Maze to bring ‘Happy Feelings’ to Peabody on June 14 SEE PAGE 2
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MARC H. MORIAL: Your degree is a key that opens a new door SEE PAGE 4
East Central Florida’s Black Voice
B-CU SIGNS ON MORE LADY WILDCATS SEE PAGE 7
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www.daytonatimes.com
DeLand family leads quest for justice, peace Remembrance for Marlon Brown draws families who have lost sons from around state, nation BY DAYTONA TIMES STAFF
The family of Marlon Brown along with the Families United 4 Justice organization came together earlier this month to remember the man slain two years ago by a DeLand police officer. Families from Florida, Georgia, California and New York joined the group at Mt. Calvary Free Will Baptist Church due to a similar yet all too familiar bond – the death of a loved one in connection to a police officer. One after another families stood behind a podium on May 8 recounting stories of their loved ones who also perished at the hands of those sworn to protect and serve.
Krystal Brown
Latanya Magwood is surrounded by her family as she plays a video message via cell phone from her son, Ta’Von Grayson. He survived multiple shots by Orlando police.
More than a dozen photographs, all of Black males, were placed on a table in their honor. The program was sponsored by “Families United 4 Justice. Krystal Brown, former wife of Marlon Brown, is the founder.
‘Miss him dearly’
“We’re here today because it’s been two years since Marlon was killed by the police. His children miss him dearly, the community misses him dearly. We don’t want anyone to forget what happened to Marlon and we definitely don’t want it to happen again,” Krystal Brown told the Daytona Times at the program. “We always feel it’s important to educate everyone while we are gathered. That’s why we always try to reach out to
DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./ HARDNOTTS PHOTOGRAPHY. COM
Please see QUEST, Page 2
Freedom Rider to speak at NAACP banquet BY DAYTONA TIMES STAFF
DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTS PHOTOGRAPHY.COM
The Midtown marchers were greeted warmly as they headed from Allen Chapel AME Church to the Midtown Cultural and Educational Center.
AME men’s mission: Save Our Sons Hundreds of churchgoing brothers and their families march for justice in Midtown BY DAYTONA TIMES STAFF
For several days last week, hundreds of men from Florida and the Bahamas gathered at Allen Chapel AME Church in Daytona Beach for the 14th annual Sons of Allen Retreat. The retreat included worship services, Bible studies and a number of sessions on the church and community outreach. The March 14-16 event, in which 310 men were registered, included discussions on community activism, voter regis-
tration, as well as youth and adult interaction with law enforcement And on late Friday afternoon, the men and their family members left the church’s four walls and marched on George W. Engram Boulevard to show their solidarity with those in other cities protesting the death of young Black males. The march ended at the Midtown Cultural and Educational Center.
Local leaders participate Sons of Allen is the official men’s ministry of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church. The “Save Our Sons’’ march drew strong local participation, including Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry, Police Chief
Mike Chitwood and Bethune-Cookman University President Dr. Edison Jackson. The local leaders later spoke at a rally at the Midtown center. The march was well received by Midtown residents. The Rev. Nathan Mugala, pastor of Allen Chapel, said in a statement to the Daytona Times, “As we marched through the neighborhoods, especially Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune (Boulevard), chanting ‘no justice, no peace’ and carrying signs, people shouted out to us they were happy to see this happening.’’ He added, “That was our goal. To bring awareness to the community to save our young Black men.” See a full page of photographs from the march on Page 3.
The theme for the Volusia County-Daytona Beach NAACP’s 42nd Annual Freedom Fund and Awards Banquet is “The NAACP: Pursuing Liberty in the Face of Injustice.’ The local branch’s chosen speaker for the May 30 banquet – Henry “Hank’’ Thomas – is all too familiar with that quest to pursue liberty in the face of injustice. Thomas was one of the original 13 Freedom Rid- Henry ers, men and “Hank’’ women who Thomas boarded the first Greyhound bus that traveled the South in 1961 to protest segregation. Born in Jacksonville, he grew up in St. Augustine, where he participated in sit-ins and sat in city bus seats reserved for Whites only. As a student at Howard University in Washington, D.C., Thomas became one of the founders and an active participant in the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), a student arm of the civil rights movement. He also was a frequent participant in sit-in demonstrations in Maryland and Virginia.
Girl’s act of heroism Along with Thomas, Janie Forsyth-McKinney will be a special guest at the banquet. When she was 12 years old, she assisted the Freedom Riders Please see NAACP, Page 2
Take Stock in Children honors grads, welcomes new participants SPECIAL TO THE DAYTONA TIMES
Take Stock in Children, a statewide scholarship and mentoring program facilitated locally through FUTURES Foundation for Volusia County Schools, held its annual New Student Induction and Senior Recognition Ceremony on May 14 at the Daytona
ALSO INSIDE
International Speedway. Newly selected participants as well as graduating high school seniors were recognized at this celebration. As proud parents, mentors and sponsors looked on, 18 new students were welcomed into the program in a ceremony officiated in part by County Judge Dawn
