Daytona Times - June 16, 2017

‘Cornbread’ returns this month SEE PAGE 3

East Central Florida’s Black Voice

EE FR

DR. WILMER J. LEON: JFK’S ‘NEW FRONTIER’ VS. TRUMP’S ‘AMERICA THE USUAL’ PAGE 4

AKAS TO CELEBRATE YOUNG MEN AT JUNE 17 PROGRAM SEE PAGE 8

JUNE 15 - JUNE 21, 2017

YEAR 42 NO. 24

www.daytonatimes.com

A time for accolades and unity Fears, Reed, grads among honorees at annual NAACP banquet in Daytona

BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES

The Daytona Beach/Volusia County NAACP celebrated its legacy as a champion for civil rights and honored others for their community efforts at its annual Freedom Fund banquet on June 10.

“United We Stand Together as One’’ was the theme of the 44th annual banquet, held at the Hil-

ton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort.

Among those honored were Daytona Beach Zone 6 City Commissioner Paula Reed, who received the Trailblazer Award for her work in city government, community relations and academia.

Longtime NAACP member and leader Joel Fears received the President’s Award posthumously. Fears, a local electrical engineer and longtime community activist, died on May 21 at age 78.

“The destiny of a person is not measured where they stand during time of comfort and convenience but where you stand in

Clifton Taulbert, right, addresses the crowd at the NAACP’s Freedom Fund Banquet.

time of content and controversy.

I am thankful this evening,’’ Reed told the crowd.

Joel Fears tribute Mary Fears, who was married to Joel Fears for 49 years, accepted the award on his behalf.

“The recognition and awards received by my husband from the organizations in this community are great. Thanks to the NAACP for honoring the many hours of service that he gave to this organization and community,” she said.

NAACP president Cynthia Slater added, “Mr. Fears was really

DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./ HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY. COM

See BANQUET, Page 7

The Safari Lounge: The place for good times Ferguson recaps his experience as owner of the popular nightspot, which closed down last month.

BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES

Businesses and homes racking up code enforcement fines could soon have their property foreclosed.

The Daytona Beach City Commission voted 6-0 at its June 7 regular meeting to foreclose on three properties with significant code enforcement liens.

Two of those properties are located in the Black community.

One is an abandoned multifamily home at 537 South Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and the other is the J Food Store at 538 Ridgewood Ave., on the corner with North Street.

BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES

Arguably the top nightspot in Daytona Beach’s Black community is gone.

The Safari Lounge (historically Payne’s) at 223 S. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. had its final night on May 27. The popular club is closed for good and soon will be demolished to make way for the upscale MLK Lofts.

No more line dancing and stepping on Tuesdays, Ladies Night on Thursdays or hip hop on Saturdays.

“It was a good experience. At first I wanted to be like ‘Cheers’ (the1980s TV sitcom) where everybody knows your name.

I wanted a spot for older folks but experience shows you don’t make enough money with that age group because they are dealing with more responsibilities. I went down to a younger crowd to be financially successSee SAFARI, Page 2

City’s code enforcement liens lead to foreclosures

Support for store

Sam Ferguson stands in front of the Safari Lounge, a nightclub he has owned since 2000.

The store has a history of disturbances even before recent owners Raymond Said and Saoud Dahoune took control. But the problems seem to continue.

Residents like John Burch believe that the store is getting a bad rap.

“He is getting a bad rap because he has mad respect from the homeless. I know the owner personally; I have even worked for him. A lot of things are happening outside of the store,” said Burch.

Burch says that the main problem is the homeless hanging out around the store.

He explained, “One of the problems is that you have people at the shelter or homeless who are waiting there for the feedings See CODE, Page 2

Juneteenth chair: Daytona festival has grown into large, diverse event

BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES

DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

The Juneteenth celebration continues to grow. There were plenty of activities for children at the 2016 festival, including train rides.

ALSO INSIDE

Linda McGhee is hoping that area residents will join in the Juneteenth community festival on Saturday to learn about the holiday and partake in free activities for kids and adults.

McGhee said the Daytona Beach festival is the largest Juneteenth celebration in the state.

“Our celebration has vendors come from as far as Miami. In Daytona Beach, the event is the largest in all of Florida, including larger cities like Jacksonville and Miami. Our Daytona event is also free to the public,” McGhee told the Daytona Times.

All-day event Saturday’s festival takes place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Cypress

Street Park, 925 George W. Engram Blvd.

“This is an event that brings everyone together regardless of race, religion and status. It’s a national holiday for all people as we celebrate the history of African-American slaves being freed and everyone who played a significant role in freeing them,” McGhee, chair of the local Juneteenth Committee, told the Daytona Times.

“I love Juneteenth. I think about slavery and the impact it has on our people. I don’t think I can never not take part in Juneteenth.’’

Diverse attendance “The event has been welcomed in a positive manner.

Each and every year, the crowds are bigger and better and ex-

tremely diverse. We have people of all races, religions and creeds, including Black, White, Hispanic, Asian and so on as well as Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Sikh, etc.’’

Juneteenth commemorates the day when slaves in Texas and Oklahoma found out that they were free in 1867, which was two years following the American Civil War. The official day celebrated is July 19, 1865.

The event started in Texas but has spread across the country.

McGhee confirmed, “It is actually up before Congress right now requesting to become a national holiday, which could soon happen. It is well deserved.”

Music, museum The festival will have plenty of music, including opera, old NeSee FESTIVAL, Page 2

COMMUNITY NEWS: PROGRAM BRINGS TOGETHER FAMILIES AND FIRST RESPONDERS | PAGE 3 COMMENTARY: JULIANNE MALVEAUX: ON ‘COURTESY’ – RACE, GENDER AND TRUMP ON DEFENSE | PAGE 5

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7 FOCUS

JUNE 15 – JUNE 21, 2017

CODE

from Page 1 to start around the corner. They have nowhere to go. They sit out there and wait, some even sleep, some do drugs. He’s not calling the police often because often its stuff happening outside and they are the ones calling the cops.”

Near shelter The J Store is next to the Halifax Urban Ministries Star Center, which does daily feedings.

There’s also a shelter there. The Second Harvest Food Bank is in that area as well.

Burch added, “This isn’t just at J Store. All around town people are hanging out at stores. We do all hang out. Most of us just minding our business and don’t do any wrong.”

J Store owners declined to comment for this article and their attorney, Kelvin J. Daniels, would not speak with the Daytona Times about the issue.

