct professor at Georgetown University; a syndicated newspaper columnist for Universal Uclick; a columnist for Ms. Magazine and O, The Oprah Magazine; and an on-air contributor to CNN. She regular appears on ABC’s Sunday morning show, “This Week.’’ She has made cameo appearances on CBS’ “The Good Wife’’ and Netflix’s “House of Cards.’’

She also is the author of the best-selling memoir, Cooking with Grease: Stirring the Pots in American Politics.’’

A native of New Orleans, Brazile got involved in politics at age 9 when she worked to support the campaign of a city

Donna Brazile is a veteran political strategist and vice chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee. council candidate who promised to build a playground in her neighborhood.

For decades, she worked on numerous local and state campaigns. She went on to work on every presidential campaign from 1976 through 2000, when she served as presidential campaign manager for former Vice President Al Gore.

‘Inspiration Award’ winner She serves on a number of corporate boards and boards of non-profit institutions. She also

“It was the last person who found out that they had a warrant. That person chose to be arrested. They were arrested at a reduced sentence and given special consideration by authorities,” confirmed Harris.

People pleased “This was all about us being proactive in the community. We got to get people’s needs addressed. We got to get them where they can move towards being productive citizens in society again,” Harris added.

Those who took advantage of the event were pleased with the services rendered.

“They couldn’t help me.

I didn’t have a warrant. I’ve never been to jail. They did give me some valuable information on how to go about getting my record expunged,” said Tambrina McCants.

Echoed Garrett Johnson, “I haven’t been in a church in a while and I felt at home.

This helped me. I don’t have any warrants. I had to check. Sometimes people get arrested and use other people’s names. I thought they were restoring civil rights today too, but I’ll just wait for that event.’’

See SAFE, Page 2

is a former member of the board of directors of the Louisiana Recovery Authority, responsible for leading the state’s rebuilding process in the aftermath of two catastrophic hurricanes.

In 2014, Brazile received WNBA’s “Inspiration Award” and President Obama appointed her to the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. Last year, she was appointed to the executive committee of the Tricentennial Commission, which will oversee the celebration commemorating New Orleans’ founding in 2018.

Brazile, who received a degree in industrial psychology from Louisiana State University, has honorary doctorate degrees from her alma mater as well as North Carolina A&T State University, Grambling State University, Morehouse School of Medicine, Northeastern Illinois University, Thomas Jefferson School of Nursing, and Xavier University of Louisiana.

For more information, contact Keisha Boyd at boydk@cookman.edu.

An upcoming event is geared toward helping men get serious about their health. However, organizers say it will be much more than a health fair.

A free Men’s Health Summit will take place on Saturday, April 23, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Bethune-Cookman University’s Center for Civic Engagement.

The focus will be on silent killers that cause early deaths in the Black community such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

“Come for yourself, but also for who you know. This is not a health fair. Health fairs basically pass out fliers, trinkets and other information. This will have more details and be broken down into sessions,” said the Rev. John T. Long III, spokesman for strategic partnerships and initiatives at Halifax Health.

Halifax Health, Halifax Health Hospice, The Vince Carter Embassy of Hope and Bethune-Cookman are sponsoring the event.

Educate and inspire The summit will include a healthy lunch, guest speakers, door prizes and a free personal health assessment, which will check blood pressure, heart rates, blood glucose level, weight and body mass index and cholesterol.

“We want to educate and inspire people to do be active with their health. We are focusing on African-Americans males because of the disparities of health in our community. We die earlier and are sicker from diseases which are more preventable. We want to do things to ensure we live longer lives,” commented Long.

The keynote speaker will be Joe Madison, host of “Joe Madison: The Black Eagle,” which airs live on Sirius XM satellite radio. Madison also is a renowned human rights and civil rights activist.

This is the first health summit of its kind and more Joe Madison are planned.

“The idea came from the Rev. Dr. L. Ronald Durham. It’s an opportunity to educate the community. Coming from the hospice side we’ve seen what these diseases and conditions have done. We also know that if addressed earlier, lives could have been prolonged. We hope to do these summits annually or quarterly and target different demographics,” Long explained.

Presenters, topics Both Long, who also is pastor of Tubman-King Community Church in Daytona Beach, and Durham, Daytona Beach’s asset management director/special projects, are scheduled to speak at the summit.

Other presenters scheduled are Dr. Deanna Wathington, Bethune Cookman’s executive dean of the Petrock School of Health Sciences; Thomas Bryant III with the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County; Dr. Don Stoner, Chief Medical Officer, Halifax Health; Dr. Anthony Ombogo and Dr. Lauren Powell, also with Halifax Health; and Dr. Robert Sessoms, also with Bethune-Cookman.

Breakout sessions will deal with the social determinants of health, See SUMMIT, Page 2

COMMUNITY NEWS: COUNTY TO HOLD WORKSHOPS FOR PROSPECTIVE BUSINESS VENDORS | PAGE 3 SPORTS: ‘DONATE LIFE NIGHT’ TO RAISE ORGAN DONOR AWARENESS AT BASEBALL GAME | PAGE 7

R2 B-CU to host daily tours for new residence halls Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU) is hosting daily tours next week for its new Thomas and Joyce Hanks Moorehead Residential Life Center.

Phase one of the residence hall will house an additional 1,200 students on campus, according to B-CU. A reveal week kicks off Sunday, April 17, with a “Remember Midway” panel discussion featuring various community and university leaders. The discussion will start at 4 p.m. in the Center for Civic Engagement, 740 W. International Speedway Blvd.

In addition, tours of the center will be available Monday through Thursday.

Registration is required at www.cookman.edu. A ribbon cutting and naming ceremony will take place on April 22 at 11:30 a.m.

