135 participate in Elisha J. Strapp Golf Tournament See page 5
U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit #189 Daytona Beach, FL
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GEORGE E. CURRY: Affirmative action polls PRESORTED STANDARD show deep racial gulf See page 4
NBA DRAFT: Playing 20 questions with this season’s batch of professional basketball prospects See page 7
East Central Florida’s Black Voice
www.daytonatimes.com www.daytonatimes.com
JUNE 27 - JULY 3, 2013
YEAR 38 NO. 26
Big drop in Blacks working for city
PEOPLE SPEAK
Commissioner Paula Reed upset at dwindling number of African-Americans and women on Daytona payroll BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES harperjames59@yahoo.com
Daytona Beach City Manager Jim Chisholm said during last week’s commission meeting that when the late Mayor Yvonne Scarlett Golden was mayor from 2003 to 2006 “she addressed the issue of diversity as well as issues of the different camps in
the community and how to bring them together.” He said, “She brought to light what is embodied in every city. That is, the greatness of people who live here without regards to color of skin or station in life. She always found a place for everybody she came in touch with.’’ But under Chisholm’s watch as city manager, who was hired by Scarlett-Golden, Blacks have been impacted when decisions were made to eliminate city jobs.
Overall dip since 2003 An investigation by the Daytona Times also indicates Blacks in general were not hired to replace those who retired or left the city’s
staff for other reasons. The Times has learned that under Chisholm’s watch the percentage of Blacks working for the city has declined. City records show the number of people working for the city since 2003, when Scarlett-Golden was mayor, has dropped from 947 to 768. The number of Blacks working for the city is now 141 compared to 586 Whites. Blacks make up only 18 percent of the city’s workforce compared to 20 percent in 2003. In 2003, there were 736 White city employees compared to 189 Blacks. Overall, the number of White employees dropped 736 to 586. Blacks dropped from 189 to 141. The number of Hispanics work-
ing for the city now is 29, 12 more than in 2003. They currently make up 4 percent of the city’s workforce.
Paula Reed
Protective services numbers up
Blacks saw the biggest decline in skilled craft workers (2003 to 2013) from 36 down to five. Black paraprofessionals went from 12 to zero. Black technicians dropped from 23 to 11. Blacks saw a rise in numbers in protective services go from 30 to 49. The number of Black officials
Mt. Bethel celebrates 128th anniversary Mt. Bethel’s Baptist Institutional Church celebrated its 128th-year history with a special service at the church on June 23. The Rev. Dr. Eugene S. Hudson is currently interim pastor of the church. At the service, retired Volusia County educator Eartha Sims Watson gave an overview of the church’s rich history. Watson, also was chairman of the church’s 128th anniversary committee. Read an excerpt of her findings on the church’s history on page 3.
BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES harperjames59@yahoo.com
Above: Eartha Watson Sims, the 128th church anniversary committee chairwoman, holds a cake featuring a photo of Mt. Bethel Baptist Institutional Church in Daytona Beach. She has been chronicling the history of the church. Left: Deacon Andrew Moore welcomed everyone to the service and presented the occasion. PHOTOS COURTESTY OF BETHEL BAPTIST INSTITUTIONAL CHURCH
Judge to hear dismissal motion filed by B-CU in hazing case Bethune-Cookman University has been granted a July 1 hearing after the school’s attorneys filed a motion for dismissal in a case in which the mother alleges that her son died as a result of hazing while pledging a fraternity at B-CU. On behalf of her son, Marcus Thomas, Michelle Thomas also is suing Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America, Inc.; B-CU employee Lamar D. Bryant; and Marcus Allen, a “big brother’’ to the pledges and B-CU student. Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America is a fraternity for music students.
Please see PAYROLL, Page 2
Lentz, White tough on CFCDC CEO over payment of loan
This far by faith
BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES harperjames59@yahoo.com
and administrators remained the same at six while the number of Whites rose from 30 to 33. The number of Blacks working in service maintenance fell from 39 to 33. The report revealed the change in the number of minorities Blacks, Asians, Hispanics (which doesn’t include women) – in each city department (2003 vs. 2013). In the city attorney’s department, the number of minorities remained at two; city clerk’s office went from two to three. In Development Services, minorities dropped from 40 to 34 and the city manager’s office stayed at two. Public Works saw the biggest drop – from 71 to 48. Minorities in
Judge Terence Perkins will hear the dismissal motion at 3 p.m. July 1 at the Daytona Beach Courthouse Annex, 125 East Orange Ave. Marcus Thomas died in a car accident on Feb. 10, 2012, after returning from Marcus a pledging activity. Thomas
Suit alleges abuse The mom’s complaint alleges that hazing activities were conducted both on and off campus. ‘Some of the pledging activities involved pledges dressing in all black where they
would be physically assaulted and battered. During the pledging process, pledges would be forced to be on a “Pledge diet,” where they were not allowed to eat. Also pledges were required to stay up all night and into the early morning hours, memorizing and reciting fraternity history and facts, clean fraternity members houses and run errands for the members. Pledges would be quizzed on the fraternity’s history and if the fraternity was not satisfied with the answers the pledges would be assaulted,” Thomas stated in her lawsuit. She also stated that pledges were forced to attend music sessions that lasted over eight hours and did not begin until 8 p.m. Please see CASE, Page 6
Two Daytona Beach commissioners recently verbally attacked Central Florida Community Development Corporation CEO Gerald Chester and threatened to default on a loan he received from the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), which he used to construct and open a restaurant, ice cream shop and renovate an apartment complex in Midtown. But a majority of the members of the local CRA board supported Chester’s efforts to make a difference in the predominantly Black area of Daytona Beach and eventually all voted to give him until their next meeting on July 3 to come up with a business plan so they can vote up or down on an extension on a loan payment until October. Daytona Beach Zone 1 Commissioner Carl Lentz and Zone 3 Commissioner Kelly White were the most vocal opponents of Chester and his project. The CRA board is made up of all six Daytona Beach commissioners and the mayor.
Chided by Lentz, White Zone 2 Commissioner Pam Woods apologized to Chester for she assumed he was notified two weeks prior to the meeting that they wanted a business plan from him before delaying a loan payment to the CRA. “When we continued this, I thought we were continuing so we could have this information. I don’t know why this wasn’t conveyed to you sooner. We asked for it two weeks ago. If you got the request Friday, I’m sorry,” Woods said. Lentz and White were not as sympathetic. “We are refinancing a non-performing loan. I asked for an updated business plan with strategies,’’ Lentz said to Chester at the CRA meeting at City Hall on June 19. White said she sees the board in the role of a bank representing the taxpayers. “We made the loan. Are you willing to put up collateral? You don’t have financial information on the entity you want to restructure the loan,” piped in White.
Financial difficulties Chester tried to explain to White an Please see LOAN, Page 6
7FOCUS
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JUNE 27 – JULY 3, 2013
Nation’s first Black paratrooper Walter Morris continues to make a difference in Flagler A revered person in Palm Coast once mentioned that I should resonate stories about people because generally no one will tell our story but us. And so, my story of Walter Morris resonates a collaboration with Madalin Olivia Trigg Price, Ph.D. En route, Dr. Price charted her course in radio, TV and film. She’s a retired faculty member from the Communications Department at Xavier University of Louisiana. Walter Morris is our nation’s first African-American to serve as a United States paratrooper. He was born Jan. 23, 1921, in Waynesboro, Ga., expending his formative years between Waynesboro, New York City, and Newark, N.J. It was in Waynesboro that Morris graduated from high school in 1939 and began an apprenticeship as a bricklayer. In the next two years, he became a soldier in the Army, and was stationed at Fort Benning, Ga. In 1943, he transferred to the Service Company of the Parachute School from the reception center as a classification clerk. Morris said, in the role as the first sergeant, “I thought it was my duty to instill some self-esteem in the men.