During the commission meeting, J Store ownership claimed that the drug activity and emergency service calls aren’t their fault.

The business has over $20,000 in code enforcement fines and another $31,000 in 9-1-1 calls.

Myriad of issues Police cite drug arrests both inside and outside of the store.

Police Chief Craig Capri informed the commission during the meeting about the drug activities.

“We have four sale and deliveries inside the store and another three or four outside of the store.

We have made great progress there. They are now cooperating.

We have hammered the place. The neighbors don’t deserve it. They’ve made great promises. We’re not going to let up,’’ Capri said.

City: They had time

DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

Attorney Kelvin J. Daniels represents J Store owners at the city commission meeting.

The city uses code enforcement as a way to fight blight and enforce the law.

“The code enforcement process is intended to illuminate city blight and structural and maintenance issues of properties. The code enforcement foreclosure process is in accordance with Florida state law, Florida Statute Chapter 162. Also, These liens already exist, so the owners have had ample amounts of time to pay the fines,” commented City Attorney Robert Jagger.

The other foreclosure is a single family home at 128 S. Olive Ave. Commissioners also voted 6-0 to postpone a decision on a commercial property at 640 North Grandview Ave. until their Aug. 2 meeting.

The commission noted that there is currently ongoing litigation between the property owner and tenant.

Hundreds more There are hundreds of properties in Daytona Beach that owe $4.5 million in code enforcement liens.

If the city’s foreclosure efforts are successful, Daytona Beach will either collect on the outstanding liens or gain ownership of the property through judicial sale.

The prevailing party in any necessary litigation is entitled to recover costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees.

Food store owner Raymond Said addresses the city commission on June 7.

FESTIVAL

of it. We researched it. The first year the city footed the entire bill.

The second year, I had to go and raise money. I told them that I would do it if we could keep access to the park. Charles Bryant and I started the committee to keep it alive to raise money from both mom and pops stores and local businesses.”

from Page 1

gro spirituals, hip-hop, R&B and jazz.

The Sankofa African traveling museum will be displaying 500 artifacts and there will be a pound cake contest with trophies for the top winners.

There will be inflatables, train rides, bounce houses, rock climbing walls, bungee jumping, pony rides and a petting zoo for children’s activities.

Moved around

Hometown Heroes This is the 17th year for the Juneteenth festival and 15th for the annual banquet.

On Wednesday, the committee honored 19 people at its Juneteenth Hometown Heroes awards at the Midtown Cultural & Educational Center.

Some of the honorees were: Daytona Beach Deputy Police Chief Jakari Young. Young has spent 16 years on the force and served as a sergeant, lieutenant and captain. He as made plenty of inroads and impacted the community.

Dr. Regina Asihene, a local

DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority are shown at last year’s festival. physician employed with Florida Health Care, scholar and researcher. She also has served as a medical missionary.

Bob and Bobbi Coleman. The Colemans serve on many boards and organizations that help youngsters. Mr. Coleman is a retired Florida Power & Light executive and a former adjunct professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Mrs. Coleman

was a Board Member of the Year for the Boys & Girls Club.

ing their patrons. That and the Army got me interested in doing an older club.”

ful,” said Sam Ferguson, owner of the Safari Lounge.

Ferguson took over the nightclub in March 2000.

the Midtown Lofts don’t come in the community and spend money at the local businesses. There haven’t been many changes in the buildings on MLK for decades. We did a building on Lincoln Street and Gerald Chester put the two restaurants down the street, but that is it,” Ferguson related.

Lofts coming

A family undertaking

SAFARI from Page 1

Ferguson closed the Safari Lounge because he is selling the property.

“I got a good offer. It was the right price. It’s time for a change.

It’s time to do something different, new and improved for the city,” Ferguson told the Daytona Times.

The property will be part of plans for MLK Lofts, an upscale, high-rise housing development.

The Safari Lounge will be torn down for the complex along with some other older homes in the area.

The project is part of a plan to revitalize Midtown, a historically Black community in the city.

In March, Daytona Beach city commissioners approved rezoning for the MLK Lofts on the southeast corner of Dr. M.L. King, Jr. Boulevard and El Dorado Street.

“Most people who are against

Ferguson has fond memories.

“It was people’s birthdays! It is just seeing people dancing and having fun. It seemed like it wasn’t mine, but it was theirs.

Just seeing people enjoy themselves was the biggest thing for me,” Ferguson shared.

His children, La’Twan and Fametris Ferguson, worked with him at times.

“It was a great experience having my kids work with me. I loved having them here, but it wasn’t their dream. It was mine. You may want to pass something down to your kids, but you realize that it’s not their dream. If they have the passion, it’s fine. But if not, you move on,” he explained.

Ferguson is a retired U.S. Army veteran, who also has worked in the security business.

“I did security in clubs in Georgia and Oklahoma. I just didn’t like the way that they were treat-

Humble beginnings McGhee, a former Daytona Leisure Services employee, has been part of the event since its inception.

Former Mayor Yvonne Scarlett Golden, who was a city commissioner at the time and former

The challenges Running the Daytona Beach club had its challenges, Ferguson admits.

“My biggest challenge was being a local and going into business. There are a lot of people that weren’t very supportive for one reason or another,” he commented. “I heard rumors that people didn’t want to pay for my vehicle or my home. There are people that you thought were friends but ended up being a disappointment.”

The club also had its fights and disturbances.

“Unfortunately, the small few make it bad for everybody. You can have a crowd of 1,000 people and if one person shoots somebody the other 998 are guilty by association,” Ferguson stated.

“When you look all over our city, it’s the small few that are causing problems, but the biggest thing is that most of us are entertained by it. That is what perpetuates it. There are a few that won’t let anything happen so that they can have a good time, but it takes more of a community role to prevent such incidents,” he remarked.

Leisure Services Director Patty Evans, also helped to create it.

McGhee recalls,” I worked under Patty back then and Commissioner Golden wanted to see a new event. Commissioner Golden was upset that the Halloween Carnival had been taken from Derbyshire Park, which was in her zone.

“Patty came to me and told me about Juneteenth. I hadn’t heard

‘Nothing to hide’ The Safari Lounge had a good relationship with the city and police.

“Yes we did, especially the police department. Once the police told you to do something, you do it. If they wanted to come in, I always allowed them,” Ferguson added.

“I had nothing to hide. I wasn’t doing anything illegal. We had no opposition to police and they were always welcomed. If the city told me to fix something, I did it.

