Daytona Times - May 28, 2015

Freedom Rider to speak at NAACP banquet SEE PAGE 2

East Central Florida’s Black Voice

EE FR

MARIAN WRIGHT EDELMAN: Getting foster kids off prescription drugs SEE PAGE 4

THE CHALLENGE OF FINDING RACING SPONSORS SEE PAGE 7

MAY 28 - JUNE 3, 2015

YEAR 40 NO. 22

www.daytonatimes.com

Sorority honors ‘professor, mentor, sister’ Dr. Cleo Higgins, longtime educator at Bethune-Cookman, honored at gala

BY DAYTONA TIMES STAFF

For more than 40 years, Dr. Cleo S. Higgins was an esteemed educator in Florida, spending much of those years making a tremendous impact at Bethune-Cookman University.

On May 23, the 91-year-old educator and community leader was honored for her many years of service with roses, a plaque and plenty of accolades at a gala hosted by her sorority, the Beta Iota Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. The event, titled Rhomania 2015: The Roaring 20’s,’’ was a fundraiser for a national scholarship to be given in Dr.

Higgins’ name.

Along with her sorority sisters, celebrants at the dinner and dance held at B-CU’s Center for Civic Engagement, included a host of former colleagues, including Dr. Mary Alice Smith, Dr. Shirley B. Lee, Dr. Ann Taylor-Green, Dr. James Huger, Betsy Hardeman, Sallie Culver, Cheri Orr and Ed Singleton.

Dr. Higgins was recruited in 1944 to the school by Dr. Mary M. Bethune, founder of Bethune-Cookman, who became a close friend. While there, Dr. Higgins performed various duties during her tenure – from professor of English to dean of faculty and vice president of Academic Affairs.

Along with working for Dr. Bethune, Dr. Higgins served under Presidents Richard Moore, Oswald Bronson and President Trudie Kibbe Reed.

Dr. Cleo Higgins, seated, is presented with a plaque during a May 23 event sponsored

by Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./ HARDNOTTS PHOTOGRAPHY. COM

Please see HIGGINS, Page 2

‘Forms of Freedom’ at Golden center

B-CU is named third best HBCU in country COMPILED BY DAYTONA TIMES STAFF

College Choice, a publication that helps students select the best educational choices based on their needs, desires and future plans, has named BethuneCookman University (B-CU) as one of its top HBCUs (historically Black college and university.)

The university is ranked No. 3 on its list; the first time B-CU has placed in the top five.

“We are very proud of the progress we are making here at B-CU. Our student enrollment is at its highest and we plan to continue on this path of growth and student success,” Dr. Edison O. Jackson, president of the university, said in a statement.

Selection factors A visitor to the Yvonne Scarlett Golden Cultural & Educational Center examines a painting from the “Forms of Freedom’’ exhibit.

Exhibit will be on display through Aug. 28 SPECIAL TO THE DAYTONA TIMES

Artists and artist appreciators came together on May 22 to honor freedom and enjoy live music by Highway 40 at the Yvonne Scarlett Golden Cultural & Educational Center located at 1000 Vine Street, Daytona Beach.

The exhibit “Forms of Freedom,’’ curated by local professional artist Margaret Schnebly Hodge who participated in the city’s recreational programs as a child, celebrates a variety of ways individual artists express thoughts associated with living in the United States and the freedoms we enjoy.

Public participation The public can take part in the exhibit by stopping by the “Freedom Post” located within the exhibit and post messages, poetry and copies of pictures relative to their thoughts on freedom.

Admission is free and the show will be on display through Aug. 28. A closing reception will be held on that date from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Forty works of art including paintings, sculptures, fiber, collage, mixed media

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

Daytona Beach Leisure Services Department Director Percy Willamson, left, is shown with the “Forms of Freedom” winning artists. and photomontage were considered for award by Daytona State College Professor Kandy Lopez, who recently came to Daytona State after receiving her master’s of fine art from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton.

Honors for artists The first place went to “The Journey”

by Beau Wild, second place to “Free From the Storm” by Barbara Perrotti and third

place to “Aral Relic” by Kathy O’Meara.

Honorable mentions went to “Escape”

by Antoinette Slick, “The Preacher” by Mary Salmon, “Homage to Jack and Bill”

by Patrick Flannery and “The Pledge” by Earl Weydahl.

The Yvonne Scarlett Golden Cultural & Education Center is open Monday through Friday 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information, call the center at 386-671-5780.

According to College Choice, the 2015 Rankings of Historically Black Colleges and Universities are based on factors college freshmen said were most important to their college decision. The most recent nationwide survey published by the Higher Education Research Institute at UCLA shows these factors include academic reputation, financial aid offerings, overall cost, and success of graduates in the post-college job market.

Each of these factors were weighted equally in the ranking and data was derived from a variety of publicly available sources, including U.S. News & World Report, the National Center for Education Statistics s well as PayScale.com.

Tuskegee University in Alabama got the No. 1 slot while Hampton University in Virginia was second on the list.

‘Strenuous academic program’ The publication had this to say about B-CU: “Just two miles away from relaxing beaches and sweeping views of the Atlantic, the university is located on an 82-acre campus consisting of more than 52 administrative and academic buildings, innovative technology centers and nine student residence halls.

“Guided by its core values to Please see B-CU, Page 2

ALSO INSIDE

COMMENTARY: GEORGE CURRY: POLITICIZING DONATIONS TO THE CLINTON FOUNDATION | PAGE 4 EDUCATION: MOVE UNDERWAY TO CURB EXPANSION OF CHARTER SCHOOLS | PAGE 5

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7 FOCUS

MAY 28 – JUNE 3, 2015

US students learn about Cuba by being there Students from America experience change during semester at Arcadia University in Havana

BY MICHAEL MATZA PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER/TNS

HAVANA — Crossing the campus of Cuba’s premier university, Janelle Crilley passes a mural portraying corporate America as a sharp-toothed ogre trampling black hills labeled “99 percent.”

The Earth, torn to shreds by the ogre’s bite, is in its paws. Grappling hooks strain to drag down the beast.

In a country virtually devoid of commercial advertising, such anti-imperialist images and slogans abound.

Studying in a communist country is an adventurous choice for any American.

But the 21-year-old Crilley and her classmates in a one-of-a-kind program run here by Arcadia University were treated this spring to an extra dose: They were among the first eyewitnesses to the reactions and aspirations of ordinary Cubans as the U.S. and Cuba start to repair ties severed a half-century ago.

“It’s been exciting,” said Crilley, an Arcadia junior from Schnecksville, Pa. “There has been a lot of in-

CLEM MURRAY / PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER/TNS

Students participating in the Arcadia University semester abroad in Havana, Cuba, at the University of Havana, talk and walk on an outing on May 12, 2015.

The girls are (foreground from left), Alexa Peters Posner, Macalester College; Jade Harvey, Yale; Janelle Crilley, Arcadia University; Kylie Grow, UVA. terest in us as Americans.

