Daytona Times - May 23, 2013

Charles Dutton to headline NAACP banquet Friday See page 3

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DEREK HANKERSON: Florida’s West Africans, PRESORTED STANDARD Gullah-Geechees acknowledged See page 4

Area churches meet to pray for Oklahoma tornado victims See page 5

East Central Florida’s Black Voice

www.daytonatimes.com www.daytonatimes.com

MAY 23 - MAY 29, 2013

YEAR 38 NO. 21

More pomp and circumstance

PEOPLE SPEAK

Volusia County seniors rack up scholarship funds; ready to graduate next week

BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES harperjames59@yahoo.com

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housands of Volusia County students will be graduating from area high schools next week. Finding enough funds to go on to college is an assignment high school seniors and their parents can’t afford to fail.

Five seniors who attend Greater Friendship Baptist Church in Daytona Beach are among the many high school graduates who will be receiving scholarship money from local organizations and foundations to attend college.

On Sunday, the seniors at Greater Friendship each received at least a $1,000 scholarship to help them with their next phase in life. The money came through a fund named after Elisha J. Strapp, who died in 2009.

15-year ministry Strapp, who was a Volusia County employee, started the scholarship ministry along with his wife, Sandra, in 1998.

“He served faithfully until the Lord called him for his reward in 2009. Since then, I have had the great privilege of leading and working with so many talented members in this ministry,” Sandra Strapp said.

She said that since 2001, $39,350 in scholarships have been awarded to youth, college students and early childhood learning centers.

“This is our commemorative year – 15 years as a ministry. To our youth, you never know when God has a special blessing for you. Always keep Christ at the head,” Strapp stated.

Diploma and degree Rachel McKenzie was one of the scholarship recipients who will graduate next week. She will attend Spelman College in Atlanta as a junior because she completed her associate degree in a dual enrollment program. Rachel attended Mainland High School Please see GRADS, Page 2

PHOTO BY DANNY MOBLEY

Rachel McKenzie gets a hug from Volusia County educator Rose Roland on Sunday at Greater Friendship Baptist Church after receiving a $1,000 scholarship. McKenzie, 17, graduates from Mainland Senior High with a high school diploma. She earned an AA degree at the same time from Daytona State College.

Beckton one of this year’s Hometown Heroes

BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES harperjames59@yahoo.com

PHOTOS BY DUANE FERNANDEZ/HARDNOTTS PHOTOGRAPHY

It was a family affair for Volusia County Councilman Josh Wagner as he and his baby son (center) helped to lead the “March Against the Madness” on Saturday. The march started from Derbyshire Park in Daytona Beach. Other elected officials and march organizers with Wagner included Pastor Monzell Ford, Daytona Beach City Commissioner Patrick Henry, Bishop Derek Triplett and County Councilwoman Joyce Cusack.

‘Not in my city’ Message sets the tone for march, rally against gun violence

BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES harperjames59@yahoo.com

Jennifer Cord held back tears as she talked about her son who was murdered on Dec. 1, 2012, in Daytona Beach.

Cord was speaking to hundreds last Saturday during a rally after the “March Against the Madness” that began at Derbyshire Park.

“I can admit my son had bumps and bruises. He didn’t deserve to die. I am going to get justice for my son,” she said to a hushed crowd about 23-year old Rayshard L. Mitchell who was shot in the stomach, left lying in the road shortly before 7 p.m. on Verdell Street, which intersects with South Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

“People say it’s going to be OK. They just don’t know. I’m upset. End of the day, I want to get justice for my son. I will stand for my kid. All I can do is pray. Perpetrator who killed my son, I love you too. Turn yourself in.

I’m going to let DBPD take care of it,” stated Cord.

After speaking, she was approached

by Daytona Beach Police Department (DBPD) Chief Mike Chitwood who told her there is a “$10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of person who killed her son.”

‘Wrong place, wrong time’ Daytona Beach resident Carmen Clark, a victim of gun violence, also addressed the marchers.

She told how she was at the “wrong place, wrong time” when she was hit by two bullets in her chest during a drive-by shooting.

Please see MARCH, Page 5

Jennifer Cord gets emotional at a rally following the march as she talks about her son’s death.

He was a victim of gun violence.

A hometown hero comes in many dimensions – war hero, law enforcement officer, educator and civil rights activist.

There are many others who could be classified as hometown heroes but don’t get the attention they deserve and, in many cases, are not seeking recognition.

That changes every year during Daytona Beach’s Juneteenth celebration when a committee overseen by Linda McGee, recreation manager for the city’s Leisure Services Department, selects local Hometown Heroes from a list of nominations.

Lillie Bell Beckton is one of the 20 Hometown Heroes to be honored during a Juneteenth banquet on June 13 and festival on June 15.

Beckton, who moved to Daytona Beach in the Lillie Bell 1950s, was born Beckton Lillie Bell Darrisaw in Tennille, Ga. She was a New Year’s Day baby – born on Jan. 1, 1933.

Decades as domestic She would eventually bear two sons – Brian and Eric. She raised them in Daytona’s Pine Haven projects, working sometimes three jobs at the same time to take care of the family. Brian would eventually graduate from Cornell University and earn a degree to practice medicine. Eric remained in Daytona and, among his many jobs, he was a successful construction worker.

Like many Black women in the Please see HEROES, Page 2

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7FOCUS

World premiere of Daytona native’s movie to take place at local theater

BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES harperjames59@yahoo.com

A film producer who was born and raised in Daytona Beach has chosen her hometown to be one of two cities for the world premiere of her movie “The Dark Party,” which was directed and stars Kadeem Hardison, who was in TV sitcoms “A Different World” and “The Cosby Show.’’

Salenta Baisden, whose mother Ophelia Smith and siblings Kim Moten and Ronald Smith still reside Salenta in Daytona Beach, told the Baisden Daytona Times that the East Coast premiere will be May 30 at the Cinematique of Daytona, located at 242 South Beach St. Baisden is now a California resident and is planning another premiere in Los Angeles the same day.

She will Skype into DaytoKadeem na Beach prior to the start Hardison of the film here.

At this time, Baisden said she couldn’t confirm which stars, including Hardison, would be at the world premiere.

“All the actors are working actors and are on location doing other projects,” she said.

DVD coming soon Baisden said that shortly after the world premiere DVD copies will be available for sale. She expects a wider release to other theaters before the DVD release.

MAY 23 – MAY 29, 2013

“It’s not direct to video. DVD release will not occur until after the showing. It really looks good on a large screen. The people who do not buy DVDs should have an opportunity to see this movie,” she continued.

Though it is considered a low budget film, Baisden said what they spent to produce the film was higher than the average low budget independent film.

Baisden would only say her contractual agreement with the Screen Actors Guild required her to spend at least a half-million dollars.

Remembering her roots Baisden credits Daytona, her family and the community for the end product.

