Stressed after the storm? How to get help SEE PAGE 5
A PICTORIAL GLANCE AT THE DAMAGE HURRICANE MATTHEW LEFT BEHIND SEE PAGES 6 & 7
East Central Florida’s Black Voice OCTOBER 13 - OCTOBER 19, 2016
YEAR 41 NO. 41
EE FR
WYLECIA WIGGS HARRIS: AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMEN WILL DECIDE THE NEXT PRESIDENT PAGE 4
www.daytonatimes.com
HURRICANE MATTHEW
‘I’VE NEVER SEEN A STORM LIKE THIS’ Residents slowly recovering from devastation caused by Hurricane Matthew BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES
Days after Hurricane Matthew lashed Florida’s east coast, many area residents were struggling with the devastating effects of the storm – property and road damage, power outages, water damage in homes, downed and dangling power lines along with toppled and snapped trees. The storm was blamed for the deaths of three people in Volusia County. An 89-year-old DeLeon Springs man died Monday morning after coming in contact with a downed power line. Carbon monoxide poisoning from a generator inside the home is believed to be the cause of death of a 9-year-old boy in Daytona Beach. A tree trimmer from from Ohio also died Monday when a log rolled on him.
DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
A tree fell on Daytona Beach resident Irene Cooper’s car when Hurricane Matthew moved through the area.
‘Truly blessed’ Daytona Beach and surrounding areas became the focal point of news reports last weekend when the hurricane brushed past, wreaking havoc and leaving extensive damage. But many, like Daytona Beach resident Irene Cooper of Maley Street, also were feeling blessed even as she talked about a tree in her front yard that had fallen on her car. “I feel truly blessed that it was on the car and not the house. I’m still paying the car note. FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) won’t do anything since I have car insurance. The car insurance company will only pay so much. I am still waiting on the insurance adjuster to come,” she told the Daytona Times. “During the storm, I feared for our safety. I’ve never seen a storm like this. It was too big of a storm and there was too much wind,’’ she remarked. Cooper recently moved back to In a screenshot taken at 2:05 p.m., the shoreline of Daytona See STORM, Page 2
Beach completely disappeared under the raging water.
All eyes were on us BY THE DAYTONA TIMES STAFF
Daytona Beach was briefly the center of the weather universe last week with Weather Channel meteorologist Jen Carfagno on the scene at the Daytona Beach Plaza Resort and Spa, 600 N. Atlantic Ave., directly on the beach. Also on Oct. 7, NBC’s evening news anchor Lester Holt broadcasted from the Halifax River at a local boat dock facility. The Weather Channel broadcast video from a storm chaser showing the Main Street approach to the beach being inundated by sea water as Matthew Lester churned by. Holt The Main Street approach is historic, as it was the site of a “wade-in” in the early 1960s. Children from Daytona’s Black community, their parents and community leaders walked down the approach to wade in the water on the Daytona Beach shoreline, which was racially segregated at the time. Black people were subject to arrest for wading in the water or swimming in Daytona Beach. The nearest “Black’’ beach was Bethune-Volusia Beach in New Smyrna, approximately 25 miles away. That beach, which has been eroding for years, was also hit hard by Matthew.
Hurricane washes out local football games, damages facilities BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES
Local sporting events were not spared by Hurricane Matthew as many were delayed or cancelled. The storm damaged the Daytona Beach Municipal Stadium, home of the Bethune-Cookman University Wildcats as well as Mainland and Seabreeze high schools. Windows at the stadium were knocked out on the second (VIP section) and third floors (press box), goalposts were bent and damage was done to the south tower. “We are fixing the damage to the stadium. It will be ready to go by the weekend,” said Helen Rigor, Cultural Services direct for the City of Daytona Beach. The city
ALSO INSIDE
owns and operates the stadium. Seabreeze’s football team was scheduled to play New Smyrna Beach High School at the stadium on Friday.
Few makeup games Area high school football games scheduled for Oct. 6 and 7 were originally moved to Monday, Oct. 10. That date was canceled when schools were closed and all sporting events canceled for Volusia County schools on Monday and Tuesday. Most of the games won’t be made up unless it’s a district game. “A district game would be made up. The rest of the games really don’t matter. If they don’t fit on the schedule, we won’t
DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
The Municipal Stadium in Daytona Beach received some damage from Hurricane Matthew. make it up,” said Warner Christian Academy Head Coach Chris Green. Mainland Head Coach Scott Wilson stated, “If it was a district contest, we would have to make it up because it determines seeding for the playoffs. This game we
just won’t play. There is no way to make it up.” Warner Christian Academy in South Daytona was to host Boca Raton for its homecoming while Mainland in Daytona Beach, ranked No. 1 in Class 6A, was to travel to play another state pow-
erhouse in Cocoa. Mainland was to travel to Matanzas (Palm Coast) and Warner to Trinity (Deltona) on Oct. 14. Most of the teams hadn’t practiced since Wednesday, Oct. 5. See GAMES, Page 2
COMMUNITY: FLAGLER LEADERS SHARE HOW COMMUNITY-SPONSORED CAMP INSPIRES YOUTH | PAGE 3 COMMENTARY: HARRY C. ALFORD: THE JIM CROW SEGMENT OF PROFESSIONAL SPORTS | PAGE 4
R2
7 FOCUS
OCTOBER 13 – OCTOBER 19, 2016 levard events will include: Thursday night: “Meet and Greet’’ with music. Friday: Some stepping events. Saturday: A stepping show headlined by the Sexy and Smooth Gliders and the Pepper Steppers, a custom bike show and contest, and a live R&B band. “Thursday night will be more of a meeting and mingling atmosphere. Friday more vendors, steppers and bikers will start pouring in and even more on Saturday. Saturday, we have plenty of fun-filled events. If anyone think they have a hot bike they can enter it into the bike contests during the custom bike show. There will be trophies handed out as well,” added McNorton. DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
Bikers mill around Main Street in Daytona Beach on Wednesday.
