Daytona Times - July 11, 2013

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Area youth treated to special evening for making honor roll

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JULY 11 - JULY 17, 2013

YEAR 38 NO. 28

City accused of singling out Chester

PEOPLE SPEAK

Daytona board listens to public; extends CRA loan payment

BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES harperjames59@yahoo.com

Dozens of residents, predominantly Black, recently voiced their opposition to the city of Daytona Beach possibly defaulting on a nearly $250,000 loan that Gerald Chester received in 2009 to buy land in Midtown, demolish dilapidated buildings and replace them with two businesses.

The city has given Chester

more time to pay on the loan received from Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) coffers.

The city’s CRA board acquiesced to the demands Gerald of the public and Chester has granted Chester forbearance on his loan after he presented a business plan laying out how he would begin repayment of the loan.

April 2014 extension The board, which is made up

of Mayor Derrick Henry and city commissioners, agreed that Chester would not have to make a payment until April 1, 2014, giving him enough time to finish renovating an apartment building that is part of the project and finding a tenant for an ice cream and sandwich shop located on the corner of Loomis Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

Chester said his agency would continue to run the Busy Bee restaurant, which is next to the ice cream shop until someone is found to take it over.

Save Our Neighborhood President Weegie Kuendig was one of

the speakers who came to the defense of Chester, CEO of the Central Florida Community Development Corporation, at a CRA meeting on July 3 at City Hall.

“The previous CRA meeting made me very uncomfortable.

It appears if one individual was being held accountable and singled out. Some projects and individuals have not been held to the same scrutiny,” Kuendig said.

‘Cockamamie projects’ mentioned Kuendig noted that she didn’t have a problem with the officials being accountable for the taxpayer money loaned to Chester.

Helping to shape lives of local young men

“The point is we need a more objectively defined process for accountability where everyone whether developer, individual is held to a same level of scrutiny,” Kuendig said, noting that the city has given funds to other “cockamamie projects that have failed, projects that took a long time to be successful or projects that we are still paying for” and those individuals were not treated the same as Chester.

Resident John Nicholson also backed up Kuendig’s claim.

“You remember the Marriot.

(You) forgave a $3 million dollar (loan). They sold the buildPlease see CHESTER, Page 2

Bud Asher: ‘A man who coached life’ Daytonans reflect on impact of former mayor

BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES harperjames9@yahoo.com

Former Daytona Beach mayor and popular area football coach Baron Henry “Bud” Asher died at his home with family and loved ones around him on July 5. He was 88.

On July 10, a Mass of Christian burial took place at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church followed by an interment with military honors and a fly-over at Daytona Memorial Park.

Asher was well known in the city’s Black community especially as a coach for the school’s football team.

He also had a stint as an assistant coach for the Baron Henry Bethune-Cook- ‘Bud’ Asher man Wildcats under Jack “Cy” McClairen. Asher always remained close to the Bethune-Cookman football program.

JOHN REEVES/SPECIAL TO THE DAYTONA TIMES

First row, left to right: Dontavius King, Devin Cameron, Charles Nelson Jr., Elvin Handy Jr., Sean Hyacinth Jr. and Ricky Norris Jr. Back row, left to right: Nathaniel Anthony, Willis Walter III, Emilio O’Brien, Jordan Hall, Reginald Calhoun Jr. and Marcus Edwards.

Local Alpha Kappa Alpha chapter again presents its Men of Tomorrow FROM STAFF REPORTS

T

he Gamma Mu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority presented its Men of Tomorrow on June 29 with the theme, “Shattering Myths – Exceeding All Expectations.’’

Twelve Daytona Beach area students were presented during a program at the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort.

It was the sorority’s 17th Biennial Men of Tomorrow presentation.

Those presented included Nathaniel Anthony (Spruce Creek High School); Reginald Calhoun, Jr. (Mainland High School); Devin Cameron (Atlantic High School); Marcus Edwards (Mainland High School); Jordan Hall (Mainland High School); Elvin Handy, Jr. (Spruce Creek

High School); Sean Hyacinth, Jr. (Mainland High School); Dontavius King (Mainland High School); Charles Nelson, Jr. (Seabreeze High School); Ricky Norris, Jr. (Mainland High School); Emilio O’Brien (Atlantic High School); and Willis Walter III (Spruce Creek High School).

‘Little Men’ honored Three previous Men of Tomorrow parPlease see men, Page 2

Judge refuses to dismiss lawsuit against B-CU, others in student’s death

BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES harperjames59@yahoo.com

The judge hearing the lawsuit against Bethune-Cookman University and other plaintiffs pertaining to the death of a student who died while pledging a fraternity has refused to dismiss the case.

Thomas died in a car accident on Feb. 10, 2012, after returning from a pledging activity.

On behalf of her son, Marcus Thomas, Mi-

chelle Thomas also is suing Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America, Inc.; B-CU employee Lamar D. Bryant; and Marcus Allen, a B-CU student and “big brother’’ to the pledges. Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America is a fraternity for music students.

His 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.

Marcus Thomas

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,” the lawsuit states.

Lawyered up Present during a July 1 hearing were the lawyers representing the estate of Marcus Please see lawsuit, Page 2

Part of B-CU family Bethune-Cookman University Athletic Director Lynn Thompson told the Daytona Times this week, “Bud Asher was more than a football coach. He was a man who coached life.

Thompson said that for more than 40 years, Asher was a part of the Bethune-Cookman family in a variety of roles, ranging from football coach, consultant, civil servant and advisor to many presidents.

“He was my friend, and a man who created educational opportunities for young athletes in all the communities he served. His life is a shining example of what community service is all about. Our prayers go out to his wife, Dawn, his son, Ron, and the entire Asher family,” added Thompson.

“His impact on young people, particularly in the AfricanAmerican community of Volusia County can be measured only when you look at the youth leagues, high schools and college programs filled with youngsters he helped provide opportunities for. That list of names would certainly be a roster of championship proportions.”

More than mayor, coach Daytona Beach Leisure Services Director Percy Williamson, Please see asHer, Page 2

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JULY 11 – JULY 17, 2013

asher

The Little Men of Tomorrow from left to right are Malcolm Curry; Jordan Young, J’Marcus Burns, Ta’Sean Mitchell, Justice Walker and Jeffrey Harris, Jr.

from Page 1

JOHN REEVES/ SPECIAL TO THE DAYTONA TIMES

men from Page 1 ticipants served as guest speakers during the event. Patrick Bartee (1984); Rashad Brown (1996); and David Bradley, Jr., Esq. (2001) each challenged the young men to strive for greatness.

Handy received the “Mark of A Man Award,” Sean Hyacinth was presented the Leadership Award, and King was named “Most Charming.” In addition, Anthony and King were each awarded $1,000 academic scholarships.

For the first time in the program’s history, six Little Men of Tomorrow also were presented.

LAWSUIT from Page 1 Thomas – Darryl Lewis of Miami along with local attorneys William Chanfrau Sr. And Kelly Chanfrau. Lewis is with the law firm of Searcy, Denny, Scarola, Barnhart & Shipley.

