Daytona
Former Times columnist Aver Gray dies at 89
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PRESORTED DR. RON DANIELS: Boycott Florida: An idea STANDARD whose time has come See page 4
Mainland coaches and players mentor Pop Warner athletes See page 7
East Central Florida’s Black Voice
See page 2
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AUGUST 1 - AUGUST 7, 2013
YEAR 38 NO. 31
PEOPLE SPEAK
No deputies for Volusia elementary schools Money still too tight to add some resource officers at schools with young children BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES harperjames59@yahoo.com
Even though Volusia County elementary school principals called for more security on their campuses last year after the Sandy Hook massacre, a local schools spokesman says this year’s Sheriff’s Of-
fice budget for on-campus deputies is the same as last year. “They will be at our secondary schools. There are no additional funds for this purpose,” Nancy Wait, Volusia County School’s community information officer, said about school resources officers. On Dec. 14, 2012, 20-year-old Adam Lanza fatally shot 20 children and six adult staff members at Sandy Hook Elementary School in the village of Sandy Hook in Newtown, Ct. “After Sandy Hook, we did review security at all of
our schools and have tightened up our process for visitors to campuses,” concluded Wait.
Talked about it Gary Davidson, spokesman for the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, told the Daytona Times this week that in the immediate aftermath of Sandy Hook, Sheriff Ben Johnson and key members of his staff met with Superintendent Margaret Smith and her campus safety personnel to discuss issues raised by the shooting and looked at
ways to strengthen security measures. “At that meeting, there was agreement on several steps for fortifying campus security. Unfortunately, there simply weren’t funds in anyone’s budget to add more school resource deputies to the 14 that we currently have,” Davidson said. Davidson said school district officials indicated at the time that they were planning to lobby the state Legislature for additional funding to help pay for school security. No funds were allocated by legislators.
Enhanced presence He added that there will be “nothing new beyond the measures that have already been taken planned for the school resource deputy program,” and no expansion beyond the current staff of 14 is planned due to budget constraints. And though there will be no deputies at elementary schools, Davidson said there will be an enhanced law enforcement presence in and around schools that are within their jurisdiction. After reviewing the school
Sharpton not ready to jump on boycott bandwagon
district ’s existing security assessments for all of its schools and identifying areas where existing security measures can be strengthened, “a number of suggestions that we made have already been implemented by the school district,” concluded Davidson. There are no school resource officers at any of Volusia County’s elementary schools.
Scaled back In an interview with the Daytona Times after the Please see DEPUTIES, Page 2
Orange Avenue project delayed BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES harperjames59@yahoo.com
Daytona Beach city officials had planned for bids for the Orange Avenue Streetscape project to go out to the marketplace on July 1. All that changed recently when Public Works Director Ron McLemore was informed that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) delayed their board meeting for the approval of a state revolving loan from June to October, causing the city a delay in bidding until the end of October or first of November. McLemore said the city wanted construction to begin on the project around the first of the year, but now that will not be the case.
County approves $1.6 million CAROLYN COLE/LOS ANGELES TIMES/MCT
The Rev. Al Sharpton speaks to several hundred people gathered at Manhattan Police Headquarters in New York during a “Justice for Trayvon” rally on July 20. The rally protested the decision in the George Zimmerman murder trial, and demanded justice for Trayvon Martin.
Civil rights activist will ponder direction on boycott by the time he returns to Daytona Aug. 18 FROM STAFF REPORTS
While many celebrities such as Steve Wonder, individuals and organizations have announced plans to boycott Florida while it still has the controversial “stand your ground” law on the books, the Rev.
Al Sharpton, president of the National Action Network, does not support such an action, at least not for the foreseeable future. Sharpton made the statement on his nationally syndicated radio program, “Keeping it Real with Al Sharpton” after being asked by Daytona Times reporter James Harper on his show about his planned visit to the state this week for the National Association of Black Journalists’ (NABJ) convention in Orlando. Harper asked him what he thinks about Blacks and others boycotting the state
and why he isn’t boycotting.
In Daytona this month Sharpton, whose own organization National Action Network held its Southeast Regional Civil Rights Revival and Conference July 23-25 in Miami at New Birth Baptist Church in Northwest MiamiDade, said boycotting the state was an issue brought up during the conference. “We went over that and raised the questions to our chapters around the Please see SHARPTON, Page 3
The city has applied for a $13,143,000 loan from Florida’s Revolving Funds to do the project. In addition, a $4,697,000 Florida Department of Transportation grant and a $1,660,000 Volusia County grant will go toward the project. Last week, the Volusia County Council voted to approve the $1.6 million. Upon the date of receipt of the county’s $1.6 million payment as its contribution to the project, the jurisdiction and responsibility to operate, repair, maintain, control Orange Avenue from Nova Road to Beach Street shall immediately transfer to the city, according to an item on the County Council’s agenda. The county’s contribution will be funded from local option gas taxes.
Backpacks, underwear, schools supplies to be given away next month BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES harperjames59@yahoo.com
The City of Daytona Beach and Pepsi are hosting this year’s annual Mayor’s Back Pack Give Away beginning Aug. 3 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Yvonne ScarlettGolden Cultural and Educational Center, 1000 Vine St. Backpacks and other supplies also will be given away Aug. 5
from 2 to 4 p.m. at Lenox Park, 825 S. Grandview Ave.; and Aug. 10 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the John H. Dickerson Community Center, 308 S. Martin Luther King Blvd. Daytona Beach residents only will receive backpacks and related school supplies for ages 5 - 18. Each child must be accompanied by an adult with proof of Daytona Beach Residency. The city will be giving away 3,500 backpacks. They will in-
clude school supplies, socks and under garments for students age 5-18 years old. Drinks, snacks and other goodies will be passed out as well from volunteering vendors. If you would like to be a vendor for these events and supply school supplies for ages 5-18, contact Sharonda Cowell at386671-5823 or via email at cowells@codb.us.
FILE PHOTO
Youngsters are shown last year with backpacks donated by the City of Daytona Beach and sponsors.