7 FOCUS

APRIL 14 – APRIL 20, 2016

Phase II of the new residence hall is slated to open this summer and will offer on-campus housing for an additional 600 students.

Salute to Midway B-CU has themed the weeklong activity, “Welcome Back to Midway: Today, Tomorrow, Forever.’’

In the early 1900s, Midway was an economically sound community where the university is located.

It’s now known as Midtown.

“Bethune-Cookman University is proud to be the ‘Heart of Midtown’. If we grow and progress, so will those around us. It is important that people understand the significance of Midway to the City of Daytona Beach,” said Dr. Edison Jackson, president of B-CU. “We want to make sure that Midtown thrives, once again.” The residence hall projects have had a direct impact by providing jobs to local residents.’’

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

Dr. L. Ronald Durham addresses Daytona’s Black Clergy Alliance members and Men Health Summit volunteers at an April 9 meeting held at Bethune-Cookman University.

SUMMIT from Page 1

heart disease, health inequities in Black male, spiritual and physical health, prostate health, obesity diet and diabetes.

Fighting the stigma

COURTESY OF B-CU

Dr. Edison Jackson, president of B-CU, is shown in front of the new Residential Life Center.

There is a saying that Black men don’t go to the doctor.

“There is a stigma out there, but more important there is a level of ignorance and denial. People don’t believe that it will happen to them and that they are OK. There are a lot of resources here locally in this community but there has not being accessed,” Long noted.

He believes Black male health can be studied by two things – mortality, which is death, and morbidity, which is early death.

“Too many die early. Twenty-five percent of health is a result of clinical, which is going to the doctor.

The Rev. John T. Long III, an organizer of the summit, speaks to volunteers on April 9.

The other 75 percent is from education, jobs, diet, crime and racism, etc. These have a greater impact on health, longevity and quality of live,” explained Long.

Family history is another consideration for health.

“We will have people write down their family health history. We want to check what their family members died from, to see if there is a history of silent killers in the family like

cancer, heat disease, kidney disease, etc.,” Long stated.

Women can attend The goal is to not have the perception of other people’s health, but your own health.

“It’s not what healthy looks like to me or the ideal body weight for someone, but what a healthy you looks like to you. You may not want to give up the fried

chicken. That is OK. Just don’t eat it everyday,” he advised.

Although the summit focuses on men, women play a crucial role in men’s health.

“We expect women to come as well. Women are the drivers of health in the community. If the women tell the men to go see a doctor or go to an event, then they eventually come,” Long added.

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’:

Pastor Monzell Ford and members of the Daytona Beach Police Department look over information at Operation Safe Surrender.

SAFE

from Page 1 Fresh start The event was designed to help people settle outstanding warrants. Local law enforcement deals with thousands of warrants that pertain to minor offenses.

They include child support, suspended licenses, drug possession, theft and open container violations.

“This event gives people another chance at a fresh start. Many walked in with a cloud over their heads.

Most thought they had warrants but didn’t. Only a few people have been arrested since this began.

This is one of the best programs we have,” commented Greg Hall, an investigator for the public defender’s office.

Variety of concerns Representatives from the state attorney and public defender’s offices were on hand along with the Flori-

da Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

Operation Safe Surrender also helped residents with issues relating to their driver’s licenses, identification card renewals and replacements, name and address changes, vehicle registration renewal and purchase of specialty license plates.

The presiding judge was Volusia County Court Judge Belle B. Schumann.

“The attorneys gave the advice and citizens spoke to a judge. Mostly everything got straightened out today. Many had driver license issues which are handled outside by another agency,” Hall said Tuesday at the event.

Comfort of the church It is also designed to give people the comfort and safety of being in a church while surrendering or handling their legal situations.

“They came to make sure it wasn’t a gotcha moment.

The clergy and volunteers were on hand to welcome people. We walked them

over to the public defender and to the back to see the judge. People were appreciative in a safe environment. So were their families,” Harris noted.

The Black Clergy Alliance plans on doing more community outreach.

“We will do more. We are working programs to get records expunged and restore civil rights including voting rights. We want to serve the community at a whole better level than before,” Harris remarked.

History of program Operation Safe Surrender returned this year after a three-year hiatus. It occurred in Daytona annually from 2011 through 2013.

During the program’s history, nearly 200 people have been serviced with eight being arrested. That includes 130 people being assisted in the first three years with seven arrests.

Just 35 people came out for assistance during the last event in 2013.

Operation Safe Surrender is patterned from a program created by the U.S. Marshals office in 2005.

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APRIL 14 – APRIL 20, 2016 COMMUNITY DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006

M A YNEWS OR

3 7

Others, who were part of the stagecraft, were William Amado, head stage manager; Kevin Senior, assistant stage manager; stage crew Leisa Gardner and Brenda Anarum; James Barnes, rehearsal deejay; Chester McNorton, show deejay; makeup artists Sahaquira Hadley and Tashaye Brown; and Sandra Nurse, who handled the finance, tickets, and playbill.

The show reached out spellbinding the audience, and sashayed by the superstars for the one-of-a-kind sound of Motown.

AACS plans Jacksonville trip to see musical

PHOTO BY JEROLINE D. MCCARTHY/DAYTONA TIMES

Some star impersonators were Barbara Jackson, left, as Della Reese with “Someday You’ll Want Me’’; lead Anthony Felton; Yolaine Goodridge, second left; Charlotte Walls Prince; Adrienne Felton, starring in the music dialogue of Ray Charles with “Night Time is the Right Time’’; and a sultry Angela Daniels as Etta James vocalizing “Teach Me Tonight.”