P. Fields, a Volusia County school graduate.
Freshmen and juniors The following 12 new Take Stock in Children students will be high school freshmen in the 2015 – 2016 school year: Symara Moore, Atlantic High School; Amina Jones and Kayla Pinard, DeLand High School; Andrew Thomas, Mainland High School; Michael Troy Mitchum, New Smyrna Beach High School; Natasha Garcia, Pine Ridge High School; Julie DeRienzo, Justin
“Jackson’’ Oddo and Allison Tiano, Seabreeze High School; Sarah Johnson and Alex Montero, T. DeWitt Taylor Middle-High School; and Juliana Gouveia, University High School. Six of the incoming students will be juniors: Samantha Garcia, Deltona High School; Emily Perrault, Seabreeze High School; Mya Cooks and Jonathan Gagalis, Spruce Creek High School; and Jamie Cooper and Ju’Yea Evans, Pine Ridge High School. They will have the benefit of mentors working with them
throughout their high school years as well as the support of Take Stock Program coordinator and student advocates/college success coaches, to ensure they successfully graduate from high school and are prepared for college.
17 graduates recognized Also recognized at the event were Take Stock’s class of 2015 high school graduates. Each of these 17 students has Please see HONORS, Page 2
COMMUNITY NEWS: ELISHA J. STRAPP GOLF SCHOLARSHIP TOURNAMENT SET FOR JUNE 15 | PAGE 6 COMMUNITY NEWS: PALM COAST ORGANIZATION HELPS TO FINANCE HISTORIC LABYRINTH | PAGE 3
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Legendary band Maze featuring Beverly to perform at Peabody SPECIAL TO THE DAYTONA TIMES
Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, amazingly one of the most talented and influential R&B/soul groups to date, will bring The Peabody audience to their feet with an exciting show full of high energy, electricity and amazing music. Beverly and band will come to The Peabody for one show only, Sunday, June 14 at 8 p.m. The sound is distinctive – passionate, creative, original, soulful, honest and powerful. For nearly 30 years, Frankie Beverly and Maze have created a unique sound and have become one of the most influential groups in modern history.
More hits
At the time when disco reigned supreme, Maze and Frankie Beverly took the R&B charts by storm with a smooth yet gritty soul/funk approach that rejected the disco beat entirely.
Took a stand Growing up in the soul hotbed of Philadelphia had a definite impact on Maze’s distinctive sound, which owed as much to Marvin Gaye as it did to Philly soul. Classics like “While I’m Alone,” “Lady of Magic,” “You,” and the hit “Happy Feelin’s” earned Maze an intensely devoted bunch of followers, who will tell you in a minute that the charismatic Beverly is the very essence of a soul singer.
“We’ve made it this far because we love and respect ourselves and our fans. But, most importantly, we believe in what we do,” Frankie Beverly, seated on the left, said about Maze. Though it wasn’t a single, one of the best offerings on the album is “Colorblind,” a jewel expressing Beverly’s frustration over the racial polarization that plagued the U.S.
in 1977 and remained alive and well years later. This outstanding debut album didn’t do much in the pop market, but thanks to enthusiastic support from the R&B market, it went gold.
The 1980s brought the release of the best-selling albums: “Golden Time of Day,’’ “Inspiration,’’ and “Joy and Pain,’’ containing a list of chart-topping singles including “Travelin’ Man,” “Feel That You’re Feeling,” “Joy and Pain,” “Look in Your Eyes,” and “Southern Girl,” to name a few. The group gained worldwide appeal with its legendary sold-out live appearances, and released the deluxe album “Live in New Orleans,’’ which captured the energy, excitement and electricity of a Maze stage show and offered a fourth side of new studio material, which included the hit single “Run-
seph Peluso, Seabreeze High School; Jeffrey Garcia and Jordan Stathakis, Spruce Creek High School; Ilse Velazquez, T. DeWitt Taylor Middle-High School; Kaya Schultz and Isabel Valencia, University High School; and Matthew Good, Calvary Christian, a transfer student from the Flagler County program.
The incoming scholars are, left to right, front row: Alexander Montero, Emily Perreault, Allison Tiano, Andrew Thomas, Kayla Pinard and Natasha Garcia. Back row, left to right: Michael Troy Mitchum, Amina Jones, Sarah Johnson, Julie DeRienzo, Symara Moore and Justin Oddo.
HONORS from Page 1
Graduates shown on the front row from left to right are Shawnetta Duffus, Patricia Quickery, Kaeli Raspotnik, Isabel Valencia, Paige Settle, Tomaree Parker, Ilse Velazquez, Kaya Schultz and Kourtney Hadley. Back row: From left to right are Jeffrey Garcia, Jordan Stathakis and Joseph “Joey” Peluso.
DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
Family members of deceased young men help to fill Mt. Calvary Free Will Baptist Church on May 8 in DeLand.
QUEST from Page 1
other families; invite them into our town, so they can share their stories, share their reality, share their movement. This is more than just breaking stories.” Brown died two years ago following a police chase in DeLand. He was run over by Officer James Harris, who was later fired.
Video released Authorities said police tried to pull Brown over for a seatbelt violation. A dash cam video released shortly after his death showed Brown running from officer and into a field. The video made available to the public shows the moment Brown was hit. An investigation, which was prodded by Krystal Brown, Black elected officials and the Times, found that Harris violated the police department’s chase policy. A grand jury chose
not to file charges against Harris but the officer was fired. The family fought for the case to be heard by a higher court but the state attorney’s office said it would stand by the decision. “Every time something new happens - and it feels like it is a daily basis the wound is reopened,” Brown expressed. “But there is no other way that we could have made it without having each other for comfort,” Brown continued.