That’s just the way I do things.’’

Payne’s to Safari The nightspot was originally built in 1969. Ben and Mary’s Laundromat stood on the site as well as a barbecue pit.

Roosevelt Payne moved to town from New York and purchased the building.

Payne closed the laundry facility but kept the barbecue pit and named it Payne’s B-B-Q. He later remodeled the laundromat into a lounge and called it the V.I.P. Room, making the site with the barbecue pit Payne’s VIP Room and B-B-Q. He later added a liquor store and renamed the place Safari Lounge and B-B-Q. “He realized that alcohol and barbecue went hand-in-hand

The original banquet was held at the Dickerson Center a few years later.

“We outgrew every location.

We moved from the Dickerson Center to Bethune-Cookman’s gymnasium to Embry-Riddle to the (Daytona International) Speedway, then to Midtown.

Midtown can hold the type of crowd that we have for the banquet.”

The City of Daytona Beach is a major sponsor and BethuneCookman University is the signature sponsor.

“Both City Manager Jim Chisolm and the Commission have played a vital part of Juneteenth since the beginning. We are very appreciative of both for their outstanding support in making sure that Juneteenth is on city property that includes both the banquet and festival,” McGhee added.

and that he could make money off it. So he got his liquor license.

He added on the lounge so people could hang out, drink and eat barbecue,” recalls Clarence Mann, Payne’s nephew.

Alvin Payne, who is Payne’s son, confirmed, “Dad actually remodeled it several times when he got his money up. He was in the process of remodeling it again before he got killed.’’

Payne was killed in a home invasion back in 1999.

Moving on Ferguson wouldn’t change anything.

“I probably could have put more money into keeping the place upgraded. I really enjoyed dealing with the people, especially those that behaved. I wouldn’t change that part,” he told the Times.

Now Ferguson is ready for the next chapter.

“I am getting another house and getting my mother settled.

She will be moving in with me so that she can enjoy the rest of her remaining years,” he added. “In a few months, I will decide if I’ll do something else. I am thinking about doing another club at a different location.”

3 7

M A YNEWS OR

JUNE 15 – JUNE 21, 2017 COMMUNITY DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006

Program brings together families and first responders David and Danita Blow Ministries are writing that they merged with the Bridge Building Program on June 9 to present a “Family Fun Night” at Matanzas High School Gymnasium.

Over 100 children and families attended the event, showcasing personnel and vehicles from the Florida State Police, Flagler County Sheriff’s Department and the City of Palm Coast Fire Department. The local service providers went above and beyond the call of duty to make the event a tremendous success.

They gave the children and parents the opportunity to see and touch the service apparatus used in their environment. Everyone watched the demonstrations intently, and enjoyed playing with the equipment. Chaos, the K9, stole the show and became the center of attention. The atmosphere rang with celebration because God was blessing the event.

Gifts for everyone In addition to the outside activities, the participants enjoyed basketball, ping pong, and table games of chess, checkers, Connect Four, etc. – and a gigantic moon bounce with slides inside the gymnasium.

The parents, children and the first responders were all playing.

One parent was photographed assisting the deejay on the turntables, and the first responders were photographed participating in the games.

Inasmuch as David and Danita Blow Ministries and the Bridge Building Program are committed to ministering to the needs of the community, they provided a free, fun-filled evening for everyone. No one left the event empty-handed. Moreover, David and Danita Blow Ministries gave away gift bags and T-shirts to all.

Music, discussion Nearly halfway through the

PALM COAST COMMUNITY NEWS JEROLINE D. MCCARTHY

event, everyone gathered in the gymnasium.

The First Church Youth Choir ministered through musical adaptation that tremendously blessed the crowd, and following the music ministry, Dr. Danita Blow facilitated an outstanding discussion with the participants and the first responders.

During the discussion, the first responders shared valuable information and insight, and each spoke about his or her career journey.

Both children and parents were informed about employment and educational opportunities within each field and ultimately received encouragement, motivation, and direction. It’s noteworthy that the Blows are extremely proud of these phenomenal service providers.

Prayer, then dancing The highlight of the evening came after the discussion, closing prayer, and the Invitation to Discipleship led by Dr. David Blow, which took on the crowd’s enjoyment of line dancing.

Dancers and non-dancers crowded the floor to slide to the right, slide to the left, criss-cross, bounce and hop with the troopers, deputies, and fire fighters.

David and Danita Blow firmly believe that this type of community interaction is important.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KIM STEWARD PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO

First responders, along with leaders of the Bridge Building Program, and David and Danita Blow Ministries. sis before we come together.

“Fear, prejudice, and ignorance are polarizing factors that only divide and tear us apart.

Events like these build unity so that we may become stronger,” asserted the Blows.

To view other photographs of this awesome evening, or perhaps catch yourself in the photographs, visit David and Danita Blow Ministries, or the Bridge Building Program on Facebook.

David and Danita Blow Ministries wish to extend a “thank you” to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Department, Florida State Police, City of Palm Coast Fire Department, Kona Ice, the Bridge Building Program coaches, Janet Jones Confectionary, and Kim Steward Photography Studios. Much more, stay tuned for the next event and do plan to attend.

‘Working together’

VITAS hosting event for caregivers

The Blows assess that “the children and families of our community must see that all of us - law enforcement, firefighters, and the community - are working together. We cannot wait until a cri-

There may be lots on your plate, but the “What About Me?” conference will provide opportunities for caregivers to be renewed and educated while taking time from their daily caregiv-

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE FOR BLACK STUDENTS. NO EXCUSES. The classic guide from Florida Courier publisher, lawyer and broadcaster CHARLES W. CHERRY II PRAISE FOR ‘EXCELLENCE WITHOUT EXCUSE’: “This guide for African-American college-bound students is packed with practical and insightful information for achieving academic success...The primary focus here is to equip students with the savvy and networking skills to maneuver themselves through the academic maze of higher education.”

– Book review, School Library Journal

ing duties.

Flagler County caregivers are invited to join VITAS Healthcare for a free breakfast and roundtable discussion on how to care for yourselves while caring for others.

It is an annual event to provide caregivers with self-care tools and knowledge for empowering them to fulfill the challenging role of caregiver.

The presenters will be Linda Sharpe-Matthews, Flagler County NAACP president, and Dr. Marcella Scaccia, VITAS team physician.

The moderators will take in Janet Jensen, RN, administrator at the David I. Siegel Adult Day Care Center, and Joanne Hinkel, program manager, Social Services/Senior Services for the Flagler County Commission.

