Learn all about Jackie Robinson during library’s film festival SEE PAGE 2
East Central Florida’s Black Voice
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CHARLENE CROWELL: Car dealers charge Blacks exorbitant interest rates SEE PAGE 4
FLAGLER STUDENTS EARN MEDALS AT NATIONAL NAACP COMPETITION SEE PAGE 3
JULY 23 - JULY 29, 2015
YEAR 40 NO. 30
www.daytonatimes.com
Teaching Black military history is retiree’s passion
A felon’s fair chance A Daytona Beach resident tells of his plight for gainful employment and the impact the city’s new ‘Ban the Box’ policy will have on others looking for work. BY PENNY DICKERSON DAYTONA TIMES news@daytonatimes.com
Retired Army Master Sergeant Hubert C. Jackson shares his military history presentation at the John H. Dickerson Heritage Library.
Daytona native spends spare time educating civilians about past wars and contributions made by African-Americans
The sun, sand and surf brought convicted felon Edward W. Barnes to Daytona Beach 20 years ago and he now calls Volusia County home. A native of Memphis, Tenn., he has served three separate sentences in the Florida Department of Corrections – all for burglary charges – connected to a crack cocaine addiction that plagued his adult life for more than a decade. He paid his debt to society, said he has been successfully rehabilitated from substance abuse and helped champion the Fair Chance/Ban the Box policy passed July 1 by the City of Daytona Beach. But for Barnes, the new policy that eliminates applicant requirements to disclose criminal backgrounds during the preliminary phase of job applications is bittersweet.
‘So many barriers’
BY PENNY DICKERSON DAYTONA TIMES news@daytonatimes.com
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etired Army Master Sergeant Hubert C. Jackson tried his best to avoid a military career in 1969. Several decades later, he now devotes his spare time to giving lectures to youth and adults about African-American military history. In June, Jackson, who resides in St. Petersburg, returned to his native Daytona Beach for a community presentation at the Dickerson library on Keech Street and an extended lecture for select students at Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU) who participated in the Black Male Explorers Summer program sponsored by his fraternal organization, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. “My first lecture was to the “Friends of the John H. Dickerson Heritage Library” in Daytona Beach on Veterans Day of 2014. That was the first time I’d done my presentation publicly,” said Jackson. “At that presentation, Mrs. Inez Jeffers – librarian at the Dickerson Library – invited me to come and address the youth group that they have during the summer, so I gladly returned.”
Above: Jackson displays some of his private collection of over 100 books and documents. Left: Joel Fears (left) appears in a full Civil War Union Army uniform and regalia as he talks with Jackson. PHOTOS BY DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./ HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
Enlisted to avoid draft The rest is history. Military history, Please see HISTORY, Page 2
Barnes endured a journey to both find and maintain employment that is a cyclic narrative too many felons find themselves living. It includes homelessness, mental illness, transition and finally a policy like “Ban the Box” that is considered a beacon of light. “There are so many men and women coming out of the prison system,” Barnes told the Daytona Times. “I had so many barriers to find housing jobs and re-establish my voting rights. ‘Ban the Box’ is significant for people trying to reinstate themselves and I just did all I can to tell my story in Daytona.”
Accomplished scholar In 1986, he received a Bachelor of Science degree from Tennessee State University in Health and Physical Recreation with a minor in elementary education. For close to a year, Barnes was employed by the Dollar Car Rental service at the Nashville airport but left to pursue an opportunity to attend graduate school at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg (USM). In 1991, he earned his Master of Science degree in Coaching and Sports Administration, again with a minor in elementary education. The aforementioned appear to be strong components in any man’s arsenal for success, but for Barnes, a series of traumatizing events stymied his consistent Please see CHANCE, Page 6
Volusia health department worker gets state environmental award BY DAYTONA TIMES STAFF
Florida Department of Health in Volusia County’s Environmental Specialist Ethan Johnson has received a top honor from the Florida Environmental Health Association. Johnson received the Rookie of the Year Award for outstanding accomplishments in environmental health. The association honors environmental health professionals through an annual awards program. The award was presented last week in Orlando at the National Environmental
ALSO INSIDE
Health Association Conference. He worked his way up in the health department from a temporary internship position to a full-time environmental specialist position. He assisted with the Protocol for Assessing Community Excellence in Environmental Health (PACE-EH) program in May 2014.
Inspects pools, parks As an environmental specialist, his job includes doing inspections for public swimming pools and mobile home parks. “I am honored to accept this
prestigious award from my peers in the environmental health field,” Johnson said. Added Ron Rondeau, interim administrator for Volusia’s Department of Health. “We are excited that Ethan has been recognized for his hard work and dedication to public health in Volusia County.” Johnson’s hard work with the health department also has resulted in a $2,000 grant to the Word and Praise Christian Learning Center to establish a community garden in a “food desert” Please see AWARD, Page 2
SPORTS: NASCAR DRIVER’S ‘PRAYER AT FULL THROTTLE’ TOPS BESTSELLERS LIST | PAGE 7 PERSONAL FINANCE: 10 WAYS TO PAY OFF YOUR STUDENT LOANS IN ONE YEAR | PAGE 8
Ethan Johnson’s work has resulted in a grant to the Word and Praise Christian Learning Center in Daytona Beach to establish a community garden.
7 FOCUS
R2 Actor in ‘Martin’ to star in DeLand play on Saturday
Actor Carl Payne, most noted for his roles as “Cockroach’’ on “The Cosby Show’’ and “Cole Brown’’ on “Martin,’’ will star in a comedic stage play on July 25 in DeLand. The re-write of Andre Darby’s play, “My Prodigal Child,’’ will be performed this Saturday, 5 p.m. at the DeLand High School Auditorium. “My Prodigal Child” centers on a woman who Carl abandons motherhood Payne in the efforts of pursuing a lavish lifestyle with her drug-dealing boyfriend. However, her praying mother refuses to give up hope and believes her daughter will find her way home. Along with Carl Payne, the play features comedian Brody Love and gospel recording artist Pastor Melvin Dawson. The play also features DeLand residents Stephanie Corley, Gaysha Hill, Vondra Langrin, D’Asia Burkes, LaKesia Muhammad, Bre Oliver, Jeremiah Lemon as well as James and D’Andre Darby. The DeLand High School Auditorium is located at 800 N. Hill Ave. Doors for the play open at 4 p.m. For tickets, call 386-338-8863 or visit myprodigalchild.eventbrite.com.
Author of new book on B-CU founder to be at DeLand center Aug. 1 A book signing by Dr. Ashley N. Robertson, author of “Mary McLeod Bethune in Florida: Bringing Social Justice to the Sunshine State,’’ is scheduled Aug. 1 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the West Volusia Historical Society’s Conrad Center, 137 W. Michigan Ave., DeLand. Robertson is the curator and director of the Mary McLeod Bethune Foundation at Bethune-Cookman University. She grew up in Oxford, N.C. and moved to Daytona Beach in 2013 from
JULY 23 – JULY 29, 2015
Washington, D.C. Robertson received a Ph.D. in History with a major in African Diaspora and a minor in Public History from Howard University in 2013. Her dissertation topic was “The Drums of Africa Still Beat Dr. Ashley In My Heart: The InterRobertson national Activism of Mary McLeod Bethune and National Council of Negro Women.” Robertson is the first trained historian to work in Dr. Bethune’s Daytona Beach home and the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House in D.C. The DeLand event is free and open to the public. For more information, call Matt Iannolino at 386-320-4612.
