Daytona Times - April 20, 2017

Kassy Eugene to perform at Palm Coast church SEE PAGE 7

EE FR

ANDREW HAIRSTON: HBCUS ARE WORTH MORE THAN A PHOTO OP WITH THE PRESIDENT PAGE 4

ALPHAS INDUCT NEW MEMBERS SEE PAGE 2

East Central Florida’s Black Voice APRIL 20 - APRIL 26, 2017

YEAR 42 NO. 16

www.daytonatimes.com

A facelift for Westside Elementary School in Black neighborhood to get new classrooms and cafeteria

BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES

A school in Daytona Beach’s Black community soon will be given a facelift.

The Volusia County School District plans to renovate Westside Elementary located at 1210 Jimmy Ann Drive.

“It’s been long overdue. A renovated Westside will be a great addition to our community.

Someone also donated 15 acres of land to the school and this provides us with enough land where

we now have ample space to redo the school entirely if we chose,” said School Board Member Ida Duncan Wright.

Right now everything is in a planning phase.

“We are in an early stage of design. We’re kind of moving to a programming phase. We are working out specifications and the concept plan layout proceedings,” stated Saralee Morrissey, the school district’s director for planning.

Growing school Growth has facilitated the need to make the school larger.

“Westside is definitely a community school. We are still in the planning stages. We need to be See SCHOOL, Page 2

DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

Westside Elementary School on Jimmy Ann Drive has 630 students but is designed for a capacity of 550 kids. The goal is to expand to accommodate 750.

Ronni Williams makes history Basketball standout becomes the first local woman drafted into the WNBA

BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES

The City of Daytona Beach received an “A’’ for employment diversity but an overall grade of an F in a report card released this week by the Florida NAACP. The 2017 Diversity Matters Report Card graded some private corporations, school districts and city governments across the state.

The NAACP Florida State Conference gave out grades in three areas, along with a final grade.

The three areas are employment diversity; small, veteran and minority business spending; as well as small, veteran and minority advertising and marketing.

The City of Daytona Beach received an “F’’ in small, veteran and minority business spending as well as small, veteran and minority advertising and marketing.

BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES

Ronni Williams is heading to the WNBA, making her the first Volusia County woman to be drafted by the professional basketball league.

The former Atlantic High School and University of Florida (UF) basketball standout was drafted April 13 by the Indiana Fever in the second round. The 6-food-2-inch guard was the 22nd overall draft pick.

“I was in shock. I just stood there clapping my hands and I shed a few tears. It’s a dream come true. I smiled. I was happy. All the hard work paid off,” Williams said.

The WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) has 12 teams and the draft consists of three rounds. The league was founded in 1996. Before then, America’s best women players had to go overseas to play.

“I am glad that we have a league in this country. I’m blessed to be able to compete here in the U.S. and not automatically have to go overseas,’’ Williams added. It’s a blessing. I thank God. I don’t take anything for granted. I’m going to come out and do my best.”

‘Ready to go’ Williams is off to Indianapolis, Indiana for training next week. Her team training camp begins April 27.

“The biggest challenge is just getting into training camp and learning a new system and getting into the flow. I now have to

Daytona gets mixed grades in Florida NAACP report card

Local NAACP responds

COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT

Ronni Williams led the Florida Gators in scoring with 19.2 points per game. She also averaged 7.8 rebounds. earn my way. I’m ready to go. I am going to give my all. I have to get into the flow,” she added.

During the draft, Williams waited anxiously at her draft party, held in Daytona.

“I was nervous sitting there waiting to hear my name called.

I think that’s nerve-racking for anyone. I was also sitting and waiting with my family, friends and loved ones,’’ she shared.

Williams will graduate from UF later this month with a Bachelor of Science degree in Telecommunications-Media and

Society.

Leading UF scorer During her senior year with the Florida Gators, she led the team in scoring with 19.2 points See WILLIAMS, Page 2

Cynthia Slater, president of the Volusia County/Daytona Beach NAACP, has mixed views about the report.

“I am unsure of who completed the survey for the City of Daytona Beach. However, the results of the report card for our city shows that there is much work that needs to be done as it relates to minority marketing, advertising and business spending,” she stated in an email to the Daytona Times.

“I was quite surprised to see the A in employment diversity; yet, I believe there continues to be a need for hiring in top level positions. The A simply means that the city is meeting the diversity and inclusion standards in employment diversity.”

See NAACP, Page 2

State warns residents: Fire season likely will get worse

BY LLOYD DUNKELBERGER THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

TALLAHASSEE – With the state battling 106 wildfires covering 124,000 acres as of Wednesday, Florida’s top forestry official warned the fire season has yet to reach its peak.

Jim Karels, director of the Florida Forest Service, said Florida is experiencing an “active early fire season,” with drought conditions throughout the state.

ALSO INSIDE

“We tend to peak in the months of April, May and June. And many times, the worst is in May and June. So this is early,” Karels said as he joined Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam at a news conference to ask Floridians to step up efforts to prevent fire outbreaks through vigilance and precautions.

1,600 this year The current fires include 78,000 acres under the state’s jurisdic-

tion and 46,000 acres under federal control, including large fires in Baker County near the Okefenokee Swamp and in the Big Cypress region in Collier County.

Thirty-one of the fires cover more than 100 acres.

“This is the most active fire season that the state of Florida has witnessed since 2011,” Putnam said.

He contrasted the fires with last year’s record rainfall, noting historically more severe fire seasons often follow very wet years.

“Extreme begets extreme as my grandfather used to say,” Putnam said.

He said Florida has recorded approximately 1,600 fires this year, compared to fewer than 900 fires last year.

Resources stretched Putnam said the state is prepared to step up its efforts under Gov. Rick Scott’s declaration of a state of emergency issued earlier this month. Under the order, Putnam said the Forest Service was able to utilize a Florida National Guard Blackhawk helicopter, which had a 600-gallon water bucket, to help fight fires over the last weekend.

“Our resources are stretched, and the additional aircraft from the Florida National Guard made a big difference,” Putnam said.

He also said the Forest Service is making arrangements for support from other state agencies, including the Department of En-

vironmental Protection, as well as the U.S. Forest Service, which is providing aircraft support.

And Florida has activated a regional firefighting compact with other Southeastern states that could bring in additional firefighters and equipment if needed.

‘Be safe’ Putnam said human activity is the leading cause of the fires, with trash burning that gets out of control and arson as the top two factors. He said some 240 fires have been linked to arson, a 70 percent increase over last year.