Locals gearing up for Biketoberfest despite the aftermath of Matthew BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES
The 2016 Biketoberfest is upon us and Daytona Beach was gearing up for the Oct. 13-15 event early this week. Biketoberest is an annual event that draws nearly 125,000 motorcyclists into the Daytona Beach area for motorcycle shows and rallies, live music, scenic rides along A1A and other roadways, and racing at Daytona International
Speedway. Despite Hurricane Matthew’s damage to the area, the event will proceed as scheduled. “Everything is a go. Businesses along Main Street are already setting up,” Helen Riger, Daytona Beach’s director of Cultural Services, said on Monday.
‘Going as planned’’ While Main Street and Riverfront Park are hotbeds for biker activity so is Daytona’s Black community,
especially on Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard, formerly Second Avenue. “The hurricane hasn’t stopped anything. Things are going as planned as far as I know. We want everyone to come and have a good time,’’ said Chester McNorton, owner of C/ Style Entertainment & Productions. “We want everyone to come and enjoy the event and can’t wait to comeback in March and October of next year. We want them
STORM Daytona to care for of her 90-year old grandmother after living in Jacksonville for the past 20 years.
Power returns, slowly
GAMES from Page 1
Scott stated, “Our kids have done a great job of getting together to work out and condition on their own. The fortunate thing about our game with Cocoa being canceled was that we were able to put in the game plan for our next game.” Added Green, “This week was really awkward with the storm. The thing
On the boulevard Events along MMB Bou-
weekend because of the hurricane. “We just got power on Monday. It definitely affected us financially with those being our busiest two days of the week,” said Rev. Derrick Harris, owner of the barber shop. The business was further affected by a large tree fell on a utility pole and traffic light at the intersection of Orange and Keech Street, which is near the barber shop.
from Page 1
On Wednesday afternoon, some residents were frustrated that their electricity was still out. By late Tuesday, Florida Power & Light reported that 225,700 power outages had been restored restored from more than 240,000 outages at the height of the storm. “I know trees and power lines are down everywhere. It’s a remedy for no energy. They haven’t given us any indication when power will be restored,” said Tony Williams of Cadillac Drive who was still without power on Wednesday afternoon. Matthew was the first hurricane for Daytona Beach photographer Duane Fernandez Sr., who grew up in Connecticut and moved to Florida in 2008. “The wind was howling and the debris from a very large tree in my front yard was literally being torn to shreds by the hurricane. My house was shaking as the surges of wind pockets came through the neighborhood. I looked out of my kitchen window. There was a branch that looked to be as thick as a basketball and about 30 feet long lodged against my front door,” Fernandez said. “The storm had torn the limb from the tree and it landed on my step. The wind from Matthew was blowing so hard I watched
to be engaged and hang around.’’ C/Style Entertainment and Productions is running entertainment for the Second Avenue Merchant Associations (SAMA), which controls events along Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard. “We are definitely trying to diversify the event and provide more for patrons,” said McNorton.
Not affected
DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
The Brick Yard Restaurant on International Speedway in Daytona Beach sustained damage. it bend the palm tree over until the tree touched the ground. I began to wonder if I should have evacuatedwith the other Floridians who had left the state.” He continued, “For the next 24 hours, I saw transformers blow up, shingles torn from the roofs of homes, windows blown out of my neighbor’s home and flying debris damage
that I’ve been tried to do is keep the kids conditioning and studying film. It’s up to the kids to stay motivated.’’
B-CU game changes Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU) (0-4, 0-2) had two football games affected by the storm. First, the Wildcats’ game against South Carolina State (1-3, 1-0) on Oct. 8 in Greensboro, South Carolina, was rescheduled to Nov. 26. B-CU also moved its Thursday, Oct. 13 night
cars and homes, including my own home. The storm also blew water into my garage and home office,” he noted. He was without power until Tuesday.
Businesses close Businesses also felt Matthew’s wrath. Cut Master’s Barbershop was closed on Friday and Saturday last
home game also known as the “Black Out’’ game against North Carolina A&T (4-2, 2-0) to Saturday, Oct. 15. The kickoff will be at 1 p.m. “In consultation with the City of Daytona Beach and the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), we felt it best to move the date and time of the game to a time that is in the best interest of the public safety, student welfare and the university,” said Lynn Thompson, vice president for Intercollegiate Athletics at Bethune-Cookman.
Many businesses along the west end of Orange Avenue were without early this week. However, some on the east end of Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard were luckier. “The storm did blow off our window boarding, but we had no damage. Our power didn’t even go off,” said Derrick Goss, who owns the Flower Shop on the corner of Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard and Seagrave Street. Across the street at Fifi’s Hair Salon, owner Kim Moten commented, “I wasn’t affected. I was boarded up pretty well. On the other hand, the building next door, which was already dilapated and is an eyesore for the area, had windows broken and the roof caved in.”