The lawyer representing Bethune-Cookman at the hearing was Emmet J. Schwartzman.

Representing Phi Mu Alpha Fraternity at the hearing was Jeffrey Hurcomb. Jeremy Palma represented Allen.

The fraternity filed a motion to dismiss the case arguing, among other things, that the national fraternity could not be held responsible for the actions of members in the local chapter of the fraternity.

Fraternity to blame?

Lewis argued successfully to Judge Terrence Perkins that the national fraternity could be held liable for the acts of the members in its local chapter.

“It is our belief that it clearly strengthens our case because the court ruled that under the existing law, the national fraternity could potentially be held liable for the wrongful and illegal conduct of the people in the local chapter at Bethune-Cookman,” Lewis told the Daytona Times.

Although B-CU did not specifically ask that the case be dismissed, the university took the position that there was “surplus language not needed in the complaint.”

CHESTER from Page 1 ing and walked away with a $12 million-dollar profit.

The city lost $3 million dollars,” Nicholson noted.

“I’m asking you not to forgive the amount of money (Chester borrowed), but put it as a lien. If he sells the property (and makes) a profit, we get that money back. There is no reason he should lose trying to invest in the community. If he is making an excessive profit of more than $250,000 dollars (if he sells property), then we would be getting back some of that money,” Nicholson explained.

Nicholson said he didn’t understand why the city went a year before saying anything about not receiving loan payments from Chester.

“Somebody should have said something. Payments should not go more than three months without somebody saying something,” concluded Nicholson.

Pastors defend Chester Pastor Victor Gooden of New Life Church Ministries came to Chester’s defense.

“I’m here to support Gerald Chester. Not only is he my friend but a valued member of our com-

Participants included J’Marcus Burns (Champion Elementary); Malcolm Curry (Palm Terrace Elementary); Jeffrey Harris, Jr. (Lilies of the Field); Ta’Sean Mitchell (Palm Terrace Elementary); Justice Walker (Champion Elementary); and Jordan Young (Horizon Elementary).

Jordan Young was named “Little Man of Tomorrow 2013” during the event. First runner up was Ta’Sean Mitchell and secondrunner up was Justice Walker.

About the program Established in 1980, Men of Tomorrow is a signature program of the Gamma Mu Omega chapter. The focus of the program is to further develop with-

‘It is our belief that it clearly strengthens our case because the court ruled that under the existing law, the national fraternity could potentially be held liable for the wrongful and illegal conduct of the people in the local chapter at Bethune-Cookman.’

Darryl Lewis Lawyer representing the estate of Marcus Thomas “The court ordered, and we agreed, that we would file an amended complaint. This ruling did not strengthen or weaken anyone’s position in the case,” Lewis concluded.

Statue, code cited Thomas’ lawsuit, which was filed last year, states that as a BCU student and pledge of a fraternity, Thomas 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

munity. The things he has done in the past have been tremendous for us. Continue the relationship with him; do not single him out.

(Don’t) use rules for some and not rules for others.

We need that project done and we need his presence in the city,” Gooden said.

He added, “Don’t throw him away. We need him.

You need him.’’

Dr. L. Ronald Durham, pastor of Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church and president of the Black Clergy Alliance, also told members of the CRA board that Chester first shared his plans for Midtown back in 2009.

“The Black Clergy Alliance collaborated with him for social and economic change in the Midtown redevelopment area.

We toured the area to determine a point where we could begin to start to get something happening. He recommended a site that could be center of interest for the redevelopment area,” Durham said.

“When virtually no one took an interest in Midtown, here was a young man that stepped up with a plan to do something meaningful in our community,” said Durham, urging the board to support a modification loan payment plan Chester was requesting.

“Finding ways to build our community is the mandate for what CRA stands

in a group of young men, identified as future leaders, the potential, desire, and responsibility to be leaders in their families and communities.

Throughout the course of the four-month-long program, the young men attended workshops covering a variety of topics such as leadership and etiquette; education and manhood; and financial aid.

The young men also conducted a community service project and traveled to Tallahassee on an educational tour of the Florida Capitol and Supreme Court buildings. In addition, the young men were celebrated during the program’s Rites of Passage Luncheon held in early June. 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.

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.

The charges 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. 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.

for. I’m sure you will do the right thing,” Durham concluded.

Why he’s behind Zone 2 Commissioner Pam Woods agreed with the speakers.

“Have we consistently asked for these things in the past,’’ she questioned.

“Any of our future dealings, whether a lease arrangement or loan arrangement, I want us asking for the same thing from everybody.’’

Commissioners Carl Lentz and Kelly White had been upset that Chester did not have the business plan at the last CRA board meeting on June 19.

Chester said he didn’t receive notice in time that he needed to prepare a business plan in time for the June meeting.

He explained that he is behind on payments because the limited liability company, Central Florida Community and Economic Development (CFCED), which was created to facilitate the construction and rehabilitation of project, had a cash flow problem.

His agency, CFCDC, stepped in to fund the businesses of the CFCED. “We reached a point we were having our own financial problems. We could no longer do that. I said to (city) staff then, last year can we get a forbearance to put us in better position for CFCED to sustain project

who grew up in Daytona Beach, remarked that Asher was a person who excelled in many areas.

“He was an attorney, a judge, a hotel owner/businessman, a city commissioner, the mayor of Daytona Beach, but most importantly of all, he was a coach,” said Williamson.

The former mayor also was a coach for The Jacksonville Sharks, a World Football League team that featured several Wildcats on the roster, most notably Alfred Haywood, Edgar Scott and Alvin Wyatt.

Served in Navy Asher was born May 27, 1925 to Baron Hirsch Asher and Erna Fromme Asher of Atlanta, Georgia.

A graduate of Tech High in Atlanta, Asher enlisted in the Navy in 1943, where he served in the Pacific as an airborne gunnery instructor and later combat tail gunner with Torpedo Squadron 8 aboard the aircraft carriers Bunker Hill and Bennington, earning 2 Air Medals and multiple unit citation and theater ribbons.

Following his honorable discharge from the Navy at the close of World War II, Asher attended the University of Tennessee and later earned his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Georgia.

Asher left his law practice in 1954 to accept a position as an assistant football coach at Stetson University. During his illustrious coaching career, Asher provided guidance and mentorship to thousands of Volusia County youths at all levels ranging from midget league with the Daytona Beach Bulldogs, to local high schools Father Lopez, New Smyrna Beach, Spruce Creek and Mainland.

NFL talent scout Asher’s 60 years in football included nearly 30 years as a col-

lege and NFL talent scout for the San Diego Chargers, Cincinnati Bengals and Oakland Raiders, as well as the last two years as color commentator for local radio station WNDB 1150.

At the same time he was coaching football, Asher’s business interests in Daytona Beach began with the Nassau Villas motel and led to the building of the Safari Beach Motel, a mainstay of the beach side hotel industry for over 30 years.

Asher’s other business interests included owning various nightclubs, beach side motels, restaurants and nursing homes.

Civic involvement In addition to serving two years as a judge for the City of New Smyrna Beach, Asher’s civic leadership in Daytona Beach included 12 consecutive years as a city commissioner from District 2 followed by eight years as mayor.