“We’re asking for the public’s See FIRES, Page 2

COMMUNITY NEWS: A PICTORIAL GLANCE AT LOCAL EASTER SERVICES IN VOLUSIA COUNTY | PAGE 5 SPORTS: NEW COACH READY TO BUILD FLAGLER PALM COAST FOOTBALL PROGRAM | PAGE 7

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7 FOCUS

APRIL 20 – APRIL 26, 2017

Fraternity inducts new members Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity recently inducted new local members.

Bethune-Cookman University’s Delta Beta Chapter inducted 13 new members. Beta Delta Lambda, the alumni chapter that serves Volusia, Flagler and St. John’s counties, inducted six new members. John Huger, center, is the president of the alumni chapter.

Stewart Memorial United Methodist Church has scheduled a Women’s Day activity at 11:30 a.m. April 22.

“The Pretty Hat Prayer Brunch and Tea’’ will include a brunch with a variety of teas. Ladies are invited to wear hats. The cost is $25.

The culminating Women’s Day activity will be at 4 p.m. April 23. The message will be a performance. Tracodram from Bethune-Cookman University will perform under the direction of Associate Professor Carla Lester.

The Women’s Day theme is “God’s Helping Hands’’ and will include a performance of “The Creation’’ by James Weldon Johnson.

Community Certified Nursing Assistants will be honored during the program. The April 23 service is free and open to the public.

For tickets to the tea, call the church at 386-2557222 or buy tickets at the door.

COURTESY OF BETA DELTA LAMBDA CHAPTER/ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY

SCHOOL from Page 1

able to accommodate our growing populations. Major renovations are needed. Renovations will definitely benefit students and staff,” commented Principal Willie Williams.

Westside has 630 students but is designed for a capacity of 550 kids. The goal is to be able to accommodate 750 students.

“The school is actually in good shape physically, but we are seeing increases in enrollment there. The need for renovation is to make it bigger to accommodate growth,” Morrissey noted.

Sixty-six percent of the students attending Westside are African-American, 19 percent are White, 7 percent are listed as multiracial, and 6½ percent are Hispanic. The rest are Asian or Pacific Islander.

Brief history Westside was built in 1966 to meet the needs of the growing population of Daytona’s Westside, according to the district’s website, myvolusiaschools.org.

The original school had eight classrooms, an administration suite and a li-

brary. The school also had central air conditioning.

In 1968, eight more classrooms along with a cafeteria and new library were built while the old library was converted into the art and music rooms.

In 1970, another 10 classrooms and a new administrative wing were built.

The school’s colors are blue and white and the mascot is the Eagle.

drop off as well as the loop where parents pick up and drop off their kids.

“These renovations will improve the school and also be a benefit to our parents, especially in terms of parking and our parent pick-up loop. Our hope is that all phases are done by 2020,” Williams related.

Morrissey added, “We are going to increase parking and relocate the driveway for and make parent pick up drop off loop larger.”

Parents receptive Parents are open to the renovation.

Lavonda Walker is the mother of Alanna Nelson, a second grader at Westside.

Walker told the Daytona Times, “I think it will be excellent. Former Principal Dr. Judy Wynch pushed for renovations and she did a lot to bring money into the school. Mr. Williams is now doing a great job.

“Renovating the school is good for the community.

We need a state-of-the art school here. Renovating shows that we are investing in our future, which is our children. I would definitely attend meetings about information and parent input,” Walker added.

Kareathia Gibson has four children attending Westside.

“I think it is wonderful that they will renovate and make the school bigger. It’s welcomed, especially in re-

Remaining open

DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

The date for renovations at Westside has not been set. Improvements to the school will be made in three phases. gards to them doing something with the parent pickup loop, which is currently terrible,’’ Gibson remarked.

Three-phase project The total cost of renovation is estimated at $15 mil-

WILLIAMS

Early start Williams began playing at the YMCA at 3 years old.

As a kid, she played at Daytona Beach PAL as well

Some advice

Throughout her life, she has worked hard to overcome her challenges as a player.

“I always had something to improve on every year from childhood up until now. Recently, it has been extending my shooting range, especially around the three-point line. I just need to get more confident shooting out there,”

She strives to be a role model for girls.

“I try to live my life as an example for others, especially young girls who have dreams that they want to come true. I live as if someone is watching. No one thought a girl from Daytona could get this far, but it’s happening now. I hope I can give kids hope and inspiration that anything could happen if they put in the work,” Williams stated.

For other up-and-coming players Williams has this advice.

“Just put in the hard work. Don’t just talk it. You have to be about it. You’ve got to do it. Hard work pays off. You’ve got to work for it.”

hope that the counties will take the action they can take to protect their citizens.”

In addition to the acreage burned, the 2017 fires have destroyed 27 homes, although the overwhelming majority of the 2,000 homes that have been evacuated were saved, Karels said.

Underscoring the ongoing danger, Putnam said the Forest Service

lost a firefighting bulldozer over the weekend in Okeechobee County. He said the firefighter driving the vehicle was rescued unharmed due in part to the “sealed cabins” used on the vehicles.

“For the foreseeable future we’ve got dry conditions,” Putnam said. “For the foreseeable future we desperately need people to be very, very cautious.”

Ronni Williams began playing basketball at 3 years old. Next week, she’ll start training with the WNBA. as (AAU) Amateur Athletic Union basketball in Orlando and at Campbell Middle School.

She always dreamed of playing professionally but never could have visualized it.

Williams told the Daytona Times, “I absolutely wanted to be a basketball player as a kid. I dreamed it, but I didn’t see it. I didn’t know what to see or to expect.

“My two favorite WNBA players growing up were Tamika Catchings (now a teammate) and Swin Cash. I never knew much about the

FIRES

and driving on roads where smoke limits visibility.

“Be safe. If that visibility goes down, slow down,” Karels said.

help,” Putnam said, urging Floridians to call 911 or the department’s arson hotline (1-800-342-5869) if they see suspicious activity.

He and Karels also asked Floridians to be careful in activities like discarding cigarettes, burning debris

27 homes lost

from Page 1

lion and expected to take about 36 months to complete. The start for date has yet to be determined.

The first phase will be adding new classrooms and the second phase will be the construction of a new cafeteria.

she remarked.

“At Florida, I didn’t need to shoot out there so much.

Every year there is a challenge and a way to improve your game.’’

Williams also faced challenges off the court.

“I always had to be away from family during get togethers, holidays and cookouts. I always spent a lot of time away playing basketball. I am a big family person. I missed seeing a lot of family play sports, dance and do other things,’’ she related.

from Page 1

per game. She also averaged 7.8 rebounds.

Williams was named to the First Team All-SEC and became the first Gator in program history to lead the conference in scoring. She averaged 20.1 points per game in SEC contests.