School resumes Classes at area schools and colleges have now resumed. Some Daytona Beach recreation centers, parks and sporting venues weren’t expected to reopen until next week. “We’ve pretty much canceled all the events at our facilities for this week. Most facilities have roof damage but one of cen-
ESPN airings B-CU will honor tickets that were already sold for the Thursday night contest at the gate on Saturday. The game against North Carolina A&T was originally to be televised live on ESPNU. The conference game will now be streamed lived on ESPN3 and tape delayed for ESPNU. “Unfortunately, Bethune-Cookman was significantly affected by Hurricane Matthew. At this point, it would be better for B-CU to host the game
Not really for kids Although youngsters aren’t discouraged from attending Biketoberfest events, organizers know the event is for adults. “It’s more for bikers. Bikers are usually older people. You also must consider child safety. Many people are coming to town from everywhere and you don’t know their background. We don’t want anything happening to any children,” explained McNorton. The Sunchasers Motorcycle Club is a primarily Black club based in Daytona. Members also are ready to participate. “The hurricane did set us back, but we’re cleaning up our building. We still expect good numbers,” said member LeRoy Robinson. The Sunchasers will also
ters did have air conditioning damage. Parks have debris and fence damage. We are going building to building fixing the issues,” said Helen Rigor, director of the City of Daytona Beach’s Cultural Services.
Assessing the damage Area churches were damaged and Sunday services canceled. “Right now we are in assessment stage with all of the churches. We are looking to see who needs help and if we can come together to do something for the churches and congregations,” said Harris, who is president of the Daytona Beach Black Clergy Alliance. Church damage included Mt. Bethel Baptist Church in Daytona Beach (a portion of the roof blew off ) and Shiloh Baptist Church and Master’s Domain (both lost their front awnings).
Team effort The Red Cross and the Volusia County/Daytona Beach branch of the NAACP are teaming up to help to relief effort. “We will have a contact in Daytona Beach and access the needs of the community to see what help people need. Anyone who thinks they need assistance should call us,” said Ray Pankhurst, Disaster Management director of the American Red Cross. “The NAACP and several organizations have reached out to us. It is important that we all get together for the unmet needs in community,’’ he added.
Shelter in Daytona The Red Cross moved its
on Saturday. Public safety is our top concern and given the information we currently have regarding the recovery process it was in the best interest of everyone to push back the contest,” noted MEAC Commissioner Dennis E. Thomas.
Other damages Damages at other local sports venues included: Jackie Robinson Ballpark (Daytona Beach). Fencing all around the outfield and behind home
have plenty of food, music and games at their clubhouse on the corner of Cedar Street and Division Street. “It’s all about comrade with our club and all the other clubs that come into town. We will also ride together and hit some of the spots in town,” Robinson told the Daytona Times.
Where to find them The Black motorcycle clubs are seen all around town but they mainly participate in the festivities in the Black community. They are usually spotted at places like the AMVETS on Orange Avenue, the Biarritz Club on Pearl Street near Mary McLeod Boulevard and adjacent to Joe Harris Park, as well as the Safari Lounge on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. “Many of the clubs come here wanting something to do. Most of the Blacks don’t really go beachside; we go to the spots in the community. The Biarritz is the headquarters, but I don’t know how it’ll be this year,’’ he added, referring to the the fence that was placed last year behind the club. In recent years, the Safari Lounge has hosted biker activity. This year may not be the case. Owner Sam Ferguson said, “At this moment, I’m just not in a festive mood right now. There’s too much going on with the storm. People are still cleaning up and many are without power still. We’ll have our regular weekend hours.”
shelter from First United Methodist Church in DeLand to the Daytona Beach Ocean Center on Wednesday morning with 21 evacuees. “They needed the church in DeLand for something else, but we’re happy with the new location. These are evacuees from all over the area,” stated Pankhurst. Volusia County Emergency Management is working with the state and FEMA to determine what assistance will be available. In addition, the Salvation Army has been providing hot meals at locations in different cities.
Generosity of neighbors Fernandez said he was touched by the generosity of his neighbors and the people who kept checking on him. “Many of my family and friends called daily as they were concerned about my well-being after watching the updates on television about the state of emergency Florida was under,’’ he noted. “After the storm passed, I was able see how much damage was done to my home and property. The whole street I live on was filled with debris from the storm. The people in our neighborhood were genuinely concerned for one another. They look out for each other, especially in times like this. I was offered help with the clean up of my property.” He added, “It’s going to take some time for the state of Florida to recover from this hurricane. I hope I don’t have to ever experience another storm like this again.’’
plate was damaged as well as picnic areas and tents. Daytona International Speedway (Daytona Beach). There was flooding as well as damage to gates, signage, awnings, speakers, palm trees and lighting. New Smyrna International Speedway (New Smyrna Beach). Half the grandstand was lost at the half-mile asphalt track. Spec Martin Stadium (DeLand). Minor roof damage was reported.
M A YNEWS OR
OCTOBER 13 – OCTOBER 19, 2016 COMMUNITY DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006
3 7
Leaders share how communitysponsored camp inspires youth Certain principles were at work in following through with the recent “Inspiring Our Youth ‘A’ Game Camp.” The four-week, summer camp inspired by Arnold Anderson and Jerusha Logan is a community, collaborative program reinforced by the Flagler County NAACP, African American Cultural Society, Flagler County Schools and C.A.T.A.L.Y.S.T. (Children and Adults Together Achieving Leadership, Inspiration, Success and Trust). The campsite was based at Buddy Taylor Middle School. It was implemented by volunteers. Middle school kids, transitioning into high school, learned to advocate for themselves – with or without parental involvement. Some kids had behavioral issues and challenges with grades. They listened to people who not only looked like them, “but spoke like them and gave them all kinds of different information about growing up,” said Arnold Anderson, who was bringing NAACP members up to speed at their recent meeting at the African American Cultural Society. The camp had the resonance of operating out of “non-budget, kind of grassroots stuff,” said Anderson. “This is something we do as a people to take care of our children.” For four hours – 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. – on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, the kids encountered people from various professions and backgrounds.