‘Motown’ show showcases locals as Dionne, Patti, Gladys, other stars “I’m reaching out to all of the women... who are the foundation of the family because the next three entertainers almost have an anthem that us women love to take on through our struggles,” commentator Cynthia Black personified. “So I’m going to give you that hint hint, clue clue (that): “One of them, her name is Dionne Warwick; the other one, Patti LaBelle; and lead singer, of course, Carlos Ann Miss Gladys Knight,” narButler rated the commentator/ former model for the up next dream team, spellbinding the audience with an electrifying cast of “Motown & Mo’” on Saturday at the Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center.

Director/Producer Carlos Ann Butler sensationalized vocalist Gladys Knight while powerfully collaborating with Emma

PALM COAST COMMUNITY NEWS JEROLINE D. MCCARTHY

Adams as Patti LaBelle and Melinda Morais as Dionne Warwick in a rendition of “Superwoman.”

Their provoking, uncompromising message had lyrical appeal, voicing “...We don’t talk the way we used to/And it’s hurting me so deep/I got my pride, I will not cry/ But it’s making me weak/I’m not your superwoman/I’m not the kind of girl that you can lay down/And think that everything’s okay...”

Together again The throwback, staging impact was

written by Kenneth “Babyface’’ Edmonds for Gladys Knight and presented together with the classic mix, extrapolating lip sync, costume design, sensational hair and makeup, for the soundtrack of Motown, which “changed America, while shattering barriers.”

Butler presented “Reunited,” the Motown reunion, bringing the original cast to the forefront with cast members, who’ll soon be celebrating their 19th season with the City Lites’ production of “Motown & Mo.’” Butler is the originator of the legendary roster of “Motown & Mo’” and touring with the throwback of mega hits, while spotlighting St. Augustine and Palatka. Anissa Shantel Davidson was in the support role as assistant director/producer.

Butler has raised big bucks in the past for the Little Theatre of Palm Coast, in addition to Flagler Playhouse, and the adhesive of sustaining Palm Coast theatergoers with their own theater.

Rave reviews “I enjoyed the show. It was very good,” said Verna Mae Johnson of Palm Coast. “I didn’t realize that Rose Luckett Williams was in the original cast.

“When I moved to Palm Coast, I remember seeing the show for an open-air performance. It was terrific then, and it was terrific on Saturday. And, since moving to Palm Coast, I’ve only missed about two shows,” Johnson remarked.

It was Rose Luckett Williams, intimated

by Johnson, who captured the dynamism and bravado of Diana Ross singing “The Boss” and as Sister Sledge vocalizing “We Are Family.” Both picks were spectacularly performed by backup singers Ruthie Saunders and Barbara Jackson.

A performance of Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing” gleamed the promises of superstardom for lead performer Doug Brown.

The segment was backed up by the sensuous presence of Adrienne Felton and Robin Banks.

Fond memories The vocalists’ rise to superstardom was reminiscent of a balancing act in years gone by as recorded by Butler in the playbill: “Several of you have been with me from the beginning and remember changing costumes in school restrooms, in lawn tents, in conference rooms with bed sheets separating the guys from the girls, and falling stage sets and props, and of course, the stage set that fell off the truck coming from Palatka...those were the days,” reflected Butler.

“Some of you joined me over the years and performed in ‘Purlie,’ ‘Ceremonies in Dark Old Men,’ and ‘Guys and Dolls.’ For a few of you, it’s your first time working with me, and I appreciate your participation,” Butler reasoned.

Other cast members not mentioned were Donna Decina, Kathline McCullouch, Larry Gaines, Laura Newkirk, Margaret Young, Sunny Delaney, Bert Harrison, Bo Davidson, Eugene Price, Dr. Irving W. Robinson, John Scruggs, Mavis Smith, Peter Trubek, Stephanie Dennis, Ted Adams, and Willie Mitchell.

Volusia to hold workshops for prospective vendors Volusia County’s Purchasing and Contracts Division will hold two workshops for vendors who want to learn how to do business with the county.

The workshops will be in the firstfloor training rooms of the Thomas C. Kelly Administration Center, 123 W. Indiana Ave., DeLand, from 9 to 11 a.m.

Tuesday, April 26, and from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 27.

County representatives will demonstrate how to register as a vendor; explain how to submit bids, proposals and quotes; and discuss state and local ordinances relevant to working with the county. Staff will explain the information channels available to vendors and answer questions.

For more information, call 386-7365935, ext. 12490.

The confessional of an American dream story has been touring the nation, and “Motown The Musical” is set to take Jacksonville by storm. The musical will play the Times Union Center for the Performing Arts’ Moran Theater. The African American Cultural Society (AACS) has been driven to ride down memory lane for a performance of the legendary roster.

It has been perfectly cast to return to form. It charts Motown’s founder Berry Gordy as the mogul launching the performance geniuses of Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, Michael Jackson, and Marvin Gaye. “Motown - The Musical” will feature the classics at the top of the charts. It is directed by Charles Randolph-Wright.

That’s April 21, which will include the ticket price, transportation, dinner, gratuities, and a donation for the African American Cultural Society.

Departure is 3:45 p.m., and the return at approximately 11:30 p.m. Free parking, along with parking permits, will be offered by the AACS. The ticket price is $110 per member; $115, per non-member.

Checks are payable to the African American Cultural Society, and forwardable to Lynda Baten’s attention at the African American Cultural Society, P.O. Box 350607, Palm Coast, FL 32135.

Call the AACS for further details at 386447-7030.

Agencies to present Father’s Day event The Flagler County Housing Authority is uniting with other local organizations to provide entertainment by local youth and church groups. This is all part of a partnership with the George Washington Carver Community Center, other agencies and organizations, and the Flagler County Housing Authority presenting a communitywide Father’s Day event.