She also was named to the WBCA NCAA Division I Coaches All-American Team Honorable Mention.

She led the Gators in scoring the past three years.

During her UF career, she scored over 1,400 (12.1 points per game) points and over 800 rebounds (6.7 rebounds per game). She scored in every game except one.

At Atlantic High School in Port Orange, Williams was named the area Player of the Year for all four years and led the Sharks to two Final Four appearances, including one state runnerup.

She averaged over 20 points and double figures in rebounds each year.

Stewart Memorial to present Women’s Day tea

Putnam said some counties have imposed burn bans, while a statewide ban would be “a last resort.”

“That is always preferential to a (statewide) blanket ban,” Putnam said. “We

actual league. I just knew that this is what I wanted to do. I knew it was to play in the WNBA or overseas.”

The challenges

“We also want to make sure the cafeteria can fully accommodate its function and the school’s activities,” Morrissey shared.

The third and final phase will be renovation of the parking areas as well as areas for bus pick up and

NAACP from Page 1

The City of Daytona Beach did not respond for comment by the Times’ Wednesday night deadline.

Discrimination suits The City of Daytona Beach has been under fire for diversity and equal opportunity practices in its workforce, which has resulted in discrimination lawsuits.

Most recent lawsuits include one from current employee Thomas Huger and fired employee Sonja Wiles.

Huger, a Black male, sued his employer for race and age discrimination after he was passed over for promotion to deputy public works director. The job was given to a younger White male.

Wiles, a White woman, who spent 23 years with the city, is suing the city for harassment, discrimination and retaliation.

The city recently issued a diversity memo showing improvements in regards to hiring and promoting minorities compared to a 2015 diversity in the workplace report it conducted.

How others fared The only municipality to receive a good overall grade from the Florida NAACP was the City of Fort Walton Beach. It received a B grade.

Fort Walton Beach received an A in diversity employment diversity and small, veteran and minority marketing and advertising. However, it

The school will remain open during the renovation period.

“We will be renovating while the school is still up and operational. It’s challenging, but we have done it before. We did it when we re-did Mainland High School and when we renovated Ormond Middle School,” Morrissey explained.

“We must get up security measures and safety measures to keep construction actually separate from school operations,’’ she added.

Williams echoed, “It is going to be challenging.

We just ask for parents to be patient during renovations. We will have meetings with a lot of information for them leading up to the renovations.”

got an F for small, veteran and minority business spending.

Most cities and school districts rated received an overall F or D. The cities of Palatka, Crestview, Hialeah, Sanford, Key West and Hollywood received F grades across the board.

Every city, school district and private corporation graded received an F for small, veteran and minority business spending.

All private corporations received an F in all categories.

‘A last priority’ The Florida NAACP examined records on employment, advertising and spending with minority, women and veteran-owned businesses.

The NAACP Florida State Conference conducts this review annually, proposes recommendations and releases its findings to the public.

“Our Diversity Matters Report Card is an annual investigation reviewing workforce diversity, local contracting expenditures and advertising budgets in urban, rural and suburban areas,” said Torey Alston, who led this statewide effort on diversity and also serves as third vice president of the NAACP Florida State Conference.

“This year’s report card continues to show cities, counties, school districts and private companies have diversity and inclusion as the last priority. While there are some bright spots, there is still much work to be done ensuring diversity and inclusion is reflected in all aspects of government and the private sector.”

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M A YNEWS OR

APRIL 20 – APRIL 26, 2017 COMMUNITY DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006

Alabaster Ministries seeking mothers for day of pampering With hot-button items kicking off a “wow” experience, save the upcoming dates to take stock of what’s happening in Palm Coast.

Alabaster Ministries’ Minister Carmen R. Caldwell, M. Div., is offering special gifts for Mother’s Day to women in need of building self-esteem and courage.

The day has been designed for these women to be pampered and Minister lavished for celeCarmen R. brating the special Caldwell resilient women that they are!

“The event will include a complimentary facial, makeover, satin-hand treatment, and personal leadership coaching and lunch,” said Minister Caldwell. “Also, I am seeking donations for Mother’s Day outfits. My team is very excited to meet and give these special treats to the ladies.’’

Minister Caldwell and her team take pleasure in serving the community.

Since Alabaster Ministries has designed the day for these fabulous ladies, join them and the team on April 29, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Hilton Garden Inn in Palm Coast.

All interested ladies - including those recommended by clubs, organizations, and churches must RSVP immediately to take part in the phenomenal offer.

If you are a vendor, there’s room to apprize yourself of the venture.

Please RSVP at caldwellcarmen1@gmail.com or call 732646-0002.

‘Missing Our Mothers’ event set for April 29 “The loss of a mother can never be replaced, but the love of a mother can never be lost.”

Kelly Flannery Women ages 18 and up are invited for caring and sharing as daughters coming together to celebrate the memories of their mothers.

Please bring a framed photo of your mother to share. A com-

PALM COAST COMMUNITY NEWS JEROLINE D. MCCARTHY

plimentary, hot breakfast will be provided.

Heidi Shipley of District 2 of the Palm Coast City Council will be the guest speaker.

This is happening April 29. The check-in time is 8:15 a.m. The actual event will run from 9 a.m. to noon at the Grand Haven Golf Club, 500 Riverfront Drive, Palm Coast.

There’s no charge to attend. So, please reserve your seat by contacting Yanique Tomlinson immediately at 386-366-6167, or Yanique.Tomlinson@VITAS.com.

The “Missing Our Mothers, Daughters Remember” breakfast is an exclusive adult event.

Black Catholic Guild hosting jazz concert It will be memorable when St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (S.E.A.S.)’s Black Catholic Guild presents “An Evening of Jazz” for the 21st annual jazz concert.

It’s a collaboration featuring “Shepherd-N-Green” on May 6, 7-9 p.m. in the church hall, 4600 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast.

Refreshments are included in the package.

The husband/wife duo will lend their voices to sing R&B, disco, Motown and jazz, as well as sensationalize their acuity on the drum machine, keyboard and saxophone. The audience will find much to enjoy, and it will be great entertainment that’s talked about for a long time.

The donation is $20 per person.

For tickets, call Andrea Parham, 386-439-0430; Sharon Waring, 386-585-4717; or Elaine Toppin, 386-446-6119.

Sopranist to perform at benefit concert Great classical works will fascinate the audience when soprano Kassy Eugene is presented in

PHOTO COURTESY OF YOLETTE EUGENE

Soprano Kassy Eugene will perform in a benefit concert at 6 p.m. May 7 at First Baptist Church of Palm Coast. a benefit concert, May 7, 6 p.m., at First Baptist Church of Palm Coast, 6050 Palm Coast Parkway.

