Congressman to address fellow alums at Campbell reunion See page 3
Pell Grant changes will slow black graduation rates
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PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit #189 Daytona Beach, FL
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LEE A DANIELS: ‘42’ a compelling history lesson See page 4
See page 5
East Central Florida’s Black Voice www.daytonatimes.com www.daytonatimes.com
APRIL 18 - APRIL 24, 2013
YEAR 38 NO. 16
Speedway appoints Black, Hispanic to board
PEOPLE SPEAK
Marketing experts brought on to help attract more minorities to sport
Green comes after a series of stories published by the Daytona Times on the plight of minority contractors getting hired on million-dollar construction projects like the $250 million project the Speedway hopes to start later this year.
BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES harperjames59@yahoo.com
With the hopes of expanding its fan base to include more minorities, the International Speedway Corporation (ISC) announced this month the appointment of a Hispanic and Black to the company’s board of directors. ISC CEO Lesa France Kennedy said last
Reaching out Larry Woodard
Lesa France Kennedy
Sonia Maria Green
week in a press release that the corporation was welcoming nationally recognized marketing experts Sonia Maria Green and Larry Woodard to its board of directors. The announcement of Woodard and
The Daytona Times’ April 4 issue reports that a spokesman for the Speedway said the company intends to implement a coordinated community outreach program, including advertising, trade fairs, training and meet-and-greet opportunities, to ensure all qualified local women and minority firms can participate in the $250 million
Mom protesting, fighting for justice two years after son’s death BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES harperjames59@yahoo.com
April 16 is a date Wisteria Harry will never forget. It was two years ago on this date that her son, Donnell “D.J.’’ Ellis, was shot and killed in the parking lot of a Holly Hill motel. The killing involved seven individuals but has affected the lives of many more, primarily Harry who is still seeking justice for her son. On Tuesday, the two-year anniversary of her son’s death, Harry along with family members and friends protested in front of the Holly Hill police station, the Pilot Motel and the Tropizar Motel, where her son collapsed. He was shot at the Pilot Motel during what Holly Hill police called a robbery involving drugs. No drugs were ever discovered at the scene of the shooting.
Unlikely allies Around Harry’s neck is a chain with a picture of each of her deceased children. She obtained the first necklace shortly after her son was killed on April 16, 2011, to honor and remember him. In addition, she’s often seen wearing a T-shirt that bears images of her children. Harry has not been alone on her journey. What many might consider unlikely allies, Harry is waging her fight with the mother of one of the men convicted of
Please see BOARD, Page 2
Muslims extend open arms to community with Dawa program BY KARSCEAL TURNER SPECIAL TO THE DAYTONA TIMES
Lost two children Harry cites that because of “shoddy’’ work of police officers, the wrong people are serving life sentences for the death of her son. And Harry is upset that the police report written says her son had a gun. After speaking with witnesses herself, Harry says she believes her son never had a gun. The mother of three is not only grieving the loss of her son but also mourning the death of her 26 year-old daughter who died Feb. 13 of this year. Coincidently, it is the same day her son, Donnell, was born 20 years ago. Harry said her daughter Shawquice Ellis died after complications from surgery. Harry is now raising Shawquice’ children, who are 1 years old and 4 years old.
redevelopment project. In an April 10 statement, Kennedy said Woodward and Green’s “experience in advertising, branding and multicultural marketing will bring significant perspective and add tremendous value to ISC as we continue to grow our business and increase long-term value for our stockholders.’’ Kennedy is the daughter of William France Jr. and granddaughter of William France Sr., founders of the Daytona International Speedway. The father and son also started NASCAR and are owners of 12 other racing venues across the country,
Wisteria Harry holds up an image of her son, Donnell “D.J.’’ Ellis, who died in a shooting at a Holly Hill motel two years ago. killing her son. In a sense, Angela Johnson also lost her son, Leroy Gadson, who was given a life sentence for his involvement in Donnell’s shooting even though he did not pull the trigger that killed him.
What happened In a police report, Chauncy Gilmore, who was 17 at the time in 2011, admitted to firing the fatal shot, but was only given
five years for possession of a firearm because it was determined by law enforcement that he acted in self-defense. He went to the motel room with two others – Lawrence Kloc and Jamie Evans – to allegedly do a drug deal with the guest occupant of the room, Roy Crew. In the room with Crew was Gadson, Ellis and Durshawn Broadwater, all who were shot with the exception of Crew. Ellis Please see JUSTICE, Page 6
Michelly Zulfiqar, a board member of the Muslim Women’s Association of Daytona Beach, say the organization’s mission was accomplished on Saturday as hundreds attended a program designed to better acquaint residents with the Muslim culture. Saturday marked the second year the Muslim Women’s Association has reached out to the community by hosting an open house or “Dawa” program. Another purpose of the program, held at the Islamic Center of Daytona Beach at 347 S. Keech St., was to offer an understanding of the Islamic religion since there is an air of mystery concerning Islam and the people who observe it. Several hundred people attended the afternoon event on April 13, which was hosted by Mosque members Habeeb Abdussalaam and Hussam Reziqa. “With regards to this event, we can say mission accomplished, Zulfiqar remarked. “It was overall a success. We want to organize more events of this caliber in the future as needed as a way of clearing any misunderstandings about our culture.’’
‘All about unity’ The Muslim Women’s Association is an internationally recognized organization, according to event co-organizer Linda McGee. “This is all about unity, McGee noted. “There are chapters in Russia and China, and many places. We want the community to get to know us and become Please see MUSLIMS, Page 2
Ford ordained as pastor, to lead Choice Christian church BY ASHLEY THOMAS DAYTONA TIMES aysheldarcel@gmail.com
Harold Calvin Ford took another walk of faith on April 14 when he was ordained as a minister. At the same time, he became senior pastor of Choice Christian Worship Center of Daytona Beach. “I’m really excited. It’s a lot of responsibility, more than I ever thought I’d have, but I’m looking forward to progressing the will of God,” Ford told the Daytona Times. Prior to his ordination, Ford served as a deacon and worked alongside his wife, Prophetess Deborah Ford, in ministry.
The Fords also are the hosts of Gospel Hallelujah World Wide Radio Ministries, which airs Saturdays and Sundays on WPUL 1590 AM. Each year, they host a concert featuring Florida chapters of the Gospel Music Workshop of America.
‘It is a choice’ Ford’s wife called this “an opportunity to build not only the Choice Christian Center but the community as well. He is more than capable of doing what he has been called to do. We can spread our wings a little further, touch more people.” Two churches in the Lake Helen area will be coming under the ministry of
the Fords with another church opening soon in the North Florida area. “It’s an overwhelming feeling to have him as pastor. Anytime the church can grow, more souls will be saved,” Prophetess Ford noted. Added Pastor Ford, “We’re looking for Kingdom builders. “We are looking for people who want to work for the kingdom. What we are trying to do is help people with the choice, to understand it is a choice and God gives us the opportunity to be saved.” Bishop Larry Trotter of Chicago conducted last Sunday’s ordination service. For more information about the radio program, visit gospelhallelujah.com.
Pastor Larry Ford (right) holds his Certificate of Ordination as Bishop Larry Trotter looks on.
7FOCUS
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APRIL 18 – APRIL 24, 2013
Deltas raise money for undergrads The Daytona Beach Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority held its annual Evening of Elegance Dinner and Dance fundraiser last week at the Sunset Harbor Yacht Club. Many of the members wore gold in celebration of the sorority’s centennial. Members of the chapter will head to Washington, D.C. in July to take part in celebrations with other chapters. “We had a good time,” Donna Tucker, fundraising chairperson, said about the Daytona Beach fundraiser. “We thank the patrons for their continued support to make events a success.” The money raised at the event was for scholarships and special programs. – Ashley Thomas
BOARD from Page 1 which are part of ISC.
First minorities?
ASHLEY THOMAS/DAYTONA TIMES
Members of the Daytona Beach Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta stand for a photo. The sorority held its annual fundraising dinner Sunday.
Kennedy also noted that expanding the board has been a priority and the appointment of Woodard and Green are timely as ISC aligns with NASCAR and its ambitious Industry Action Plan. The Daytona Times reached out to ISC spokesman Charles Talbert and asked if Woodard and Green are the first minorities ever appointed to the board. “We have been public since 1959 and have had numerous board members over that time. I can’t confirm all of our board’s ethnicity. Sonia Green and Larry Woodard have a background in multicultural marketing,” Talbert responded. “This is an area as Lesa mentioned in the release that is an important component of NASCAR’s Industry Action Plan. ISC is very much aligned in NASCAR’s efforts to see greater diversity in the sport.’’