Mrs. Sharpe-Matthews will share her experience as a caregiver with a focus on the resilience muscles she developed while facing a myriad of challenges. Dr. Scaccia will provide the important information about stressors inherent in devoting oneself to the care of others.

Information during the session will form the foundation of table

• Want a great grade? Prepare to cheat!

• How Black students can program their minds for success; • Setting goals – When to tell everybody, and when to keep your mouth shut; • Black English, and why Black students must be ‘bilingual.’ …AND MUCH MORE!

Reading and rap Taylor, an educator from Duval County, uses rhythmic reading with rap during his interaction with the kids.

Taylor and Cornbread visited the Daytona Beach center last summer.

Taylor’s series includes “Cornbread Runs for Class President,’’ “Cornbread Has a Bad Habit,’’ “Cornbread Faces the School Bully’’ and “Cornbread and the Stolen Diamond Watch.’’

Taylor says the series was developed out of a need to address two voids that were prevalent in many classrooms – an absence of fictional books with a male protagonist and a lack of multicultural literature.

These books were preceded by Rhythmic Reading with Rap, a workbook and audio CD that Taylor created, which has now spawn into a standing-room-only, professional development and student presentation he calls “Reading, Rappin’ & Having Fun.’’ Along with taking his presentations to students, Taylor has inspired educators across the country with his highly energizing workshops.

The June 29 event is sponsored by the City of Daytona Beach, F.R.E.S.H. Book Festivals, and Angie Bee and Bartee Productions Inc.

Library plans patriotic concert

Download immediately as an eBook or a pdf Order softcover online, from Amazon, or your local bookstore ISBN#978-1-56385-500-9 Published by International Scholastic Press, LLC

The Daytona Beach Regional Library at City Island is planning a musical salute to America’s birthday with a free concert featuring the Daytona Beach Concert Band at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 1.

The musicians will perform “The StarSpangled Banner,” “America the Beautiful” and other patriotic standards in the library’s auditorium.

The nonprofit band was formed in 1992 by the late Edward Lewis, a Daytona Beach businessman whose dream was to keep concert band music alive in the Daytona Beach area. Band membership is composed of volunteers of various ages and experience levels from across Volusia and Flagler counties, as well as out of state and Canada.

ccherry2@gmail.com

Facebook ccherry2 excellencewithoutexcuse

for info on speeches, workshops, seminars, book signings, panel discussions.

Twitter @ccherry2

Birthday wishes to the Rev. Patricia Coley Ford, Phillip Dunn, my dad, Rufus S. Coaxum, in the Bronx, June 15; Danielle Delaney, June 16; Imani Kinshasa, June 18; Elaine Koonce, June 19; and Randenese Litkett, June 21.

Vincent Taylor and “Cornbread’’ will return on Thursday, June 29, to the Midtown Cultural and Educational Center, 925 W. George Engram Blvd., Daytona Beach.

The 1 p.m. event is free and open to the public for youth of all ages.

Author Vince Taylor created the popular “Cornbread’ children’s book series. The tall character Cornbread engages young people in learning exercises that keep them on their feet.

www.excellencewithoutexcuse.com

Contact Charles at

Celebrations

‘Cornbread’ returns to Midtown center on June 29

For students, educators • How low expectations of Black students’ achievements can get them higher grades;

exercises, moderated by Ms. Jensen and Ms. Hinkel that will help each participant identify his or her challenges.

The conference will end with a session focused on providing self-care tools that participants can use while continuing in the vital role of caregivers. This will be facilitated by Vonshelle Beneby, VITAS bereavement manager.

That’s June 24, 9 a.m. to noon, at the Grand Haven Country Club, 500 Riverfront Drive, Palm Coast.

Due to limited seating, please RSVP to Phillip Asby at 386-3666094.

••• As always, remember our prayers for the sick, afflicted, the prodigal son, or daughter, and the bereaved.

Vincent Taylor is shown with his character “Cornbread.

The musicians perform under the direction of Charles Long, a retired music educator and administrator. Learn more about the band at www.dbconcertband. com.

The concert is sponsored by the Friends of the Daytona Beach Library.

Reservations are not required.

For more information, call the library at 386-257-6036, option 4.

Cinematique to start live jazz series Cinematique will be presenting a new live jazz program called Jazz Sunday. The series, held the first Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. will feature local jazz musicians.

The first session on July 9 features, Rob’s Jazz Express with Rob Whiting on guitar, Robert Banks on percussion, and Michael Scott on bass.

Whiting began playing guitar at age 13.

He went from being a member of a popular blues band in high school to performing with a variety of trios during the 1960s and 1970s. Whiting has performed with Doug Carn, Eddie Henderson, Steve Williams, Teddy Adams and a host of other great musicians.

Due to limited seating, reservations are required. Tickets are $10.

Cinematique, 242 S. Beach St., Daytona Beach, is an art house cinema specializing in international, national and local independent films.

For more information, call the theater’s box office at 386-252-3118.

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7 EDITORIAL

JUNE 15 – JUNE 21, 2017

JFK’s ‘New Frontier’ vs.

Trump’s ‘America the Usual’ “But I tell you the New Frontier is here, whether we seek it or not. Beyond that frontier are the uncharted areas of science and space, unsolved problems of peace and war, unconquered pockets of ignorance and prejudice, unanswered questions of poverty and surplus...But I believe the times demand new invention, innovation, imagination, decision.”

–Senator John F. Kennedy, July 15, 1960 On May 29, we commemorated the 100th birthday of one of the most popular presidents ever, the late President John F. Kennedy. As America romanticizes Kennedy’s “Camelot,” accurate historical context requires that we also assess Kennedy’s understanding of realpolitik.

He was a shrewd and practical politician. Before he delivered his definitive statement on civil rights in 1963, Senator Kennedy voted against the 1957 civil rights bill in order not to alienate the Southern Democrats whose votes he would need for a successful run for the White House.

Recognized the movement He reluctantly added the words “at home” to his 1960 inaugural address in reference to the struggle for human rights.

To Kennedy, the omission would keep the human rights struggle in the domestically accepted antiCommunism context. To include them would refer to the politically volatile civil rights movement.

Then there was Vietnam. Kennedy was a proponent of the “Domino Theory.” If South Vietnam fell into Communist control, the rest of the region would befall the same fate.