Kassy grew up onstage, performing under the late Jesse Chapman, music and fine arts director at Palm Coast United Methodist Church. She’s a graduate of Flagler Palm Coast High School. She furthered her studies at the University of North Florida.

She has been cast in the 2017 summer program by the New York Lyric Opera Theater to perform the operas “Die Fledermaus,” “Cosi Fan Tutte,” “Cendrillon,” as well as other oratorios. The operas will be performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the National Opera Center.

The program amounts to over $2,500 in lessons for voice, diction, role preparation, etc. A freewill offering will be requested at the concert.

So come, and give your support to one of Palm Coast’s rising stars!

We began taking stock of Kassy’s talent ever since she was in her early teens. And look at Kassy now!

Meeting to address advocacy and aging Jacqualine Whyte, Flagler County representative of the Area Agency on Aging (ElderSource), states that “With the many changes now facing our senior and disabled citizens, we must be more vigilant.”

Whyte says that the public can

join regional and statewide leaders for the discussion “Advocacy and Aging - A Community Conversation.”

Speakers Catherine Anne Avery, RN, LNC, bureau chief of Elder Rights, Florida Department of Elder Jacqualine Affairs; and Linda Whyte Levin, M.S.G. executive director of ElderSource, will address the issues facing older adults and Flagler’s growing, aging population.

Special guests will provide overviews of the recent legislative activities affecting older adults as well as present a list of resources and tools that are used to advocate. It will include information concerning local volunteer opportunities.

That’s May 9, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., at the Flagler County Public Library, 2500 Palm Coast Parkway, NW, Palm Coast.

The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

For further details, contact Joanne Hinkel at jhinkel@flaglercounty. org.

als are invited for worship at the millennial ministry, headed by the Rev. Dr. David L. Blow, Sr. The service has been set for April 30, 6 p.m., at First Church, 91 Old Kings Road North.

Rev. Blow, a man of God, has studied to show himself approved.

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in telecommunications from Morgan State University, a Master of Divinity, and a Dr. David Doctorate of MinLawson Blow istry from Howard University.

Dr. Blow is part of the adjunct faculty of Bethune-Cookman University’s School of Religion.

For further details on the service for the millennials, contact First Church at 386-446-5759.

••• As always, remember our prayers for the sick, afflicted, the prodigal son, or daughter, and the bereaved.

Millennials invited to First Church service

Birthday wishes to my husband, Louie, April 21; Marsha Rode, April 22; Kevin Senior, Flo Hancock, April 23; Joan Bennett Walker, April 24; Roy A. Benjamin, April 25; Dorothy Robinson and Carolyn Bridges, April 26.

The Rev. Dr. Gillard S. Glover, pastor of the First Church of Palm Coast, announced that millenni-

Airport plans community appreciation day

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

The Love Band entertains the crowd gathered at Cypress Park.

Midtown Motown returns The City of Daytona Beach’s 2017 summer concert series kicked off April 8 at Cypress Park, 981 George Engram Blvd., Daytona Beach. The concert, featuring Glenn Wiley and The Love Band, included food vendors.

The free event continues at 7 p.m. May 13 with Bartee and the Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose. The series will be held at 7 p.m. every second Saturday of the month with different artists performing.

More information: www.midtownmoResidents support the Midtown Motown food vendors. town.com

Daytona Beach International Airport will host a Community Appreciation Day from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 22, to thank the community for its support and patronage.

Attendees will learn about the many flights out of Daytona Beach on American Airlines, Delta and JetBlue, as well as the amenities and services the airport provides to make travel as convenient and stress-free as possible.

Shelldon, the official mascot of the Daytona Tortugas, will be present to greet guests and take photos.

“We felt it was important to create an event that reminds the community of all the services we offer, as well as thank them for choosing our airport,” said Jay Cassens, director of business development. “The support and utilization of air service out of Daytona Beach is crucial for recruiting new airlines and expanding service with existing carriers.”

Reservations are not necessary.

The first 50 attendees to visit the airport’s table on the second level will receive a free T-shirt from the Daytona Beach International Airport, and all guests will have the opportunity to win door prizes, including a hotel stay, gift cards and tickets to a Daytona Tortugas game.

For more information, contact Pat O’Brien at 386-248-8030, ext. 18318, or pobrien@volusia.org.

United Way to honor volunteers The United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties will celebrate 75 years of service to the Volusia and Flagler communities during its Anniversary and Volunteer Celebration on Thursday, April 27. A luncheon will be held at the Club at Pelican Bay from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The club is located at 350 Pelican Bay Drive, Daytona Beach.

The program will include recognition of local volunteers and an overview of United Way’s impact over the past 75 years. Philanthropists CiCi and Hyatt Brown will be the keynote speakers.

Celebrations

“Not only are we able to celebrate our 75th anniversary, we always look forward to recognizing the efforts of our outstanding volunteers,” said Dennis Burns, president and CEO of United Way Volusia-Flagler. “Our volunteer recognition luncheon draws hundreds of attendees each year, and we are looking forward to another great event,” he added.

Sponsorships for this event begins at $300. The Diamond Level sponsor for $5,000 includes two tables to the event and the opportunity to speak during the luncheon. Seating is limited and expected to sell out. To purchase tickets, visit the United Way website at www.unitedwayvfc.org or call 386-2530563.

County’s Solid Waste Division to host collection events Residents can drop off old paint, solvents, automobile and household batteries, pool chemicals, pesticides, motor oil, gasoline, other household chemicals, and up to 10 fluorescent lamps at these times and locations: • 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, April 28: Ormond Beach Public Works, 501 N. Orchard St., Ormond Beach • 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 29: DeBary City Hall, 16 Columba Road, DeBary Only unmixed household hazardous waste will be accepted. Insulin needles will be accepted in approved containers; the containers will not be returned.

Businesses are not eligible for free disposal.

Residents also may bring their household hazardous waste to the Tomoka Landfill in Port Orange or the West Volusia Transfer Station in DeLand year-round for free disposal. The landfill is open from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Monday through Saturday. The transfer station is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Both facilities provide free paint exchange programs and electronic waste recycling.

For more information, call 386-9472952.

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7 EDITORIAL

APRIL 20 – APRIL 26, 2017

HBCUs are worth more than a photo op I love Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

I’m biased, as I’m a graduate of Howard University. My friends, family members and colleagues are HBCU alumni. My first major case as a lawyer centered around the desegregation of Maryland’s four HBCUs. I am particularly proud of HBCUs for what they have managed to do despite the perennial challenges of systemic racism and inadequate investment.