Woodard founded ad agency
PHOTOs COURTESY OF KARSCEAL TURNER
Muslim Woman’s Association board members from left to right are Michelly Zulfiqar, Lubna Nisa, Aalia Panja and Khaterah Hasan.
MUSLIMS
Central Florida history
from Page 1 one united community.” State Rep. Dwayne Taylor, Daytona Beach Mayor Derek Henry along with city commissioners Kelly White of Zone 3 and Paula Reed of Zone 6 were all on hand in a show of support. Taylor brought greetings to attendees. “I received a call from a good friend (McGee) and jumped at another opportunity to support our community wherever needed,” Taylor said.
‘Know the Bible’ Jahaad Wingfield, a practicing Muslim from Tampa, expressed his views on the religion to the Daytona Times. “In Islam, we are taught to believe in the oneness of God (no Trinity), all of his books and all of his prophets. We are also taught and encouraged to be studious. True Muslims know the Bible better than many Christians; Old and New Testaments. “The allure for me is that Muslims are encouraged to learn other books front to back. I grew up in an Islamic household but wasn’t forced to practice, so I never did. But in high school, I planned to tell my parents that I wasn’t going to follow their religion. I needed something firm to stand on as to why Christianity was a more suitable religion so I began studying. Only problem was, the more knowledge I gained, the closer I came to Islam.”
Prayers and plenty of play Saturday’s program included remarks by Hassan Saboungi, president of the Islamic Center of Daytona Beach, an unveiling of the future site of the new Islamic Center by Dr. Saud Suleiman, a call to prayer spoken in Arabic and explained in English, and then prayer by Imam Belal Shemman of the Islamic Center of Daytona Beach. An imam is a religious leader. To the left of the center on Saturday was a large
These children attempted to defy gravity on one of slides provided by the Women’s Muslim Association of Daytona Beach. field filled with the sound of laughter from children, who were climbing towers, sliding down tall slides, and enjoying a bounce house. A choo-choo train made regular rounds around the play area. An ice cream truck was on standby. The Spain family made the trek from Deltona. Parents Darryl, 45, Monifah 35, are originally from The Bronx and Brooklyn, New York, and are accustomed to the presence of Muslims in the community. Spain said her son, Jahadii, 13, and daughter, Kayla, 9 thoroughly enjoyed the program, the fun and the food. One particular highlight was the ethnic foods from around the world provided by various members of the mosque.
Dispelling misconceptions Sisters of the Islamic faith were eager to dispel some misconceptions about their faith.
“We want the community to feel welcome to interact with us. Our goal is to organize more activities as women in the Islamic community. We as women and sisters cannot only participate but also initiate and organize,” Zulfiqar said. “Certain aspects of the Islamic faith relate strongly to women and others to men,” she noted. “The Dawa program is meant to explain what Islam teaches and raise understanding.’’ Zulfiqar went on to dispel some other misconceptions: We aren’t as conservative as people believe. We respect Christianity and Hinduism and other people’s faiths. We aren’t shut-ins or bigots; we mingle,” she mused. According to the Islamic Center’s website (http://icdb.weebly.com/index.html), a Dawa is an invitation to Islam. The site also features links that help users with Arabic and learn the Qur’an. The site also contains other resources links and articles.
GOSPEL HALLELUJAH WORLD WIDE RADIO MINISTRIES Hosted by: Pastor Harold Ford and Prophetess Deborah Ford LISTEN TO WPUL 1590 Saturdays 10 am -noon Sundays 5am- 7am & 1pm-3pm Listen online at: www.wpul1590.com website: www.gospelhallelujah.com
Come let the Holy Ghost Get Ya!
There are more than 40,000 Muslims in the Central Florida area, according to estimates by the Islamic Center of Central Florida. Public records research uncovered an estimated 2,500 Muslims in the Daytona Beach area as of 1990. The Islamic Society of Central Florida was organized in the early 1980s with a handful of Muslim families. It grew into a small, dispersed community and acquired property on Goldenrod Road in Orlando. A small house served as the first unofficial Mosque as a new building was being constructed. By the year 2000, the Islamic Society of Central Florida had opened five additional mosques, including Masjid Al-Hakim (Wisdom) in Deltona, Masjid Al-Mumin (Righteous) in Titusville and Masjid Al-Rahim (the Dispenser of Mercy) in Pine Hills. The Islamic Center of Daytona Beach is a separate organization.
According to Nielsen research, the median age of NASCAR fans is 51.6, older than fans of every other major sport in the United States. NASCAR has created an Industry Action Plan to attract a multicultural audience, youths under 18 and the 18-to-34 demographic. When contacted by the Daytona Times this week, Woodard, president, CEO and founder of Graham Stanley Advertising based in New York, remarked, “As I’m just getting started on the board, right now I’m looking forward to getting up to speed, asking a lot of questions and doing my best to shorten my learning curve so I can contribute as quickly as possible.” “At the appropriate time, after I’ve been able to make some contributions, I would be happy to have a conversation with you about what I’ve been able to bring to ISC and I sincerely hope it will be evident by then as well,” Woodard added. Woodard, an awardwinning advertising executive with over 26 years of agency experience, founded his firm in 2010. Prior to that, he was president and CEO of Vigilante Advertising, part of the Publicis, SA network of companies. Born in Casablanca, Morocco, Woodard spent time growing up in Germany and Italy. He describes himself as a cultural anthropologist and an organic idea generator.
Green is VP at Broward arts center Sonia Green is a nationally recognized leader in marketing and brand communications for over 20 years, with a specialty in multicultural/diversity marketing, according to the ISC press release. “She is an acknowledged Latino corporate leader, and a trusted spokesperson on diversity and marketing issues for both Spanish and English language media outlets,” noted the press release. Green currently serves as vice president of marketing and sales at the Broward Center for Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale. Prior to that position, Green was selected by General Motors to serve as its director of diversity marketing and sales with responsibility for the Hispanic and Asian consumer segments. Green received a bachelor of business administration from Baruch College in New York City and completed a marketing management program at Columbia University’s graduate school of business. Woodard will hold office until the 2014 annual meeting of shareholders, completing the term of Raymond Mason. Green will hold office until the 2015 annual meeting of shareholders, completing the term of Edward Rensi. Recently re-elected to a three-year term were Edsel B. Ford, II, William P. Graves, Christy F. Harris and Mori Hosseini.
Blacks in NASCAR NASCAR has been working to develop minority and female drivers through its Drive for Diversity program. The number of Blacks having success in the sport has been miniscule. Wendell Scott is the only Black driver to win a NASCAR race – in 1964. Willie T. Ribbs competed in NASCAR racing in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Bill Lester has been the only Black driver to start a Sprint Cup race since 1986. Scott, Ribbs and Lester are the only Blacks that have raced full-time in the sport. Darrell Wallace Jr., 19, became only the fourth Black driver in the 65-year history of NASCAR to race full time in a national series when he competed in the Camping World Truck Series at the Daytona Internal Speedway in February this year. Wallace came up through the program and won six races in the lower-level K&N East Series from 2010 to 2012.
APRIL 18 – APRIL 24, 2013
COMMUNITY M ANEWS YOR
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DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006
Centipedes reuniting 50 years after receiving diplomas U.S. Rep. David Scott, a Campbell graduate, to speak at banquet BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES harperjames59@yahoo.com
High school graduates of today don’t have the same camaraderie as the graduates of segregated schools. That’s the belief of Campbell High School grad Hortense Geter who will be welcoming her classmates back to Daytona Beach on April 19, 50 years after they graduated from what was then a segregated all-Black high school. Geter was among 94 graduates of Campbell Senior High school’s Class of
Hortense Geter
Rep. David Scott
1963. At that time, Blacks and Whites went to separate schools.
School named after race car driver Campbell was the allBlack high school located at what is now called the John H. Dickerson Center in Daytona Beach. On May 27, 1941, Daytona Beach High School became Campbell Street High School.
