Palm Coast resident recounts trip to China SEE PAGE 3
EE FR
GEORGE CURRY: The question no one is asking Clippers owner Donald Sterling See page 4
Daytona State honors faculty member
East Central Florida’s Black Voice MAY 8 - MAY 14, 2014
YEAR 39 NO. 19
SEE PAGE 3
www.daytonatimes.com
Speedway funding gets green light Legislators approve bill that allows DIS, others to apply for sales tax breaks BY ASHLEY D. THOMAS DAYTONA TIMES aysheldarcel@gmail.com
Public funding will be available to private stadiums in the state under new legislation passed last week. The Florida Legislature approved House Bill 7095 on May 2 recommending Gov. Rick Scott to sign it. The bill establishes a process by which sports franchises are able to apply to receive sales tax refunds from the state based on the amount of
sales tax generated by the facility. Under the bill, Daytona International Speedway’s $400 million Daytona Rising project is eligible for application to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.
Speedway response “Today’s decision by the Florida Legislature makes evident that the state recognizes the tremendous value that Daytona Rising has and continues to deliver to our area,” International Speedway Corporation CEO Lesa France Kennedy said in a statement released on May 2. “If signed, the legislation will set the Please see SPEEDWAY, Page 2
DUANE C. FERNANDEZ/HARDNOTTS PHOTOGRAPHY
This youngster has a good seat for the race at the Daytona 500. The Speedway will offer more seats from his vantage point if Scott signs HB7095.
Fresh law grad wants to unseat commissioner BY ASHLEY D. THOMAS DAYTONA TIMES aysheldarcel@gmail.com
PHOTOS BY ASHLEY THOMAS/DAYTONA TIMES
Pastor Jeffery Dove (right) looks over paperwork at the Bethel Empowerment Center in Deland. The center opened in April.
Center hopes to fill gap for low-income, elderly, unemployed BY ASHLEY D. THOMAS DAYTONA TIMES aysheldarcel@gmail.com
Bethel Empowerment Center (BEC) in DeLand opened its doors just over a month ago in an effort to help community members with services typically taken care of at the Department of Children and Families office in Daytona Beach. Pastor Jeffery Dove, a member of the BEC board, says the success the center has seen since April 1 has been vast. “In this short period of time, we have had some tremendous success. The center has a plethora of resources. We offer bus passes, help with resumes, and we are preparing a job fair May 23 from 10-2. Bright House, Burger King and Lowes will all be in attendance. We are very excited about bringing economic opportunity to DeLand,” he told the Daytona Times.
Filling a gap Dove added that there are resources lacking in DeLand. “We assist people who need to apply for the food stamp card (EBT). That (ability) is no longer in DeLand (through a state agency). It moved to Daytona. We fill that gap. I don’t think the State of Florida understands that if
Stanley B. Pandy II, a recent graduate of Florida A&M University’s law school, will challenge Daytona Beach Commissioner Patrick Henry for his Zone 5 seat. The Daytona Beach resident graduated from high school five years ago and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Florida State University. He graduates from Florida A&M University’s College of Law in Orlando this week and plans to take the Florida Bar Exam in February 2015. Pandy says that although he’s just 23 years old, he has knowledge beyond his age. His career and service history include planning community service projects to help the local and international community through Florida State University as well as participating as a mentor for students enrolled in Bethune-Cookman University’s Male Explorers Program. “Some people are afraid to ask for help from other people. I do not pretend to know everything. I am a humble individual,” he told the Daytona Times.
Downward trend Pandy says that he remembers the more “vibrant years” of the Daytona Beach area where he grew up. “Throughout high school, throughout college, I saw Zone 5 take a downward trend. Now I drive through Zone 5 and I see houses boarded up, streets aren’t in the best condition. My childhood neighborhood has turned into a sad state in comparison to other areas,” he remarked. “When I go in to other zones in Daytona Beach, the roads are well-maintained, there aren’t as many boarded houses. When I drive through Zone 5, there is a boarded house on every street and it depreciates others property value. The boarded-up YMCA will discourage others from wanting to move into that area.’’
Economic development
Jamie Conkin and Mike Dubbeod use the center’s computers as Latwania Williams assists you are poor or you are elderly and you need to eat, and you need to reapply you have to go all the way to Daytona. That is a problem for a lot of seniors in the community and a problem for just the average person.” Patrons at the center agree with Dove’s sentiments. “I’m filling out applications and cre-
ating a resume to get a job,” said firsttime visitor Matilda Butler. “I get food stamps, and I don’t have transportation to get way to Daytona.”
Even has shower Another patron wishes more people Please see CENTER, Page 3
Pandy says he wants people to look both inside and outside of their zone to see where improvements can be made. “The job of the commissioner is to advocate for people in his zone. When you look at International Speedway, the city is pumping a lot more resources in that zone than they are pumping this zone. I want them to look at the zones across the river where the city is subsidizing hotels to come for economic development in that zone,” Pandy added. “I want the people of Zone 5 to say ‘How is the city helping to bring economic development to this zone, Zone 5?’ It is important to have youth centers for the youth, to receive tutoring, to let off their steam, but it is also important to have economic development in the zone because Please see PANDY, Page 2
ALSO INSIDE
HEALTH: LACK OF DIAPERS A MAJOR PROBLEM FOR THE POOR | PAGE 5 ENTERTAINMENT: BLACK PRESS DEVELOPS PARTNERSHIP WITH HIP-HOP COMMUNITY | PAGE 7
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7 FOCUS
MAY 8 – MAY 14, 2014
CENTER
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Above is a rendering of the new Palm Coast City Hall. Work on the building is slated to start this fall.
Construction manager seeks contractors for Palm Coast City Hall project SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
Gilbane Building Company, which has been selected as the construction manager for the Palm Coast City Hall project, will
hold two Vendor Roundtables for contractors interested in working on the project. Local firms within the city and Flagler County are encouraged to attend. The roundtables will be
Daytona State offers after-work registration hours Offering easy registration access for summer sessions and fall semester, Daytona State College welcomes new and returning students with daily hours and afterwork hours for registration, advising and testing at all of its campuses. Each of the college’s five campuses regularly offer at least two days a week with hours until 6:30 p.m., as well as special enrollment events until 7 p.m. and on certain Saturdays (see schedules below). To ensure the best avail-
ability of classes, students should complete their registrations as early as possible. Summer classes start May 14 (6-week and 10-week) and June 30 (6-week). The majority of fall semester classes start Monday, Aug. 25 (15-week and 7-week classes); some apprenticeship, practicum and Adult Education classes start on Wednesday, Aug. 13.