Son speaks out Marlon Brown Sr. left behind a son with his namesake who has grown plenty over the past two years. Marlon Brown Jr. spoke with the Times, saying that young Black men are being assaulted or killed with no one being held accountable. “It’s hard,” he added, speaking of his father’s death. “I get through it day by day. I would do anything to get him back. “We need to embrace
each other more. If we stop arguing with each other and really get along, that will be a big step,” Marlon Brown Jr., son of Krystal and Marlon Sr. added, suggesting that coming together for a common cause has made a major impact on his life. Marlon says that amid his father’s passing he has found more purpose in his life. “But when you are with a big group of your friends, even when you aren’t doing anything wrong you’re going to get stereotyped,” Marlon Jr. continued. “But we have to keep strong and stay focused.” “I’ve been having new experiences every day. I’ve been meeting new people. I get new chances every day,” he said. “People my age say they like the way I carry myself. I’m a strong Black male.”
Families speak The families of Black men and children killed under suspicious circumstances began to take the
earned a four-year college tuition scholarship, and all have been accepted at colleges and universities. They are: Daezya Birch and William Woulard, DeLand High School; Christopher Arce, Deltona High School; Bri’Anca Dandridge, Shawnetta Duffus, Patricia Quickery and Kaeli Raspotnik, Mainland High School; Tomaree Parker and Paige Settle, Pine Ridge High School; Kourtney Hadley and Jo-
podium one after another. Speakers included Ron Davis, father of Jordan Davis, who was killed in Jacksonville; Cephus “Uncle’’ Bobby Johnson, uncle of Oscar Grant III of Oakland, Calif.; Jackie Johnson, mom of Kendrick Johnson, who died in Valdosta, Ga.; Andrew Joseph Jr., whose son Andrew Joseph III died in Tampa; and Vickie Williams, mother of Tinoris Williams, who died in Palm Beach County. A video message via cell phone was played by Latayna Magwood, whose son, Ta’von Grayson, was the only name listed as a survivor. Grayson was hospitalized following a police shooting last year involving Orlando police officers. In his video message, Grayson shared how grateful he is to be alive. The 22-year-old lost vision in his right eye after being
Mentors needed The scholars are selected based upon financial need, academic achievement, good character and community involvement. Scholarships are funded through community and individual donations as well as proceeds from an annual Strides for Education 5K Run/Walk, which is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 14 at Creekside Middle School in Port Orange. Mentors are being recruited for these new students and anyone interested in volunteering 30 minutes each week on school campus should contact Take Stock in Children Program Coordinator Sheila Rees at srees@volusia.k12. fl.us or 386-255-6475, ext. 50724.
shot eight times in an Orlando parking garage. Magwood says she still doesn’t know the full story of what happened to her son.
‘Serve jury duty’ William Brown, father of Marlon Brown, says the continued injustice against people of color is systemic. Brown pleaded with those gathered to help the system by becoming a part of it. “If you have the chance, serve jury duty,” he said. William Brown added that so many Blacks find reasons not to serve jury duty but having people who look like you on the jury helps level the playing field. “The jury has more power than the judge does!” he exclaimed. For more information on Families United 4 Justice, call 386-717-6548.
Stay connected to your friends and family with a free captioned telephone. A captioned telephone phone allows you to hear and read everything said by the person on the other line. Must be a Florida resident with a certified hearing loss. For more information to see if you qualify for a free captioned telephone:
Call 800-222-3448.
ning Away.” In 1983, with the release of “We Are One,’’ Frankie Beverly and Maze solidified their international standing with such hits as the title track “Never Let You Down,” “I Love You Too Much” and “Love is the Key.” In 2010, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly won the prestigious Trumpet Lifetime Achievement Award and in 2012, was awarded the BET Cadillac Lifetime Achievement Award. Tickets are available for purchase at the Peabody Box Office, Ticketmaster outlets, Wal-Mart Supercenters, call 800-745-3000 or online at www.PeabodyDaytona.com. Reserved tickets are $39, $49, $59, $69 plus surcharges.
NAACP from Page 1
while they were being attacked in 1961. While a White mob surrounded and set fire to the bus filled with Freedom Riders outside of Anniston, Ala., (including Thomas), McKinney watched in horror. Eventually the riders struggled off of the bus and stumbled onto the lawn of the girl’s family grocery store. While the riders were overcome with smoke inhalation and gasping for breath, the girl jumped into action and helped the injured. She provided buckets of water to the riders until their conditions improved.
Accolades, awards During the event, which starts at 6 p.m., the NAACP will reflect on the issues that African-Americans and other minority groups have faced for hundreds of years. The banquet will take place at The Hilton Daytona Beach Resort, 100 N. Atlantic Ave. “We have planned another very special event this year as we honor individuals and organizations that have worked and dedicated their time to ensure positive changes in our community,” said Cynthia Slater, branch president. Slater added, “The Freedom Fund Banquet is our premier fundraising event, where NAACP supporters celebrate an evening that is committed to strengthening community relationships while building bridges for all in the city of Daytona.’’ The night will close with live entertainment by the Zapp Band. For information on tickets, call the local NAACP office at 386255-3736.