People asking us about our opinions” — and sharing their hopes that a diplomatic thaw is near.

More Stars and Stripes Her primary course on U.S.-Cuba relations — presented from Cuba’s point of view — opened a window on Cuba’s psyche.

Over months on the island, Crilley also glimpsed the signs of a rapprochement: The Stars-and-Stripesprint clothing popping up on Havana streets.

The paquete, a weekly

download of arts, culture and music from all over, which circulates surreptitiously via thumb drives, but no one really knows its source.

The state-run channel that broadcasts CBS’ hit “The Good Wife” every morning in English, with Spanish subtitles. Who knew?

“When we signed up we didn’t realize that (Presidents Barack Obama and Raul Castro) would call for a closer relationship,” Crilley said as she dangled her feet over the seawall of the Malecon, Havana’s famous oceanside drive.

Ninety miles across the water lay Florida.

As the months passed, “we were hoping the U.S. Embassy would open while we were here so we could go see that,” she said. “Not yet.”

Short-term courses Days before their eyeopening semester at the University of Havana was to end this month, Crilley watched the sunset with five of her six classmates.

One, Jessica Perez, 21, of Bridgehampton, N.Y., also attends Arcadia, the Glenside, Pa., university with a reputation for topflight

international study programs.

While about 50 American colleges run Cuba programs lasting a week to a few months, only Arcadia maintains a presence in Cuba across the fall, spring and summer semesters, said Tim Barton, director of student services at Arcadia’s College of Global Studies, which began its residential program here in 2013.

The other students on the seawall with Crilley and Perez attend colleges that participated in Arcadia’s program. All arrived here on Jan. 22. Alexa Posner, of Colorado, is from Macalester College in St. Paul, Minn. Hannah Garcia, of Tennessee, is from Lipscomb University in Nashville. Rebecca Acebal of New Jersey, attends Georgetown University.

Jade Harvey, 19, of Los Angeles, is from Yale University. Kylie Grow, 20, who grew up in Cheltenham, Pa., attends the University of Virginia. They’re the group’s politics junkies.

“Some of the Cubans we talk to are slightly concerned about a new wave of imperialism from the U.S.,” said Harvey, “but that in no way overrides their excitement at the thought of having the economic sanctions taken down. That is the one big thing everyone here talks about.”

‘Outdated approach’ Diplomatic relations between the countries collapsed in 1961, two years

Volusia NAACP banquet is set for May 30 FROM STAFF REPORTS

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

Dr. Cleo Higgins is surrounded by her sorority sisters at the Rhomania dinner and dance.

HIGGINS

Concert to help homeless kids go to summer camp

from Page 1

A benefit performance for Halifax Urban Ministries’ camp for children takes place from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. May 29 at McK’s Tavern, 218. S. Beach St., Daytona Beach. The Black Sheep Ceili Band will perform.

There’s no cover charge to attend; all tips and funds raised will be donated to Halifax Urban Ministries (HUM). The

Brought Greek Life to Cookman While she excelled in the area of academics at then-Bethune-Cookman College, one of Dr. Higgins’ most noted contributions is the design of the thencollege seal as requested by President Moore. She also is credited with bringing Greek life to the school with Sigma Gamma Rho being the first of the “Divine Nine” Greek chapters to be established on the campus.

Another contribution was the establishment of the satellite campus of Bethune-Cookman University in Spuds, Fla. The site has graduated over 700 students.

In addition, Dr. Higgins worked for years with the correctional facilities in the state teaching incarcerated young men, who went on to earn their GEDs. Mission worked included prison ministry along with her husband, William H. Higgins, now deceased.

Dr. Higgins, who finished high school in Chicago, received a Bachelor of Arts in English from Le Moyne College in Memphis, Tenn.; a Master of Philosophy and her Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin at Madison.

Along with Bethune-Cookman, she also taught at St. Johns River Jr. College in Palatka.

Dr. Higgins is a charter member of the Daytona Beach chapter of The Links, Inc and the local Sigma Gamma Rho chapter.

‘A legacy of service’ During remarks on Saturday, Dr. Higgins talked about the “beauty in all of us’’ and noted that she is a firm advocate of “lifelong learning.’’

Carmen Oliver Williamson, president of the local chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho, told the Daytona Times this week: “Dr. Cleo S. Higgins personifies the faith

Henry “Hank’’ Thomas, one of the original 13 Freedom Riders, will be the speaker on May 30 at the Volusia County-Daytona Beach NAACP’s 42nd Annual Freedom Fund and Awards Banquet. The theme for “The NAACP: Pursuing Liberty in the Face of Injustice.’’

As a student at Howard University in Washington, D.C., the Floridian became Janie Forsyth one of the founders and an McKinney active participant in the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), a student arm of the civil rights movement.

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 while they were

Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry gives remarks. that one must possess to realize a gift and then act upon it.”

“She is the ‘persistent professor’ who willingly helped to develop the reality of Dr. Bethune’s vision by working with her and even after her to cultivate a legacy of service. Dr. Higgins also served as a National Grand Basileus of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., influencing many young women around the world to recognize their potential for service. For these reasons, Rhomania 2015 was dedicated to our professor, our mentor and our sister.”

The Rhomania theme embraced the founding of the sorority in 1922 by young African-American female educators attending Butler University. “The sorority dressed in Roaring 20s attire and masks, literally rolled out the red carpet,” explained Williamson. “As a sister in her sorority and as an avid learner/teacher, Dr. Cleo S. Higgins embraces the sorority’s motto: “Greater Service. Greater Progress.’’

At the event, Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry spoke of the legacy of Dr. Higgins’ impact on the community and Police Chief Mike Chitwood brought greetings from the city as well.

Duane C. Fernandez Sr. of the Daytona Times contributed to this report.

B-CU

from Page 1 live out its deepest convictions and seek social justice, the university has cultivated faith, scholarship and service for more than 100 years. Undergraduate curriculum emphasizes learning opportunities that promote social responsibility and civic participation.

“The university offers a strenuous academic program enriched by incredible faculty, hands-on service activities and a plethora of extra-curricular opportunities. Popular majors include criminal justice, nursing, business administration, psychology, mass communication and biology.’’

Jackson: Enrollment up In an April interview with the Florida Courier, the sister paper of the Daytona Times, Jackson said he sees B-CU as a great research university.

“I’ve coined the phrase, which is a vision state-

after the revolution that brought Fidel Castro to power, and a year before Russian nuclear missiles aimed at America were discovered on Cuban soil, producing the missile crisis and showdown that forced their removal.

A punishing U.S. embargo on Cuba’s economy followed. And while the two nations have occasionally traded barbs, neither side has blinked.

In December, seeking to end the “outdated approach” that for more than half a century has failed to bring democracy to Cuba, Obama announced policy changes aimed at warming relations.