After retiring as mayor, Asher continued his public service as a board member of the Friends of the Bandshell, the University Club, the Bud Asher Foundation and the city’s Race and Recreation Committee, where he led efforts to install the artificial turf (known informally as “Bud’s Rug”) at Mayor Kelly Stadium.

Asher is survived by his wife of 27 years, Dawn Ioviero Asher; his son, Baron “Ron” Asher; daughter Marybeth Asher-Lawson; grandchildren and other relatives.

Arrangements were under the care of Lohman Funeral Home Ormond. Condolences for the family may be shared at www.lohmanfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to one of the following: Bud Asher Foundation, 4645 S Clyde Morris Blvd, Suite 401, Port Orange, FL 32129; Halifax Humane Society, 2364 LPGA Blvd. Daytona Beach, FL 32124; Halifax Health Hospice of Volusia/Flagler, 3800 Woodbriar Drive, Port Orange, FL 32129; or the Salvation Army, 1555 LPGA Blvd. Daytona Beach, FL 32129.

Shown with Bud Asher in an undated photo are Bethune-Cookman coaches Jack “Cy’’ McLaren, Tank Johnson, Ben Still and players Harold Lucus and Richard Moore Jr.

for itself,” he explained.

“I could have walked in with support I had and made a request that this be a grant project. I didn’t do that. I wanted this project to sustain itself and become a leader. We didn’t come in for a complete handout but we did ask for a subsidy,” he added.

‘Pretty standard’ request Commissioner White, Chester’s sternest critic, softened during last week’s meeting, saying it is “wise for us to give you more time” to pay back the loan.

But she buffered her comments saying, “It is still a loan created using taxpayer money. All questions I have asked are objective, relates to our duty for other people’s money. I am not trying to be interrogating.

We don’t have any historical financials on your organization, we need them.

I don’t think any of that is arduous.

“All of the things that we asked for are pretty standard,” she said, adding that she also wanted Chester to produce insurance documents for the property and make sure property taxes have been paid.

Lentz also reversed his opinion.

“I’m glad you asked for an extension until March.

It’s more responsible to extend out to March. I received a lot of phone calls.

I was not trying to attack you. The project has community support and will be a catalyst for that area,” he said.

More support Commissioner Bob Gilliland pointed out that Midtown was are not seeing the same kind of investments taking place in other areas of the city – construction of hotels on the beach side and the $400 million dollar renovation project of the Daytona International Speedway on the west side of the city.

“We need to do things differently (in Midtown).

It’s important we take our time and do (Chester’s project) right,” he said.

Chester’s project is located in Commissioner Paula Reed’s zone and she commended Chester, call-

ing him a pioneer.

“The community wants this; not just Gerald Chester. We want a new look and will support a new look,” she concluded.

Mayor Derrick Henry said the city has to support projects similar to Chester’s and said they will not treat him differently than others.

“We talk about accountability – (we) will not draw lines as long as I’m here.

Our objective is to hold everybody accountable and treat everybody the same,” he said.

“Midtown will not improve without a whole bunch of Gerald Chesters, a whole bunch of people willing to invest and make a sacrifice. No one else was willing to step forward.

Show up and knock on his door and buy his products,” the mayor concluded.

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JULY 11 – JULY 17, 2013

COMMUNITY M ANEWS YOR

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DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006

Area youth treated to nice dinner for making honor roll

BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES harperjames59@yahoo.com

The Daytona Neighborhood Networks Centers held their fourth annual Honor Roll Dinner on July 6 at Martini’s Chophouse, 1815 S. Ridgewood Ave. The evening began with chauffeured-driven limousines that picked up the kids at the three housing authority developments in Daytona Beach where the centers are located.

At the dinner, Pete Gamble, CEO of the Daytona Beach Housing Development Corporation, offered words of encouragement to inspire the kids “to continue working smart in school.”

Gamble also presented each youth with keys to the city and a certificate of recognition for their academic achievement signed by Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry.

Three-prong approach

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAYTONA NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKS CENTERS

Pierre Louis, director of the centers, says the dinner is part of the centers’ threeprong approach to provide community and support services that engage the students, their families and the community.

“It was a congratulatory reminder to commend students for their excellence in education,” Louis said.

During the month of June, the centers supported the Housing Authority of the City of Daytona Beach’s Fatherhood Initiative.

The Honor Roll Dinner allowed the youth to enjoy an elegant evening of fine dining and each youth received a gift card valued at $50.

Branches and staff The Daytona Neighborhood Networks Centers is a program within the Daytona Beach Housing Development Corporation, which is under the leadership of Gamble.

The corporation works in partnership with the Housing Authority, whose CEO is Anthony E. Woods.

The Daytona Neighborhood Networks Centers’ three branches are located at Pine Haven Neighborhood Networks Center, 101 Carl Brinkley Circle; Pal-

Students from the Pine Haven center are shown with their parents and volunteers before they leave for a free dinner at Martini’s Chophouse. metto Park Neighborhood Networks Center, 704 Hawk St.; and the Northwood Village Center located at 1200 Ninth St., Holly Hill.

In addition to Louis, other staff operating the centers are Karen King, Palmetto Park Center Coordinator; Nekeaya Jacobs Quann, Northwood Village Center Coordinator; and Seletha Bradley, Pine Haven Center Coordinator.

The Palmetto Park center’s assistant is Kyara Jacobs.

Grades, projects monitored During the school year, the centers are open for all Daytona Beach youth to participate in the afterschool homework assistance programs at any of the centers.

Their grades and school projects are carefully monitored.

The coordinator pays particular attention to areas of improvement and assists the youth on their assignments. Also, each coordinator takes note of the FCAT levels and provides academic worksheets to help the kids improve their levels.

BRIEFS ‘Medicare 101’ offered at Daytona Beach library

As baby boomers sign up for Medicare, they face a bewildering assortment of questions about their health care.

If you’re turning 65 within the next three months, Judy Hahn, SHINE counselor for Volusia County, can help you navigate the system during a free program at 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 24, at the Daytona Beach Regional Library at City Island.

She will explain what is covered under Medicare, how individual parts differ from Medicare Advantage, and how to avoid potential financial penalties if you opt in at a future date. Reservations are not required.

SHINE stands for Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders. Its mission is to provide free, unbiased health insurance counseling through a dedicated network of volunteers, empowering Florida seniors to make informed healthcare choices.

The Daytona Beach Regional Library is open seven days a week at 105 E. Magnolia Ave. Hours are 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday and Saturday.

For more information, call Adult Program Coordinator Deborah Shafer at 386-257-6036, ext. 16264.

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Teens can ‘alter books’ at Daytona Beach library July 25

Don’t just read a book this summer – learn how to alter a book and turn it into a work of art that reflects your unique style.

Local artist Mary Ann Sumner will lead an “Altered Books” program at 1 p.m. Thursday, July 25, at the Daytona Beach Regional Library at City Island, 105 E. Magnolia Ave. She’ll show teens and ‘tweens how to add art and objects to books and create niches, pockets, inserts and windows in the pages. Materials and snacks will be provided.