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PHOTOS BY DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
AME youth carry the signs as the men march behind them. The 11th Episcopal District is made up of AME churches in Florida and the Bahamas. Below, the Rev. Nathan Mugala (in red) marches alongside Dr. Edison Jackson, president of Bethune-Cookman University (in dark suit).
Men of faith take bold steps to save their sons The Rev. Nathan Mugala, pastor of Allen Chapel AME Church, and other men of faith took over George W. Engram Boulevard on Friday, March 15, as part of a “Save Our Sons’’ march. The march in Midtown was one of the events that took place during the 14th Annual Sons of Allen Retreat hosted by the Daytona Beach church May 14-16.
Keeping things moving with the use of his bullhorn is the Rev. Jeffrey Dove, pastor of Allen Chapel AME in New Smyrna Beach. Dove was coordinator of the march. At top right, Daytona Beach Police Chief Mike Chitwood addresses the crowd gathered after the march at the Midtown Cultural and Educational Center while the Rev. Nathan Mugala and Mayor Derrick Henry look on.
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The case for student loan debt forgiveness By the time you read this article, millions of college students will have graduated and be looking for jobs, many will be going JAMES on to grad school and millions CLINGMAN will suddenly be faced with payNNPA COLUMNIST ing off college loans or contemplating obtaining a loan for graduate studies. Neither option is atAt more than $1 trillion, tractive. Even if students are fortunate enough to have a job when they having surpassed graduate, if they are laden with tens of thousands of dollars in credit card debt, debt, it will be very difficult to college loan debt is save money for their future, pay living expenses and costs associan albatross around ated with the job they accept, and make $300-$600 in monthly pay- the necks of students, ments for college loans. For those moving on to grad some of whom had no school, unless they have a fellowship or some other kind of grant, idea of what they were they will have a tough decision to make when the loan officer at getting into and some their school or the bank says, “No problem, here’s a $30,000 check who did know but to pay for your degree.” I hate to think what it costs for an medical refused to do anything degree these days. At more than $1 trillion, hav- about it until now, ing surpassed credit card debt, college loan debt is an albatross when it’s too late. around the necks of students, some of whom had no idea of what they were getting into and to accept the prospect of joinsome who did know but refused ing the ranks of the “underemto do anything about it until now, ployed.” This is indeed a sad state of afwhen it’s too late. fairs for our best and brightest, the grandchildren of the baby ‘Overpriced degree’ boomers. It is said that “millenWith the job market the way it nials,” as they are called, are the is and has been for Black people first generation that will be worse for decades, some graduates will off than their parents. Most parhave an overpriced college de- ents want their children to do betgree without a commensurate job ter than they did, and most parprospect. They will be faced with ents participate in that aspiration the challenge of paying back their by putting a little money aside to loans while looking for a job that help their children get off to a readoes not exist. Or, they will have sonable start in life. However, in
today’s economic climate, there is very little of that kind of help available from parents who are struggling just to pay the rent and keep the lights on.
Student loan forgiveness High on our agenda should be a demand, made to Congress and whoever is running for president, for student loan debt forgiveness. A strong, independent bloc of voters must go to candidates in both parties and make this demand. Keep in mind, however, as I have said before, a demand without power backing it up is just rhetoric. We must be willing to withhold our votes in order to get what we want — and that goes for both parties. The banks and other financial entities got their $780 billion bailout. Where is ours? Why not bail the students out, and why not bail the homeowners out rather than merely “adjusting” their loans? The bankers were given billions that they used to make even more money from the taxpayers (That be us, y’all) who paid their bills. So with all of the barriers facing our 2015 graduates, and the bleak outlook for improvement of their lot, the least we could do is bail them out of their student loans. Politicians said the banks were “too big to fail,” and I guess the bankers were “too big to jail.” They caught a huge break from George W. Bush and Obama. It’s time for a break for Black and poor people now. Hey politicians, forgive student loans.
Jim Clingman is the founder of the Greater Cincinnati African American Chamber of Commerce. Click on this article at www.daytonatimes.com to write your own response.
First lady pays tribute to Tuskegee Airmen Last week, I received an email from my friend, NNPA News Service Editor-in-Chief George E. Curry. It was a White House press release and a copy of First Lady Michelle Obama’s May 9 commencement address at Tuskegee University. My first thought was: Why is George sending me this? For some reason, I stopped everything to read it. I almost fell out of my chair when the First Lady started talking about our famous Tuskegee Airmen. George knew that as a veteran and son-in-law of one of the first four Tuskegee Airmen, Charles DeBow, it fills me with great pride every time I hear something about these heroes.
Black pilots The first lady said: “And I’d like to begin today by reflecting on that history – starting back at the time when the Army chose Tuskegee as the site of its airfield and flight school for Black pilots. “Back then, Black soldiers faced all kinds of obstacles. There were the so-called scientific studies that said that Black men’s brains were smaller than White men’s. Official Army reports stated that Black soldiers were ‘child-
HARRY C. ALFORD NNPA COLUMNIST
like,’ ‘shiftless,’ ‘unmoral and untruthful,’ and as one quote stated, ‘if fed, loyal and compliant.’” “So while the Airmen selected for this program were actually highly educated – many already had college degrees and pilots licenses – they were presumed to be inferior. During training, they were often assigned to menial tasks like housekeeping or landscaping. Many suffered verbal abuse at the hands of their instructors. When they ventured off base, the White sheriff here in town called them “boy” and ticketed them for the most minor offenses. And when they finally deployed overseas, White soldiers often wouldn’t even return their salutes.