“This is the result of nurturing and education I got from living in Daytona Beach, attending Mainland High School and graduating from then Bethune-Cookman College. Those are my educational roots,” she said.

Featuring a multicultural cast, Baisden said the move is about two friends who want to find true love without playing games. “The friends come up with an ultimate blind date party that turns into a serious social experiment,” she said.

The premiere will start at 7:30 p.m. on May 30 at the Cinematique of Daytona.

Good response “The Dark Party,” was one of seven movies chosen at last year’s American Black Film Festival (ABFF). The festival took place in Miami June 20-23.

“My experience at ABFF was very positive,” said Baisden.

“The audience response was spontaneous laughter; some audience members were very vocal, which led to more laughter and fun,” Baisden remarked.

“The festival made me more resolute in my plans to bring the project to market as soon as possible. I feel confident that the public will enjoy watching what we have created,” noted Baisden.

Baisden was mainly responsible for getting the money to do the film and was listed on the credits as executive producer and co-writer.

From start to finish, Baisden said it took her five years to complete the film in order to enter it in competition and eventually a theatrical release.

HEROES from Page 1 ’50s and ’60s with only a high school diploma, the only work Beckton could find was in housekeeping and work at the former Morrison’s Cafeteria, which she welcomed and did proudly.

Those initial jobs would lead to a job as a cafeteria worker at Campbell Junior High for 20 years where she became very popular with the students.

Started prison ministry While working for Volusia County Schools, she had another job working for NASCAR and was responsible for cleaning the offices of Bill France, Sr., his son, Bill Jr., and his wife, Betty Jane, in addition to the offices of other VIPs. She also maintained housekeeping jobs at a number of private homes, including the Frances and the home of Dr. and Mrs. Gilbert Martin.

Beckton’s philosophy is “It’s not what (money) you make but how well you manage it.”

She never forgot where she came from because so many people helped her along. She vowed to do the same.

Her philanthropic endeavors include a prison ministry she began about 30 years ago after learning some of her friends and family members had incarcerated loved ones they could not afford to support while they were locked up.

Still helping inmates Beckton began setting aside money to mail to these loved ones who were incarcerated in addition to keeping up a correspondence with them.

At one point she was mailing out money to as many as six inmates a month. When she first started 30 years ago, she would send them $5 a month. Currently, she has two inmates she supports sending them $25 a month.

One inmate she supported for 30 years until he was released. He and his family have expressed gratitude to her for the decades of support.

Started own Meals on Wheels Beckton also prides herself on her cooking and is well known in the community for the different salads she makes – from potato salad, macaroni salad, garden salad and a creation of her own called “Heavenly Hash,” which is a fruit salad with other ingredients.

She started a Meals on Wheels program of her own and started taking hot meals to the elderly and homebound as well as taking food to family members who were having trouble making ends meet.

Beckton does this in addition to visiting nursing homes taking literature, fruit and giving the seniors she has “adopted’’ what she calls a “goody bag.’’

She is a faithful Member of Mt. Calvary Seventh Day Adventist Church and no matter what – she believes in tithing every paycheck.

At 80, she still works full time for NASCAR and plans to do so as long as she is able. She says working gives her purpose and allows her to continue making a difference in others’ lives.

Other Hometown Heroes Along with Beckton, other Hometown Heroes who will be recognized during the June 13 banquet at the Midtown Cultural and Education Center and at a Juneteenth Festival on June 15 at Cypress Street Park include: Duane Fernandez, Charlie Lydecker, Launa Taylor, Dr. Alma Dixon, Korynne Lamitriz Burgess-Turner, Charles Bethune, Suzanne Grubbs, Isabel Berber, Maureen Taylor, Ronnie Williams, Chris Daun, Perman Shepard, Joanne Foster, Ivette Delgado, Tim Huth, Rafael Ramirez, Dixie Morgese, Christine Davis and Cheryl Coxwell.

On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of the Civil War. This was two and a half years after slaves had been freed by the Emancipation Proclamation, which was signed by President Abraham Lincoln on Sept. 22, 1862.

Daytona Beach is one of many communities across the country that celebrates Juneteenth, which marks the time Texas slaves learned they were free.

For more information on Hometown Heroes, the banquet, and the festival, contact Linda McGee at 386-671-8337 or email her at mcgeel@codb.us.

GRADS from Page 1 and Daytona State College at the same time.

Brenda McKenzie, Rachel’s mother, said many parents don’t know about the dual enrollment program.

McKenzie, who works at Daytona State College, said that since 2011 Rachel has been able to participate in the program because she had at least a 3.0 grade point average.

“I didn’t have to pay anything extra,” said single parent McKenzie, adding that Rachel took one class each semester at Mainland and the rest of her courses at Daytona State, which enabled her to earn her high school diploma and A.A. degree at the same time.

Rachel plans to major in biology and eventually become a doctor.

The student says what motivated her was that she saw so many girls her age getting pregnant, some having to drop out of school.

“I didn’t want to be that statistic,” said Rachel, who also gets financial and moral support from her father, the Rev. John McKenzie, a former pastor of Greater Friendship Baptist Church who now is senior pastor at St. James First Baptist Church in Key West.

‘Stay focused, finish well’ Other $1,000 scholarship winners included Marlene Brooks, Dontavius King, Arrice Robinson and Melvin Young.

Emmanuel McMillon was singled out and received a $1,500 scholarship for getting the highest percentage rating based on a competition that included answering questions, writing an essay and on grades.

McMillon also was known for his heavy involvement in church activities.

Quoting retired Volusia County educator, a longtime Friendship church member Willie Mae Church, Strapp told the grads at a program on Sunday to “stay focused and finish well. For me, I know if you do this, He will reward you openly.”

This year Strapp said the scholarship program was able to give away a total of $11,000.

Checks also went to three

PHOTOS BY DANNY MOBLEY

Students and early learning centers received checks from the Elisha P. Strapp Scholarship Ministry. From left to right are Greater Friendship Pastor Dr. L. Ronald Durham; Sally Marshall standing in for Inspiration Child Care Center; Katina Nutt, Friendship Academy; Janice Medlock for daughter Jante’ Medlock; Carolyn Beckton for daughter Sta’Cha Beckton; Emmanuel McMillon; Marlene Brooks; Betty Powers, principal, Basilica School of St. Paul; Dontivaus King; Melvin Williams; Arrice Robinson; Rachel McKenzie; and Bryan Dandridge. Not shown, Ricky Hemphill.

Sandra Strapp founded the scholarship ministry with husband Elisha 15 years ago. He passed away in 2009. She presented $11,000 in scholarships to the college-bound students and others on Sunday. early childhood learning centers – Basilica School of St. Paul, $1,000; Friendship Academy, $1,000 and Inspiration Child Care Center, $500.

Three students already in college received $500 each.

They are Sta’Cha Beckton, Ricky Hemhil and Jante’ Medlock.