Registration hours Daytona State’s registration hours for summer and
SPEEDWAY
For constructing or renovating The House voted 8927 to approve Senate changes to the overall measure. The bill requires the Department of Economic Opportunity to evaluate economic viability and rank funding proposals before lawmakers are asked to approve sales-tax dollars for multimillion-dollar construction projects and improvements. Up to $2 million a year could go to the Speedway and to soccer teams in Miami and Orlando. Public money can be
More phases
used for “constructing, reconstructing, renovating, or improving a facility or reimbursing such costs,” the bill states.
Money tiered for plan The plan bases distributions on 75 percent of the average of new state sales taxes rung up on sales at a stadium. It tiers money available based on project cost: •Projects costing $200 million or more can get up to $3 million a year. Projects of $100 million to $200 million can get up to $2 million a year. Projects of $30 million to $100 million can get up to $1 million a year. Stadiums already receiving public money are eligible for up to $1 million a year. In all cases, funding would last up to 30 years. “We are proud of our efforts with Daytona Rising, and are especially grateful to all our local community supporters who rallied on our behalf to help keep these dollars in our community and region. We’re also grateful to the leaders in Tallahassee for
to 12 months to complete. The phase will initially include a 32,000-square-foot office building and parking area. Additional phases will include an 8,000-squarefoot addition for community meeting rooms including City Council Chambers, a lakefront plaza and more parking. City Hall will be located on Lake Avenue at Central Park in Town Center. The City Hall project is being designed by the architectural planning and design firm of C.T. Hsu + Associates.
Construction of the initial phase of Palm Coast City Hall project is expected to begin in September or October 2014 and take nine
For more information, contact City of Palm Coast Purchasing Manager Brian Rothwell at 386-986-3731.
fall classes are as follows, through July 25: • Daytona Beach Campus - 8 a.m. until 6:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday • DeLand Campus - 8 a.m. until 6:30 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday • Deltona Campus - 8 a.m. until 6:30 p.m., Monday and Thursday • Flagler/Palm Coast Campus - 8 a.m. until 6:30 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday • New Smyrna BeachEdgewater Campus - 8 a.m. until 6:30 p.m., Monday and Tuesday • All other days, the campuses are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Friday, 8 a.m. until noon.
complete everything from admission to registration and have a chance to win a $350 scholarship from the Daytona State College Foundation. Only students registering for classes during the events will be eligible for this drawing; the winner will be notified following the events. • Tuesday, June 3, 3:30 until 7 p.m. - DeLand Campus, 1155 County Rd. 4139 • Thursday, June 5, 3:30 until 7 p.m. - Deltona Campus, 2351 Providence Blvd. • Saturday, June 7, 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. - Daytona Beach Campus, 1200 W. International Speedway Blvd. Students can take advantage of the special enrollment days to complete their application (online or downloaded from www. DaytonaState.edu), meet with an Admissions Advisor and Financial Aid Counsel-
Enrollment Day events In addition, special Enrollment Day events provide the opportunity to their willingness to create a means by which to partner with us to build a better economic future together,” France concluded.
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framework to potentially provide additional capital for the project, allowing us to build upon the already massive economic benefits being generated in the region – from thousands of new jobs to millions of dollars in new tax revenues. Daytona International Speedway (DIS) President Joie Chitwood III stated, “If the bill is signed, Daytona Rising will stand as the model for a true privatepublic partnership with far-reaching advantages for Florida.’’
held 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 13, and 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 22, at the Flagler/Palm Coast Campus of Daytona State College, 3000 Palm Coast Pkwy. SE, Building 2. Preregistration is not required to attend. Contractors will be given information on the scope of work for the new City Hall and the anticipated schedule of bidding and construction. They also will be provided information on how to become pre-qualified with Gilbane Building Company.
Controversial bill Scott spokesman John Tupps said in an email that the governor “looks forward to signing this legislation.” “This economic development bill creates a process that measures return on investment to help protect Florida’s taxpayers,” Tupps added. The process was drawn up after controversial efforts last year by the Miami Dolphins to land tax money for upgrades at Sun Life Stadium. “Last year we saw the frustration up to the last minute, with CEOs coming in, running to the speaker’s office, going to the president’s office, trying to do this and do that, and, at the end of the day, get nothing,” said Rep. Alan Williams, D-Tallahassee. “A lot of municipalities will benefit from this as we try to turn the economy around.” But Rep. Jose Javier Rodriguez, D-Miami, said the process would only make it easier for communities and teams to get state money. The Senate backed the measure, with its changes, in a 35-3 vote.
knew about the center, which is outfitted in standard tables and chairs as well as comfortable couches. Cheyenne Graham said of the center, “This is a good place, people should be able to learn more about it.” The center also has a shower available to the homeless and those who are in need. “We are trying to be that center that fills in the gap, and we are friendly to the convicted felons,’’ Dove asserted. The employees who run the center work through a non-profit – Experience Works, which hires seniors over the age of 55.
Not enough The Department of Children and Families donated computers that patrons use to access work sites and state agencies. Dove said more are needed. “The dilemma or concern I have is the state and other entities moving resources out of the community to places that can’t be accessible to the DeLand community and that is a real issue,” he noted. “They give us computers and think that should suffice, but it should not suffice. The resources are moving out of the
or, take an assessment test (if applicable), meet with an Academic Advisor and then lock in their schedule for summer or fall. During the Saturday enrollment day, Daytona State’s Financial Aid Office will be open to assist with college education financing and to complete financial aid applications (FAFSA). Academic Advisors will also be available to talk about academic programs such as Honors College and Learning Communities, which include linked classes and Daytona State’s award winning QUANTA program. Additional enrollment day events are scheduled for the Daytona Beach Campus on Saturday, July 19, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Saturday, Aug. 16, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
community and now we have to use nonprofit resources to make it happen and that’s not fair. Our tax dollars should be able to stay within DeLand. It’s not right.” Dove added that at some point there needs to be a conversation on the accessibility of state agencies. “I don’t know if it’s that people aren’t standing up in DeLand, but it’s not fair to those that need it,” he added. The center is located at 226 East Howry Ave. and operates from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
May 23 job fair A job fair is scheduled there on Friday, May 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Attendees are required to have a resume to enter the fair. Those without a resume will be able to receive assistance in formatting a resume before and during the event. Organizations interested in partnering with the center offering employment, job assistance, providing agency recommendations, resources or volunteers are asked to contact Dove at 386855-4087 by May 9. For more information on the center, call 386-736-2324.