Didn’t clip their wings “Just think about what that must have been like for those young men. Here they were, trained to operate some of the most complicated, high-tech ma-
chines of their day – flying at hundreds of miles an hour, with the tips of their wings just six inches apart. Yet when they hit the ground, folks treated them like they were nobody – as if their very existence meant nothing. “Now, those Airmen could easily have let that experience clip their wings. But as you all know, instead of being defined by the discrimination and the doubts of those around them, they became one of the most successful pursuit squadrons in our military. They went on to show the world that if black folks and white folks could fight together, and fly together, then surely – surely – they could eat at a lunch counter together. Surely their kids could go to school together… “Those Airmen who rose above brutal discrimination – they did it so the whole world could see just how high black folks could soar. That’s the spirit we’ve got to summon to take on the challenges we face today.”
Harry C. Alford is the cofounder, President/CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce. Click on this article at www.daytonatimes.com to write your own response.
The scars of Vietnam As a baby-boomer who grew up on war movies, I thought of veterans as various forms of heroes. I knew that in going to war some soldiers died; some were wounded; others came home…and that, I thought, was that. While I vehemently opposed the U.S. war of aggression against Vietnam, for many years I did not think much about what it had actually meant to have fought that war. Nor did I consider the less obvious wounds suffered by those who engaged in combat. Wallace Terry’s now famous book Bloods: Black Veterans of the Vietnam War: An Oral History was eye-opening, as was interacting on a closer level with veterans of the Indochina War. Getting close to veterans, which was not particularly easy for reasons I will address below, meant casting away virtually everything that I had learned in watching war movies. With the possible exception of the post-World War II film “The Best Years of Our Lives,” the U.S. media pays little attention to the plight of the combat veteran.
BILL FLETCHER, JR. NNPA COLUMNIST
as heroes, their sacrifices and the horrors that they witnessed – and sometimes perpetrated – have been quickly ignored. Combat veterans are expected to pick up from where they left off and get on with their lives, much the way that others of us who have experienced traumas are regularly treated. Vietnam War veterans were hard to get to know. I do not mean that they were or are rude or unfriendly. Rather, there is a part of most of them that they are reluctant to share. At first I thought that this reflected some sort of attitude towards me, given that I had not been drafted, had not served in combat and had opposed the war. It turns out that it was something entirely different. In case after case, combat veterans were simply surprised that I gave a damn. Their reluc‘Quickly ignored’ tance to discuss their experiences Even in the case of World War seemed, more than anything else, II, where veterans returned home to reflect a defensiveness brought
VISUAL VIEWPOINT: TEXAS BIKERS
on by experiencing, time and again, a combination of lack of interest, denial, and impatience on the part of non-veterans regarding what they – the combat veterans – had seen, heard and done.
A need for support While living in Boston in the 1970s and 1980s, I came to better understand the critical need for supportive environments for Vietnam War veterans. There was no real reason for them to trust people like me, and the first thing that I had to appreciate was that it was nothing personal at all. They had no reason to trust that any of us who had not been in combat not only could “get” what they experienced, but that we cared to shut up and listen to the stories that they told. In many respects that is why reading Bloods was so important for me: I had to sit there, shut up, and listen to voices tell stories that I would not otherwise have heard.
Bill Fletcher, Jr. is the host of The Global African on TelesurEnglish. He is a racial justice, labor and global justice activist and writer. Click on this article at www.daytonatimes.com to write your own response.
PAT BAGLEY, SALT LAKE TRIBUNE
A message for the class of 2015 “Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair. / It’s had tacks in it, / And splinters, / And boards torn up, / And places with no carpet on the floor — Bare. / But all the time / I’se been a-climbin’ on, / And reachin’ landin’s, / And turnin’ corners, / And sometimes goin’ in the dark / Where there ain’t been no light. / So, boy, don’t you turn back.” – Langston Hughes, “Mother to Son,” 1922 If you are disposed to using the Internet as your guide, a diploma will generally be described as the proof of your successful completion of a course of study, or the bestowal of an academic degree. Speaking from personal experience, I can tell you that diploma in your grasp, occupying a prominent space on a wall or waiting to be pressed into your eager hand is so much more than the sum of your years-long efforts to be where you are today. Your degree is a key that opens a new door, a new phase of life and a new set of challenges. Your life’s journey – and its achievements – does not end here. Celebrate, because you’ve earned it; bask in your wellearned feeling of accomplishment today, because tomorrow you will find that there is much work to be done. On the other side of that new door is a staircase, and that staircase may not be the kind fashioned from crystal with smooth, reliable, clear-cut steps. Obstacles may slow or impede your climb. There may be tacks, broken floorboards and torn up carpet that would trip, or at worst, defeat someone without the training you have been so fortunate to attain. There is no shortcut here, no elevator, or bypassing of these difficult steps and turns. There is, however, the choice to apply the perseverance and commitment to excellence you have already shown in your higher education journey. On the one hand, there is much to celebrate in our country when it comes to academic achievement in African-American communities. Today, we enjoy the highest high school grad-
MARC H. MORIAL TRICE EDNEY WIRE
uation rates in history. More students of color are in college and dropout rates are at historic lows.