Bryan Daniels was recognized for “youth participation’’ and received $500.

High school ceremonies Graduation ceremonies for Volusia County students will be held for area high schools beginning May 30 and ending June 2.

Admission will be $3 per person. Parking will be $5 for ceremonies held at the Daytona Beach Ocean Center. Tickets will be presold at each of the high schools.

Here is a list of the district’s graduation ceremonies and

information relating to the graduating classes of 2013.

Atlantic High School Graduation: Friday, May 31, 7:30 p.m., Daytona Beach Ocean Center Approximate number of graduates: 225

DeLand High School Graduation: Sunday, June 2, 7:30 p.m., Daytona Beach Ocean Center Approximate number of graduates: 535 Senior Awards: Tuesday, May 28, 6:30 p.m., Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church

Deltona High School Graduation: Friday, May 31, 4 p.m., Daytona Beach Ocean Center Approximate number of

Dr. L. Ronald Durham (far left) poses with Volusia County graduates who were recognized at the church on Sunday. With Durham are Marlene Brooks, Seabreeze High School; the Rev. Lawrence Glover, Bethune-Cookman University; Arrice Robinson, Spruce Creek High; Emmanuel McMillon, Mainland High; Victoria Mobley, Seabreeze High; Melvin Williams, Mainland; Rachel McKenzie, Mainland; Dontavius King, Mainland; and Bryan Dandridge, Atlantic High; Not shown:Corey Blackmon, Daytona State College. graduates: 325

Mainland High School Graduation: Sunday, June 2, noon, Daytona Beach Ocean Center Approximate number of graduates: 365 Senior Awards: Thursday, May 23, 6:30 p.m., Deltona High School Auditorium Baccalaureate: Tuesday, May 21, 7 p.m., Deltona Alliance Church

New Smyrna Beach High School Graduation: Sunday, June 2, 3:30 p.m., Daytona Beach Ocean Center Approximate number of graduates: 420 Senior Awards: Thursday, May 30, 6:30 p.m., New Smyrna Beach High School Auditorium Baccalaureate: Tuesday,

May 28, 7 p.m., First Baptist Church, Family Life Center

Pine Ridge High School Graduation: Saturday, June 1, 1 p.m., Daytona Beach Ocean Center Approximate number of graduates: 375 Senior Awards: Thursday, May 23, 7 p.m., Pine Ridge High School Auditorium

Seabreeze High School Graduation: Saturday, June 1, 4:30 p.m., Daytona Beach Ocean Center Approximate number of graduates: 380

Spruce Creek High School Graduation: Saturday, June 1, 8 p.m., Daytona Beach Ocean Center

Approximate number of graduates: 678 Senior Awards: Thursday, May 30, 7 p.m., First Baptist Church of Daytona Beach Baccalaureate: Tuesday, May 28, 7 p.m., First Baptist Church of Daytona Beach

Taylor MiddleHigh School Graduation: Thursday, May 30, 7 p.m., Edmunds Center, Stetson University Approximate number of graduates: 124 Baccalaureate: Wednesday, May 29, 6:30 p.m., Taylor Middle-High School Auditorium

University High School Graduation: Saturday, June 1, 9 a.m., Daytona Beach Ocean Center Approximate number of graduates: 512

COMMUNITY M ANEWS YOR

MAY 23 – MAY 29, 2013

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DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006

Actress Linda Gray Kelley portrays the adulterous woman, Herodias, Pilate’s wife, and Jesus’ mother, Mary, at His crucifixion.

Kelley shares stories of biblical women, raises money for local causes Linda Gray Kelley has been standing where the gospel women stood, whether to live in sin or rather to make things right.

The theater plays that Kelley writes and performs resonate the human condition and give her the voice for God’s word.

Kelley’s take on women

finding their way to God took center stage Saturday at the First Church of Palm Coast.

She donned the attire of the times for “Women of the Gospel” and raised sponsorship monies for the Joy & Care-Giving Foundation, the Palm Coast Rotary Club and First Church. It

Community Calendar To list your community event FREE, e-mail us at news@daytonatimes.com. No phone calls or faxes, please. Events are listed on a space-available basis, and in the sole discretion of the Daytona Times staff. Effective immediately, paid events will no longer be listed in the Daytona Times Community Calendar. You can advertise local events for as little as $35 per week. Call 813-319-0961 or email sales@daytonatimes for more information.

Compiled by the Daytona Times Daytona NAACP banquet Friday The Freedom Fund and Awards Banquet presented by the Volusia County-Daytona Beach NAACP, featuring speaker Charles Dutton, actor and civil rights activist will be held May 24 at 7 p.m. at the Plaza Resort and Spa, 600 N. Atlantic Ave. $65. More information: 386-255-3736.

George Engram Blvd. The workshop will focus on patents, trademarks and copyrights. Attorney Sandra Sovinski will explain how to protect your words, inventions, logos, etc. Send RSVP to freshbookfestivals@gmail. com or leave a message at 386-627-4353.

Watch ‘Jaws’ under the stars A free outdoor showing of “Jaws’’ is May 24 at Riverfront Park on the corner of Beach Street and Magnolia Avenue. Moviegoers should bring lawn chairs or blankets.

Hot dogs, popcorn, candy and soft drinks will be available for sale. If it rains, the movie will be shown at the Daytona Beach Regional Library at City Island, 105 E. Magnolia Ave. More information: 386-2576036, ext. 16264.

Workshop for seniors May 31 Local experts will present information on crime and fraud directed toward seniors including elder abuse and exploitation, wills and trusts, Internet safety and identity theft during a workshop May 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 118 N. Palmetto Ave. The event is presented by RJ Larizza, State Attorney; Attorney Mel Stack; Dr. Doug Beach, CEO, Council on Aging and others.

Lunch will be provided. More information: 386.253.4700 x 211.

Reed to host copyright workshop A workshop sponsored by Daytona Beach Commissioner Paula Reed and the Zone 6 community in partnership with the F.R.E.S.H. Book Festival is 6:30 p.m. on May 23 at the Midtown Cultural and Educational Center, 925

Mentor training for foster care Community Partnership for Children is recruiting mentors for teenage children in foster care. Registration for the next orientation class is being accepted for the next orientation class on May 28 from 5 p.m.

– 6:30 p.m. at Community Partnership for Children, 160 North Beach St., Daytona Beach. More information: 386-547-2293 or Susan.

Hiltz@cbcvf.org.

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

GOSPEL HALLELUJAH WORLD WIDE RADIO MINISTRIES Hosted by: Pastor Harold Ford and Prophetess Deborah Ford LISTEN TO WPUL 1590 Saturdays 10 am -noon Sundays 5am- 7am & 1pm-3pm Listen online at: www.wpul1590.com website: www.gospelhallelujah.com

Come let the Holy Ghost Get Ya!