Learned about careers “When the probation department came, Camp Administrator Sandra Felicia mentioned, “I don’t want you to tell them how to stay off probation. I want you to tell them what was your career path to becoming a probation officer. So, everything was about presenting opportunities to our kids beyond that which they would normally be exposed to.” The kids learned firsthand what it took to
Involved parent Nikki Grays is shown with camp volunteers Larry Jones, Dr. Maria Barbosa, Lynette Shott, Arnold Anderson, Sandra Felicia and Pastor Sims Jones.
PALM COAST COMMUNITY NEWS JEROLINE D. MCCARTHY
become the school superintendent, school board attorney; to work for the Department of Juvenile Justice, the fire department, and in other fields. The kids on the last day at camp were not ready to leave. And today, when the administrator is out and about, the kids run up to her quizzing, “Miss Sandra, Miss Sandra, when will we meet again? ...Can’t we do something on a Sunday, or can’t we do it on a Saturday or a Friday night?” These were even the kids that were already participating in Saturday events or other activities. Anderson said that they are still working with this “populace’’ and are ready to begin planning for the summer. You, too, can help raise our community children with your tools and talents in a village-like support system. If you would like to work with the kids at “Inspiring Our Youth ‘A’ Game Camp,” connect with the Flagler County NAACP at 386-446-7822.
Flagler NAACP wins national award
The Flagler County NAACP has always won awards, and this year was no exception. The branch was presented the Chairman’s Award at the NAACP Convention in Cincinnati this past July. Branch President Linda Matthews announced that the Flagler branch was awarded by NAACP Chairman Roslyn
ENDORSEMENTS FOR
MYKE TAIRU American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 2066 Daytona Beach Fire Fighters Union (IAFF Local 1162) Daytona Beach Area Association of Realtor’s Volusia Teacher’s Organization (VTO)
Brock for overwhelmingly increasing the membership of the NAACP. Kudos to Membership Chair Jerusha Logan, former Membership Chair Rose Griffin, and the entire Membership Committee!
Branch report to focus on election
The Flagler County NAACP will meet 6 p.m., Oct. 25, at the African American Cultural Society, 4422 North U.S. Highway 1, Palm Coast. The Nominating Committee will make a report on the officers and at-large members running on a slate for election to the Executive Committee. An Election Supervisory Committee will be elected to oversee the branch election that will take place in November. To become part of the Election Supervisory Committee, an NAACP member must be current as of 30 days prior to the October meeting. For further details, contact the Flagler NAACP at 386-446-7822.
‘Motown & Mo’ returns this month
The doors will open at Flagler Auditorium for “Motown & Mo’” in talent from the “Oldies but Goodies,” and where the acts have already begun lining up. That’s Oct. 21, 7 p.m., and Oct. 22, 5 p.m., at 5500 East Highway 100, Palm Coast. “Motown & Mo,’” a stage spectacular – produced by City Lites, Inc. – is a non-profit scholarship fundraiser. Tickets are $20 each, or at a 10-person minimum for $17 each. Tickets can be purchased at the box office, or by calling 386437-7547.
Rev. Lewis to speak at First Church
Join the Rev. G. Vincent Lewis as the Men’s Day messenger, Oct. 23, 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., at First Church. First Church is excited to share God’s glory through the messenger and the Men’s Day Choir. The Rev. G. Vincent Lewis is currently CEO of GVL Consulting LLC., and is formerly Pastor of Social Justice, in addition to Leadership Development of ministerial and lay leaders at Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church in Decatur, Georgia. He is part of the First Church staff, ministering a seminar on evangelism. First Church, at 91 Old Kings Road North in Palm Coast, is pastored by the Rev. Gillard S. Glover. The church can be reached at 386-446-5759. ••• I was excited to lift up the name of Jesus at two powerful services Sunday at First Church. I got my praise on for God’s grace in seeing me and hubby Louie through Hurricane Matthew without much damage to our home – yet, remembering that it is in Christ that we live, and move, and have our being (Acts 17:28). ••• As always, remember our prayers for the sick, afflicted, and bereaved.
Celebrations Birthday wishes to Wanda BrinsonWhite, Oct. 13; Shante’ White, Oct. 14; Michael Booker, Oct. 15; the Rev. Brian Bernard in New Zealand, Clifton Daniels, and Thomasina Brown, Oct. 17.
R4
7 EDITORIAL
OCTOBER 13 – OCTOBER 19, 2016
The Jim Crow segment of professional sports, Part I A few years ago, I was in a waiting room at a French government office. One of the French employees was watching a professional soccer game and he blurted out in English, “That’s all you see playing these games – Africans!” I responded with a smile, “Get ready! That is how American basketball started.” He nodded with a smile of surrender.
Capitalism trumps racism This is a capitalistic society, and that is why racism has been withering away. Two of the greatest football coaching legends, Paul “Bear” Bryant and John McKay, together developed a scheme to make Black football stars play at their famous schools. Bryant could not recruit Blacks for fear of being fired and blackballed forever. McKay was frustrated because he could not play quality teams in the Southern schools because the fans would not allow it. Coach Bryant rightfully feared that Southern schools like his Alabama would soon be losing post-season bowl championships because he had no Blacks on his teams like the giant programs of Ohio State, University of Southern California, UCLA, etc. These two geniuses developed a plan. It was clear USC was go-
HARRY C. ALFORD NNPA COLUMNIST
ing to have the best team over the next three years. Bryant was restrained by the race-conscious programs in the South. All of the great Black talent was starting to populate Northern and Western programs. Bingo! They decided to schedule each other for a preseason contest: the multiracial USC Trojans vs. all-White Alabama Crimson Tide as the first college game of the season and in racist Birmingham, Ala.
their schools. One NCAA announcer who worked that trailblazing event entered a Birmingham restaurant for breakfast and sat next to a table of sulking Alabama fans. One of the fans shouted, “I know what Bear needs to do. He needs to go out and recruit some of those colored boys for Bama!” The rest of the table shouted “That’s right!!” After the game, Bryant sent McKay a request. He wanted him to send their star running back, Sam “Bam” Cunningham. When Sam came over, Bear told his team to “all stand up walk by and shake the hand of a perfect football player.” Sam had a great pro career playing for the New England Patriots. His little brother Randall would do equally well in the pros.