Both the school and street (now Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard) were named after Sir Malcolm Campbell, a British race car driver who, in 1935 set a record driving 276 mph on the beach of Daytona Beach, when stock car racing was held on the beach. This was 24 years before the first Daytona 500 at its present location on International Speedway Boulevard. Because of segregation, Geter said her classmates are a lot closer to one another compared to today’s graduates from area high schools. One of the downfalls of integration, Geter said is the demolition and or closing of many of the all-Black schools. Teachers, administrators and students were
transferred to the schools attended by Whites only. “Our schools went away. (Black) principals became assistant principals. Our reunion is a way for us to remember and hang onto the past,” said Geter.
Reunion dinner, banquet planned Geter will first reunite with her classmates April 19 during a dinner at the home of Attorney Reginald Moore, also a 1963 graduate. Moore is the son of former Bethune-Cookman College President Richard V. Moore. A banquet also is scheduled on April 20 at the Daytona Resort and Conference Center, 2700 N. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach. Alumni of classes from
1939 to 1970, when the high school was segregated, will be honored. Geter said of the 94 in her graduating class, 34 have died. “Reunions are important because it gives those of us alive an opportunity to fellowship, reminisce about the past and recognize those of us who have become successful,” said Geter, a retired Southern Bell engineer.
From Campbell to Congress The keynote speaker for the banquet will be U.S. Rep. David Scott, an alumnus of the Class of 1963. Scott is serving his sixth term as U.S. representative for the 13th Congressional District of Georgia.
He sits on a number of influential committees, including the House Financial Services Committee, House Agricultural Committee, and NATO Parliamentary Assembly. Scott is married to the former Alfredia Aaron and they have two adult children. Following a 6 p.m. reception, dinner will begin at 7 p.m. The cost is $50 per person or $450 for a table of 10. “We want all Centipedes (class members), administrators, teachers, family, and friends to support this event,” Geter said. For more information about activities or to purchase tickets, call 386-3070619.
‘Nature’s Bounty’ showcased at African American Cultural Society Former City Councilman Holsey Moorman, his wife, Carrie, and their grandchildren had much to see at the 15th Biennial Community Flower Show & Plant Sale. Folks were hopping between the show and “Rock n Rib Fest 2013” sponsored by the City of Palm Coast. The show attracted the public to enter their own plants for a juried selection to win awards for first, second, and third place, and honorable mention. A second category for winning was reserved for members of the Garden Club at Palm Coast, who, as arrangers, entered the Design Division. The show’s wide array included free admission and refreshments, a florist raffle, silent auction, and plant sales. The Garden Club at Palm Coast presented the event Saturday and Sunday at The African American Cultural Society. The theme was “Nature’s Bounty.” It was co-sponsored by Dolphin Printing & Design, “The News-Journal,” and The African American Cultural Society.
Foreclosure prevention workshop is April 20 Attorney Raven Sword’s email made certain that the community has been apprised of a foreclosure prevention workshop on April 20, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., at the Flagler County Association of Realtors, 4101 East Moody Blvd, Bunnell. The City of Palm Coast
Palm Coast
Community news
By Jeroline D. Mccarthy | Daytona Times has since written that: “Area residents will have the opportunity to learn about: • various housing programs • preventing foreclosure • finding a Realtor • qualifying for a mortgage • fair housing and lending laws • current credit and credit score standards ‘‘Multiple agencies, lenders and local real estate experts will all be in one place,’ said Beau Falgout, Neighborhood Stabilization Program Administrator for the City of Palm Coast. ‘I would encourage anyone looking to purchase a home or trying to save their home from foreclosure to come to this event.’’ Attendees should bring documentation, such as income records and mortgage statements, if they wish to discuss specific issues and obtain assistance. The schedule is: • 9:15-9:30 a.m.: Flagler County Neighborhood Stabilization Program • 9:30-10 a.m.: Palm Coast Neighborhood Stabilization Program • 10-10:30 a.m.: Mortgage Readiness and Tips to Raise Your Credit Score • 10:30-11 a.m.: Working with a Realtor • 11-11:30 a.m.: Everything You Need to Know
about Fair Lending • 11:30 a.m.-noon: Predatory Lending Avoidance • 12:30-1 p.m.: Working with a Realtor for Your Home Purchase • 1-1:30 p.m.: Mortgage Assistance Workout Options and Florida’s Hardest Hit Fund Program. • 1:30-2 p.m.: Short Selling Your Home and Working with a Realtor • 2-2:30 p.m.: Fair Housing Is Your Right - Use It • 2-30 -3 p.m.: Q & A with a Real Estate Attorney The Housing Fair is made possible through a partnership of the City of Palm Coast, Flagler County, MidFlorida Housing Partnership, Inc., Flagler County Realtors Association, Community Legal Service of Mid-Florida, Inc., and Fannie Mae. For more information, contact Mid-Florida Housing Partnership at 800-6446125.
Olympics of the Mind Competition Saturday The Flagler County NAACP invites the community to the Second Annual Olympics of the Mind Competition April 20 from 1-4 p.m. at Matanzas High School, 3535 Old Kings Road North. Linda Sharpe Haywood is president of
Community Calendar To list your community event FREE, e-mail us at news@daytonatimes.com. No phone calls or faxes, please. Events are listed on a space-available basis, and in the sole discretion of the Daytona Times staff. Effective immediately, paid events will no longer be listed in the Daytona Times Community Calendar. You can advertise local events for as little as $35 per week. Call 813-319-0961 or email sales@daytonatimes for more information.
Compiled by the Daytona Times Alzheimer’s Association offers workshop The Alzheimer’s Association of Central and North Florida will present “Living with Alzheimer’s: A Workshop for Caregivers” April 24 from 1 p.m.- 5 p.m. at the Daytona Beach Regional Library at City Island. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 800-272-3900. More information: Pat Kuehn, 386-748-3989 or pkuehn@volusia.org. Human Services board to meet The Human Services Advisory Board will meet April 23 at 3:30 p.m. at the United Way office, 3747 W. International Speedway Blvd. More information: Pat James, 386-736-5956, ext.12980. DBPD schedules self-defense class The Daytona Beach Police Department is offering a two-hour self-defense workshop for women residents of Daytona Beach April 18 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at police headquarters, 129 Valor Blvd., Daytona Beach. Register online at Codb.us or call Charley Vega for more information at 386-679-1458. Library to host volunteer fair A volunteer fair will be held at the Daytona Beach Regional Library at City Island from 10 a.m. to noon April 25 and explore opportunities for volunteering from representatives to include Halifax
Humane Society, Halifax Health Hospice, Everybody Reads, Canaveral National Seashore Park and more. More information: Deborah Shafer at 386-257-6036, ext. 16264. Funding workshop for nonprofits Nonprofit organizations can learn how to get funded and stay funded during a free workshop titled “Finding funders” at 3 p.m. April 29 at the Daytona Beach Regional Library at City Island. Reservations are required. Contact Kristin Heifner at kheifner@volusia.org or 386-257-6036, ext. 16156. Equity Summit set for April 25 The 2013 Health Equity Summit will include presentations on emergency preparedness, stroke, drowning prevention and diabetes. It will be held April 25 from 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the Volusia County Department of Health,1845 Holsonback Drive. Lunch will be provided. More information: 386-274-0829. Sanford plans art event Sanford’s Historic District will showcase local talent along with opportunities to meet visiting artists April 26 from 6 p.m.- 9 p.m. The walk, which is held on the fourth Sunday of each month, will feature venues at different locations. More information: Call 407-324-1577 or visit 508gallery.com.