Learn about DeBary Hall’s history on Aug. 1 Sarah Thorncroft will discuss DeBary Hall Historic Site’s history, focusing on the building’s construction and the lives of its residents, at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, in the historic site’s stable, 210 Sunrise Blvd., DeBary. Thorncroft, a DeBary Hall intern and graduate student at the University of Central Florida, will share photos and documents detailing events at the hunting estate, which was built by wine merchant Frederick deBary in 1871. Her free presentation is part of the Lemonade Lectures series, which is sponsored by the Enterprise Historical Conservancy and Volusia County. Light refreshments and lemonade will be served. Reservations are not required. DeBary Hall Historic Site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Tours are available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission prices are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $2 for children ages 3 to 12, and free for children 2 and younger. For more information, call Amber Patterson at 386-668-3840.
Learn about Jackie Robinson during film festival at library.
Ken Burns’ baseball films continue at library Stop by the Daytona Beach Regional Library at City Island at 10 a.m. Tuesdays to catch one of Ken Burns’ acclaimed historical documentaries. Upcoming episodes include: • “Baseball: Bottom of the Tenth (1999 to 2009)”: Aug. 4. Baseball continues to reflect the complicated country that created it as players and owners battle over money and power. • “Jackie Robinson: My Story”: Aug. 11. Powerful storytelling is blended with interviews, newsreels and archival footage to tell
AWARD from Page 1
neighborhood in Daytona Beach. He is a member of Tubman-King Community Church in Daytona Beach. The garden at the learning center will teach children the valuable tool of gardening as well
the baseball legend’s story. • “Letters from Jackie: The Private Thoughts of Jackie Robinson”: Aug. 18. This documentary explores Robinson’s life as he solidifies his role in the civil rights movement following his days as a trailblazing baseball player. • “The Amish: Shunned”: Aug. 25. Burns blends historical analysis with contemporary footage to explore the highly private and unique religious community. The free films are sponsored by the Friends of the Daytona Beach Library. Reservations are not required. For more information, contact Adult Program Librarian Cindy Fouraker at 386-2576036, ext. 16166.
as providing them and their families with fresh fruits and vegetables.
Mainland grad Johnson was born in Tallahassee and has lived in Daytona Beach since he was a child. He is a 2007 graduate of Mainland High School, where he was captain of the track team, senior class president and Stu-
HISTORY from Page 1
that is. From the precarious circumstances to almost being drafted to his current status as an aficionado on the contributions of African-Americans in the Colonial War, the Revolution and pertinent trailblazers who fought in WWII, Jackson’s life and passion for history are worthy chronicles of interest. A young Jackson married his first wife, Pauline, in 1969. He was 19 years old and said he held an honest job at Daytona’s Lloyd Electric. But one day he returned from work and had a special delivery letter from the United States Marine Corps. Jackson knew he was eligible to be drafted and the Vietnam War was in progress. He circumvented Uncle Sam’s mandate and voluntarily elected to join the branch of his choice – the Army. A successive letter from the Air Force and Navy followed the initial correspondence from the Marines, but they were null and void as Jackson made the brave decision to leave his wife and young son, Rodney, to attend basic training at Fort Benning, an Army base in Georgia.
Pentagon to Special Operations Fatherhood and fortune coincided for Jackson early into his military career. Following a two-month stint at Fort Huachuca in Arizona, he was selected as one of five from a pool of 300 trained soldiers assigned to work at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. “I don’t know why I waschosen,” stated Jackson. “I believe it was divine intervention because I wasn’t interested in law, but was working for the office of the adjutant general of the United States.” Jackson completed four years of service to his country. The Vietnam War was coming to a close and the military offered qualifying soldiers an “early out,” which Jackson pursued. “I never wanted a military career, but after being out of the service for threemonths, I re-enlisted,” Jackson explained. “I was lazy, had no imagination and realized in the military, I was lucky to have
PHOTO BY DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
Retired Army Master Sergeant Hubert C. Jackson focuses his teaching on military history in homage to those who helped pave his path. those three hots and a cot.” The latter career choice sustained Jackson for 24 years plus an additional 15. He retired in 2013 as a civilian employee who worked in Special Operations Command at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa.
Balancing life and Globetrotting Jackson later crossed multiple continents that included overseas tours of duty in Korea as well as Fort Gulick, an Army base in the Republic of Panama. It was in Korea that Jackson gravitated toward mediation and race relations. “I was a part of a threeman team in 1973 who developed and stood up the brigade’s race relations program,” Jackson explained. “It was me, an E-5, and two Caucasians a captain and a lieutenant who addressed race riots on military bases. Leaders determined that intervention was necessary so we made people sit down and actually talk about what was going on at that time.”
Military firsts The men of the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion, also called “The Triple Nickels,” were the first and only African-American infantry to fight during WWII. A commemorative group of civilians have formed a namesake organization and meet annually in a different U.S. locale. Only one of the five origi-
nal infantry members is still alive. In a 2010 report, battalion member Charles Stevens offered the following on his experience as a Black paratrooper in a segregated army: “If a white soldier completed airborne training, he got all the stuff he needed, then was assigned to a nice, big combat division or regiment,” Stevens said. “When I got mine (airborne status), people wanted to tell me, ‘I don’t want you to have that type of thing,’ because of the color of my skin. That hurt.”
Yearning to belong Despite the racial tensions, Stevens earned his parachute wings and landed at Fort Bragg, where he became a member of the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion. “I finally felt like I belonged to something,” Stevens said as he recalled his first days serving in the allBlack battalion. Jackson also was stationed at Fort Bragg for 12 years while in the service and thereafter felt the same sense of “belonging” to his coveted alums. “When I joined in 1998, I attended a reunion in Detroit, Michigan,’’ said Jackson. “There, I also met and interviewed members of the Second Ranger Company, the first and only allBlack ranger company in the U.S. Army that fought in Korea.” Jackson further states
that he was “truly embarrassed” to know so little of their history and contributions to the military war success of America. “I am Black. I am Airborne qualified and I am Ranger-qualified. These men kicked in the door and allowed me to become a Ranger,” Jackson stated. “I knew nothing about their existence and it irritated me. I felt like if I don’t know, how many others don’t know?”
Birth of a lecture series Over several years, Jackson made it his business to aggregate a presentable lecture that would inform and educate all who were willing to learn. To begin, he developed a five-part series titled “African-American Military History from Beginning to End” and assigned extended titles to only the first and last.: • American Revolution & the War of 1812 – From the very beginning • Civil War • Buffalo Soldiers in Cuba • WWI • WWII & Korea – A first for a people and a nation It is presented orally with the aid of visual slides and begins with colonial America and a narrative of slaves who participated in the French and Indian War. The lecture transitions to the Revolution, War of 1812, Civil War and a dual topic of interest – Buffalo Soldiers and Buffalo Sol-
diers in Cuba. “The Buffalo Soldiers actually rescued the Rough Riders but they never got credit for their efforts,” said Jackson, who has amassed a personal library to include close to 100 books and online documentation sources. Jackson is additionally a man of acquired knowledge having earned an Associate in Arts degree in General Studies from Central Texas College while stationed in Panama. That academic accomplishment was followed by a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications from BethuneCookman in 1990. In 2000 while stationed at Fort Hood in Texas, he earned a Master of Science degree in Public Administration from Troy State University.