Diversity versus Jim Crow
Barriers broken
The mighty Trojans came onto the field with a majority of Blacks (unafraid, muscular Blacks with all the speed and braggadocio in the world. With each first down and touchdown they flaunted their God-given talents. As Muhammad Ali would say, “The Trojans shook up the world!” Every White football fan in the South was horrified. Integrated schools in the rest of the country were having field trips to the South and generated hundreds of Black football stars for
John Wooden of UCLA and Dean Smith of legendary North Carolina broke the ice in basketball. It only took a few years for the National Football League and the National Basketball Association to follow identical paths. Scholarships started arriving in Black neighborhoods. Black females would soon profit from this movement. In my junior year at the University of Wisconsin, the chancellor frankly asked the Black football players, “What is it about
Black women will decide the next president
and requiring proof-of- citizenship documents in order to vote. While there have been several key victories to overturn these challenges in recent months, the struggle for full voting rights remains.
In 2012, women overall had a higher voting rate (64 percent) than men (60 percent), according to the U.S. Census Bureau. However, the most powerful group of voters will be African-American women. In both the 2012 and 2008 presidential elections, Black women voted at the highest rate of any racial, ethnic or gender group. Four years ago, 74 percent of eligible Black women went to the polls.
Under siege The next president cannot win without the support of Black women. But despite our political power – or because of it – our voting right is under siege. Today, more than 30 states have introduced voter suppression legislation, with laws passing in 14 states and laws pending in 8. For example, in North
WYLECIA WIGGS HARRIS TRICE EDNEY NEWS WIRE
Carolina, where Black women made up more than 23 percent of registered women voters in 2012, a League of Women Votersled lawsuit successfully resulted in a federal appeals court overturning a controversial law that sought to restrict early voting and eliminate same-day registration. Other voter suppression laws enacted by states make it significantly harder for millions of eligible voters to cast their ballots by requiring that voters present government-issued photo IDs in order to vote, cutting early voting hours, taking away the voting rights of ex-criminal offenders,
Advancing diversity in law enforcement The interagency report released this week by U. S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, “Advancing Diversity in Law Enforcement” is a welcome tool that examines those key barriers as well as promising practices in the recruitment, hiring and retention of law enforcement candidates that can advance much-needed diversity in our law enforcement agencies. Developed with support from the Center for Policing Equity, the report aims to provide law enforcement agencies, especially small and mid-size agencies, with a resource to enhance the diversity of their workforce by highlighting specific strategies and efforts in place around the country, such as: • Ensuring that the agency’s organizational culture is guided by community policing (a strategy of policing that focuses on police building ties and working closely
MARC H. MORIAL TRICE EDNEY WIRE
with community members); procedural justice (the idea of fairness in the processes that resolve disputes) and cultural inclusivity (welcoming and including all people). • Engaging stakeholders – both from within and outside the law enforcement agency – to help create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community. • Being willing to re-evaluate employment criteria, standards, and benchmarks to ensure that they are tailored to the skills needed to perform job functions, and consequently attract, select, and retain the most qualified and desirable sworn officers.
Get motivated Rather than become discouraged, we must use these voting restrictions as motivation. Recently, National Voter Registration Day was observed nationwide as a nonpartisan effort to register thousands of voters in a single day in communities and online. When millions of women head to the polls in November, they will elect the entire U.S. House of Representatives, decide who will fill one-third of the seats in the U.S. Senate, and determine many gubernatorial races. Nationwide, thousands of races and ballot initiatives will be decided. But nearly a quarter of all eligible Americans are not registered to vote, including disproportionately high numbers of young adults, minorities, low-in-
The report builds on the recommendations of the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing, to which I provided testimony on our 10-Point Plan for Police Reform and Accountability. It emphasizes that “while greater workforce diversity alone cannot ensure fair and effective policing, a significant – and growing – body of evidence suggests that diversity can make policing more effective, more safe and more just.”
Facing challenges Police departments face challenges when it comes to the issue of diversity in recruiting. In her own testimony to the President’s Task Force, NAACP Legal Defense Fund President Sherrilyn Ifill, said of youth in poor communities, “By the time you are 17, you have been stopped and frisked a dozen times. That does not make that 17-year-old want to become a police officer…” “The challenge is to transform the idea of policing in communities among young people into something they see as honorable. They have to see people at local events, as the person who lives
VISUAL VIEWPOINT: RUSSIA BOMBS SYRIA
NATE BEELER, THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
dating White girls?” I frankly responded, “Bring in some cute Black girls and maybe your concerns would fade away.” The next semester the UW Badgers awarded over 800 Black females scholarships. I joked that the change in population should be accredited to me.
Powerful tool When money and sports combine together for a worthy cause, diversity, it becomes a powerful social and financial tool. Black education increases and these college graduates flock to upper middle-class professions and raise successful children.
come Americans and those who have recently moved. These are the groups most at risk of being affected by voting restrictions.