He eased restrictions on U.S.-citizen travel to the island and called for the reopening of a U.S. embassy in Havana. He instructed the State Department to review Cuba’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism. He called for an easing of certain commercial activity outside the general economic embargo.

Elena Moreno, of Spain, Arcadia’s resident director, said it felt like “walking into history” when she took the job two years ago.

“I felt things were going to change, and that is happening now” but slowly, she said. “The (Cuban and American) people really do not have anything against one another, and that is something our students could feel.”

being attacked in 1961.

Helped Freedom Riders While a White mob 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.

At 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. The night will close with live entertainment by the Zapp Band.

For information on tickets, call the local NAACP office at 386-255-3736. funds raised will pay for summer camp for children living at the homeless shelter.

Said Mark Geallis, development director of Halifax Urban Ministries, “We have often had opportunities to send children living in the HUM Family Shelter to summer camp at discounted fees, but have not had the funds to do it. It will be a real blessing to these children.”

The Black Sheep Ceili Band is comprised of local friends/musicians who join together to play traditional Irish music for charity.

ment, that we’re moving towards becoming a great small research university that happens to be an HBCU,” he remarked.

Jackson noted that the university’s enrollment continues to increase. In fall 2014, B-CU enrolled 4,045 students, an increase of 258 students over the previous year.

“While most institutions are losing enrollment, we’re growing and have grown for the past few years,” Jackson said.

He also pointed out that the school has had a 6 percent to 7 percent increase in Black males three years in a row.

B-CU, founded in 1904

by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, how has three campuses – in Daytona Beach, Deltona and Hastings.

More accomplishments Jackson also cited the following additions and accomplishments: • Expanding the School of Business to the College of Business and Entrepre-

neurship. The expansion enables the university to offer more concentrated areas of study and encourage and foster business owners.

• Creating the College of Health Sciences, which will include a master’s degree in physical health, a doctorate in physical therapy in conjunction with Florida Hospital, and a master’s in nursing program.

• Partnering with Volusia County Schools, which includes a mentoring program for students at elementary schools located near the campus.

• Requiring all B-CU students to take a course in entrepreneurship prior to graduation. The idea is to introduce them to entrepreneurship whether they decide to start a business or not.

• Increasing foreign language requirements to help them be more competitive.

• Adding 15 new faculty members.

For more information on the HBCU, visitwww.cookman.edu.

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MAY 28 – JUNE 3, 2015 COMMUNITY DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006

M A YNEWS OR

have to worry about because their pictures are not on the front pages of The News-Journal or The Palm Coast Observer, since they are doing good things.”

Variety of performances

JEROLINE D. MCCARTHY/DAYTONA TIMES

Students contending in the ACT-SO Competition were Gina Evans, Dominic Davis, Angel Hopkins, Angel Brown, Alexis Williams, Ashley Milus, Cierra Nesmith, Jason Dwyer and Elexus Jefferson.

Local students gearing up for national ‘Olympics of the Mind’ Attention-grabbing talent emerged to contend before a small setting at a recent ACT-SO Competition, much like at the NAACP 106th National Convention in Philadelphia come July 11. It was more about students facing the judges rather than assembling in front of a crowd.

The gathering met at the African American Cultural Society to cheer talented students, and the winners were determined by a panel of judges for the local competition, sponsored by the Flagler County NAACP. ACT-SO – a nationwide, 30-plus years program put in place by the national NAACP – is an acronym for the Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO). It’s a student-enrichment program cul-

PALM COAST COMMUNITY NEWS JEROLINE D. MCCARTHY

minating in a local and national competition, where students compete for awards and prizes totaling more than $100,000. The competition is often called the “Olympics of the Mind.”

It proved to be a takeaway of a bronze medal in photography by Xavier Ryan of the Flagler branch at the 34th Annual Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics in 2012 in Houston.

Founded by Vernon Jarrett Hubby Louie and I came across the late journalist/author Vernon Jarrett at the Volusia County-Daytona Beach NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet some years ago. Jarrett was the founder of the NAACP ACT-SO Competition, and the guest speaker, honing in on discovering and encouraging Black youth to grow, develop, and compete for academic and cultural achievement through the ACT-SO Competition. The program also helps high school students to develop projects throughout the year in their field of interest.

Among the notable ACT-SO alumni are music artist Kanye West, actress Jada Pinkett-Smith, movie director John Singleton and comedian Anthony Anderson.

Moreover, I’ve seen troubled youth make complete 360-degree turnarounds, the result of the ACT-SO Competition unlocking and discovering the latent talents of youth.

Flagler County students sparked interest to stand before

lights and cameras to receive awards and to represent Flagler County at the 37th ACT-SO National Competition, which will convene July 9 at the National Convention in Philadelphia.

Talented teens It’s all because of committed individuals helping students to achieve their dreams, like the ACT-SO Executive Committee: Stephanie Ecklin, chair; Barbara Solomon, co-chair; Dawn Hawkins, coordinator; Shekinah Maybin, recruitment; along with Tamara Natto, Phyllis Pearson, Dominique Bligen, and so many others.

Currently, nine students have fixated themselves to the categories of contemporary vocal, dance, filmmaking, dramatics, oratory, playwriting, short story, sculpting, photography, health and medicine. They’ve used the platform to perform their talents.

“I want to thank the parents for encouraging the children over the last year....” said Branch President Linda Sharpe Haywood.

“We’ve got quite a decision to make on who’s going to national.

These are the children we don’t

County and Speedway partner for 2016 Daytona Beach Half Marathon SPECIAL TO THE DAYTONA TIMES

Be smart: Use protection, and get tested. For a

Volusia County Government and the Daytona International Speedway have partnered to schedule the return of the Daytona Beach Half Marathon on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016, two weeks prior to the 58th annual Daytona 500.

Registration opens on July 1.

Sponsored by Florida Hospital and Brown and Brown Insurance, the Daytona Beach Half Marathon features a course that takes runners from the Daytona International Speedway to International Speedway Boulevard leading to a view of the Atlantic Ocean atop the International Speedway Boulevard bridge to the sands of Daytona Beach and then back to the start/finish line inside the motorsports facility.

“There is no marathon course like ours,” said Jim Dinneen, Volusia County Manager and a longtime marathon enthusiast. “I’ve run some of the great races in the United States, and none can match the uniqueness of our course that includes the Speedway and the World’s Most Famous Beach.”

testing site near you, text your zip code to 477493.

Running Zone hired

If you think you can can spot a person with HIV, consider this: Did you even spot the error in the first six words of this headline?

ANYBODY CAN HAVE HIV. USE PROTECTION.

Right now, AIDS is the leading cause of death among African -Americans aged 25 to 44. If you’re having unprotected sex, you’re at risk.

Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III agreed.

“We are excited to partner with Volusia County to host the Daytona Beach Half Marathon,” he said. “The ‘World Center of Racing’ will provide a unique setting for the start and finish of the race and runners will have the special opportunity to pound the same pavement that will be used by the stars of NASCAR in the Daytona 500 just two weeks later.”