Spotlight on pioneers Presenting the historical authenticity of military life on and off the battlefield is important to Jackson who holds specific affection for a slide and image that focuses on the Civil War soldier and his family. “During my research, I learned that the emphasis that the vast majority of Black soldiers placed on formal education was mind-blowing,” shared Jackson. “The one thing you will always find on the body of a dead, Union Black was a Holy Bible and a speller. They never went anywhere without them.” Jackson was joined at
dent Government Association vice president. Johnson earned a Bachelor of Health Sciences from the University of Central Florida and a master’s in Public Health from Georgia State University. His father, Dr. Earl Johnson, is the principal at Matanzas High School in Flagler County.
his Daytona lecture by Joel Fears, who along with his wife, Mary, belong to a Civil War re-enactment group called the 54th Massachusetts Voluntary Infantry. It was the first military unit consisting of Black soldiers to be raised in the North during the Civil War – given popular rise by the movie “Glory.” Each year, they join in a re-enactment of “The Battle of Olustee,” which was the largest Civil War battle in Florida. Fears portrays Corporate Gooding, who was both wounded and died in battle while Mary, his wife, and historical storyteller portrays “Susie King,” founder of the Civil War Black Nurses Corp. Joel Fears attended the library presentation in his full Union Army uniform, including authentic shoes. In a brief address, he shared with the audience particulars about his uniform and life during the Civil War, including the types of food he was resigned to eat.
Facing the future Jackson’s active participation with the 555th Parachute group has dwindled in recent years but he remains hopeful regarding the future of his lecture series. “Reactions have been very positive and I was so very pleased,” said Jackson of his interactions with the Black Male Explorers in grades 6-12 he met this summer at B-CU’s College of Business. “They were somewhat not amazed, but equally enthralled by the information shared about first Black generals, Tuskegee Airmen, and the few Blacks who were allowed to be tankers.” A proud veteran with a heart for history, Jackson would like to pursue presentations to ROTC students and African-American history classes, specifically high school and college, any youth group that has a total interest in history. “I focus on military history because it affected me directly,” stated Jackson. “These individuals paid dues for me to serve and I didn’t even know who they were. I have always resented that it was purposefully left out of classroom textbooks.’’ For more details, contact Jackson at blackjack1910@ hotmail.com.
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JULY 23 – JULY 29, 2015 COMMUNITY DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006
M A YNEWS OR
Flagler students bring home medals from NAACP competition SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
PALM COAST – Two Flagler County high school students brought home medals from the NAACP’s 37th Annual Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACTSO) in Philadelphia. The July 12 awards ceremony capped months of local competitions where students competed in 29 categories, ranging from performing arts and music to mathematics, biology and business. Jayson Dwyer, a freshman at Flagler Palm Coast High School, won the gold medal in filmmaking. Dominic Davis, a graduating senior at Matanzas High School, won the bronze medal in playwriting. Together, they accumulated $4,500 in scholarships, and they both received Ipads. ACT-SO is an enrichment program and competition for high school minorities. The nationals are held in the same city as the annual NAACP National Convention.
About the program ACT-SO was founded in 1978 by renowned author and journalist Vernon Jarrett. Previous ACTSO contestants and winners include filmmaker John Singleton, musician Kanye West, actress Jada Pinkett Smith and comedian Anthony Anderson. The ACT-SO program centers on the dedication and commitment of community volunteers who serve as mentors and coaches to promote academic and artistic excellence among African-American students, and not withstanding business leaders, who sponsor the program. Students compete on the local level, and winners at the local level progress to the national competition.
Busy weekend The student competitors arrived in Philadelphia on Thursday, July 9. They had a prep rally led by Edwina Finley, wife of Kevin Hart in the movie “Get Hard.” On the morning of July 10, the competition began.
On July 12, the students attended workshops that were aimed to expand their minds. From the hit TV show, “Blackish,” actresses Yara Shahidi and Marsai Martin and actors Marcus Scribner and Miles Brown hosted the awards ceremony at the Kemmel Performing Arts Center on July 13. “It was my first year with ACTSO and I was very nervous because I didn’t know what to expect,” said gold medalist Jayson Dwyer. “I met so many students from across the country that had so much talent; it was so inspiring. It was honestly a blessing and an honor for me to have been able to win a national medal.”
‘Don’t give up’ “When I heard the presenter call our chapter for the bronze medal in playwriting, I didn’t even wait for them to say my name; I was already running toward the stage,” said Dominic Davis. “After four years of competing in the national competition, to finally win a medal was worth the hard work and my dedication to the program. If I could leave one quote for those talented youth, it would be ‘to never give up on your goals. When you least expect success, it arrives.’ I did it; I brought home the bronze medal in playwriting!” Flagler ACT-SO Chair Stephanie Ecklin noted, “Each year, the national competition renews my commitment to our local youth and resuscitates me to continue my work. I am super excited about our plans for the next season of ACT-SO and next year’s national competition in Cincinnati, Ohio.’’ E’Lexus Jefferson also competed in sculpting and Gina Evans represented Flagler in culinary arts. The Flagler County ACT-SO Program is thankful to sponsors and supporters: Morganelle and Associates; GEICO; Prosperity Seekers Investment Club; Chiumento Selis Dwyer, P.L.; Rob’s JazzExpress; and for the other contributions donated by parents and friends.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE FLAGLER COUNTY NAACP
Attending the ACT-SO awards ceremony were: First row, left to right: Actor Miles Brown, actress Marsai Martin. Second row, left to right: Dominic Davis, actor Marcus Scribner and Jayson Dwyer.
Department of Health offering free hepatitis testing On Tuesday, July 28, the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County is offering free Hepatitis C testing in observance of World Hepatitis Day. The testing results will be available in 20 minutes. Worldwide, an estimated 400 million people are living with hepatitis B or C and every year 1.4 million people die from viral hepatitis. Viral hepatitis is deadly but can be prevented. That is why in 2010 the World Health Organization made World Hepatitis Day one of the only four disease-specific world health days. The no-cost, finger stick testing will be done from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County, 1845 Holsonback Drive, Daytona Beach. For more information, call 386 274-0634 or visit www. volusiahealth.com.
Like scrabble? Join the club
Displaying the Flagler County banner outside the ACT-SO awards ceremony in Philadelphia were E’Lexus Jefferson, Jayson Dwyer, Dominic Davis and Gina Evans.
Make new friends and expand your vocabulary during Scrabble Club meetings at the Daytona Beach Regional Library at City Island, 105 E. Magnolia Ave. The club, which is open to people of all skill levels, meets at 2 p.m. every Tuesday in the library’s boardroom. Experienced players are asked to bring game sets and share their expertise with newcomers. Library patrons who are interested in starting new clubs for Cribbage, Mah-Jongg and Dominoes are asked to contact Adult Program Librarian Cindy Fouraker at 386-2576036, ext. 16166. The library is open from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
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7 EDITORIAL
JULY 23 – JULY 29, 2015
Car dealers charge Blacks exorbitant interest rates Car lending is on the rise, and rising with it is a hidden, unfair, abusive and discriminatory practice: car dealer interest rate markups. Surveys show that at least two-thirds of Americans have no idea it happens. Dealer interest rate mark-up is the practice of adding extra interest to a consumer’s loan–dealers pocket this difference as compensation. How does it work in practice?
Dealer gets paid A borrower qualifies for a loan at 5 percent, but the dealer raises it by as much as 2.5 percent more. The dealer tells the consumer, “Great news! We got you a great rate of 7.5 percent!” The dealer then collects a large bonus payment, up to a thousand dollars or more, when it sells the loan to a lender. The borrower gets stuck with higher car payments for the life of the loan. Since 80 percent of the cars financed in the U.S. are financed through the dealer, this hidden practice is a huge threat to consumers. Just last week, Honda Finance Corporation (HFC) agreed to pay $24 million in restitution to borrowers of color as a part of a settlement with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and Department of Justice (DOJ), after investigators discov-
CHARLENE CROWELL NNPA COLUMNIST
ered HFC’s policy to allow dealers to mark up the interest rate resulted in borrowers of color paying more in interest than White borrowers.
