Daytona Times - August 23, 2012

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BILL FLETCHER: ‘Capital punishment’ in the workplace Page 4

A ROUNDUP OF LOCAL SPORTS See page 7

East Central Florida’s Black Voice

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AUGUST 23 - AUGUST 29, 2012

YEAR 37 NO. 34

Crime at public housing gets attention

PEOPLE SPEAK

Residents at Windsor, Maley have complained about prostitution, drugs, robberies at apartments in Daytona Beach

BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES harperjames59@yahoo.com

Residents of the Windsor and Maley apartments say they have been living in fear because of crime. The apartment complexes are operated by the Daytona Beach Housing Authority.

Leroy Fletcher spoke on behalf of residents at a Daytona Beach City Commission meeting in May about the problems he said he and others have to deal with while living in the apartments.

Fletcher was contacted this week by the Daytona Times and he says he has been told not to comment on the problems by Housing Authority Executive Housing Director Anthony Woods.

Fletcher would only say the problems still exist.

More secure?

Woods told the Daytona Times this week that as an immediate response to the expressed concerns of safety “within our property Windsor Apartments

and Maley Apartments, we added an additional security officer to serve as a roaming officer within these properties.”

During the May 2 meeting, Fletcher said that Windsor and the Maley apartments have been invaded by prostitutes, people selling illegal drugs and transients living with some of the residents. He added that several of the residents have been abused by strangers and robbed.

Fletcher, who serves as president of the resident’s initiative council, said he

DAYTONA TIMES FILES

The Daytona Beach Housing Authority operates the Windsor Apartments on Beach Street (above). has brought the complaints of residents to the Housing Authority, the Daytona Beach Police Department and Daytona Beach

City Commissioner Kelly White.

“We have residents that are blind that are being robbed. The security

(guards) of the building is being threatened verbally and their tires are being slashed physically,” Fletcher told city commissioners.

He also says his tires have been slashed for speaking out about the problems.

“I am sticking my neck out because the residents are afraid,” Fletcher remarked.

Fee for protection Fletcher said he addressed the problems to Zone 3 Commissioner Please see CRIME, Page 2

Record rain attracting record mosquitoes Volusia councilman planning workshop at Dickerson Center to address issue

BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES harperjames59@yahoo.com

PHOTOS BY GARY W. GREEN/ORLANDO SENTINEL/MCT

Sarah Floyd, 81, is owner of W. 13th Barbershop in the Goldsboro neighborhood of Sanford. Below: The Rev. Al Sharpton and the Rev. Jesse Jackson, speak to the media before thousands of demonstrators marched along W. 13th Street in Sanford on March 31. Demonstrators attended an NAACP rally demanding justice in the shooting of Trayvon Martin.

Sanford trying to rebound from bad feelings, shattered trust than 120 years ago by Black laborers struggling to survive in the segregated South.

Symbol of distrust Editors note: This is one in an occasional series on race in Sanford in the wake of the Trayvon Martin killing.

BY MARTIN E. COMAS ORLANDO SENTINEL (MCT)

I

n the heart of Sanford’s poorest and largest Black enclave – a stone’s throw from decaying homes, broken sidewalks and vacant lots – stands the city’s new, state-of-the-art public safety complex.

For a while, some residents saw the modern, two-story building as a symbol of hope that might spur economic growth and keep people safer in historic Goldsboro, one of Florida’s oldest Black communities.

But memories are long and hope is elusive in Goldsboro, founded more

Today, just 21 months since its opening, the $16 million Sanford Public Safety Complex, with its glass and concrete facade, is little more than a gleaming symbol of distrust to many of its 4,000 neighbors just southwest of downtown Sanford.

The shooting death of Trayvon Martin and the Police Department’s decision not to charge George Zimmerman immediately vanquished any efforts toward good will.

Instead, the Back teenager’s killing rekindled long-held fears and suspicions among Goldsboro residents, who say they’ve watched for generations as a dual standard of justice played out on their streets.

History of attacks Nearly 15 months before Trayvon was shot, Justin Collison, who is White,

walked up behind a homeless Black man outside a Sanford bar, drew back his arm and slammed a fist into the back of the man’s head. A video showed the victim fall forward, hit his head on a pole and drop to the ground, breaking his nose.

The unprovoked attack sparked widespread outrage.

Sanford police did not frisk or handcuff Collison, whose father is a police lieutenant with the department. Instead, they set him free.

He wasn’t arrested until a month later and eventually was sentenced to probation.

Five years earlier, a crowd watched as a White police officer – with a reputation for aggressive behavior toward Blacks — repeatedly punched a Black man who was on the ground, in handcuffs, after having been shocked with a Taser by other officers during an arrest.

The Sanford police chief fired the officer for behavior related to the incident, but the city manager rehired him.

Please see SANFORD, Page 2

Record rainfall in the Greater Daytona Beach area has Volusia County Council Member Josh Wagner worried about an infestation of mosquitoes.

Wagner, who represents Daytona Beach, said this week he will be organizing a workshop at the John H. Dickerson Center soon to provide information to residents so they can help “slow down the mosquito infestation.”

He said residents don’t realize bowls and other containers sitting on their properties filled with water are breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Above-normal rainfall Wagner said he has asked Volusia Mosquito Control to do some extra spraying in the area to combat the growing problems.

Residents can also request their neighbourhoods be sprayed. But the problem will only get worse if residents are not doing their share to lessen the problem.

National Weather Service in Melbourne said Tuesday that rainfall totals at DBIA are actually above normal since June 1st for the first time in three years.

In the last 80 days, 18.15 inches rain has fallen, nearly 2.5 inches above the norm (15.62).

The Daytona Beach International Airport (DBIA) has recorded 26.44 inches of rain to date this year.

Wagner said the annual mosquito invasion is under way, and Volusia County Mosquito Control is ramping up efforts to combat the problem stocking ponds with minnows and spraying with trucks and helicopters.

These efforts are successful in containing salt marsh and rainwater mosquitoes, but are less effective on the homegrown variety.

Disease carriers Many homeowners would be surprised to know they’re growing mosquitoes in items as small as toys and bottle caps left outside, said Jim McNelly, director of Volusia County’s Mosquito Control Division.