Other agencies will include Career Source, Northeast Florida Community Action, Flagler Technical Institute, Healthy Start, the Flagler County Health Department, Flagler Medical Reserves, and Road to Success.

That’s April 16, 11 to 2 p.m., for this second annual, free event at the center, 201 Drain Street East, Bunnell.

The goals will encourage family interaction, strengthen the bonds between father figures and children, focus on the health, employment and educational needs of males through a health fair, and offer exhibits drawing upon continuing education and employment.

Other activities will be staged by information booths, family encouraged games, indoor sports, food, and other entertainment.

For further details, contact George Washington Carver facility director Elijah Emanuel at 386-437-7526, Ext. 1790.

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

Celebrations Birthday wishes to Breadon Phillip, April 14; Jillian Elizabeth Glover, Frank Quarterman Sr., April 15; twins Nekosha and Porsha Jones, April 16.

Happy anniversary to Les and Pat Town, April 14.

AAUW to offer free self-defense classes The American Association of University Women (AAUW) Flagler will sponsor free women’s self-defense classes at the Daytona State College Flagler/Palm Coast Campus on April 19 and 21 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. in Building 3, Room 115116. The program will be presented by Sgt. Mike Lutz of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, Community Outreach Division.

The classes are comprised of two, two-hour classes (total of four hours).

Attendants will receive safety information as well as hands-on defensive training, culminating in a physical test against the instructor with a padded suit in the second class.

Participants must attend the first class to participate in the second class.

Females of all ages are welcome.

R4

7 EDITORIAL

APRIL 14 – APRIL 20, 2016

A serious injustice in Michigan During the election hoopla and the attention focused on Michigan’s Black voters, I was appalled that no one took the opportunity to point out a quiet yet outrageous situation. No one spoke about Edward Pinkney.

Who is Ed Pinkney? He is a 68-year-old minister from Benton Harbor, Mich., a former NAACP branch president, and an unwavering fighter against social and economic injustice. Pinkney now sits in an isolation cell at the infamous Marquette Branch Prison nearly 500 miles from his hometown, his wife Dorothy, and his supporters, in an attempt by the state to make him disappear from the public stage and from public discourse.

It’s working What we saw during the Michigan primary was an indication that their strategy is working.

Black folks and other Pinkney supporters, to my knowledge, made no real attempt to get the candidates to issue statements of support for Pinkney. The injustices perpetrated against him were not cited in the debates or in the press conferences.

With a revised relationship with Cuba with folks are talking about political prisoners there,

JAMES CLINGMAN TRICE EDNEY NEWSWIRE

why nothing mentioned about America’s political prisoners, especially Edward Pinkney, who is suffering a penalty far beyond the level of crime he is accused of committing?

President Obama spoke to Raoul Castro about human rights. Obama went to a prison in Colorado and issued pardons for prisoners, but left Pinkney off his list.

In Pinkney’s own words: “A heavy and cruel hand has been laid upon me. On Oct. 6, 2015, I was transferred back to Marquette Branch Prison, a two-day ride on the bus, shackled, mistreated and intimidated. I was forced to strip on five different occasions. I am forced into overcrowding, inadequate exercise, lack of clean clothing and inadequate medical care which violates the Eighth Amendment’s ban on cruel and unusual punishment. I estimate over 75 percent of the prisoners in Marquette have mental problems.”

Renewable energy program is a pipe dream “Renewable energy” refers to production of energy from sources such as wind, solar heating, electric power, etc. as opposed to fossil fuel sources such as oil, coal, natural gas. It is less harmful to our air and reduces global warming (if any).

It is a noble cause but so far, not much has become of it.

The biggest problem is that much of it is being financed by the federal government through subsidies (grants, loan guarantees, etc.). That is a big problem. Government cannot manage or wisely finance startup corporations. It can tax them for their success. But to be involved in the creative process is almost impossible.

Political hookups According to Breitbart Online, “Green energy subsidies benefit the politically connected while

HARRY C. ALFORD NNPA COLUMNIST

harming future generations as hundreds of millions of dollars are added to the country’s debt burden with each green failure.

It’s time to end all subsidies – for all energy companies, not just green ones – and let the best technologies win.

“In some cases we found evidence of even more direct forms of cronyism. For instance, during his tenure as governor of Maine, now-U.S. Senator Angus King signed into law a bill requiring utilities to generate at least 30 percent of their electricity from ‘green’ sources such as wind. After leaving the governor’s office, he founded a wind-

Deceptive debt collectors target vets, military families Debt collection remains the top complaint most often reported to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Two newly-released CFPB reports reveal which consumers are most at risk and the businesses most often identified in debt collection issues.

As of March 1, CFPB found that California, Florida, Illinois, New York and Texas account for more than 40 percent of all complaints received since July 2011. Further, in Florida, nearly 60 percent of the state’s entire complaints came from just three metro areas – Miami, Orlando and Tampa Bay.

At highest risk Still, military members and their families remain the most at-risk in debt collections, even when compared to the general population. Among all com-

CHARLENE CROWELL NNPA FINANCIAL WRITER

plaints received from the military community, debt collection represents almost half – 46 percent – of all military complaints filed. By comparison, all debt collection complaints CFPB received during the reporting period amounted to approximately 26 percent.

Mortgage complaints from military families was the secondranked lending issue at 15 percent. Service members returning home from deployment or to temporary duty stations also frequently reported fraudulent activity on their credit report and/ or identity theft.

VISUAL VIEWPOINT: U.S., PHILLIPINES MILITARIES TRAIN TOGETHER

Incarcerated during appeal His history of confrontation with the justice system in Michigan notwithstanding, the punishment does not fit the alleged crime. He has been a thorn in the side of the establishment and local judges in Benton Harbor, but Pinkney’s willingness to fight for civil rights should not be used as an excuse for retribution against him. According to our Constitution, he must be treated fairly and he must not be subjected to “cruel and unusual punishment.”