The county has hired Running Zone, a well-established company in Cocoa Beach, to administer the race. A countywide planning committee composed of the county’s tourism advertising authorities, chambers of commerce, cities, local businesses, the county and running enthusiasts is assisting with race planning.

For more information, visit daytonabeachhalf.com.

Palm Harbor Golf Course offering classes to kids Each Saturday morning, from 10-11:30 a.m., youngsters ages 7 to 14 can learn and practice golf skills at the Palm Harbor Golf Club. Informal, fun sessions are held each week to encourage young residents to acquire experience in a new sport, make new friends and develop a love for the game.

“No need to make a long-term com-

Dancer David Green, who competed in the 2014 ACT-SO Competition, returned as emcee, and employed comedic antidote.

Because it’s never too early to get started, Little Miss Mackenzi Allen delivered the invocation.

The participants competing in the ACT-SO Competition were Gina Evans in dance; Dominic Davis, short story/playwriting; Angel Hopkins, dance; Angel Brown, vocal; Alexis Williams, vocal; Ashley Milus, dramatics/ oratory; Cierra Nesmith, health/ science; Jason Dwyer, photography/filmmaking; and Elexus Jefferson, sculpting.

“All of you are locally ready,” said Ecklin, “but we have to decide who is nationally ready. We want all of you to go home thinking of yourselves as winners.” It can be noted that Ecklin is also president of the African American Cultural Society.

Free trip for three Dinner, a delight of lasagna, was served while the judges tabulated the scores. The team members were Robert Whiting, Barbara Solomon, Dawn Hawkins, Evangelist Mary King and Linda Sharpe Haywood.

The winners were Dominic Davis for short story, Jason Dwyer, filmmaking; and Elexus Jefferson, sculpting. The winners will travel in an all-expense-paid trip to Philadelphia to compete in the national ACT-SO Awards Competition.

If you’d like to cover some of the travel expense, please make your check payable to the Flagler County NAACP, Care of Bryant Logan, Acting Treasurer, 1 Florida Park Drive South, Suite 305, Palm Coast, FL 32137. The phone number of the branch is 386-4467822.

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

Celebrations Birthday wishes to Emma D. Wilson, Emma J. Kendrick and Melanee Gaddis, June 3.

mitment; no need for costly lessons,” said Palm Harbor Pro Christian Bell. “We’d simply like to introduce golf to a younger generation and show them they can have just as much fun as they do with more familiar sports like soccer or baseball.”

The clinics are held every week at the Palm Harbor Golf Club, 100 Cooper Lane.

Fees are $10 per session.

For more information, contact Christian Bell at 386-986-4653 or send email to cbell@ kempersports.com.

New Smyrna Beach library plans affordable housing workshop Volusia County’s Community Assistance Division will lead an affordable housing workshop from 2 to 3 p.m. Monday, June 8, at the New Smyrna Beach Regional Library, 1001 S. Dixie Freeway.

County staff will share information about the county’s homebuyer assistance, owner-occupied rehabilitation, basic accessibility improvement, and wind hazard mitigation programs.

Volusia County uses federal and state grants, including the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program, to pay for these programs. The county administers the programs countywide, except for homes within the city limits of Daytona Beach, Deltona, Oak Hill and Ponce Inlet.

Reservations are not required for this free workshop.

For more information about affordable housing programs, visit www.volusia.org/ housing or call the county’s Community Assistance Division at 386-736-5955.

Nurse training scholarships available The American Red Cross Nurse Assistant Training Program-Daytona Beach Training Center has announced the availability of scholarships.

The Wal-mart Foundation Grant provides assistance to students training to become a certified nurse assistant and the Wounded Warrior Project Grant is available for wounded warriors, their spouse or caregiver.

The 124-hour training includes 84 hours of class instruction and 40 hours of handson-clinical experience at a local nursing home. Once completed, the scholarships covers the cost of the state certified nursing assistant testing and fingerprinting required to obtain licensure.

For more information or to set up and informational meeting, contact Vanessa Carter, administrative coordinator, at 386226-1400, ext. 5260 or vanessa.carter2@ redcross.org

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7 EDITORIAL

MAY 28 – JUNE 3, 2015

Neglecting America’s infrastructure is ‘stupid’ When an Amtrak train derailed on May 12, federal budget observers wondered if the underfunding of our nation’s fraying infrastructure was at least partly responsible for the deaths of eight people and the injuries to more than 200.

Still, House Republicans voted to reduce President Obama’s request for Amtrak funding from $2.45 billion to $1.14 billion. The Republican proposal reduces the current level of funding for Amtrak and delays or eliminates needed capital for improvements.

House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio), as characteristically myopic as the proverbial ostrich with its head in the sand, lost his cool when a reporter asked about funding for Amtrak.

When a reporter queried Boehner about Democratic criticisms of Amtrak funding, he called her question “stupid.” He then embarked on a partisan rant that ignored the fact that eight people died because of the derailment.

What does money have to do with it? Everything. If budgets allowed for more than one engineer on a train, then Brandon Bostian, the engineer who claims not to remember why the train sped up, might have had some backup. With more funding, would the positive train control safety system (which slows speeding trains)

JULIANNE MALVEAUX NNPA COLUMNIST

The Amtrak derailment is a warning about the status of our infrastructure. It forces us to think about ways we can avoid accidents and operate more efficiently. have been functioning properly?

Investigations are still underway. The train was going 106 miles per hour when it should have been going 50. How did it speed up so rapidly, and why? Was the accident preventable? What will be done to prevent similar tragedies?

Crumbling infrastructure The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) issues a report

card on our nation’s infrastructure every four years. The most recent report (2013) gives the U.S. a D+ when 16 areas are considered.

Our highest grade, B-, is in solid waste disposal; we are both producing less trash per capita, and recycling more of it. We earn D- for levees and waterways and D for most other categories. The C+ for rail, compared to D grades for aviation and roads, means U.S. trains are just a tad better than mediocre.

ASCE says that $3.6 trillion is needed to bring our infrastructure up to the B level by 2020. The gap between funding and need is about $1.6 trillion, or $201 billion a year.

Other parts of our infrastructure are even more substandard. One in eight of our nation’s bridges are structurally deficient; more than 200 million trips are made across these deficient bridges in our 102 largest metropolitan areas each year. Our bridges, on average, are 42 years old. Neglected bridges are tragedies waiting to happen.

In the name of reducing our carbon footprint, some will eschew roads for urban rapid transit, but mass transit is unevenly provided in many cities, often providing less service in poor neighborhoods.

Public transportation is also woefully lacking outside urban areas, with 45 percent of the U.S. popu-

VISUAL VIEWPOINT: CAN BANKS BE TRUSTED?

ADAM ZYGLIS, THE BUFFALO NEWS

lation having no access to public frastructure generate sizeable returns. Moody’s economist Mark transportation.