Kyara Jacobs, left, and Karen King, right, with the Palmetto Park Center pose with students.

Louis said that at the end of each grading period, the youth bring in their report cards and the coordinators document each child that has appeared on the Volusia County Honor Roll.

This allows the child to be able to attend the Honor Roll dinner at the end of the school year.

The free program is part of “Beneath the Surface,” a teen summer series sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

For more information, contact Librarian Kim Dolce at kdolce@volusia. org or 386-257-6036, ext. 16315.

•••

Teens can explore ancient Egypt at Daytona Beach library

Teens and ‘tweens can explore the mysteries of the Sphinx, King Tut and the pyramids at 1 p.m. Thursday, July 18, at the Daytona Beach Regional Library at City Island, 105 E. Magnolia Ave. Librarian Kim Dolce and Library Assistant Kelly Balao will lead the free program, which is sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Snacks will be provided.

The event is part of the library’s summer teen series, “Beneath the Surface.”

For more information, contact Dolce at kdolce@volusia.org or 386-257-6036, ext. 16315.

The library is open from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday and Saturday. Learn about other upcoming library events at www.volusialibrary.org.

•••

Foundation taking applications for indigent care grants

The Community Foundation of East Central Florida is accepting applications for the 2013 Simon J. Peabody Indigent Care Grants. Funds are restricted for indigent care in Volusia County.

There will be four grants, up to $1,000 each awarded for basic needs services in Volusia. Visit http://www.cfecf.org/ to download the grant application.

For more information, contact Nita Schmellick at 386-734-4075 or send email to info@cfecf.org.

•••

Port Orange to treat water system

The Port Orange Utilities Department will perform its annual flushing

How they’re funded The community centers were established as multiservice learning centers with seed funding that was established by the HOPE VI and ROSS (Resident Opportunities and Self-Sufficiency) grants. The resources at the centers help improve quality of life of

the students.

The centers have been able to provide more than 100,000 logins of public housing residents and area residents seeking classes on digital literacy, reviewing Florida Comprehensive Assessment test (FCAT) scores. Florida Virtual School, college stu-

of the water distribution system beginning July 15. The treatment is done to improve water quality.

The scheduled completion date of the treatment and flushing is no later than Monday, Aug. 26. During this sixweek period, the city will be changing its disinfectant residual to free chlorine.

The water will be safe to drink. However, some customers may notice a slight difference in the taste of the water.

Besides the Port Orange Distribution System, this treatment will cover Harbor Oaks, Allandale, Ponce Inlet, Wilbur by the Sea, and Daytona Beach Shores down to Thames Avenue.

If you have any questions regarding this procedure, contact the Port Orange Water Treatment Plant at 386506-5770.

Information on the procedure can be found under the Public Utilities section of the city’s website at www.portorange.org.

•••

Meeting to address West Volusia business Incubator feasibility study

Pete Gamble addresses the honor roll students at Martini’s Chophouse.

A public meeting to discuss the Volusia County Council-approved Incubator Feasibility Study will be held at 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 16, at the One-Stop Career Center, 846 Saxon Blvd., Orange City. One or more County Council members may be in attendance.

Jim Greenwood of Greenwood Consulting Group will provide a brief overview of the study’s goals, process and desired outcomes. Public participation is welcome.

The consulting firm is conducting a survey of small businesses in West Volusia to determine whether there would be enough interest to justify the creation of a business incubator in that part of the county. The survey can be accessed at http://tiny.cc/WestVolusiaIncubator, and the survey also will be available at the July 16 meeting.

For more information, call Volusia County’s Economic Development Office at 386-248-8048.

dents of Daytona State College and Bethune-Cookman University also use the services.

The centers also partner with the Central Florida Community Development Corporation (CFCDC),Center for Business Excellence and Daytona Beach Job Corps.

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 ECHO workshop set for July 16 The Volusia County Council will hold a workshop to discuss the Volusia ECHO program at 1 p.m. July 16 at the Lifeguard Headquarters and Administration Center, 515 S. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach.

Public participation will be welcomed at the end of the meeting. More information: 386-736-5920.

Council on Aging plans garage sale The Council on Agency’s Community Sale is July 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 160 N. Beach St., Daytona Beach. All proceeds will support the Meals Match Challenge to meet the needs of seniors in our community. For more information, call 386-253-4700, ext. 239.

County plans guided hikes Volusia County environmental specialists will lead free guided hikes through two of Volusia County’s most popular conservation lands – Hickory Bluff Preserve from 9 to 11 a.m.

July 20; and Heart Island Conservation Area from 9 to 11 a.m. July 27. Reservations are required and

may be made by contacting Bonnie Cary at bcary@ volusia.org or 386-7365927, ext. 21263.

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.

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 for additional information or visit www.foodaddicts. org.

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JULY 11 – JULY 17, 2013

Supreme Court giving aid and comfort to bigotry For decades now, July 4th has always compelled in me to reconsider, and more deeply appreciate, Frederick Douglass’ famous oration of 1852.

Of course, that’s the one, given before an audience heavily but not completely comprised of White abolitionists in Rochester, N.Y. that contains one of the most famous passages of American oratory.

Having declared earlier in the speech that “America is false to the past, false to the present, and solemnly binds herself to be false to the future,” he thundered, “What, to the American slave, is your Fourth of July? … To him, your celebration is a sham … a thin veil to cover up crimes which would disgrace a nation of savages. …”

Douglass was speaking at a time when slavery seemed to have a limitless future, and the rights of free Black Americans were becoming more and more circumscribed.

Five years later, the U.S. Supreme Court would try to put an end to “the Negro Question” by declaring in its infamous Dred Scott decision that no Black American – enslaved or free – had any rights Whites need respect.

Web of vicious cruelty That ruling would soon be turned upside down by the Civil War’s outcome. But, despite the promise of the post-war 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments and decades of hollow national boasting about American exceptionalism, Black Americans would remain ensnared in a web of vicious cruelty and betrayal until the landmark

LEE A. DANIELS NNPA COLUMNIST

federal civil rights laws and policies of the 1960s.

Douglass’ audacity refutes the notion, still current in some circles, that Blacks of the antebellum era were too cowed, or ignorant, to have pride in themselves or speak up for themselves.

White racism remains powerful That truth of American history should be one more blazing source of inspiration to Black Americans today amid the ironic juxtaposition of celebrating the nation’s most significant national holiday the week after the U.S. Supreme Court’s rulings in three cases showed that the lure of White racism remains powerful.

Indeed, the court’s giving aid and comfort to bigotry in striking down the key provision of the Voting Rights Act of 1965; and narrowing Blacks’ equal access to educational opportunity; and substantially limiting workers’ ability to protect themselves against on-the-job discrimination underscores a major point about Frederick Douglass’ character.

He always knew where he stood: on the other side of the American equal sign.

So did Black Americans as a whole. That was the source of their determination and patience in de-

vising and executing over seven decades a nonviolent campaign to reverse the devastating effects of the Supreme Court’s 1896 Plessy decision legalizing racism.