Thus, I find myself troubled by the Trump administration’s February 27 meeting with HBCU leaders. A photo opportunity emerged with President Trump and went viral. The same day, Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos issued a statement asserting that HBCUs are “real pioneers of school choice.”

I recognize the validity of some assertions made by the Trump Administration in reporting what transpired during the listening session. For instance, enhancing the infrastructure of HBCUs could increasing their competitiveness.

However, a photo opportunity and press release associating HBCUs with school choice severely mischaracterize the history and promise of these institutions.

ANDREW HAIRSTON, ESQ. TRICE EDNEY NEWS WIRE

Opened their doors At their founding, many HBCUs opened their doors to students who had been previously denied an opportunity for a postsecondary education. As they evolved, HBCUs have fortified themselves as supportive spaces for students to refine their commitment to social justice and learn of the significant contributions of members of the Black diaspora to the world.

When I think of my Howard experience, I recall marching to the White House in 2011 to protest the execution of Troy Davis; traveling to Annapolis to call for an end for the death penalty in Maryland; and partnering with grassroots organizations to canvas in Baltimore as a part of the University’s Alternative Spring Break initiative.

Increased funding, stronger programmatic offerings and better facilities would undoubtedly assist HBCUs in reaching their full potential. What the new ad-

Texas ID law struck down a fifth time Last week, a federal court dealt a blow to Texas’ efforts to disenfranchise voters of color. Texas’ draconian 2011 voter identification law has been struck down for the fifth time.

The United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas determined the law intentionally discriminates against Black and Latino voters.

This raises the possibility that Texas voting procedures could be placed under federal supervision, as it was from the 1965 passage of the Voting Rights Act until the Supreme Court’s disastrous 2013 gutting of the Act with its Shelby v. Holder decision.

The court found that when the Texas legislature considered the

Does it hurt more to have a disappointment occur without expectation, or to be able to anticipate a disappointment and see it materialize?

When it relates to the US justice system, a disavowal of patterns and practices that served to protect the integrity of the process and broadly protect the rights of citizenship hurts, whether anticipated or not.

My great disappointment came on June 25, 2013, in the Shelby County v. Holder decision. The Supreme Court struck down Section 4 of the 1965 Voting Rights Act and invalidated the “pre-clearance” requirements of Section 5.

bill, the lawmakers were aware that only two people out of 20 million votes cast in the previous decade, had been convicted of inperson voter fraud. Other, more common forms of voter fraud were not addressed by the bill.

The law was easily the most restrictive in the nation with respect to permitted identification. A Texas state handgun license – which may be legally ob-

Correct prediction Progressive observers predicted a retrenchment of extra-legal policies that served to suppress the voting rights of non-whites who are likely pro-Democratic voters.

Events since that decision have proven the progressive prediction correct.

The pre-1965 experience of a segment of society rendered powerless because of an inability to vote looms

TRICE EDNEY WIRE

large as a future possibility, as well. Laws passed in a significant number of states since 2013 have served to restrict voting rights and have, when contested, earned the condemnation of judges who’ve seen through the subterfuge and determined that these laws are no more than vehicles targeting the voting rights of minorities.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s adamant refusal to perform his constitutionally mandated responsibilities of conducting the confirmation process of Judge Merrick Garland signaled a commitment

by Republicans to obliterate the changes to social justice achieved in the past 50 years.

Sessions appointed My next disappointment came February 9, 2017 when Jefferson B. Sessions as-

Harmful policies As communities of color continue to mobilize against militarized schools and police shootings of unarmed Black people, among other issues, the missions of HBCUs and these activists find themselves inextricably linked. Harmful policies advocated by the Trump administration, including widespread

Shameful history

TRICE EDNEY NEWSWIRE

DR. E. FAYE WILLIAMS, ESQ.

ministration must also understand is that HBCU graduates often leave their campuses with both degrees and a mission to achieve racial and social justice.

For many HBCU alumni, myself included, that photo opportunity does little to mitigate the damage already done by the Trump administration’s policies to these principles, including the travel ban, the rescission of the Obama administration’s Title IX guidance for transgender students, and the Department of Justice’s decision to remove itself from a crucial challenge to a discriminatory voter ID law in Texas.

Additionally, the dark picture painted by President Trump in his inaugural address, emphasizing American carnage and a need to restore law and order, contradicts the administration’s rhetoric concerning HBCUs.

tained by some non-U.S. citizens – is a permissible form of identification under the law, while a federal or state government ID, nor a student ID, are not.

MARC H. MORIAL

A reversal of fortune

VISUAL VIEWPOINT: TRUMP’S FIRST 100 DAYS

Monday was the second time Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos had ruled on the law. At the 2014 trial, experts testified to Texas’ shameful history of suppressing minority voters, from Reconstruction to the present day. Between 1895 and 1944, Texas permitted all-White primary elections. From 1905 to 1970, Texas voters were prohibited from taking people with them to the polls to assist them in reading and interpreting the ballot. Between 1902 and 1966, Texas required a poll tax.

And even though the Voting Rights Act of 1965 put Texas’ voting procedures under federal preclearance, Texas continued

sumed the office of US attorney general. His subsequent actions seem more like rationalizations of the White Citizens’ Councils.

Sessions’ most recent and egregious act is his refusal to implement already-established consent decrees with police departments that’ve demonstrated disparate enforcement of the law (i.e. Ferguson, Baltimore and Chicago). In the face of overwhelming evidence and, in some cases, cooperation of the offending police department, Sessions has chosen to overlook the discriminatory patterns and practices in training and enforcement and excuse them to the isolated actions of individual officers.

Sessions has missed the fact that no individual or institution is above the law.

These isolated actions he’s willing to explain away have immeasurable impact on individuals and our communities that reach far beyond an isolated event.

Gorsuch confirmed My most recent and greatest disappointment came April 10, 2017, with Neil Gorsuch taking the oath as the newest Supreme Court jus-

DAVE GRANLUND, POLITICALCARTOONS.COM

availability of school vouchers and increasing funding to local law enforcement officers, stand only to exacerbate the pushout of children of color and limit their access to a quality public education.

The school-to-prison pipeline already hinders the promise of many young children of color by replacing school resources with those of the juvenile justice system. These practices indirectly result in a diminished applicant pool for HBCUs and make it that much harder for these institutions to fulfill their missions grounded in justice and equality.

to overcome fear and intimidation when they vote,” Judge Ramos wrote in her 2014 decision.

“Reverend Johnson testified that there are still Anglos at the polls who demand that minority voters identify themselves, telling them that if they have ever gone to jail, they will go to prison if they vote. Additionally, there are poll watchers who dress in law enforcement-style clothing for an intimidating effect.”