“We have two distinct types of mosquitoes in Volusia County – those that develop in salt marshes and rainwater, and those that grow in artificial containers,” McNelly said. “Both types are a problem because Please see MOSQUITOes, Page 2

7FOCUS

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AUGUST 23 - august 29, 2012

SANFORD

Goldsboro improvements

from Page 1

In recent years, Sanford has tried to improve Goldsboro as well. Four years ago, the Westside Community and Recreation Center on South Persimmon Avenue was expanded and renovated as part of a $2.35 million improvement project.

The city also enhanced the Goldsboro Trail, a pedestrian pathway that stretches more than a mile through the community.

Current plans are to lengthen the trail to the city’s Coastline Park on West Ninth Street.

Finally, Sanford built its new, 75,000-square-foot public safety complex in Goldsboro in late 2010.

So many cops Today, those in Goldsboro see plenty of police officers patrolling their streets, but they complain that few are trying to build relationships with the community. And some residents are beginning to question why the new Police Department was built in Goldsboro in the first place.

“You see police cars cruise up and down the streets,” said Leonard Killingsworth, 33, as he fished along the shores of Lake Monroe near Sanford’s Fort Mellon Park. “But when you go to the White neighborhoods or the downtown area, you don’t see that.”

Oscar Redden, more than 30 years older than Killingsworth, understands these suspicions.

Lots of hope

Learned to distrust Redden, who operates a drug-rehabilitation center in Goldsboro, remembers making the mistake as a young boy in the late 1950s of wandering into a part of downtown Sanford considered off-limits to young Blacks.

A police officer “backed me into a corner and said: ‘Boy, what are you doing here? Get back to Goldsboro,’ ” Redden recalled.

“It’s those kinds of incidents that will have Black people, even today, teach their children to be aware of police officers and be aware of who you are dealing with. We learned to distrust the police.”

For Redden and thousands of others in Goldsboro, the Martin case was the tipping point.

“You can only turn your cheek so many times,” Redden said. “Trayvon was the straw that weighed down the wagon and made the wheel come off.”

Finally, a voice Goldsboro could no longer contain its anger. It was here that rallies and marches organized by civil-rights leaders, community activists, clergymen and concerned residents took place in the weeks after Trayvon was shot.

It was in Goldsboro and in front of Sanford’s public safety complex where the Revs. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson, along with national NAACP President Ben Jealous, marched with scores of Black and White protesters demanding justice.

After 121 years, Goldsboro’s residents had a voice, and their community became ground zero for a heated national debate

GARY W. GREEN/ORLANDO SENTINEL/MCT

Barbershop owner Sarah Floyd remembers a time when shops in the Goldsboro area were bustling. about race and justice.

Once a thriving town Goldsboro at one time was a thriving center of life for Blacks in Sanford.

It was founded in 1891 by Black laborers who hauled citrus and vegetables at the nearby railroad yard and St. Johns River docks.

It eventually became Florida’s second Black incorporated town, following Eatonville. At the time, Goldsboro Boulevard was bustling with shops, restaurants, beauty parlors and stores. The community had its own police department, its own fire department, its own post office and its own City Hall with a mayor and council elected by its residents.

But by 1911, adjacent Sanford had become one of the largest vegetable-shipping hubs in the Southeast, and city leaders looked westward to expand its borders. Sanford overtook tiny Goldsboro and stripped the community of its charter.

Identity slowly fades Goldsboro’s police and fire departments, its post office and its City Hall were closed. The streets, originally named after its Black founders, were renamed.

The identity forged by its citizens slowly faded.

But some businesses continued to thrive, in large part because of a demand nurtured by racism.

There was the popular Snow’s cafe, known among Blacks traveling through Sanford in the 1940s and

Daytona schedules two budget review meetings in August Find out about next year’s proposed property tax rate and other important financial decisions about Daytona Beach government at 6 p.m. Aug. 28 at the Daytona Beach Police Department headquarters, 129 Valor Blvd., and 6 p.m. Aug. 29 at the Schnebly Community Center, 1001 N. Atlantic Ave. Residents are encouraged to attend

‘Ignored’ at shops Through the decades, the civil rights movement and other historic social changes had a profound effect on the country.

But Jim Crow lingered in parts of Central Florida even after desegregation.

As recently as the 1970s, Sanford’s Black police officers were told not to patrol White areas of the city, while White officers had no such restrictions.

And many mom-andpop shops in town continued turning away Black customers, Oliver said.

She remembered being a young teacher in 1970 and walking into a locally owned restaurant in Sanford for a meal. She waited nearly an hour before finally getting up and leaving.

“They just basically ignored me,” she said. “I just sat and waited, and no one came up to me.”

Poor area Eventually, national chains

and learn more about the budget including an overview of what the city has done to reduce expenses, recent property tax and property assessment trends, priorities, capital projects and more.

Next year’s budget proposes a tax rate of $7.36 per $1,000 of property value. Based on the average assessed value of a home in Daytona Beach, an owner would pay about $264 in property taxes under the proposal.

The city commission will vote on the budget and tax rate at two regularly scheduled meetings in September.

MOSQUITOes from Page 1 they bite and they can carry diseases.”

Salt marsh and rainwater mosquitoes become active at twilight and night, while container-bred mosquitoes take flight during the day and tend to be ankle-biters.

“About this time every year, we start getting calls from homeowners who say they’re being bitten on the ankles during the daytime,” McNelly said.

“When we send employees to their homes, we often find stagnant water, which is a prime breeding site for Aedes albopictus,

1950s as the place to go for hot food and strong coffee.

And they knew they would be treated as real customers.

Down the street was McAllister’s Hotel and Ezekiel’s Radio Shop. And if you were looking for an ice cream cone on a hot day, there was Sonorky’s Sundaes or the Sugar Bowl.

“These businesses boomed partly because Sanford was totally segregated,” said Francis Col eman Oliver, a longtime resident and historian who last year set up the Goldsboro West Side Historical Museum.

the Asian tiger mosquito.

We’re also seeing a resurgence of an old foe, Aedes aegypti, in containers.”