Extended hours Extended registration hours for July 28 through Aug. 31 will run as follows: • Daytona Beach Campus - 8 a.m. until 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday • DeLand Campus - 8 a.m. until 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday • Deltona Campus - 8 a.m. until 7 p.m., Monday and Thursday • Flagler/Palm Coast Campus - 8 a.m. until 7 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday • New Smyrna BeachEdgewater Campus - 8 a.m. until 7 p.m., Monday and Tuesday • All campuses are open regular hours on Friday, 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. For more information visit www.DaytonaState.edu or call the Admissions Office at 386-506-4471.
Job creator Daytona Rising is expected to create 6,300 jobs, $300 million in labor income and over $80 million in tax revenue. It will be completed in time for the 2016 Rolex 24 At Daytona and Daytona 500. Daytona Rising was recently cited as a key source of expected job growth in Volusia County as part of a Manpower Employment Outlook Survey. Five expanded and redesigned entrances, or “injectors,” will lead fans to a series of escalators and elevators, transporting them to three different concourse levels. Each level features spacious social areas or “neighborhoods’’ along a nearly mile-long frontstretch. At the conclusion of the redevelopment, the Speedway will have approximately 101,000 permanent, wider and more comfortable seats, twice as many restrooms and three times as many concession stands. In addition, the Speedway will feature over 60 luxury suites with trackside views and a completely revamped hospitality experience for corporate guests.
Jim Turner of the News Service of Florida contributed to this report.
ASHLEY THOMAS/DAYTONA TIMES
Stanley Pandy II stands in front of the Yvonne Scarlett Golden Cultural and EducationalCenter, a staple structure in Daytona Beach’s Zone Five.
PANDY from Page 1
economic development is what appreciates your property values. He continued, “It’s what someone who wants to move to this zone, they want to see that this place has good jobs. Zone 5 does not have the type of development that other zones that the city of Daytona Beach has.” Pandy adds that he
looks forward to working with the other commissioners as well as Mayor Derrick Henry, whose brother is his challenger. “I’ve always been a person who is able to negotiate and find a middle ground. That’s one of the things that have been troublesome in the arena such as Congress. People aren’t able to meet at that middle ground. I want to be able to say, ‘Hey bring business to Zone 5 that will benefit the entire community.’”
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MAY 8 – MAY 14, 2014 COMMUNITY DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006
M A YNEWS OR
Flagler resident recounts Chamber’s journey to China Vivian Richardson traveled with her granddaughter in China while nearly every turn released the memories that awaited. It was the treasure of a lifetime. Richardson serves as chair of the directors for the African American Cultural Society. She is president of the Afro-American Caribbean Heritage Organization and secretary of the Heritage Crossroads Committee. Richardson tells it like it is in China.
Richardson’s excellent adventure My trip to China got under way on the weekend of April 11, sponsored by the Flagler County Chamber of Commerce. Director Rebecca DeLorenzo and coordinator Kathy Wilcox extended bon voyage following our group’s get-together for picking up luggage tags. We were made up of 16 Flagler residents, organization and business representatives, including my 15-yearold granddaughter Ashlee of Bay Shore, NY. Most of us flew to New York a few days before the scheduled flight and met up at the JFK gate for an evening flight to Beijing. On the 13-hour flight, we were treated to the usual amenities of movies, pillows and blankets, and dinner and breakfast – and lots of liquid refreshments. I had an aisle seat; Ashlee had the window seat. A young, delightful businesswoman had the center seat. She was a Beijing native, who graciously went over our itinerary, noting her favorite sites. Because I am tall, I kept my legs limber by taking a few laps about the aircraft. I followed the trajectory of the plane on the monitor in front and saw that we traveled mainly over Canada and Russia. Before we knew it, we were preparing to land. We met tour guide Angie, who was everything you’d want in a guide – a warm personality and very knowledgeable.
Wonder of Beijing Beijing Airport was huge, clean and very modern, but I have to say at this point I was anxious to know what to expect. But Angie allayed any concerns we had. Collecting the luggage, the group headed for a deluxe tour bus and we were on our way. It was now the evening of the next day. As we motored to our first stop – a popular local restaurant – Angie pointed out the site of the 2008 Summer Olympics, a series
PALM COAST COMMUNITY NEWS JEROLINE D. MCCARTHY
of large structures with one resembling a bird’s nest. The first meal in China was served family-style, the Lazy Susan “groaning’’ under the weight of the many dishes served: Chinese vegetables, chicken, beef, pork and fish, and always different varieties of rice with exotic condiments. We were delighted to be offered Pepsi Colas, tea and beer. We later agreed that this meal was the best. Hotels throughout the trip were splendid. The rooms were more on the suite size, and the beds heavenly. Breakfasts, from the omelet station to a vast variety of selections, satisfied every taste. You had to be there to see. We visited all the sights: beautiful lakes, summer palaces, Tiananmen Square, the Great Wall, Venice of China, and viewed the mountainous landscape from ancient temples. We lost ourselves in an open-air bazaar featuring entertainment, shopping, and sitting for a minute or two to enjoy a little tea. We enjoyed a performance of the Chinese Opera, where colorful costumes and ferocious saber fights encompassed musical storytelling. We took a ride on the 431-mile-an-hour Maglev Train, which was awesome. We visited Old Chinatown and were chauffeured on a rickshaw to dinner with a local family. Later, the host serenaded with a solo on a zither-type instrument. We thanked the couple and the young interpreter for their gracious hospitality.
view was spectacular! David was there the next morning for our departure for JFK by way of Beijing without a hitch.
The grand finale
Overview by Richardson
David, our other capable tour guide, met us at Shanghai Airport. He gave us numerous tips on culture, the economy, answered our questions, and shared a few jokes. We enjoyed delicious meals together, including the famous Peking duck. Shopping was very gratifying although I wished I could have doubled-back to buy more of the really great buys. We purchased tea, herbal remedies, jewelry, jade, silk apparel, embroidery, carpets, and on and on. Totally stunning, the grand finale was the city of Shanghai’s skyline, all lit up while cruising along the river in the evening. All cruise boats were alight, so the
Latimer among those honored by Daytona State College
Other honorees Receiving the Presidential Sterling Award for Professional Excellence for administrative/professional employees was Larry Lowe of the college’s Center for Interactive Media. A graduate of the college’s Bach-
Representatives from Flagler County Chamber of Commerce visited the Great Wall of China. COURTESY OF VIVIAN RICHARDSON
Beautiful flowers were showcased everywhere. We stopped to watch mature people participating in exercises at nearby parks. David gave us an impromptu demonstration, which we tried and found to be exhilarating. He pointed out that seniors retire at about 55 years old. Many assist their married children with babysitting, which is generally one child in a family. We realized while traveling by bus that a serious building boom has transpired. Hundreds of high-risers were going up simultaneously. We constantly passed relatively new and beautiful high-rise apartment buildings with solar roofs. The oddi-
Palm Coast still accepting entries for photo contest
SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
Two Daytona State College staff members and one faculty member were honored for outstanding service last month during the college’s annual awards convocation, which also honored more than 175 students for academic achievement. Since 1999, a faculty member has been selected to receive the college’s Presidential Sterling Award for Teaching Excellence. This year’s recipient was School of Student Life Skills Chair Charlene Latimer, who has served as an accomplished teacher, mentor, advisor, volunteer and advocate for Daytona State and the Florida College System overall. She has served as chapter president for the Association of Florida Colleges multiple times. “Armed with her ‘can-do’ attitude, she has taken on many different roles at the college and is a true asset to our community,” Daytona State President Carol W. Eaton said in presenting the award.