Democratic voting blocs growing Despite the Republican Party’s desperate efforts to block Blacks’ access to the ballot box; and scuttle immigration reform that would enable undocumented Latino immigrants to step on the path to citizenship; and close off women’s reproductive rights; and spin intricate theories that they can win the presidency back via reactionary, “White-solidarity” appeals to White voters, they won’t succeed.

One reason is that, in terms of voter turnout at the polls, Blacks, and Hispanic- and Asian-Americans – all of whom are key Democratic voting blocs – still have considerable room to grow.

Another can be seen in the multiracial cast of the “Moral Mondays” progressive movement in the state of North Carolina, protesting the GOP-dominated legislature’s efforts to turn the state into a conservative fortress.

If nothing else, that grassroots movement underscores a powerful lesson of these first years of the 21st century: There are plenty of other kinds of Americans standing with Blacks on the other side of the equal sign.

Lee A. Daniels is a longtime journalist based in New York City. Click on this story at www. daytonatimes.com to write your own response.

Women deserve a right to choose I was 20 years old when Roe v.

Wade was decided. A year before the decision, a young woman who lived in my dormitory attempted to abort herself and hemorrhaged so badly that she was hospitalized. I’ll never forget the blood on the floor of her room, and the anguished screams of her roommate.

The young woman never returned to school, her promising future cut short because she could not obtain a legal abortion.

Now, there is an effort to return to the days of back alley abortions, or the days relatively wealthy women left the country to obtain legal and safe abortions. Republican-dominated legislatures in several states are committed to limiting and perhaps even eliminating women’s right to choose.

In North Dakota, the governor signed legislation to outlaw abortion after only six weeks of pregnancy. The law may not be constitutional but its passage sends a dangerous signal to women who support choice.

Texas State Senator Wendy Davis garnered national headlines (and the appreciation of many women) when her 11-hour filibuster defeated (at least temporarily) a proposed law that would forbid abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy. If enacted, the Texas law would also require abortion clinics to have additional equipment, making them far more expensive to operate.

A January Gallup poll indicated that just 29 percent of all Americans support overturning Roe v.

Wade. Eighteen percent said they had no opinion, and 53 said that

DR. JULIANNE MALVEAUX TRICEEDNEYWIRE.COM

Roe should not be overturned. The Republican push to limit abortion rights, though, effectively limits or overturns Roe v. Wade.

While many suggest that African-Americans are more conservative on things like abortion rights, a 2012 poll by the Public Religion Research Institute, twothirds of African-Americans, support a woman’s right to choose.

Marcia Ann Gillespie, former editor of both Essence and Ms. magazines once wrote, supporting the right to choose, that choice is the essence of freedom, and many of those who support abortion rights do so not because they want women to have abortions, but because they want women to have choices.

Limiting women’s choices Limiting abortions to less than 20 weeks, increasing licensing requirements, forcing women to wait 24 hours (or more) before getting an abortion, requiring doctors to show pictures of fetuses, are all ways to erode abortion rights, and limit women’s choices. Many Republicans don’t want to increase the minimum wage, but they want to limit women’s options.

The zeal they exhibit for limiting abortion isn’t matched by zeal to feed children once they are here.

Indeed, between sequestration

VISUAL VIEWPOINT: MIDDLE CLASS FALL

and proposed legislation, dollars available for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the old Food Stamps program) have been falling. In other words, these folks care about unborn children until they are born, then they can go for self.

I don’t think anybody “likes” abortion, but it is an effective way to end unwanted pregnancies, and many women make this choice for financial and other reasons.

A dream deferred Forty years ago, women were shackled by their inability to make choices. Now, women have options and possibilities. Any woman who has an aversion to abortion doesn’t have to have one. It’s that simple.

I don’t remember the girl’s name that hemorrhaged in my dorm. I do remember her big orange Afro, her quick smile, and her love of learning. And when I think of her, I think of Langston Hughes writing about “a dream deferred.”

We can’t go back to those days of back alley abortions. Just as Republicans are going state by state to limit women’s rights, those who support choice should go state by state to preserve them. We need more state legislators like Senator Wendy Davis. We can’t go back!

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.

DAVID FITZSIMMONS, THE ARIZONA STAR

America’s crisis: 38 million have no retirement assets As more baby boomers continue to retire, a new research report has found that the nation is facing a trillion dollar retirement savings crisis. According to the National Institute on Retirement Security (NIRS), 38 million Americans – 45 percent of working-age households – have no retirement account assets.

“The heart of the issue consists of two problems: lack of access to retirement plans in and out of the workplace –particularly among low-income workers and families –and low retirement savings,” the report found.

No retirement plan In 2011, according to the report, 44.5 million people worked for an employer that did not sponsor a retirement plan. Even among full-time employees, 35.2 million had no access to a retirement plan. Low-wage industries, regardless of size, were found to be the least likely to offer a retirement plan.

Today, the average working household has virtually no retirement savings. The median retirement balance for all working-age households is $3,000 and only $12,000 for those nearing retirement.

While some might assume that America’s workers make poor financial decisions, earlier research by the Center for Responsible Lending determined that the typical household has just $100 left each month after paying for basic expenses and debt payments.

Additionally, CRL found that income declines in communities of color are higher in part because of declines in over-representation in two types of employment that historically provided stable and secure jobs: manufacturing and construction.

Charlene Crowell NNPA FINANCIAL WRITER

The new NIRS report offered three specific actions to remedy the retirement crisis: • Strengthen Social Security, the primary source of retirement income for low and middle-income Americans; • Expand low- and middlewage workers’ access to highquality, low-cost retirement plans with professional investment management and risk pooling; and • Expand eligible income limits and credit rates for the federal Saver’s Credit that reduces income tax liability by 10-15 percent on the first $2,000 in contributions to a qualified retirement account.

Without long-term solutions to the retirement crisis, NIRS concludes, “An increasingly dependent elder population will likely place increased strain on families and social service organizations. American workers, employers, and policymakers need to look closely at what we need to do individually and collectively, so that everyone can build sufficient assets to have adequate and secure income after a lifetime of work.”

Charlene Crowell is a communications manager with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at Charlene.crowell@responsiblelending.org. Click on this story at www.daytonatimes. com to write your own response.

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

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

The unbelievable Walmart The other night I was watching television and a commercial came on. It was from Walmart and it was attempting to convey what a wonderful company they would like us to believe that they are. I went running to the rest room.

In April of this year, a building (Rana Plaza) collapsed in Bangladesh. It was a building containing garment factories. There had been evidence that this building was in danger of collapsing but the factory owners insisted that the workers go to work or face termination.

More than 1,100 workers perished when the building imploded.

Disasters such as the Rana Plaza building collapse in Bangladesh are far from unusual. In November 2012, a factory fire resulted in the deaths of 112 workers. Instead of swift action being taken to address the conditions under which the workers labor, the owners are regularly given a pass by a Bangladeshi government in the pockets of the garment industry executives.

Workers who protest are regularly fired or worse. Extra-judicial intimidation and killings are used

BILL FLETCHER, JR. NNPA COLUMNIST

against union organizers and, for that matter, any worker who stands their ground.