The Holsey Moormans, left, and grandchildren met up with Maxine “Tina” Pearson, right, at the flower show. the branch. The competition distinguishes itself as the AfroAcademic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO), a youth initiative of the national NAACP, showcased by students with talents in music, poetry, dance, art and design - and science and technology. The winners will represent Flagler County and advance to the national competition July 13-17 in Orlando, to compete against other students for scholarships, awards, and prizes. Notable ACT-SO alumni are music artist Kanye West and actor Jada Pinkett Smith. Tickets at $10 are attainable by calling the NAACP at 386-446-7822. The branch will convene
Jobs expo at Daytona State The Daytona State College Career Placement Center is hosting a Health and Public Services Careers Jobs Expo April 29 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Hosseini Center, Building 1200 on the Daytona Beach Campus. For registration information and to reserve a table, contact Miriam G. Ruiz at 386-506-3687 or ruizm@DaytonaState.edu. Feedback sought for signage program The City of Daytona Beach is seeking feedback on preliminary signage designs and list of venues for its wayfinding signage program, now in the second of three phases. The meeting will be held April 25 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Peabody Auditorium. For more information, call 386-671-8607. Mentor training for foster care Community Partnership for Children is recruiting mentors for teenage children in foster care. Registration for the next orientation class is being accepted for the next orientation class on May 28 from 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at Community Partnership for Children, 160 North Beach St., Daytona Beach. More information: 386547-2293 or Susan.Hiltz@cbcvf.org. Screening event for children Easter Seals is offering a free developmental screening event April 20 with appointments available between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. for parents to visit with a qualified Ages & Stages Questionnaire evaluator to help assess their children’s progress toward typical milestones. More information: www.esvf.org. Clothes giveaway at Miracle Temple Miracle Temple’s Rope of Hope presents a “Giving a Helping Hand” clothing giveaway every Monday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 316 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd.
its membership meeting April 23, 6 p.m., at the African-American Cultural Society, 4422 North U.S. 1, Palm Coast. Volunteer Theresa McKeon will give a brief history of Relay for Life and describe how donations are used locally by the American Cancer Society. Brochures will be distributed.
Production to focus on ‘Women of the Gospel’ The Women’s Missionary Society of First Church is honored to have Linda Gray Kelley cast in a onewoman production, “Women of the Gospel.” The curtain will rise April 20, 5 p.m., at 91 Old Kings Road North, Palm Coast. An international performer and playwright, Kel-
Free workshops scheduled for aspiring artists FROM STAFF REPORTS
A series of literary workshops to help aspiring authors are scheduled to take place once a month beginning April 25 at the Midtown Cultural and Educational Center in Daytona Beach. The workshops are being organized by author Donna M. Gray-Banks, who in January held the F.R.E.S.H. Book Festival at the same venue. Daytona Beach Zone 6 Commissioner Paula Reed is sponsoring the workshops, therefore there is no admission to participate or attend.
First event: April 25 Gray-Banks will kick off the workshops April 25 with the topic “Choosing Your Genre.” Banks is nationally known for her novel, “Ila’s Diamonds,’’ a story about a young African-American female working for the government during the 1970s and 1980s who finds love but ultimately loses it. Banks said the January F.R.E.S.H. festival was conceived through conversations with other authors who had a different view of
ley produces, directs and gives a voice to God’s word, in which the human condition is resonated. She puts a face behind the personalities of Eve through Esther for the April 20 performance. The ticket price is $15. For tickets, call the church at 386-446-5759. ••• As always, remember our prayers for the sick, afflicted and bereaved.
Happy Birthday to You! Birthday wishes to: Birthday wishes to: my husband, Louie, April 21; Marsha Rode, April 22; Florastine Hancock, Kevin Senior, April 23; Joan Bennett Walker, April 24. the what, where and how a literary festival should be brought into a community. “But the one thing we all agreed on is that literacy is a legacy and the gift of being able to read will never fail you or your loved ones,” said Banks.
Dates and subjects All of the free workshops will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Midtown center at 925 George Engram Blvd., Daytona Beach. Dates for other workshops are: May 23 with Attorney Sandra Sovinski on “Patents, Trademarks and Copyrights – Protect Your Words, Inventions, Logos’’; June 27 with Milton McCulloch on “Your Poetry – In Your Words – Open Mic Night.’’ On Sept. 26, the topic will be “I Want To Write A Book, Now What?” with a representative from Prindle House Publishing Company in Jacksonville and Bethune Publishing, a subsidiary of the Mary McLeod Bethune Legacy Preservation Institute, Inc. The workshops will conclude on Oct. 24 with a discussion on marketing and social media. Author Rahiem Brooks and Percy Williamson II will talk about product marketing. For more information, contact Banks at freshbookfestivals@gmail.com or call 386-627-4353.
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APRIL 18 – APRIL 24, 2013
‘42’ a compelling history lesson You could say “42,” the film about the life of Brooklyn Dodgers great Jackie Robinson, is a gripping baseball tale, and your assessment would be correct – but woefully incomplete. “42” is not just a baseball story. It’s a compelling history lesson as well. It tells the story of not just baseball, but of a central facet of 20th-century American life – the suffocating reach of racism – in the decades before the 1960s. “42” reminds us, as the Major League’s season gets underway, that, given its mythic status in American life, baseball’s most important milestone had nothing to do with the mechanics of playing the game or a particular game that was played but with cleansing the moral center of American democracy itself. It recounts once again in popular form the story of a man whose life proved that history sometimes acts through individuals and individuals can act to influence history. Jack Roosevelt Robinson, born in 1919, grew up in an America where the words “Too bad he’s the wrong color” were often the kindest remarks White Americans would say about Black Americans. A Boston Red Sox scout said them in April, 1945 during the now-infamous sham tryout at which that storied team passed on signing the future Hall of Famer despite his impressing Sox officials with his hitting and fielding. A few years later, the Sox would also pass on signing Willie Mays. They would be the last team in
LEE A. DANIELS NNPA COLUMNIST
ers was the thunderclap that heralded the massing of new forces in the domestic fight to make America itself safe for democracy.
Pressure exerted
By then, Black Americans baseball to add – in 1959 – a Black had the diverse organizational player to their roster. strength at the national and local levels to field multiple chalRight color lenges to racism. And by then, Of course, the scout was wrong. America’s position of global As would become evident two leadership was beginning to exyears later, beginning on April ert pressure on it to live up to its 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson was the boasts about loving freedom by right color, and of the right char- extending it to Black Americans, acter, after all, to help ratchet up too. It was no accident of history the pressure that had been build- that within a year of Robinson’s ing for decades among Black breaking baseball’s color barrier, Americans in the North and President Truman ordered the South to confront the country’s desegregation of America’s othgreat sin. To repeat, that wrong er signal mythic institution – the wasn’t merely Blacks’ 50-year ex- military. clusion from the playing fields of Jackie Robinson’s story was but Major League Baseball. one facet of the diamond of Black determination that in the 20 years Bigotry triumphant after World War II would dismanEven as White America was tle the legalized structure of racboasting that its victory over ism. But he – an extraordinarilyGermany and Japan in World gifted, fiercely-competitive athWar II had made the world “safe” lete who possessed a deeply spirfor democracy, Black Ameri- itual, disciplined character – was cans could see in every sector of superbly suited for the challenge American society – higher edu- he, and America, confronted. The wrong color? Not on your cation, the movie industry, the civil service, residential housing, life. the military, large corporations Lee A. Daniels is a longtime and small businesses alike, the labor unions, collegiate and pro- journalist based in New York fessional sports, and so on – that City. He collaborated with bigotry, not democracy, was tri- Rachel Robinson on her 1998 book, Jackie Robinson: An Intiumphant. In the immediate postwar en- mate Portrait. Click on this stovironment, Robinson’s signing ry at www.daytonatimes.com by the Branch Rickey-led Dodg- to write your own response.
Roland Martin out at CNN, still on TV One CNN contributor Roland Martin, who departed the network on April 6, has been named the National Association of Black Journalists’ (NABJ) 2013 Journalist of the Year. In today’s American media, there are a number of Black faces on the screen as anchors, pundits, and hosts. But none represented the views and interests of Blacks as well as Martin. In NewsOne’s poll to select the nation’s Top 10 Black News Pundits, Martin came in at No. 1. Martin is an “under 50” awardwinning journalist. Primarily known for his work with CNN, Martin is a nationally-syndicated columnist, television host, and radio and television commentator. The award follows a February meeting between the NABJ and new CNN honcho Jeff Zucker to discuss concerns over Zucker’s vision for the network. So, as Martin makes his exit from CNN, NABJ’s Board of Directors appear to be making a public endorsement of Martin by giving him their most coveted award, “celebrating the accomplishments of Black journalists and those who support Blacks in the media.”
Arrogant personality
WILLIAM REED BUSINESS EXCHANGE
to watch Martin host TV One’s one-hour Sunday morning news show, “Washington Watch with Roland Martin.’’ During weekday mornings, millions hear him on the ‘’Tom Joyner Morning Show.’’