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7 FOCUS
Former Daytona Times columnist Aver Gray dies Aver Geneva Gray, a retired licensed clinical social worker and former columnist for the Daytona Times, died on July 27 in Tallahassee. She was 89.
AUGUST 1 – AUGUST 7, 2013
Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 3 at Morning Star Baptist Church with burial at Volusia Memorial Park in Daytona Beach. The family will receive friends on Aug. 2 from noon to 8 p.m. at Herbert Thompson Funeral Home, 901 Dr Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd, Daytona Beach. Left to cherish her memories are her daughter, Fernita E. Martin; two grandchildren, Martin Mayhew and Rhonda Mayhew; and five greatgrandchildren, Ishmael, Fenita, Sierra, Ryan and Aver Gray Justin Mayhew.
National Night Out takes place Aug. 6 at ScarlettGolden Center FROM STAFF REPORTS
Daytona Beach will be one of 15,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide participating in National Night Out on Aug. 6. National Night Out programs culminate annually on the first Tuesday of August, according to the National Night Out website. The introduction of National Night Out, “America’s Night Out Against Crime” first started in 1984, as an effort to promote involvement in crime prevention activities, police-community partnerships, neighborhood camaraderie and to send a message to crim-
Free event
McDonald’s partners with DBPD to fingerprint kids
the time they are infants to teenagers getting behind the wheel for the first time,’’ Chitwood said. “Information is power and the Child Safety Campaign is the initiative that can have a profound, widespread impact on the safety and wellbeing of our kids. Many good, thoughtful parents and caregivers just aren’t aware of the potential dangers their children face every day.”
FROM STAFF REPORTS
OLIVIER DOULIERY/ABAC PRESS/MCT
Police officers stand at the entrance leading to Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., on Dec. 15, 2012, a day after a shooting rampage where 26 people died.
deputies from Page 1 Sandy Hook massacre, Turie T. Small Elementary Principal Earl Johnson called for the beefing up of security at his and other schools “because the children need to feel safe in their schools.” School resource deputies from the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office currently are placed at high schools with some of the officers splitting their time at some.
There are no full-time officers at the middle schools, Davidson added. Because of budget cuts, the sheriff’s office had to scale back the number of officers at the schools. Davidson said cutting school resource officers was the only option because the department had to maintain a certain number of officers for core services, patrol, investigation and security at court facilities.
28 in the past He also said the sher-
Hukill to present check to local Boys and Girls Club PORT ORANGE – Sen. Dorothy L. Hukill will present a check to the DeLand/Bright House/Spring Hill chapter of the Boys and Girls Club of Volusia/Flagler Counties on Aug. 2 at 10 a.m, at 935 Adelle Ave., DeLand. During the 2013 Legislative session, statewide the Boys and Girls Club received a total of $9 million dollars. The Boys and Girls Club of Volusia/Flagler Counties has a 20-year tradition of serving youth in Volusia & Flagler Counties. They currently reach more than 1,400 at-risk children within their eight clubs. The Boys and Girls Clubs Florida Alliance partners with local chapters throughSen. Dorothy out the state. Hukill They work “to raise and sustain statewide funding for member organizations to help them enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.” Hukill will present a $9 million check at the DeLand/ Bright House/Spring Hill chapter of the Boys and Girls Club of Volusia/Flagler Counties.
iff’s office receives funds from the Volusia County Council for staffing, which means the county would have to come up with additional funds if they want resource officers at the county’s more than 60-plus schools. At one time, there were 28 school resource deputies. When the sheriff office’s budget was cut, the department was no longer able to pay for the 14 additional officers at the schools. There are 66 schools in the county plus another 12 charter schools. The coun-
ty would need approximately 60 officers hired to make sure all Volusia schools have deputies on duty, which would cost an additional $5 million more a year. Presently, $1 million is allocated for the 14 current officers working at high schools. “If we are going to put education as a priority, we need to put our money where our mouth is. For our kids to be successful, our kids need to feel safe. They need to feel more secure,” said Johnson.
East Central Florida’s Black Voice Visit us online at daytonatimes.com
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inals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. The Daytona Beach Police Department (DBPD) and the City of Daytona Beach’s National Night Out will be taking place at the Yvonne Scarlett-Golden Cultural & Educational Center, 1000 Vine Street (Corner of Vine and Third Streets).
During this month, McDonald’s and the Daytona Beach Police Department have partnered to host a Child Safety Campaign. This campaign was initiated to promote child safety while giving back to the community. With child safety being the No.1 priority of Chief Michael J. Chitwood, the Daytona Beach Police Department’s Citizens on Patrol will offer free finger printing to all children and child safety information. McGruff the Crime Dog, the Mobile Command Post, motorcycles and S.W.A.T. vehicle will be on hand. “Child safety programs are needed to ensure our youth are protected from
“Take back your community; get to know your neighbors. If crime has a strong grip on a neighborhood, now is the time to take the first steps towards reclaiming your streets,” stated a press release from the DBPD. “People are afraid that if they act criminals will take revenge. You can counter this fear, and protect each other, by working closely with police and asking for help,” the press release continued. The event at the center is free and will run from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. There will be free food, games and music.
Campaign sites The Child Safety Campaign will take place at select Daytona Beach McDonald’s during August from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. • Sam’s Cub McDonald’s; 1121 Beville Road; Saturday, Aug. 3 • Walmart McDonald’s; 1101 Beville Road; Saturday, Aug. 3 • K-Mart McDonald’s; 1352 International Speedway Blvd.; Saturday, Aug. 10 • McDonald’s; 2294 W. International Speedway Blvd.; Saturday, Aug. 17
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M A NEWS YOR
AUGUST 1 – AUGUST 7, 2013DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006 COMMUNITY
Volusia seeks Citizens Academy recruits Applications are being accepted for Volusia County’s Citizens Academy, a hands-on awareness program designed to educate citizens about county government operations. Classes will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays from Aug. 27 through Nov. 5. The final class is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 11. There is no charge for the program, but applicants are asked to commit to attending all 12 classes. Members will meet at various county facilities including the Sheriff’s Communications and Emergency Operations Center, Tomoka Landfill, Volusia County Branch Jail, Marine Science Center, Ocean Center and Daytona Beach International Airport. They also will tour county construction projects.