Check on others
across the street, not someone who comes in and knows nothing about my community.” This week’s report acknowledges those barriers, noting that “Strained relations and a lack of trust of law enforcement may deter individuals from underrepresented communities from applying to be officers,” and “The reputation or operational practices of law enforcement agencies may dissuade applicants from underrepresented communities from pursuing a career in law enforcement.”
more knowledgeable and empathetic about the concerns and culture of minority communities; • A higher number of minority officers within an agency provides opportunities for greater contact and interactions between White and minority officers, which can shape attitudes and reduce negative opinions or stereotypes about minority communities; and • The presence of minority officers is likely to introduce different perspectives into an agency, and those perspectives can undermine an unnecessarily rigid response to certain events or perceived threats. The National Urban League strongly urges law enforcement agencies across the country to not only read, but to also adopt or adapt those successful diversity-building efforts that have already been implemented by selected law enforcement agencies outlined in this report.
Diversity works However, the report found that a diverse police force that represents the population it serves eases the tensions between the police and African-American communities, likely because: • Increased representation of racial minorities increases the legitimacy of the law enforcement agency among minority residents; • A greater presence of officers who are racial minorities not only is likely to change the public’s perception of the agency, but these officers are also likely to be
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.
Dr. Valerie Rawls-Cherry, Human Resources
Charles W. Cherry, Sr. (1928-2004), Founder Julia T. Cherry, Senior Managing Member, Central Florida Communicators Group, LLC Dr. Glenn W. Cherry, Cassandra CherryKittles, Charles W. Cherry II, Managing Members
awakened my desire to engage in the important conversations on the issues that define our society. That commitment is also what led me to the League of Women Voters.
Work to do
Dr. Glenn W. Cherry, Sales Manager
W W W. DAY T O N AT I M E S .C O M
Harry C. Alford is the cofounder and president/CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce. Contact him via www.nationalbcc.org.
With so much at stake for all of us this election year, now is the time to ask our family, friends, neighbors and coworkers if they are registered to vote and if their voter registration is up to date. The stakes in this election are especially high for Black women and political candidates that want to earn our votes must address the issues that matter most to us: affordable health care, living wage jobs, college affordability and criminal justice reform. It was the tragic events on June 17, 2015 that awakened my inner activist. On that day, my mother was sitting in church in Columbia, S.C., when a shooter walked into a church two hours away and systematically murdered nine people. The Charleston shootings awakened my commitment to standing up for the rights of others and the underserved. And it
Charles W. Cherry II, Esq., Publisher
Opinions expressed on this editorial page are those of the writers, and do not necessarily reflect the editorial stance of the newspaper or the publisher.
Professional sports has guided this nation to a better America for the most part. Broadcasters are paid at the seven-figure level, and management team positions are all going for a million dollars plus benefits. However, there is one massive flaw. Who designs and builds our billion-dollar stadiums and arenas? Part II deals with that.
Jenise Morgan, Senior Editor Angela van Emmerik, Creative Director Cassandra Cherry Kittles, Willie R. Kittles, Circulation Andreas Butler, Staff Writer Duane Fernandez Sr., Kim Gibson, Photojournalists
MEMBER
Florida Press Association
National Newspaper Publishers Association
Society of Professional Journalists
National Newspaper Association
Associated Press
For nearly 100 years, the League of Women Voters has worked tirelessly, day in and day out, to ensure that all eligible voters – particularly those from traditionally underrepresented or underserved communities – have the opportunity and the information to exercise their right to vote. For many Americans, the League is synonymous with candidate forums, voter guides and election protection. Now is the time to make our voices heard, to awaken the activist inside each of us, and the most powerful way to do that is to vote. The next president cannot win without Black women.
Dr. Wylecia Wiggs Harris is the chief executive officer of the League of Women Voters of the U.S. Visit www.VOTE411.org.
Marc Morial is president and CEO of the National Urban League.
Central Florida Communicators Group, LLC, P.O. Box 48857 Tampa, FL 33646, publishes the Florida Courier on Fridays. Phone: 877-352-4455, toll-free. For all sales inquiries, call 877-352-4455; e-mail sales@flcourier.com. Subscriptions to the print version are $69 per year. Mail check to P.O. Box 48857 Tampa, Fl 33646, or log on to www.daytona.com; click on ‘Subscribe’.
SUBMISSIONS POLICY SEND ALL SUBMISSIONS TONEWS@DAYTONATIMES.COM Deadline for submitting news and pictures is 5 p.m. the Monday before the Thursday publication date. You may submit articles at any time. However, current events received prior to deadline will be considered before any information that is submitted, without the Publisher’s prior approval, after the deadline. Press releases, letters to the editor, and guest commentaries must be e-mailed to be considered for publication. The Daytona Times reserves the right to edit any submission, and crop any photograph, for style and clarity. Materials will not be returned.
OCTOBER 13 – OCTOBER 19, 2016
5 7
HURRICANE MATTHEW DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006 M AYOR
Warning issued about carbon monoxide poisoning A 9-year-old Daytona Beach died Tuesday, apparently due to carbon monoxide poisoning in connection with the use of a generator. The Department of Health in Volusia County was investigating at least 12 potential cases of carbon monoxide poisoning. A few cases were asymptomatic when they arrived at the hospital; a carbon monoxide alarm had alerted them to a problem. Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless, tasteless gas; it is highly poisonous. Depending on the level of exposure, CO may cause fatigue, weakness, chest pains in people with heart disease, shortness of breath upon exertion, nausea, vomiting, headaches, confusion, lack of coordination, impaired vision, loss of consciousness, and in severe cases, death.