Support Martin’s ‘anger’
citing what they considered his arrogant personality. But among so many in the media that feel obliged to “hide their Blackness,” Martin has singularly been front and center on Blacks and their issues. Said NABJ President Gregory Lee, Jr., “He is unapologetic about his quest to provide well-rounded coverage of the African-American community, and to provide unique insights to diverse audiences across the many platforms on which he is asked to contribute on a regular basis.” Early in his career, Martin was a radio talk show host for Chicago’s Black Talk radio station WVONAM. He is the former executive editor of The Chicago Defender, one of the nation’s oldest Black newspapers. He was the founding news editor for Savoy Magazine and the founding editor of BlackAmericaWeb.com.
In what may well be the perception of the majority of Americans, during an interview with Rush Limbaugh, who openly criticized the TV One television network, saying it isn’t worth “salt,” and called Martin, “angry,” more Blacks should support Martin’s “anger.” Studies say that network news conveys more stereotyped impressions – a narrower range of positive roles – for Blacks than for Whites. These studies’ findings raise questions about journalists’ ability to represent the “reality” of Black America. The reality is that Martin has represented that reality. The more people who watch, Washington Watch, the higher TV One’s ratings will soar and the higher Martin’s chances will be of making the same, or more money, than he did with CNN.
Losing ‘crossover audience’
William Reed is head of the Business Exchange Network and available for speaking/seminar projects through the Bailey Group.org. Click on this story at www.daytonatimes.com to write your own response.
As he departs CNN, Martin, no Many African-Americans have reacted negatively to CNN’s fail- longer has a “crossover audience.” ure to renew Martin’s contract. But More of us need to channel our reothers have said, “good riddance,” motes to the Black-owned network
Natural gas is boosting the US economy Yes indeed and it is documented that the growth of natural gas production is creating jobs, expanding manufacturing at a rate that was inconceivable a few years ago. The reason for all of this is fracking. The formal name is hydraulic fracturing. It is a process for extracting natural gas from underground rock formations (shales). It’s clean and safe despite the contrary claims of environmental extremists. Fracking was invented by Floyd Farris in 1947. His tools were drilling instruments, water and sand. The popularity and production of the use was rather slow until 1997 when energy engineers devised certain chemicals to mix with the water. It was then that the process became more cost effective. Now it is estimated that more than 60 percent of all oil and gas wells in the world are being fracked. Of late, engineers in Canada are introducing a waterless form of fracking. U.S. companies have not yet utilized the process. They are so happy with the current utilization.
but so far there is nothing to point a finger at.
HARRY C. ALFORD NNPA COLUMNIST
the number one producer of natural gas in the world. The estimates of our reserves keep being increased as new shales are being discovered all the time. We have the cheapest priced natural gas as a result of our great supplies. In fact, we are now exporting natural gas to other nations. Right now, our natural gas energy industry is responsible for more than 3 million jobs. The National Association of Manufacturers estimates that one million more jobs will be created by the middle of the next decade. Some states may miss out on all this growth. New York and Maryland officials are trying to limit fracking in their states. That is fine with Pennsylvania and other neighboring states who are witnessing an economic boom within their borders. There is no justification to limJob creation it or stop fracking. The EnvironHappy they should be. Through mental Protection Agency (EPA) fracking our nation has become has been trying to find a reason
VISUAL VIEWPONT: OBAMA IN THE MIDDLE
DARYL CAGLE, CAGLECARTOONS.COM
America is inconsistent on foreign policy Two years ago, President Obama instituted a policy towards Africa that most Americans are totally unaware of. The policy sent shock waves throughout the continent of Africa that are still reverberating to this day. This policy was a direct affront to African sovereignty and very few voices in America stood up for African countries and their sovereignty. Yet, America doesn’t have the guts to replicate this policy in any other part of the world except Africa. I have been travelling back and forth to Africa for decades and have learned that the only way to understand foreign policy is by travelling. Yes, I have a B.S. in accounting from Oral Roberts University and a M.A. in International Business from George Mason University, but my understanding of foreign policy came only with travel.
RAYNARD JACKSON NNPA COLUMNIST
for LGBT employees and other workers. Then British Prime Minister, David Cameron was even more direct, stating that the “UK would reduce some aid to countries that refuse to recognize gay rights.” These not so subtle threats by both Clinton and Cameron were directed specifically at Africa. Culturally, Africa is one of the most conservative regions anywhere in the world and it absolutely does not support homosexual rights. The Obama administration has tried to lecture African countries because of their opposition to homosexuality, but will not say a word about the human Different policies rights violations going on in SauOne must understand that for- di Arabia, Pakistan, or Egypt just eign policy often times is not log- to name a few. ical or even consistent. There can be two countries with similar is- Lecture Middle East sues, but we have different poliThe Middle East in particucies towards them based on our lar is one of the most represown national interests. Our polsive regions of the world when it icy towards Africa vis-a-vis the comes to women and homosexMiddle East is a case in point. ual rights. So, why lecture AfriOn Dec. 6, 2011, Obama had ca while remaining silent on the Hillary Clinton give a pro-homo- Middle East? The answer is obsexual rights speech. The speech vious: Because the Middle East took place in Geneva at the Unit- is deemed to be more important ed Nation’s Human Rights Day to our national security interests conference. In that speech, Clin- than Africa. ton said “gay rights are human As I stated, foreign policy is not rights.” Clinton basically codified always logical or consistent. homosexual rights as an official How can we continue lecture part of our foreign policy. Obama other countries about something is the first president in U.S. histo- that we’re unwilling to do in the ry to make such a linkage. U.S.? I am a fervent believer in In another unprecedented conditionality when it comes to move, the Obama administra- foreign affairs; but to interfere tion went on to direct U.S. gov- with the sovereign moral affairs ernment agencies to consider gay of a country is a dangerous precrights when making aid and asy- edent. lum decisions. In October 2011, USAID – the U.S. government Raynard Jackson is president agency providing economic and and CEO of Raynard Jackson humanitarian assistance around & Associates, LLC He can be the world – announced that it reached through his website, “strongly encourages” business- www.raynardjackson.com. es contracted with USAID to Click on this story at www.daygo beyond non-discrimination tonatimes.com to write your protections, to prohibit job bias own response.
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.
THE 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.
Major exporter Shale gas now accounts for 30 percent of total gas consumption compared with just 1 percent in 2000. Again, we have gone from being the world’s largest gas importer to being self-sufficient and a major exporter. Natural gas vehicles use a technique known as Compressed Natural Gas that has an affordable price of $1.95 per gallon. It is just amazing. All of this growth will give local, state and the federal governments billions of new dollars via payroll, corporate and property taxes. New restaurants, hotels, homes, schools etc. will be built to accommodate the new workers and their families. God has truly blessed us. So now, let’s build the Keystone Pipeline and start doing more oil exploration on federal lands and off shore.
Harry C. Alford is the cofounder, president/CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce. Website: www.nationalbcc.org. Click on this story at www.daytonatimes.com to write your own response.
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MAYOR EDUCATION
5 7
APRIL 18 – APRIL 24, 2013 DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006
stitutions] continue to do the lion’s share of educating low-income, first generation, AfricanAmerican and diverse other students in STEM, health processions, teaching professions, and environmental profession,” Baskerville added.
Nationwide problem
PHOTO COURTESY OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF PHILAELPHIA
Bonita Rex (right), a student ambassador at the Community College of Philadelphia, passes out information about the changes to Pell eligibility rules and encourages fellow students to sign onto the college’s Save Pell website to send letters to their elected officials.
Pell Grant changes will slow Black graduation rates shortfall during 2012-2013 Program elimination lion academic year because of an inby Congress has made crease in need. an estimated 145,000 Suddenly ineligible students ineligible In an effort to maintain the for the college funds maximum grant of $5,550 per acEditor’s note: This is the second of two stories by NNPA Washington Correspondents Freddie Allen and Maya Rodan examining how federal loan problems are hurting Black students in college. BY MAYA RHODAN NNPA NEWS SERVICE
WASHINGTON – In many ways, the route Bonita Rex took to college is not unusual. After graduating from high school in 2007, family issues forced her to delay enrolling in college. Two years later, thanks to Pell grants and an improved family situation, she enrolled in the Community College of Philadelphia with a focus on general studies in cultural science and technology. After Rex earns an associate degree while holding down two part-time jobs, she plans to complete requirements for a bachelor’s degree at California State University. But recent changes made to Pell grants has Rex, 24, worried that she might not be able to complete her bachelor’s degree at Cal State or anywhere else. The Pell Grant program nearly doubled from assisting about 5 million students in 2009 to 9.4 million students in 2012. The program, which provides low-income students with financial aid they do not have to repay, was projected to face an $18.3 bil-
ademic year, Congress opted to eliminate four qualifications for the program, making an estimated 145,000 students suddenly ineligible for funds. In addition, students are no longer eligible to receive their Pell Grants during the summer semester. During the 2012-2013 school year, if a student did not have a high school diploma or GED, had a family income of more than $23,000, needed less than 10 percent of the maximum award, or had received a grant for longer than 12 semesters, they were no longer able to receive Pell funds. “Twelve semesters is kind of slim,” says Rex. “It’s unfair. They’re forcing non-traditional students to rush through our courses so that we have enough money to last through an associate’s, bachelor’s, and potentially a master’s.” After this year, Rex will have completed nine semesters on her Pell Grant, leaving only three to lead her through her studies at her dream school of California State University where she wants to study to become a dietician.