Not isolated Unfortunately, Honda’s discriminatory auto practices are not an isolated incident. Ally Bank agreed to pay $98 million in civil penalties and restitution, to settle claims of discrimination. Black, Latino and Asian-American car buyers who financed with Ally paid more in interest on their loans than similarly situated White borrowers because of car dealer interest rate markups. A recent settlement between the DOJ and Evergreen Bank found similar disparities in Evergreen’s motorcycle lending portfolio, also attributable to dealer interest rate markups. Research, court cases and enforcement actions have shown that consumers of color have their loans marked-up more of-
US export bank subsidizes Fortune 100 Capital access is the lifeblood of business growth and job creation. As the president/CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce, it is assumed that I would support all avenues of capital access. However, I have big doubts about one such vehicle. The Export-Import (EX-IM) Bank is a government-owned organization that was started by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as a way for American firms to export business to the Soviet Union. Most modern nations have their own EX-IM bank. Even developing nations like Ghana have just opened their own to help their businesses export to Europe, Asia and the United States. Unlike most nations, our EX-IM Bank has become controversial. It lost its charter as of June, and funding is frozen unless Congress reauthorizes it. If it does not happen within the next six months, the doors of the EX-IM Bank will
HARRY C. ALFORD NNPA COLUMNIST
be permanently shut.
Don’t know Most businesses are not familiar with the EX-IM Bank. That is a flaw in its marketing. It may also be an indicator that it is not inclusive. I don’t know of one Black-owned firm that has received financing from this entity. Billions of dollars have been provided and not one Black-owned firm has received a penny. I am still searching for proof that I may be wrong, but no one – including the EX-IM Bank –has corrected me. The bank claims to have a pro-
Release low-level, nonviolent drug offenders Jerry Alan Bailey was sentenced to more than 30 years in federal prison for conspiring to violate federal narcotics laws. Shauna Barry-Scott was sentenced to 20 years for having cocaine in her possession and intending to distribute it. Jerome Wayne Johnson grew marijuana plants and was charged with intending to distribute marijuana. He was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison. Douglas Lindsay initially was sentenced to a life sentence for possessing cocaine with intent to distribute, but early on, his sentence was reduced to 24 years. Bailey, Barry-Scott, Wayne and Lindsay were among the 46 people whose sentences President Obama recently commuted. They are the lucky ones.
Drug arrests There are 95,165 people – 48.6 percent of all federal inmates – incarcerated for drug-related crimes, according to the Feder-
JULIANNE MALVEAUX NNPA COLUMNIST
al Bureau of Prisons. (That’s triple the second-largest category that includes weapons, explosives and arson; 31,743 or 16.2 percent of federal inmates are confined on those charges). Another 210,200 – 16 percent – were imprisoned in state facilities on drug-related offenses as of 2012. President Obama’s commutations of nonviolent drug sentences are a step in the right direction. By choosing nonviolent drug offenders, he highlights the draconian sentences that those committing these crimes receive. The American Civil Liberties Union says that of the nearly 3,300 people getting life sentences for petty crimes, almost
ten, and by a greater amount, than White borrowers with similar credit profiles. Data from a series of court cases settled a decade ago found that African-American and Latino borrowers were twice as likely to be hit with a dealer interest rate markup, and that markup was on average twice as large as for a similarly-situated White borrower. Those lenders agreed to cap the amount of markup dealers could add to the interest rate for 10 years, and those agreements have all expired. Additional Center for Responsible Lending (CRL) research showed that for borrowers of color, following the auto dealers’ own advice on avoiding paying too much in markup does work. Car dealers insist that the interest rate is also negotiable, and that if consumers negotiate the rate like they do the price of the car the threat of overcharge disappears.
CRL refutes that According to a CRL-sponsored survey, borrowers of color reported attempting to negotiate the interest rate as much, if not more often, than White borrowers, and yet paid higher interest rates than similarly situated White borrowers. In fact, borrowers of color who negotiated the interest rate paid more than
VISUAL VIEWPOINT: OBAMA, IRAN, AND THE GOP
ADAM ZYGLIS, THE BUFFALO NEWS
White borrower who did not negotiate. Media accounts suggest that the CFPB and DOJ are working on several more cases alleging discrimination, and other bank regulators are also referring cases to the DOJ. A host of other enforcement agencies have also launched investigations into auto lending, including whether dealer markups have a discriminatory impact. A similar practice was banned in the mortgage market; it is long past time to end the same practice in the auto lending market. Even though every forward stride
gram in which 20 percent of its financing goes to small businesses. However, its definition of a small business is inconsistent with the Small Business Administration size standards. They accept businesses with more than $21.5 million in sales and up to 1,500 workers as being small. This is hardly small. Still, none of them are Black-owned. Three years ago, the bank sent a representative to give a presentation on their services and announce that they were having a new outreach initiative to recruit Black-owned firms. That person, a vice president, was soon gone from the bank and we’ve heard nothing since. Some of our members voiced “discontent” (a mild description) at that meeting, noting their negative experiences with the EX-IM Bank.
mismanagement, fraud and corruption, according to many news articles about its history. According to the Daily Signal newspaper, “An examination of EX-IM fraud cases reveals a disturbing pattern of carelessness in doling out taxpayer subsidies. “For example, the bank approved 96 loan transactions in a two-year period for Gangland, USA, which purported to export electronics from Miami to South America. According to prosecutors, company owner Jose L. Quijano received more than $3.6 million in fraudulent loans from the bank. “Similarly, the bank approved 18 loans involving $13.6 million to Leopoldo Parra, who pleaded guilty in 2012 to wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. According to prosecutors, Parra and his co-conspirators fraudulently obtained the Serves big businesses The bank’s services are over- loan proceeds and used them for whelmingly enjoyed by the For- personal gain.” tune 100 corporations, giants such as Boeing, Bechtel, Gener- No due diligence al Electric, Caterpillar, etc. In esThese and dozens of other cassence, this is corporate welfare. es reflect the hazards inherent in Another big issue is that the EX- government subsidies. Agencies IM Bank seems to be filled with such as EX-IM do not engage in 2,600 will spend decades in jail for nonviolent drug offenses. According to AlterNet, thanks to the “three strikes” law, Tyrone Taylor got life for selling an undercover agent $20 worth of crack. Taylor says he was a drug user, not a dealer. Still he got more time than many killers would. Leland Dodd, 59, got a life sentence for conspiracy to traffic marijuana, and has already served 24 years in federal prison. Army veteran David Lincoln Hyatt had no prior record when he got a life sentence in 1993 for his role in a cocaine conspiracy. Now 65, he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, and hopes to receive a compassionate release. Even the judge who sentenced him under mandatory minimum sentencing laws has advocated for his release.
Billions on prisons According to President Obama, we spend $80 billion a year on incarceration. In contrast, according the White House Initiative on HBCUs, these colleges got between $600 and $700 million from the Department of Education on grants and contracts. I applaud President Obama’s step forward in pardoning 46
nonviolent drug offenders. Many would have been better off had they been sentenced under the less harsh Fair Sentencing Act of 2010. After passage of that Act, inmates were invited to apply for lighter sentences and about 20,000 did. The Office of the Pardon Attorney reviews these requests, and forwards those they deem worthy of commutation to the president. The 20,000 applications are delayed because of a backlog in reviewing them. It costs the federal government $82 per day – approximately $30,000 a year – to support one inmate. If only half of those who have applied for clemency deserve it, that’s a savings of $822,000 a day, or $300 million per year. That money could go for job training, drug treatment and education initiatives. Imagine that instead of incarcerating addicted people, they were sentenced to residential drug rehabilitation programs. President Obama has solid ideas for criminal justice reforms, but it is not likely that this Congress will pass any of them. So he is left working with presidential commutation – an inmate at a time.
Charles W. Cherry II, Esq., Publisher
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.
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deserves its own acknowledgement, the car lending market still lacks transparency and fairness for many consumers. Dealer interest rate markups are unfair and discriminatory, and we should not tolerate hidden fees that result in unfairness and discrimination in any financial marketplace.