Did I forget to mention that these are the factories that produce for markets in the USA? Did I also forget to mention that Walmart is largely founded on its relationship with these contractors?

Along with other major retailers, they insist on low cost and quick movement, regardless of the impact on the workers.

In the aftermath of the Bangladesh disasters an effort was undertaken to create what is known as “The Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh.” This agreement, to which 17 companies (largely from Europe) are signatories, represents a commitment to a legally-binding safety program

for workers in the Bangladesh garment industry. Guess the name of one of the companies that chose not to sign on? Yes, you are correct: Walmart.

What was striking was that Walmart and several other U.S.-based companies suggested that such an agreement was unnecessary and that they would take independent — and non-legally binding — steps to ensure safety.

This is from the same company that offered up this syrupy commercial about how compassionate they are. Why should we believe Walmart? If they took no steps prior to the disasters and now do not wish to be a party to a legally binding agreement on safety for the workers, why should anyone believe that they are going to act differently?

The answer is simple: You shouldn’t.

Bill Fletcher, Jr. is a Senior Scholar with the Institute for Policy Studies. Click on this story at www.daytonatimes.com to write your own response.

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JULY 11 – 14 JULY 17, 2013 DECEMBER - 20, 2006

MWORLD AYOR

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portance to Israeli military protection.

Panelist Mohammad Loulichki, Morocco’s ambassador to the United Nations, reminded the gathering that his delegation currently holds a two-year seat on the Security Council. He called for a revival of collective international engagement towards a two-state solution for the conflict.

Warning from ambassador

MUATH HAMED/AA/ABACA PRESS/MCT

President Barack Obama is welcomed by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas as he arrives in Ramallah, West Bank, on March 21.

Is UN irrelevant to Palestinian-Israeli peace process?

Panel of experts discuss issue |during gathering in China

BY SAAED SHABAZZ SPECIAL TO THE NNPA

UNITED NATIONS – A five-member panel of experts recently gathered in Beijing, China for a oneday discussion about the way forward for the international community in restarting peace talks between the Palestinians and Israelis.

The discussion didn’t

produce much optimism and highlighted UN failures over several decades.

One of the purposes of the gathering was to give a candid assessment of United Nations’ ability to rise above the status quo the world body has assumed concerning the on-again, off-again peace process.

Abdullah Abdullah, head of the Palestinian Legislative Council’s Political Committee in Ramallah, opened the discussion by saying the UN has been dealing with Israel’s occupation of Palestine since 1947.

He reminded the gathering that the UN Securi-

ty Council declared inadmissible Resolution 242 (1967), the forcible seizure of territory.

Israel’s violations of that principle have been considered by the UN General Assembly and the Security Council, and resulted in adoption of numerous anti-Israel resolutions, said Abdullah.

Unfortunately, none have been implemented, he said.

That has led to the conclusion that the UN has become irrelevant to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, and no force can stop Israel from violating the UN Charter, UN resolutions or

international law, Abdullah continued.

Candid assessment Frenchwoman Christine Chanet, chairperson of the UN Human Rights Council’s Fact-Finding Mission on Israeli Settlements and a member of the Committee Against Torture, offered a candid assessment of Israel’s intransigence.

She recalled establishment in March 2012 of an independent, international fact-finding mission to examine the impact of Israeli settlements on the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of Palestinians. “The mission addressed many requests for cooperation to the government of Israel, but had received no answer,” she said.

Abdullah said one of the great ironies was Israeli government insistence that negotiations with Palestinians happen without preconditions, but Israel declared Jerusalem, settlements, and the Jordan Valley were non-negotiable because of their im-

Palestinians cannot be accused of not being a genuine partner for peace, the Moroccan ambassador said, pointing out it was the United States that sponsored the two-state vision and added momentum to the idea around the world.

The U.S. gave rise to genuine hope that efforts by the Obama administration would lead to resumed negotiations and a political solution, added the diplomat.

“Yet, the expansion of settlements in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, combined with Israel’s lack of engagement, has triggered pessimism about the two-state solution,” Ambassador Loulichki observed.

Admitting failure would mean that the United Nations and the international community have been unable to deliver on promises made 56 years ago to Arabs, particularly Palestinians, he added.

“Failure to reward the painful compromises made by the Palestinians with a solution based on United Nations’ resolutions would be a blow to the credibility of the United Nations,” Loulichki warned.

American speaks Panelist La Yifan, deputy director-general of the Dept. of International Organizations and Conferences in China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said, “To promote the just, peaceful and proper settlement of the Palestinian issue was in the interest of all people in the Middle East and in line with the wishes of the entire international community.

“The Security Council should send delegations to

the region in order to gain a better understanding of the situation. It should also approve at an early date Palestine’s application for full United Nations membership.”

Nathan Stock was the only American speaking at the confab, but not as a panelist. He is assistant director of the Conflict Resolution Program at the Carter Center in Atlanta.

“The political dynamics in the United States made it tougher to maintain the kind of engagement that had led to past territorial withdrawals,” Stock conceded. But he believes President Barack Obama would like to see a two-state solution and Secretary of State John Kerry would like to make his mark by resolving the conflict.

“However, hopes of success would depend on President Obama deciding to use the full powers of his office to realize the creation of a Palestinian state,” said Stock.

Global march Abdullah countered that the peace effort launched

by Mr. Kerry faced a “near stalemate” owing to Israeli positions.

On June 18, the Guardian newspaper in London reported how a member of the Israeli cabinet told settlers in Jerusalem that Israel should annex large tracts of the occupied West Bank.

The idea of a Palestinian state “is dead,” he said.

France 24, International News 24/7 reported on Twitter June 19 that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said Palestinians support Mr. Kerry’s efforts to revive peace talks.

Meanwhile activists in 60 nations are marching and protesting the “illegal Zionist State of Israel” in a Global March to Jerusalem.

On June 7, Jews from Neturei Karta International/USA marched from the West Village in New York to the United Nations.

“We are marching for the freedom of Jews and all of Palestine,” said a spokesman. But such freedom remains a long way off.

This story is special to the NNPA from The Final Call.

Blacks suffering in Colombia despite freedom law Activists will host first Afro-Columbian conference Aug. 23-28 in Quibdo

BY CHARLENE MUHAMMAD SPECIAL TO THE NNPA

As Afro-Columbian women leaders work to expose violence and human rights violations, grassroots activists are mobilizing for a historic conference to address their issues, gain and protect the rights of Blacks in the country and to commemorate the 20-year anniversary of a law that was supposed to grant freedom.

The term “supposed” is used because, according to activists, the government of Columbia has yet to fully implement Law 70, which for the first time recognized the rights of Black Columbians to protect their land, culture and other important things.

To commemorate the law, issued in August 1993, activists plan to host the first Afro-Columbian National Congress of Community Councils and Organizations Aug. 23-28 in Quibdo.

“Law 70 … gave African people the material foundation to protect themselves as a people by giving them the right to collective ownership of their ancestral lands. It is the commemoration of the victory by Afro-Colombians that will serve as backdrop to the National Congress,” stated activist Charo Mina-Rojas, coordinator of the Afro-Colombian women’s human rights defenders project.