Texas’ persistence in continuing its long history of racial discrimination against voters is disheartening. We call on Texas’ leadership to heed the blindingly clear message that voter suppression is unacceptable in 21st Century America, and move forward with a commitment to equality and opportunity.

‘Fear and intimidation’

Marc Morial is president and CEO of the National Urban League.

“Minorities continue to have

tice. His appointment is “Antonin Scalia on steroids” who offers little hope of justice for any, except the moneyed and well-aligned.

The Gorsuch confirmation threatens to again send women to back alleys for abortions and to solidify control of corporate interests over the lives of ordinary citizens, including environmental issues, healthcare and workers’ rights. It threatens elimination of laws implementing of civil rights initiatives. The Gorsuch threat could last 40 years or more and impact society for generations beyond that.

Voting has consequences!

Those hoodwinked by declarations of a failing society, and non-voters who saw no reason to vote, have helped shaped this reversal of fortune. The Supreme Court and the Department of Justice, once allies and defenders of the rights of vulnerable citizens, have turned their backs on those who’ve depended upon their objective judgments.

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

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

Andrew Hairston, J.D., is associate counsel with the organization’s Educational Opportunities Project.

discriminatory practices. When the voting age was lowered to 18 in 1971, Waller County – home to historically Black Prairie View A&M University – prohibited students from voting unless they or their families owned property in the county. A court struck down the requirement in 1979, but Waller County continued attempting to enforce the law as recently as 2003.

Waller County violated the preclearance requirement during Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign for president, improperly rejecting voter registrations and placing limits on the number of new registrations. The witnesses also noted that in every redistricting cycle since 1970, Texas has been found to have violated the Voting Rights Act with racially gerrymandered districts.

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.

HBCUs constitute strong and powerful portions of the American story. President Trump and his administration must remain cognizant of the historic and current purpose of HBCUs. Increasing available resources is one part of the process. But arguably of more importance is implementing policies that honor and support the goal of HBCUs to achieve a society free of discrimination and bigotry.

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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Earl McCrary will always be remembered Many in our community recently had an opportunity to pay homage to Mr. Earl C. McCrary, II, former principal of Campbell Jr. High School and Campbell Middle School.

Mr. McCrary was an amazing leader who was the epitome of relationship building. He made everyone feel that he/she was “Number One” whether you were a student, VICKIE J. teacher, staff member, parent or community member.

PRESLEY As students entered or deREADER parted the school, he could COMMENTARY be seen holding up his index finger and chanting, “Number One!” Mr. McCrary launched my career in Volusia County Schools by hiring me as a teacher in 1980.

I was entrusted with teaching so many wonderful students and later serving in several administrative positions in Volusia County Schools from which I retired with 36 years of service. I will forever be grateful to Mr. McCrary for his encouragement for many years.

It was great to see former students, but most importantly, it was heartwarming to know that so many of them have reached their goals in life and are productive citizens. Hats off to the committee members who sponsored the Campbell Jr. High School Reunion weekend for the classes of 1974-1992! Mr. Earl C. McCrary, II passed away 10 years ago, but he lives on in our hearts.

Vickie J. Presley is a retired area superintendent for Volusia County Schools.

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

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5 7

M A YNEWS OR

APRIL 20 – APRIL 26, 2017 COMMUNITY DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006

Out and about on Easter weekend Area residents who wanted to partake in Easter events had plenty to choose from over the holiday weekends.

There were many Easter egg hunts for the kids as well as services that reflected on the meaning of the Christian holiday.

As it’s done in the past, the Daytona Beach Black Clergy Alliance hosted “The Seven Last Words of Christ’’ on Good Friday as well as a Sunday sunrise service.

The Derbyshire Easter Egg Hunt attracted a large crowd of youngsters with baskets. The kids left with plenty of eggs, a basket as well as books.

The egg hunt was a collaboration of the City of Daytona Beach, F.R.E.S.H. Book Festival, Mahogany Reads bookstore and others.

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

Pastors look on as Dr. L. Ronald Durham speaks during the Good Friday service at Stewart Memorial United Methodist Church in Daytona Beach.

A youngster checks out all of the eggs she gathered.

A praise dancer performs Sunday during the Easter service at Greater Friendship Baptist Church in Daytona Beach.

Left: A Greater Friendship member addresses the crowd.

There were books and baskets at the Derbyshire Easter Egg Hunt.

Left: Dr. Michael Chambers of Greater Friendship speaks.

The colorful eggs were in plain sight for the youngsters eager to fill their baskets at Saturday’s Derbyshire Easter Egg Hunt held at Derbyshire Park in Daytona Beach.

R6

7 CLASSIFIEDS

SOMETIMES MY HUMAN DOESN’T WEAR PANTS AT HOME. IT’S A RIOT.

APRIL 20 – APRIL 26, 2017

HUNGER BLOGS, TOO.

— COLBY adopted 06-18-11 1 IN 6 AMERICANS STRUGGLES WITH HUNGER.

TOGETHER WE’RE

Hunger is closer than you think. Reach out to your local food bank for ways to do your part. Visit FeedingAmerica.org today.

#BeUnderstood

SOME PARENTS BEG THEIR KIDS TO DO HOMEWORK. SOME KIDS ARE BEGGING FOR IT TO MAKE SENSE. Learning and attention issues can look different to parents and kids.

That’s why there’s Understood, a free online resource with answers, advice and tools to help your child thrive. Go from misunderstanding to understood.org.

Brought to you by 15 nonprofit partners

7

M ASPORTS YOR

APRIL 20 –14APRIL 26, 2017 DECEMBER - 20, 2006

ing they might win. We must instill in their minds that they can win every game,” Roland expressed.

Roland likes the mood at FPC heading into spring practice.

He said, “I’ve had two meetings and over 100 kids showed up. I’ve been told that that’s the most kids from previous years.

There is a buzz and excitement around campus. The coaching staff and I are going to work. We want to have a good spring. The goal is to win the spring game and build momentum.”

A team with talent

PHOTOS COURTESY OF TRAVIS ROLAND

Travis Roland, who has spent the past four seasons as defensive coordinator at Mainland High School, is now the head coach at Flagler Palm Coast High School.

Rowland ready to build FPC’s football program

BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES

Spring practice for Florida’s high school football teams begins on April 24.

Travis Roland, a first year and rookie head coach, will begin his quest to turn the Flagler Palm Coast (FPC) Bulldogs into a powerhouse.

“I’ve always looked at FPC as a hidden gem. I just thought it was time to do something different.

I know it’s a challenge. I set big goals. I think it was just time,” Roland remarked.