Precautions The Department of Health recommends these precautions to help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning: • Do not burn charcoal or gas grills inside a house, garage, vehicle, tent or fireplace. • Never use a generator indoors, including in homes, garages, basements, crawl spaces, and other enclosed or partially enclosed areas, even with ventilation. Opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent CO build-up in the home. • Always locate the unit outdoors on a dry surface, away from doors, windows, vents, and
How to get help with emotional distress
The Disaster Distress Helpline operated by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. This toll-free, multilingual and confidential crisis support service is available to all residents in the United States and its territories. Stress, anxiety and other depression-like
Safety tips for burning yard debris
As residents continue to clean up storm debris from Hurricane Matthew, the Florida Forest Service has issued the following tips for safe yard debris burning: • Check with the Florida Forest Service to make sure it is legal to burn in your area. • Clear an area down to bare soil around your pile to prevent the fire from spreading. • Cover a non-combustible container with wire mesh to keep sparks from flying out and starting new fires. • Make sure you meet the required setbacks.
RED HUBER/ORLANDO SENTINEL/TNS
A structure in Palm Coast flooded due to Hurricane Matthew. Flagler County residents can get information about post-hurricane information at www.flagleremergency.com or by calling the citizen information call-in line at 386-586-5111. air conditioning equipment that could allow CO to come indoors. Follow the instructions that come with your generator. • Install battery-operated CO alarms oar plug-in CO alarms with battery back-up in your home, according to the manu-
symptoms are common reactions after a disaster. • Call 800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. • Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing can text TalkWithUs to 66746 or use their preferred relay service to call the helpline at 800-985-5990. • Persons who speak Spanish can call 800-9855990 and press 2 or text Hablanos to 66746.
This information was released this week by the Volusia County Government.
• Burn only yard waste. Do not burn household garbage, including paper products and newspapers. • Don’t burn on windy days. • Never leave a fire unattended. • Keep a water hose or shovel handy in case your fire escapes. • Make sure smoke does not obstruct visibility on nearby roads. • Be sure the fire is completely out before you leave. Piles larger than 8 feet in diameter require an authorization from the Florida Forest Service. For a burn authorization, call the Florida Forest Service at 386-585-6150.
facturer’s installation instructions. The CO alarms should be certified to the requirements of the latest safety standards for CO alarms (UL 2034, IAS 6-96, or CSA 6.19.01). • Test your CO alarms frequently and replace dead batteries.
You cannot see or smell CO. Portable generators can produce high levels of CO very quickly. If you start to feel sick, dizzy or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air immediately. Do not delay. If you have a poisoning emer-
gency, call your nearest Florida Poison Information Center at 800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call 911 immediately.
This information was released this week by the Volusia County Government.
JOE BURBANK/ORLANDO SENTINEL/TNS
Patrons wait in line for gas on Oct. 5 in Altamonte Springs as Central Floridians prepared for the anticipated strike of Hurricane Matthew.
Sheriff’s office: Don’t fall victim to scammers or price gouging SPECIAL TO THE DAYTONA TIMES
The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office (VCSO) is reminding residents that the days and weeks following a hurricane create prime opportunities for scam artists to take advantage of people already hit hard by the storm. The VCSO has heard of solicitors offering to remove individual trees for amounts approaching $4,000 for a job that should cost closer to $500. Many people in Volusia County,
though, have experience repairing their homes after storms and know to turn down these offers. But just ask the victims of the “Hurricane Handy Man” how convincing some of these scammers can be. Still wanted on several outstanding warrants on charges of exploiting the elderly, 44-year-old fake handyman Russell Bannister took more than $20,000 from five victims between May and June. Those victims were between the ages of 70 and 85. Although his “Hurricane Handy Man” business cards promised he was “licensed and insured,” Bannister never performed any repairs for anyone and even stole cash from a 78-yearold woman’s bedroom.
What to do If you believe you’ve fallen victim to a scam artist, call the Sheriff’s Office at 386-248-1777. To find out if a contractor is locally licensed or state certified – or to report unlicensed contracting in unincorporated areas of the county – call Volusia County’s Contractor Licensing Office at 386736-5957, option 2. You can also visit the county’s Connect Live site at connectlivepermits.org and click the contractor tab. Or search for state-certified
or registered contractors by clicking on the “Verify a license tab” at www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr. You can also report unlicensed activity at that link. For more on common post-storm scams, visit www.consumerreports.org/ money/after-a-storm-beware-of-scammers.
Price gouging The VCSO also advises everyone of state law on price gouging. Florida Statute 501.160 states that during a state of emergency, it is unlawful to sell, lease, offer to sell, or offer for lease essential commodities, dwelling units, or self-storage facilities for an amount that grossly exceeds the average price for that commodity during the 30 days before the declaration of the state of emergency, unless the seller can justify the price by showing increases in its prices or market trends. Examples of necessary commodities are food, ice, gas and lumber. The law compares the reported price of the commodity or service during the state of emergency to the average price charged over the 30-day period prior to the declared state of emergency. If there is a “gross disparity” between the prior price and the current charge, it is considered
Flagler County to waive some building permit fees Flagler County will be waiving some building permit fees to fast-track the permitting process for those whose properties were damaged by Hurricane Matthew. The county will waive fees for permits that are related to hurricane damage until Dec. 5. “We want to help people get their repairs made as quickly as possible,” Building Official Mark Boice said. “Certain things will not require a permit or inspection.” Special exceptions will be made for the next 60 days in the following areas: • Roofing (one) 1 square of shingles – 10 feet by 10 feet or less – no permit or plan review required • Soffit and gutters – no permit required • Fence repair or replacement – no per-
price gouging. The Price Gouging Statute covers only essential commodities. A commodity is any good, service, material, merchandise, supplies, equipment, resources, or other article of commerce; it includes food, water, ice, chemicals, petroleum products, and lumber necessary for consumption or use as a direct result of the emergency. The law also requires those selling goods and services to possess an occupational license. Examples of nonessential luxury items are alcoholic beverages and cigarettes.