Kennedy was also a true visionary whose clear and lofty rhetoric motivated Americans to view both domestic and foreign policy issues as challenges to overcome instead of insurmountable obstacles.

“We choose to go to the moon.

We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things not because they are easy, but because they are hard; because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills...”

Clear contrast The celebration of his 100th birthday and the short-lived Kennedy administration (1037 days)

‘Blessing or curse?’

DR. WILMER J. LEON III TRICE EDNEY NEWS WIRE

Americans have been convinced to shift away from the idea that government should work in the best interest of the collective, “We the People...”. We are now focused on and supporting the machinations of what Sen. Lindsey Graham called a “...racebaiting, xenophobic religious bigot.” provides us with a lens through which to view our current circumstance and president.

Instead of America embracing the ideals of Kennedy’s “New Frontier” – new invention, innovation, imagination, decision – America has retreated to the safety of the familiar “America the Usual.”

Prophetic challenges In his 1960 Valley Forge speech, Senator Kennedy articulated the challenges of the New Frontier and was quite prophetic regarding the issues he highlighted.

On the geopolitical landscape, he foresaw “...earth-shaking revolutions abroad – new nations, new weapons, new shifts in the balance of power and new members of the nuclear club.” Domestically, he also foresaw “new frontiers” being faced at home.

Fifty-seven years later, Americans are faced with exactly the same problems. Instead of vision and optimism, Trump offers lies, retrenchment and hopelessness.

On ‘courtesy’ – Race, gender and Trump on defense Courtesy flew out of the window in Washington parlance a long time ago.

The minute a deranged congressman stood up and hollered, “You lie” at a sitting President (this was South Carolina Republican Congressman Joe Wilson yelling at President Barack Obama), we knew that courtesy had taken a vacation.

Courtesy took more than a time-out when we had a presidential candidate bragging about grabbing p---y and calling our Mexican-American brothers and sisters “rapists.”

Lewis attacked Courtesy was even more far gone when President No. 45 attacked Congressman and civil rights icon John Lewis because of a disagreement.

But courtesy was really kicked to the curb when Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) had the audacity to scold his colleague, the scintil-

VISUAL VIEWPOINT: ‘BATMAN,’ ADAM WEST, DIES

DR. JULIANNE MALVEAUX TRICEEDNEYWIRE.COM

lating Senator Kamala Harris (DCA) because she was theoretically not courteous to the dissembling liar, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, when she asked pointed questions about the firing of former FBI director James Comey.

As she became aggressive, which was her right, Senator Burr – who asked that Mr. Rosenstein be treated “with courtesy” – admonished her.

What is courtesy?

A dictionary defines it as “excellence of manners or social conduct,” “polite behavior,” “courteous, respectful or consid-

Kennedy foresaw medical scientific breakthroughs enabling an aging population to live longer. He asked, “But will these extra years be a blessing or a curse?

Will they be years of loneliness, poverty, high doctor bills, and low income? Or will they be years of dignity and security and recognition?”

In the area of education, Kennedy highlighted problems with a looming public school classroom and teacher shortage that would spread to Americas colleges and universities. He called for more money to be invested into teachers’ salaries and classroom construction.

Kennedy said, “There is an old saying that civilization is a constant race between education and catastrophe. In a democracy such as ours, in an age such as this, we must make sure that education wins that race.”

Automation, pollution One of the other areas that Kennedy highlighted was automation: “...(M)achines are replacing men, and men are looking for work.” He went on to say, “We cannot reverse the tide of technology, but lest we become its slave, let us make certain it serves the people.”

Finally, Kennedy spoke to the growing problem of pollution and the ecology: “If we continue to ignore the polluting of our streams, the littering of our national parks, and the waste of our national forests, we will be denying to ourselves and our children a part of their rightful heritage.”

On the international front, one program initiated by President Kennedy to combat the international threats facing the country was the Peace Corps. The Peace Corps was a new “army” designed to assist people of developing nations make “economic and social progress.”

The Kennedy administration encouraged Congress to appropriate millions of dollars to the new and fledgling agency NASA to make America first in its quest to win the space race.

Improved safety net Domestically, President Kennedy signed legislation raising the minimum wage, increasing Social Security benefits, and provided federal aid to cities to improve housing and transporta-

erate acts,” “indulgence, consent, or acquiescence.”

A Senate hearing is not the place to have “indulgence.” It is not the place to necessarily offer acquiescence. It is the place to ask hard questions and to demand uneasy answers.

It is not the place, apparently, for an intelligent African-American woman to do her job, given that Senator Richard Burr seems to think that Black women don’t get to ask hard questions.

Not the first time We’ve been down this road before. A couple of months ago, Senator Elizabeth Warren (DMA) was shut down when she attempted to read a letter that the late Coretta Scott King wrote about current Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

Her colleagues voted to halt her remarks because of some obscure rule that prevents senators from criticizing their colleagues.

More importantly, they voted to treat her in a way that they had treated no man, just like they voted to scold Senator Harris.

Senator Harris will not back down from her senatorial detractors. A seasoned prosecutor who has clawed her way up the political hierarchy in California, she is a woman who does not play. She

OSAMA HAJJAJ, JORDAN

tion.

In terms of civil rights, Kennedy used the power of the presidency to support James Meredith’s attempt to integrate the University of Mississippi and ordered his brother, Attorney General Robert Kennedy, to protect the Freedom Riders in the South.

President Lyndon Johnson was able to carry forward other Kennedy initiatives such as Medicare, federal support for education, and wilderness protection as part of his “Great Society” program.

Since the end of the Johnson administration, there has been a dramatic shift in the focus of the American government. Subsequent presidents, Republican and Democrat, have worked to undo many of these social programs.

‘Political plaything’ As Dr. King stated, there was a real promise of hope for the poor – both Black and White – through the poverty program... Then came the buildup in Vietnam, and I watched this program broken and eviscerated, as if it were some idle political plaything of a society gone mad on war...”

Americans have been convinced to shift away from the idea that government should work in the best interest of the collective, “We the People...”. We are now focused on and supporting the machinations of what Sen. Lindsey Graham called a “...race-baiting, xenophobic religious bigot.”

Budgets are numeric representations of priorities. Trump’s budget slashes assistance to the urban poor and a proposed $6.2 billion cut from HUD’s budget.

didn’t back down, and she won’t back down.

All she wants, and all we want, are answers about what has happened about the Comey firing, the FBI investigations – and more.

As a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, she is entitled to push as aggressively as required, and she must be allowed to have no pushback.