The crime he allegedly committed does not rise to the level of being held in prison without bond during his appeal. By the time his appeal comes around, if he is found not guilty, he will have served prison time for a crime he did not commit.

Why wasn’t Pinkney on the president’s list for pardon or clemency? It could be due to a lack of support and advocacy on Pinkney’s behalf, especially the NAACP. It could be that people were so excited about the presidential candidates being in their state, but forgot to demand justice for Edward Pinkney.

Congressional representatives from Pinkney’s district and beyond should be swamped with letters, emails, and phone calls from constituents demanding they focus on this case and get this man out of prison pending his appeal.

Make demands Representatives should con-

energy company, Independence Wind, whose first project, Record Hill Wind, received a $102 million loan guarantee from the Department of Energy – and King received a $407,000 “success” fee. The loan guarantee almost looks like a pat on the back from the DOE (Department of Energy) for King’s efforts in promoting their agenda while he was governor of Maine.”

Billions wasted We all know about Solyndra, that went “south” after receiving a $535 million loan guarantee.

In the first term of the Obama administration, there were at least 36 DOE-funded failures totaling over $7.52 billion. If you go back to the 1970s when the global warming hysteria started, our government has wasted more than $154 billion on renewable energy project failures.

Don’t think that the good old boys that have operated the above failures lost a lot of money. They made millions of our tax dollars before they pulled the plug on every one of these predicted failures. The Department

San Diego-based Encore Capital Group and Portfolio Recovery Associates (PRA) Group based in Virginia, are two of the largest debt collectors in the country have been identified the most often in CFPB’s complaints. Each firm averaged more than 100 complaints per month to the Bureau from October through December 2015.

Last fall, CFPB also took respective enforcement actions against the firms for their deceptive tactics involving both debt buying and debt collection. PRA was assessed an $8 million fine, ordered to refund $19 million to consumers and to stop collection efforts on other debts valued at $3 million. Similarly, Encore Capital was ordered to stop collection efforts on $125 million in debts, refund consumers $19 million and pay a $10 million fine.

Here’s the law The Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 makes it illegal for businesses to: • Contact service members’ commanding officers regarding unpaid debt; • Disclose service members’ debts to commanding officers; or • Characterize debt delinquen-

LUOJIE, CHINA DAILY, CHINA

tact President Obama and ask Attorney General Loretta Lynch to look into the case. The president himself should be contacted with demands for Pinkney’s release, if not complete clemency. Remember what George Bush did for Scooter Libby? Why doesn’t Obama exercise the same power for our people?

As Pinkney sits in that remote prison, who knows in what physical and mental condition he’s in?

God forbid, if he dies there, Black folks will march, yell and scream, and call for justice for Brother Pinkney. That’s not the time to do it; the right time is now, while he

is alive and has a reasonable portion of health.

Don’t sit this out. Our alarm clock went off some time ago; we just keep on hitting the snooze button.

of Energy needs to be thoroughly evaluated. We must sharply tailor its mission. Right now, it is adding to our national debt.

The future of green energy is with entities that are in the business of energy, not our federal government. Corporations that find success and innovation will be rewarded handsomely. It will be the fossil fuel industry that will eventually do this.

Rather than killing our fossil fuel companies, we should encourage them. The Exxons, Chevrons, Dows and Peabodys of our nation are the ones with the expertise. They have some of the best chemists, engineers, physicist and scientists in the world. They will be the ones who lead us to renewable energy that will be earth-friendly, cost-effective, affordable and efficient.

Give them a chance

Revolution.

We need more elected officials with a vision replicating that of John F. Kennedy and the courage of Franklin D. Roosevelt. They stood us up before adversity and challenged us to be the true leader of the world.

Let us flush out what we have in Washington, D.C. and our state capitals. May we start with the next administration?

“Courage and Vision” will defeat “Hope and Change” every time. God has blessed this nation because of our hard work, faith and resilience. We are slipping right now because we have drifted from that code.

Our national security is facing a challenge. Free enterprise, less repression (overtaxation) and fiscally responsible legislatures, Congress and government-elected executives will correct that.

Stop the overregulation. Let them apply some of their profits to research and development.

That type of capitalism and free enterprise will produce progress that will match the Industrial

Harry C. Alford is the cofounder and president/CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce. Contact him via www.nationalbcc.org.

cies as military violations subject to service members’ disciplinary actions.

Despite these legal protections, egregious problems persist. CFPB has brought actions over the past year against businesses that continue to violate its rules. For example, the Ohiobased auto lender, Security National Automotive Acceptance Company (SNAAC) was ordered in 2015 to refund or credit $2.28 million to service members and other consumers who were harmed by the firm.

In addition, SNAAC was also assessed a $1 million penalty, and ordered in a separate district court action to stop using aggressive tactics to coerce service members into making payments.

Mortgage complaints Though fewer in number but perhaps with higher financial stakes, mortgage complaints by veterans and military members are another major concern. Disabled veterans, for example, have been charged a funding fee associated with the Veterans Administration (VA) Home Loan program – even though they are exempted from paying the fee that can range from 1.25 percent to

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

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

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

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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.

over 3 percent of the total home loan.

Once such disabled veterans wrote CFPB, “As a 100 percent disabled US combat veteran, I am informed by VA that the terms of my VA mortgage entitle me to a refund of the funding fee the mortgage provider received when I took out the loan…

Now [company], despite numerous phone calls and requests for update, as well as an in-person meeting and referrals to VA contacts, has not returned this funding fee to me. I need help with [this company’ which [is] in my view taking money from veterans in order to further their own gains.”