Roland was hired in December. He replaced Tommy Moody, who was fired after going 7-12 over two seasons.

Will miss Mainland Roland has spent the past four seasons as defensive coordinator at Mainland High School.

During that time, the Mainland Buccaneers’ defense shut out 19 opponents. They only allowed 13

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS teams to score 21 points and the team went 58-10 with at least one playoff win in each season.

“I will miss Mainland. Mainland is home. I went there just like my brothers and cousins.

My mother worked there for 15 years, but it was time to move on and leave home to do something great,” he admitted.

“I’ll always love Mainland. I’ll miss the players. I coached many in Pop Warner and they are a big part of me.’’

Experience as player, coach Roland was a star player at Bethune-Cookman College (now University) and Mainland, where he was a member of the 2003 state title team.

He also is a longtime Pop Warner (youth football) coach and spent two seasons as defensive

His mission

A former player, Roland says he knows what it takes for a high school team to be successful. coordinator at Seabreeze High School. Roland also played a season of arena football.

He knows what it takes for a team to be successful.

“You have to build to become great. Mainland is a brand. Kids flock to Mainland. They have been winning for 25 years. I must create the brand of FPC football.

At Mainland, I helped create and sustain the brand as a player and coach. I just have to do it here. It’s

exciting,” he commented.

‘Change the mindset’ Roland is up for the challenge to make the Bulldogs into a perennial winner.

“We have to change the mindset. When you have a few losing seasons, I think it gets to the kids and they become individuals instead of teammates. We have to get them expecting to win instead of going into a game hop-

NFL draft boards missing quarterbacks at top

BY ZACH BERMAN PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER/TNS

For the last two years, there was no debate at this point in April about the first two picks in the NFL draft. They would be quarterbacks. The marquee players in both drafts played the league’s marquee position.

With the draft in Philadelphia this year, that’s not the case. This is not considered as top-heavy of a quarterback class as the past two years, when Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota went Nos. 1 and 2 in 2015 and Jared Goff and Carson Wentz did the same in 2016.

Teams can always take quarterbacks earlier than expected because of the position’s value, but there’s no consensus on whether any of the quarterbacks will go in the top 10 picks this year.

“It’s just going to make the documentary and the story in five, 10 years even better whenever they start talking good about us,” said Clemson’s Deshaun Watson, a projected first-round pick who led the Tigers to the national championship last season.

Top of the class The quarterbacks atop the class are Watson, North Carolina’s Mitch Trubisky, Notre Dame’s DeShone Kizer, and Texas Tech’s Patrick Mahomes II. The first three will attend the draft at the Art Museum next week.

Draft analysts differ on how they view this class. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. predicts that Trubisky will be the first quarterback taken at No. 6, while colleague Todd McShay projects Watson going at No. 7 before Trubisky.

The NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah, a former Eagles scout, doesn’t have a quarterback ranked among his top 25 players

He’s ready

The Browns’ dilemma

Enough experience Kizer and Mahomes are not as

At the end of the day, Roland is touching lives and molding men.

Roland told the Daytona Times, “Every day I wake up with a mission to try to save another kid. I have some teammates that are dead for some reasons. If I can save a kid from any situation that may trip them up and put them on the wrong way wrong path, then I’ll do it.

“I think as a high school coach I get a chance whether in Daytona or Flagler. I must be that positive role model for the kids. TV doesn’t show the greatest example. I try to show them that they can have all they want in life by getting an education and becoming what they can be.”

es, and I think that’s going to help me. And just my abilities, I feel like I’m in a really good spot right now to take my game to the next level and I feel really confident.”

in the draft.

“I know there’s been a lot of shots taken at this class,” said NFL Network analyst Bucky Brooks, a former NFL player and scout.

“But I do believe there’s some young developmental players at the position that are intriguing prospects.

“Even the guys that will come off the board at the top of the board, they will be picked apart, kind of talked about how they’re not ready to play. But I do believe in time that one or two of these guys can emerge as stars at the position, kind of carry the torch from some of the old guard that will be kind of fading in the next two or three years and become stars in this league.”

Much will depend on the situation the quarterback enters. The Cleveland Browns still need a solution at quarterback after passing on selecting Wentz last year.

The Browns have the Nos. 1 and 12 selections — fertile spots to pick a passer.

They can choose Trubisky, a one-year starter for the Tar Heels who grew up in the Cleveland area and would welcome the chance to play for his hometown team.

They can take Watson, whose pedigree for the Tigers includes 28 wins and two national championship appearances in the last two years, and the game-winning touchdown pass against Alabama to secure the title in January. But his interceptions increased last season, and he is left answering questions about how he’ll transition from Clemson’s spread attack to a pro-style offense.

FPC plays Seabreeze High at the Ormond Beach Sports Complex on Friday, May 19, at 7 p.m.

Roland does inherit some talent at FPC, including running back/wide receiver Jimmy Robinson, 6’3” wide receiver Anfernee Brown and defensive back/ wide receiver Isaiah Stubbs.

“We have some really good skill players coming back. We do have some talent on this team.

Jimmy will be a three-year starter and a big-time player maker for us while Anthony is also a fouryear starter and Stubbs is a very fast guy. He runs with the track team,” Roland noted.

Roland believes his ties with the community can help him succeed.

He explained,” I definitely have the right ties in Daytona as of helping the kids become better people. In Flagler, I have to do some work. I have to go to the gym and talk to the locals. It will take time, but I believe that because of my upbringing I will be able to mesh well with the players. Once people and kids find out who I am, what I do and why I do it, I think things will work.”

JOYCE MARSHALL/FORT WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM/TNS

The National Quarterback Award was presented to Deshaun Watson of Clemson University at the 40th Annual Davey O’Brien Awards Dinner on Feb. 20. heralded — and neither led his team to a winning record last season — but they still entered the draft as underclassmen with tools that could make a team want to invest because of the long-term potential.

The New York Jets and Houston Texans both could have competition for starting spots in 2017, but even teams with established quarterbacks such as the New Orleans Saints, Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Chargers, and Kansas City Chiefs could enter the quarterback mix because of the downthe-road outlook at the position.

Trubisky, who is 6-foot-2 and

222 pounds with a 4.67-second 40-yard dash, threw 30 touchdowns and only six interceptions last season while completing 68 percent of his passes and averaging 288 yards per game.

He also rushed for five touchdowns. But he spent his first two eligible years at North Carolina as a reserve, leaving only 13 starts for teams to evaluate.