“As servants, that’s what they were,” reiterates Morris. “Their self-esteem was low, and they had an inferiority complex.” They were not permitted in the post exchange and theater. The Army had erected a small exchange and theater for the ‘colored’ soldiers. They were segregated servants with menial jobs as drivers, guards, and cooks to serve the White troops. “When we walked past the post exchange, we could see the German and Italian prisoners sitting at tables...drinking and smoking, and we, in the same uniforms, could not go in.” said Morris.
Made good impression The White paratroopers maneuvered training at jump school in an area adjacent to the “colored’’ barracks. When they left the training area, Morris had his men double-time out to the area, where the White paratroopers had trained and to pattern maneuvers as if they were dropping from the fuselage of C-47 aircrafts. One day while Morris’ company simulated jumping out the mock-up planes, shouting “1,000, 2,000,” as paratroopers do when they jump from a plane and do
a victory parade along New York’s Fifth Avenue. And because they were the last marchers, Fox Movietone News turned their cameras off when the Black soldiers came into view. “We integrated the United States Army...” said Morris, “and we did that almost a year before President Truman integrated the Armed Forces by Executive Order.”
Retired in 1984 Walter Morris is shown in 2012 with daughter Crystal Morris Poole, right, and Eunice Holder, wife of Mortgage Elimination Chairman Lionel Holder. They were at the African American Cultural Society’s mortgage-burning party.
Palm Coast
Community news
By Jeroline D. Mccarthy | Daytona Times strenuous calisthenics, a visitor appeared. Lieutenant General Ridgley Gaither, commander of the paratrooper airborne school, was passing the training field and sighted the soldiers. He told his driver to stop so the men could be observed. When he returned to his office, he told his aide to have the first sergeant report the following morning. Morris explained that the general was impressed and confident that he (Gaither) would get orders from the adjutant general to activate the 555th Paratroop Infantry Company with all “colored troops.’’ Morris was thrilled to be asked to command the company.
Integrated Army The ‘”colored’’ paratroopers did not engage in combat overseas during World War II, but instead fought forest fires. Referred to as smoke jumpers, the
Community Calendar To list your community event FREE, e-mail us at news@daytonatimes. com. No phone calls or faxes, please. Events are listed on a space-available basis, and in the sole discretion of the Daytona Times staff. Effective immediately, paid events will no longer be listed in the Daytona Times Community Calendar. You can advertise local events for as little as $35 per week. Call 813-319-0961 or email sales@daytonatimes for more information.
Compiled by the Daytona Times Vegetable gardening class scheduled Learn how to grow vegetables during a free program at 1 p.m. on July 10 at the Daytona Beach Regional Library at City Island. Master Gardener Randy Spaulding will share his knowledge about planting and vegetables in Florida. Participants may bring a sick plant and find out what’s wrong with it. More information: Call Deborah Shafer at 386257-6036, ext. 16264. Reading program starts at center Children in grades 1 to 5 can learn and laugh this summer at the John H. Dickerson Heritage Library, 411 S. Keech St., Daytona Beach. Reading logs are available for the popular summer reading program. Children can enter a prize drawing every time they finish a book. Special programs begin at 3:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Flagler GED program starts July 8 The Road to Success is taking applications for the next semester that starts July 8t. It is a free GED prep and life skills training program designed to help out-of-school youth ages 16-21 become members of the
workforce. More information: Brian Willard, program manager at 386-437-8279. COGIC convocation starts July 9 Gospel music legend Bishop Rance Allen will appear at the annual Holy Convocation of the Church of God in Christ of East Central Florida. This event will take place July 9-12 at the Plaza Resort and Spa, 600 N. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach. This event is free and open to the public. Service times are nightly at 7 p.m. Seminars will be held daily, Wednesday through Friday at 10 a.m. More information: Call Butts Temple COGIC at 386-252-8565 or visit http://www.bmtcogic.org/. Food addiction meetings weekly Addicts In Recovery Anonymous can help those who suffer from food obsession, overeating, undereating and bulimia. It is based upon the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. There are no dues, fees or weigh-ins at meetings. There is a weekly meeting every Saturday, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at United Presbyterian Church, 730 Beville Road, Daytona Beach. Call 386-258-0610 or visit www. foodaddicts.org.
PAYROLL from Page 1 the finance department declined from 22 to 13. In the fire department, minorities increased from 17 to 22 while in the police department, the numbers rose from 50 to 56.
‘Back to all-White males’ The declining number of Blacks working for the city became an issue last week at the June 19 city commission meeting when Zone
unit was trained to jump into areas where Japanese incendiary balloons intentionally started fires in the mountains of the Western United States. It was understood that “no commander in Europe or the Far East wanted ‘colored troops’ mixing with their racist White troops.” ‘Operation Firefly’ was dangerously top secret, which was not reported in 1945 from July to September. Morris said that a stepped-up effort for desegregation had been pushed by our leaders: A. Phillip Randolph, Bayard Rustin, Roy Wilkins, General B. O. Davis, and the Black press. So in 1947, at the end of World War II, “the Triple Nickel” merged into the 82nd Airborne Division as General James M. Gavin had seen how badly the Black troops were treated. He had them become part of
As time passed, Sergeant Morris completed Officer Candidates School, graduating in August 1944 as a Second Lieutenant Paratrooper. So when the 555th Parachute Company, called “the Triple Nickle,” became a battalion, Morris was sent to the Adjutant General School in Fort Sam Houston to train as a Battalion Adjutant, requiring responsibility for all correspondence of the commander. Lieutenant Morris was honorably discharged in 1946 and headed to Seattle to continue his apprenticeship of bricklaying for his father’s business. In 1950, he worked in New York as a union bricklayer and, moving forward, a foreman in 1965, supervising 15 to 25 bricklayers to put up schools and libraries. As part of the BedfordStuyvesant Restoration Corporation Project, initiated by Senator Robert F. Kennedy in 1976 to restore Brooklyn’s inner-city housing, Morris was appointed construction supervisor. He was involved with all the trades for completing the 104-unit apartment complex, as well as the Restoration Mall for the offices of Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm. Morris retired in 1984, and with his wife, Irma – who later on passed away – relocated in 1988 from Springfield Gardens, N.Y. to Palm Coast. The Mor-
McFadden to speak at Mt. Zion’s women conference BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES harperjames59@yahoo.com
Dr. Claudette McFadden will be the guest speaker at the “Fruit of the Spirit” Women’s Conference June 2930 at New Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Daytona Beach. On Saturday, the conference begins at 9 a.m. continues Sunday during the regular worship service, which starts at 10:45 a.m. “The conference is bringing together women from across the community of different faiths, different backgrounds to fellowship together and strategize on how to make our community better.,” said Dr. Evelyn Bethune a co-chair of Dr. Claudette McFadden the event along with Janice Wilson.
First ladies on program Also participating in the conference on Saturday are Maureen Durham, first lady of Greater Friendship Baptist Church; Maria Long, first lady of Tubman-King
Perkins to become chief judge SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
DELAND – Circuit Judge Terence R. Perkins will lead the Seventh Judicial Circuit as chief judge beginning July 1. Elected by the 42 judges in Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns and Volusia counties, Perkins will have administrative supervision over the circuit during his two-year term. He also will continue his duties on the bench, where he currently hears civil cases in Daytona Judge Beach. A judge since 2010, Perkins suc- Terence ceeds Circuit Judge William A. Parsons Perkins whose second term as chief judge ends June 30. Following his chief judge term, Parsons will continue to hear civil cases in Daytona Beach.
6 Commissioner Paula Reed said, “When you think about diversity, when you look at upper management, we are back to all-White males.” “We used to have more people of color and more women who ran the city,” continued Reed, who was reminded that Leisure Services Director Percy Williamson, Community Development Director Emory Counts, City Clerk Jennifer Thomas, and Assistant City Manager Betty Goodman are all Black. “What about middle management,” questioned Reed to city staff as they called out the Black
employees names. Nothing was said.
Resignation riles Reed Reed was upset that city employee James Henderson, a Black male in the planning department, was leaving the city for another job. “I am disturbed we are allowing the only person of color in the planning department that has a degree in planning to actually leave us,” said Reed, implying that something is happening for Blacks to leave the city in disproportionate numbers. Reed said one of Scarlett-
rises are the parents of four daughters.