‘Lifeblood’ for Blacks The 1,200 community colleges across the U.S. educate about 8 million students every year, representing almost half of all undergraduate students, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Of the nearly
40,000 students enrolled at the Community College of Philadelphia, 56.7 percent are Black. Nationally, 32 percent of community college students are AfricanAmerican. About 92 percent of Black students received financial aid during the 2007-2008 school year, 80 percent of which came in the form of grants. Blacks received $4.5 billion in Pell Grant funds during the 2008-2009 school year. A 2010 Journal of Blacks in Higher Education special report titled, “Pell Grants: The Cornerstone of African-American Higher Education,” stated, “The importance of the federal Pell Grant program cannot be overemphasized. This federal grant program for low-income students is the life-blood for hundreds of thousands of African-Americans seeking higher education. “Without this important program, many black students would not be able to enroll in higher education. Hundreds of thousands of other blacks would have to go deeper into debt or hold down a job while attending college if it were not for the Pell Grant program.”
‘Quintuple whammy’ Lezli Baskerville, president of the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO) based in Washington, D.C., says the changes to the financial aid programs that have occurred throughout the past year do not align with the president’s plan to have the majority of Americans college-educated by 2020.
“The cumulative impact of the aforementioned within the past year has been nothing short of catastrophic,” said Baskerville via email. “As the colleges and universities were developing innovative ways of addressing the challenges created by [the] Great Recession and the economic and financial challenges of the day, they were hit by what I call a ‘quintuple whammy,’ including shifts in the Pell Grant Program.” Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are also feeling the pressure of the changes. This year, President Obama set a goal of having the majority of Americans college educated by 2020. To meet that goal, HBCUs will need to increase the number of students they graduate per year from 35,000 to more than 57,000 by 2020. “To reach the goals, approximately 8 million more Americans must attain a two- or four-year degree, roughly 2 million more African-Americans, 167,000 of whom must graduate from HBCUs,” Baskerville said. “They cannot do this without an overhaul of the student financial aid system to invest more equitable and efficiently in expanding excellence, access, success, and diversity in higher education.”
Need the help In 2010, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, 45 percent of Black students enrolled in an institution of higher education had parents with a high school diploma or less. Studies also show that a large number of HBCU students are from low-income families. In 2008, more than 155,000 students at HBCUs received federal Pell Grants – just 10,000 more than the number of those now deemed ineligible for the grants under the new qualifications. More than half of AfricanAmerican professionals are graduates of historically Black colleges and universities. According to a report by the Journal of Blacks in Higher Education, the majority of HBCUs have student bodies where more than two-thirds of those enrolled are eligible for Pell Grants. “In spite of these challenges, HBCUs and [primarily Black in-
According to a study by the United Negro College Fund’s Patterson Research Institute, 46 percent of HBCU students come from families with incomes lower than $36,000 and an average of half of all students qualify for Pell Grants. All but a handful of HBCUs are in the South and that region is also taking a beating. Schools across the Deep South also have experienced a decline in enrollment this year, which the University of Alabama Education Policy Center attributes to the eliminations made to the Pell Grant program. In three of the most uneducated and impoverished states in the nation – Alabama, Arkansas, and Mississippi – just under 250,000 students were awarded Pell Grants to attend public colleges and universities in the 2010-2011 school year. Two-thirds of the full time community college students in the states are Pell recipients.
Seeking options According to the report, enrollment decreased at 47 of the 62 two-year colleges in those states during the 2012-2013 academic year, something the authors of the report attribute to the changes made to the Pell Grant program. “The Deep South states clearly rely on public higher education to educate their citizenry beyond high school,” the report reads. “By definition, this means that Pell Grants are vital to enhancing college degree completion in the Deep South, for it is the community colleges where economically disadvantaged students begin higher education.” After a round of changes to the federal Pell Grant program that eliminated assistance to low-income students in an effort to cut costs, the program is expected to have a $9.2 billion surplus at the end of fiscal year 2013. But students no longer eligible for Pell Grants will have to look elsewhere. “We can’t say that students will choose loans, but they are another option on the plate for them to seek out,” says Jennifer Freeman, the director of communications and marketing at Mississippi Valley State. “It’s unfortunate as it relates to the cost of education going up, but we try our best to do much as we can.”
Remaining hopeful At Rex’s school, enrollment dropped by 4 percent overall and 8 percent among full-time students, which school officials attribute in part to students’ Pell Grant funding. Despite such dips, many students and advocates for Pell Grants remain hopeful about the program’s future. For two semesters, Bonita Rex couldn’t afford to buy books for all of her classes when her Pell Grant didn’t provide enough and the checks from her two minimum wage jobs couldn’t cover the rest. She says without the grant, however, she wouldn’t be able to afford school at all. She says, “My Pell Grant is keeping me here.”
FUTURES Foundation honors 38 students SPECIAL TO THE DAYTONA TIMES
Outstanding juniors representing Volusia County public schools were honored at a graduation reception and recognition event sponsored by Giles Electric Company, Stetson University Greenfeather and FUTURES Foundation for Volusia County Schools on April 10 at the Museum of Arts & Sciences. The 38 students are participants in the Tomorrow’s Leaders program, a leadership development program sponsored by FUTURES Foundation for Volusia County Schools. This is the 23rd year of the program, which develops young leaders in our community.
During the 2012-2013 school year, the students participated in seminars focusing on various aspects of life in Volusia County. Included in the seminars were subjects such as health/social services, education/economic development, criminal justice, leadership/diversity and government.
Did volunteer work In addition to attending seminars and visiting appropriate sites, each student was required to volunteer a minimum of 12 hours at a community social service agency. For the graduation program, 10 of the Tomorrow’s Leaders students were se-
COURTESY OF FUTURES FOUNDATION
Thirty-eight Volusia County students were participants in the Tomorrow’s Leaders program. lected to participate on a panel to give a collective experience of their growth through participation in the Tomorrow’s Leaders program. Superintendent Margaret Smith, school board members and FUTURES board members presented plaques to the graduating students.
Students graduating from the Tomorrow’s Leaders program are: Atlantic High School, Ashley Epling and Krista Ford; DeLand High School, Brittany Clemente, Tiffany Findley and Selena Velazquez; Deltona High School, Brenna Calhoun, Ashton Langrick and Barbara Sanchez; Main-
land High School, Dillon Blackman, Sarah Bowen, Frederick Denny, Edward Rapoano and Kady Webb; New Smyrna Beach High School, Erica Kochis, Anthony Little and Kaitlynn Wines; Pine Ridge High School, Ezequiel Muriel, Dakota Stanford and Abigail Workman; Seabreeze
High School, Carson Bell, Travis Hanson, Cassandra Moothart and Erin Overbey; Spruce Creek High School, Doaa ElTemtamy, Hera Jamal, Chloe Milthorpe, Ben Rachman, Madison Santos, Priya Sathyanarayan, Paxton Shamlou and Brian Vaughn; Taylor MiddleHigh School, Alexa Roscoe, Angie Torres and Yeni Verdel; University High School, Milena Canete, John Heiland, Joseph Pizza and Joseph Warren. John Mark Adkison and several FUTURES board members assisted in the leadership training aspects of the program and coordinated several of the seminars. For more information, contact Kelly Ferguson, director of FUTURES Foundation, at 386-255-6475, ext. 50730.