Charlene Crowell is a communications manager with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at Charlene.crowell@responsiblelending.org. meaningful due diligence when taxpayers are on the hook for any or all losses. The US Inspector General noted in a 2012 report to Congress that the bank failed to collect adequate credit information and history from borrowers. It lacked sufficient compliance personnel relative to the increasing size of the bank’s finance portfolio, which is expected to exceed $140 billion by September 30, 2014. It also concluded that EX-IM risk management framework and governance structure “are not commensurate with the size, scope and strategic ambitions of the institution.” Discrimination and corruption are first cousins. Where there is one, you will most certainly find the other. It appears that the EXIM Bank is no exception. The NBCC position is this: We will not fight to keep or kill the EXIM Bank. This entity has no impact on our membership. Maybe it would change its ways if it survives, but survival is doubtful.
Harry C. Alford is the cofounder and president/CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce.
Quick change? Is it possible to grant “mass” commutations for those convicted of relatively minor drug crimes, especially those who had clean records before arrest? In addition to saving lots of money, it would, in many cases reunite families. Strict conditions of probation would likely prevent recidivism. Nearly 150,000 children have mothers in prison, some for poverty-related, nonviolent drug crimes. Some of these mothers desperately want contact with their children, and many of them deserve it. Most would gladly comply with restrictive probations conditions if they could just hug their child. It’s good that President Obama “gets it” when it comes to reforming the criminal justice system. Can he implement change more quickly? There is no difference between Jerry Allan Bailey and Tyrone Taylor except that Bailey received the pardon. There are thousands waiting on a similar break. Let these people go!
Julianne Malveaux is an author and economist based in Washington, D.C.
Central Florida Communicators Group, LLC, P.O. Box 48857 Tampa, FL 33646, publishes the Florida Courier on Fridays. Phone: 877-352-4455, toll-free. For all sales inquiries, call 877-352-4455; e-mail sales@flcourier.com. Subscriptions to the print version are $69 per year. Mail check to P.O. Box 48857 Tampa, Fl 33646, or log on to www.daytona.com; click on ‘Subscribe’.
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5 7
JULY 23 – JULY 29,DECEMBER 2015 ENTERTAINMENT 14 - 20, 2006
MAYOR
‘Empire’ star Jussie Smollett still a social activist Actor discusses HIV/AIDS and the Black family during seminar at Essence Festival
family discussions – including 30 percent who have never talked about HIV with anyone in their family. The Black AIDS Institute states that more than 60 percent of parents of Black children said “they are ‘very concerned’ that their son or daughter will get HIV,” compared to about 20 percent of White parents. “Families in general play such an important part in the fight against HIV and AIDS,” said Smollett. “It’s not just Black families but the family as a whole – the village. It takes that village to get rid of the stigma to get rid of the shame so that people feel like they have someone to talk to.”
BY FREDDIE ALLEN NNPA NEWS SERVICE NNPA Senior Washington Correspondent
WASHINGTON – Before he was Jamal Lyon, the sensitive, talented gay son of drug dealerturned-music mogul on the hit television show, “Empire,” Jussie Smollett, was a social activist. Smollett, 31, said that the root of his activism, his ability to speak openly and honestly about sex was always his mother, because she set the tone for who he was, what he was and what he believed in. “My voice has always been linked to this fight before anybody new anything about my voice,” said Smollett, adding that you don’t need a television show or a hit record to make a change in the world your community. Smollett continued: “The work doesn’t start with ‘Empire.’ My mother didn’t give us a choice of whether or not we wanted to be activists or not – that was built into us.”
CDC stats
Family of actors His father, Joel, emigrated from Russia and Poland. His mother, Janet, is mixture of African, Native American and European. In addition to Jussie and Jurnee, an actress, the couple had four other kids: Jake, Jocqui, Jojo and Jazz All six Smollett children appeared together in the ABC TV program, “On Our Own,” which was broadcast 1994-1995. The Smollett siblings played a family reared by the oldest brother after both parents had died in a car accident. Jurnee starred in “The Great Debaters,” “Eve’s Bayou,” and appeared in episodes of “The Cosby Show.’’
TAMARA WILLIAMS/SPECIAL TO THE NNPA
Jussie Smollett, who portrays Jamal Lyon in Fox’s popular TV show “Empire,’’ is shown with his actress sister, Jurnee. Jussie, a native of Santa Rosa, Calif., currently serves on the board of the Black AIDS Institute (BAI), a Los Angeles-based think tank focused solely on ending the AIDS epidemic in the Black community.
On Essence panel Smollett recently sat on a panel on HIV/AIDS and the role of the Black family in fighting the epidemic at the Essence Festival in New Orleans.
Smollett was joined by Otis Harris, a 28-year-old gay man living with HIV from Dallas; Harris’ mother, LaTongia HarrisAmadee, and Leo Moore, a clinical scholar with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation at the University of California at Los Angeles. Award-winning journalist Soledad O’Brien moderated the panel. According to national surveys by the Kaiser Family Foundation, 66 percent of Black Americans say HIV rarely, if ever, comes in
In 2013, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), launched a national campaign that identified stigma and complacency as two critical challenges to ending the AIDS epidemic in the United States. Declining awareness and concern about HIV among the American public may lead some to underestimate the continued need or action to fight the epidemic, a fact sheet on the campaign said. “Young people who have grown up without seeing the epidemic’s devastating effects may be particularly vulnerable,” the fact sheet said. “For example, a study among young black gay and bisexual men in 20 major cities found that among those who thought they were at low risk of infection, nearly one in five was, in fact, already infected with HIV.” The fact sheet noted that in 2011 the Kaiser Family Foundation reported that not only are people reporting that they’re reading and seeing information about HIV in the U.S. 30 percent less than they were in 2004, but less people also named HIV, “as the nation’s most urgent health problem.”
‘Enough is enough’ According to the International
Centre for Research on Women (ICRW), HIV-related stigma can result in the loss of income, loss of marriage and childbearing options and the loss of hope and feelings of worthlessness. “We live in a nation that we’re about shaming,” said Smollett. “Cultural shaming, religion shaming, sexuality shaming and gender shaming, there’s so much shame. It’s time for people to step up and say, ‘enough is enough.’” Smollett added: “We have to remember that Black lives matter. We also have to remember that we can not pick and choose when Black lives matter.” Phill Wilson, the president and CEO of BAI, agreed. “If we’re serious about the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement, we need to talk about all the things that are important for us to live longer healthier lives,” he said. And that dialogue must include decreasing the number of new HIV infections, getting people into treatment that need it and ending the AIDS epidemic, said Wilson.
Time for action Smollett said that even though Black people have been oppressed since we were enslaved and shipped to this continent, we still helped build this nation and this world. “We cannot sit idly by while our children, our fathers and mothers, our sisters and our brothers, our nieces and nephews, and our uncles and our aunts are dying and are being left to feel ashamed for who they are,” Smollett remarked. Smollett said that ending the AIDS epidemic is not about gender or sexuality or race. It’s about taking responsibility for you and yours, which is the human race. “Everybody wants somebody to oppress. Let’s not be that way,” Smollett added. “Lets spread love. Let’s make sure that everybody knows that they have someplace to go in life so that they don’t feel alone.”
Cosby dropped from Black stuntmen documentary EURWEB.COM
Bill Cosby has been edited out of an upcoming documentary called, “Painted Down,” which explores Hollywood’s dirty little secret of White stuntmen applying blackface to double for Black actors. The Black Stuntmen’s Association (BSA) also has removed from its website a lengthy tribute to Cosby, who was the first actor to demand that his stunt double be an actual Black man. “Cosby is no longer attached to the project,” said the film’s producer, Nonie Robinson, according to Deadline.com. “We were the last project standing behind him, but now with Whoopi (Goldberg) and CAA (talent agency) pulling the plug, we must also disassociate and cut all ties with Cosby. It’s the right thing to do in light of the recent court deposition being made public.”