Palm Coast

Community news

By Jeroline D. Mccarthy | Daytona Times was a nice turnout of theater buffs.

Kelley told the story of a 16-year-old Mary, engaged to a great guy, Joseph, as foretold by Gabe (the angel, Gabriel) of the virgin birth of Mary’s baby, Jesus.

Mary interspersed with how to tell her parents - and Joseph - and letting go to another time the thought of a thorn piercing her heart (Luke 2:35). This caused Kelley to also triumph, stepping into the spotlight again, and portraying: the bride at Cana, the adulterous woman, the Samaritan Woman, Martha, Pi-

late’s wife, and other biblical characters. Kelley reinforced an understanding of the Bible.

First Church also develops an accurate understanding of God’s word for the community through the teachings of the Rev. Gillard S. Glover. Moreover, the Palm Coast Rotary’s goal is “to foster goodwill, peace and understanding by participating in international and community projects.”

Josie Garcia, Joy & CareGiving founder, reflected that St. Anthony Development and Learning Center will complete expansion in

the Philippines and will be provided additional technology. The foundation offers “financial aid and hands-on-support in building schools and providing academic and vocational education to underserved communities globally.”

Garcia presented Veronica Maggs Thornton with $1,000 in scholarship money for the “Make it Take it” program of Flagler County Adult & Community Education.

Kelley recapped on bringing the show to the women’s prisons around Florida. She has performed at the prisons in Lowell and Quincy, and is in the lineup for Sarasota.

••• Tracking last week’s article, “Girls Developing Full Potential Through Involvement in Flagler County Troop,” my niece, Ko-

bi Kane of Troop 952 of the Girl Scouts of the USA, was responsible for expertly having my car washed.

Kobi and Danaziaha Walker were flagging cars to Prosperity Bank for the car wash and were omitKobi ted from the Kane group photo.

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

Happy Birthday to You! Birthday wishes to: Sandra I. Nurse, Dr. Lawrence Gary, Leonard Rowe, May 26; Audrey Thorpe, May 27.

SAMA’s ‘Youth on the Move’ yields fitness, fun

BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES harperjames59yahoo.com

Kids squealed with glee as they got their faces painted, jumped up and down in an inflatable bounce house, and participated in a three-legged race Saturday at Daisy Stocking Park during “Youth On the Move” sponsored by the Second Avenue Merchants Association (SAMA).

“I’m hyped up to do it again,” said SAMA board member Barbara TurnerHymes who counted 125 children at the event.

SAMA, along with CStyle Entertainment and Promotions, hosted the event on May 18.

Across town at Derbyshire Park, another event, March Against the Madness, was taking place. After the march and rally, many left after it was over and attended “Youth on the Move,’’ said TurnerHymes.

Praise for pastor, others ‘Turner-Hymes said had it not been for some of the organizers of the march, the youth event may not have been a success.

“Youth on the Move’’ attracted more than 100 children on Saturday.

She singled out Pastor Tony Barhoo of Living Faith Ministries and heaped praise on Chester McNorton and Danny Williams for their contribution to making sure the youth had a good time.

The event focused on promoting health and fitness for youth (ages 4-12 years old) in the community.

“We feel that our youth should be supported by providing an environment

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CITY OF DAYTONA BEACH

Saturday’s event focused on promoting health and fitness for youth ages 4-12. that is safe to exercise, socialize and develop healthy lifestyle habits,” TurnerHymes noted.

Community support She said the organizers want to make this a regular event.

“Research studies have proven physical activity, along with proper nutri-

Daytona State debuts children’s theater with ‘The Jungle Book’ SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

human world.

In July, the Mike Curb College of Music, Entertainment and Art at Daytona State College will bring to life tales from “The Jungle Book’’ by Rudyard Kipling.

Through mask, puppetry, dance, mime and music, audiences will be transported to mystical India and the tale of the young “mancub,” Mowgli. Raised by animals that inhabit a mysterious jungle, Mowgli is befriended by some and pursued by others and is eventually forced to choose between the animal kingdom and the more “civilized”

Free for students Production dates for The Jungle Book are: July 17-19, 10 a.m.; July 20, 7 p.m.; July 21, 2:30 p.m. - all held in the Gillespy Theater in the News-Journal Center located at 221 N. Beach St. Admission is free to children, Daytona State students and Volusia and Flagler County students, as well as Daytona State employees. Tickets are $5 for other adults.

Tickets are available two hours prior to each performance and during regu-

BRIEFS Water remains safe to drink during treatment On May 22, Daytona Beach began flushing and treating its water distribution system by switching the disinfectant used from chloramines to a free chlorine. The city does this on a regular basis to improve the quality of its drinking water.

While some customers (including South Daytona water custom-

“The Jungle Book’’ will be staged July 17-21. lar box office hours at the News-Journal Center Box Office; Wednesday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., 386-226-1927.

Community health town hall planned Dr. Bonnie J. Sorenson

ers) may notice a slight difference in the taste of the water, the water continues to be safe to drink. The treatment and flushing will be completed by noon on June 25.

Any questions concerning this procedure should be directed to the water department at 386-671-8815 or 386-671-8809.

Seabreeze’s Class of 1973 to reunite in June A 40th reunion for Seabreeze Senior High’s Class of 1973 is scheduled for June 28-30. The event will be host-

tion, is beneficial to people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities,” Turner Hymes explained.

She also was thankful for the many businesses, including Home Depot and Daytona Beach City Commissioner Paula Reed, for supporting the effort.

I’m just so happy everything came together,” Turner-Hymes added. invites the public to join the discussion about ways to improve the health of our communities at one of two town hall meetings May 28 from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. at the Thomas C. Kelly Administration Center, 123 W. Indiana Ave. DeLand and on May 30 from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. at the Volusia County Health Department, 1845 Drive in Daytona Beach.

At these town hall meetings, attendees will also learn about Volusia County’s health status, community health efforts underway and how to be involved going forward.

To register online and learn more about the events go to: www.doh.state.fl.us/ chd/volusia/2013-Registration-HVTownHalls.html.

ed by Sandra Sims-Strachan and Dr. Melinda Tanner-Hamilton.

The reunion will be held at the Hilton Daytona Bach Oceanfront Resort, 100 N Atlantic Ave. A happy hour is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, June 28. On Saturday, June 29, a “School Spirit Beach Party” will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. An “All White Brunch” will begin at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 30.

For more information, contact Sims-Strachan at slsims7@gmail.com or Tanner-Hamilton at meltanham@ aol.com

7 EDITORIAL

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MAY 23 – MAY 29, 2013

Florida’s West Africans, Gullah-Geechees acknowledged On Monday, May 13, The United States Department of Interior signed the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commissions (GGCHC) Management Plan.

The connection to Florida is important because this year we are celebrating the 500th Anniversary of Florida and too many times we fail to acknowledge that West Africans and Gullah-Geechees existed in Florida slave and free for at least 500 years!

The Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor was established by federal legislation in 2006, by Congressman James Clyburn, South Carolina.

The Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor is the only one of 49 National Heritage areas that promotes the living culture of an African-American population. It spans the coastal communities from Wilmington, North Carolina through South Carolina, Georgia to St. Augustine, Fla. The Gullah-Geechee people are descendants of enslaved Africans from various ethnic groups of west and central Africa. That were brought to the New World and forced to work on the plantations of coastal South Carolina, Georgia, North Carolina and Florida.

Gullah/Geechee people have retained most aspects of their African heritage due to the geographic barriers of the coastal landscape and have a strong sense of place and family of Gullah/Geechee community members.

The two most popular minorities studied in historical analysis of the United States are the Native-

DEREK HANKERSON GUEST COMMENTARY

Americans and the African-Americans.

Sadly neglected However, despite immense amount of scholarship available on these two groups, the literature on hand is practically mutually exclusive. Current research and publications focus almost solely on the history of Blacks and natives and their interaction with European culture, but as Jack D. Forbes says in his book Africans and Native Americans, “…relations between Native Americans and Africans have been sadly neglected.”

In fact, the earliest recorded evidence of Blacks in Florida dates back to 1513 and not 1619 as reported by Jamestown and relates to the Spanish exploration and settlement of Hispanola.

During the time Spain declared exclusive sovereignty over land from the Florida Keys to Newfoundland and west to Mexico. In 1526, the Spanish settlement San Miguel de Gualdape. Hence, this was ostensibly the first colony with a number of African slaves.

Natives, Africans unite Not all Blacks were slaves and not all slaves were Black. Regardless, the Spanish immediately became aware of the potential dan-

VISUAL VIEWPOINT: PRESIDENT MAGOO

ger of an alliance of non-Whites in Florida. As a result, special legislation prohibited Blacks from living and trading with Native Americans.

But, due primarily to harsh living conditions that worsened by disease and contact with Europeans, and starvation! Many slaves joined the Guale Indian rebellion, setting fires to the settlements while seeking freedom and independence.

Those Africans who participated in the rebellion were assumed by the Spanish to have migrated to remote parts of Florida and blended into Native American commuate strategies and programs built nities. around the culture of the AfricanAmericans who settled on the ‘Management Plan’ coastal counties of South CaroliThe Gullah Geechee Cultural na, Georgia, North Carolina, and Heritage Corridor Commissions Florida.

(GGCHC) Management Plan has As a direct descendent, I am been seven years in the making thrilled that the governor of the and received comments from citstate of Florida, Florida Departizens in four states along the corment of Environmental Protecridor.

The plan is an official document tion, Florida Park Service, St. Johns that guides the organization poli- County Board of Commission, cies, procedures, and vision for the St. Augustine City Commission organization. It also lays out beau- and county residents of St. Johns tifully why goals are in place and County supported this massive $ to be met, and the significance of 20 Million dollar project. Now, we those goals, which is to preserve, can tell our own stories about our and protect the habitat, environ- own people.

Many West Africans died along ment, language, and culture of those Gullah-Geechee descen- the Middle Passage, many fought and died for the southern cause dants.

The GGCHC commission is and to include those who fought managed by the Gullah Geechee against the British during the variCultural Heritage Corridor Com- ous raids to acquire Florida as the mission. The Corridor Commis- 13th Colony, through the Amerision anticipates partnering with can Revolution, War of 1812, Black organizations, businesses and and Seminole War, and Civil War governments to design and cre- through to today.

TAYLOR JONES, POLITICALCARTOONS.COM

Let us say a hip, hip hooray for the National Park Service GullahGeechee Cultural Heritage Corridor and its inclusion of St. Johns County to that corridor.

This is all relevant, because Fort Mose, Little Africa or Lincolnville, and Armstrong are three communities in St. Johns County that were settled by West Africans.

And, also let us not forget that St. Augustine was the Capitol of Spanish, Florida, and hence why West Africans came to this area for freedom and independence.

Gullah-Geechee partnership applications are available at the Corridor’s website, www.gullahgeecheecorridor.org.

Derek Boyd Hankerson is a cofounder of Freedom Road Productions based out of St. Augustine. Hankerson can be reached at derekhankerson@bellsouth. net. Click on this story at www. daytonatimes.com to write your own response.

Racists don’t like being called racists I have always suspected that racists didn’t like being called out for their racism. Now I have proof.

When I told MSNBC’s Thomas Roberts on May 14 that the Tea Party was “the Taliban wing of American politics,” a firestorm erupted. Arguing the IRS was correct to target them for extra scrutiny, I also said “Here are a group of people who are admittedly racist, who are overtly political” and therefore worthy of IRS concern.

I was not prepared for the slew of angry emails, including two from self-identified Black people (your worst nightmare, one said) I received. Many of them suggested I leave the country, reminiscent of the “Go back to Africa” chants racist crowds of Whites shouted at Black protestors in my youth.

One said my advanced age – I am 73 – meant I would not be around to make such mischief much longer, and I should prepare for that quick eventuality.

A few suggested my employer fire me, not knowing that I retired from that job a year ago. Several of the messages were badly written with misspelled words, including one from a relative by marriage

JULIAN BOND NNPA COLUMNIST

– you can’t choose your in-laws – reading “Your calling folks Talabans borders on Traitorism.”

NAACP racist?

This same correspondent noted I had been “head of the most classic racist group in our country,” referring to the NAACP, whose board I chaired for 11 years. Others characterized the NAACP, the nation’s oldest civil rights group, interracial in membership and dedicated to racial integration since 1909, in the same way.

After an exchange of messages with some of them, trying to convince them that while I opposed it, I didn’t condemn every member of the Tea Party, the interactions became more civil and less hostile.

Some even wished me well.

But to a person they rejected the labels “racism” and “racist,” even as I thought I had proved that the

Tea Party has had racist, anti-Se- ened the GOP House minority to mitic and nativist elements from the Taliban, saying, “Insurgency, we understand perhaps a bit more its beginning until today. because of the Taliban.”

Just as my arguments failed to Tea Party proven racist One source is a study conduct- convince my correspondents, so ed for the NAACP by the Institute apparently does the actual evifor Research and Education for dence.

