Nearly 200 attend Flagler NAACP’s Freedom Fund dinner See page 3
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Daytona
PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit #189 Daytona Beach, FL
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PATRICIA BENNETT: Words of wisdom for 2013 graduating class See page 4
A ROUNDUP OF LOCAL SPORTS See page 5
East Central Florida’s Black Voice
www.daytonatimes.com www.daytonatimes.com
MAY 30 - JUNE 5, 2013
YEAR 38 NO. 22
PEOPLE SPEAK
Actor has major role in restoring felons’ rights
Dutton shares story of his journey from jail to Yale to stardom during Daytona Beach’s NAACP banquet
BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES harperjames59@yahoo.com
BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES harperjames59@yahoo.com
Not many Black males have the success story that Charles Dutton can tell. Dutton realized that if he put his mind to something he could make it happen. One brick wall he came up against was trying to vote. “In 2002, I tried to vote but I was told I had a criminal record,” he explained. That all would change in 2007 when Maryland, his home state, changed its law-allowing residents convicted of a crime the right to vote. He would cast his first vote at age 57 in 2008 for Barack Obama.
Nationwide appeal Since getting his voting rights, Dutton has been going around the country telling his story and hoping states that prevent convicted felons from voting to change their laws to give felons their voting right back once they complete their sentence. Florida is one of those states that won’t allow convicted felons to vote. Dutton was the featured speaker on May 24 at the Volusia County-Daytona Beach NAACP 40th Annual Freedom Fund and Awards Banquet at the Plaza Resort and Spa. The purpose of the occasion was to recognize organizations, businesses and individuals who have made a difference in the community. Part of the proceeds raised from ticket sales also went to four $1,000 scholarships presented to graduating seniors – all from Mainland High School. The scholarship recipients were Monica Moss and Cornelius “C.J.’’ Davis, both accepted at Bethune-Cookman University; Brandyn Thompson, who will attend Florida A&M University; and Brianna Williams, who will matriculate at Howard University.
Pop Warner, city reach agreement on fees, use of fields
Photos by John Reeves
Actor Charles Dutton had the approximately 600 patrons in attendance at the 40th Annual Freedom Fund and Awards Banquet laughing and enthralled as he shared his life story. He also encouraged attendees to stay focused to reach their goals. NAACP President Cynthia Slater (far left) poses with scholarship winners Monica Moss, Cornelius “C.J.’’ Davis, Brandyn Thompson and Brianna Williams. The students each received $1,000 to attend college. At the podium are Joretha Hayes and Marva Hopkins, members of the NAACP executive committee.
Admitted ‘outlaw’ Dutton’s path to college was different from the students, but the story he shared with the audience was a good lesson for the students to take home with them. “I should have been dead,” Dutton told the audience, sharing that from 12 to 15
years of age he spent most of his time in reform school. By the time he was 17, he would begin his first stint in prison for killing a Black man – which he noted because he received five years for that crime. His next Please see BANQUET, Page 5
Parents of kids who participate in Daytona Beach’s Pop Warner program can breathe a sigh of relief. On June 1 at Sunnyland Park, parents can register their youngsters to play football or be a member of the cheerleading squad for the season that begins in August. Pop Warner Commissioner Thomas Roland met with Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry and Leisure Services Director Percy Williamson last week and worked out an agreement so that the fees for the league to Thomas use Derbyshire Roland Athletic Fields for football practice and games will be covered. “When we left the meeting, they assured us everything would be taken care of. I have to go to a meeting on the sixth of June (with other Pop Warner teams) to tell them we will be playing at Derbyshire athletic fields,’’ Roland said. He added that he is relieved he and the local volunteers can go ahead and sign up kids this Saturday at Sunny Land Park in Daytona Beach from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Ritchey paid fees As reported in the April 25 issue of the Daytona Times, the city charged Pop Warner to use the Derbyshire Park athletic fields for the first time last year. Roland went before the commission (before Henry was mayPlease see POP WARNER, Page 2
Center seeking funds to teach local kids how to swim BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES harperjames59@yahoo.com
Florida has the highest accidental drowning rate in the nation for children 1 to 4 years old. Paul Daniels, Daytona Beach’s Cypress Aquatic Center manager, shared the above statistic this week as he campaigns to get donations from individuals, organizations or businesses to help area youth participate in the American Red Cross Learn to Swim Program. The program takes place at the center located at 925 George W. Engram Blvd. “With today’s tough economic conditions, it’s difficult for parents to afford swimming lessons, especially if they have more than one child,” Daniels said. “Our goal is to raise a total of $2,500 for 2013 programs, assuring educational opportunities for those with financial need. Your donation will provide scholarships for youth otherwise unable to participate,” he continued.
Free lessons for adults Daniels said the center will offer five lesson programs for $35 per child. The start date for swim lessons will be June 8, which is why Daniels is asking to be contacted for donations.
He added that the center received a donation from Daytona Toyota Scion for free adult swim lessons and free fitness classes for adults. “They made the donation because they want to help the neighborhood folks have fitness options,” Daniels explained. Adult lessons are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 6:30 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Normally adults would be charged $2 fee but due to the donation the fee is waived.
Center hours The free fitness or aqua aerobics class are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. The hours for the Aquatic Center beginning June 5-Aug. 17 are Monday – Thursday 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Fridays, 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.; and Saturdays 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The standard fees to swim are $20 for 15 swims for adults or $20 for 25 swims for youth. Those not wanting to pay the bulk rate can pay the daily fee, which is $3 for adults and $2 for youth 17 years and under. Residents who want to go to Campbell Street pool on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard pay 50 cents Monday – Thursdays beginning June 10.
For more information, contact Daniels at 386-671-8393 or email him at danielsp@codb.us.
CITY OF DAYTONA BEACH
Donations already have been made for adult swimming classes.