National recognition Walter Morris became a volunteer at Memorial Hospital (Florida Hospital-Flagler) and a founding member/first treasurer of the African American Cultural Society (AACS). He served tirelessly as chairman of the AACS Christmas Basket Committee, which oversees food and gifts for insolvent families of the county. United States history was made during the pinnacle of Morris’ career, and consequently, in 1990, Agriculture Secretary Mike Espy invited the World War II paratroopers to Washington for a ceremony of appreciation and service. At the time, seven of the original 16 paratroopers were living. He is a sought-after speaker and the subject for awards, print media, documentaries, and TV broadcasts - particularly by journalist/NBC news anchor Tom Brokaw - as well as CNN. Morris is a classical music and opera aficionado, and there was a time he avidly played tennis. We are proud of Walter Morris, and salute his talents, skills, and altruistic contributions to history and the nation. ••• As always, remember our prayers for the sick, afflicted and bereaved.
Happy Birthday to You! Birthday wishes to: Birthday wishes to: Randenese Litkett, James Sharpe, June 22; Monica Baker, June 24; Howard Wilson, June 25. Happy anniversary to: Donald and Shirley Jones, June 24; Errol and Carmel Hooke, June 25.
Community Church; Constance Poitier; and Patricia Heard of Shiloh Baptist Church. The Praise team of Allen Chapel AME and the women of New Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church also will participate. On Sunday, the service will feature gospel recording artist Julia Postell-Grant from Mt. Airy, N.C. McFadden was born in Baltimore, Md. She graduated from Morgan State College where she also worked for the first 13 years of her professional career.
B-CU policy adviser She would eventually relocate to Daytona Beach and work at Bethune-Cookman, becoming the chair of the Department of Speech and Theatre in 1990. She is currently senior policy adviser for B-CU President Edison Jackson. McFadden is the owner of two businesses – Sincerely Yours, formed many years ago in Baltimore and, more recently, Shade Trees, a business that celebrates women and men who have served as parents and caregivers of children that are not biologically their own. She is a member of St. John Missionary Baptist Church. The women’s conference is free and open to the public. Bethune said a goodwill offering will be taken, and lunch will be provided. RSVP by calling 386-253-5697. Perkins earned both his undergraduate and juris doctor degrees from the University of Florida. He spent about 30 years in private practice with the Daytona Beach firm of Monaco, Smith, Hood, Perkins, Orfinger and Stout before his appointment to the bench.
Honored to serve “Judge Parsons led the circuit through a time of tremendous change,” Perkins said. “Due to elections and gubernatorial appointments, eight new judges have joined us in the past two years. We’ve also experienced changes in the way we do business with advances in technology – including electronic filing and a new criminal justice information system in Volusia County. Additionally, foreclosures continue to be a priority across the state as the economy is trying to rebound. “Through all of this, Judge Parsons’ vision and leadership has ensured the fair and efficient administration of justice in our local courts. I’m honored to be able to serve the circuit as chief judge and look forward to the challenges and opportunities that await us.’’
Golden’s initiatives while a city commissioner and then mayor – with the help of former Zone 6 Commissioner Charles W. Cherry, Sr. – “was our city employees (should) reflect what our city looks like.” “At one point, there was more of a reflection and that has changed more recently,” she noted.
‘Worthy of consideration’ According to the 2010 Census, Daytona’s Beach population was 61,005. Of that number, 58 percent were White; 35 percent Black; 6 percent Hispanic; and 2.3 percent Asian.
Mayor Derrick Henry came to Reed’s defense as uneasiness among spectators became evident as she spoke about the topic. “(It’s) a little unsettling when we hear we can make improvements,” he said, noting her comments were “worthy of consideration.” “We want to make sure we are a diverse staff and represent the city we are. We want a high-quality staff, and I don’t think we ever sacrificed that. I don’t think (Reed’s) comments are out of line,” Henry concluded.
JUNE 27 – JULY 3, 2013
COMMUNITY M ANEWS YOR
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DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006
Remembering Mt. Bethel’s 128 years Eartha Sims Watson recounts church’s history during celebration this month Editor’s note: Retired Volusia County Educator Eartha Sims Watson gave a “glimpse” of Mt. Bethel’s Baptist Institutional Church’s 128 year history on June 23 at the church. Here is an excerpt of her speech. Watson, 67, has been lifelong member of the church. Her father, Levi Sims, Sr. played a major role in the church’s growth. Watson, a deaconess of the church, was chairman of the church’s 128th anniversary committee. BY EARTHA SIMS WATSON SPECIAL TO THE DAYTONA TIMES
Mount Bethel Baptist Institutional Church, the “Mother” Church, holds the distinction of being the oldest church for African-Americans in Daytona Beach and represents the first spiritual experience for African-Americans in the city. In 1885 a group of Christians, who were newly freed slaves under the leadership of Rev. Joseph Brook Hankerson, recognized the need for Black people to have a place to worship in this small community, and on June 22, 1885, Mount Bethel was constructed on the corner of Fremont Avenue and Church Street (now Marion Street) in Silver Hill, the south section of the Black community. As the Black population increased in Daytona Beach and the north side of town began to flourish, a need for another church became evident. Members on the north side of town were growing tired of walking to the other side of town, especially at night.
Mount Zion Baptist: The ‘daughter’ church Rev. Hankerson was then asked to organize this new church that had already begun to be formed by members who lived in Midway, the north section of the Black community.
A “Thanksgiving meal” with turkey and ham was fed to visitors and the church’s congregation. Hankerson and those members of Mt. Bethel who transferred their membership named the new church Mount Zion Baptist Church, our “daughter” church, presently known as New Mount Zion Baptist Church on Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard. After a few years of growth, the need for a larger church prompted members to once again construct another building. Reverend A.L. James, the second pastor of Mt. Bethel Baptist Church, is credited with erecting Mt. Bethel on the corner of South Street and Church Street (now Marion Street) in Waycross, the east section of the Black community. This was the location of the second site for Mt. Bethel Baptist Institutional Church.
Nearly 92 years at current sanctuary After outgrowing the second site in Waycross – Daytona, according to the historic photo of the Mt. Bethel congregation photographed on Feb. 23, 1919 – Rev. E.J. Jackson, the fifth pastor of Mt. Bethel chose the current site in New Town, the west section of the Black community. This sanctuary, in which we now worship, was erected on Nov. 1, 1921, (soon to be 92 years ago) by founder, Rev. Joseph Brook Hanker-
son, who returned as the sixth pastor of Mt. Bethel. When Rev. Ingram, our 17th pastor appointed me church historian because of my love for research, documenting history, and telling “the story,” I immediately began to interview Mt. Bethel’s elderly and tape their remembrances. Well before her demise, Sister Narvella Neal, longtime member of Mt. Bethel told me that behind the cornerstone of this church is a steel box containing all the names of original deacons and trustees and other pertinent information.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF MT. BETHEL BAPTIST INSTITUTIONAL CHURCH
Eartha Sims Watson talks to the congregation about the history of the church.
A sight to behold on Nov. 1, 1921 Mrs. Neal also reported that when she was a girl, she recalled that Mr. J.E. Sams -Dr. Howard Thurman’s relative - and other men used a machine to make the bricks for this new structure out of the whitest sand she had ever seen. She said it was a sight to behold when, on Nov. 1, 1921, the membership dressed in white and the choir adorned in white choir robes, marched from Marion Street into this new sanctuary on Campbell Street (now Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard), for their first formal worship service. Florida history documents Rev. Hankerson
Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church’s choir performed during Mt. Bethel’s Baptist Institutional Church’s 128th anniversary celebration. as having been pastor of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Tallahassee (founded in 1871) during his 18-year absence from this church. It is unknown how long Rev. Hankerson remained our pastor during his second term, but research records indicate that he died in 1927 at the age of 69 after contributing greatly to the African-American experience in Daytona Beach in the areas of religion, education and civic affairs.