Aug. 6 deadline Topics will include growth management, community services, public protection, property assessments and budgets. Participants must be residents of Volusia County and at least 21 years old. Basic knowledge of computers is helpful as class materials are posted online and email is used to communicate with class members. Applications are available online at www.volusia.org/ government/citizens-academy and must be turned in to the county manager’s office by Aug. 6. The program is limited to 25 participants. For information, contact Cindy Finney, program administrator, at 386-740-5160.
DeBary Hall to host historical play featuring Black commodore Lani Friend, a local historian and writer, will present a shortened version of her play, “A Grand Tour Upriver with Jacob Brock and Commodore Rose,” at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, at DeBary Hall Historic Site, 198 Sunrise Blvd. Friend’s play tells the story of Rose, an African-American woman at the helm of the Darlington, Jacob Brock’s steamboat. The play, based on historical research, is staged on the Enterprise dock where Brock’s boat landed after bringing passengers up the St. Johns River.
Friend describes the production as “a rollicking trip up the St. Johns River based on Harriet Beecher Stowe’s 1871 journey aboard the steamboat.” Reservations are not required. For more information, call Amber Patterson at 386-668-3840 or visit www.debaryhall. com.
Volunteers needed at BeginAgain Children’s Grief Center The BeginAgain Children’s Grief Center, a program of Halifax Health - Hospice of Volusia/Flagler, is looking for compassionate individuals to volunteer to facilitate groups for grieving children and their families. A free comprehensive training program will be offered by a licensed professional that will include the skills needed to work in this healing environment. The center’s supportive, experiential approach has proven to make a difference for children and their families during the grieving process. The BeginAgain Center needs volunteers in Daytona Beach, Flagler Beach, and New Smyrna Beach. An orientation meeting will be held at the Daytona Beach office, 655 North Clyde Morris Blvd., at 5:30 pm on Aug. 5 The volunteer working opportunities will be in the evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. twice a month. If you are interested in becoming a part of this rewarding volunteer experience, call Karen Grant, LCSW, at 386-258-5100.
Human Services Advisory Board to meet Aug. 6 The Human Services Advisory Board will meet at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6, at the United Way office, 3747 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach. The board will discuss the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) quarterly reports and review the 2013-2014 CSBG grant application packet. The advisory board assists the Volusia County Council in developing CSBG program goals and objectives, identifying community needs, and evaluating program effectiveness. For more information, call Pat James at 386-736-5956, ext.12980.
Lester Littles laid to rest at 77 Lester Littles, who retired from Hertz Rental Car in 2008, passed away on July 18. He was laid to rest on July 27. His funeral service took place at Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church. The Daytona Beach resident moved to the area from Camden County, Ga., in the 1960s. When he relocated to Daytona Beach, he joined Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church in 1966, where he was a member of the male usher board and male choir. Littles was baptized at an early age at Spring Hill Baptist Church in Camden, Ga. Lester He was born Sept. 28, 1936 to the Littles late Alex and Bertha Littles. He was the ninth child of 12 siblings. He married Madge (Ward) Littles on July 11, 1964. He was the father of five children, Ricardo Littles, Jacques Littles, Kojo Littles, Anthony Littles, and Tangela Littles; Godfather to Scottie Miller, Leon Mobley, Tim Roberts and Brian Rothwell; and beloved grandfather of eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Florida KidCare, Volusia schools helping children to get insurance SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
Volusia County Schools is partnering with Florida KidCare to assist parents with enrolling and renewing in the Florida KidCare insurance program, which includes dental, vision and behavioral health. Eligibility is based on income and family size and is offered at low or no cost. Children with health insurance are more likely to get preventative care, receive treatment for chronic illness and
take prescription medications. Children with health insurance are also less likely to miss school because they are sick. It boosts their performance in the classroom and means fewer lost workdays for their parents or guardians. Kathyann Carmona, a registered nurse, provides assistance to parents and will attend school and community functions. For more information, call 386-734-7190 or 386860-3322, ext. 20516.
SHARPTON from Page 1 state because that is who will be impacted,” he said. “We don’t want to engage in a boycott that is not achievable and specific. By the time I preach at Rev. Durham’s (church) in Florida, we will determine what (we are going to do),” Sharpton continued. Sharpton is scheduled to speak Aug. 18 at Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Daytona Beach for his friend, Dr. L. Ronald Durham, who is celebrating his 10th anniversary with the church that weekend.
Big conventions in state During the radio broadcast, in response to the question from Harper, Sharpton recalled using the boycott tool to achieve getting rid of apartheid in Africa. “We were specific. We knew what was being asked of and it was achievable. I am not going to be part of some random, reckless talking. We are going to do things that have a goal, purpose that can be achieved. We have not figured that out,” Sharpton said. He noted that the NAACP and NABJ already had their conventions scheduled. “(They had) money down. They couldn’t boycott. Others have already planned things there. We can’t just run out the door without saying we are going to have a problem because of A, B, C, D,” said Sharpton. “Let us do something where we are not playing with our people – we are planning something we know we can pull off,” he continued.