Zandi says that every dollar spent on infrastructure yields as much as Cost-benefit analysis $1.57 in gross domestic product.

A strong infrastructure is an esThe Amtrak derailment is a sential part of a sound economy warning about the status of our inthat efficiently moves people and frastructure. It forces us to think products. It provides jobs and oth- about ways we can avoid accier economic opportunities. dents and operate more efficientAllowing infrastructure to erode ly. It ought to motivate the kinds of costs money. ASCE reports that 42 investments that ASCE and others percent of our nation’s highways say are necessary. are congested, costing $101 billion To ignore this reality is, to quote in wasted time and fuel each year. John Boehner, “stupid.”

ASCE finds our infrastructure pathetically inadequate. These deJulianne Malveaux is a Washficiencies are costly drains on our ington, D.C.-based economist economy, while investments in in- and writer.

Getting foster kids off prescription drugs Viewers of the ABC News program 20/20 may remember Ke’onte Cook, a 10-year-old who had already spent four years in foster care being treated with a dozen different medications for conditions including seizures, bipolar disorder, and ADHD. Ke’onte had never been diagnosed with the conditions some of the medications were meant to treat. Under his adoptive parents’ care, he stopped taking all the medications and started relying on therapy, and with that new treatment plan, he was transformed.

Why are some children in foster care being overmedicated, and what steps do we need to take to do something about it?

Serious effects Psychotropic medications act on the brain and central nervous system to cause changes in mood, behavior, or perception.

They can be effective treatments for certain serious mental health conditions but there is a growing concern that too many children in foster care are overmedicated – in some cases as a form of be-

MARIAN WRIGHT EDELMAN NNPA COLUMNIST

havior control.

Children who come into foster care often have been exposed to multiple traumatic events, including the removal from their families, and may be at higher risk for mental health problems and emotional disorders. Too often, multiple medications may be used without other kinds of effective treatments that might better address the underlying trauma children are experiencing.

There’s evidence some children in foster care are subjected to powerful medications at very young ages and/or in combinations and amounts that are unsafe for children of any age. Many psychotropic medications are not approved for use in children at all.

Often children in foster care are prescribed drugs without any

Often children in foster care are prescribed drugs without any psychotherapy because resources aren’t available. They may not receive a proper initial diagnosis or any of the ongoing monitoring or extra services that should accompany the use of such powerful drugs. psychotherapy because resources aren’t available. They may not receive a proper initial diagnosis or any of the ongoing monitoring or extra services that should accompany the use of such powerful drugs – all essential consider-

ing the serious side effects from some that can include nightmares, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, and even death.

Tragic suicide The 20/20 special included the heartbreaking story of Gabriel Myers, a Florida seven-yearold who hung himself in his foster family’s bathroom. A state investigation concluded the use of psychotropic drugs was a contributing factor in his death.

His foster father said the doctor who prescribed the many drugs Gabriel was taking – some so strong that even the pharmacy filling them raised red flags – would spend no more than five minutes with the little boy before sending him out the door with another prescription.

We must do better. Too many child welfare agencies lack the proper non-pharmacological treatments to address the mental health needs of children in foster care.

Money budgeted President Obama’s budget proposal includes a demonstra-

tion project to promote traumainformed psychosocial interventions to meet the complex needs of children who have experienced maltreatment and other trauma and to address the overuse of psychotropic medications for children in foster care.

The budget request also includes resources to provide incentives to states that demonstrate improvements to reduce inappropriate drug prescribing practices and overutilization of psychotropic medications, increase access to evidence-based and trauma-informed therapeutic interventions, promote child and adolescent wellbeing, and improve outcomes for children in the child welfare system.

These common sense and necessary steps build on best practices already in place in some states. May is National Foster Care Month. Now is the right time to ensure children in foster care get the treatment and care they truly need.

Marian Wright Edelman is president and founder of the Children’s Defense Fund (www.childrensdefense.org).

Politicizing donations to the Clinton Foundation The Clinton Foundation was established to address such issues as climate change, global health, economic development, health and wellness and problems involving women and girls.

In a crass effort to derail Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign bid, major Republican figures and Fox News are peddling the idea that there is something inherently wrong with supporting private efforts to improve the world.

No personal benefit As Media Matters observes, they are “falsely equating donations to the Clinton Foundation with contributions to a Democratic political campaign.”

The media watchdog group observes, “The foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, which means it is ‘absolutely prohibited from directly or indirectly participating in, or intervening in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for elective public office.’”

Media Matters wrote, “Paul Waldman, an American Prospect senior writer and former Media Matters senior fellow, criticized Politico reporter Dylan Byers for drawing a misleading ‘parallel between donating to a candidate’s campaign and donating to a charitable foundation run by an ex-president.’

“Other media figures have similarly made the false political campaign comparison. Fox News host Gretchen Carlson, Breitbart. com, National Review Online, and HotAir.com, all suggested a

GEORGE E. CURRY NNPA COLUMNIST

donation to the foundation was equivalent to financing Democratic candidates.

“As Waldman explained at The Washington Post, ‘it’s notable that everyone is now treating the Clinton Foundation as if it has long been central to sort of scheme to personally benefit the Clintons, and not a charitable foundation.’ He added that ‘judging by the way the foundation is now talked about – as if anyone who has had any association with it is tainted – you’d think it was running a network of international assassins instead of distributing malaria medication.’”

Opinions vs. journalism Aside from the overt political attack on the Clinton Foundation, the case of George Stephanopoulos, a former Clinton administration press secretary, illustrates the problems associated with a political operative

switching careers in hopes of being viewed as a credible journalist.

Too often TV talking heads are labeled “journalists” when they are anything but. As the American Press Institute notes, “Journalism is the activity of gathering, assessing, creating, and presenting news and information.”

In other words, it’s not merely the ability to share one’s opinions.

Stephanopoulos erred by making a $75,000 contribution to the Clinton Foundation, knowing it could call into question his ability to be fair. He compounded the mistake by failing to disclose it to the public. If journalists want to maintain their credibility, they must refrain from participating in overt political acts or behavior that can be perceived that way.

Fox ‘pass’ Evidently, you get a pass if you’re at Fox News.

“Fox News has attacked ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos for participating in Clinton Foundation-affiliated events, calling it a ‘mistake’ that compromises ‘good coverage,’” Media Matters found. “But

Opinions expressed on this editorial page are those of the writers, and do not necessarily reflect the editorial stance of the newspaper or the publisher.

THE CREDO OF THE BLACK PRESS The Black Press believes that Americans can best lead the world away from racism and national antagonism when it accords to every person, regardless of race, color or creed, full human and legal rights. Hating no person, fearing no person. The Black Press strives to help every person in the firm belief...that all are hurt as long as anyone is held back.

Fox News anchor Maria Bartiromo moderated or participated in at least eight [Clinton Global Initiative] events between 2008 and 2013 while at CNBC.” Yet, Fox is not calling that a “mistake” that compromises “good coverage.”