Anyone needing assistance to resolve problems with a financial service or product, can file an online complaint with CFPB at http://www.consumerfinance. gov/complaint.

Charlene Crowell is the Communications Manager for State Policy & Outreach with the Center for Responsible Lending. Contact her at Charlene. crowell@responsiblelending. org.

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

Subscriptions to the print version are $69 per year. Mail check to P.O. Box 48857 Tampa, Fl 33646, or log on to www.daytona.com; click on ‘Subscribe’.

SUBMISSIONS POLICY SEND ALL SUBMISSIONS TONEWS@DAYTONATIMES.COM Deadline for submitting news and pictures is 5 p.m. the Monday before the Thursday publication date. You may submit articles at any time. However, current events received prior to deadline will be considered before any information that is submitted, without the Publisher’s prior approval, after the deadline. Press releases, letters to the editor, and guest commentaries must be e-mailed to be considered for publication.

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

5 7

APRIL 14 – APRIL 20,DECEMBER 2016 ENTERTAINMENT 14 - 20, 2006

MAYOR

own business,” saving your own community and placing the power on the individual to affect change.

The neo-liberal ideas are espoused most vehemently by Raja, the son of Indian immigrants who chased the American Dream – though the lively debaters in the shop are quick to point out that the playing field isn’t level for African-Americans.

Less successful is the subplot about infidelity suspicions between Terry, Rashad and Draya. The quickly escalating drama and cheesy reconciliations aren’t as interesting as the spirited discussions about relationships on the floor of the shop, and feel shoehorned in to give Eve and Common something to do.

Stays on point CHUCK ZLOTNICK/WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT AND METRO-GOLDWIN MAYER

Ice Cube, Cedric the Entertainer and Common in “Barbershop: The Next Cut.”

New ‘Barbershop’ deals with political issues head on

BY KATIE WALSH TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE

Arriving 14 years after the original “Barbershop,” and 12 after “Barbershop 2: Back in Business,” “Barbershop: The Next Cut” is saddled with the task of taking a familiar property and bringing it up to date.

In the hands of writers Kenya Barris and Tracy Oliver, and director Malcom D. Lee, the strategy is to get political, with the issue of shootings and gang

REVIEW

keep the wild bunch at the barbershop in check.

violence in Chicago as the galvanizing force around which the barbershop rallies. Leaving aside the humorous cultural escapism of the early aughts, “The Next Cut” faces the racial and political issues of 2016 head on.

Ice Cube returns as Calvin, a successful small business owner, married, with a teen son Jalen (Michael Rainey Jr.), just trying to

Practically new crew With the exception of Terri (Eve) and Eddie (Cedric the Entertainer), it’s a whole new crew in the shop, including Calvin’s best friend Rashad (Common), nerdy cute Jerrod (Lamorne Morris), “Bollyhood” barber Raja (Utkarsh Ambudkar), as well as entrepreneurial One Stop (J.B. Smoove) and uncensored

Dante (Deon Cole).

On the other side of the shop is a ladies salon, managed by Angie (Regina Hall), featuring outlandishly dressed flirt Draya (Nicki Minaj), and the soulfully conscious Bree (Margot Bingham). The girls vs. boys layout allows for heated debates and banter covering everything from gender to presidential politics.

Getting involved The barbershop in this

film is a hub of the community where issues of all types are hashed out. Right away, that issue becomes gang violence and shootings in their community.

Calvin’s concerned about his son, and considers moving the business to the North Side. But with the threat of an ominous “enclosure” to stem the violence, soon to be voted on by city council, and an increase in tensions, the crew decides to take it upon themselves to promote a 48-hour cease-fire, with free haircuts for the duration, hoping to inspire peace talks and community bonding.

Ideas, drama There’s a lot of rhetoric about “taking care of your

The relationship that feels the most fresh, funny and contemporary is between dorky Jerrod and enlightened Bree. Lamorne Morris as Jerrod is the lowkey MVP of the film, a comedic standout.

The cease-fire seems strangely ineffective, a short term solution that doesn’t effect real change. But “Barbershop: The Next Cut” stays on message about community pride, family values and personal responsibility.

It’s a wholesomely entertaining film, though some of the political discourse is a bit fast and loose with neo-liberal notions of individualism and respectability politics (Ice Cube, of all people, admonishes his son about baggy pants), and wants to be simultaneously both pro- and anti-government.

It’s a mixed message, but that perfectly encapsulates the confusion of 2016 American politics.

Tate talks about new series, ‘Love Jones’

BY RONDA RACHA PENRICE THE ROOT

Whenever Larenz Tate is mentioned, it’s hard not to think of “Menace II Society,’’ “Love Jones,’’ “Dead Presidents’’ and “The Inkwell.’’

Throughout the 1990s he was a constant big-screen presence. In the 2000s he’s been a presence as well, just a slightly less brash one.

On cable he most notably held his own in FX’s “Rescue Me,’’ a post-9/11 series centered on firefighters, and as Marty Kaan’s younger, more carefree brother on Showtime’s “House of Lies.’’

Now he is on NBC in the ensemble drama “Game of Silence.’’

This Americanized version of a successful Turkish series features a group of friends whose traumatic past sets off a violent series of events.

The Root caught up with the actor in Atlanta and chatted about the show, Black films of the 1990s, next year’s 20th anniversary of “Love Jones’’ and the possibility of a sequel.

Origin of ‘Silence’ The Root: How did “Game of Silence’’ come about for you?

Larenz Tate: It came about because I’ve been working with Universal for a lil bit. I did a couple of projects with them and they brought me a few shows.