7 CLASSIFIEDS
R6
APRIL 18 – APRIL 24, 2013
JUSTICE from Page 1 was the only one who died in the shooting. Crew and Gadson took their case to trial. Both were found guilty and sentenced to life sentences even though neither was found to have fired a shot. Klare Ly, a spokesman for the State Attorney’s office, said Gadson and Crew were offered lower sentences prior to trial but they chose to go to trial. Gadson was found guilty during a second trial in January. During his first trial in January, there was a hung jury. “No idea why they hung or what the count was. The jury tells the judge of a hung jury and no count is taken on a hung jury,” Ly said.
Sentencings scheduled Two years later, Broadwater and Kloc have yet to be sentenced, said Ly, who noted that their sentences have been delayed by the defense. Tentatively, Broadwater is scheduled for sentencing on April 30; Broadwater on May 17. Ly said Harry, the mother of Donnell Ellis, continues to urge that the state pursue charges against Jamie Evans. “However, after careful examination, Mr. Evans was the only person present that did not commit a crime. D.J. Ellis was shot and killed by a boy named Chauncey Gilmore,” Ly stated. “Mr. Gilmore received five years in prison for his role in this incident even though the shooting was deemed to have been committed in self-defense – defense of others. Mr. Broadwater and Mr. Kloc are pending sentencing. All four were state witnesses against Mr. Crew and Mr. Gadson.’’
Mom upset
In an exclusive interview with the Daytona Times, Harry said she was told that nobody was receiving deals. “They (State Attorney) didn’t care about me. I found out (about the deals) during the trial,” 926 c934Harry said. Gilmore was sentenced to the charge of possession of a firearm by an adjudicated delinquent, a second-degree felony. According to the Holly Hill Police Department report, Gadson did perpetrate the act of robbery and in that attempt did cause the death of Ellis as result of a shooting. The report stated Gadson was not the person who actually killed Ellis
PHOTOS COURTESY OF WISTERIA HARRY
Family and friends of Donnell “D.J.’’ Ellis stage a protest this week at the Pilot Motel, the Holly Hill motel where Ellis was shot in April 2011. but did procure the commission of the robbery.
Altercation, then shots At 4:17 p.m. on April 16, 2011, a black ford expedition entered the south parking lot of the Pilot Lodge Motel at 1400 Ridgewood Ave. in Holly Hill. According to all of the individuals in the car, Evans, Kloc and Gilmore, Kloc left the vehicle and gained entry into the room, which was registered under Crew’s name. An altercation ensued and shots were fired. At the time of the shooting, Broadwater, Gadson and Ellis were inside the room with Crew, the registered guest. All three were shot. Ellis died as result of his injuries and was pro- Angela Johnson, mother of Leroy Gadson, is shown nounced dead at Halifax with relative the protest at the Pilot 2 Center. 9:25 2/16/01 JC Jeremiah 65 Scott at Dolev Medical The report also stated Motel. that during the altercation Evans was shot, which room 3 to engage in a nar- and Gilmore, Crew lured Harry disputes, alleging he cotics transaction. Broad- Kloc into the hotel room for received his wounds from water, Gadson and Ellis the purpose of conducting were not supposed to be a drug transaction. When shattered window glass. Evans arrived at Hali- present. The deal was be- Kloc entered the room, the fax Medical Center shortly tween Crew, the registered occupants of the room alafter the other three who guest of the room, and legedly began to beat Kloc were shot. Kloc, the driver of the ex- in an effort to forcibly take pedition. the drugs and his posses4.25" Drug deal goes bad Crew was observed sions. It also was reported According to Evans, he speaking to Kloc through that one of the individuals possibly Ellis held a gun to and two others – Kloc and the driver window. Gilmore – were going to According to Kloc, Evans his head.
This is the watch Stephen Hollingshead, Jr. was wearing when he encountered a drunk driver. Time of death 6:55pm.
Photo by Michael Mazzeo
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The report continued to state that Evans and Gilmore saw signs of a struggle inside and became suspicious. As they approached room 3, Gilmore obtained a .380 caliber handgun. When they reached the door, Ellis exited and began firing a weapon – a silver and black 9 mm handgun. Evans allegedly sustained a gunshot wound to the forearm. Ellis, according to the police report, then turned the gun toward Gilmore. Gilmore was not injured, but returned fire. One of those rounds struck Ellis in the chest, killing him. Kloc exited the room and retrieved the handgun from Gilmore. Kloc then returned to the room and fired several shots at Broadwater and Gadson. Both Broadwater and Gadson were injured in the shooting. Neither of them was armed at the time. Crime scene investigators have recovered .380 caliber casings and located several blood trails leading from the room. No casings were retried from the gun allegedly fired by Ellis. Ellis, allegedly, after having been shot, returned fire before collapsing in the parking lot of the Tropizar Motel parking, 1401 Ridgewood Ave. Law enforcement officers conducted interviews with Kloc, Evans Gilmore, Broadwater, Gadson and Crews. The statements of Kloc, Evans and Gilmore remained consistent throughout and were corroborated by physical evidence and video surveillance, the police report stated. Harry alleges that this is because they were not arrested until four days later and had time to get their stories together. The police report also revealed Kloc, Evans and Gilmore were responsible for the recovery of both weapons used in this incident. Broadwater, Gadson and Crew have maintained that they had no part in a drug deal or attempted robbery.
Attorney talks The attorney representing Gadson, Kevin Bledsoe, said in an interview with the Daytona Times this week that the reason Gadson was found guilty in the second trial was because the prosecutors were able to introduce as evidence a recorded statement made by Evans to a family member who is incarcerated in Seminole county. The statement, made hours after the shooting, was consistent with the allegations that there was a drug deal and robbery in which Gadson, Broadwater and Ellis were the per-
petrators, said the report. “The state didn’t have evidence this was a robbery. Mr. Gadson didn’t shoot anybody. He didn’t want his friend to be shot. There is no evidence D.J. had a gun, ” Bledsoe said. “All of the guns that were used were in the possession of Kloc, Gilmore and Evans. One of the guns was used to kill D.J. Ellis,” Bledsoe continued.
Another mother’s story Angela Johnson, the mother of Gadson, is working on an appeal of her son’s sentencing. “My son was also a victim. I don’t understand. He was also shot,” Johnson said. Johnson also remembers April 16 two years ago as if it happened this week. She said people were calling her and telling her son was dead after being shot at a motel. “I went to praying,” said Johnson, who now regrets not answering the phone that day when her son tried to call her. When Johnson finally saw her son in the hospital, she said he told her what happened. “He didn’t have a gun. He did not give D.J. Ellis a gun. It was not a robbery that took place,” she continued. Johnson admitted her son was no “goody goody.’’ He has had problems with the law in the past. “But he would not participate in a robbery of this sort,” she said. She also said she understands why other young Black teens carry guns. “We are living in a world of violence. They think they got to have a gun on them because they don’t know what might happen. They are so scared,” she related. “We don’t need these guns. Kick butt. Shake hands and move on,” Johnson said, reminiscing how kids used to solve differences when she was her son’s age. “I want everybody to know my son has been wrongly convicted. We’ve got to stand up and fight until the real truth comes out,” she related. Johnson said her son was never offered a plea and would have considered it. “The state’s making deals with the killers to try to convict the innocent,” she concluded. Wisteria Harry was at a funeral when she got the news her son had been shot. Harry had also received a call from her son before the shooting. “He always called me when he wanted me to come and pick him up. My baby was calling me to come pick him up and I didn’t answer,” Harry said, holding back tears.
APRIL 18 – APRIL DECEMBER 14 -24, 20,2013 2006
MSPORTS AYOR
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Track and field program making great strides BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES butleramj@yahoo.com
The Bethune-Cookman University Wildcats track and field program has quietly put together a decent outdoor season. The program has eight gold medals, 117 top 10 finishes and 29 athletes (12 women and 17 men) qualified for the MEAC Championships. “Right now we are gearing up for conference. We are getting people healthy who are performing well. Our veterans are stepping up and our youngsters are contributing,” said Donald Cooper, B-CU’s head track and field coach. The program recently brought home three gold medals and 24 top-10 finishes at the Hurricane Alumni Invitational at the University of Miami in Coral Gables on April 13. It included Barry Kimbrough (14.78m/48-6 ft.) who won the shot put; junior Saint Preux (54.42), who took the 400m hurdles; and the men’s 4x100 relay team (Tremayne Banks, Angelo Cabrera, Darnell Washington, Saint Preux/40.95), who took home a first-place finish.