Traveling in China were Vivian Richardson and granddaughter Ashlee Ryan of Bay Shore, NY.
COURTESY OF DAYTONA STATE COLLEGE
Charlene Latimer receives the Presidential Teaching Excellence Award by Daytona State College President Carol Easton. elor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management program, Lowe joined Daytona State as an employee in 2009. Drawing from his extensive experience in broadcasting, he upgraded the center’s master control department, as well as FCC compliance and licenses for all regional campus towers. He continues to play a key role in building and updating many technical aspects of the transmitters, programming servers and more for college’s broadcasting station WDSC-TV 15. Vickie Harn, an administrative assistant in the college’s Academic Affairs Office, earned the Presidential Sterling Award for Professional Excellence in the career employee category. For more than 25 years, she has taken pride in contributing to the college’s success, working behind the scenes, making sure deadlines are met and processes moved forward. “Vickie truly represents the 40 percent of college staff in the career employee category who are the backbone of this institution,” Eaton said.
There are just three weeks remaining in the City of Palm Coast’s Find Your Florida 2014 Photography Contest – with all entries due by May 31. Prizes will be awarded, and photographs submitted for the contest will be used by the City for marketing, promotional and public relations purposes. The theme of the contest is “Find Your Florida in Palm Coast.” Winning photos will illustrate what makes Palm Coast special. Examples of what the city is looking for include: family fun at our events, sports activities, cultural clubs and organizations, and on our parks and trails; active lifestyle such as walking/running/ bicycling, sports, swimming, fishing and boating; and nature such as beautiful landscapes, wildlife and waterways. First, second and third place will be awarded. Gift certificates to local businesses will be awarded in the following amounts: First prize, $200; second prize, $100; and third prize, $50. Gift certificates will be offered to a variety of businesses, and winners will be able to select from the list. In addition, honorable mentions will be awarded as determined by the judges. Winning photographs will be displayed on the city’s website and at city facilities. Winning photographers will be recognized at a meeting of the Palm Coast City Council. Photographers may submit up to 20 entries. It is free to enter. Entries must be submitted no
ty was the clotheslines out front with clothing hanging everywhere. Public toilet facilities were dicey, flat, or traditional, but our tour guides looked out for us. I finished my book early and learned the hard way that romance novels and things of that nature are considered porn and are not for sale at the airport. There were a few stars among our fellow travelers: Regina “Gina’’ of Flagler Beach, Theresa, Brygitte, and Sam, a tall lanky southern guy. They contributed to everyone’s overall enjoyment and were true ambassadors. Oh, and we had two delightful Tonys. The English Tony promises to catch up with us to share pictures. And, as for my granddaughter, Ashlee, what a wonderful companion. Ashlee took in everything and thoroughly enjoyed herself because everyday she texted her
later than midnight May 31, 2014. Photographs submitted for the contest must be taken in the City of Palm Coast. The photographs will be used by the city for marketing, promotional and public relations purposes such as publications, videos and websites to promote the City of Palm Coast. All submissions will become the property of the City of Palm Coast. For complete guidelines and an online entry form, visit www. palmcoastgov.com/photocontest.
Easter Seals schedules ‘Picky Eaters’ seminar Easter Seals is offering free events for parents. A “Picky Eaters’’ seminar is scheduled May 10 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Lauren Huddleston, an occupational therapist, will show parents how to address problematic feeding while empowering families to enjoy mealtimes. Parents also will learn tips to manage their children’s medical, motor, and/or behavioral difficulties and how Easter Seals can help.
Public Safety Coordinating Council to meet May 14 The Volusia County Public Safety Coordinating Council will meet at 3 p.m. May 14 in courtroom 6 of the Volusia County Courthouse Annex, 125 E. Orange Ave., Daytona Beach. Public officials, community groups and members of judicial, law enforcement and correction-
friends back home – and all was well. Along with other brave souls, Ashlee conquered the Great Wall. I learned so much from Ashlee, especially how to negotiate through airport security! This was a trip of a lifetime, and I recommend taking the opportunity to visit China and other countries when you can. The world is beautiful. People are beautiful, and almost as great as those in our Flagler County neighborhood! ••• As always, remember our prayers for the sick, afflicted and bereaved.
Celebrations Birthday wishes to Lucille Huesner, May 9; Alicia Pincham, May 12. Happy anniversary to Lloyd and Deborah Freckleton, May 9.
al services comprise the committee, which works to assess the population of contracted or county-owned detention or correctional facilities. For more information, call Dawn Harridge at 386-254-1568.
Signing Saturdays Signing Saturdays are available for children 5 years old to 12 years who sign, are learning to sign or would like to learn American Sign Language (ASL). It’s also available for siblings and parents. Volunteers also are needed. For more information, visit www.esvf.org. RSVP for emails via email at tlarrie@esvf.org or call 386-944-7828.
Halifax Urban Ministries collecting food Halifax Urban Ministries (HUM) is accepting nonperishable food through May 30 at any Bank of America, Check On Hold or Volusia County library. HUM will distribute over 500 tons of food in the Feed a Family homeless prevention program. For more information, visit www.halifaxurbanministries.org.
Flagler-Palm Coast students raising money for homeless The Future Business Leaders of America at Flagler-Palm Coast High School is raising money and supplies to provide necessities to the students in the community who are homeless. For more details, contact Katelyn Hatley at 386-262-2700.
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7 EDITORIAL
MAY 8 – MAY 14, 2014
The question no one is asking Donald Sterling Why would a White racist have sex with a person of color? That’s the question that few people in the media want to raise, let alone address. But it is an ageold contradiction not limited to Donald Sterling, the hate spewing soon-to-be former owner of the Los Angeles Clippers. Beginning with slavery in the original colonies – even earlier in Africa with the arrival of European colonizers – White men have forced themselves on Black women. Caucasian men from Thomas Jefferson on the left to South Carolina Senator and longtime archsegregationist Strom Thurmond on the right have projected one image in public while having sex – even children – with Black women under the cover of darkness. They were talking White (superiority) while sleeping Black.