Where they grow These aggressive mosquitoes lay their eggs in or near water that can collect in a child’s toy truck, a dog’s water bowl, birdbaths, old tires, potted plants, corrugated pipes, clogged gutters, even the rim of a recycling bin if it’s turned upside-down.

They also grow in bromeliads, the folds of tarps, and puddles caused by lawn over-watering.

Residents are asked to help fight the mosquito infestation by tipping and tossing empty pots and buckets; disposing of old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and broken appliances; replacing the water in birdbaths and pet dishes at least once a week; removing leaves and other debris from troughs and gutters; picking up beverage containers and cups; avoiding over-watering the lawn; washing out bromeliads and other water-holding plants weekly; and covering or draining unused swimming pools.

To request mosquito service, visit volusia.org/ mosquito or call 386-2396516.

would open stores along increasingly busy U.S. 17-92 in Sanford, welcoming Goldsboro residents.

That’s when the businesses in Goldsboro “faded out as they lost their customers,” Oliver said.

Today, Goldsboro is one of Central Florida’s poorest areas. The average household income is $20,690 a year, and about 75 percent of families with children are living in poverty, according to the U.S. census.

Sarah Floyd, 81, remembers a time when “there would be a lot of people walking up and down the sidewalks, going into the stores.”

But now, said the owner of the West 13th Street Barbershop on Historic Goldsboro Boulevard, “people don’t open businesses here.”

Floyd’s blunt assessment of Goldsboro’s slide to economic decay shows the immense challenge facing Sanford as it tries to move beyond the international scorn sparked by Martin’s death.

The ‘boiling point’ But in many ways, said Turner Clayton Jr., president of the Seminole County Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the city has only itself to blame.

Sanford, he said, has never made efforts to reach out to the Black community after such incidents. And that has fueled the perception that the city is run by good old boys.

“The problem with the city’s leadership is that they

CRIME from Page 1 White because the apartments are located on Beach Street, the area she represents.

“White is familiar with the situation. For some reason nothing seems to be being done,” added Fletcher.

“They say the residents are the most important assets. Housing Authority is not fulfilling their obligation. I wish Ms. Kelly White would get dialogue with (Daytona Beach Police Chief ) Chitwood. As I speak, the criminal element is in charge of the Windsor and Maley,” said Fletcher.

Chitwood said the police department does not have any jurisdiction to do anything about the problems at the complex.

“Give me the money to put resources inside your building. Don’t spend $10 (an hour) for a security guard. Pay $20 (to us an hour) and put police officers in that building,” Chitwood said at a commission meeting.

Police presence short John Kretzer, vice chairman of the Daytona Beach

hope these things will go away,” Clayton said. “But it never goes away. It (racial tension) just builds up and builds up over time until it reaches a boiling point.

They never reach out to the community, to get them involved and open the lines of communication.”

Sanford officials point to steps they have taken in recent months to help heal their wounded city.

On July 30, the city invited residents to express their ideas about memorializing Martin and others killed in Sanford. A day later, local pastors held a prayer vigil outside the Police Department.

In June, Sanford renamed West 13th Street to Historic Goldsboro Boulevard, the road’s original name. And Sanford Commissioner Velma Williams, a Goldsboro resident who urged the name change, has started another effort to rename Lake Avenue to Clark Avenue in recognition of William Clark, one of Goldsboro’s founders and its last mayor.

In April, city officials invited protesters and residents to a community meeting at the Second Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, where they announced a series of new policies aimed at soothing racial tensions. The initiatives included creating a paid staff position within City Hall to serve as a liaison between the city and residents and requesting that the U.S. Department of Justice investigate the Sanford Police Department for possible civil rights violations.

Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, disagrees with Chitwood.

“We’re part of the city.

Police are supposed to protect us as well without us paying them extra,” Kretzer noted.

White did say at the May 2 meeting she wanted to be part of the solution and asked for extra policing.

Kretzer, who is also a resident of the Windsor Apartments, said this week in an exclusive interview, that after the May 2 meeting, a Daytona Beach Police Department patrol car was parked in the parking lot with an officer for about four weeks but hasn’t been back since.

He added that there are some problems at the complex but aren’t as bad as Fletcher outlined.

Police unit proposed Chitwood said he would like to see a unit in the apartment complex, a sergeant with at least four officers. He was asked by Mayor Glenn Ritchey at the May 2 meeting to put together a proposal.

“Put together a recommendation to provide added security to those building to start the process.

Nobody should live where they are fearful for their lives. We will start the process to see if something can happen,” said Ritchey.

Herbert Cherry, 92, is a lifelong resident of Sanford and has lived in Goldsboro for the past 50 years.

He has been a real estate broker and a general contractor and has held a variety of odd jobs through the years.

With the addition of the new police station in the community, and city leaders recently changing the name of 13th Street to Historic Goldsboro Boulevard, it shows that Sanford is making strides to improve the historic community, he said.

“We’ve come a long way,” Cherry said. “Things have changed in recent years — a lot of it for the better.”

Oscar Redden agrees.

“Sanford is not a town of nasty White folks or nasty Black folks. And Goldsboro is not a horrible place to live,” Redden said. “This community has a glorious history. So let us together — Black and White — rebuild this community. I’ve got a lot of hope for Goldsboro.”

The Rev. Valarie Houston, pastor of Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, sees hope, too.

“I firmly believe that we have to educate our youth — and even those not just in Sanford, but outside of Sanford, too — about the history of this community,” Houston said.

“And I think the Trayvon Martin shooting has helped make people more aware about that history,” she said. “It has highlighted this community that for so long many felt was neglected.”

Woods said he and the residents have met three times with the Daytona Beach Police Department since the May 2 meeting at which time Chitwood shared statistical data, listened to the residents and answered questions.

Positive meetings Woods said Chitwood told those in attendance that the Windsor and Maley are very safe in comparison to other properties in the city.

“Chief Chitwood and his team provided very good information during their presentation and our residents were very receptive and raised good questions.

Overall, the meetings were very positive,” said Woods.

On Aug. 6, Woods met with Chitwood and Fletcher to discuss residents’ concerns.