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7 EDITORIAL
AUGUST 1 – AUGUST 7, 2013
Boycott Florida: An idea whose time has come In a recent article I called for economic sanctions against Florida to compel business and political leaders in that state to change the “Stand Your Ground Law” that provided the basis for the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the murder of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. There are times when there is a convergence of ideas, a meeting of minds, such that a particular strategy has the potential to galvanize a movement. This appears to be one of those times. The idea of boycotting Florida is not a Ron Daniels idea or Institute of the Black World 21st Century (IBW) call. Rather, it is one that is on the minds of many Black people all across the country. Dr. Patricia Newton, president emeritus, National Association of Black Psychiatrists, was so outraged by the Zimmerman verdict that she walked away from a $1 million dollar contract she was about to sign for a conference in Florida. I met an elderly Black professional couple at Penn Station in Baltimore, who were returning from a conference in Jacksonville. When I asked if they would be going back to Florida next year, I had hardly gotten the words out of my mouth when the wife said that they discussed the murder of Trayvon Martin at the conference and had already resolved that they would not hold another convention in that state until there is significant change.
safe to travel to Florida, particularly with their sons. An option is to hold conferences/conventions at a DR. RON Black College/University or Black owned retreat centers. DANIELS In the event that your conference is already scheduled in the VANTAGE POINT next few months, resolve to spend as little money/cash in the state as Celebrities boycott possible. This campaign requires Of course, music legend Stevie that kind of discipline. Wonder said at a concert in Canada, “Until the Stand Your Ground Law is abolished, I will never per- No vacations Do not schedule a vacation in form there again.” Since his pronouncement Eddie LaVert, Steph- Florida until victory is won. Do not anie Mills, Dionne Warwick and travel to an amusement park in Mary Mary are among the artists the “tragic kingdom” or golf tourwho have publicly stated they will nament until victory is won. And don’t purchase or drink any Florfollow Stevie’s lead. While celebrities add credibili- ida orange juice. IBW has posted a petition on its ty for the boycott, it will be the actions of the multitude of conscious, website www.ibw21.org where orcommitted convention-goers, va- ganizations, leaders and individcationers and consumers who will uals can sign a pledge to boycott make the campaign effective. Eco- Florida. Finally, while this camnomic sanctions against Florida is paign is spearheaded by Black people, we obviously appeal to an idea whose time has come. and welcome the support of our friends and allies of all races and Shut off tourism ethnicities who believe that “an inThe major component of the jury to one is an injury to all,” that campaign should be to shut off “an injustice anywhere to anyone tourism to Florida. This means is an injustice to everyone everyBlack organizations should not where.” schedule conferences/conventions in that state until the law is Ron Daniels is president of the changed. Institute of the Black World 21st Groups that have already sched- Century. He can be reached via uled conferences six months to a email at info@ibw21.org. Click year out should seek to cancel the on this story at www.daytonaagreements and notify the venues times.com to write your own rethat Black people no longer feel sponse.
Let’s rebuild the Motor City It has been a long and rocky ride down the economic slope for the Motor City, a city I know well.
White, Black flight Year after year and decade after decade, the businesses, White middle class and then Black middle class, left for the suburbs or beyond. The declining tax base, increasing crime rate, blight and debt beyond belief became too common for any good. Authorities kicked the can down the street on an annual basis (pretty much like our federal government today). Now, Detroit is in very dire straits. It has a debt of $20 billion and can only generate about $1 billion per year for its annual costs. Bankrupt indeed!
A plan If I ruled this matter, here is how I would throw down on the bleak situation. There is rampant corruption. All city officials involved in any process where money is involved such as licensing, procurement, taxation, etc. should take a lie detector test and undergo a background check (revenue exceeds noticeable income). Gangs are the biggest distributors of drugs and the violence and crime related to it. Gang leaders (captain level and above) are to be identified and then prosecuted for racketeering under the RICO statutes. More than half the property tax owners do not pay their tax bills. Give them 90 days to catch up or
HARRY C. ALFORD NNPA COLUMNIST
make strict arrangements. Failure should lead to property seizure and quick auctions. The school system of Detroit is one of the worst in the nation. Effective immediately, there should be a charter school licensing system. All tax-funded charter schools should be compelled to teach literacy and mathematics; some science to be added, beginning with first through 12th grades. Elementary public schools can be replaced with these charter schools whenever practical. High schools should be considered for merger with others or just closed when literacy and math levels are inferior. Libraries will be privatized. You can’t have a great city without a quality workforce. Detroit is the capital for unions. This will end. All city-related union contracts should be voided immediately and payroll and benefits will be in accordance with the Bankruptcy Committee and the ability to pay by the employers and shareholders. The city will no longer be responsible for the parks and recreation facilities. The ownership remains with the city but the maintenance, grounds keeping, security, etc. will be privatized via a re-
quest for proposal process (3-year terms). All utilities and hospitals will be privatized. RFPs will be renewable on 10 year terms. City or county commissions will provide oversight and regulatory enforcement. In regards to empty buildings and vacant lots, proposals will be accepted and reviewed. If viable and up to code, proposals will be approved deeded for $1. Development must begin immediately. Ninety percent of the workforce during the developmental stage and permanent hirees thereafter must be residents of Detroit. City and schools bus systems will be privatized as soon as possible. The new Department of Transportation will be responsible for upkeep and repair of city streets, alleys, roadways and snow removal. A multiple or single privatization process will be applied with oversight done by a citywide commission. Well, I think the above is a good start. Any comments or additions are welcomed. Here’s to a safe, vibrant and family friendly Detroit – devoid of corruption and blessed by our Lord.
Harry C. Alford is the cofounder, president/CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce. Website: www. nationalbcc.org. Email: halford@nationalbcc.org. Click on this story at www.daytonatimes.com to write your own response.
Student loan ‘solution’ not good enough The United States Senate finally stepped up to ensure that student loan rates would not double. There have been weeks of back and forth, but now Senators says they will tie student loan rates to the federal funds rate, which means that in the short-run the lowest student loan rates will be 3.86 percent, up slightly from 3.4 percent. The bad news is that these loan rates may rise up to a rate of 8.25 percent, depending on prevailing interest rates. All other loan rates, including those for graduate student, for Parent PLUS loans, and others, will rise as well.
Small victory It may seem a victory that student loan rates don’t rise much higher than they were in June. The connection of rates to the federal funds rate, however, connects the notion of supporting student to the oscillations of the economy. When I graduated from college in 1974, interest rates hovered between 9 and 10 percent. The student loan interest rate was 2 percent. Why? My cohort was no more or less brilliant than any other. We were part of our nation’s plan for its future, which should be the case for today’s young people.