Won’t walk the walk I don’t for a moment pretend to know how to explain this obvious contraction. But in the case of Thomas Jefferson, the chief author of the Declaration of Independence, contradictions became a way of life long before he bedded and had children with Sally Hemings, a Black woman. Jefferson will forever be inextricably linked to these words in the Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” At the time our Founding Fa-
GEORGE E. CURRY NNPA COLUMNIST
thers were proclaiming unalienable rights from God, most of them were enslaving God’s darkskin creations. Jefferson enslaved nearly 200 African Americans. As Columbia University history professor Eric Foner wrote, “Slaves, of course, experienced the institution of politics and law quite differently from White Americans. Before the law, slaves were property who had virtually no legal rights. They could be bought, sold, leased and seized to satisfy an owner’s debt, their family ties had no legal standing, and they could not leave the plantation or hold meetings without permission from their owner.” And White owners did not need anyone’s permission to violate Black women. Jefferson began having sex with Sally Hemings, one of his domestic servants, when she was a teenager. The Thomas Jefferson Foundation acknowledges that it, “and most historians believe that, years after his wife’s death, Thomas Jefferson was the father of the six children of Sally Hemings mentioned in Jefferson’s records, including Beverly, Harriet, Madison and Eston Hemings.” South Carolina, like Virginia, had laws prohibiting both interracial marriage and intercourse between Blacks and Whites. If a free Black man had sex with a White woman
in South Carolina during the Colonial period, he would automatically lose his freedom, according to Judge A. Leon Higginbothan, Jr.’s book, In the Matter of Color.
Strom Thurmond’s hypocrisy Running for president in 1948 on the Dixiecrat ticket Thurmond said: “I want to tell you, ladies and gentlemen, there’s not enough troops in the army to force the Southern people to break down segregation and accept the Negro into our theaters, into our swimming pools, into our homes and into our churches.” Considering the history of Thomas Jefferson and Strom Thurmond, no one should have been surprised when Donald Sterling told his mistress, who described herself as part Mexican and part Black: “It bothers me a lot that you want to broadcast that you’re associating with Black people. Do you have to?…You can sleep with [Black people]. You can bring them in, you can do whatever you want. The little I ask you is not to promote it on that … and not to bring them to my games… Donald Sterling, far from being a rarity, simply added another link to the long, scandalous U.S. history of hypocrisy.
George E. Curry, former editor-in-chief of Emerge magazine, is editor-in-chief of the National Newspaper Publishers Association News Service (NNPA.) Write your own response at www.daytonatimes.com.
Economy is still recovering During 2013, the U.S. economy experienced a reasonable level of growth. The 3.4 percent growth rate in the second half of 2013 represented a solid growth rate, but not enough to trickle down to those who live at the periphery of the economy. Those with low or stagnant wages might find that their lives have not improved by 3.4 percent. Indeed, the gains from gross domestic product growth may mostly be captured by the wealthy. The first quarter of 2014 was an amazing disappointment. Instead of the modest growth of 3.4 percent from the second half of 2013, the economy grew by just one tenth of one percent. This is the one of the slowest growth rate in the five years of so-called economic recovery. Based on these data, the economy grew more than 300 times slower than it did in the last half of 2013. Some say we are growing at a snail’s pace, but even the most sluggish snail can do better than this. Can we blame this stagnant economy on the harsh winter we have experienced? Between snow, hail, sleet and rain, housing starts have slowed. People who might hit the malls are staying home. People aren’t buying cars at expected rates. Since consumer spending drives about three-
DR. JULIANNE MALVEAUX TRICEEDNEYWIRE.COM
quarters of our nation’s economic growth, postponed spending dampens growth. But consumer spending has not slowed as much as GDP has. Spending on health care (thanks to Obamacare) and on other services suggests that consumers have had mixed engagement as spenders.
What’s the problem? On the other hand, businesses aren’t spending as much as they might, and along with holding off on spending makes it difficult for them to add employees to their payrolls. It also impacts GDP. What are these businesses waiting for to persuade them to invest in the economies that went into debt for their survival? Banks aren’t lending as much as they might, and even consumer credit is tighter than it should be. Consumers are spending despite, not because of, sluggish economic growth. While macroeconomic indicators deal with overall issues of
economic growth, few indicators are disaggregated by race or income status. The Obama initiatives to raise wages, lower unemployment and create jobs are important because they are modest ways to spread the wealth and to ensure that economic growth is more evenly distributed. After all, we know that those at the top garneared the most gains from money thrown at them because they were “too big to fail.” Are those at the periphery just too small to survive? We can’t have sustained economic growth when those who depend on banks to provide funds for economic expansion are shut down. We won’t have sustained economic growth if (0fficiallly) one in 15 people, and one in eight African Americans cannot find work. Economic recovery is meaningless to someone who lost a home during the great recession, and is clawing back to survival. While those with mortgage challenges were promised relief, few of them are have received it.
Julianne Malveaux is a Washington, D.C.-based economist and writer. She is President Emerita of Bennett College for Women in Greensboro, N.C. Write your own response at www.daytonatimes.com.
The budget is not fair, Mr. Chair “The budget is not fair, Mr. Chair, if 69 percent of the cuts come from programs for low-income children and families and we are giving extra tax cuts to the wealthiest among us…. If we can afford to give new tax extenders to wealthy corporations and people, we can afford to expand Head Start for every child and to make sure that every child is housed and is fed.” That’s part of what I said when I had the opportunity to testify at the House Budget Committee Hearing “A Progress Report on the War on Poverty: Lessons from the Frontlines” on April 30. I shared my belief that the budget proposal by House Budget Chair Paul Ryan recently passed by the House of Representatives would turn progress in the war on poverty backwards by cutting critical funding to safety net programs that help millions of poor children and families while giving tax breaks to the wealthiest and most powerful among us.