Human Rights. Their study, called Tea Party Nationalism, found “Tea Racist examples Party ranks to be permeated with Not the ugly racist signs and concerns about race and national placards displayed at Tea Party ralidentify and other so-called social lies, not the shouts of the “n” word issues. aimed at members of the CongresIn these ranks, an abiding ob- sional Black Caucus, not the spitsession with Barack Obama’s birth tle hurled at civil rights icon and certificate is often a stand-in for Congressman John Lewis, not the the belief that the first Black pres- racists expelled from the Tea Parident of the United States is not a ty for their venom, not the associ“real American.” ation of many members with the It says Tea Party organizations Council of Conservative Citizens, have given platforms to anti-Sem- a lineal descendant of the White ites, racists and bigots and “hard- Citizen Council, not the anti-gay core White nationalists have been slurs aimed at former Congressattracted” to Tea Party protests. man Barney Frank (D-Mass.), not The link between the Tea Par- the members whose racism, antity and the Taliban was made by Semitism and xenophobia should a prominent Republican office be an embarrassment – not all or holder. In 2008, the Washington any of this could get them to acPost reported that former chair- knowledge the label “racist.” man of the Republican CongresMy Black correspondents even sional Committee and present day claimed that their race prohibited Congressman Pete Sessions lik- them from being racists, as if skin

color was a proscription against ignorance. And many of my presumably non-Black correspondents accused me of being a racist, so my race apparently offered me no protection from this evil.

Lesson learned What is the lesson here?

That the label “racist” has become so toxic almost everyone rejects it? That the toxicity makes the label unacceptable but its actual practice is still tolerable for many?

Or that it is a defense against itself? As the relative-I-try-not-toclaim wrote, “I don’t know any White people who hate Blacks like you advocate Blacks should hate Whites.”

Or only that while the United States has made much progress in race relations, we still have a long, long way to go?

Julian Bond is Chairman Emeritus of the NAACP and a Professor at American University in Washington. Click on this story at www.daytonatimes.com to write your own response.

Obama’s troubles aren’t comparable to Watergate The Obama administration deserves to be richly criticized for surreptitiously obtaining the telephone records of reporters for the Associated Press, especially for bypassing court proceedings that would have allowed executives of the news organizations an opportunity to at least argue against releasing the documents.

It was also wrong to single out conservative organizations for special IRS scrutiny. In case you haven’t noticed, the names of practically all Black professional organizations begin with the word “National.” That’s because most organizations bearing the name “American” – such as the American Bar Association and the American Dental Association – are professional groups that once barred Blacks from membership.

That’s why we had to start our “National” organizations. If it’s okay to target conservative groups today, there is nothing to prevent a future president or IRS commissioner from targeting organizations with the word “National” in their name.

Still, the actions of some Obama administration officials should not be compared to Watergate, as was the case on last Sunday’s talk shows.

Watergate history To refresh your recollection, as many of the Watergate witnesses would say, Watergate is a reference to a series of scandals

George E. Curry NNPA COLUMNIST

that began with the June 17, 1972 break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate office complex in Washington, D.C. and ended with President Richard M. Nixon resigning on August 9, 1974 rather than face certain impeachment.

The five men arrested in connection with the Watergate burglary were linked to Nixon’s Committee for the Re-Election of the President. It was later revealed that Nixon had recorded many conversations in the Oval Office that showed that he had knowledge about what his Press Secretary Ron Ziegler labeled “a thirdrate burglary” and had attempted to cover-up his involvement.

Nixon’s fought to keep the tapes private, but the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that he had to turn them over to government investigators.

Nixon resigned in disgrace and 43 people, including his top White House aides, were sent to prison.

Nixon’s successor, Gerald R. Ford, pardoned Nixon, the only U.S. president to resign from office.

Unlike Nixon, President Obama said – and there’s been no evidence presented to contradict

him – that he didn’t know about the IRS impropriety until after it had been disclosed in a report by the Treasury Department’s inspector general.

Watchdog report Obama said, “I have now had the opportunity to review the Treasury Department watchdog’s report on its investigation of IRS personnel who improperly targeted conservative groups applying for tax-exempt status. And the report’s findings are intolerable and inexcusable.

The federal government must conduct itself in a way that’s worthy of the public’s trust, and that’s especially true for the IRS.” Instead of noting the distinction between Nixon’s role in Watergate and Obama’s non-role in the latest scandals, CBS’ “Face The Nation’’ host Bob Schieffer told Obama adviser Dan Pfeiffe on Sunday, “You know, I don’t want to compare this in any way to Watergate. I do not think this is Watergate by any stretch…but I have to tell you that is exactly the approach that the Nixon administration took. They said, ‘These are all second-rate things, we don’t have time for this, we have to devote our time to the people’s business.’ You’re taking exactly the same line that they did.”

Carl Bernstein, one of the Washington Post reporters who broke the Watergate story, told Politico: “In the Nixon White House, we

heard the president of the United States on tape saying ‘Use the IRS to get back on our enemies.’

We know a lot about President Obama, and I think the idea that he would want the IRS used for retribution – we have no evidence of any such thing.”

George E. Curry is editor-inchief of the National Newspaper Publishers Association News Service. He can be reached at, www.georgecurry.com. Click on this story at www.daytonatimes. com to write your own response.

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DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006

Lifting Oklahoma tornado victims up in prayer Local churches, clergy come together Wednesday for special service at Tubman-King

Daytonans pray at Tubman-King Community Church on Wednesday for the victims of the tornado that devastated Moore, Okla.

BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES butleramj@yahoo.com

Even though they didn’t know the victims, clergy and members of Daytona Beach’s Black churches gathered Wednesday to offer up prayers for those affected by the massive tornado in Oklahoma.

A prayer service, organized by the Daytona Beach Black Clergy Alliance, was held at TubmanKing Community Church at noon.

“Our special events coordinator, Rev. Monzell Ford, thought it would be appropriate that the clergy do a memorial in support of those devastated in Okla-

ANDREAS BUTLER/DAYTONA TIMES

homa. We got the word out and came out to lift up in prayer. We can’t be there, but we can pray for them,” said the Rev. Dr. Ronald L. Durham, pastor of Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church.

On Monday, a tornado ripped through Moore, Okla., killing 29 people including nine children. The storm also injured 240 oth-

er people and 2,400 homes were damaged in the cities of Moore and Oklahoma City. Reports on Wednesday indicate that about 10,000 people have been displaced because of the tornado.

The tornado was 1.3 miles long and had winds ranging from 200 to 210 mph, which would make it a category EF5 storm – the most powerful of its kind.

‘Could have happened here’ “Prayer is the key that unlocks relief for those affected by the storm. We pray that these prayers reach those families and neighborhoods. Although this happened in Oklahoma, we are all one community. This could have happened here,” said Durham.

Prayers at the Daytona Beach service went up for the first responders, children, government officials, communities impacted by the disaster, families of those who died and were injured, volunteers and victims.

Pastors who are members of the Black Clergy Alliance and a few others from the area led the prayers.

Offering to help victims The organizers said they accomplished their goal.

“I think that the prayers were spirit-filled and focused. I think that we accomplished what we aimed to do. We wanted to lift up prayer for the victims of the storms as well as draw our community together,’’ commented Bishop John T. Long of Tubman-King.

“We are familiar with storms. We have had hurricanes here in the past. We asked for prayer, now we

pray for others.’’

An offering also was taken up for those affected by the tornado. Those funds will go to the American Red Cross to help with relief efforts.