Woods said they will be working with the police department to establish a Crime Free Multi-Housing Program, which consists of a Physical Assessment and Multi-Housing Agreement; an Eyes and Ears Program, which consists of security training and dispatch radio; and a Citizen’s Police Academy.

AUGUST 23 - AUGUST 29, 2012

Community Calendar To list your event FREE, e-mail us at news@daytonatimes.com. No phone calls or faxes, please. Events are listed on a space-available basis, and in the sole discretion of the Daytona Times staff. For guaranteed placement, contact Lynnette Garcia, lgarcia@flcourier.org, phone 954-882-2946, for ad rates.

Compiled by the Daytona Times Hippiefest at the Peabody Daytona Beach will be transformed into a scene from the 1960s that is part HaightAshbury, part Woodstock and part street festival. It’s a day of tie-dye, bell-bottoms, peace symbols, black wigs, patched-up jeans and hip sunglasses. The annual street party replete with the vivid colors, dress, and atmosphere of the 1960s starts at 4 p.m. in front of the Peabody Auditorium, followed by an inside concert at 7:30 p.m. The Aug. 24 event will then move up Main Street to the Bank and Blues Club for the 9 p.m. after party show.

Doors open at 8:30 p.m.

Ultimate baby shower and children’s expo Volusia Parent Magazine will present the 2012 Ultimate Baby and Children’s Expo Sept. 15 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the News-Journal Center. Admission and parking are both free. Come out and see products, services and ideas for your families, with information from pregnancy through pre-teenage years. More information: volusiaparent.com.

Family days in Port Orange The 17th annual Port Orange Family Days will be held Oct. 4 - Oct. 7 at the Port Orange City Center. This community event is free and open to the public. More information: familydays.com.

Jazz trio to perform at library Relax to the cool jazz tunes of the Kenny MacKenzie Trio at 7 p.m., Sept. 8, at the New Smyrna Beach Regional Library, 1001 S. Dixie Freeway. The group formed in New York City in 2000, plays weekly in several Manhattan jazz clubs. The musicians have released multiple albums. More information: 386-424-2910, ext. 104, or www.volusialibrary.org.

Men’s and women’s day program The Greater New Zion Primitive Baptist Church will observe its Annual Men & Women’s Day program Aug. 26 at the 11 a.m. worship service. The guest speaker for the occasion will be the Rev. Dr. Edison Jackson, interim president of Bethune-Cookman University. Music will be provided by the church’s choir and Wanda Cobb, a saxophonist from Titusville. The church is located at 201 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd.

Children and Families board to meet The Children and Families Advisory Board will meet at 2 p.m., Aug. 28, in the thirdfloor conference room of the Volusia County Lifeguard Headquarters and Administration Center, 515 S. Atlantic Ave. More information: Peggy Johnson, 386-736-5955, ext.

COMMUNITY M ANEWS YOR

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DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006

15694, or visit www.volusia. org/countycouncil/cfab.htm.

Home, garden and boat show The Marine Industry Association of Central Florida will present the Daytona Boat Show along with the Daytona Home and Garden Show Aug. 24-26, in the Ocean Center.

More information: www.daytonabeachhomeshow.com.

Buff bods coming to Peabody The Daytona Beach Classic Bodybuilding Competition will be held at the Peabody Auditorium Sept. 22 from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. More information: www.peabodyauditorium.org.

Section 8 meeting for landlords Volusia County’s Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program will host an informational meeting for landlords who are renting or interested in renting to Section 8 participants from 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 30 in the Volusia County Council chambers of the Thomas C. Kelly Administration Center, 123 W. Indiana Ave., DeLand. Reservations are required and must be made by Aug. 16. To RSVP, call 386-736-5955.

Mentor training scheduled Sept. 18 Community Partnership for Children is recruiting mentors for teenage children in foster care. The next orientation will be held Sept. 18 from 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. at the Community Partnership for Children, 160 North Beach St. To register or for more information: Susan Hiltz, 386-547-2293 or Susan.

Hiltz@cbcvf.org.

SHAGGY

Tickets are on sale now for the 10th annual Caribbean Splash in Orlando on Nov. 4 featuring Shaggy, Wayne Wonder, Mavado, Fay Ann Lyons, Bunjii and more performers. The event begins at 11 a.m. at Lee Vista Park. More information: www. cultureclimax.com/events/caribsplash.

2011 as authorized by the city charter.

Through an FPL-funded Political Action Committee, the utility giant spent more than $140,000 to put the charter amendment on the ballot.

Electric utility question on November ballot Domestic Abuse SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

The South Daytona City Council has approved a resolution calling for a special city election to be held on Nov. 6 to determine whether the city is authorized to form a municipal electric utility and to deliver municipal electric services.

On Aug. 14, voters approved an amendment to the city charter requiring voter approval, at a general or special election, before the city forms a municipal electric utility and delivers municipal electric service. Council members selected the date to coincide with the scheduled November election, avoiding the costs of a special election and with the expectation of greater voter turnout in a presidential election.

In the 2008 franchise renewal agreement, FPL refused to include a 60-yearold purchase clause and did not offer any compensation for removing the valuable language. Based on FPL’s refusal to renew the option, South Daytona’s council evaluated the feasibility of the purchase and after extensive analysis by industry and financial experts, voted to acquire the system in July

Council announces first purple parade Participants are encouraged to wear purple for a chance to win a Purple Passion Award as the Domestic Abuse Council holds its first Purple Parade.

The purpose of the parade is to raise awareness and critical funds for prevention of bullying and domestic violence.

The parade, which is actually a twomile walk, will take place on the sidewalk starting at Riverfront Park on Beach Street in Daytona Beach across the street from the Harley Davidson Museum. The walk will take place on Sept. 15; registration is at 7:30 a.m. and the parade starts at 8 a.m. Entry fees for the parade are $5 per person or $25 for groups of up to 10 people. Preregistration and entry fees can be paid online at www.domesticabusecouncil.com.

Participants can also register by calling 386-257-2297 ext. 27. Donations are gratefully accepted.

For more information, visit http:// volusia.org/community_assistance/ housing2.htm or call 386-736-5955.

7 EDITORIAL

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AUGUST 23 - AUGUST 29, 2012

‘Capital punishment’ in the workplace In employment law, they speak about a termination or firing as being the “capital punishment” of employment relations.