Changed minds In November, when the controversy was in its early stages, Robinson told Deadline that Cosby’s interview would not be cut from “Painted Down.” Cosby, who has been accused of drugging and raping dozens of women decades ago, was dropped by CAA late last year, long before revelations surfaced in a deposition in which he admitted to having obtained Quaaludes with the intent of giving them to young women he wanted to have sex with.
“The View” co-host Goldberg, who had been standing behind Cosby’s until proven guilty and also appears in “Painted Down,” last week changed her tune, saying that “all of the information that’s out there kind of points to guilt.”
Lots of black makeup In his interview for the documentary, Cosby described his irritation as he watched dark black makeup being applied to a White stuntman so that he could double for Cosby on the 1960s TV series “I Spy.” “The day of the shooting, I showed up for that scene to see it,” he said in the interview. “I had no knowledge that there are no Black stuntmen. I went over, and there was this White stuntman. … I looked at him and the lady is putting black – not a deep brown — she’s putting black around this guy, eyes and everything. So I’m … staring at this, and then they pulled his sleeve up and they put the black stuff all over his hands and all, and that too looked kind of funny. It was just black. Black, black, black — black on the neck. Then they pulled out this wig. Looks like they scalped a sheep and dyed it.” Cosby objected, and the next day a Black stuntman was hired to double for him. It was the first time a star ever had spoken out against the practice, and it helped launch the Black Stuntmen’s Association and the careers of many Black stuntmen and women.
Above are the original stuntmen and stuntwomen. The Black Stuntmen’s Association was founded in 1967. Bill Cosby has been removed from “Painted Down: The Movie,’’ a documentary about how the film industry used White stuntmen in black makeup.
“He did a hell of a lot for Black stuntmen,” said BSA president Willie Smith, who had a lengthy tribute to Cosby removed from the organization’s website recently. “If it hadn’t been for Cosby, I don’t think there would have been a Black Stuntmen’s Association. It’s not that we’re turning our backs on him, but the controversy is getting too much to deal with.”
Tribute on website The tribute had been on the website for years – long before Cosby became toxic. “Bill Cosby has been on television for so long, usually in rather silly sitcoms or commercials for Jello, it’s easy to forget that he used to be funny – and hip,” the tribute stated.
Founded in 1967 and honored with an NAACP Image Award for integrating the stunt industry, the BSA has decided, however, not to sanitize Cosby’s history with the organization. “Bill Cosby was the first established actor to break the glass ceiling by hiring Black stunt-
men for Black actors when he starred on the television series I Spy,” its website still states. “This one act changed the common practice of using ‘paint down,’ forever changing the landscape of the motion picture and television industry.”
Fantasia marries ‘King Kendall’ at North Carolina home EURWEB.COM
Fantasia Barrino has been through a lot. She’s been a single mother, almost killed herself during an affair with a married man whom she had a son with who eventually went back to his wife and experienced career ups and downs and well. But the former “American Idol’’ Season 3 winner has reason to celebrate – she’s married. Fantasia and businessman Kendall Taylor were married in front of family and friends last weekend. Though there had been some
bumps along the way, as Fantasia shared several months ago via Instagram, the two reconciled. While few specifics of the wedding ceremony were provided, which apparently took place in High Point, N.C., Fantasia’s hometown, she did share photos via social media of the cake and the two on a yacht where the two were enjoying their honeymoon. Fantasia wrote on her Instagram account Tasia’s World: “Those who really know me know that I LOVE Water.. Can you see it? How Happy I am.. This Man.. God made him just for Me and me Just For Him.. This Man.. Covers and prays for me and my
children EVERY morning.. This Man.. Loves My Father in Heaven and his name is God.. This Man allows me to just be a woman.. No more Hurt because King Kendall will never let that happen.. I’m off to just kiss, Hug and play in some water with This Man.. Look at Him in the pic YEP!! HE COVERS ME.. Be Happy with me you guys cause I’ve been thru SOOOOO much. Some stuff was my wrong decisions but all I ever really wanted was this.. Real Love. This Man and this smile is real… Later you guys ? bye bye for a while.. God did not forget about me….’’
Fantasia posted this wedding photo with Kendall Taylor on Instagram.
R6
7 CLASSIFIEDS
JULY 23 – JULY 29, 2015
CHANCE
for a job at Burger King,” said Barnes. “When they looked at the application and saw that I was a convicted felon, the application ended up in the trashcan.” That cycle continued through applications filed at McDonald’s, Wendy’s and even positions in the manufacturing and warehouse industries. Barnes was almost ready to give up when he approached a manager at the Popeye’s Chicken on Ridgewood Avenue in Daytona.
from Page 1
climb up the proverbial career ladder.
Two traumatic deaths Barnes said that he pledged Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., in 1983, while a student at Tennessee State University. During the pledge process, a line brother died from alcohol poisoning, Barnes added. For Barnes, it was a tragedy that left him traumatized although he never received formal treatment. In another stroke of misfortune, a second fraternity brother died while Barnes attended graduate school at USM. More than just his “frat brother,” the man was a close friend who suffered a heart attack while playing sandlot football during homecoming festivities. “I had a mental breakdown,” stated Barnes. “I couldn’t focus, started drinking heavily to feed the pain and then started using crack. My life spiraled out of control and I withdrew from (graduate) school and ended up on the psychiatric ward of Forrest General Hospital.” The flagship hospital of Hattiesburg treated Barnes for depression; he was later released.
Work and woes In what appeared to be the year of stabilization, Barnes met a woman in 1991 and the two moved to Louisiana, where he secured a teaching post at Booker T. Washington Middle and High School in New Orleans, which closed in 2011. “I taught seventh-grade art and was head trainer for the athletics program for about six months,” said Barnes. “One day I came home and caught my girl in bed with another man and never went back to work. I drank and drugged my troubles away and became homeless in New Orleans.” This phase of Barnes’ life marked the beginning of a transient life that took years to bring under subjection.
Hired on honesty
DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
Edward Barnes, far left, is shown earlier this month at a “Ban the Box’’ celebration in Daytona Beach.
Homelessness and hitchhiking Barnes moved back to Memphis in 1992 and was taken in by his sister, Angela Barnes, who is a career employee for the Nike Corporation. Despite the sibling love offered, her support still wasn’t enough to help Barnes kick crack. “It was like a monkey on my back,” said Barnes. “I moved from family member to family member and the addiction just took over.” The former teacher and coach lived life with his thumb in the wind and hitchhiked more than 2,000 miles in less than five months. He first headed North to Chicago where he located his fraternity brothers. Compassionate to his plight, they moved Barnes into their frat house and offered support as long as they could before purchasing him a bus ticket to Atlanta.
Suicide attempts A life of aimless roaming and lack of closure from previous trauma led Barnes to attempt suicide. He tried to slit his wrists.
Later, when a stranger talked him off a bridge and called 911, Barnes was admitted to Georgia Regional Hospital in Decatur. “I was diagnosed with bipolar and paranoid schizophrenic affective disorder,” stated Barnes, who further disclosed that he was placed on the medications Haldol, Prozac, Cogentin and Lithium. “I stopped taking my medication because I thought I was doing better,” said Barnes, who like many patients and addicts, started using street drugs again.