Early baptisms at river The interior of Mt. Bethel was completed under seventh pastor, Rev. J.M. Moses. My dad, Brother Levi Sims Sr., stated “there was to be a balcony in the sanctuary, but was never completed, mainly due to finances.’’ He also told me that baptisms were held at the river, and that people were taken there on a horse driven wagon. These antique stained glass windows bear witness to families’ memorials and church auxiliaries, one of which was the Women’s Home Mission with President Ida E. Jenkins, a relative of our current Deaconess Izora Boswell. Deacon Carlton Clark, Sr., my late first cousin, recalled that when people became upset with one thing or the other at the church, they moved on and started another church. Clark said such was the case when Shiloh Baptist Church grew out of members from Mt. Bethel, and is therefore referred to as Mt. Bethel’s “Sister” Church, and Providence Baptist Church was started from members of Shiloh.
Owns parsonage, apartments Mt. Bethel’s one and only mortgage was burned in November 1944, almost 69 years ago. Properties adjacent to the church and at the northeast corner of South and Division Streets were acquired. Know that the pews on which we currently sit were purchased more than 67 years, and that Mt. Bethel continues to operate on the same theme, “A Challenging Church Serving a Challenging Christ” penned 36 years ago. Mt. Bethel owns two
buildings – the church parsonage and Pruden Arms Apartments. Mt. Bethel has had an elevator for 30 plus years. Dr. Howard Thurman, a national and international theologian and renowned author, grew up right here in Mt. Bethel with my father, Levi Sims, Sr., as his boyhood friend and were friends right up to his death in 1981. Mt. Bethel’s library was named The Howard Thurman Religious Resource Center by Deaconess Loretta O. Wright. My dad was one of two childhood friends of Thurman who cut the ribbon to the library on Sunday, Jan. 29, 1989.
‘On the move’ For the past four years, Mt. Bethel’s Trustees have been instrumental in making major physical improvements to the church, apartments, and parsonage and bringing them up to code as requested by the City of Daytona Beach. Laboring tirelessly on countless internal and cosmetic renovations, specific projects undertaken by the Trustees include: renovation of both male and female restrooms to make them handicap-accessible; and the installation of an audio room equipped with a new sound system, the first of its kind for Mt. Bethel; renovating the kitchen and upgrading the industrial stove; and installing new carpet in Matthews Fellowship Hall. Mt. Bethel has certainly been “on the move”, and was awarded its status as a 5013c organization in 2011. Our Board of Trustees is currently in the process of getting Mt. Bethel Baptist Institutional Church registered as a “historic landmark” in the National Register of Historic Places.
GOSPEL HALLELUJAH WORLD WIDE RADIO MINISTRIES Hosted by: Pastor Harold Ford and Prophetess Deborah Ford LISTEN TO WPUL 1590 Saturdays 10 am -noon Sundays 5am- 7am & 1pm-3pm Listen online at: www.wpul1590.com website: www.gospelhallelujah.com
Come let the Holy Ghost Get Ya!
7 EDITORIAL
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JUNE 27 – JULY 3, 2013
Affirmative action polls show deep racial gulf In the months leading up to this week’s Supreme Court decision on affirmative action, a public opinion poll by ABC News and the Washington Post showed that 76 percent of Americans oppose affirmative action in college admissions. However, a poll conducted by the Public Religion Research Institute showed that 68 percent of Americans favor the principles behind affirmative action. How do Americans really feel about affirmative action? The short answer is that it depends on how the question is asked. The ABC/Washington Post question, asked June 5-9, was posed this way: “Overall, do you support or oppose allowing universities to consider applicants’ race as a factor in deciding which students to admit?” Of those responding, 76 percent opposed, 22 percent voiced support and 2 percent were undecided. Public Religion Research Institute, which conducted a poll May 15-19, phrased its question differently: “In order to make up for past discrimination, do you favor or oppose programs which make special efforts to help blacks and other minorities get ahead?” More than two-thirds of the respondents – 68 percent – favored such efforts, 24 percent opposed, 6 percent were unsure and 2 percent provided other replies.
Wording of question Note the wording of the questions. The ABC/Washington Post question provided no context for evaluating affirmative action admissions, only whether respon-
George E. Curry NNPA COLUMNIST
dents support or oppose using race as a factor. On the other hand, the Public Religion Research Institute approach placed the issue within the context of “past discrimination” and using “special efforts” to help people of color get ahead. An NBC/Wall Street Journal poll, conducted May 30-June 2, showed Americans evenly divided on the issue. Respondents were asked to choose between two statements: A) Affirmative action programs are still needed to counteract the effects of discrimination against minorities, and are a good idea as long as there are no rigid quotas and B) Affirmative action programs have gone too far in favoring minorities, and should be ended because they unfairly discriminate against whites. In that poll, 45 percent of the respondents said affirmative action programs are still needed to counteract the effects of discrimination against people of color. But the same margin – 45 percent – said they feel the programs have gone too far and should be ended because they unfairly discriminate against Whites.
African-Americans strongly believe affirmative action programs are still needed, compared to only 20 percent of Whites and 39 percent of Hispanics. Another 11 percent of Blacks feel affirmative action should continue, but did not feel as strongly about it. Among Hispanics, 29 percent were in that category and 14 percent of Whites. When supporters – strong and not as strong – are added together, 82 percent of African-Americans want to retain affirmative action, compared to 68 percent of Hispanics and 34 percent of Whites. When you add the two categories of those wanting to abolish affirmative action, a majority of Whites – 56 percent – support such a move, compared to 7 percent of African-Americans and 24 percent of Hispanics.
Racial preferences
A CNN/ORC poll, conducted June 11-13, asked the question: Do you approve or disapprove of affirmative action programs at college and law schools that give racial preferences to minority applicants? The reference to “racial preferences” is a loaded term unlikely to elicit a favorable response. In this case, 68 percent of respondents said they disapprove of affirmative action as it was defined, 29 percent approved and 3 percent expressed no opinion. Affirmative action should be viewed in light of overall racial atDiscriminating titudes in America. against Whites As we approach the 50th anniA closer examination of the versary of the March on Washingnumbers show a deep racial di- ton for Jobs and Freedom, people vide. For example, 71 percent of of color and Whites have close-
VISUAL VIEWPOINT: NELSON MANDELA
DAVID FITZSIMMONS, THE ARIZONA STAR
ly aligned views on whether Dr. King’s dream of equality has been fulfilled. In the CNN/ORC poll conducted Jan. 14-15, respondents were asked: “Martin Luther King gave his famous ‘I Have a Dream Speech’ at a civil rights march in Washington in 1963. In your view, do you think the U.S. has fulfilled the vision King outlined in that speech, or don’t you think so?”
ferently Blacks and Whites view the proper role of government. When asked about the role government should play in trying to improve the social and economic position of Blacks and other people of color, 59 percent of Blacks said the government should play a major role, 32 percent said a minor role, 8 percent said no role and 1 percent was unsure. Among Whites, only 19 percent said the King’s dream realized government should play a major According to the poll, 51 per- role, 50 percent said a minor role, cent of Whites in the U.S. believe 30 percent said no role and 1 perDr. King’s vision has been ful- cent was unsure. filled; 49 percent of non-Whites subscribe to that view. UnfortuGeorge E. Curry, former ednately, the poll does not separate itor-in-chief of Emerge magathe Black responses. zine, is editor-in-chief of the In an Aug. 4-7, 2011 USA/Gal- National Newspaper Publishlup Poll, 55 percent of Black reers Association News. Curry can spondents said they believe relations between Blacks and Whites be reached through his website, will always be a problem, com- www.georgecurry.com. Click pared to 44 percent for Whites, on this story at www.daytonatimes.com to write your own rewith 2 percent unsure. That same poll showed how dif- sponse.