Yes, “journalists” must walk a fine line, not crossing over into political partisanship. They must avoid even the appearance of

such activity.

But let’s be equally clear: The Clinton Foundation is a highly respected charity, not a political offshoot of Bill and Hillary Clinton.

George E. Curry, former editor-in-chief of Emerge magazine, is editor-in-chief of the National Newspaper Publishers Association News Service (NNPA) and BlackPressUSA.com.

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

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Subscriptions to the print version are $69 per year. Mail check to P.O. Box 48857 Tampa, Fl 33646, or log on to www.daytona.com; click on ‘Subscribe’.

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Dr. Glenn W. Cherry, Sales Manager Dr. Valerie Rawls-Cherry, Human Resources Cassandra Cherry Kittles, Willie R. Kittles, Circulation Jenise Morgan, Senior Editor Angela van Emmerik, Creative Director Ashley Thomas, Staff Writer Delroy Cole, Kim Gibson, Photojournalists MEMBER National Newspaper Publishers Association Society of Professional Journalists Florida Press Association Associated Press National Newspaper Association

5 7

MAY 28 – JUNE 3, 2015 COMMUNITY DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006

M A YNEWS OR

Move underway to curb growth of charter schools in Black communities

BY FREDDIE ALLEN NNPA NEWS SERVICE

boards have become the status quo, Brown said.

WASHINGTON – Parents, students and advocates for strong neighborhood schools continue to pressure civic leaders to end the expansion of charter and contract schools in Black and Latino communities across the nation.

Jitu Brown, the national director of Journey for Justice Alliance, a coalition of community, youth and parent-led grassroots organizations in 21 cities, said that the fight for public education – which suffers with the expansion of charter and contract schools –is a human and a civil rights issue.

As voices from the community were increasingly drowned out by philanthropic groups seeking wholesale educational reform, the state takeover of schools, corporate charters and appointed school

Where the money’s going According to Education Week, a magazine published by Editorial Projects in Education, a nonprofit that produces K-12 educational content in print and online, more than 60 percent of philanthropic donations funneled into education young people in the United States went to charter and contract schools in 2010. Less than 25 percent of funding went to those programs about 15 years ago.

“What would actually be revolutionary, brand new, and fresh is if community wisdom was listened to and [corporations] worked with the people who are directly impacted by the institutions that they have to live with everyday,” said Brown.

Brown described two

separate and unequal sets of expectations, one for White and middle-class children and another, lower set of expectations for Black and Latino children that often influence education policy. Those disparities will continue until society finds the courage to confront them.

“We want what our friends in other communities have, said Brown.

“They don’t have contract schools, they don’t have charter schools in middle-class White communities they have world-class neighborhood schools.”

Successful model Daniel del Pielago of Empower DC agreed.

As the education organizer for Empower DC, a grassroots group that supports low- and moderateincome District of Columbia residents living in the nation’s capital, he said

MICHAEL KARAS/THE RECORD/TNS

Eli Grossman helps student Ti’ani Thomas with her schoolwork as he leads a sixth grade reading class through Teach for America at Community Charter School in Paterson, NJ, on Oct. 30, 2013. that when communities work together, and when they’re given the chance to put together solutions that work, they find success that doesn’t require corporate intervention.

That success is embodied by the community school model championed by groups such as the Alliance.

According to the Coalition for Community Schools, a network of educational groups that provide support for youth development family and health services, community schools feature an “integrated focus on academics, health and social services, youth and community development and community engagement” that promotes “student learning, stronger families and healthier communities.”

Presidents’ programs panned

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Helen Moore, the cochairperson of the Keep the Vote/No Takeover Coalition in Detroit, said the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), currently working its way through a Republican-led Congress still at odds with President Barack Obama, should give communities the power to control the destinies of their children.

Moore said that neither “No Child Left Behind” Act, George W. Bush’s education initiative, nor President Obama’s “Race to Top” fulfilled what was supposed to really happen: giving Black and Brown school systems the power and resources they needed to implement high-quality educational programs for their children.

“What’s lost in the minutiae of school closures is the dismantling of good neighborhood schools,” said

SPECIAL TO THE DAYTONA TIMES

A virtual world of fun, learning and interactive challenges will be in store for a select group of students entering grades 9-12 when Daytona State College hosts its third annual Cyber Camp July 13-16 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Advanced Technology College, 1770 Technology Blvd. in Daytona Beach.

This free camp is made possible through the Advanced Cyberforensics Ed-

your future

Two years later, Brown said, those schools often saw their test scores plummet, creating a cascading effect. Overcrowded classrooms make it harder for teachers to do their jobs lowering morale and have a negative impact on an already stressful learning environment.

“One of the casualties of corporate education interventions is the removal of Black teachers, a significant part of the Black middle class. And who are they replaced by? They are replaced by newer, younger, Whiter and more transient teachers,” said Brown.

“We are all for teaching diversity, but we also know that that is a civil rights issue. Children have the right to look at their teachers and dream that they can be that they should be able to see themselves.”

Conference suggestions Earlier this month, the Alliance hosted a conference in Newark, N.J. in an effort to strengthen national networks and equip activists, parents and other community stakeholders with the tools to organize and combat myriad inequities that exist in public school systems nationwide.

The group also advocates for more penalties for schools that lean too heavily on zero tolerance policies that disproportionately suspend and expel students of color for minor infractions.

It favors more federal sup-

ucation Consortium (ACE) for which Daytona State is the lead institution among nearly a dozen southeastern colleges and universities and the Central Florida Cyber Alliance.

The camp will focus on teaching beginner and intermediate computer security techniques, including digital forensics, browser security, malware handling, virtualization and more. It is a perfect introduction for students interested in pursuing careers in cyber security and cyber forensics.

The consortium’s goal is to advance cyber-forensic education in the southeastern United States and is funded by a four-year National Science Foundation grant of over $1.8 million.

College course

Enrollment Day #3740G DSC CREATIVE 5/15

Daytona Beach Campus DaytonaState.edu | (386) 506-4471

Black teachers gone

port for schools that implement restorative justice and student leadership development programs.

“We know that these attacks on our schools and our public education system is an attack on our communities,” said del Pielago.

Brown said, “We should have positive student development and discipline policies. That doesn’t mean that if a student brings a knife or a gun, we’re going to throw rose petals at the child. We need to treat our young people like discipline is supposed to teach a lesson and suspending children is not teaching them anything. What teaches them something is creating a culture where they learn how to be accountable for their actions.”

‘Like oil and water’ Although Brown said that he supports parents who seek innovative educational alternatives for their children, he called for a federal moratorium on all charter and contract school programs.

“What’s lost in the minutiae of school closures is the dismantling of good neighborhood schools that they were actually solid wellperforming schools in our community that were receiving schools for students of school closings and you look two years later and their scores plummet,” said Brown.

“The prerequisite to choice is stability,” said Brown. “You can’t anchor a community with schools where people have contracts to run them. [School] privatization and community schools cannot coexist.