This may sound dramatic – unless you have been fired. And, truth be told, if you do not have a labor union, you are really up the creek if you are terminated.

I have a friend who is facing a possible termination. My friend spoke up about unprofessional conduct by a supervisor and, from that moment on, life has been hell.

Speaking up hurts Prior to this incident, the performance evaluations my friend received were excellent. Subsequent to the incident, however, her work came under question, which then evolved into harassment. She went to the human resources department of their employer but they could or would not do anything.

She attempted to transfer to another department but each time the transfer was blocked, good reviews and interviews notwithstanding. My friend was finally put on a 60-day notice to improve…or else.

Sounds familiar? It probably does. Most of us have either been

BILL FLETCHER, JR. NNPA COLUMNIST

fired or know people who have been fired. Contrary to the assumptions that most of us make, there are no laws that protect you from an arbitrary or retaliatory firing except under very specific circumstances.

If you are fired for something that represents a breach of law, such as for race, gender, national origin, religion or handicap, you have a legal recourse. But in most situations, if your employer comes in one day and simply decides that they do not like you or that you are no longer needed, you can be fired.

Labor union needed In fact, the law is clear that you can be fired for any reason or no reason, unless you have a labor union representing you.

Firings are indeed a form of capital punishment. Your world is turned upside down. If you live paycheck to paycheck, you know

what it means if that paycheck stops.

Depending on whether you have any savings, you could, quite literally, be out in the cold (or the heat) with nowhere to go. On top of that, firings do something to your spirit. Even if you are completely certain that you did nothing to deserve the termination, over time you can start feeling isolated and start blaming yourself.

In today’s economic climate a firing takes on even greater implications. One, it may take you longer to find a new job than it might have 10 years ago. Two, if you have health care insurance, it is probably tied directly to your job, meaning that the loss of the job can have catastrophic consequences.

And, three, our identities are often tied in with our jobs – how we see ourselves, our accomplishments, and unfortunately, our worth.

In many countries a termination can be challenged in a court where, should you win, you may either get your job back or you get a special severance.

‘Occupy’ galvanized people I am thinking, in some ways, of the Occupy movement, a self-admittedly leaderless group that has brought attention to corporate greed and growing wealth gap in our nation. In many ways Occupy has been extremely effective in making a point. But the point has

DR. JULIANNE MALVEAUX TRICEEDNEYWIRE.COM

been lost with their many skirmishes with law enforcement officers, with the condition of the camps they set up, and with the vagueness of their demands.

It is specious and ineffective to call for the collapse of capitalism - as desirable as such a goal might be. Instead, the Occupy folks might agitate for tax reform that is redistributive, favoring the poor and middle class instead of the wealthy. Such legislation will not end capitalism, but it will give people something to rally around.

Many people believe that the March on Washington was a spontaneous movement, but the March took months of planning. The highly disciplined organizers vetted every speech and were mindful and deliberate about their goals.

RANDY BISH, PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW

ly means for most workers to gain any sort of workplace justice. Through a grievance and arbitration process, the worker has a right to challenge an alleged injustice such as a wrongful firing.

Workers should not live in fear of being presumed guilty for an alleged infraction and then have to prove their innocence.

So, when someone says that unions are no longer needed, ask Always challenge them to think about someone that termination they know, or know of, who has In the US, that is generally not been wrongfully terminated.

Ask them if that person had a the case. A labor union is the on-

Activism - then and now Every time I see a march or rally, I think of the rally of all rallies, which was the 1963 March on Washington.

Forty-nine years later, there is nothing that equals that march, not in participation, nor in results.

These days, folks march to make a point, but back in the day, we marched to get legislative action.

Shortly after the March on Washington, both the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act were passed. I challenge anyone to tell me what other marches or rallies have yielded. They’ve made a point and galvanized people, yet they’ve had no direct or immediate results.

VISUAL VIEWPOINT: PRIORITIES

March on Washington organized To counter negative impressions of African-American people, many of the marchers dressed in their Sunday best. All of the signs spoke to the civil rights movement, not to other issues. Today marches seem to be a grab bag, with everyone with a cause carrying signs offering up their issues. Again, people are marching, almost for the sake of marching.

The Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington were exceptional because of their focus and also because of their utter audacity.

Nearly 100 years after Emancipation, people of African descent were standing up for their rights.

And given the long period of relative acquiescence, it was wholly unexpected that oppressed people would offer resistance to the status quo.

It was also wholly unexpected that Black people would have the audacity to stand up. And, it was totally unexpected that a movement of African-American people would inspire so many others to

also stand up.

In the wake of the March on Washington, the National Organization for Women (NOW) was founded. In the wake of the march, the National Council of La Raza was founded, and in their own words, “traces its origins to the civil rights movement of the sixties.”

Also, the Stonewall riots happened in 1960 and gay rights marches began in the 1970s.

No funding hurts activism Unfortunately. the right wing has appropriated some civil rights tactics with their own marches and movement. Also unfortunately, civil rights activism has become professionalized with many activists now on the payrolls of either the government or of an organization that relies on foundation funding. In either case, activists are relatively muzzled so that the radicalism of the ’60s is muted by funding realities or government restrictions.

That former President Bill Clinton jettisoned Lani Guinier and current President Barack Obama did the same thing to Van Jones is instructive. Can activists co-exist with government moderation?

The answer is probably not.

union and, if the answer is “no,” what recourse did that person have? I can guess the answer.

Bill Fletcher, Jr. is a senior scholar with the Institute for Policy Studies, the immediate past president of TransAfrica Forum, and the author of two books on labor unions, “Solidarity Divided’’ (with Dr. Fernando Gapasin) and “They’re bankrupting us” – And twenty other myths about unions. He can be reached at papaq54@ hotmail.com.

Beware of Ryan nomination Still, the nomination of Paul Ryan to be second on the Republican ticket is a cause for concern to anyone who has the slightest progressive tendency. Ryan would trim the size of government, eliminating key agencies. He opposes contraceptive rights and a woman’s right to choose. He has not taken a position on any civil rights issues, but one might guess that he is not an ardent supporter of equality. Whether people take it to the streets or to the voting booth, it is clear that those who care about freedom have much to oppose on this Republican ticket.