Success in Nassau The Wildcats also had three first-place finishes and 22 top-10 finishes at the College of Bahamas Invitational in Nassau, Bahamas from April 5-9. There Deidra Jordan (15.22) won the 100m hurdles, Tristie Johnson (11.80) the 100m dash while the men won the 4x400 relay (Tremayne Banks, junior Saint Preux, Darnell Washington and Curtis Riggins) at 3:29.20. “We finally had some good weather. Coaches have done a great job of keeping our kids prepared as well as our training staff. Our kids are getting the resources that they need. The team has been focused and performed for the most part,” commented Cooper.
‘Elite sprinters’ The program has been led by senior women’s distance runner Kadian Dunkley and junior male thrower Keron Stoute. “Kadian is a junior college transfer with a great effort, but there is a lot more in the tank for her. She is kind of conservative when going after it but
COURTESY OF B-CU SPORTS INFORMATION
Deidra Jordan is one of 19 Wildcats who have qualified for the MEAC Championships. Jordan sprints and does some throwing for the team, which has put together a solid season thus far.
B-CU ROUNDUP she is performing at a high level,” said Cooper. “Stoute is another junior college transfer who has had some outstanding performances. He also has a tremendous work ethic.” The coaches also are high on freshman sprinter Tristie Johnson. “Tristian Thompson has been able to show that she is one of the elite sprinters in our conference. She is way ahead of where she was a year ago. We expect her to do well and qualify for Nationals,” added Cooper.
Championships in May Cooper has only been heading the program for the past three seasons, but is pleased with the progress being made. During the indoor season, the men placed third and the women fifth at the
MEAC Indoor Track and Field Championships. “We have been able to attract some good talent and develop it to move us where we want to be. We have had some walk-ons that have been tremendous for us. We have also had the support from the administration,” expressed Cooper. The program is hoping to build steam heading toward the MEAC Outdoor Track and Field Championships (May 1-4). The program wants to have athletes make the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field East Preliminaries (May 22-23) and later the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships (June 5-8). “We will have more development and progression. We want to be a perennial top-three team in the conference. We want to always compete for a MEAC championship and compete in our region. We
are making the right steps. On the flip side, we haven’t been able to attract the international talent but we are working on it,” Cooper told the Daytona Times. B-CU will next compete in the Kansas Relays in Lawrence, Kansas from April 18-20.
Baseball: Wildcats still playing well From April 9-14, the Wildcats went 3-1, picking up two wins over North Carolina Central and another over Jacksonville. The Wildcats (22-18, 126) have won nine of their last 10 games dating back to March 31, which included a seven-game win streak from April 3-13. They lead the MEAC Southern Division. David Lee went 2-for-5 with three RBIs and Matt Noble 3-for-4 while Byron Ferguson (2-2) picked up the win on the mound in relief and Jordan Dailey (7)
the save in a 5-2 win over Jacksonville on April 9. Anthony Stokes and Eros Modena each had two hits with an RBI while Scott Garner (4-4) got the win and Chris Waltermire the save in a 4-2 win over the North Carolina team on April 13. The Eagles beat the Wildcats 10-0 in the second game of a double header that day. Modena was 2-for-4 with four RBIs to lead the Wildcats charge in a 9-2 win over the Eagles in the series finale on Sunday. Montana Durupau (6-3) also got the win on the mound for BCU. B-CU traveled to Miami to face Florida International on Tuesday night and Coral Gables to play Miami on Wednesday. The Wildcats host North Carolina A&T in a threegame series on April 2021 in Sanford. B-CU plays its final eight games on the road, including five in Florida.
Inaugural clinic held for women Bethune-Cookman will hold its spring showcase (spring game) at News Smyrna Beach Airport Stadium on April 20. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. and admission is $1 with all proceeds going to New Smyrna Beach’s Pop Warner program. The Wildcats held their inaugural Women’s Football Clinic at the Larry R. Handfield Athletic Training Center on April 13. More than 20 women participate in the event, which included lectures, drills, skills and a tutorial speech from Brian Jenkins, B-CU’s head football coach. “A lot of our female fans asked when would we do something for the women in the past, so we did this,” Jenkins said.
Atlantic’s alumni narrowly defeats faculty in game for coach BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES butleramj@yahoo.com
The Alumni beat the Faculty 87-85 in a charity basketball game at Atlantic High in Port Orange on April 13. The game was a benefit for Coach Herman Perry, Atlantic’s assistant girls basketball coach, who recently suffered a stroke and is now in recovery. “We had a great turnout. Coach Perry has a lot of love in the community and it showed today. We want to thank the Atlantic staff and our Principal Teresa Marcks for allowing us to use the gymnasium today,” said Coach George Butts, Atlantic’s head basketball coach.
Stars return The Alumni team featured former Shark stars Athena Christoforakis (girls basketball), Ramona Wilson (girls basketball), To’Ray Johnson (boys basketball), Tim Maxwell (wrestling), Stephanie Kern (girls basketball), Tabitha Theon (girls basketball), Isabel Beamon (girls basketball), Tommy Bostick (boys basketball/football) and others. The opposing team consisted of Atlantic faculty along with faculty from other local schools. They included Joe Gid-
VOLUSIA COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS REVIEW
and has spent 30 years teaching with the Volusia County school district. More benefits and events will be held for Perry. “I have spoken with some of the other basketball coaches in the area and they have agreed to do some similar things,” confirmed Butts.
dens (coach), Mike Ebert (teacher), Arthur Westbrook (coach), Devin Welty (resource officer), Jeremey Ossler (teacher), Josh Scott (teacher), Tony Plowden (teacher) and others.
Johnson takes over Seabreeze boys
Father figure The event was all about support for Perry, which former players were glad to do. “I haven’t played in so long but with this being for Coach Perry there was no question that I would play. He was like a father figure to many of us. He was stern but treated us like his own kids,” commented Wilson. Added Athena Christoforakis, “It’s great to come together and support in a time of need. Coach Perry put a lot of work into this program. I have fond memories of him when I was playing. He talked fast and could really get on you.’’
Good game too As for the game, former boys basketball standouts To’Ray Johnson and Tommy Bostick showed skill for the alumni. “It was a great game with great players. The event
The April 13 basketball game was a benefit for Coach Herman Perry, Atlantic’s assistant girls basketball coach, who recently suffered a stroke. went well. Coach Perry is a very positive and energetic individual. He is always in good spirits,” stated Johnson. Bostick added, “I haven’t been in this gym since 1996. It’s good to help Coach Perry.” Gidden, former Mainland standout and current
Spruce Creek boys coach, had the hot hand for the faculty team. “I do a lot of teaching my players and it paid off today. I have known Coach Perry for a long time and this was for a good cause,” said Giddens. Perry has been with the Sharks program for 18 years
Pepper Johnson was named head coach of Seabreeze High School’s boys basketball program on April 9. Johnson takes over from Mike Dye, who recently stepped down. Johnson led the girls program over the past two seasons, which included a playoff appearance this past season. Johnson is also a former star basketball at Seabreeze. He graduated in 1991 as the school’s alltime leading scorer. Corey Walden, who now plays for Eastern Kentucky, broke his record in 2010. Johnson still holds the school’s alltime assists record.
Calvary’s Camporese All-State Calvary Christian Academy Senior Forward Zach Camporese was named to the Class 2A All-State Third Team by the Florida Association of Basketball Coach-
es and SourceHoops.com. Camporese averaged 21.7 points and 5.1 rebounds for the Lions this season.
Baseball: Mainland’s Burton wins 200th Mainland beat Orange City University 6-3 on April 12. The win gave Mainland head coach Michael Burton his 200th career win. Burton has been heading the program since 1999. “It was cool to get the 200th win against a great team and we played the best that we have in a while so it was an awesome day,” responded Burton.
Restuccia to play in Pennsylvania Father Lopez’ infielder/ pitcher Nick Restuccia will attend Gannon University in Pennsylvania next year where he will play college baseball. Restuccia will join teammate Tommy Roache, who also will play at the school.
Prep Sports Seven Baseball 1. University (18-6), 2. Spruce Creek (15-8), 3. New Smyrna (15-6), 4. Taylor (18-4), 5. Seabreeze (15-8), 6. Father Lopez (12-10), tie 7. Trinity (10-10-1), Mainland (10-10). Other: DeLand (13-14). The records are as of April 17 at noon.
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7APRIL 18 – APRIL 24, 2013