How dare Richard Burr chastise her about courtesy? We are experiencing the most discourteous presidential administration that we ever have.

Reagan was different Seasoned politicos remember the Reagan administration as an ideological shift, but not a total absence of courtesy. Ronald Reagan, totally flawed, was at least affable.

Number 45 is a mean, myopic, narcissistic, odious and rude man. And his minions, like Richard Burr, are especially going to have his back when a Black woman is pushing the envelope.

Several other senators, equally pointed, were allowed to go after the liars. Only Senator Kamala Harris was pushed.

I am lifting up Senator Harris and reminding myself of the words she offered at her victory

Charles W. Cherry II, Esq., Publisher

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He proposed cutting the overall HHS budget by 17.9 percent and the EPA would lose $2.6 billion out of its current $8.1 billion in funding.

His proposed budget will impact programs such as Meals on Wheels. It also targets the Department of Health and Human Services with a nearly 18 percent cut next year and the National Institutes of Health, which would see their budgets cut by $5.8 billion.

On wrong side All of these cuts to important domestic programs that support the poor, public health and the environment, while increasing military spending in the coming fiscal year by 10 percent, or $54 billion. He’s erring on the wrong side of the macroeconomic model of “guns or butter.”

In the wake of the 100th birthday of the 35th president, John Kennedy, we have a clear comparison to our current and 45th president, Donald Trump.

The comparisons are stark and realities frightening. We’ve gone from the vision of Kennedy’s “New Frontier” to Trump’s racist and mythic “Make America Great Again,” or America the usual.

Dr. Wilmer Leon is producer/ host of the nationally broadcast call-in talk radio program “Inside the Issues with Wilmer Leon,” on SiriusXM Satellite radio channel 126. Contact him via www.wilmerleon. com. Click on this commentary at www.daytonatimes.com to write your own response.

party on November 8, 2016.

“It is the very nature of this fight for civil rights and justice and equality that whatever gains we make, they will not be permanent. So we must be vigilant,” Harris said. “Do not despair. Do not be overwhelmed. Do not throw up our hands when it is time to roll up our sleeves and fight for who we are.”

On our side Senator Harris is fighting for us, and we have got to have her back. Shame on Richard Burr and the others who would silence her.

Why would they muzzle her but not their male colleagues? There should be no indulgence here, no acquiescence.

Senator Harris should not back down, break down, or stand down. She is fully within her rights to fight oppression. This is about race, and gender, and the power of patriarchy. This is the ugliness that we must fight.

Julianne Malveaux is a Washington, D.C.-based economist and writer. Her latest book, “Are We Better Off? Race, Obama and Public Policy,” is available at www.juliannemalveaux.com. Click on this commentary at www.daytonatimes.com to write your own response.

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5 7

M ANATION YOR

JUNE 15 –14JUNE DECEMBER - 20, 21, 20062017

much higher in the past.

“Today, there are lots of wouldbe workers on the sidelines not being counted, who would take a job if offered one,” the post said.

“And, the drop in the unemployment rate in the past month is more of a sign of people giving up on finding a job than more people becoming employed.”

The EPI post said that the American economy should not only be adding jobs, but also experiencing stronger wage growth.

New wage bill

JOSE M. OSORIO/CHICAGO TRIBUNE/TNS

Vivian Grayson, 18, left, works on 19-year-old Francisca Garcia’s fingernails as Kayla Johnson, 19, center, watches May 3 at Chicago Excel Academy of Southwest. Students were getting their hair styled and fingernails done in preparation for job interviews.

Young people who look to retail jobs for summer cash could be impacted by the closing of so many stores around the country.

Black unemployment rate falls for wrong reasons Job growth slows, Black workers exit labor market in May

BY FREDDIE ALLEN NNPA NEWS SERVICE

Black workers continued to experience lackluster job growth under the Trump administration, according to the latest jobs report from the Labor Department.

Although the share of Black workers in the population that held jobs (employment-population ratio or E-POP), ticked up from 57.6 percent in April to 57.7

percent in May and the unemployment rate decreased from 7.9 percent to 7.5 percent, the latest numbers also indicated that some Black workers exited the labor market.

The 7.5 percent Black unemployment rate is more than double the jobless rate of White workers, a stubborn disparity that has existed for decades.

Even though the jobless rate for White workers also decreased last month, it was likely because they stopped looking for work too. In fact, all three key labor market indicators (unemployment rate, labor force participation rate and employment-pop-

ulation ratio) declined for White workers in May.

A closer look Both White and Black working men over 20 years old lost ground in the labor market last month. So did White women, who not only left the labor market, but were also employed at lower rates in May than the previous month.

Meanwhile, Black women entered the labor market and found jobs at higher rates in May compared to April. The labor force participation rate for Black women increased from 62.7 percent April to 62.9 percent in May. The

employment-population ratio also increased from 58.4 percent in April to 58.6 percent in May. In a blog about the labor market for the Economic Policy Institute (EPI), researchers noted that job growth has slowed.

“Adding in May’s 138,000 net new jobs, monthly job growth averaged 162,000 so far in 2017, and just 121,000 over the last three months, down from an average monthly gain of 187,000 jobs in 2016,” the post said. “While employment growth would be expected to slow as the economy approaches genuine full employment, other indicators suggest we are not that close to full employment yet, so this explanation seems insufficient.”

Wage growth needed Although the national unemployment rate was 4.3 percent in May, the lowest in 16 years, the EPI post said that the labor force participation rate had been

Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.), recently joined Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) and Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Patty Murray (D-Wash.) to introduce H.R. 15, the “Raise the Wage Act of 2017.”

In a statement about the bill, Scott said that it’s been 10 years since we last raised the minimum wage.

“While 29 states have taken action to raise their wages above the federal minimum since then, minimum wage workers in 21 states are still paid $7.25 an hour. This leaves a full-time, year-round worker with a dependent child living below the federal poverty threshold,” said Scott.

“Today’s low-wage workers earn less per hour, adjusted for inflation, than their counterparts did 50 years ago, but productivity has nearly doubled over that same time period. That is unacceptable.”

‘Long overdue’ Scott said that the “Raise the Wage Act of 2017” provides an important contrast between the Democrats’ agenda for working families and the agenda of President Trump and Congressional Republicans.