Income gaps widen The Ryan budget will widen the already indefensible income and wealth inequality gaps. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities at least 69 percent of the Ryan budget cuts to non-defense programs over the next decade would come from programs
MARIAN WRIGHT EDELMAN NNPA COLUMNIST
that serve low-income children, families, and individuals including Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly food stamps), school lunches and other child nutrition programs, Pell Grants, the Earned Income Tax Credit, the low-income portion of the Child Tax Credit, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) that helps children with very serious disabilities. At the same time the Ryan budget slashes programs for children and the poor, Citizens for Tax Justice estimates it would give millionaires an average tax cut of at least $200,000 by lowering the top personal income tax rate from 39.6 to 25 percent, repealing the Alternative Minimum Tax, and reducing the corporate income tax rate from 35 to 25 percent, as well as other tax breaks. The Ryan budget is not the only unjust decision Members of Congress have made. On April 29th, the House Ways and Means Committee approved without any offsets a permanent extension of six
VISUAL VIEWPOINT: DONALD STERLING
corporate tax breaks that would drain the treasury of $310 billion over 10 years. That same committee in the very same meeting dropped a provision in the Preventing Sex Trafficking and Improving Opportunities for Youth in Foster Care bill because of its cost. This tiny, positive provision that would have ensured foster youth had documents like Social Security cards, birth certificates, and health insurance cards to help them make it on their own when they aged out of foster care would have added $12 million to the 10-year cost of the bill—four thousandths of a percent of the cost to taxpayers of those huge non-offset corporate tax break extenders. I don’t know what religious texts Members of Congress read, but when I look at the prophets and gospels and the teachings of every major faith I learn that not caring for the poor, the sick, the lame and the orphan is wrong. Acting as Robin Hood in reverse and taking from the poor and needy to give to the wealthy and powerful is even worse.
Marian Wright Edelman is president of the Children’s Defense Fund. Write your own response at www.daytonatimes. com.
ADAM ZYGLIS, THE BUFFALO NEWS
A ‘Sterling’ example of our confusion Let me get my disclaimer out of the way first. The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC) is a business organization. Our sole purpose is to improve the lives of Black people by actively working to change the market environment. We advocate for improvements in capital access, increased opportunity and the transfer of the skills necessary to successfully, and profitably compete in America’s economy. Despite this clarity of purpose, we are often called upon to weigh in on issues that typically are addressed by civil rights or social justice organizations. For certain, we are Black in America, so we do have opinions about continued evidence of inequality, racism, bigotry, discrimination and hatred being directed against Black people. But, as I said, we are a business organization, so our perspective is always going to be a business perspective. Donald Sterling is a businessman who owns, among other interests, a National Basketball Association franchise. Donald Sterling said some insulting remarks that prove his disdain for Black people, presumably including the men whose athletic ability make his franchise valuable. And Donald Sterling, through his twisted thinking, has hijacked all of Black America’s communications channels: Facebook, Twitter, radio, newspapers… all on fire with commentary about Sterling and what must be done to make him pay.
After the headlines Excuse me, but there’s real life going on here. Black America, even after the furor over Sterling’s rants have dissipated, will still suffer from gross inequality. The $2.5 million fine levied by the NBA for his transgression is a pittance for someone whose fortune is reported to be $1.9 billion. He will profit several hundred millions if, as expected, he will be forced to sell the team. And all the while, most Black businesses are still not able to qualify for a loan guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the United States government. Black businesses are still failing
RON BUSBY, SR. NNPA COLUMNIST
to net their federally mandated share of contracts awarded by that same government. As a result, Black unemployment figures – as reported by the same federal government – are still spiraling skyward, with no apparent ceiling. Talk about misplaced anger.
Just say no In the meantime, if we truly want to demonstrate our displeasure, let’s go cold turkey. Turn off the NBA playoffs. Don’t buy another jersey. Don’t watch NFL games this fall. Stop buying that profanity-laced, misogynistic crap that is being foisted upon us as cultural expression. If it’s our money that is financing the exploitation of Black talent, we can do something about that. If the empires built on exploitation can no longer rely on our complicity (in ticket sales, athletic attire, and viewers/consumers, etc.) they will quickly lose their value. So, we have a real opportunity here to prove that we really have taught our dollars some sense. Racism, bigotry, discrimination and personal animus seem to be, after all these years, beyond our control. Unfortunately for us, those behaviors are also apparently beyond the control of federal laws designed to stamp them out. Our money, however, is entirely within our control. If you don’t like racism, don’t finance it. If you don’t appreciate being discriminated against, don’t finance it. If you don’t like stupidity, don’t finance it, either. After all, money talks…and youknow-what walks. You can take that to the bank.
Ron Busby, Sr. is president and CEO of U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. For more information about the U.S. Black Chambers, go to www.usblackchamber.org. Write your own response at www.daytonatimes.com
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.
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HEALTH MA YOR
MAY 8 –14MAY 2014 DECEMBER - 20,14, 2006
ford diapers for their infants. It further linked diaper need as a factor causing maternal depression, which can also lead to poor outcomes for children. “There’s just a great need … and no one is calling attention to this,” said DiAnne Mueller, CEO of Crisis Nursery, a St. Louis-area child abuse prevention agency.
Token gesture
LAURIE SKRIVAN/ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH/MCT
KeYanna Roddy plays with her son, Byron, on April 9 in St. Louis. Because of many medications from his open-heart surgery, Byron can go through 10-15 diapers a day putting a strain on Roddy’s limited budget.
The ‘diaper need’ among the poor Wearing dirty diapers longer leads to health issues for babies BY NANCY CAMBRIA ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH/MCT
ST. LOUIS — They are such a hot commodity, pharmacies and stores sometimes keep them behind glass. They are the first line of defense against infection and disease — and are
even linked to preventing depression and violence. Desperate people will sometimes steal to get them. Researchers are starting to realize “diaper need” not only causes obvious health problems for children, but leads to depression in moms and poor social and developmental outcomes for the child — even child abuse. It is estimated that disposable diapers can cost up to $100 a month for one baby. On average, a new-
born goes through eight to 10 diapers a day, said Melinda Ohlemiller, CEO of Nurses for Newborns. Nurses with the organization see the diaper need firsthand with their clients but can offer minimal help.
Maternal depression To provide diapers for their mostly poor clients, Ohlemiller said, the organization would need 8,000 to 10,000 diapers a day. But the agency can supply only about 12 diapers to estab-
lished clients on an emergency basis. One of its clients, Catalina Martinez of Overland, Mo., said she was unable to work after having her second child. It’s been difficult to afford diapers for a newborn and a toddler on her boyfriend’s salary. She’s had to keep a diaper on her child longer than she should. “I even have tried to get my oldest one to potty train. But she wouldn’t train yet.” Last summer a study in the medical journal Pediatrics identified “diaper need” among the poor as a growing health and psychological risk for babies and their mothers. The study determined that as many as 30 percent of poor parents in New Haven, Conn., struggled to af-
Crisis Nursery workers sometimes go doorto-door in poor neighborhoods asking people what they need. The answer is almost always the same: diapers and formula. Although formula purchases can be federally subsidized, diapers are not covered by food stamps through the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, known as WIC. As a result, some food pantries are inundated with requests for disposable diapers. But the pantries don’t get steady donations of them and don’t always have them on the shelves. When they do, they fly out of the door, said Marcia Mermelstein, coordinator of the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry in St. Louis. “We’re giving people four to six diapers when in reality when most people buy a box of diapers, they’re getting 24 or 48. It’s like giving one tiny bar of soap a month. It’s not enough, it’s a token gesture,” Mermelstein said.