We can take a page from the March on Washington to organize a highly disciplined opposition to the odious positions that the official representatives of the Republican Party have taken. Or, we can be silent, absent ourselves from the polls, and suffer the consequences.

Julianne Malveaux is a D.C.based economist and author.

Click on this story at www.flcourier.com to write your own response.

A ‘criminal’ for wanting a good education for girls As a parent, what lengths would you take to ensure that your child had an opportunity to achieve the American Dream?

If you love your child as much as I love my two daughters, the limits to your sacrifice are endless.

Marian Wright Edelman once said, “Education is a precondition to survival in America today.”

I believe this to be true. Despite my family’s socio-economic status, I knew that a quality education would blaze a trail to a better life for my daughters and allow them to reach their God-given potential.

I am an ex-felon. However, I did not burglarize or assault anyone.

I did not rape or steal. I was convicted for falsifying records about my residency so that my daughters could attend a safer, higherperforming suburban school.

Sadly, wanting the best for my children earned me nine days in prison, 80 hours of community service, and two years of probation.

Doing time for kids Each night I spent in my jail cell, I prayed for my daughters and spent countless hours thinking about other parents and guardians like me. Parents that were helpless – recognizing that their child deserved a better education than what was being provided, but no rational options to attain it.

I thought about families like mine, who did not have room in their tight budgets to pay for private education, nor afford the high property values of suburban districts. What are they to do?

My nightmare was further evidence that education is the civil rights issue of our generation.

And, like most rights, our country’s most vulnerable communi-

Kelley WilliamsBolar NNPA GUEST COLUMNIST

their children above interests of the school system. Moreover, the more power parents can exercise over their children’s education, the more likely our cities will be to construct education systems that put our students first.

Despite aggressive efforts to intimidate parents, four states – including my home state of Ohio – have passed comprehensive parent trigger legislation. Many others are have considered, or currently in the process of considering this revolutionary idea.

ties are left behind.

In an effort to help families avoid the fate that befell to me, I founded the Ohio Parents Union, an organization tasked with empowering parents throughout the state and providing families with resources to effectively advocate for the rights of their children. No Don’t back down longer should parents with chilThe concept of parent trigger dren trapped in failing schools be has even inspired an upcoming left without rational options. film, “Won’t Back Down,” starring Viola Davis. The film – scheduled Parents need options for release Sept. 28 – portrays a One of the solutions my organi- single mother that organizes parzation strongly supports to aid this ents to take control of their chilissue is a parent trigger. dren’s failing school over strong Parent trigger allows a majori- union opposition. ty of parents to mobilize together I strongly encourage parents, and sign a petition to turn around teachers and school administraa persistently low-achieving pub- tors to watch the movie. lic school.

Though the film was scripted In addition, it provides families in Hollywood with make-believe with leverage where they other- characters, real parents across this wise do not have it by increasing country are faced with this harsh pressure on districts and others in reality every day. For those parcharge of failing schools. By grant- ents, please keep your head up ing this power to parents, low-per- and continue fighting the good forming schools can now be held fight.

There is no reason we should accountable to the needs of the students, families, and communi- have to gamble with the academic outcomes of our children. ties they serve.

I was handcuffed, portrayed as Think about it. It is natural for parents to put the interests of a villain, and called a criminal by

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

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

our justice system for doing what I could to guarantee my children had access to a quality education, and a chance to have a better life than I had. Like many of you, I am not rich. However, the greatest legacy or inheritance we could ever leave our children is a fair shot to achieve the impossible.

I encourage parents across the country to learn your rights, and visit the websites of StudentsFirst (www.studentsfirst.org), and the Black Alliance for Educational Options (www.baeo.org) to educate yourselves on this issue.

In addition, I urge parents to

press elected officials to pursue parent trigger legislation in your communities.

Politicians, I urge you to listen to our voices.

Our kids should not be trapped in failing schools with no way out.

This needs to change now. Our future is way too important to wait.

Kelley Williams-Bolar was convicted last year of falsifying records so that her two daughters could attend a better school.

Click on this story at www.flcourier.com to write your own response.

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EDUCATION MAYOR

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AUGUST 23 - AUGUST 29, 2012 DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006

Parents taking more active role in college choices

BY BONNIE MILLER RUBIN CHICAGO TRIBUNE (MCT)

At 24, Ally Lincoln is a rarity in her circle of friends.

She has a college diploma along with a robust paycheck, benefits and a wellmarked path for career advancement.

“I wouldn’t have any of this if my mom hadn’t made me go into nursing,” said Lincoln, replacing an empty IV bag at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. “It was one of the smartest things I ever did.”

During the last five years, the hiring outlook has curdled for all Americans — including those with fouryear college degrees, the demographic most likely to land a good job. With tuition costs skyrocketing, the weak employment growth weighs heavily on cashstrapped families.

And while the frenzied scramble to get into an elite school still dominates senior year for many strivers, those footing the bill are taking an increasingly hardnosed, consumer-oriented approach to their child’s higher education, education experts said.

Demanding more Parents are pushing their student into certain majors, vetoing others and advocating for in-state schools over more expensive status

brands. They’re grilling administrators on job placement rates and alumni networks. In short, they are demanding a better return on their hefty investment than ever before, and administrators say they are getting the message.

“As the price of college goes up, parents are more concerned with results, so they’re asking tough questions,” said Terry Hartle, senior vice president of the American Council on Education in Washington, D.C., “and good for them.”

A college degree is no longer a guaranteed cushion from financial hardship.

Only 56 percent of the class of 2010 had a job – any job – one year after graduation compared with 90 percent in 2007, according to the Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers University.

Big shift As for law school, only about 65 percent of those in the class of 2011 are in jobs that require them to be members of the bar.

And yet, since the 1980s, tuition has skyrocketed.

The tab at private liberal arts institutions can easily top $50,000 annually, while in-state schools — like the University of Illinois — have hit the $30,000 mark. One in 10 Americans are paying off student loans.

Even the most affluent parents are zeroing in on results more than ever when considering colleges for their children, said Marybeth Kravets, a longtime counselor who retired from Deerfield High School in 2010.