DR. JULIANNE MALVEAUX TRICEEDNEYWIRE.COM
Slap in face Shouldn’t our students get as close to the same deal that banks and others get? Allowing student loan interest rates to fluctuate, to the detriment of students in an environment when rates are certain to go up is to slap our students in the face. President Obama says he wants more students to graduate from community college or four-year institutions; we need more graduate and professional students in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs. It seems hypocritical to articulate these needs and then to undercut the means to meet them. There are more than one 1 trillion dollars outstanding in student loan obligations. The average student graduates with $27,000 in debt. Since nearly half of all students graduate with no debt at all, this means that the average debt
for those who borrow is closer to $40,000.
VISUAL VIEWPOINT: WEINER SEXTING PLAN
GARY MCCOY, CAGLE CARTOONS
Focus on poverty, not the middle class Several of us were sharing our views on radio Sunday night with Gary Byrd when my friend and colleague Cash Michaels urged us to remember that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated while organizing poor people. The idea of organizing a Poor People’s Campaign was discussed during a Nov. 27-31, 1967 Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) planning session in Frogmore, S.C. With the nation’s attention focused on the Vietnam War, Dr. King wanted to redirect the conversation to what the Bible calls the least among us by focusing on jobs and income.
Least among us Dr. King’s idea was to bring poor people from all over the country to Washington, D.C. in order to put a face on the suffering of people. While still firmly committed to nonviolence, his plan was for a dramatic presence that would disrupt traffic and shut down the nation’s capital. Just as his close advisers had urged him not to give his “I Have a Dream Speech” in 1963, variations of which they had heard earlier, most of Dr. King’s inner circle disagreed with his decision to embark on a Poor People’s Campaign. Children activists and former civil rights attorney Marian Wright Edelman recalled in her book, “Unfinished Business,’’ William Rutherford, who had organized the Friends of SCLC in Europe in 1966 and was appointed executive director of SCLC during the summer of 1967, declared that, ‘basically almost no one on the staff thought that the next priority, the next major movement, should be focused on poor people or the question of poverty in America.’
George E. Curry NNPA COLUMNIST
er, the highlight of the Poor People’s March to Washington was not shutting down the capital, but the erection of Resurrection City, a collection of tents pitched in D.C. Various executive agencies were lobbied on behalf of the poor and leaders called for an Economic Bill of Rights. The shantytown was disbanded after six weeks.
Threatening power In the view of many observers, Dr. King posed a greater threat to the power structure when he began organizing poor Blacks and Whites. But there is an even better opportunity to unite poor people today because so many Whites have become impoverished as a result of a recession and high unemployment. Poverty is officially defined as a family of four living off of $23,021 or less a year. Today, a record 46.2 million people –15 percent of the U.S. population – are considered poor. The Associated Press reported for the first time since 1975, the number of White single-mother households living in poverty with children has surpassed or equaled Black ones in the past decade.
An issue of us
Mark Rank, a professor at Washington University in St. Louis, believes Dr. King was on to something when he sought to unite poor people across racial lines. Anti-poverty measures “Poverty is no longer an issue But Dr. King forged ahead, of ‘them,’ it’s an issue of ‘us.’ he calling for $30 billion to be spent told the Associated Press. on anti-poverty measures, employment and housing conGeorge E. Curry is editorstruction. King was helping or- in-chief of the National Newsganize garbage workers in Mempaper Publishers Associaphis when he was assassinated. Ralph D. Abernathy, his succes- tion News Service. He can be sor and close friend, continued reached through his website, with plans for the Poor People’s www.georgecurry.com. Click on this story at www.daytonaCampaign. Instead of the militant protest times.com to write your own Dr. King had envisioned, howev- response.
“Okey-doke” The Senate bill passed 80-18 with some Democrats rejecting it because of its flaws. Others, like the progressive Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), elected as a financial whiz and people’s advocate, chose to go with the oneyear “okey-doke” rather than dig her heels in for the long run fight. In some ways, Warren is right. The finger in the dike approach saves students this year, and so it is better than nothing. When, though, is better than nothing simply not good enough. Stay tuned. The vote on reauthorization of the Higher Education Act will happen next year. Are students waiting and watching? What about parents? Is there a political lobby to turn this mess around?
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.
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MAYOR
AUGUST 1 – AUGUST 7, 2013 DECEMBER 14 - 20, TECHNOLOGY 2006
New cell phone upgrade plans akin to renting What you should know about installment plans before changing wireless phone
Next, you have to turn in that phone to receive your upgrade. Bottom line: Get it only if you plan to upgrade once a year and don’t want to deal with the hassle of reselling your old phone.
BY ANICK JESDANUN ASSOCIATED PRESS
NEW YORK – Over the past few weeks, three major U.S. wireless providers unveiled plans to combat phone envy: Let’s say you just bought a phone, and then one with better features comes out a month later. You no longer have to wait a full two years to get it. Instead, you pay a monthly fee. The phone companies call them installment plans, but I think of them as phone rental. Before you pay off the cost of the phone, you’re entitled to hand it back in to get a new one – every six months with Verizon Wireless or TMobile or every year with AT&T. It’s a good deal for some people on T-Mobile. Unlike the rival plans, T-Mobile’s Jump comes with insurance to cover loss and damage. And it doesn’t add that much to the cost of the phone. With Verizon’s Edge and AT&T’s Next, you’re essentially paying for the same phone twice.
VERIZON WIRELESS EDGE
BARBARA DAVIDSON/LOS ANGELES TIMES/MCT
Faith Cheltenham poses with her child, Storm Kanninen, 1, who proudly waves a flag honoring bisexuals, and her husband Matt Kanninen in West Hollywood, Calif., on July 4. She is a bisexual activist married to a man, very proudly out and vocal about the community being ignored. paying just $498 more. If you upgrade every other year, you’re paying an extra $390 over two years – $150 for the additional phone and $240 for Jump. Again, this assumes you would have upgraded anyway after two years. If you would have gotten insurance anyway, it’s $198. Bottom line: Get it only if you already plan to get insurance or if you want a new phone before 16 months.