Diaper banks Some cities and regions have developed thriving diaper banks that collect and promote donated diapers and act as a clearinghouse to agencies like food pantries and community outreach centers. According to the National Diaper Bank Network in
5 7 Connecticut, about 100 established diaper banks operate nationwide. Happy Bottoms in Kansas City, Mo., for example, has distributed more than 1.5 million diapers to agencies that work with the poor. Mueller said when a baby presents with bad rashes and even staph infections people unfairly conclude mothers are neglectful. But further questioning almost always reveals families are keeping the diapers on longer than they should because they don’t have enough.
Cloth not an option Ohlemiller said cheaper cloth diapers are typically not an option for the poor who often lack working washers and dryers. Coin laundries often ban diapers in their machines for sanitary reasons. Childcare centers are another obstacle. Day cares often ban cloth diapers for sanitary and logistical reasons. Mothers using day cares are often in a double bind: They can’t use cloth diapers, and if they run out of disposable diapers, they can’t send their child to day care. Without day care, moms can’t work. Ohlemiller said families sometimes force toilet training on children who are not developmentally ready and fail, adding further stress in the household. And the long-term issues of diaper needs are more chilling, said Mueller. Babies and toddlers with sore bottoms are cranky, so they cry more and bond less. “What we see is a higher rate of child abuse,” said Mueller. “The child is unable to be consoled, and the parent already has such limited resources both financially and emotionally. If the baby keeps crying and crying, it really gets to most anyone, so the risk of injury to the child is certainly much higher.”
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MAY 8 – MAY 14,DECEMBER 2014 ENTERTAINMENT 14 - 20, 2006
MAYOR
Hip-hop leaders partner with NNPA Collaborations will help more talented artists excel in music industry BY JIMMIE DAVIS JR. SPECIAL TO THE NNPA
MIAMI BEACH – Upcoming hip-hop artists may find it challenging to get a DJ to play their songs or a mainstream media critic to review their music, but if they belong to Core DJs World Wide, they have nothing to worry about. Last month, leaders of the group representing, representing more than 500 of the nation’s most influential DJs, met with National Newspaper Publishers Association Chairman Cloves Campbell and a partnership was established that will give them access to approximately 200 Black newspapers. In turn, NNPA will have a strong connection with a new generation of readers. “We want to merge the hip-hop community with the Black media,” Tony Neal, CEO and founder of Core DJs World Wide said in an exclusive interview with the Miami Times. “Now we have two well-defined voices reaching the people.”
Polishing their talent Core DJs World Wide instructs young executives on how to polish their talent and business skills. That was done during a three-day event May 2-4 at the Sheraton Four Points Hotel on South Beach amid celebrating the group’s 10-year anniversary. Jineea Jineea Butler, Butler president of Hip Hop Union, was responsible for forming the union between Hip
MARKEDA CHILDRESS/SPECIAL TO THE NNPA
Tony Neal, founder and CEO of Core DJs Worldwide, is shown at the 10th anniversary conference in Miami Beach May 2-4. Hop Union, Core DJs World Wide and the NNPA. “There was no type of conversation taking place between the Black Press and the hip-hop community,” Butler said. “We have to support one another.” In addition to creating the unique alliance, Butler is a columnist for the NNPA News Service, reaching nearly 19 million readers.
Seeking airplay Getting airplay is the No. 1 concern for rappers and R&B singers, and Neal has made this course of action relatively simple
for his members. Throughout the conference, artists had opportunities to network and establish a rapport with DJs and producers. Once the DJs listens to the music – the artists stands a better a chance of getting their music played in clubs and on the radio. “I’m trying to push my entertainment career to the next level,” said Rapper Pedro “Bizz” Juan Julio, who from Topeka, Kansas to attend the conference. “I want to sign with a label so I can feed my family.” His debut CD is titled “Count Me In.’’ These days it takes more than charisma to get noticed by a DJ. Musicians have to promote their
strengths through establishing what’s called a “brand.” “Your brand is your image,” Bizz said. “It’s who you are.”
‘Wrap’ session There also was a “Wrap” session moderated by George E. Curry, editor of the NNPA News Service and BlackPressUSA.com. “The ‘Wrap’ session was all about the role that the NNPA is going to play at bridging the gap between the hip-hop community and the Black Press. “We are here to let the collective know that the Black Press is a means of communication that they need to
BLACKAMERICAWEB.COM
Rant on Twitter She added, “Shaq. Kobe, LeBron, Kimbo Slice, Sinbad. I would be the number one slave draft pick. All of the plantations would want me,” she said. “Now, I can’t get a brotha to take me out for a cheap dinner. Can a bitch get a beef bowl?!!”” When critics of the skit protested, saying her skit was insulting to the Black community, Jones went on a Twitter rant in her defense — calling out the Black critics and individual followers as haters. Also, she said instead of Black people supporting each other, Black people are killing each other, and that’s why they couldn’t get anywhere. “Very sad I have to defend myself to Black people…” she tweeted. “So here is my announcement Black folks, you won’t stop me and I’m gonna go even harder.” Jones later backed down on her comments and deleted several tweets.
This story is special to the NNPA from the Miami Times.
First lady Michelle Obama is shown at the annual White House Correspondent’s Association dinner at the Washington Hilton hotel in D.C. on May 3.
‘Saturday Night Live’ writer catches flak for slave skit Leslie Jones is under fire for her offensive “Saturday Night Live Weekend Update” skit about slavery. In fact, her “jokes” fell flat — leaving many uncomfortable. She put on her “Super Slave” skit — making offensive jokes about herself, slavery and the Black community. “The way we value Black beauty has changed,” Jones said. “I’m single now, but back in the slave days, I would have never been single. I’m six feet tall and I’m strong. Look at me, I’m a Mandingo,” she said. The controversial skit continued with her talking about breeding as a slave woman. “I do not want to be a slave. I don’t like working for all you White people now and you pay me. But back in the slave days, my love life would have been better. Master would have hooked me up with the best brotha on the plantaLeslie tion and every nine Jones months I’d be in the corner popping out super babies. I’d just keep popping them out.”
take advantage of,” said Cloves C. Campbell, Jr., chairman of NNPA. “Our role as the Black Press is to give them positive exposure in the community they serve.” Entertainer, owner and CEO of Pack Rat Productions Sheryl Underwood is also a member of Core DJs World Wide and she says the gathering made a tremendous impact on the lives of individuals striving to get their foot in the door. “I just love what I’m seeing here because there’s so much unity,” Underwood said.