Rain may have had an effect on the turnout on Wednesday. It also was held during the lunch hour.

Despite the rain and the short notice planning the event – it was organized in 24 hours - Durham and others were pleased with the participation. About 40 people attended the prayer service.

“This is the mission of the church. We are here to help people in ministry. If we don’t come together, are we living up to the mandate and charge that we have been giving as servants of God,’’ Durham asked. “This is a natural byproduct of what we do on a day-to-day basis in our churches.’’

PHOTOS BY DUANE FERNADEZ/HARDNOTTS PHOTOGRAPHY AND LANCE ROTHWELL

Bishop Derek Triplett of Hope Fellowship asks the crowd of about300 to sign a pledge to commit to helping end gun violence, domestic violence and gangs in the community.

MARCH from Page 1 “One bullet lodged in my bra. The young man that shot me turned himself in.

I was able to face my shooter at court. His intent was to kill. Two shots did hit me. We have to pray for our children,” Clark remarked.

These two women were among several speakers at the rally, which was organized to bring attention to gun violence, gangs and domestic abuse.

Pledge issued “Not in my city, gang violence; not in my city, drug abuse, not in my city, all of these people in fear, not in my city,” was blared through a bullhorn as about 300 residents marched through the neighborhoods of the north side of the city.

“This is not an event.…

First step of a movement.

We will not disappear,” said Bishop Derek Triplett, pastor of Hope Fellowship Church.

Triplett, along with Pastor Tony Barhoo of Living Faith World Ministries, helped to organize the march.

“I believe we can be better. Children can grow up with high expectations,” continued Triplett, who asked all those in attendance to sign a pledge before leaving that will commit them to continue to make a difference ridding the city of violence.

‘A family disease’ Sophie Vessa, a Daytona Beach Police Department victims advocate, spoke on behalf of children growing up in homes with domestic violence.

“Leave for the child,” Vessa told mothers in the audience who may be victims of domestic abuse.

“Children have been overlooked for too many years. Boys who witness domestic violence are twice as likely to commit domes-

Volusia Councilman Josh Wagner reads a proclamation from the county as Councilwoman Joyce Cusack looks on.

Youngsters prepare to march on Saturday at Derbyshire Park in Daytona Beach. tic violence,” she noted.

Vessa called domestic violence “a family problem, a family disease.”

A victims advocate for 12 years, Vessa added, “Family is where we (are supposed to) learn to love, care for people in our lives. Step in.

You can save your son from incarceration, daughter from hopelessness. It’s not fair for children to be raised in domestic violence.’’

Cusack: ‘I am with you’ Volusia County Councilwoman Joyce Cusack applauded the marchers for acting instead of reacting.

“I am with you. I raised two daughters in a safe environment. We were part of a village – raised by the community,” Cusack said, not-

ing that communities today have gotten away from the way she was raised.

“We are living in some perilous times. We must save ourselves – can’t depend upon law enforcement. We have an at-risk society we are bringing up,” she remarked.

Turned life around Pastor Monzell Ford, who was born in Los Angeles, spoke as a former gang member.

“I was born into the gangs. Father went to the pen when I was 7 years old.

I was out in the streets,” Ford explained, sharing that he had an awakening when he was 17 years old.

“I was shot. I had a calm on me. Started praying.

As long as I had breath in

Gun violence survivor Carmen Clark, Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry and former gang member Pastor Monzell Ford spoke at the rally. my body, there was hope. ….Bullet should have taken me out. Not lucky, but blessed. Didn’t stop then, but slowed down. Now I reach out to those that think God won’t accept them,” Ford told an attentive crowd.

Mayor: Work together Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry was one of the final speakers. He and his brother, Zone 5 City Commissioner Patrick Henry, also helped or-

ganize Saturday’s rally and march.

“I wish we didn’t have these problems that we have. My heart is troubled.

If we are going to make a difference, we are not going to do it alone. We have to work together,” said Mayor Henry.

Henry, who retired from Volusia County Schools as a coach and teacher, gave the parents advice on how to keep their kids safe.

“Instill the importance of education in those closest to you. Give them some-

thing. Teach them something with a spirit of love.

We can make a difference in our children’s lives,” he said.

Commissioner Henry drove home the point about the purpose for marching.

“Gun violence, drugs, domestic violence is not going to run me out of my zone. Black males dying at epidemic proportions due to gun violence. Our young Black men live in a war zone. Let’s not end (advocacy) today,” he said.

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B-CU falls to Savannah State in MEAC final

BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES butleramj@yahoo.com

Peter Poole’s sacrifice fly RBI in the bottom of the 10th inning lifted Savannah State University to a 1-0 win over Bethune-Cookman for the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Tournament championship.

The Tigers (33-21) won the title and earned an automatic trip to the NCAA Regional Tournament.

The Wildcats had their chances but stranded nine runners on base.

“We had some opportunities but just couldn’t get the big hit,” said B-CU Coach Jason Beverlin.

The game was a pitchers duel between Savannah’s Kyle McGowan and B-CU’s Montana Durupau.

“Both pitchers were amazing.

We had our work cut out for us by facing one of the better pitchers in the league. We battled and fought hard but just came up short,” commented Beverlin.

McGowan (12-1) went 10 innings and earned the win on the mound. He pitched a complete game and struck out 11 batters.

Durupau pitched eight scoreless innings with four strikeouts.

Jordan Dailey (5-1) pitched the final two innings for the ‘Cats and suffered his first defeat of the season.

Entering the tournament, the Wildcats had won seven straight MEAC titles, 13 in the past 14 seasons and 15 in the past 17 years.

The Wildcats also have been to seven straight NCAA Tournaments, including 15 in the past 17 years.

Still a chance at NCAA play B-CU (34-25) must now wait and see if the team will earn an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. The selection will take place on Monday, May 27, and will air live on ESPNU at noon.

The Wildcats hope that wins over ranked opponents Arizona State (#16), UCF (#30), South Florida (#23) and a win over storied program Miami is good enough to get them into the field.

Note: Rankings in parenthesis denotes what the team was ranked at that time.

Hard-fought tourney The Wildcats clawed their way through the tournament to get to the championship game.

“We went above and beyond during our run to get to the championship game. We will build from this,” stated Beverlin.

A day earlier, the Wildcats topped Coppin State 4-1 in the semifinal. Ali Simpson gave up one run and struck out four to earn the win while P.J. Biocic pitched four scoreless inning to get the save for B-CU. Matt No-

PHOTOS BY DUANE FERNANDEZ/HARDNOTTS PHOTOGRAPHY

Bethune-Cookman’s Eric Sams (10) leads off base during an earlier game this season. Sams made the All-MEAC Tournament team but the Wildcats fell to Savannah State in the MEAC championship game.

B-CU ROUNDUP ble had two hits with an RBI, Anthony Stokes two hits and Brandon Turner scored two runs for the ‘Cats.