Maximum effort needs to be made for minimum wage It seems that the term poverty has been sidelined from our national discourse, even though 15 percent of all Americans, and 26 percent of African-Americans experience poverty. The Fair Labor Standards Act was signed into law on June 25, 1938, so perhaps 75 years later is a good time to explore the roots of the minimum wage and why it remains important. When the law was passed, it applied to industries that employed only a fifth of the workforce. Private household workers (or “domestics,” mostly African-American women), and farm workers (mostly African-American at that time, though later mostly Latino) were exempted from the law. Now domestic workers are included in the Fair Labor Standards Act to the point that employers are required to issue these workers W-2 forms if they are regular workers, to withhold Social Security and other federally-mandated taxes from their pay, and to match Social Security contributions as required by law. Of course, many of these work-
DR. JULIANNE MALVEAUX TRICEEDNEYWIRE.COM
ers are paid informally, or “under the table,” and they make less than the minimum wage. Those who receive tips as little as $30 a month in tips earn just $2.13 an hour. That’s certainly something to think about when providing your server between 15 and 20 percent at the end. Some restaurants may offer more than the minimum $2.13 an hour, but many do not pay as much as minimum wage (currently $7.25). While agricultural workers should, technically, earn the minimum wage, there are enough exceptions to this provision that many agricultural workers do not earn $7.25 an hour. Additionally, undocumented immigrants have little leverage at the bargaining table. They earn less than the minimum wage
when they are desperate for employment. Small farms are also exempt from paying the minimum wage. Someone who earns the minimum wage of $7.25 an hour who works 40 hours a week, 52 weeks a year, earns about $15,000 a year. If they are an hourly worker without benefits who takes any time off, the $15,000 earnings drops off. While many minimum wage workers are part-time workers, some cobble together several part time jobs to make enough money to live.
Hardly a living wage For full-time workers, parents, and others, the minimum wage is hardly a living wage. President Obama has suggested raising the minimum wage to $9 an hour over a three-year period, taking the annual minimum wage for a full-time worker to almost $19,000 a year. The Federal Minimum Wage Act would increase hourly wages to $10.10 by 2015, making annual pay about $21,000 by that year. It would also index the minimum
wage to inflation. The feisty and fantastic new Senator from Massachusetts, lawyer Elizabeth Warren, has indicated that she considers $22 an hour (or about $45,000 a year) a living wage.
Least and left out About 2 million people earn the minimum wage, and another 1.6 million actually earn less. These are the people recorded, not the actuality of those paid under the table. This represents less than 5 percent of the workforce, but this is why we should pay attention to them. African Americans, Latinos, and women are most likely to be represented in this 3.6 million. They are more likely to be young (though those 18-25 are adult and may be raising families), less educated and single. They are the least and the left out. They are young women raising families, students trying to scrap together living expenses, or those with qualifications but not opportunities. These folks work in service and hospitality industries, serving our
food, parking our cars, taking care of our mamas, and cleaning our rooms when we stay in hotels. I don’t care if they are 4.7 percent of the labor force, less or more. The bottom line is that it is overtime to raise the minimum wage. (Correction: In my column last week, I erroneously said the Howard University College of Medicine did not admit any AfricanAmerican males this year. I restated a comment I heard during a “think tank” at Rodham Institute. I was extremely remiss in not factchecking this statement. According to Howard, as of June 18, 2013, of the 120 newly admitted medical school students, more than 30 percent are African-American men. My apologies to Howard University and anyone inadvert
Julianne Malveaux is a Washington, D.C.-based economist and writer. She is president emerita of Bennett College for Women in Greensboro, N.C. Click on this story at www.daytonatimes.com to write your own response.
Obama’s trip to Africa no different than predecessors William Reed is head of the Bailey Group.org. Click on this highest per capita income. It’s considered a newly industrial- Business Exchange Network story at www.daytonatimes. ized country. The man Obama and available for speaking/ com to write your own reWILLIAM has tapped to be ambassador to seminar projects through the sponse. South Africa is Patrick Gaspard REED whose parents are Haitian. GasBUSINESS EXCHANGE pard worked on the David Dinkins campaign for mayor of New stops, the president plans to meet York City in 1989. and discuss strategic partnerships W W W.DAY TONATIMES.COM on bilateral and global issues with Real trade with Africa? Charles W. Cherry, Sr. (1928-2004), Founder Central Florida Communicators leaders of government, business Julia T. Cherry, Senior Managing Member, Group, LLC, P.O. Box 48857 In terms of generating any real and civil society, but there will onCentral Florida Communicators Group, LLC Tampa, Fl 33646, publishes the Florida Daytona Times on ly be a smattering of Black Ameri- trade with Africa, Obama’s delDr. Glenn W. Cherry, Thursdays. Phone: 877-352-4455, can business leaders in the presi- egation is a day late and a dollar Cassandra Cherrytoll-free. For all sales inquiries, short. In contrast to the lack of atdential entourage. Kittles, Charles W. Cherry II, call 877-352-4455; e-mail sales@ tention American presidents have Managing Members “It’s a shame that an American flcourier.com. president would go to Africa and paid Africa, China’s top five leadSubscriptions to the print version Dr. Glenn W. Cherry, Chief Executive Officer not have an African-American ers visit Africa annually, as have are $59 per year. Mail check to P.O. Charles W. Cherry II, Esq., Publisher the leaders of countries such as Box 48857 Tampa, Fl 33646, or log business delegation” said Lawon to www.daytona.com; click on Dr. Valerie Rawls-Cherry, Human Resources rence Smith, a Washington, D.C- France, Brazil, Turkey and India, ‘Subscribe’. based international trade lawyer. all of whom are actively investing Jenise Morgan, Senior Editor SUBMISSIONS POLICY Located on the coast of the In- in Africa. The Chinese have “conLynnette Garcia, Deborah Ford, SEND ALL SUBMISSIONS TO dian Ocean, Tanzania is home to structive engagements” with at Marketing Consultants/Sales NEWS@DAYTONATIMES.COM. 50 million people. Tanzania pro- least 30 African countries. Deadline for submitting news Linda Fructuoso, Marketing Consultant/Sales, China has African trade and duces massive amounts of preand pictures is 5 p.m. the Monday Circulation before the Thursday publication cious metals and valuable re- development wrapped up, and Angela van Emmerik, Creative Director date. You may submit articles at America’s political practices don’t sources, including natural gas. any time. However, current events Larry Steele, Circulation When the Obamas land in Sen- help its case. The Chinese “onreceived prior to deadline will be egal, they will find it to be one of ly want to trade and support the considered before any informaJames Harper, Andreas Butler, Ashley tion that is submitted, without the more stable countries in the economic development of the naThomas, Staff Writers the Publisher’s prior approval, region because of its higher GDP tions of Africa.” Delroy Cole, Kim Gibson, Photojournalists after the deadline. Press releases, America’s engagements with and its lack of civil conflicts. And letters to the editor, and guest MEMBER South Africa maintains the con- Africa are far more complex. The commentaries must be e-mailed National Newspaper Publishers Association to be considered for publication. tinent’s largest economy, along trip will show the continent’s Society of Professional Journalists The Daytona Times reserves the with a stable government and po- “Homeboy” to be no different Florida Press Association right to edit any submission, and than his 43 White predecessors: litical system. Associated Press crop any photograph, for style National Newspaper Association According to the World Bank, a paternal view of Africa as develand clarity. Materials will not be Strategic partnerships returned. South Africa has the world’s 28th opment cases, rather than opporDuring the three scheduled largest economy and Africa’s 5th tunities for partnership. President Obama and the first lady’s trip to sub-Saharan Africa, scheduled for June 26-July 3, will included South Africa, the West African nation of Senegal, and Tanzania on Africa’s east coast. If anyone wonders why the son of a Kenyan senior government economist isn’t traveling to his ancestral homeland, it has to do with the charges brought by the International Criminal Court (ICC) at The Hague against Kenya’s newly elected president Uhuru Kenyatta for “crimes against humanity.” By not going to Kenya, Obama also avoids jibes from “Birthers” about returning to his birthplace. Nobody is playing this as, “Homeboy Returns.” The presidential trip holds meager expectations in regard to American foreign policy gaining any momentum in many of Africa’s 54 countries, and little toward Obama’s presidential legacy. According to the White House, the purpose of the weeklong trip is “to underscore the president’s commitment to broadening and deepening the cooperation between the United States and the people of sub-Saharan Africa to advance regional and global peace and prosperity.”