OLIVIER DOULIERY/ ABACA PRESS/MCT
First lady wows crowd at White House dinner FROM STAFF REPORTS
President Obama got the laughs but First Lady Michelle Obama received the oohs and aahs for the dress she wore at the 2014 White House Correspondents’ Dinner last Saturday night in D.C. Blackvoices.com had this to say: “A-listers and politicos flocked to D.C. for the annual 2014 White House Correspondents’ Dinner wearing
some gorgeous dresses and snappy tuxedos. And though there were many best-dressed potentials in the crowd, Michelle Obama just might take the cake. “FLOTUS stunned in a gold Marchesa off-the-shoulder gown with a embroidered bodice and a flowy skirt. To complete the look, MObama went with a pair of statement earrings, kitten heels and what can only be described as the
best blow-out ever. We might be getting ahead of ourselves here, but this could be Michelle’s best look of all time.’’
President’s got jokes At the dinner, President Obama gave remarks at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner and took aim at CNN, MSNBC and Fox News. On Fox News, he quipped: “And speaking of conserva-
tive heroes, the Koch brothers bought a table here tonight. But as usual, they used a shadowy right-wing organization as a front. Hello, Fox News. ... I’m just kidding. Let’s face it, Fox, you’ll miss me when I’m gone. ... It will be harder to convince the American people that Hillary was born in Kenya.” He also kidded about the botched Obamacare website saying it was inspired by the movie “Frozen.’’
Cee Lo Green almost released version of ‘Happy’ song EURWEB.COM
When a song becomes a huge, international hit — like “Happy,’’ it’s hard to imagine any other singer — like Pharrell Williams – covering or releasing that song. Cee Lo Green is the R&B/ pop/soul artist who almost released “Happy” as his own. But although, Green did the song — something (or somebodies) worked in Williams’ favor. “(Cee Lo) wanted to do it…and he did do it,” Williams said, according to The Guardian. But the “Crazy”
singer’s team wasn’t feeling it was the right song for him.
No hard feelings “He burns my version!” Williams said. “But … how do I say this diplomatically? The powers that be, at the time, did not see it fit for him. Some folks on his team just felt that the priority should be on (Cee Lo’s) album at the time … so they elected not to do that song.” But there’s no hard feelings between Green and Williams. “He was one of the most
gracious people about it when (‘Happy’) came out,” Williams said. But the popularity of the song skyrocketed and even surprised Williams. Fans from all over the world performed his song — bringing the superstar to tears while being interviewed by Oprah Winfrey. “Why am I crying on Oprah?” he laughed. “It’s overwhelming because it’s like, I love what I do, and I just appreciate the fact that people have believed in me for so long that I could make Pharrell Williams and Cee Lo Green it to this point to feel that.”
7 SPORTS
R8
MAY 8 – MAY 14, 2014
MEAC’s softball champion May 8-10 in Ormond Beach
NASCAR driver Darrell Wallace Jr. waits beside his truck as crew members make adjustments during a break in practice on Feb. 19 at Daytona International Speedway.
The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) will host its 2014 softball championship on Thursday, May 8 through Saturday, May 10, at the Ormond Beach Sports Complex. The Bethune-Cookman Lady Wildcats and the Delaware State Lady Hornets will enter tournament play as the number one seeds. Bethune-Cookman clinched the southern divisional title with a 12-3 conference record, including two of three games last weekend against rival Florida A&M to end regular season play. The Lady Wildcats are 7-2 in their last nine conference games and 22-29 overall heading into the tournament. Delaware State enters tournament play with a 15-3 MEAC mark and 32-15 overall record. The Lady Hornets solidified a share of the conference’s regular season division title with a three-game sweep of Maryland Eastern Shore to close out the season. Delaware State earned the top seed over Hampton following tiebreaking procedures.
JEFF SINER/ CHARLOTTE OBSERVER/ MCT
Other competitors Defending tournament champion Hampton Lady Pirates (15-3) also earned a share of the northern divisional title, following an 8-1 win over Coppin State. Hampton will enter tournament play as the number two seed followed by Norfolk State (third seed) and Coppin State (7-10) receiving the fourth and final spot. Florida A&M (9-6) will enter tournament play as the number two seed in the south following a forfeit win over North Carolina Central and the tiebreaking head-to-head advantage against Savannah State. Savannah State (9-6) earns the number three seed followed by North Carolina A&T at four (8-7). The 2014 MEAC Softball Championship tournament gets under way May 8 beginning at 10 a.m. Bethune-Cookman will face Coppin State while Delaware State will meet North Carolina A&T in the tournament first games. Game three will include Hampton and Savannah State. Game four will feature Florida A&M vs. Norfolk State. Both games three and four are slated to begin at 1:30 p.m. on May 8. Only the top four teams from each division will compete for the tournament title. Howard, Maryland Eastern Shore, North Carolina Central, Morgan State, and South Carolina State were all eliminated from conference play based on their regular season finish. The championship finale is set for Saturday, May 10, beginning at 1 p.m. A complete schedule of events can be found on MEACsports.com.
Wallace the lone Black NASCAR driver at Talladega BY PERRY GREEN NNPA NEWS SERVICE
Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr., the first African-American driver to win a NASCAR event since 1963, finished 31st behind the wheel of the No. 20 ToyotaCare Camry car in the 2014 NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Talladega, Ala. The May 3 event was Wallace’s first car race at Talla-
dega. He raced at Talladega last year in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, where he led for four laps before finishing in 17th place. Wallace, 20, was born to an African-American mother and a White father in Mobile, Ala. but grew up in Concord, N.C. He began his racing career at age nine, and moved up through NASCAR’s developmen-
tal circuit before joining Joe Gibbs Racing in 2012.
Won in Virginia Competing in the truck series in October 2013, Wallace won the Kroger 200 at Martinsville Speedway in Virginia, joining Wendell Scott as the only Black drivers to ever win a NASCAR event. This year, he earned the opportunity to drive in Na-
tionwide Series races for Joe Gibbs Racing, leading to his qualification for Talladega. Talladega marked Wallace’s fifth race as a Nationwide Series driver. “It’s like a debut all over again,” Wallace told The Huntsville Times. “I’m always learning what’s going to be different.” Elliott Sadler won the race, followed by Chris Buescher and Regan Smith.
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