There was one that was a comedy and there was another one that was a relationship-driven show, and they brought “Game of Silence,’ and I felt like this one would be the one that would go into an actual series, even though the other ones were kind of cool.

The nature of the show just felt more real; it felt like it was grounded in the truth and it was a very cool ensemble [piece]. I loved the fact that the storytelling felt like more on the level of a cable-network show, and I felt like they were going to go and jump out there and do something different and bold and push the envelope, and I wanted to be a part of that movement.

Role as doer, hustler TR: Tell us about your character on “Game of Silence’’ and his background.

LT: Shawn Cook is one of the friends who experienced a really traumatic life in a youth-detention center, and he’s found a way to cope with that but never found any true clo-

ANNETTE BROWN/NBC

Left to right: David Lyons stars as Jackson Brooks, Larenz Tate as Shawn Cook and Michael Raymond-James as Gil Harris in a “Game of Silence’’ episode. sure, and once that past confronts us as adults, we seek revenge. My character is more or less the glue of the bunch, the one that keeps us together. He’s the one that’s saying, “Hey, listen, no matter what we do, go left or right with this, we have to do it together as a unit because the unit is what kept us going.”

He is a bit of a hustler.

He knows how to manipulate people or things for, in his mind, for good reason, a good cause. And he’s

a doer. He’s about getting things done. He’s a working-class guy. Amongst the friends, he keeps everything really lighthearted because that’s a coping mechanism for holding on to the innocence that was taken from him.

‘A great career’ TR: When you look back at your early work like “Menace II Society’’ and “Dead Presidents,’’ what does being in a show like “Game of Silence’’ mean

to you against the body of work that launched your career?

LT: It’s all about reinventing yourself. So I’ve had a great career in movies and I still have a lot more to go with the things that I’m doing, but you have to continue broadening your audience and your brand.

People who probably didn’t watch movies like “Menace II Society’’ can now watch a TV show like “Game of Silence,’’ and for me, a natural progression in movies was to start trying to tell my own stories.

So now my brothers and I have a production company, and we have been laying down a foundation for years and years. And now we’re producing different projects for different platforms and movies and television and the digital space, so that has not stopped, in terms of keeping the body of work started in movies going.

On Black movies TR: When you did “Menace II Society,’’ “Dead Presidents,’’ we didn’t have Twitter, Facebook and Snapchat, so those movies were eye-opening for a lot of people.

LT: Those movies were the kinds of movies that Hollywood wasn’t necessarily trying to make,

but you had filmmakers like John Singleton, you had filmmakers like the Hughes Brothers and Spike Lee, who wanted to talk about what was really going on in the community in a real way.

I feel like there is still room to talk about those kinds of issues because a lot of that stuff is still relevant today. But Hollywood typically allows Black movies to go one genre at a time.

It’s faith-based and then it’s comedy, and then you might have a little drama here or there or civil rights.

We have to keep a variation of genres going on, [which is] no different than mainstream movies, in order for us to be able to tell more stories.

‘Love Jones’ sequel?

TR: Next year is the 20th anniversary of “Love Jones.’’ Are you prepared?

LT: I’m going to have to be prepared for the 20th anniversary of “Love Jones.’’ It’s so funny because it doesn’t feel like it’s been that long, but people have continuously supported it.

There has been a call of action to try to do a sequel, and Nia Long and I have been talking about it. ... If it makes sense, if all the planets line up, we will jump at that opportunity.

R6

7 CLASSIFIEDS

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M ASPORTS YOR

APRIL 14 –14APRIL 20, 2016 DECEMBER - 20, 2006

NASCAR no longer releasing info on prize money

BY DAVID SCOTT CHARLOTTE OBSERVER TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE

An upshot of the Sprint Cup’s charter system is NASCAR’s new policy of withholding drivers’ earnings in race box scores.

“I think some fans like to see that and us drivers, we like to see purses posted,” driver Denny Hamlin said recently at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway. “It doesn’t matter whether you post it or not, but sometimes you win a race and it’s cool to see: ‘Hey, I did good this week.’ ” Not publishing drivers’ winnings is part of the charter system, which was announced in February and guarantees 36 Cup teams a certain amount of revenue in addition to prize money from races.

“It’s a new foundation and a new era,” NASCAR chief operating officer Steve Dewar told NBC Sports. “We’ve changed a lot of things from that old model to this model. That’s one of the things that was from a different time and place.”

‘A linear line’ Hamlin said the new revenue streams are a good thing for teams. But he’s not sure he understands why earnings aren’t made public.

“Everything is better the way that they’ve formatted the purse now, it’s more

of a linear line instead of a weird looking line,” Hamlin said.

“When this happened, it forced everyone to go back to the drawing board and figure out what was a fair amount because the buckets got switched around a whole lot as far as purses were concerned. I think in the end, we’re all out here and I think everyone feels like they have a fair deal at this point. It’s all for the better I believe, but we would like to see the numbers get posted.

“I don’t know what the benefit is from keeping it from the public.”

The teams know Earnings have long been a measuring stick for how well a driver is performing during a season and career.

Not divulging them has become a topic of conversation among fans, who have wondered why they can’t see how much drivers are making after a race.

“All the teams know what they are racing for, it’s listed in the charter agreements,” said Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR’s executive vice president and chief racing officer. “Teams are aware and tracks are aware. We’re not hiding anything from the team owners in the tracks.”

Might NASCAR return to posting the winnings?

“It’s something we could continue to look at,” O’Donnell said.

PAUL MOSELEY/FORT WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM/TNS

Raising the winner’s trophy, Kyle Busch celebrates victory in the O’Reilly Auto Parts 300 at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 8.