They are like oil and water.”

Daytona State seeking teens for free Cyber Camp

Fast-track Saturday, June 6 9 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Brown. “There were actually solid well-performing schools in our community that were receiving schools for students that lost their schools due to closures.”

In addition to working with k-12 schools to implement programs in cyber security and digital forensics, the consortium also works to train faculty, create and distribute comprehensive course materials and serve as a catalyst for workforce development.

In fall 2014, Daytona State began offering an advanced technical certificate in the growing fields of cyber forensics and cyber security, building on its slate of high-tech courses leading to certificates, associate

and bachelor’s degrees.

The college also ranks among the Top 10 in the nation for best online bachelor’s programs, three years running, and has been named as No. 2 in 2015 among America’s Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Military Veterans, by U.S News & World Report.

Growing demand According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for cyber-security professionals will increase by 37 percent over the next eight years, with median pay for experienced professionals averaging near $86,000 annually.

Cyber-security jobs are found in business, industry, military, law enforcement, government, academia and the intelligence community.

Participation in the summer camp is limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications are required and must be submitted no later than June 26 along with completion of the summer camp survey for group placement determination.

To apply, visit www.DaytonaState.edu/ace/cybercamp.html or contact CoppaE@DaytonaState.edu at 386-506-4163.

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M SPORTS AYOR

MAY 28 –14JUNE 3, 2015 DECEMBER - 20, 2006

Sponsorship a challenge for would-be drivers ship could be upwards of $20 million.

To be sure, the NASCAR industry isn’t booming like when it was considered America’s fastest growing sport. Speedway stands are being torn down and attendance has fallen. TV viewership either declined or held steady in all but one year between 2006 and 2013.

And despite a new, more exciting finish to the season, the 2014 Chase for the Cup tied its lowest rating.

“It’s tough for anybody,” said Chase Austin, a 25-year-old biracial driver who competed in six Nationwide (now Xfinity) races and now competes in his native Kansas. “Just because there are a handful of Black drivers that didn’t make it, there are 10 times as many White drivers who didn’t make it because of funding.”

Negative or opportunity

STEPHEN M. DOWELL/ORLANDO SENTINEL/TNS

Darrell Wallace Jr. speaks during NASCAR Media Day at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 12.

Black NASCAR talent join discussion on attracting sponsors

BY JONATHAN JONES CHARLOTTE OBSERVER/TNS

On May 21, Fox Sports 1 premiered a five-minute video of Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr. taking his Xfinity series car for a midnight ride after spending some time outside the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

The video has it all. It shows Wallace’s personality and his passion to drive fast cars.

Most importantly, it’s not light on sponsors. There’s Wallace driving his Ford Mustang. Then he puts on a Roush Fenway hat.

He zips into his Ford EcoBoost driving suit. Security guards are

eating Cheez-Its, which is Wallace’s primary sponsor in Saturday’s Hisense 300 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Product placement and sponsorship name-dropping are a key element to NASCAR as the sport navigates the post-recession world.

Former Charlotte Motor Speedway president and racing promoter Humpy Wheeler called the rising cost of racing a “chronic disease we have now.” On one side it deters or prohibits many from getting involved. And on the other, teams and drivers with the most money can buy the best equipment and succeed without as much talent as others.

Young, gifted and Black Wallace, like nearly all driv-

ers at every level of NASCAR, has struggled for sponsors. He joked in an interview that event if he won the Xfinity series this year, he may still not get a sponsor for next year.

But Wallace is a unique commodity: He’s talented, young, charming, good-looking and biracial. He’s unsure if his skin color helps, hurts or has any effect on his struggles to land sponsors.

“I wonder what goes on in these meetings, what is said,” Wallace said. “It’s like they look and say, ‘We have a driver.’ Then they flip open the page and it’s, ‘You’re kidding me, right?’ The first thing they (potential sponsors) see is NASCAR, and then they see a Black guy. There’s not really a connection. I don’t know if that’s a red flag, but I’ve thought about it numerous times.”

Jim Cassidy, NASCAR’s senior vice president of racing operations who also oversees the diversity program, believes Wallace checks all the boxes a potential sponsor would look for in a driver, but he cited Wallace’s relatively recent success on a national level and his fresh start on a new team in a new series as reasons why things could have “reset.”

‘Tough for anybody’ Sponsors are also coming back as NASCAR recovers from the recession, but it’s working from the top level down, Cassidy said.

Prices vary, but a primary sponsorship for a top-notch ride in the Xfinity series costs $5 million to $6 million. For the Sprint Cup series, a primary sponsor-

Montoya improves his stock with Indianapolis 500 win

BY JIM PELTZ LOS ANGELES TIMES/TNS

INDIANAPOLIS — After winning the Indianapolis 500 in his first try and then winning races in the Formula One series, Juan Pablo Montoya moved to NASCAR stock-car racing, where he mostly struggled for several years.

But famed team owner Roger Penske was convinced Montoya could find Victory Lane again, and brought him back to IndyCar last year after his NASCAR contract wasn’t renewed.

Montoya rewarded Penske’s faith Sunday by winning the Indianapolis 500 for a second time — 15 years after the 39-year-old Colombian’s first win at the Brickyard.

Montoya passed Australian Will Power — his teammate and the reigning Verizon IndyCar Series champion — with three laps left and held on for the victory in the 99th running of the Indy 500.

As he crossed the finish line, “I was screaming I was so happy,” Montoya said.

‘Awesome’ finish Power finished second, Charlie Kimball was third and polesitter Scott Dixon, Kimball’s Chip Ganassi Racing teammate, finished fourth.

All four battled at the front of the pack in the closing laps, with Montoya and Power swapping the lead several times at the 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

“That fight there at the end

Sponsors are trying to determine their reach in the social media age. What was once a matter of simple impressions for return on investment, Cassidy said, has become much more complex when considering how fans now consume the product.

A company would be marketing its African-American driver to a community that isn’t watching or coming to the sport. That could be a negative, or an opportunity.

Whereas 2 percent of NASCAR’s 2013 TV viewers were Black, they made up 9 percent of Major League Baseball’s viewership, 15 percent of the NFL’s and 45 percent of the NBA’s viewership for the 2012-13 season, according to a Nielsen study.

“When you look at NASCAR, part of the challenge is not the driver but that someone is trying to reach a wider audience,” said Max Siegel, who owns Rev Racing and oversees the Drive for Diversity program. “Eighty or 90 percent of the fan base is White.

If you want to invest money into reaching a wider audience, you have to demonstrate that the audience is more diverse and wider and not doing more of the same.”

B-CU junior Tristie Johnson is competing in the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes.

… that was awesome,” Montoya said after taking Indy’s traditional sip of milk in Victory Lane.

Montoya’s win gave Penske a record 16th team owner’s victory in the Indy 500, and his first since Helio Castroneves won in 2009.