JUNE 27 – JULY 3, 2013
COMMUNITY M ANEWS YOR
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DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006
Little, McLairen, Flynt honored during tourney 135 participate in Elisha J. Strapp Golf Tournament BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES harperjames59@yahoo.com
The 10th Annual Elisha J. Strapp Golf Tournament hosted by Greater Friendship Baptist Church Scholarship Ministry at LPGA International Golf Course in Daytona Beach had 135 golfers and guests in attendance. It was a four-person scramble and the first-place winning team received a trophy and a Masters Plaque first place award. The runner-up trophy was awarded to the team representing BethuneCookman University. Tournament honorees for 2013 were Pro Football of Famer Larry Little; former BCU Coach Jack “Cy” McLairen and community leader Willie “Bill” Flynt. Dedicated service awards went to Ronald Gibson and Lorenzo Hayward. Also acknowledged for dedicated support were the Rev. Anthony Church Sr., Deacon Carlton Scarlett and Ricky Williams. All funds raised benefit early childhood learning center, Greater Friendship Baptist Church graduating seniors and currently enrolled college students who are seeking an associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree or trade certification at an accredited educational institution.
Joe Cleveland, Irvin Matthews, Al Little and Travis Lewis received first-place awards.
Tournament honorees: Jack “Cy” McClairen, Larry Little and Willie “Bill” Flynt.
Three Wildcats named to BSN preseason All-America team SPECIAL TO THE DAYTONA TIMES
Bethune-Cookman left tackle Terrance Hackney was named to the Beyond Sports Network (BSN) Preseason FCS All-America first team, officials from the media outlet announced last week. Additionally, defensive back Nick Addison and defensive lineman LeBrandon Richardson earned honors on the network’s second and third teams, respectively. Recently recognized on the College Football Performance Award (CFPA) Offensive Lineman Award watch list, Hackney returns for his junior year in 2013, earning his first nod as a preseason first team All-American. Hackney collected Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Offensive Lineman of the Year accolades in 2012. Anchoring the Wildcats’ offensive line, the 6-6, 310-pound tackle from Chapel Hill, N.C. led B-CU to a No. 10 NCAA FCS rushing offense ranking (244.2 YPG) and earned 2012 honors as an FCS third team All-American from The Sports Network and BSN, in addition to HBCU All-America nods from Sheridan Broadcasting Network (SBN), Boxtorow and HBCU Huddle/ College Sporting News.
Coming in second place were Jeff Fagan, James Wymes, Alex Clapp and Lynn Thompson (not pictured).
The longest drive award went to Eric Lewis, shown with his son. He’s pictured with co-tournament directors Ronald Gibson and Lorenzo Hayward.
13 Daytona area students to be presented as Men of Tomorrow SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
On June 29, 13 Daytona Beach area students will be presented to the community as future global leaders during the 2013 Men of Tomorrow Presentation hosted by the Gamma Mu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. The free event will begin at 6 p.m. at the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort, 100 N. Atlantic Ave. The 17th biennial presentation event serves as the pinnacle affair of the fourmonth long program for high school juniors and seniors. Participants in this year’s Men of Tomorrow program are: Nathaniel Anthony (Spruce Creek High School); Reginald Calhoun (Mainland High School); Devon Cameron (Atlantic High School); Marcus Edwards (Mainland High School); Jordan
Hall (Mainland High School); Elvin Handy (Spruce Creek High School); Sean Hyacinth (Mainland High School); Quintavious Kelley (Spruce Creek High School); Dontavius King (Mainland High School); Charles Nelson (Seabreeze High School); Ricky Norris (Mainland High School); Emilio O’Brien (Atlantic High School); and Willis Walters (Spruce Creek High School). The young men will be awarded special superlatives during the event. In addition, two participants will be awarded $1,000 scholarships.
Variety of events and projects Beginning in March, the young men, who are students and recent graduates of Mainland, Seabreeze, Spruce Creek, and Atlantic high schools, attended a variety of events
and regularly scheduled leadership development workshops. The students’ community service project was raising funds to send two participants in the Little Men of Tomorrow program to the Daytona Beach Boys & Girls Club summer camp. Participants were also honored with a Rites of Passage Luncheon on June 8 with featured speaker DeLand City Commissioner Vonzelle Johnson. Seven Little Men of Tomorrow, ages 5 to 6, also will take part in the June 29 presentation event. They include Jeffrey Harris, Jr. (Lillies of the Field); J’Marcus Burns; Jordan Young (Horizon Elementary); Justice Walker (Champion Elementary); Kamran Toby (Champion Elementary); Malcolm Curry; and Ta’Sean Mitchell (Palm Terrace Elementary).
South Daytona students excel at state track meet Members of the South Daytona Elementary School came in first place on June 22 during the Hershey’s State Track and Field meet in Miramar at the Ansin Sports Center. The Dragons’ winning team included Richiana Franklin, Madison Purcell, Sasha Riley and Raven Barnes.
2012 team picks Landing on BSN’s second team All-America squad, Richardson was a 2012 first team All-MEAC performer as a sophomore while also earning HBCU All-America accolades from SBN and Boxtorow. The 6-2, 255-pound defensive lineman from Miami collected 53 tackles in 2012 (26 solo) with 13 tackles for loss, including a team-best 8.5 sacks. A 6-2, 180-pound safety from Tampa, Addison earned his first preseason honors as a member of BSN’s third team All-America team. The junior ended his 2012 season as a first team All-MEAC performer in the Wildcats’ secondary, closing the campaign second on the team in tackles at 58 with a team-high tying three interceptions in addition to leading the Wildcats with six pass breakups and nine deflections. For the complete BSN FCS AllAmerica squad, visit the official website at www.beyondsportsnetwork.com/pages/allamerica2013.
The closest to the pin award went to Mike Bohn.
Cultural Council to review grant applications July 10 SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
The Cultural Council of Volusia County will hold a special meeting to review applications for the fiscal year 2013-2014 Community Cultural Grant program. The meeting will be from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 10, in the third-floor meeting rooms of the Volusia County Lifeguard Headquarters and Administration Center, 515 S. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach. The meeting is open to the public. Thirty nonprofit organizations will present their applications for funding. Each organization will be given a brief opportunity to update Cultural Council members about
their programs and respond to members’ questions. Applications will be reviewed in alphabetical order. Organizations applying for the grant are: • African American Museum of the Arts • Art League of Daytona Beach • ArtHaus Foundation • Artists’ Workshop of New Smyrna Beach • Atlantic Center for the Arts • Black Heritage Festival and Museum • Cinematique of Daytona Beach • Daytona Beach Symphony Society • Daytona Playhouse • DeLand Fall Festival of the Arts • Gateway Center for the Arts • Halifax Historical Society • Heritage Preservation Trust • Holly Hill Historic Preservation Society • IMAGES: A Festival of the Arts • Iranian American Society of Daytona Beach • Little Theatre of New Smyrna Beach • Museum of Arts & Sciences • Museum of Florida Art • Ormond Beach Historical Society
• Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens • Pioneer Settlement for the Creative Arts • Sands Theater Center • Southeast Volusia Historical Society • Shoestring Theater • Sister Cities of Volusia County • Surfscape Contemporary Dance Theater • USA Dance – Greater Daytona Chapter • Volusia Community Symphony • West Volusia Historical Society Grant scores will be announced, but recommended award amounts will be determined after the county’s budgeting process is completed. Final approval rests with the County Council. Funding for this grant program comes from the Volusia County Government’s general fund allocation for cultural and heritage programs. For more information, contact Mike Fincher – cultural coordinator for Volusia County’s Parks, Recreation and Culture Division – at mfincher@volusia.org or 386-736-5953, ext. 15872.