Hundreds expected Organizers want the Colombian government to respect and implement measures to actualize Black people’s right to participate in decision-making on issues that affect their lives, culture, environment and territories as provided for by the law.

Approximately 700 community leaders and state officials are

expected to participate and outside observers are also invited to witness the historic gathering, which aims to increase international awareness of the deteriorating human rights conditions Black Columbians face.

Many of the deplorable conditions, displacement and death threats are occurring as part of armed combat between guerilla groups and the military, explained Gimena Sanchez, senior associate for the Andes for the Washington Office on Latin America. The organization promotes human rights, democracy, and social justice in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Increase in displacements In 2012, Blacks were 20 percent of all new displacements in Columbia, Sanchez said. That same year, 36 percent of all new displacements took place along Colombia’s primarily Afro-descendant Pacific Coast. That marked a 22 percent increase in displacements compared to 2011, according to numbers provided by the Consultancy for Human Rights and Displacement.

“This situation is basically leading to a crisis, a humanitarian crisis as well a very difficult crisis for people because once a person is displaced, they lose their home, their livelihood, and they experience severe stigmatization, and they become second class citizens,” Sanchez told The Final Call.

Elusive employment, poor treatment and racism make it harder for people to put their lives back together, she added.

Death threats A growing number of U.S.based organizations and indigenous groups are calling for an end to threats, attacks and murders of Afro-Columbians, including members of AFRODES, a coalition of some 89 groups for internally displaced Afro-Columbians.

AFRODES has suffered 35 death threats against members, had three assassination attempts, a break-in, and constant surveillance of its members, according to Sanchez.

The threats come in the wake of the deaths of several key leaders: Miller Angulo of AFRODES, Demetrio Lopez of Community Council of La Caucana, and Socrates Paz Patiño, the legal representative of the Community Council of Iscuande.

Dangerous port On June 20, a network of Afrodescendant women in the Caribbean announced they have been receiving death threats as well, Sanchez stated.

Due to a concerted joint inside and outside effort to raise awareness, the Columbian Attorney General’s Office intends to address high priority cases of violence and political persecution of Afro-descent women from Buenaventura, the Caribbean region and Tumaco, according to Mina-Rojas.

Buenaventura is a very dangerous, major port in Columbia, where women are heavily targeted, according to activists. In 2011, 13 women were killed, they reported.

“We have a case of woman that they tied to a pole in front of everybody … for three days. They tortured her in front of everybody and didn’t allow anybody to touch her. Then they buried her in the sand, up to the neck and left her there for the tide to come over and she drowned,” MinaRojas told The Final Call.

“We have cases of women that have been raped … killed and thrown in the water,” Mina-Rojas continued. It’s been difficult to count the number of women who have suffered but it’s just a small example of what women are facing, she explained.

U.S. involvement People should be concerned about the United States’ role in

Black women in Columbia have been vocal about human rights abuses their community has suffered for years.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PNC INTERNATIONAL WORKING GROUP

Activists fight to help residents like this Afro-Columbian girl.

Black Columbians continue to struggle for equality in their homeland.

what’s happening in Columbia, because it has a lot to do with the conflict, Sanchez said.

“The United States is the largest donor to Columbia in military assistance,” with approximately $8.5 billion to Columbia since 2000 and a signed free trade agreement with the country, she continued.

“A lot of areas where the commerce is being incentivized … are Afro-Columbian areas. For instance the Port of Buenaventura, where ultra-violence is taking place, is the same port that the United States is working with Columbia to help expand for economic interest. It’s also a port where the majority of the work-

ers are Afro-descendants and the human rights and labor rights situation is abominable,” Sanchez said.

From January to April this year, 91 mutilated bodies have been found there, according to Sanchez. But the appalling events also present an opportunity to help improve the lives of Afro-Columbians through the U.S. Columbia Racial Action Plan, she added.

“What is needed is more U.S. citizens to follow this situation and get involved politically to help,” stated Sanchez.

This story is special to the NNPA from The Final Call.

7 COMMUNITY NEWS

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‘Fired up for Jesus Youth Retreat’ takes place July 12-14

BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES harperjames59@yahoo.com

Word and Praise Family Church in Daytona Beach will be hosting a youth retreat July 12-14 at the church located at 955 Orange Ave., Suite 120.

The theme of the retreat is “Fired up for Jesus Youth Retreat.’’

Prophetess Gloria MacFawn of Lakeland will be the featured speaker for the opening of the retreat Friday night beginning at 7:30 p.m.

MacFawn, a mother of two adult children, became an ordained minister in 1991 in New Smyrna Beach.

She is currently working on building a facility in Lakeland to be called “The Oasis Center – A Place of Refreshing.’’ The center will cater to people of all walks of life and will be available to men, women, and children. Professional services will be provided.

MacFawn has ministered for more than 20 throughout the United States and Canada. She was recently featured in Charisma Magazine and had a broadcast radio program on WAPN in Daytona Beach.

Young minister among speakers On Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the retreat, there will be a dance workshop and youth panel discussion.

Prophet M. Douglas Moore, 22, will deliver the

Louisville, Miss. She graduated from Jackson State University with a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and a Minor in Computer Science. In November of that same year (1985), she married Danny Fuqua.

Taught at college She continued her education and obtained a master’s degree in English Literature in 1989. The same year, after being ofApostle Muriel Fuqua fered a teaching position and her co-pastor husat what was then Daytona band, Danny Fuqua, are Beach Community Colthe founders of Word and lege, she and her family Praise Family Church. moved to the city.

The church began in an extra room in the family’s home, with the Fuquas and their children, Phebe and Daniel.

In addition to being pastor of the church, Apostle Fuqua is principal of the Word And Praise Christian Learning CenGloria M. Douglas ter, providing education MacFawn Moore for children age 1 through sermon on Sunday. Moore middle school. She also was called into the minis- is the founder/overseer try at age 12. Moore, a Fort of I.N.S.P.I.R.E. (InternaLauderdale native, is the tional Network of Spiritufather of one son, Jama- al Partners). rion.

In 2001, Apostle Fuqua At 17, he had founded obtained a diploma of A Way to God’s Love Out- Practical Theology from reach Ministries, Inc. He is International Seminary in now under the guidance Plymouth. In 2003, she reof Apostle Muriel Fuqua ceived a Ph.D. in biblical and her co-pastor hus- studies from International band, Danny, at Word and Seminary.

Praise Worship. He works Pastor Danny Fuqua is with children in Daytona a native of Edwards, Miss.

Beach. The Fuquas found- He is currently a Sergeant ed the church in 2000.

First Class in the Florida Apostle Fuqua, also a Army National Guard with professor at Daytona State the 1153rd Finance ManCollege, moved to the agement Detachment in Daytona Beach area from St. Augustine.

JULY 11 – JULY 17, 2013 Phyllis Moten at 386-589-3249 or Deacon Ormond Beach George Ward at 386-527-3759.

••• church to host Gospel show plans Prayer and Life Clinic Joyful Noise program Emmanuel Church of the Living God has scheduled its Prayer and Life Clinic July 1214. Participants are encouraged to bring prayer requests and oil to the altar.