Castroneves on Sunday finished seventh, and thus again fell short in his bid to win a record-tying fourth Indy 500.

Montoya won his first Indy 500 with Ganassi, and then drove for Ganassi during his NASCAR stint from 2007 through 2013.

He spoiled Ganassi’s 57th birthday on Sunday but said his former team owner congratulated him after the race. “We’re still good friends,” Montoya said.

COURTESY OF B-CU ATHLETICS

Major comeback Of his current seat with Penske, Montoya said, “I’m glad I am proving them right and that they made the right choice.”

The win capped his remarkable comeback during the race.

He started 15th, and a rear bumper panel on his car was knocked loose by the car of Simona de Silvestro on an early lap, forcing Montoya to the pits. The setback dropped him as low as 30th in the 33-car field.

But he steadily moved back through the field and, with less than 15 laps left, was swapping the lead with Power and Dixon until Montoya grabbed it for good.

“Montoya coming from all the way in the back — I’ll tell you, you give that guy the bit … he doesn’t give up,” Penske said.

BAY AREA NEWS GROUP/TNS

Juan Pablo Montoya, shown in a 2014 race, won his second Indy 500 race on Sunday.

Wildcats competing in NCAA’s outdoor track and field meet SPECIAL TO THE DAYTONA TIMES

Bethune-Cookman University will have 10 entries at the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field East Preliminary Round May 28-30 at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, the NCAA announced last week.

The two-time Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference men’s team will field eight entries while the lone Lady Wildcat qualifier, junior Tristie Johnson, will compete in the 100 meter and 200 meter dashes.

Johnson, who successfully defending her MEAC 100 meter dash championship earlier this month, placed 18th in the 100 meter and 22nd in the 200 meter at last year’s NCAA Championships.

On the men’s side, freshman Kareem Fair will compete in three events – the 100-meter dash, the 200-meter dash and the 4x100 meter relay along with Angelo Cabrera, Justin Martin, Donavon Frater, Jr. and Kevin Johnson (alternate). Cabrera, a former football player, will al-

so run the 100-meter dash while junior Malik Lewis will run in the 110 meter hurdles.

“We have been extremely blessed here at Bethune-Cookman University with great administrative support that creates an environment for success,” said Head Coach Donald Cooper. “We will go into this year’s NCAA Outdoor championships preliminary round with several athletes that have been there before, so we feel pretty confident with what they and our new comers can do. Our young sprinter, Kareem Fair is healthy and ready to perform as is our lone 110 hurdler, Malik Lewis.”

Sophomores to shine The Wildcats men’s strength will be in the field events, where all three sophomore entrants have won a MEAC title.

Ed’Ricus Williams enters the meet seeded seventh in the high jump. The 2015 MEAC champion has cleared 7’0’’ in two of his last three meets.

Kenneth Fisher is looking for his second appearance in

the NCAA Championship long jump after finishing 22nd last year. He won the 2014 MEAC title and enters this meet seeded 13th.

Michael Tiller won the 2015 MEAC triple jump championship with a career-best of 51’7 and also won the event at the UNF East Regional Preview.

“Coach Tyree Price has been doing a fantastic job with our jumpers and I am very excited see them perform next week,” Cooper said. “It’s a track that we are very familiar with and I look for us to be very productive.”

Tickets for the meet are on sale by calling the North Florida ticket office at 904-620-2473 or by visiting unfospreys.com. On meet day, tickets will be able to be purchased at the gate starting one hour prior to the first event.

Keep up with the Wildcats’ progress by following official twitter feeds – @CookmanTrack and @Cookman Athletics – and on the official website at www. bcuathletics.com.

This story is courtesy of BCU Athletics.

R8

7BUSINESS

MAY 28 – JUNE 3, 2015 verse business owners working with banks, and how we can improve as a company and as an industry,” said Stevens.

In an interview, Ron Busby, president of the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., said there is some good news amid the bad.

“If we’re being successful with the limited amount of resources that we have today, our future looks wonderful,” said Busby. “I think for Black businesses to be successful, they need to go in proactively. They need to have established relationships with their bankers early on before there’s an Ron opportunity.”

Busby Busby continued: “When they’re first thinking about starting a business, they need to start a relationship with their banker.”

Education, coaching CARLOS GONZALEZ/MINNEAPOLIS STAR TRIBUNE/TNS

Charles Chiefredo and Adebayo Mafe are shown in 2010 at BCS African Wholesale Food Supply in Brooklyn Park, Minn. The company was able to obtain a $67,000 loan from the nonprofit Metropolitan Economic Development Association when no banks would lend the operation money.

Blacks least likely to get business loans from banks

BY FREDDIE ALLEN NNPA NEWS SERVICE

WASHINGTON – Black-owned businesses face tougher challenges than other groups when seeking bank loans, according to a new study by the Gallup polling company commissioned by Wells Fargo.

Nearly half (47 percent) of Black-owned businesses operate in the South and the study found that 77 percent of Black business owners use personal cash to finance their businesses.

African-American business

owners were less likely to borrow money for business reasons than Asian and Hispanic business owners.

“Twenty-two percent of African-American business owners say they felt that discrimination from a financial institution based on their race, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation had impacted their chances to obtain credit for their business,” stated the report.

“Among those who indicated they needed credit, AfricanAmerican owners, in particular, say they were not able to get all the credit they needed.”

Rejection rates According to the report, 13 percent of Black business owners obtained the credit they needed, compared to 20 percent for Hispanic owners, 24 percent of Asian owners and 23 percent of owners in general.

The report also found that the larger the loan request, the higher the rejection rate. Overall, 27 percent of applications for larger loans were turned down and only 7 percent for smaller ones.

The highest rejection rate – 38 percent – was among Black business owners seeking a loan of

at least $250,000; 17 percent of Blacks seeking a loan less than $50,000 were rejected. By comparison, 33 percent of Asian owners were turned down for larger loans and 14 percent for smaller ones. For Latino business owners, the rejection rate was 26 percent for large loans, and 15 percent for smaller ones.

Once banks declined a loan to Black business owners, they needed they were more likely to apply for credit again than other small business owners.

New insight In a statement, Lisa Stevens, the head of Small Business for Wells Fargo, said that serving diverse communities has long been a focus area and priority.

“For this reason, we commissioned the Gallup study, which gave us new insight into the perceptions and experiences of di-

In an effort to address some of the challenges affecting minority business owners related to the lending industry, Wells Fargo committed to a four-point plan that includes more education and credit coaching for borrowers and $75 million in grants and investments in micro-lending programs aimed at diverse business communities.

“We know that in order to address the range of financial needs within all of our communities, we need to support and work with the ecosystem of organizations that serve small businesses,” said Jon Campbell, executive vice president, government and community relations for Wells Fargo, said in a statement.

“Through this increased investment and connections with community lending organizations, we are making meaningful strides toward increasing access to capital for small businesses, as well as helping more business owners get the coaching and educational resources they need to succeed financially long-term.”