The phone bill First, a quick explanation of how phone bills work. When you buy an iPhone 5, you might pay $200 for it, but it actually costs $650. Your phone company covers the difference and makes it up over the life of the two-year service contract. On the phone bill, it just appears as a service fee for voice, text and data. But that fee actually includes an amount that helps the phone companies cover the difference. The service fee doesn’t go down, however, even after you’ve covered the difference, or paid the phone off. With AT&T’s and Verizon’s installment plans, you’re paying the full $650 for the iPhone, spread out over 20 or 24 months. But once again, the service fee doesn’t go down, even though there’s no ``difference’’ the phone companies need to make up. So you’re paying for the phone through the installment payments, plus what’s baked into the service fee.
Three plans Earlier this year, T-Mobile broke the service fee into two fees – one for the actual service, and one for the phone. So once you’ve paid off the phone, your total bill goes down. And if you sign up for Jump, you’re paying a $10 monthly fee for that, mostly for the insurance, but you’re not paying for the phone twice. Even though you’re paying more for the phone with Verizon’s and AT&T’s plans, it might still be worthwhile if you’re al-
AT&T NEXT
BARBARA DAVIDSON/LOS ANGELES TIMES/MCT
Faith Cheltenham poses with her child, Storm Kanninen, 1, who proudly waves a flag honoring bisexuals, and her husband Matt Kanninen in West Hollywood, Calif., on July 4. She is a bisexual activist married to a man, very proudly out and vocal about the community being ignored. ready planning to upgrade more frequently than every other year. Both take the hassle out of trying to sell your old device. Here’s a closer look at the three plans to see if they are right for you. I’m using prices for Samsung’s Galaxy S4 in the calculations, so actual costs may vary. Keep in mind all three plans are optional, so you can still buy phones the old way.
T-MOBILE US JUMP Availability: Started July 14. How it works: T-Mobile charges $150 up front and $20 a month over two years for the Galaxy S4. Whether or not you get Jump, you pay that and the regular service charges for voice, texting and data. With the Jump plan, you get a charge of $10 a month on top of all that. Six months after you first sign up for Jump, you’re entitled to two phone upgrades every 12 months. You can upgrade twice in the same month, but you’d have to wait a full year for
the next one. It’s better to spread upgrades out to about six months apart. If you lose or damage your phone: No problem. The Jump plan replaces insurance, which typically costs $8 a month. So it’s just $2 a month more for those who already get insurance to replace phones that get lost, don’t work, have water damage or have cracked screens. If you just want an upgrade: Simply turn in your old phone when you get your new one. T-Mobile will refurbish and resell it. The catch: T-Mobile charges a down payment – $150 in the case of Galaxy S4. It’s the same as you pay when you get your first phone, but you’ll be paying that each time you upgrade. If your phone is lost or damaged, and it’s not covered by warranty, you pay a deductible of up to $175. In that case, there’s no down payment if you are replacing it with the same model, but you have to pay both the deductible and the down payment if
you want to upgrade to a different model. Cost analysis: You break even at 16 months. That is, you have $160 left in payments for your phone, which gets waived when you upgrade through Jump. But you have paid $160 for Jump by that point. At month 17, you pay more for Jump than what you would have to make up in remaining installments. But Jump gives you insurance during that period. You’re better off with Jump if you upgrade before the 16-month mark, but it’s still more expensive than waiting out the two years, when the phone is normally due for an upgrade. Let’s say you upgrade the maximum twice a year. That’s three extra phones over those two years. The fourth is the one you would have gotten anyway when the two years are up. At Galaxy S4 prices, that works out to $690 over two years for the luxury _ $450 for the phones and $240 for the cost of Jump. If you would have gotten insurance anyway, figure you’re
It’s available now. How it works: There’s no down payment or upgrade fee. You simply pay the full cost of the phone over 20 months. For instance, the full retail price of the Galaxy S4 is $640, or $32 a month. You’re eligible to exchange your phone for a new one in 12 months. Payments stop after 20 months if you decide to keep the phone. If you lose or damage your phone: Insurance is not included, so you’re responsible for that. The phone you turn in must be working and in good physical condition _so no cracked screens. If you just want an upgrade: After 12 months, you can turn in the old phone for a new one. After 20 months, you keep the old phone when you upgrade. The catch: You’re essentially paying twice for the phone. Cost analysis: Normally, you pay $200 up front, so for a $640 phone, you’re paying $440 extra per device to upgrade every year instead of every two years. If you do upgrade, payments don’t stop after 20 months. Over two years, those monthly fees add up to $568 above the $200 you would have normally paid. Without the plan, you could simply break the contract after 12 months and pay $478 for a new phone and for activation, termination and upgrade fees. You can also make about $300 of that back by selling the old phone. With AT&T
Availability: Coming Aug. 25. How it works: It’s similar to AT&T Next, except you’re spreading the cost over 24 months. The full price of the Galaxy S4 is $650 at Verizon, so that’s about $27 a month. You can get a new phone in six months, rather than the full year under AT&T’s plan. Payments stop after 24 months if you keep the phone. If you lose or damage your phone: Like AT&T’s plan, Verizon Edge doesn’t include insurance. Phones must be in working condition and can’t have damage such as cracked screens. If you just want an upgrade: After six months, you can upgrade your phone by turning the old one in. After 24 months, you keep the old phone. The catch: You’re essentially paying twice for the phone. In order to upgrade, you must already have paid at least 50 percent of the cost of the phone. You hit that threshold after one year, so if you upgrade six months early, you have six months of payments to make right away to be eligible. Your new phone comes with new installment payments, even though you’ve just covered the next six months of payments. You’re essentially doubling the payments over those six months. Also, it’s open only to those on Share Everything plans. Customers still on Verizon’s older, unlimited data plans are not eligible and must switch to a limited-use plan to participate. Cost analysis: Normally, you pay $200 up front, so for a $650 phone, $450 is the minimum premium you pay to upgrade more frequently. If you haven’t reached the 50 percent threshold yet, you’ll be paying even more. Upgrade every six months as allowed, and you face 12 additional monthly payments over two years (six each year). Those 12 payments add up to $325, assuming the same retail price for the Galaxy S4 replacement. With the additional $450 you’re already paying over the normal way of buying phones, you’re paying an extra $775 over two years to upgrade every six months. As is the case with AT&T, you might be better off breaking a contract and trying to resell the old phone, but Edge removes the hassle. Bottom line: Get it only if you plan to upgrade at least once a year and don’t want to deal with the hassle of reselling your old phone. But try to at least wait out a year, rather than succumb to temptations after six months.