“President Trump and the [Republican] majority have used the 115th Congress and the beginning of the Trump administration to roll back safety and health protections, to attempt to take away health care from 23 million Americans, to undermine civil rights enforcement, and to advance legislation that would deny workers their hard-earned overtime pay,” said Scott. “By passing the ‘Raise the Wage Act,’ we can ensure that no one who works hard and plays by the rules has to live in poverty.”

Scott continued: “Passing the ‘Raise the Wage Act’ is the right thing to do. It’s the fair thing to do. And it’s long overdue.”

HBCU students ‘Discover the Unexpected’ with Black Press

BY NONI MARSHALL AND ALEXA IMANI SPENCER NNPA NEWS SERVICE

The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) kicked off the second year of the “Discover The Unexpected” (DTU) Journalism Fellowship program with an “Immersion” event in Detroit, Michigan.

Chevrolet, the sponsor of the program, hosted the student scholars and a handful of NNPA publishers and editors for an interactive experience designed to prepare the fellows for a summer of working with the Black Press.

The 2017 DTU journalism fellows are Alexa Imani Spencer and Noni Marshall from Howard University; Kelsey Jones and Taylor Burris from Spelman College; Jordan Fisher and Tiana Hunt from Clark Atlanta University; and Ayron Lewallen and Darrell Williams from Morehouse College.

Vehicle provided The trip commenced with a welcome ceremony at a repurposed firehouse that serves as the commercial studio of Ed Welburn, the former vice president of Global Design at General Motors (GM).

Representatives from GM and the NNPA greeted the fellows. The all-new 2018 Chevrolet Equinox was parked at the entrance.

Chevrolet sent an all-new Equinox to each of the participating NNPA member publications for the DTU fellows to use for a month during the program.

Inspirational words After a welcome from the program’s team, Dr. Benjamin Chavis, president and CEO of the NNPA and Michelle Alexander, the diversity marketing manager for Chevrolet, delivered remarks. Serving as this year’s

Road Trip Navigator, Jamilah Lemieux, vice president of News and Men’s Programming for Interactive One’s, expressed the importance of Black media.

“I am a firm believer in the urgency of protecting the future of Black media, of making sure that we have ample opportunity to not just tell our stories well, because we’ve always been able to tell our stories well, but to amplify them,” Lemieux said.

The final day of the Detroit immersion event included an inspirational speech from Chavis at GM headquarters. He reminded the fellows that they represented an emerging generation of journalists.

Chavis also noted that this year marks the 190th anniversary of the Black Press in America.

“This is an opportunity not just to reaffirm [our] 190-year legacy, but to represent that legacy in new and more profound ways that match the challenges and opportunities we face in our communities,” Chavis said.

Time with mentors The DTU fellows were given the opportunity to meet with representatives from the NNPA member newspapers, where they will work this summer; Shalon Bell from The Atlanta Voice; Adria Jervay of The Carolinian, based in Raleigh, N.C.; David Baker of The Louisiana Weekly, based in New Orleans; and Kevin McNeir from The Washington Informer, in Washington, D.C. In breakout sessions, the senior newspaper staffers shared their expectations with their new writers.

Anxious to get started, the fellows asked questions and marveled at the history of the newspapers they were soon to join.

There was excitement in the air after the student scholars connected with the editors and representatives from the NNPA member publications.

FREDDIE ALLEN/NNPA

The 2017 NNPA “Discover The Unexpected Journalism Fellows are from left to right: Noni Marshall, Alexa Spencer, Darrell Williams, Tiana Hunt, Ayron Lewallen, Taylor Burris, Jordan Fisher and Kelsey Jones.

“I was impressed by the immense love we have received from the whole General Motors staff, NNPA, and the fellows,” said Jordan Fisher, who will join Kelsey Jones at The Atlanta Voice. “I don’t take that for granted. It’s refreshing to see that and feel it.”

To learn more about NNPA “Discover The Unexpected” Journalism Fellowship program, visit www.nnpa.org/dtu.

Alexa Spencer and Noni Marshall are 2017 DTU Journalism Fellows and Howard University students, who are creating content for The Washington Informer this summer.

Follow Alexa on Twitter @alexaimani. Follow Noni on Twitter @noni_nnpadtu.

COURTESY OF CHEVROLET

Jordan Fisher, a student at Clark Atlanta University, is shown with the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox.

7 CLASSIFIEDS

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7

M A YNEWS OR

JUNE 15 – JUNE 21, 2017 COMMUNITY DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006

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

A large crowd attends the 44th annual banquet of the local NAACP branch on June 10 at the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort.

BANQUET from Page 1

ally dedicated to civil rights and social justice. He served on every committee, including budget and planning. I could always go to him for advice. He knew all our bylaws and protocols. He was quiet, reserved and wise. He knew how to use words. He always knew what to say and both the right way and time to say things.’’

Unity speech Clifton Taulbert, the banquet speaker, talked about community building and unity.

“As long as we stay separated we will never understand the power of us. Building community is a process, not a project. We are building lives. It is a never-ending process. It takes time and unselfishness to build community,” Taulbert told the crowd.

Taulbert is a world renowned speaker and former banker. He also is founder and president of the Freemont Corporation, which consults on human capital development and organizational effectiveness.

His books include “When We Were Colored,” which was featured in a film starring Phylicia Rashad; “Eight Habits of the Heart of Educators” and “Who Owns the Ice House: Eight Lessons from and Unlikely Entrepreneur.’’

‘We need ‘them’ The speaker honored those who paved a way for his success.

“We all need a ‘them.’ Nobody makes this journey of life alone.

My journey was made possible because of ‘them.’ My grandfather did it first just by taking me on a simple trip to the city of Greenville, Mississippi. Walk if you have too. Those before us always took that walk. If you truly cared about the generation behind us, you would walk amongst them,” Taulbert related.

Opening doors for others also was encouraged.

Taulbert expressed, “The door was open for me. I must open the door for others. In every life, we must take opportunities that God gave us. We must open the door.

We must ask a kid if they want to see something else?”

The speaker also talked about his humble beginnings during the banquet.

“As a child, I knew people of the Mississippi Delta. People who had no privilege, no power, or no position of power, but they were willing to share what little they did have,” he said.

Scholarships for grads The NAACP honored graduates during the evening program.

Mainland High graduates Ke’aira Floyd, Charles H. Fordham and Tyla Plowden along with Atlantic High graduate Jared Adkins received $1,000 scholarships.

“I’m honored and I thank the NAACP for thinking of me for the scholarship. Going to college every amount of money helps,” Floyd said.