“I’ve seen the shift … it just kind of hits you in the face,” said Kravets, now a private college consultant on the North Shore. “On campus visits, parents are going to the career center. … That never happened before.”

Economics over passion Patrick Tassoni, college coordinator at Northside College Prep in Chicago, said, “The ethos of the consumer is changing, due to economics.

“Before, parents were more focused on quality of life. Now, they’ve definitely become more career-minded,” Tassoni said.

Earnings potential certainly played a major role in Ally Lincoln’s decision back when she was a senior at Prospect High School and wanted to pursue equestrian therapy — reflecting her passion for horses.

“My mother told me not to confuse a hobby with an occupation,” she said. “I was upset.”

Smart move During a college trip to

Bradley University in Peoria, her mom “made” her look at the nursing school, where a tour guide rattled off a barrage of statistics, including that the median salary for a nurse is $60,000 and unemployment rate is 2 percent.

Lincoln remembers begrudgingly thinking to herself: “Maybe my mother is right.”

Now, the 24-year-old is hitting her stride — along with certain traditional markers of adulthood that have eluded many of her peers: She’s engaged, has a 401(k) and health insurance.

This summer, she’s been busy house-hunting, a task made easier with her fourday weekends. (She works three 12-hour days a week.)

“My friends are so jealous,” she said.

free education in the craft of making political and social change,” said co-organizer David Hill, a political scientist at Stetson. “Stetson values engaged citizenship, and Politics 101 is a way for us to advance this value to the benefit not only of our students, but all interested area students, citizens and aspiring community leaders.”

Employment rates for college graduates have fallen sharply, along with the economy. A 2011 study by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce shows that when it comes to earnings, majors are important.

Median earnings by major degree

Full-time, full-year workers with a terminal bachelor’s Top 5 Petroleum engineering

$120,000

Pharmacy/pharmaceutical sciences and administration

105,000

Mathematics and computer sciences

98,000

Aerospace engineering

87,000

Chemical engineering

86,000

Bottom 5 Social work

$39,000

Human services and community organizations

38,000

Theology and religious vocations

38,000

Early childhood education

36,000

Counseling/psychology

29,000

Source: Georgetown University Graphic: Chicago Tribune

© 2012 MCT

Majors matter When it comes to postcollege employment potential, majors matter. Of the top 10 occupations for hiring, half are engineeringrelated, according to the U.S. Labor Department.

For every art history, psychology and sociology major tending bar or painting houses, there’s another in astrophysics, pharmacology and actuarial science being hotly recruited.

Institutions are responding to the market by tweak-

Stetson to offer free political campaign training Sept. 8 Stetson University will host its third annual “Politics 101” conference on Saturday, Sept. 8, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The free, one-day crash course gives the nuts and bolts of political campaigning.

The conference will be held in the Stetson Room of the Carlton Union Building.

“The goal of Politics 101 is to provide area students and citizens

Hello engineering, goodbye theology

No ‘spectator sport’ Politics 101 will feature workshops led by campaign operatives, political scholars and community leaders of varied political stripes.

Workshop leaders will, among other things, show participants how to build grassroots campaign organizations, create winning campaign strategies, analyze data to make in-

ing admissions materials, emphasizing not just new dorms and football Saturdays, but their internships, graduate school partnerships, well-connected alumni and newly expanded curricula with an eye to the real world.

Augustana College in Rock Island, for example, has recently added international business, graphic design and pre-engineering. Knox College in Galesburg has teamed with Chi-

formed decisions, use social media, and fundraise.

In addition, area political organizations and campaigns will be present during a networking fair to provide information about their candidates or causes, and to recruit interns and volunteers.

“Politics is not a spectator sport,” says Kevin Winchell, conference director. “Whether you’re a Republican, Democrat, independent or else, whether you want to run for public office, manage a

cago Medical School for a smooth bridge into the health field. Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, has launched a nursing school.

W. Kent Barnds, a vice president at Augustana College, concedes that it’s getting tougher to make the sale. “It used to be that parents would take your word for it when you talked about a liberal arts education as fostering success in work and in life,” he said. “Now, they want evidence.”

candidate or issue campaign, or simply learn how ordinary citizens can help make change in a democracy, Politics 101 is a great way for citizens to get informed and engaged.”

Registration for Politics 101 is open to everyone, and attendance is free. The conference is non-partisan.

For more information or to register, visit www.stetson.edu/ politics101.

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7

Fan Fest: A time for team, community to connect

BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES butleramj@yahoo.com

Hundreds of fans flocked to Bethune-Cookman’s Moore Gymnasium on Sunday for the third annual Fan Fest.

The Wildcats football program held the event, which is designed to give the fans and community a chance to meet the players and coaches.

“This gives us a chance to interact with the fans and our fans to get close to the players. It also gives our players a chance to see who supports them. It’s great.

I enjoy it. I also get to meet the people in the community. They tell me the history. I also get to meet with alumni,” said Coach Brian Jenkins, B-CU’s head football coach.

During the event, players and coaches were introduced, autographed posters, held conversations and posed for photos with fans.

Humbling experience Cheerleaders were on hand to hype up the crowd and youngsters got a chance to put on B-CU shoulder pads, a jersey and helmet.

“It’s great for the kids to be a part of this. I think this event gives them a chance to see the players who they cheer for and interact with them. It also gives them some memories when they get older,” Jenkins remarked.

The players enjoyed the event and felt moved by the experience.

“It’s humbling to know that all these people came out to support us. This is inspiring. It’s great to see the smiles. It’s a blessing and we take pride in doing this,” commented senior wide receiver Eddie Poole.

PHOTOS BY ANDREAS BUTLER/DAYTONA TIMES

Bethune-Cookman football players autograph posters for fans during Media Day. This was the third straight year of the event.

Family affair The event itself was a family affair with many of the other athletic program teams and coaches in attendance and B-CU Interim President Edison Jackson stopping by.

Fans also traveled from a distance to be part of the experience. The crowd also featured family members of players as well as alumni.

Brian Stewart came from St. Augustine. He said, “It’s a great event. My kid goes to this school and has made the football team.

It’s also great to come back here.