How to take break from technology and enhance family time FROM FAMILY FEATURES
As access to technology increases, families may find they are spending more time on their devices and less time together. Some psychologists worry our growing attachment to technology may result in social isolation. “We’re getting used to a new way of being alone together,” said Sherry Turkle, Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor, psychologist and author of “Alone Together: Why We Expect More from Technology and Less from Each Other.” “People want to be with each other, but also elsewhere, connected to all the different places they want to be.” In her book, “Alone Together: Why We Expect
More from Technology and Less from Each Other,” Turkle explores the idea that this constant need for virtual connection is leading to a gap in communication between families, and a new generation of children is unable to actually communicate and relate to their peers or parents.
Tech Timeout challenge Foresters, a life insurance provider committed to the well-being of families, recently launched the Tech Timeout challenge in response to a growing awareness that our attachment to digital devices may contribute to a sense of social isolation among families. Tech Timeout encourages families across North
America to take a pledge to turn off their digital devices (including TVs, smartphones, video games and computers) for an hour each day for one week and connect with each other in a more meaningful way.
Easy ways to unplug Carving out space and time for each other can start the channels of communication flowing. Here are some activities families can do together: Board game bonanza – Break out the cards, puzzles and board games for a night of old-fashioned fun. Get out and play – Find a local trail and set out on a hike together. You will have a chance to interact with your surroundings and one another and be active too. Volunteer – Volunteer-
ing can help strengthen community connections and avoid a sense of social isolation. Find a cause your family is passionate about and volunteer with a local organization. Cook together – Dig out your favorite recipes and try cooking as a family. Assign each person a role in meal preparation. You will not only have plenty of time to interact, your children can pick up some valuable life skills along the way. Take a tech-free holiday – Family vacations are a great time to recharge and bond with your kids, but connecting can be tough if you are each plugged into your electronic devices. Fun time together will create memories your children will cherish for years to come.
GETTY IMAGE
Carving out space and time for each other can start the channels of communication flowing. Rediscover reading – Begin a family reading hour or book club. Starting a discussion about literature will open up communication.
To take the Tech Timeout pledge, visit www. TechTimeout.com and www.facebook.com/TechTimeout.
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7
SPORTS MA YOR
AUGUST 1 – AUGUST 7, 2013 DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006
Dennis Shorter sprints on the practice field at Mainland High School.
Youngsters participate in “high knee” exercises to limber them up before playing.
This is a starting proper technique before the ball is hiked.
These two youngsters sprint against each other getting ready to play.
These future high school players get in shape with dreams of playing for an area team.
A Mainland High player works with kids who hope to one day follow in his path.
Mainland football coach Arthur Westbrook gives kids pointers on how to become better players.
Mainland defensive back coach Travis Roland observes the progress of potential future players.
Mainland Coach Arthur Westwood teaches student D’andre McMillian the proper way to carry a ball.
Mainland High coaches and players mentor Pop Warner participants About 60 area youth, members of the Daytona Beach Pop Warner League, participated in a football camp last week under the direction of Mainland High School coaches and players.
Mainland defensive back coach Travis Roland helped organize the event along with his father, Pop Warner Commissioner Thomas Roland. The youth ran different drills and exercises getting
ready for their upcoming season, which will begin later this month. Pop Warner’s games and practices will be taking place at the Derbyshire Athletic Fields.
Agreement with city Earlier this summer, Pop Warner worked out an agreement with the City of Daytona Beach after meeting with Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry and Leisure Services Director Percy Williamson so that the fees for the league to use Derbyshire Athletic Fields for football practice and games will be covered. Roland is hoping to locate a building they can use all year-round to tutor the students in academics. Each Pop Warner par-
ticipant, including players and cheerleaders, are charged $175 each, which covers their equipment, uniforms and their participation in the organization’s mentoring and tutoring programs.
Six divisions The Pop Warner program currently runs from August to November. The Daytona Beach Youth Football and Cheerleader Association is a Pop Warner Association started in 1998 and is dedicated to youth football and cheerleading for children ages
5 to 15. There are six divisions: Tiny Mites, Mitey Mites, Junior Peewee, Peewee, Junior Midgets, and Midgets. Daytona Beach’s Pop Warner was started 16 years ago by retired NFL star Wes Chandler. When he moved from the state, it was continued by Harvey Porter, then Glenn Barnes and Roland. For more information on Pop Warner, contact Roland at 386-852-2552. PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHRISTIANA JANEY AND FRANK WILLIAMSON
B-CU brings on new assistant volleyball coach SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
Bethune-Cookman University Head Volleyball Coach Isaac Raphael announced this week that Brittany Williams has joined the Lady Wildcat program as an assistant coach. Williams comes to B-CU after two seasons at South Carolina State and replaces Kisya Killingsworth, who has been named the head coach at Delaware State. “We welcome Brittany Williams Brittany to the Wildcat Williams family,” Raphael said. “With her coaching experience and ability to recruit top athletes, she will definitely be an asset to our program.”
Lots of experience
Who would have thought? Dr. Charles Drew did in 1938. The Blood Bank, developed by Dr. Charles Drew,
is just one of the many life-changing innovations that came from the mind of an African American. We must do all we can to support minority education today, so we don’t miss out on the next big idea tomorrow. To find out more about African American innovators and to support the United Negro College Fund, visit us at uncf.org or call 1-800-332-UNCF. A mind is a terrible thing to waste.