Wealth and unemployment gap But the wealth and unemployment gap between Blacks and Whites remains wide. While the Black unemployment rate has finally dipped into the single digits, it stubbornly remains more than twice as high as the jobless rate for Whites. As our country’s economy continues to make steady gains after the debilitating 2008 recession, millions in Black and Brown communities are being left behind. In this country — founded largely on the principle of economic progress through hard work — the American dream of upward mobility remains only a dream for too many of its citizens. No one gets to where they are on his or her own. You have parents, grandparents, friends and family members who invested in your future success, put you on this path and made sure you stayed the course. How will you repay their commitment to you? Whether your ancestors came here by plane, by train, by ship or shackled underneath the hull of a ship; whether the continent they called home was Asia, Europe or Africa, what they did when they reached the shores of our nation, what they sacrificed — all of it is debt incurred. How will you choose to compensate them for their struggles?
Marc H. Morial, former mayor of New Orleans, is president and CEO of the National Urban League. Click on this article at www.daytonatimes. com to write your own response.
Opinions expressed on this editorial page are those of the writers, and do not necessarily reflect the editorial stance of the newspaper or the publisher.
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AACS helps to finance one of first Afrocentric labyrinths in US Almetto Howey Alexander’s labyrinth project gleaned financial support from the African American Cultural Society (AACS) members, and Alexander’s recent letter answered back her gratitude. Dear Members of the African American Cultural Society of Palm Coast, “It’s been in my heart for some time now to put pen and paper to my thoughts of collectively and formally thanking the African American Cultural Society (AACS) and its members for the generous donations the Almetto Howey Alexander Labyrinth Foundation has received for the creation of the labyrinth on the campus of the McCrorey Family YMCA of Greater Charlotte (N.C.). “Some of the members of AACS embraced my dream of a labyrinth in my hometown community as if it was a local project for which the Palm Coast community would benefit. However, I’ve come to know that the interest and involvement are just a reflection of the caliber of people who’ve migrated to this wonderful community and now call it home. “It’s been a real challenge making this dream become a reality. But, through the grassroots support and efforts I’ve received from institutions and donors like yourselves, the foundation is finalizing the beautification phase of the project with the addition of benches and landscaping material. More about this phase of the project will be forthcoming. “As many of you know, the move to Palm Coast was out of necessity. There was trepidation about the move for my husband and I since Charlotte had been our home for over 60 years. But the fearfulness was soon dispelled by the warmth and kindness shown to us by people like all of you who’ve become my extended family. “I miss Charlotte and my family and friends there, but I’ve accepted my new way of life here in Palm Coast. And although Harriett and Robert, my daughter and son-in-law, take good care of me, especially since my husband has passed, it is also my church community, the AACS, and new friends like you that help to warm my heart and connect, nurture, and feed my spirit. “Again, thank you so much for your generosity.”
PALM COAST COMMUNITY NEWS JEROLINE D. MCCARTHY
History of labyrinths Alexander brought new energy to having the interconnecting paths of a labyrinth laid out, believed to be the firstknown Afrocentric labyrinth in the United States. Labyrinth walks in a network of circuitous path designs lead to a center, bringing accounts of serenity for meditating, healing and quieting the mind. This measures up to walking in a replica pattern of the labyrinth pavement at the Chartres Cathedral in France, and constructed during the 13th century. Labyrinths date back to antiquity in Greece and Rome. The impetus of Alexander’s desire to have a labyrinth installed was quickened in a visit to her cousin, Rosetta, in Phoenix, Ariz. Alexander’s heart opened with the conversations spent on labyrinths. No doubt, on her return flight to Charlotte, she discovered labyrinth literature tucked away in the seat pocket of the aircraft. And, in 2007, she was introduced to artist Tom Schulz in the Jack M. Memorial Labyrinth Courtyard, where the artist had completed the labyrinth and prayer wall there at the Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte. Schulz shared Alexander’s dream, designing and creating a labyrinth based on the 11-circuit traditional pattern at the Chartres Cathedral, yet speaking to the ancient African origin of the labyrinth. Because of Alexander’s active and untiring involvement in the community, civil rights and the church, the 25-year veteran schoolteacher scored the record setting of “receiving a partnership donation of the location space, and the engagement of 16 volunteers within and outside the community. They put into motion the fundraising program of the Foundation Committee” – and for which any donation can help to repay the project loan. Contributions may be sent to: The AHA Foundation, Inc., Harriett Alexander Whiting, Treasurer, P.O. Box 16242, Charlotte, N.C. 28297.
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF ROBERT AND HARRIETT WHITING
Almetto Howey Alexander, who now lives in Palm Coast, sits in front of a 4x6 rendering for sale, a painting of the labyrinth by installation artist Tom Schulz.
Out in front and center is Alexander’s daughter, Harriett Whiting, along with installation artist Tom Schulz, at the Phase II unveiling in April.