I am familiar with the school and its history. This brings back memories. I am from Daytona. I attended Bonner Elementary.”

Thirteen-year old Robert Thomas III of Orlando agreed.

“It’s wonderful to be able to do this. Some of these guys may become famous professional football players and I may already have their autograph. My cousin also goes to this school and he is a football player.”

The football team plays its first game of the season on Sept. 2 in Orlando. B-CU faces Alabama State in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge. The game will be televised on ESPN at noon.

Volleyball: Maroon edges Gold The women’s volleyball team was also on hand for Fan Day. They also autographed posters

A young fan dons a B-CU football uniform at Fan Fest.

B-CU ROUNDUP and posed for photos with fans.

In their final tune-up before the season, the Lady Wildcats had their Maroon and Gold Game at Moore Gymnasium on Sunday.

The Maroon team rallied to edge the Gold team 3-2 (25-18, 20-25, 23-25, 25-17, 17-15) in a competitive friendly affair.

Senior outside hitter and All-MEAC Pre-Season selection

Krysta Gardner barely missed a triple double (21 kills, 11 digs, nine service aces) to pace a freshman-laded Maroon squad.

“This gives us momentum for the season. We will face some top-level competition to open the season next week and we will need to be focused like we were today,” responded Gardner.

“She should have gotten the triple double,” added Raphael Isaac, the team’s head coach.

Bethune-Cookman University football gear was on display at Moore Gymnasium during Fan Fest.

Digs, assists, kills The experienced Gold team included freshman Destiny Hudson, who tallied 19 kills and Rhea Simon 12.

“Destiny is small at 5’ 7” but she has a lot of hustle. Today was a great experience for our freshmen,” said Isaac.

Delicia Pierre added 11 kills, Monica Lowe 39 assists with 16 digs. Jordan Murphy had 10 blocks and Jasmine Evans eight kills with nine digs for the Maroon team.

Janeen Davis added 15 kills with 13 assists and Aubrianna Curtis 43 assists and 11 digs for the Gold team.

Season tips off The Ladies head to Greenville, N.C., for the East Carolina University Classic Tournament to open their season.

B-CU will face the University of North Carolina Charlotte, East Carolina University and Campbell University from Aug. 24-25.

Football kicks off this week with Classic exhibitions

BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES butleramj@yahoo.com

School started on Monday in Volusia County, which also brings us to the high school football season.

Local teams will compete in Kickoff Classic exhibitions on Aug. 24 and commence the regular season with games starting Aug. 31.

There are 15 schools in the county that have football programs. There are also two teams in Flagler County (Flagler Palm Coast and Matanzas), which makes it 17 teams in our area.

Excitement is in the air as teams that have been practicing for the past two weeks now get to step out on the field.

“I think everyone is excited. I think we all want to escape this week of practice without injury,” said Marc Beach, Seabreeze’s head coach.

Inclement weather also

VOLUSIA COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS REVIEW has affected practices over the last week. On Monday and Tuesday, there was heavy rains and lightning in the area.

“I think we all feel like we are behind. Heavy rain and lightning has shortened practices,” commented Beach.

There is still plenty of optimism of how good the competition will be this season.

“It’s hard to say. I know a lot of teams feel like we are have gotten better but there are also a lot of teams that are good but have a lot of young players, so its hard to say,” cautioned Beach.

Some top players Quinton Powell, LB, Mainland: A dominant defensive force and definite playmaker. Could be areas

high recruit come February.

Cameron Hadley, WR, Mainland: Great athlete who can do it all. Would be breaking records if stayed at Calvary.

Charles Nelson, DB/RB, Seabreeze: A star and true playmaker on both sides of the ball.

Trevaughn Rodriguez, RB, Seabreeze: One of the area’s best backs returns from a spring injury.

JoJo Kemp, RB, DeLand: Another talented and highly touted running back.

Colteen Robinson, QB, DeLand: Kind of flying under the radar but a very capable athlete.

Marcus Dixon, RB, Warner: A power runner and workhorse who will set the school’s all-time rushing record possibly on his first carry of the season.

Chris Jones, RB, Atlantic: Just a straight-up athlete with great speed.

James Clark, WR, New Smyrna: Speedster makes plays and also takes kickoffs and punts back for scores.

Dacota Dixon, QB, New Smyrna: Another capable playmaker who may also be flying under the radar to a certain extent.

Mike Colubiale, WR, Spruce Creek: Just a solid all-around individual and playmaker.

Alex Bell, QB, Atlantic: Had a great spring; could also have a spectacular season flying under the radar.

Playoff contenders Mainland: Class 6A state semifinalists have some shoes to fill but mainly just reloads every year.

Seabreeze: Missed playoffs last year, but is a talented team with some very good juniors who were starters as freshman two years ago.

DeLand: Made it to second round of playoffs last season; another talented team that just reloads each season.

Atlantic: The Sharks are coming off an 8-3 season and expected to be better.

Warner: Small school powerhouse still has talent and is coming off a state semifinal run.

Spruce Creek: The Hawks should be much improved and could shock some people this year. They are still riding emotional high from beating Mainland in spring game.

Could be sneak-ins New Smyrna: Another young and talented team that is more experienced this year. They still have to play Seabreeze and Mainland in district play to make post season.

Flagler Palm Coast: Flagler team is more experienced and very confident right now.

Matanzas: The other Flagler school feels that it is as talented as ever.

Trinity: The Eagles always compete for playoff spot.

Note: Halifax Academy went 6-4 in a 6-on-6 league last season. The Knights return a lot of players and

will play in a 7-on-7 league this season.

Kickoff Classic schedule The games begin at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 24.

Mainland at Lake Brantley Seabreeze at St. Augustine Spruce Creek at Lake Mary DeLand at Sanford Seminole New Smyrna at Merritt Island University at Ocoee Warner at Jacksonville Holy Trinity Episcopal St. Augustine St. Joseph at Taylor Flagler Palm Coast at Deltona Trinity at Wildwood Prep Sports Seven Football Preseason 1. Seabreeze, 2. DeLand, 3. Mainland, 4. Warner, 5.

Atlantic, 6. New Smyrna, 7.

Spruce Creek.

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