©2007 UNCF
In addition to her time at South Carolina State, Williams also served as an assistant coach at Southwestern University, where she helped that team finish in the American Volleyball Coaches Association Division III top 25 in 2006. She also was the head coach at Westside High School in Houston, Texas from 2008-2010. Williams also was a head coach and assistant with Junior Olympic club teams in Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia and Texas. The Sugarland, Texas native was a four-year starting setter at Howard, where she received her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 2006. \In 2011, she was one of 12 recipients of the Minority Coaches Scholarships for volleyball. B-CU opens its 2013 season at the Florida Atlantic Invitational Aug. 30-31.
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7AUGUST 1 – AUGUST 7, 2013
With faith in God, man turns four-page rap sheet into success story BY PHIL TREXLER AKRON BEACON JOURNAL/MCT
AKRON, Ohio — Anyone can spot Carmine Robinson as he drives through the roughest sections of Akron, Ohio, inside his flashy SUV with its glistening 24-inch rims spinning off sunshine. He could be on his way home, or to the bank, or on the lookout for new customers. But make no mistake, Robinson gets noticed. Now, it’s for a different reason. He welcomes the attention. He’s made it now. His transformation, while not complete, is his trophy. His Transformations barbershop, with his Chevrolet Tahoe parked outside, is his mantle, firmly standing inside the Village of New Seasons, a contemporary retail center. He’s been sober seven years, married for the first time and serving as a mentor to others with the same struggles that bogged him down for so many years. It wasn’t always like this for Robinson. Some 60 or so times in his life, police noticed him and slapped on the cuffs. Three times, a judge took notice and shipped him off to prison. Other times, his friends and family noticed that he was high, drunk or homeless.
From there, it was church and one haircut at a time. Finally, he said, he had a “blueprint” or an exit strategy for when he left prison. Too many others lack a plan when returning home and often fail, he said. Those coming out of prison also have to find the right circle of family and friends. “A person has to want to do it in his mind,” Robinson said, as he worked on the hair of a friend’s child. “I was just tired of not taking care of my children, not having anything for my family.”
Then it stopped, like a rock, hitting a wall. “I was sick and tired of living in the streets,” Robinson recalled. “I wanted to stop as much as I wanted to take my next breath. And all of this happened to me for one reason: I wanted it.”
Got his license
Helped by SLAAP ministry Saddled with a felony record when he left prison a little over three years ago, Robinson found refuge and a mentor in the Rev. Michael Starks and his SLAAP ministry, Start Living and Acting Positive. Robinson, 43, is one of a number of men and women aided by Starks and community-based programs designed to turn around lives. He’s now sending a message to other men, a sign of hope, but a call for work and responsibility. “We’ve got to be fathers to our kids,” he said. “We have to step up and be kings of your families. We’ve got to be fathers to kids that want help. We’ve got to teach men to be fathers and come back to their families, because they’re hurting.” For Robinson, his transformation came as soon as he landed back in Akron after his last prison stint in 2009. He came home as al-
PHIL MASTURZO/AKRON BEACON JOURNAL/MCT
Transformations barbershop owner Carmine Robinson, left, is shown with his mentor, Minister Michael Starks, on June 27, in Akron, Ohio. ways, but this time, he took a different turn, away from the neighborhood and temptations that dogged him for so long.
Good family His rap sheet is immense, four pages of cases on the county clerk of courts website for offenses ranging from petty crimes to drug trafficking. His home life wasn’t wrought with trouble. He came from a sound, Godfearing family, with a father and minister mother and two siblings. His home life contradicted what Robinson was doing to himself with drugs and alcohol. “You don’t expect that,” said his mother, Minister Betty Robinson. “He was mischievous like most boys. … When I did find out about his drug use, I didn’t believe it. But no matter
what he did, my prayer was always, ‘God, take care of him.’” Robinson went to Buchtel High School and had his first son in 1989 while still in school. To support his son, he joined the Marines, spent three years in the service and received an honorable discharge. He came home to Akron and the temptations of the streets. Marijuana, cocaine and alcohol were his temptresses. Like many addicts, his day was spent feeding his needs, disregarding the needs of his family, he said. He had four more children by 2000. “Back then was real tough for me,” he said. “I was going through a sense of hopelessness. I know I had a family to help me, but I was too ashamed to ask for their help. I gave up on me.”
Homeless, then jail He worked as a cook off and on, but his days, he said, were filled with “busting a move, getting what I had to get that day, be it drugs or alcohol.” Like cocaine, jobs came and went. At times, Robinson found himself homeless. Other times, he was incarcerated. When he’d return from jail or prison, there was always a time of positive behavior. Failure, however, was always lurking. Rock bottom came when he just got tired of the run, he said. He embarked on his transformation from street troublemaker to entrepreneur. He started it with God and he credits his pastor, the Rev. Dr. R.A. Vernon of The Word Church, for the foundation of his turnaround.
Eventually, he obtained a barber’s license. More customers followed. Word spread. His client base grew. Now, he needed a place to land. But Robinson didn’t want his shop in a run-down storefront or a depressed section of town. By chance, his mother literally opened the door to his prime location. She was inside her apartment complex lobby when the property developer Paul Testa arrived. Testa couldn’t get inside and Mrs. Robinson opened the door for him. They chatted briefly and Mrs. Robinson, 63, mentioned her son’s need of a location for his fledgling barber shop. Before long, Carmine Robinson was opening his shop in retail space below his mother’s apartment. Just like Robinson, everything inside the shop is fresh and clean, from the red-and-black barber chairs to the large TVs on the walls. “Now, when I drive by the projects or the hood or the places I used to do drugs or run around, people can’t believe it,” he said. “I hope it gives them hope to know that I was them, I was out there once, just like them. I made it. Now, they don’t have any excuse.”
Nothing says romance like leftover
Savings.
Favorite meal, music, and flowers: Check. A little planning goes a long way when it comes to preparing dinner for that special someone. The same can be said for enjoying great savings at Publix. There are Buy One Get One Free deals and weekly specials on the items you love throughout the store. Bring in your coupons and save even more. With all the ways Publix helps you save, you can cross something else off your list. Leftover money: Check.
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