Service will begin at 7 p.m. July 12 and July 13. On July 14, a service will begin at 10:30 a.m. Bishop Dr. Lillie D. Ward is the pastor.

Registration to the weekend event is free and open to the public. The church is at 54 S. Ridgewood Ave., Ormond Beach.

For more information, call Ambassador

A Joyful Noise Gospel Program is scheduled July 14 at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, 1407 Enterprise Ave., New Smyrna Beach. The program begins at 7:30 p.m.

The event will feature local choirs and performers.

The program is sponsored by the Praise Factory Gospel Show of WAPN 91.5 FM and 91.7 FM. For more information, call 386-4273543.

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JULY 11 – JULY DECEMBER 14 -17, 20,2013 2006

MSPORTS AYOR

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photos by Duane Fernandez Sr. / the daytona times

Spectators experience a patriotic moment at the Daytona International Speedway last weekend.

Patrick a favorite among Shaq and Sheryl Crow at Coke Zero 400

BY ANDREW WARD ORLANDO SENTINEL/MCT

When asked about why he would be rooting for Danica Patrick in last Saturday night’s Coke Zero 400, Shaquille O’Neal’s answer had nothing to do with how well she drives.

“She’s hot,” the former NBA allstar said with a shrug.

He then put his thumb to his ear and his pinkie finger to his mouth like a telephone.

“Call me, Danica,” he said.

The motion was greeted with a chorus of laughter, especially from fellow Grown Ups 2 actors Kevin James and Adam Sandler.

“Don’t call him Danica,” Sandler said, waving his hands in front of his body.

Danica Patrick seemed Patrick to be a celebrity favorite Saturday.

Country singer and Grammy award winner Sheryl Crow, who performed before the race, was also rooting for the only female driver.

“I feel that even with the fewer amount of miles she’s logged on these NASCAR tracks, she’s made us females real proud,” Crow said.

Actress Alyssa Milano was also in attendance Saturday, promoting a new clothing line with a focus on female NASCAR fans. Some of the shirts will feature drivers such as Patrick, Tony Stewart and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jimmie Johnson won the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday while Matt Kenseth won Friday night’s Subway Firecracker 250.

Activities at the Speedway included musical performances.

Memorable honor A USS Gettysburg machinery repairman still can’t believe he drove a car on the Daytona International Speedway track early Saturday afternoon.

NASCAR chose Brandon Woodward, a repair division lead petty officer for the U.S. Navy, as an honorary pace-car official as a part of An American Salute and the Troops to the Track program.

The organization is a part of the Armed Forces Foundation.

“It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Woodward, who was joined at Daytona International Speedway by his wife and about 10 fellow crew members of the USS Gettysburg. “I can’t imagine what it’s going to be like tonight.”

Grammy winner Sheryl Crow performed on Saturday at the Speedway before the Coke Zero 400 race.

Economaki earns honor The “Dean of Motorsports” became the third recipient of the Squier-Hall award for NASCAR Media Excellence Saturday afternoon.

Broadcasters Winston Kelly and Barney Hall, for whom the award is named along with fellow broadcasting legend Ken Squier, announced the late Chris Economaki — the editor of National Speed Sport News for over 50 years — as the winner. Economaki died in September at age 91.

“I learned a lot from watching him cover the sport the way he did,” Hall said. “I kind of wish he was here to enjoy the award with me.”

Economaki will be honored with the award at the NASCAR Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Jan. 29.

Orlando Sentinel Staff Writer Matt Murschel contributed to this report.

Shaquille O’Neal is shown with his son. O’Neal was one of the grand marshals of the parade.

Although there are a small number of African-American spectators, there were some Blacks spotted working last weekend at the Speedway.

A Black inspector was among those checking out the vehicles.

R8

7 NATION

JULY 11 – JULY 17, 2013

Black unemployment rate rose slightly in June

BY FREDDIE ALLEN NNPA NEWS SERVICE

WASHINGTON (NNPA) – The Black unemployment rate rose to 13.7 percent in June, up from 13.5 percent in May as the economy added 195,000 jobs, exceeding most expectations. The unemployment rate for Whites barely improved to 6.6 percent in June from 6.7 percent in May. After falling for four straight months, the unemployment rate for Black women, 20 years and over, rose sharply to 12 percent in June from 11.2 percent in May. The jobless rate for White women also increased to 6 percent in June from 5.8 percent in May. The jobless rate for Black men over 20 years of age, fell to 13 percent in June from 13.5 percent in May. The unemployment rate for White men fell to 6.2 percent in June from 6.4 percent mark set in May. The unemployment rate for Black teens (16 to 19 years-old) rose to 43.6 percent in June and the unemployment rate for White teens dipped to 20.4 percent.

The federal government shed 5,000 jobs in June, continuing a 12-month trend that disproportionately affects Blacks, because of the rate of employment for Blacks in the public sector tends to be higher than in the private sector.

‘Ongoing disaster’ Despite beating most expectations for job creation in June, researchers at the Economic Policy Institute (EPI), a non-partisan think tank focused on the economic policy needs of lowand middle-income workers, say that the job growth is not nearly enough to have a significant impact on the national unemployment rate.

Heidi Shierholz, an economist for the EPI, wrote in a recent post on EPI’s website that even if the economy had grown by 340,000 jobs per month, it would still take 2.5 years to close the gap in the labor market.

“Getting the kind of job growth we need would take a radical shift from policy makers,” wrote

GARY REYES/SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS/MCT

Greg Bostick is photographed with a coordinate measuring machine at his job as a quality inspector at California Brazing in Newark, Calif. on Jan. 16. He was one of about 4,700 factory workers who lost their jobs when the NUMMI automobile factory closed down in Fremont in 2010. Bostic was able to enroll in a machine technology program at Laney College that gave him updated skills to find a new job.

Shierholz. “Absent that shift, we can expect to see elevated unemployment for years to come – which represents an ongoing disaster for the U.S. workforce.”

No targeting More than 2.5 million Blacks are unemployed, according to the Labor Department’s latest jobs report, and the Obama administration’s lack of focus on the Black unemployment rate has drawn the criticism of Black leaders. The 13.7 Black unem-

ployment rate is higher now than when President Obama took the oath of office in January 2009.

“Despite the high level of African-American unemployment, there hasn’t been any targeting,” said Julianne Malveaux, an economist and former president of Bennett College for Women in Greensboro, N.C. “When you look at populations that have been disproportionately affected, you’re looking at African-Americans, you’re looking at AfricanAmerican men, you’re looking at

inner-city inhabitants. Those are the people that deserve targeting.”

Obama ‘asleep at the switch’ Some economists say that there are steps Obama can take to mitigate racial disparities in hiring and employment that don’t involve getting into another protracted fight with members of Congress who seem determined to block any jobs program that comes out of the White House.

“One thing the president can do is accelerate, deepen, and strengthen the enforcement of anti-discrimination policies,” said Bernard Anderson, an economist and professor emeritus Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

“That’s one thing the president can do and from all evidence, the Obama administration has been asleep at the switch.”

Freddie Allen is NNPA News Service’s Washington correspondent.

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