Brothers to the rescue Within the same year, Barnes hitchhiked from Atlanta to Miami where he once again sought solace from his fraternal bond. “I found the brothers at Florida Memorial University and they let me stay with them,” said Barnes, whose Miami sojourn was as brief as those in Memphis and Mississippi. Once again, bags were packed and Barnes walked North. A stranger headed to Washington picked him up but when they reached
Daytona, Barnes chose to stay and has never left. “When I got to Daytona, I walked onto the BCU campus and saw my frat brothers sitting under a tree,” related Barnes. “They walked me to the frat house on Charles Street where I stayed until I was introduced to girl. I moved in with her.” Barnes said he never married but is father to four grown children.
Lied on application In the latter months of 1992, Barnes managed to secure full-time employment at Ormond Beach Middle as a physical education teacher where he remained for a mere three months. He was employed with a temporary certification and working toward the acquisition of his permanent Florida teaching certification. “I applied for employment with the Volusia County School Board and on the application it asked have you ever been convicted as a felon?” said Barnes, who responded “No” because he wasn’t convicted for his first burglary crime until 1996 fol-
lowed by a second conviction in 1998. “When I was in high school, my brother broke into a woman’s house and my mom convinced me to take the rap,” stated Barnes. “I got one-year probation for a crime my brother committed, still graduated from high school, but didn’t realize I had a juvenile record.” The juvenile charge showed up during the Volusia County employment background check and because he lied, Barnes said he was suspended from his Ormond Beach position for one year.
Suspension to street crimes Barnes couldn’t seem to catch a break. His residential, financial and employment instability led to crime and a third conviction in 2010, which resulted in a fourth conviction for violating parole upon his release. Life beyond bars proved a battle as Barnes could not find employment in the most menial jobs or the fast-food industry. “I remember applying
“I met with the manager named Ms. Peterson and told her I had just gotten out of prison. I told her my whole story, ” professed Barnes. “I made some bad choices due to an addiction and did what the disease told me to do.” Barnes was given an application and his employment was expedited. He said he started working that same day, Aug. 15, 2014, and left on good terms just last week. Barnes, who is now on disability due to chronic arthritis and scoliosis, receives less than $800 per month, said he would love to work again to help others. “I’m considering going back to work and would love to do substance abuse counseling at Reality House (transitional housing facility,” Barnes added. “I will have to give up my disability so when I go through the employment process, I’ll have to make sure my new income will adequately compensate me.” While living in housing run by the Volusia/Flagler County Coalition for the Homeless on North Street, Barnes said he saw a flyer from Mykal Tairu, the local advocate for “Ban the Box.” “I knew I needed to meet him and tell him what I’ve been through,” said Barnes, who has since joined forces with Tairu and shared his story with Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry, city commissioners as well as at the Senate and House of Representatives during the 2015 legislative session in Tallahassee.
To show you all of the seriously ill children that local health worker Khalada Yesmin helped save this year, we’d need 122 more pages.
HELP ONE.SAVE MANY. See where the good goes at GoodGoes.org
7
M SPORTS AYOR
JULY 23 –14 JULY 2015 DECEMBER - 20,29, 2006
Powell continues to break golf barriers Daughter of pioneer golfer still making history in US, abroad BY ZENITHA PRINCE NNPA NEWS SERVICE
Renée Powell, a pioneering African-American golfer who often fielded racism during her years on the Ladies Professional Golf Association Tour, made history by becoming one of the first female members of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club (R&A) of St Andrews, which is considered the birthplace of the sport. Last September, the club, which is based in Scotland, broke with 260 years of male exclusivity and decided to invite women to join. Powell, 69, was among the first seven women to be named honorary members. “This is an historic day for the Club and we could not be more proud also to welcome women who have distinguished themselves in golf over many years and have been great players and champions,” said R&A Captain George Macgregor. “They are extremely worthy additions to our roll of honorary members and will become ambassadors for the Club as they have been for the sport of golf throughout their careers.”
Started at age 3 Powell began her golfing career early, having been introduced to the sport by her father, William Powell, at the age of 3. Such was the elder Powell’s dedication to the sport, that in 1948 he opened Clearview Golf Course, a 6,478-yard spread built from an old dairy farm in East Canton, Ohio. It was the first golf course to be designed, built, owned and operated by an African-American, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. By 12 years old, Renée Powell was playing competitively, and she also played college golf, first at Ohio University then at Ohio State, where she served as captain of the women’s golf team, according to a PGA of America biography. In 1976, Powell became the second African-American to play on the LPGA Tour—after Althea Gibson who joined in 1964. She played in more than 250 professional events, winning once, in Brisbane, Australia, according to The New York Times. Her best finish on the tour was a tie for fourth at the 1972 Lady Errol Classic.
Faced racism, threats Her accomplishments were made even more significant given the daunting challenges she faced on the tour - written death threats, being denied boarding at tournament hotels, admitted to restaurants through the back door or excluded from pro-ams (professional-amateur games) because nobody would play with her, all due to the color of her skin. “I think back to the times that as a young Black girl playing golf, there were many places I could not play or unpleasant situations when I was finally allowed to play, and now I belong to the most exclusive private golf club in the world,” Powell told the Times. Since Powell left the LPGA in 1980, she has made significant contributions to the sport. Right after leaving professional golfing, she reached out to African embassies in the United States to
NASCAR driver’s ‘Prayer’ book tops Amazon bestsellers list SPECIAL TO THE DAYTONA TIMES
Robert Bakke is a jet captain, a black belt, a NASCAR driver and author of the bestseller, “Prayer at Full Throttle: How PerformanceBased Prayer Make Miracles Happen.” The book includes photos of actual miracles that have occurred around Bakke’s racecar. The book has become somewhat of a miracle of its own by hitting No. 1 on Amazon (Miracles & Spirituality category. According to Bakke, self-publishing was something he was warned not to do. “Everyone was telling me not to self-publish, but sometimes you just have to roll up
‘I think back to the times that as a young Black girl playing golf, there were many places I could not play or unpleasant situations when I was finally allowed to play, and now I belong to the most exclusive private golf club in the world.’ Renée Powell
Pioneering African-American golfer launch her mission of spreading the gospel of golf to Africa.
Reaching diverse golfers Upon returning to the U.S. in 1988, she began working to build inner-city youth programs, eventually establishing the Renee Powell Youth Golf Camp Cadre Program in 1995 to provide urban youth with an opportunity to learn and play the game of golf. Powell also strived to build a network of celebrity and pro-am charity events, and to tour HBCUs, where she worked to draw more people of color to the game. At Clearview, which Powell now runs with her brother, she also holds classes for women who are beginners, adults with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, and female military veterans, according to the golf course’s website.
Honors, accolades Powell has received many accolades for her contributions to golf. In 1995, she became the first African-American female Class A member of the PGA of America and the LPGA, and in 1999 was named an honorary member of the LPGA Teaching & Club Professional Division. She also has served as development and programming consultant for the First Tee Program and in 2000, began the LPGA Girls Golf Club in East Canton. In 2003, Powell received the Professional Golfers’ Association of America’s First Lady of Golf award and four years later the inaugural Rolex For the Love of the Game Award. In 2008, she received an honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of St Andrews.
Above: In 2008, Renée Powell was the first female golfer to receive an honorary doctorate from the University of St Andrews in Scotland.
Praised by Tiger Tiger Woods, another Black trailblazer in the game of golf, congratulated Powell on her most recent honor and praised her for her tireless efforts to bring inclusivity to the sport. “What Renee did in her pioneering efforts, people tend to forget it. But those of us who are minorities in the game of golf, who grew up not really being able to play in all the places, we understand their sacrifice,” Woods told the Times. “I think she truly does deserve it,” Woods added of her R&A honorary membership. “And it’s been a long time coming.”
Left: Renée Powell grew up playing golf at Clearview Golf Course, opened by her father, William Powell.
This story is special to the NNPA from the Afro-American Newspaper.