B-CU baseball players get MEAC honors Bethune-Cookman Baseball collected a pair of Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) weekly awards on Monday as senior Nathan Bond was selected Co-Player of the week and Danny Rodriguez picked up Rookie of the Week accolades. The announcement came from the league office in Norfolk, Virginia.

Both B-CU players were critical in the Wildcats series sweep of conference foe Savannah State last weekend at the Ormond Beach Sports Complex.

Right fielder Nathan Bond, a senior from Orlando, led the Wildcats at the plate in average through four games this past week. Bond hit .647 on the week, adding 11 hits and a home run. He blasted a tworun homer against SSU in a come-frombehind win over the Savannah State Tigers

in the series-opener.

First baseman Danny Rodriguez, a rookie from Pembroke Pines, picked up a couple of clutch hits over the course of the week in helping Bethune-Cookman to a 3-1 record on the Nathan spin. Rodriguez batted a Bond team second-best .471 on the week, picking up eight hits and two RBIs with three runs scored himself.

At the first base position, he fielded at a .976 clip, supplying 37 putouts and three assists against a single error. Rodriguez collected three multi-hit games in four attempts on the week.

‘Donate Life Night’ at baseball game to raise organ donor awareness

ie Robinson Ballpark on April 16.

The event will feature a baseball game played by the Daytona Tortugas and Fort Myers Miracle. A portion of the ticket proceeds will benefit organ donation education in Central Florida.

The gates for the game open at 5:30 p.m. and game time is at 7 p.m.

On any given day, more than 5,000 Floridians are awaiting a life-saving organ transplant. In the United States, that number tops 123,000, with more than 1,000 of those as children 10 years old or younger.

To register on Florida’s organ and tissue donor registry, visit www.DonateLifeFlorida.org.

TransLife, East Central Florida’s federally designated organ and tissue donation program, is teaming up with the Daytona Tortugas and Donate Life Florida to raise awareness for the importance of organ donation with its “Donate Life Night” at Jack-

Heading to weightlifting finals

Visit us online at daytonatimes.com East Central Florida’s Black Voice

John Huger Jr., a senior Atlantic High School, (third from left) will be among the young athletes competing in the Florida High School Athletic Association Boys Weightlifting State Championships for Class 4A Friday at the Kissimmee Civic Center. He has been on the weightlifting team for four years. The Atlantic student also has been accepted into Bethune-Cookman University on an academic scholarship.

R8

7COMMUNITY NEWS

APRIL 14 – APRIL 20, 2016 ny enrichment activities that we provide to our FBH students to highlight different professions and possibly create some interest in a new trade,” said Judi Winch, Food Brings Hope’s executive director.

“This is the second year we have taken our TeenZone students on this tour. Last year, we only had 25 students involved.

We are excited the opportunity this year has grown to include over 125 children.’’

Raising expectations

PHOTO COURTESY OF FOOD BRINGS HOPE

Middle school participants of Food Brings Hope’s after school program, TeenZone, received a guided tour of the Plantation Bay community.

Students learn about homebuilding and teamwork during tour SPECIAL TO THE DAYTONA TIMES

Over 125 middle school students were treated as VIPs during a recent construction tour of ICI Homes’ Plantation Bay community in Ormond Beach.

“I have never seen the framing of a home before,” said Sara Gor-

don, a sixth grader at Holly Hill K-8 School. “It was really cool to see what is behind the walls in a house.”

TeenZone participants and chaperones from all five of the Food Brings Hope (FBH) partnered middle schools were in attendance. Those schools include

Campbell, Holly Hill K-8 School, New Smyrna Beach, Ormond Beach, and Southwestern.

From start to finish ICI Homes’ building professionals answered questions and lead students through each stage of the homebuilding process – from foundation to completed project. Students were able to walk through a newly framed home before moving next door to a home with the addition of drywall.

“Our message was that teamwork is the core of what we do.” said ICI Homes Construction Manager, Tim MacFarlane. “We all have to look out for one another to get the job done. If they

They did it.

You always told your graduate that they could accomplish whatever they set their mind to. And so they did! We’d love to help you celebrate this memorable milestone for your entire family. Find perfect party menus and custom decorated cakes at publix.com/graduation.

keep that mindset, then they can accomplish anything.”

The tour continued to include a newly finished home complete with granite counters, stainless steel appliances, and finished hardwood and carpeted floors.

In each home, students and chaperones were guided through each room learning the details of the building of it and then were allowed to explore the outside property.

Second year Lunch was catered by Plantation Bay’s Club de Bonmont and served by Food Brings Hope volunteers.

“This tour is one of the ma-

After lunch, the students got back on their buses for a guided tour of the entire Plantation Bay community before participating in an exciting, competitive scavenger hunt in one of the model homes.

“We are encouraging the children to explore the many possibilities ahead of them,” said Forough B. Hosseini, FBH founder and chair. “Everything they saw and experienced was designed to raise their expectations in life to work harder and accomplish more for themselves.

“We hope the students left the tour feeling energized and ready to take the necessary steps to a future where they may own one of these homes in the future.

Thank you so much to the ICI Homes construction team, especially Tim MacFarlane and Lenny Sanclemente, Club de Bonmont and our many volunteers for the day.’’

About the program FBH’s mission is to nurture the mind, body and spirit of underprivileged children in the community. Among other services, FBH offers school-based programs (termed “KidsZone” in elementary schools and “TeenZone” in the upper grades) that provide meals, tutoring and activities for at-risk students.

FBH also facilitates enrichment activities such as Nutrition Days and Hands On Banking Programs along with field trips to local educational destinations and events. At FBH, 100 percent of all donations go directly to these programs that support students in need in Volusia County.

For more information, visit www.FoodBringsHope.org.