Unveiling in April The Almetto Howey Alexander Labyrinth reached its milestone through a dedication celebration on March 12, 2011 at the McCrorey Family YMCA, 3801 Beattles Ford Road in the Washington Heights community of Charlotte. The McCrorey Family YMCA provided the space for the labyrinth at the “Y,” and Alexander walked the labyrinth, which had pursued her dream and vision. The Almetto Howey Alexander Labyrinth is open to the public and to anyone as a potential source of healing and slowing down, and seeking respite from a chaotic world. More than one person at a time can experience the walk along the labyrinth. Harriett and Robert Whiting wrote about the beautification phase of the project: “The Phase II unveiling of the Almetto Howey Alexander Labyrinth on April 11, 2015 in Charlotte was a perfect event on a perfect day filled with warm spirit and numerous accolades for the phenomenal woman, who planted the seed in 2002, and evolving into a foundation, and ultimately providing the gift to the community. The event was well-attended by community members, city officials and friends and family from near and far. “Three commemorative benches, a donation pillar, and a kiosk were unveiled – all accomplished by donations received from Charlotte residents, organizations, the business community, the McCrorey Family YMCA, and many individuals and organizations throughout the United States.
“A proclamation from the City of Charlotte, declaring a day in honor of Almetto Howey Alexander’s accomplishments and her birthday on April 12, was presented. There were many celebratory acknowledgments and accolades prior to the reception. Special recognition of Almetto’s 94th birthday also took place during the reception.”
NAACP meeting topic: Investment Club Experience The community has been invited to a presentation involving economic development, which has been laid out for the Flagler NAACP meeting. The “Investment Club Experience” has been set for May 26, 6 p.m., at the African American Cultural Society, 4422 North U.S. 1, Palm Coast. Orlando Johnson, financial advisor/ Economic Development Chairman, will present a panel discussion on investment clubs. Johnson has brilliant ideas on how to start an investment club, based on “Ujamaa” – the fourth principle of Kwanzaa - emphasizing collective, economic strength, and encouragement to meet the common needs through mutual support. For further details, contact the NAACP at 386-446-7822. ••• As always, remember our prayers for the sick, afflicted and bereaved.
Celebrations Birthday wishes to Donna Gray Banks, Hubert Henry, Ernest “Toney the Barber” Robinson, May 21; Victor Jordan, Betty C. White, May 22; Dr. Lawrence D. Gary, May 26; and Audrey Thorpe, May 27.
Love Band at the Bandshell
THE PEABODY DAYTONA BEACH
TICKETS: PEABODYDAYTONA.COM, BOX OFFICE, TICKETMASTER OUTLETS OR 80009822ARTS PHOTO BY DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTS PHOTOGRAPHY.COM
The Love Band plus Bartee & Henderson kicked off the City of Daytona Beach’s free summer concert series on May 15 at the Daytona Beach Bandshell. For a lineup of upcoming concerts visit, www.daytonabandshell.com.
7 COMMUNITY NEWS & CLASSIFIEDS
R6 Police chief to be honored at golf tournament The 12th Annual “Elisha J. Strapp” Invitational Golf Scholarship Tournament hosted by the Greater Friendship Scholarship Ministry will be held June 6 at the LPGA International Golf Course, 1000 Champions Drive, Daytona Beach. The Community Honoree is Daytona Beach Police Chief Michael Chitwood who is an avid golfer. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. with a four-person scramble, shotgun starts at 8:30 a.m. The scholarship ministry raises funds to benefit early childhood learning centers and graduating high school seniors who are seeking higher education at an accredited educational institution to improve their skills and quality of life. For more information, e-
mail Sandra Strapp at sandrastrapp@gmail.com or contact tournament co-directors Ronald Gibson at 386-405-8589 or Lorenzo Hayward at 407-341-6464.
Hurricane expo takes place May 30 Forecasters are predicting a slower-than-normal hurricane season this year, but it only takes one storm to cause major destruction. Are you ready? Learn how to prepare your home for the next big wind storm during a free Hurricane Expo from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 30, at Lowe’s, 1340 W. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach. Emergency management officials and agency volunteers will display home preparedness products and offer tips on personal preparedness, home safety and animal issues. Representatives will be
on hand from the Ormond Beach Fire Department, the Florida Department of Health’s Medical Reserve Corps, Volusia County Emergency Management, Community Organizations Active in Disaster, American Red Cross, and other organizations. The event is sponsored by Volusia County Emergency Management and Community Organizations
MAY 21 – MAY 27, 2015
Active in Disaster, a multiagency group that assists local governments in coordinating volunteers and resources to assist local disaster survivors. Hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. For more information, contact Pat White at pwhite@volusia.org or 386254-1500, ext. 11245.
SERVICE ISLAND WORKER
Fuels, cleans, and details buses on a daily basis. Checks oil and fluids and add as needed. Operates buses and other vehicles around the shop area and may be required to drive to road calls and/or the Westside facility. Must be able to obtain a permit for a Class B CDL with a Passenger (P) Endorsement. Hours: 5:30 PM - 2:30 AM Monday through Saturday Sundays 1:30 PM – 10:00 PM. This is a full time position with benefits. $10.16/hour. Apply in person between the hours of 9 AM – 4PM, Monday - Friday at Votran 950 Big Tree Road, South Daytona, Florida. EOE - Females/Minorities/ Protected Veterans/ Individuals with Disabilities. DFWP.