The previous day, B-CU picked up wins over North Carolina Central 7-3 and North Carolina A&T 11-5.

Turner went 4-for-5 with four RBIs, Eric Sams 2-for-4 with two RBIs, Josh Johnson 2-for-4 and Eros Modena drove in two runs for the Wildcats against the North Carolina Aggies.

Stokes, David Lee and Shaun McCarthy each had two hits with two RBIs, Sams had two hits and Johnson three hits for B-CU against NCA&T. On May 16, the Wildcats defeated and eliminated the Northern Division champion Delaware State 5-1. In that game, Clay Middleton went 3-for-4 while Johnson, Sams and Biocic had an RBI apiece for B-CU. Durupau got the win and Dailey the save on the mound for the ‘Cats.

B-CU was upset by Coppin State 10-8 to open the tournament on May 15. Middleton and Sams each had two hits and two RBIs for B-CU. Both Sams and Turner were named to the All-Tournament Team. Sams hit .360 with four RBIs and eight runs scored while Turner hit .368 with three RBIs and six runs scored.

Wildcats earn honors B-CU junior pitcher Montana

Dailey finished 5-1 with a 1.14ERA and 55 strikeouts in 34 appearances.

Johnson was the offensive leader in batting average (.322) and hits (73). He also had 19 RBIs, scored 32 runs and stole 15 bases.

No Wildcats were named to the All MEAC Second Team.

Basketball: Wildcats sign Texas guard Bethune-Cookman has signed Kilgore College (Texas) guard Maurice Taylor.

Taylor averaged 8.5 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists for Kilgore. The Texas team went 27-6 and made it to the second round of the National Junior College Athletic Association Tournament in March.

At 6-foot-3 inches, Taylor is expected to help the Wildcats get bigger in the back court.

ABBREVIATION KEY B-CU’s Josh Johnson (4) slides into third base during an earlier game this season. Johnson was one of three Wildcats named to the All-MEAC First Team. B-CU failed to win its eight straight MEAC title as they fell to Savannah State in the Tournament Final.

Durapau, senior pitcher Jordan Dailey and senior outfielder Josh Johnson were named to the AllMEAC First Team on May 15.

Durapau went 9-3 with 2.89 ERA, threw four complete games and recorded 78 strikeouts in 109 innings.

This key is for baseball and softball statistics.

BA – batting average HR – home runs R – runs H – hits RBI – runs batted in SB – stolen bases ERA – earned run average S – saves

Trinity falls in state title game; Lopez wins spring football game

BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES butleramj@yahoo.com

Deltona Trinity Christian Academy fell to Miami Westwood Christian 9-3 in the Class 2A state championship game on May 16.

Trinity committed six errors in the game while Westwood stole nine bases.

Jason Gutierrez pitched five innings and gave up one hit to pick up the win on the mound for the Westwood Warriors.

Robert Hernandez went 3-for-4 with an RBI, two runs scored and four stolen bases; Anthony Gonzalez 2-for-2 with two RBIs; and Miguel Rodriguez drove in three runs for the Warriors.

Nelson Mendez went 1-for-3 with an RBI and Dusty Miller had an RBI for Trinity.

The Eagles were playing for the fourth state title in the past five years and their second consecutive. They have made six straight Final Four appearances.

Trinity beat Westwood 1-0 in the 2012 Class 2A title game.

A day earlier, Trinity handled Vero Beach Master’s Academy 8-0 in the semifinals. Dustin Hagy pitched a complete game three-hit shutout for the Eagles.

Drew Catalano hit a two-run single while Hagy and Dusty Miller each hit a RBI double for Trinity.

Baseball signings Father Lopez had two underclassmen recently make verbal commitments to play in colleges in Junior Evan Miranda (Bethune-Cookman) and freshman Joe Skinner (UCF).

VOLUSIA COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS REVIEW

Basketball news

Football: Lopez tops Lake Mary Prep Justin Bryant ran for 75 yards and a touchdown to lead Father Lopez past Lake Mary Prep 207 in a spring football exhibition this past week.

Joe Bodden threw for 62 yards and ran for a score while Troy Denston threw a touchdown pass to Nick Eastman for the Green Wave.

Lopez was led defensively by Eastman who had two interceptions and Kevin Kelly who recorded three sacks.

The Green Wave lost starting running back Quadre Eubanks to an injury in the first quarter.

Ray Lewis attends to watch son play Former NFL star Ray Lewis attended the game to watch son Rayshad who plays defensive back for Lake Mary Prep. His elder son, Ray Lewis III, starred at the school over the past couple of season but is now headed to the University of Miami.

Note: Seabreeze played at Titusville Astronaut and Deltona Pine Ridge played at Melbourne Eau Gallie on Wednesday, which was after Daytona Times’ deadline.

New Smyrna Beach wide receiver Dexter Dixon will play with Division II Mount Union next season. Dixon caught 11 pass-

DUANE FERNANDEZ/HARDNOTTS PHOTOGRAPHY

Atlantic High School’s Destiny Woodard (4) will lead the squad next year and is one of the area’s top players. She and her Sharks teammates will compete in the prestigious Myrtle Beach Girls’ Tournament next season. es for 124 yards with two touchdowns last season, including a game-winning TD catch against Mainland.

DeLand offensive lineman Benjamin Knox has received an

invitation to play in the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl in 2014. Knox committed to the University of Florida will be playing in his senior season for the Bulldogs this fall.

Star point guard Destiny Woodard and the Atlantic Sharks girls basketball team will compete in the Myrtle Beach Classic basketball tournament next season.

The Sharks return to the prestigious tournament for the second straight year. The tournament is the second largest girl’s tournament in the nation.

Father Lopez had three boys basketball players sign with schools. Senior guard A.J. Ford (15.8ppg) will play at Bethany College (Kansas); senior forward Cameron Breehl (16.8ppg, 6.8rpg) will play at LaGrange College (Georgia); and senior forward Mason San Souci at Millsaps College (Mississippi).

Spring football schedule May 23: Atlantic at Warner, Harvest Community at Trinity May 24: DeLand at Orlando Boone, New Smyrna Beach at Palm Beach Central, Spruce Creek at Orlando Colonial (7:30 p.m.), Taylor at Deltona, Jacksonville Bartram Trail. All of the games mentioned above begin at 7 p.m. except the Spruce Creek/ Orlando Colonial game.

May 25: University at Mainland, 10 a.m.

Prep Sports Seven Baseball (final) 1. *Seabreeze (17-9), 2. *New Smyrna (19-8), 3. University (196), 4. Spruce Creek (16-10), 5. *Trinity (17-11-1), 6. *Father Lopez (16-12), tie 7. *Taylor (20-7), *Flagler Palm Coast (13-12). * denotes playoff team.

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7MAY 23 – MAY 29, 2013

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