Report it If you suspect price gouging, obtain as much information as possible in the form of estimates, invoices, receipts or bills. When comparing products, note as much information as possible, including the product name, size or quantity, manufacturer, item number and unit price. For lumber products, note the grade, thickness and quality. If it is a service such as storage or towing, note the per-mile (or other distance) charge, removal charges, per-day storage charges and other charges such as security, clean up or other add-ons. Report this information to the Attorney General’s Price Gouging Hotline at 866-9NO-SCAM (866-9667226) or visit www.myfloridalegal.com/Contact.nsf/ PriceGouging!OpenForm. You can also mail documents to: Office of the Attorney General The Capitol, PL-01 Tallahassee, FL 323991050
This information was provided by the Volusia County Government.
mit required if the previous one was issued between 2006 and 2016 • Electrical repairs – permit required, but a plan review is not required • A/C change-out – permit required • Aluminum – permits are required Contractors must be registered with Contractor Licensing to work in Flagler County. Proof of License and Liability Insurance is required. Residents and business owners who have questions about either permits or inspections should call the Flagler County Building Department at 386-313-4002. Flagler County continues to operate a call center from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 386-5865111. The Red Cross has established a Hurricane Matthew hotline at 800-768-8048 to provide information about the resources available in every county.
R6
7 HURRICANE MATTHEW
OCTOBER 13 – OCTOBER 19, 2016
1
AFTER THE STORM:
THE DAMAGE MATTHEW LEFT BEHIND
Serious damage to homes and businesses. Downed power lines and trees. Some flooding. Major power outages. Here’s a glance at some of the destruction caused by Hurricane Matthew last weekend around Volusia County. The images were captured by Daytona Times Photographer Duane C. Fernandez Sr., whose own home was damaged by the storm.
3 1. Hurricane Matthew damaged a gas station on Ridgewood Avenue in Daytona Beach. 2. The storm brought down trees and power lines on Magnolia Street in Daytona. 3. Limbs from a huge tree damage the roof and front of a Daytona home. 4. A familiar sight in Central Florida: Toppled trees and downed power lines. PHOTOS BY DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./ HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
4
2
OCTOBER 13 – OCTOBER 19, 2016
7
HURRICANE MATTHEW DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006 M AYOR 5. Mount Bethel Baptist Church in Daytona Beach sustained damage. 6. This building was one of the many in the area damaged by the hurricane. 7. This is one of the sailboats damaged in Port Orange. 8. A dinner boat is blown ashore in Port Orange. 9. This establishment on the beach side was back in business.
5
6
7
8
9
R8
7HURRICANE MATTHEW
OCTOBER 13 – OCTOBER 19, 2016
Daytona waives permit fees for storm-related repairs Construction permit fees are being waived by the City of Daytona Beach for emergency stormrelated repairs caused by Hurricane Matthew. Types of repair include roofing, exterior doors and windows, siding, mechanical, plumbing and electrical. Although the fees are waived, completed permit applications are still required, including licensing requirements. Permit fees will be waived through Friday, Oct. 21. To expedite the process, applications will be reviewed by counter personnel and, in most cases, can be approved onsite. To be eligible for the waiver, the person performing the work must be the homeowner, who meets Florida Statute 481.103, or a licensed contractor.
Check licenses When using a contractor, make sure the contractor is licensed by the State of Florida. The licensing process protects property owners from incompetent, dishonest and predatory workers. To see if a contractor is properly licensed and bonded, visit www.myfloridalicense.com. The application and permit fees to remove hazardous, storm-damaged trees will also be waived. The city’s Permits and Licensing Department, located in City Hall, 301 S. Ridgewood Ave., is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, call 386671-8140.
Volusia to vote Volusia County’s Permit Office is open in the Thomas C. Kelly Administration Center, 123 W. Indiana Ave., DeLand. In addition, the county office at 250 S. Beach St., Daytona Beach, is staffed with permitting personnel. Permits are required for all work that requires permits according to the Florida Building Code. Hurricane damage permits will receive priority processing, as will the inspections asso-
RED HUBER/ORLANDO SENTINEL/TNS
Workers survey damage at a hotel in Daytona Beach on Saturday, Oct. 8, in the wake of Hurricane Matthew. ciated with those permits. Licensed contractors can apply for and receive building permits using the Connect Live web portal at https://connectlivepermits.org/PublicPortal/Volusia/ common/index.jsp. Temporary repairs, which are performed to make structures stable and water-tight, do not require permits.
Fees being delayed The Volusia County Council will vote on waiving permit fees for storm-related repairs during its Oct. 20 meeting.
At the county manager’s direction, the collection of building permit fees will be delayed until the County Council takes official action on waiving the permit fees for storm-related repairs. The County Council cannot waive surcharges from other entities, such as the State of Florida. Persons who live in unincorporated areas (not cities), do not have power and have minimal damage to their homes, along with residents whose power company requires a release from the county’s Building Division before reconnecting power, are asked to obtain the services of
a Volusia County licensed electrician who can make repairs if necessary or inspect the system for safety.
The process The electrician must email or fax an affidavit with the property location and stating that the repairs are complete (if necessary) and/or the system has been inspected and is safe to reconnect to the Building Division. The fax number is 386-626-6591; the email address is building@volusia.org. The Building Division will then
Then our weekly ad has you covered. Get the rundown on our latest deals and BOGOs before you shop! Available in stores and online at publix.com/savingstyle.
notify the power company that the system is safe and ready to connect power. If a permit normally would be required, the electrician can apply for the permit in the county’s Permit Office or on the Connect Live web portal after the fact. If the homeowner is performing the work or if there are questions, contact the Building Division at 386-822-5739. Volusia County’s Citizens Information Center is open to answer hurricane-related questions from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The phone number is 866-345-0345.