Takela Carter, Olga M. Card, Shalonda Tillman and Rose Wood of Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church sang at the banquet.

Fordham echoed, “It’s humbling to know that the NAACP felt that I was deserving of a scholarship. It’s a blessing and I hope that I can follow the legacy that was laid out before me.”

College bound Floyd has a 3.5 grade point average and is dual enrolled at Daytona State College where she will earn her associate’s degree over the summer. She will attend Bethune-Cookman University, major in English, and possibly double major in communications.

She also will be in the school’s dance troupe.

Fordham played football at Mainland and posted a 3.58 GPA. He will attend Jacksonville University, major in sports business management and play football.

Plowden boast a 3.3 GPA; she also will attend B-CU in the fall and wants to study hospitality.

Adkins has a 3.59 GPA and will attend Bethune-Cookman to study music with an emphasis on technology. He will be in the band.

Cynthia Slater honors Paula Reed.

Mary Fears accepts the posthumous award for her husband.

Praise for NAACP They are fond of the NAACP’s work and legacy.

I think the NAACP is a wonderful organization that works for the acknowledgements and rights of African-Americans and all people. They have really paved the way for us youth on how to do things and ensuring equality and justice,” Fordham stated.

“The past two years I have really been getting in touch with my roots. The NAACP fights for what I believe in. I will be joining. I want to stand for equality, voting rights, civil rights and especially women’s rights. I want to make my community better and ensure that people have what they need to survive.”

Along with the graduates, other awards went to the League of Women Voters of Volusia County (Civic Engagement Award)

Cynthia Slater and Dr. Walter Fordham present $1,000 scholarships to high school graduates. and Medallion Health Care Services, LLC (Community Service Award). Keona and Sean Barnwell run Medallion Health Care Services, which provides case management services.

Performers, officials Radio personality JoJo Danc-

er of Orlando’s Star 94.5 FM was the emcee for the second year.

Elected officials who attended included Florida State Rep. Patrick Henry, Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood, Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry, Daytona Beach City Commissioners Dannette Henry and

Ruth Trager as well as DeLand City Commissioner Jessica Davis.

Uplifting musical selections were provided by the Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church Praise Team comprised of Takela Carter, Olga M. Card, Shalonda Tillman and Rose Wood.

R8

7COMMUNITY NEWS

JUNE 15 – JUNE 21, 2017

Sorority sets date for Men of Tomorrow finale The Gamma Mu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. will present 10 young men during its biennial Men of Tomorrow program finale on Saturday, June 17.

The public is invited to the free event scheduled at 7 p.m. in the Mary McLeod Bethune Performing Arts Center, 698 W. International Speedway Boulevard. There is no charge.

Participants this year are Nathan Butts, Jamie Cooper, Charles Fordham III, Devan Harris, Benny Mitchell III, Ar’Mondre Paulk, Juston Roberts, O’Dregon Smith, Mark Wiggins and Wesley Wright.

Community involvement The event marks the culmination of several months of workshops, trips and community service projects, including helping members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity stage a community Easter Egg Hunt.

The young men also attended several workshops on various topics and toured African-American histor-

July 1 event to include music, slam poets Creative Happiness Institute (CHI) has teamed up with Thank You Five (TY5) Theatre in Port Orange for an evening of pyrotechnic poetry and music to celebrate the holiday weekend.

The program, 7 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 1, will feature singer/songwriter Ysa Fernandez and her band together with prize-winning slam poet Troy Kody Cunio.

Volusia Poet Laureate Dr. David B. Axelrod and slam poet and music producer Scott Velazco will host the evening, made possible in part by a grant from the Cultural Council of Volusia County. There will also be an open mic for all styles of poets, singers, and songwriters. A cash prize will be given for the best performance of the night.

ical sites in Daytona Beach, among other things. Lastly, they took part in a special Rites of Passage Ritual last month where they had the opportunity to share with family and friends how the program has affected their lives thus far.

Leadership focus The focus of the program, which the chapter has presented for more than three decades, is to develop the potential, desire and responsibility within the boys to assume the mantle of leadership. The program is open to high school juniors and seniors that live in Volusia County.

“The hours of preparation that go into the presentation is just the tip of the iceberg in comparison to the things that they will be exposed to as they travel toward lives that matter to their individual families, the communities they live in and ultimately to the world,” said Belinda WilliamsCollins, co-chair of the Men of Tomorrow program.

Central Florida native Ysa Fernandez is a multi-instrumentalist singer/songwriter weaving her style from the foundations of jazz, rock, and pop. The front woman and bassist will be accompanied

by Matt Marseglia and Matt Cecil, who are also the owners and head engineers of Bable Blue Studios in New Smyrna Beach.

Velazco is a poet, recording engineer, and assistant professor of Music Production Technology at Daytona State College.

Cunio lives in Orlando and tours extensively as a slam poet.

He won the first Poetry Slam Incorporated online slam.

“You ought to try this evening of entertainment,” Axelrod said. “Slam is like fireworks and it should be a great way to celebrate the 4th of July.” Admission is $5.

The theater is located at 4606 Clyde Morris Blvd. in Port Orange (Unit 2N) and can be reached at 386-295-5695.

For more information, email David Axelrod at axelrod@creativehappiness.org, or call 386337-4567.

Mark Wiggins

Ar’Mondre Paulk

Charles Fordham III Nathan Butts

Juston Roberts

O’Dregon Smith

Devan Harris

Wesley Wright

Benny Mitchell III

Jamie Cooper

Caribbean Crew is an awardwinning reggae band based in Florida.

Deltona concert changed to June 24 The reggae and calypso band Caribbean Crew will perform at the Music in the Amphitheater, 7-9 p.m. June 24 at the Deltona Amphitheater, 2150 Eustace Ave. The concert scheduled for June 10 was cancelled because of bad weather. The band’s visit is in celebration of Caribbean American Heritage Month.

Family first.

This is a chance to celebrate the gift of togetherness—with the people who remind you what life is all about. Your family.

Learn how Publix can help make it a family reunion to remember at publix.com/familyreunion.

Caribbean Crew is an award-winning Florida steel drum band. The band has been named a national winner of the Gigmasters Rising Star Award for the “Top Steel Drum Band in North America.”

The band performs steel drum music, calypso, reggae and music from just about all of the Islands.

Food trucks will be in the parking lot of the amphitheater and will begin serving at 6 p.m. Admission is free. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted.

For more information about events at the amphitheater, call the City’s Parks & Recreation Department at 386-878-8900.