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DaytonaState.edu/DCUCF (386) 506-3059
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M SPORTS AYOR
MAY 21 –14MAY 2015 DECEMBER - 20,27, 2006
B-CU baseball team loses MEAC title to FAMU SPECIAL TO THE DAYTONA TIMES
A Wildcat is shown in finals at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium in Salisbury, MD.
SALISBURY, Md. – Bethune-Cookman’s Rakeem Quinn tallied three hits and Brandon Amendolare recorded a home run on May 15, but it was Florida A&M University (FAMU) defeating the Wildcats, 8-2 in the title game of the 2015 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Baseball Championship at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium. Bethune-Cookman (19-40) crashed the MEAC Championship party on May 15, defeating the MEAC’s top seed from the Northern Division in the form of Norfolk State a day prior. However, coming out of the elimination bracket into the title series, the Wildcats needed to defeat Florida A&M twice in order to claim the school’s ninth league crown in a decade. B-CU fourth-year head coach Jason Beverlin sent
right-hander Michael Austin to the hill in his fourth start of the campaign. Austin, a junior from Sykesville, Maryland, was shaken early on as FAMU (2323) plated two runs in the bottom of the opening frame.
Rattlers surge Jared Walker took a base on balls and AJ Elkins doubled to left, forcing pressure on the Wildcats with no outs. Left fielder Marlon Gibbs delivered a runscoring single to left that crossed Walker for the first run of the game. Elkins would come around to score on a sacrifice fly from Ryan Kennedy. Although Austin settled in nicely for the Wildcats after a rocky start, the Rattlers surged out to an insurmountable advantage with six runs in the fifth inning. B-CU used relievers Sidney Duprey and All-MEAC
Athletes from Deltona, Palm Coast, Kentucky added to Lady Wildcats’ basketball team SPECIAL TO THE DAYTONA TIMES
The Bethune-Cookman women’s basketball team adds three student-athletes to its 2015-16 roster head coach Vanessa BlairLewis announced. Freshmen Chasimmie Brown (Deltona High School) and Armani Walker (Palm Coast/Flagler Palm Coast High School) alongside junior college transfer Rau Jua Terry (Louisville, Ky./Georgia Perimeter College) will all join B-CU during the 201516 season.
Brown, a 6-1 forward, led the Volusia/Flagler area in rebounding with 15.3 board per game and blocked shots (4.2 blocks per game) while averaging a double-double with 11.8 points per game last season. “Chasimmie is a true post player with size,” said Blair-Lewis. “She has a knack for rebounding, a soft touch around the rim and the ability to run the floor. She brings an intimidating defensive presence that should garner her minutes in the paint.”
performer Clint Clymer in order to stop the scoring as FAMU led 8-0 with five innings away. The Wildcats got a run back in the top of the sixth when junior All-MEAC right fielder Nathan Bond doubled and later scored off a single to left from first baseman Austin Garcia. Sophomore second baseman Brandon Amendolare registered his first home run of the season in the seventh with a solo shot to left, cutting into the FAMU lead at 8-2. FAMU relief pitcher Alex Carrasco allowed just a single hit over the final 2.2 frames, allowing the Rattlers their first MEAC Tournament title in more than a decade.
Top players Austin accepted the loss, falling to 3-4 on the year. He worked 4.1 innings, responsible for five runs on seven hits and collecting dling, speed and a very good basketball IQ,” said Blair-Lewis. “We are excited at her potential to play in our up-tempo style and be able to get to the basket and finish. In true point guard fashion, she has great court vision and has the ability to make other players better.”
Junior college standout Coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis gives directives at a recent game.
‘True point guard’ Walker, a 5-9 guard, put up 14.2 ppg, 3.9 assists per game, 4.1 steals per contest and helped lead Flagler Palm Coast to a Final Four
appearance during her senior season. She was also named the News-Journal’s Player of the Year. “Armani is a true point guard with good ball han-
Terry, a junior college transfer, will join the Wildcats after spending a season at Georgia Perimeter College. While at the college, the 5-9 guard averaged 9.4ppg, and 3.7rpg. Prior to playing in junior college ball, the Louisville, Ky., native played at Fern Creek High School where she averaged 17ppg, ranked in the top 50
three strikeouts with three walks. Relievers Ivan Coutinho, Danny Melgarejo and Donté Lindsay each logged an inning a piece, spreading out a hit and picking up three combined strikeouts to end the game. The win went to the Rattlers’ Chase Jarrell who improved to 2-4 on the campaign. He tossed 6.1 innings, giving up both Wildcats runs on seven hits and fanning five batters. The B-CU offense was led by Rakeem Quinn with a 3-for-4 game, as well as Amendolare’s first career homer. Garcia finished 1-for-3 with a RBI. Named to the all-tournament team for the Wildcats were Quinn, Bond, Keith Zuniga and Alex Seibold.
Information for this story was provided by BCU Athletics. in her position in the country and was rated on the of the top 250 players in the country by Collegiate Girls Basketball Report. “RauJua can play multiple positions on the wing,” said Blair-Lewis. “She is an adept shooter with range, but can also put the ball on the floor and attack the rim. She comes to us with experience playing at the junior college level and should look to make an early contribution to the program.” Brown, Walker and Terry will be joined alongside fellow newcomer, Angel Golden (Tampa/Alonso High School.) who signed during the early signing period with the Wildcats.
Information for this story was provided by BCU Athletics.
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