“That’s a question everybody’s asking,” Trubisky said of his lack of experience. “I think I definitely have enough experience. I only have 13 starts but I played in 30 games. … I’m a student of the game and I’ve seen a lot of defens-

Watson doesn’t have that problem. He started 35 career games and accumulated 10,168 yards, 90 touchdowns and 32 interceptions while completing 67.4 percent of his passes. He also rushed for 1,934 yards and 26 touchdowns. That experience is what Watson believes sets him apart in this class.

“Everyone works hard, everyone is motivated to be the guy in that franchise,” Watson said. “I’d just say my past history, starting back in high school, the way I was raised, coming from the projects home and being able to get out of that. Being the face of college football for two years, handling the success, handling all the criticism and the adversity.

And then being 48-8 in high school and winning a state championship and then going to the collegiate level and being 33-3, so one thing that translates from college to the NFL is winners, and I think being a quarterback, that’s the biggest thing being recognized, winning games. That’s all I’ve been doing.”

‘Biggest question’ So why isn’t he thought to be the likely No. 1 pick? Watson said the “biggest question” he’s hearing from team officials is whether he can change protections, run a pro offense, and recognize defensive coverages. The interceptions are also a blemish. So he must show that his skill set can translate to the NFL. “They know that I’m not just some other quarterback that’s running a spread offense,” Watson said. “That [I’m a] guy that can operate, make good decisions and recognize what the defense is doing and be successful doing it.”

R8

7RELIGION

APRIL 20 – APRIL 26, 2017

Churches nationwide struggling to find organists ly complementary architecture, Walker says.

Those include two Catholic churches: the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen, with its massive, Ohio-made Schantz organ, and the Basilica of the Assumption, with its Roosevelt organ that dates to the late 1800s.

A third is the 10-year-old Andover organ at Christ Lutheran Church in the Inner Harbor.

Boasting two consoles and more than 4,300 pipes, it has been featured on the cover of The American Organist, the official journal of the organists guild.

BY JONATHAN M. PITTS BALTIMORE SUN/TNS

BALTIMORE – When the longtime organist at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Havre de Grace, Md., announced her retirement last fall, the leaders of the small 200-year-old congregation faced a bigger challenge than they knew.

Music — particularly the music of the organ — is central to the life of the church. Members say the instrument’s rich sounds complement their liturgy, inspire congregational singing and even seem to invite the Holy Spirit into their presence.

But a six-month search has turned up just one potential applicant.

Church leaders are trying every new strategy they can think of to get things moving.

“We’re praying and trying to stay optimistic, but this we had no idea how challenging this would be,” says parishioner Casi Tomarchio, a member of the search committee. “There aren’t enough organists out there.”

Feeling the pinch At a time when fewer Americans describe themselves as affiliated with any religious denomination, the ranks of those who play the instrument long considered a mainstay of Christian worship — the organ, and most specifically, the pipe organ — are thinning.

The shortage has hit less hard in major metropolitan areas, where historic cathedrals and churches with bigger budgets can invest the funds it takes to buy and maintain a serviceable organ and offer a musician full-time work.

But smaller congregations — including those in rural and suburban America — are feeling the pinch.

Stay for decades Most church organists stay in their positions for decades, but when they do retire, there frequently is no one to replace them.

The shortage has been changing the sound of Christian worship in

‘Sustaining’ sound

KARL MERTON FERRON/BALTIMORE SUN/TNS

Worship music consultant William Patrick Alston Sr. is shown on March 31 at New Shiloh Baptist Church in Baltimore, Md. the United States.

“In the major religious institutions, sacred music is alive and well, and there are plenty of musicians who are eager for those positions,” says John Walker, a member of the organ faculty at the Johns Hopkins Peabody Institute.

“But as the organ community grows somewhat smaller through attrition, with people aging out of the profession and fewer young people coming in, we have — well, I hate to say a crisis, but we have a very challenging situation facing us.”

By the numbers Few speak with the authority of Walker, an internationally known church and concert organist who has performed in major cathedrals and on some of the finest instruments in the world. But even he might be understating the point.

A 2015 survey by the American Guild of Organists confirmed the picture is bleak and getting worse.

The organization found that about 60 percent of its 16,000 members were 58 years of age or

older. Just 11 percent were younger than 37.

More than half — 58 percent — had played at the same religious institution for at least 31 years, while only 14 percent had done so for less than a decade.

Gordon Truitt is senior editor at the National Association of Pastoral Musicians, which “fosters the art of musical liturgy” in the American Catholic Church, according to its website.

“There’s a serious shortage, and it’s growing,” Truitt said. “For smaller churches in particular, it’s a huge concern.”

Black churches impacted It’s also a concern in Black churches.

J. Spencer Hammond is the former longtime organist and choir director at Douglas Memorial Community Church in Baltimore.

The pipe organ long anchored hymn singing in African-American worship, he says. But fewer young people are learning it.

“It’s happening across the board, in all churches,” he says.

Church music consultants say the shortage has a range of causes, many of them rooted in changes in the broader culture over the past several decades.

Diminishing church attendance has made it harder for congregations to pay highly trained organists. A decline in clergy has forced many to ask organists to take on pastoral duties unrelated to music, such as teaching in religious schools.

Not extinct Meanwhile, cheaper, more portable and more easily accessible instruments such as drums, guitar and piano have grown in popularity.

Church musicians say these and other cultural pressures have diminished the appeal of the organ, an instrument that has always required intense study.

The tradition is not extinct. Pipe organ fans who want to experience its power may visit any of the 15 or so area institutions that have a top-quality instrument, a full-time organist and acoustical-

Pick up a weekly ad for the rundown on our current specials—including BOGOs! Available in stores or online at publix.com/savingstyle.

As an instrument, the organ is known for generating an impressive range of sonorities, its pipes capable of mimicking everything from a flute to an English horn.

Musicians say it’s uniquely suited to support congregational singing because its use of air and vibration mimic the mechanics of the human voice.

Those qualities were audible at Christ Lutheran one recent Sunday as music director Daniel Aune played “God Loved the World” and “Lift High the Cross.”

The sounds began gently, then swelled in the columned sanctuary and swirled down among the pews.

Ann Hunter has sung in the church’s choir since 1967.

“A piano doesn’t fill a space the way an organ does, and this is a mighty organ,” said Hunter, who sings alto. “I can’t imagine doing a hymn processional down the aisle without an organ.”

Aune, who is president of the organ guild’s Baltimore chapter, says that power derives from the organ’s very structure.

“With other instruments, [such as] a piano, the sounds can decay, but an organ is sustaining,” he says. “Because it is a vocal instrument — it requires air and has its own lungs — it encourages singing. It can breathe with you and has a sense of vocality.”

The Baltimore Sun Tim Prudente contributed to this article.