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JUNE 27 – JULY 3, 2013
LOAN from Page 1 Lentz that the Central Florida Community Development Corporation and the city began work on the project together. “We are a nonprofit that came to the table to do a partnership with the city in a depressed area where the market wasn’t doing anything. We have already put up more than anyone else,” he explained. According to a memo written by Redevelopment Director Reed Berger to City Manager Jim Chisholm, the initial loan to CFCDC was $301,100. The city also contributed a $250,000 forgivable loan to finance the Liberty Plaza project located at 458 S. Martin Luther King Blvd. “The CFCDC has experienced financial difficulties which have resulted in nonpayment of their loan over the past several months and is requesting a deferral of monthly payments for 18 months from the date of their last payment (March 2012) at which time payments would resume (October 2013),” according to a memo from Reed. “We are a creditor. We haven’t been paid for a year. What’s going to change for six months? You have no financial projections,” White said.
No time to prepare Chester said he wasn’t notified until five days before the meeting that they wanted a business plan from him, which he said wasn’t enough time to present something credible to them. “I was not prepared at the last minute to put something that would hit the public and be scrutinized and have errors,” Chester explained. White responded that they are being asked to restructure a loan that is very significant. “This is $550,000 of cash from the CRA that we are responsible. I’m disappointed
CASE from Page 1 Pledges would return to their dorms exhausted every morning over a threeweek period.
Sophomore when died According to documents obtained by the Daytona Times, Marcus Thomas was a 19-year-old sophomore when he died. He attended B-CU on a marching band scholarship. He planned to earn a master’s degree in music, and his goal was to someday become a music director. As a pledge, he was required to participate in the fraternity’s pledge activities and follow orders given by the fraternity members. Thomas’ lawsuit, which was filed last year, states that as a B-CU student and pledge of a fraternity he was protected by Florida Statue 1006.63 and protected by the B-CU Greek Life Policy on Hazing and its Statement on Hazing and Student Code. “Both recognize the inherent dangers of hazing, defined as any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student as part of an organization’s initiation or affiliation process and attempt to protect students from those dangers,’’ the suit states.
Suit cites dangers The attorneys, on behalf of Thomas’ mother allege that the fraternity by and through the acts of its members, agents or apparent agents, organized and
Gerald Chester
Carl Lentz
Kelly White
you did not have basic financials put together. You are still a business – (you) have to run things to sustain yourself,” White declared. Chester again said he was more than willing to put in writing what they wanted. “Give me a timeframe (to put together a) detailed report. I am committed to making that happen, make this work,” he responded.
October extension sought Chester said an extension on the loan until October would allow the CFCDC to improve its cash flow and meet financial obligations to repay the loan. If the CRA does not approve the modification, staff will proceed to issue a notice of default,” wrote Berger in a memo to City Manager James Chisholm. Lentz said he could not support an extension unless Chester gave them an idea “of actual income from property to see if you are capable of paying back $300,000 owed to us.” “We got into this project a few years ago to improve a dilapidated property in Midtown to renovate, erect a restaurant and ice cream shop – do something above the standards,” Chester said last week to the CRA board.
Only restaurant open Chester said it was never the intent to operate the restaurant and ice cream shop full time but to lease out or sell the businesses after they opened. Currently, only the restaurant is operating he said, be-
required participation by it pledges in activities involving dangerous and illegal hazing. In addition, the suit states that the fraternity did not reasonably educate, monitor or supervise fraternity or its members, concerning the known risks and dangers of hazing pledges. They believe Phi Mu was aware that hazing was prevalent at Pi Gamma Chapter (B-CU chapter) and did nothing to stop it. Bryant, a B-CU employee, is being sued because he was the assistant dean of students and director of Student Involvement and Coordinator of Greek Life at the university. According to the lawsuit, Bryant was responsible for monitoring, oversight, advising, discipline and risk management for the fraternities and sororities on campus. He was responsible for communicating with the fraternity regarding all issues arising out of the fraternity’s affiliation with B-CU.
nity matters, the lawsuit alleges. The lawsuit states that in total disregard for the safety of Marcus Thomas and Carl Beasley, and with knowledge that they had not slept for days, the defendants, including Allen had the pledges leave and drive home. Beasley was the driver of the vehicle. The lawsuit adds that all three passengers immediately fell asleep on the short car ride back to the pledges’ apartment. Within minutes after leaving Allen’s apartment, Beasley also fell asleep at the wheel, jumped a curb and slammed the car into a Florida Power and Light poll. The front passenger side where Marcus Thomas was seated was crushed. He was pronounced dead on the scene. An autopsy report shows he suffered multiple blunt traumatic injuries to his head and torso.
What happened
B-CU, Phi Mu and Bryant are being charged with negligence. The fraternity and Marcus Allen also are being sued for breach of fiduciary duty. In addition, the fraternity is being accused of default on obligations. The mother is seeking damages in excess of $15,000. The lawsuit states that Thomas, as surviving mother, has suffered lost support and services from the date of death, with interest and continuing in the future, mental pain and suffering. The estate of Marcus Thomas sustained economic losses in the form of funeral and medical bills and expenses as well as loss of net accumulations.
According to reports, on Feb. 9, 2012, Marcus Thomas attended a free concert at B-CU. Following the concert, Thomas got together with four other pledges at 10 p.m., including Carl Beasley, to memorize fraternity history and travel to Marcus Allen’s apartment to be quizzed. All five of the pledges stayed up until 4 a.m. memorizing fraternity history. About 4:30 a.m., the pledges were contacted by Marcus Allen and told to travel to his apartment. The pledges were forced to remain at Allen’s apartment until 8 a.m. where they cleaned Allen’s apartment, memorized history and were tested on frater-
Reed: ‘Let it ride’
cause of a number of issues. In a business plan he submitted to the city, Chester said it stated that the businesses would operate the first three years at a loss. Part of the business plan included renovating and opening up apartments behind the restaurant, an income source to help pay back the loan.
“The reality is … we realize the challenges you are faced with. I don’t want the building back at this time and I want to see it work. If they want to see a business plan, it is reasonable to give them satisfaction. I believe in what the project stands for,” he said. Zone 6 City Commissioner Paula Reed also offered support to Chester. The property is located in her zone. She said, “We are already in the 18 months. There is only so much time left. Give him an opportunity to see if he can make it work. Let it ride. That is my perspective. It is time for Midtown to turn around.’’ Then asked, “Did we drop theball?’’
Faced code issues Chester said he came up against code issues renovating the apartments, which has delayed them from opening. He said some of the problems that had to be corrected he thought had been grandfathered in when he signed the contract with city for the loan he obtained to purchase the property on the corner of Loomis Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, which is now called Liberty Plaza. “We haven’t really made any money. Money was supposed to come out of restaurant and apartments to pay down the loan. For two years, we’ve had to carry building,” Chester explained. “The nonprofit (CFCDC) paid as much as it could,” he continued.
More concerns Lentz added that he was still not confident, even with a restructuring of the loan, that the CFCDC would be able to make a payment. “I’m concerned about your organization’s ability to pay the debt. He questioned Chester: “In October, there will be an amount due. You’ll be able to meet those obligations?’’ Chester said if renovation of the apartments is finished and he finds a tenant for the ice cream shop, a payment in October is likely. He noted that he already has spent $20,000 from his nonprofit – never to have that returned. “I can’t do that anymore. Whether we do it or the city recaptures the property, the (project) has to stand on its own,” he said. Commissioner Kelly White, still not content, asked Chester: “Would you be willing for tenants to pay us directly so we know we are going to get paid? It’s a common practice.” Chester responded, “I have a board. I don’t make those kinds of decisions on my own.” Chester goes before the CRA board again at 6 p.m. July 3 at City Commission chambers at Daytona Beach City Hall.
Lien on property Within the next three months, Chester hopes to have apartments up and running and a new tenant operating the ice cream shop, which is now closed. His next loan payment of $2,083.33 is due October of this year. “We are a nonprofit development company. Recently we entered in preliminary talks to lease one of the facilities to create revenue stream to work ourselves out of the restaurant businesses,” Chester explained. Currently, there is a lien on the property and the city could foreclose upon default. Chisholm said the city would turn around and put the property back on the market if the board votes to default on the loan. Mayor Derrick Henry offered Chester solace.