COURTESY OF USGA MUSEUM
Carter’s basketball camp returns to Daytona next week
your sleeves and go for it, because for miracles to appear you normally have to get to work, first.” Bakke openly admits he is not a fan of organized religions and never saw himself writing a book about prayer and miracles.
‘Get to work’ “As crazy as it sounds, I just truly believed God was telling me to write a book on the subject,” said Bakke. “I guess it made sense though, as we were seeing the most amazing things (miracles) happen around the racecar, and then we caught a couple of them on film. Now we’ve hit No. 1 on Amazon, which is a miracle in itself.” According to Bakke, God is not a religion but a power source that is available to everyone. “Just talk to him and get to work,” said Bakke, “God will work through you, but you need to get to work, first.” Bakke turns to what he calls the “miss-taught” story of David and Goliath. “Read the story for yourself,” related Bakke. “David did
not kill Goliath. God killed Goliath working through David, but David had to run, twirl a slingshot and throw a stone, first. And that’s how miracles happen.” He added, “Run at your giant and throw your rock,” added Bakke, “You’ll be amazed at what happens.”
Vince Carter, an NBA player and Daytona Beach native will host his annual local summer camp next week at Mainland High School. Young people from around the country as well as Canada will participate along with area youngsters. The Vince Carter Youth Basketball Academy begins Monday, July 27 at the Vince Carter Athletic Center at Mainland, where the ball player was a standout in high school. He now plays with the Memphis Grizzlies. “The camp is a highlight of my summer,” Carter said. “I look forward to working with the kids on their basketball skills and their life skills. He added, “It’s great to see that these children have such an interest in the game that Vince they’re willing to travel across the country and Carter the county to learn the on and off court team concept of basketball.’’ Carter has held the academy since entering the NBA in 1998. Over the years, youth from Europe, Asia and South America have made the trek to Daytona. Campers ages 7-17 have registered for the five-day academy. For more information, call Embassy of Hope at 386-239-8215.
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7PERSONAL FINANCE
JULY 23 – JULY 29, 2015
Tips to keep vehicles running smoothly FROM FAMILY FEATURES
While taking your car to an auto service professional is a great way to ensure its performance, the Car Care Council reminds vehicle owners there are few simple vehicle checks that they can easily learn and do themselves to save a little money and help keep their vehicles running efficiently all summer long. With basic knowledge of common maintenance practices and a little time, motorists can inspect the following components in their own driveway: Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Uneven
wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots. Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering and brake and transmission, as well as windshield washer fluid and antifreeze/coolant. Check the hoses and belts as they can become cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or show signs of excessive wear. These are critical to the proper functioning of the electrical system, air conditioning, power steering and the cooling system. Check the wipers and lighting so that you can see and be
So you’re out of college, drowning in debt and probably wondering, “Was it really worth it?” Whether it was or wasn’t is probably yet to be seen. But either way, you might be desperate to rid yourself of student loan debt — especially if the amount of your debt is on par with the national average, which is more than $35,000 for the average student graduating in 2015. The good news: Employing all of the following 10 tips can help you get rid of your student loans in just one year. There are, however, a couple of things to consider, such as how much you owe vs. how much you’re earning. If your base loan is $30,000, and you’re only making $35,000 a year, eliminating your debt within 12 months might not be an achievable goal. And if you’ve already begun a family, these tips can be very challenging to employ. So, it might take you two, three or more years instead to pay off your debt. But nonetheless, use these
strategies to reduce or erase your student loan debt. It will be a tough year, but it will be rewarding when you see your loan balance shrink to $0. • Seek a job offering student loan repayment reimbursement. Many government agencies and other employers provide employee recruitment and retention incentives in the form of student loan assistance. When looking for your first real job after college or perhaps seeking an employment upgrade, look for employers who offer programs such as these. • Take on extra work. If you’ve got the time and energy, pick up extra work. Whether your current gig offers overtime or you can make money on the weekends cutting grass, consider taking on a part-time job to add to your monthly income. Who knows — maybe working 60 to 80 hours a week for a year will eliminate thousands of dollars from your indebtedness? If so, the shortterm grind will be worth it for the long-term gain. • Set up payroll allotment. Check with your job’s human resources department, and
cheaper than going out. Use the money you saved to go toward your student loan payments. • Get a roommate. If college didn’t burn you out on shared living spaces, consider the cost savings of acquiring roommates or seeking a lower-cost living arrangement. Sharing the rent and electric bills or renting a room in a house — instead of renting a full apartment — could drastically cut back monthly living expenses. • Sell your things online. Do you have assets that you can sell? If you’ve acquired valuable items that you no longer need or want, consider selling them online. Check out sites like eBay and Amazon. • Ditch your car. Regardless of your environmental status, no one can deny the high costs of transportation. Look into rideshare and carpool options. Or, see if your city offers public transportation. It might not always be the most luxurious way to get around town, but gas, insurance and maintenance on a car add up quickly. • Resist the urge to shop. Do you need new pants or just want new pants? If you can make your wardrobe, cell phone and shoes go the distance for 12 months without upgrades, do it. You’d
be surprised by how much you save when you stay out of the mall. And here’s a bonus tip: Unsubscribe yourself from the daily email advertisements for those “can’t miss sales!” so you’re not tempted to waste your money on something you don’t really need. • Move back in with Mom and Dad. Moving back home is the least favorable option for many college grads, but in most situations it’s an opportunity to drastically reduce living expenses. If your parents would love to have you home to snuggle with one more year — and they’re willing to let you off with low to no overhead costs — this is a surefire way to cut costs and dedicate yourself to debt servicing. You might be ready to hit the ground running. Or, you might be saying, “Ehh, maybe in a few years.” If paying off your debts within a year is simply not feasible, look at your next option: Figuring out how to reduce the amount of time you’re in debt. The average payback schedule is 10 to 20 years, so your goal should be how to reduce that schedule down to seven, five or even two years. This can be accomplished by creating a detailed budget, utilizing a debt snowball strategy and implementing some of the 10 tips above.
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Check the engine oil and other fluids required. seen. Check that all interior and exterior lighting is working properly and inspect and replace
10 ways to pay off student loans in a year BY KYLE WINKFIELD GOBANKINGRATES.COM/TNS
worn wiper blades. Keep the reservoir filled with windshield washer fluid.
To keep the cooling system working effectively, the coolant and distilled water mixture for a vehicle’s radiator should be 50:50. Never open a hot radiator cap when checking the coolant level in the reservoir. As a rule of thumb, the coolant should be changed annually on most vehicles. Check the gas cap to ensure it is not damaged, loose or missing to prevent gas from spilling or evaporating. Don’t neglect the exterior. When washing the outside, make sure to include the tires and wheels and the underside and fenders to eliminate any road salt or grime. The body of the vehicle should be washed using a product sold specifically for cars. Wax your vehicle every six months. To learn more about how to care for you vehicle and for a free copy of the “Car Care Guide,’’ visit www.carcare.org.
ask to set up payroll allotment. With payroll allotment, a certain amount of your regular paycheck goes directly into another account and not into your main checking or savings accounts. If you don’t see the money, you won’t be tempted to blow your paycheck. And in a short period of time, you will have accumulated a nice chunk of change that can be used to make a lump sum payment on your student loans. • Say no to the 401K plan. Opposite most advice you’re most likely receiving, if getting out of debt is your No. 1 goal, consider delaying your retirement savings by 12 months. Delaying the “benefits” of one year of 401(k) contributions in favor of faster debt servicing is worth it in the end. The amount you’re paying in loan interest will probably be more than you earn in your 401(k) after you factor in market risk and taxes due. • Do more things at home. You’ve probably already learned that you can save more money by doing more things at home. Making your meals, watching movies on Netflix and even mixing your own cocktails can be much