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JUNE 27 – JULY DECEMBER 14 - 3, 20,2013 2006
MSPORTS AYOR
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Playing 20 questions with this season’s batch of professional basketball prospects By Gregory Clay • McClatchy-Tribune News Service
1. Who is the best overall player in the NBA draft? The best player title is a tie between Victor Oladipo (swingman from Indiana) and C.J. McCollum (guard from Lehigh). Oladipo is an outstanding athlete who can score and defend. McCollum is an outstanding scorer with athleticism.
2. Who is the most overrated player in the NBA draft? Right now — and through no fault of his own — it’s (centerforward from New Zealand) Steven Adams of Pitt, projected a possible lottery pick due to the proverbial “upside.” Adams does not possess enough experience to help right away, doesn’t have very good hands to catch passes off penetration and is not necessarily explosive with the ball after a catch.
The NBA draft is an annual rite of passage when young college stars take that first giant step into dream world. Many of them grew up dreaming of playing under the shadow of the red-white-and blue NBA logo. When teams call their names, many of them realize all that hard work and sweat equity finally may have paid off. Then the next step is to sign the contracts. However, that is only the next step. They still must deliver on the hardwood. Len Elmore is a basketball analyst for ESPN during the regular season and CBS during the NCAA Tournament. A New York attorney, Elmore is the only former NBA player to graduate from Harvard Law School. He also serves on the highly acclaimed
Richard Howell
3. Who is the most underrated player in the NBA draft? Richard Howell of North Carolina State averaged a doubledouble in the ACC (12.7 points, 10.9 rebounds and 57 field-goal percentage as a 6-7 forward) and improved his numbers every year at N.C. State. He is an outstanding rebounder, especially on the offensive glass. You cannot teach his toughness, wide body and competitiveness. Projected as a second-round pick, Howell would be a steal there.
6. Can Michigan’s Trey Burke, the consensus national College Player of the Year, really play point guard in the NBA? He has a strong upper body that will allow him to take the bumps inside on penetration, where he consistently finds people. Burke can score enough to keep defenses honest and in turn is a sneaky good defender (just ask Aaron Craft of Ohio State).
For the few prodigies, the rule works. But for the overwhelming number of underdeveloped draftees with unsound fundamentals upon which they can build to reach their full potential, as well as those who believe that they are prodigies but ultimately don’t get drafted and have no college to return to for remediation in basketball and life skills, it’s a disaster. For those kids, we have built exit signs on the path to personal and academic development when we should be erecting superhighways to higher education. The pros lament that they would be better served by a more mature and better educated draft class. Therefore, for the greater good, prodigies and non-prodigies alike should be required to attend college two to three years before entering the NBA. I’m not a hater, I just worry for our young athletes, especially those of color who remain on the short end of the academic achievement gap when compared with their white counterparts.
Len Elmore
8. Is it wise for unrefined or underdeveloped players, such as Maryland’s Alex Len and Louisville’s Gorgui Dieng (from Senegal), to turn pro? Usually, it isn’t wise to enter before one’s time, but there are exceptions. Dieng is an outstanding defender-shot blocker and a surprisingly good passer. As he has grown bigger and stronger, Len has become a dominant low-post offensive player who is only a year or so away from consistent contribution. I would not characterize either of these guys as unrefined or underdeveloped.
9. Is Indiana’s Cody Zeller too soft for the NBA?
11. Who should the Cleveland Cavaliers select with the No. 1 overall pick after winning the draft lottery? Otto Porter, because the Cavs need a game-ready player. With Kyrie Irving at the point, the Cavs need finishers and defenders who can contribute right away on the NBA level. They would have to wait for Noel to do the same.
12. What is the biggest issue facing NBA draftees? Young players have to adjust to the speed and length of the pro game as well as to the length of the pro season — and avoid “the wall.” Most importantly, they must adjust to the newfound independence on a daily basis where three to four hours of practice, no classes, etc., create an idleness that could result in trouble for some.
If the expectation is that the 7-footer will command the low block ... yes, he is too soft right now. Zeller needs to improve his explosiveness with the ball and develop a “take-no-prisoners” attitude. Right now, his strengths are his perimeter shot and his ability to outrun opposing bigs down the floor for layups.
13. Can point guard Dennis Schroeder from Germany be a factor in the NBA?
10. Who is the most cerebral player available in the draft?
14. Who is the best point guard among this trio: Michigan’s Trey Burke, Syracuse’s Michael CarterWilliams or Miami’s Shane Larkin?
Otto Porter of Georgetown. He picks his spots and allows the game to come to him. He also exploits opponents’ weaknesses on both sides of the ball and is always in a position to succeed.
Yes because he is quick, confident and mature.
Despite his comparative size disadvantage, I pick Larkin. He is the complete package with the speed to push the ball up the
4. Can Kentucky’s 6-11 center Nerlens Noel return from his devastating knee injury?
McCollum is the best scorer in the draft, but Seth Curry of Duke, Rotnei Clarke of Butler and James Southerland of Syracuse are the best pure shooters.
16. Rudy Gobert of Gobert France is said to be 7-foot-2 in shoes with a 7-foot, 8-inch wingspan and an amazing 9-foot, 7-inch standing reach. All of this means he essentially can dunk without jumping. Is Gobert for real? We’ll see. The one missing measurement is the size of Gobert’s heart when he is matched day after day versus an NBA center.
17. Which top NBA draft prospect needs the most work — physically and mentally? To live up to the hype? Nerlens Noel.
18. Who could be the next Michael Beasley in the NBA, as in afflicted with the Enigma Syndrome? Shabazz Muhammad. Projected as a topfive small forward, he has had considerable success without the traditional, extreme athleticism required at his position. Muhammad The question remains, can his high school and college success translate?
19. Kelly Olynyk of Gonzaga, by way of Canada, was a guard early in high school, then grew seven inches as a junior. Now, can the 7-footer play center in the NBA?
Yes. With modern medical technology and conscientious rehabilitation, he could be a stronger player. The only question mark would be the fear factor (Derrick Rose?).
He can score from anywhere, and he is mobile. However, Olynyk must shed that perceived “laid-back” West Coast demeanor and get tougher. He cannot allow himself to be intimidated by rough and ready opponents.
5. Who is the best international player available in the draft? From folks whom I have consulted, it’s a toss-up between 7-2 Rudy Gobert of France and Dennis Schroeder, a 6-2 point guard from Germany. Gobert is unpolished but is long and athletic while Schroeder is lightning quick and long, with a 6-8 wingspan, enabling him to penetrate with few obstacles.
floor, the quickness and strength to penetrate, the high basketball IQ and the ability to keep defenses honest with scoring ability. Burke and CarterWilliams are super at some of those traits but lack the complete package.
15. Is C.J. McCollum of Lehigh really the best pure shooter in the NBA draft?
7. What is your assessment on the controversial oneand-done situation in college basketball?
Ethan Hyman/Raleigh News & Observer/MCT
Knight Commission, which is a panel of academic, athletic and media experts working to improve the dynamic between collegiate sports and academic achievement. Elmore played in the ABA and NBA for 10 years and was an All-America center at the University of Maryland. Here, Elmore answers 20 questions on which NBA draft prospects will deliver and which won’t. Who is at the top of this draft class. And who is at the bottom. He evaluates the familiar names, as well as the unknowns. So let the prognostications begin for the June 27 NBA draft.
20. How does this NBA draft rate overall (in terms of a letter grade)? B-minus. Many athletes will be present. The NBA covets skilled guys, but this draft lacks immediate-help guys. Joshua C. Cruey/Orlando Sentinel/MCT
Kentucky’s Nerlens Noel (3) fouls Florida guard Mike Rosario (3) during a game at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center in Gainesville, Fla., Feb, 12. Noel is projected to be a high draft choice in the 2013 NBA draft.
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7JUNE 27 – JULY 3, 2013
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