Daytona Times - October 15, 2015 by Central Florida Communicators Group, LLC

Bikers help kids with rare diseases SEE PAGE 7

EE FR

DR. SINCLAIR GREY III: How to revitalize families when children are involved SEE PAGE 4

MORE BOYS CHOOSING DANCE AS THEIR ‘SPORT’ OF CHOICE SEE PAGE 7

East Central Florida’s Black Voice OCTOBER 15 - OCTOBER 21, 2015

YEAR 40 NO. 42

www.daytonatimes.com

Another Black on the Volusia County Council? Dr. Willie Kimmons hopes so. He is running for the District 2 seat being vacated by Josh Wagner. BY DAYTONA TIMES STAFF

Dr. Willie Kimmons, a veteran educator and community leader, has announced he’ll run for the District 2 Volusia County Council seat. Kimmons, who also is a regular Daytona Times guest columnist, cites his lifetime commitment to public service as a reason he’s

running for office. He is seeking the seat being vacated by Josh Wagner, who is term-limited. So far, Kimmons is being opposed by Daytona Beach Shores Councilwoman Billie Wheeler. Kimmons joins current Florida State Rep. Dwayne Taylor as a Black seeking a Volusia County position. Taylor, who is term-limited and can’t run again for his House seat, is running for Volusia County chair in 2016. If they win, Kimmons and Taylor would make history – joining At-Large Council Member Joyce Cusack. There has never been more than one Black on the council at a time. Cusack was elected last November and won’t

face re-election until 2018.

‘Strong new voice’ Kimmons said he wants to focus on economic development and help create better services for seniors and the homeless. Kimmons’ bio includes an impressive list of accomplishments – a Title I schools educational consultant, former teacher college professor and president, author and motivational speaker. But Kimmons cites his long family political history as a primary reason he’s seeking office. “I think I can be a strong new voice for improving our communities and qualities of life for all Please see KIMMONS, Page 2

DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

Dr. Willie Kimmons addresses the crowd at the Midtown Neighborhood Watch meeting on Monday night at the Midtown Cultural and Educational Center in Daytona Beach.

A LEGACY OF LOVE

Health experts: Get flu shots by Halloween COMPILED BY THE DAYTONA TIMES STAFF

The Florida Department of Health in Volusia County is urging residents to get vaccinated against influenza by the end of October to reduce the risk of illness this flu season. The flu shot is recommended annually for all Floridians six months of age and older. “The flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones against the spread of influenza,” said Interim Administrator Ron Rondeau. “All Volusia County residents should take precautions against the flu by getting vaccinated, regularly washing your hands and staying home when you are sick.” The flu vaccine is available in a variety of locations including county health departments, family physicians, pharmacies and many worksites. There are vaccines approved for people of different ages as well as for use in pregnant women and those with health conditions. The vaccine is widely available and takes just a few minutes to reduce your risk of illness.

Trustee Rufus Wilson and his children unveil the name of the rotunda while B-CU on President Dr. Edison Jackson and Director of Athletics Lynn Thompson look on.

B-CU building’s rotunda named in honor of trustee and his late wife ‘Brand new’

BY JAHSON LEWIS DAYTONA TIMES

bout 100 people gathered on the lawn of Bethune-Cookman’s University’s College of Liberal Arts on Oct. 9 for a dedication of the Wilson Memorial Rotunda in honor of B-CU Trustee Rufus L. Wilson, and his late wife, Janice Wilson. The Rufus and Janice Wilson Rotunda area serves as the entrance to the new and improved College of Liberal Arts at the historic Harrison Rhodes building. In addition to the rotunda, the family donation includes a Wilson Rotunda Legacy Tree. Wilson’s family’s made a personal pledge of $250,000 and plans to raise more through the Wanda & Janice Wilson Foundation, named in honor of the trustee’s late mother and wife.

Family of educators At the ceremony, Rudy Wilson, Georgia Tech’s athletic director and the son of Rufus and Janice Wilson and grand-

President Edison O. Jackson; Trustee Rufus Wilson, Serena Wilson, Rudy Wilson, Chairman Joe Petrock. son of Wanda Wilson spoke on the history of the foundation, named in honor of the two late educators and leaders. Rudy talked about the women’s influence on the lives of secondary students throughout the state and their vision to educate and serve. While at then-BethuneCookman College from 19781982, he was captain of the

football team during his junior and senior year. He graduated with a degree in education. Among his thanks, Rudy Wilson had this one for his father on behalf of himself and sister Serena, “You did not make an excuse. You did not let anything stop you. You continued to keep the ball rolling and we are very, very proud of you for that.

B-CU President Dr. Edison Jackson spoke of the newly renovated building saying that it is just a renovated Harrison Rhodes building. “The only thing left of the Harrison Rhodes building is this side, this little piece here and this little piece there,’’ he said while gesturing to his left and right referring to the two front wings of the building. “Everything else in this building is brand new, brand new.’’ Jackson called Rufus Wilson a “master at raising money” and said he does it with “so much class.” The president added, “He ‘s not a Johnnycome-lately to giving, and he gives from the heart.”

‘About the kids’ In his remarks, Wilson said, “Me, Rudy and Serena, we thought about stuff we should do and how we should do it, So they said, ‘Dad, well, let’s give a gift to the university, then we can give back to our own bePlease see B-CU, Page 2

Millions at risk Employees are being urged to get their shots early to help prevent sickness in the workplace. According to the medical journal Clinical Infectious Diseases, 45 percent of workers who get sick with the flu believe they caught it from someone at work. The flu annually sends more than 3 million Americans to the doctor, hospitalizes 200,000, and kills at least 3,000. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), influenza costs U.S. employees and employers an estimated $87.1 billion in lost worker hours and productivity. So far, more than 76 million doses of 2015-16 flu vaccine have been distributed nationwide. Flu activity has been low in the U.S., the CDC states, but outbreaks can happen suddenly.

Safety tips Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If you do not have a tissue, cough and sneeze into your elbow to reduce spreading of germs. Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcoholbased hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Please see FLU, Page 2

ALSO INSIDE

COMMUNITY NEWS: FLAGLER NAACP LEARNS HOW FLAGSHIP PROGRAM WORKS AT SCHOOLS | PAGE 3 EDUCATION: OBAMA ADMINISTRATION INITIATIVE TO COMBAT STUDENT ABSENTEEISM | PAGE 8

FLU

from Page 1 Try to avoid close contact with people who are showing symptoms of illness. If you are sick with flulike illness, stay home for at least 24 to 48 hours af-

B-CU

from Page 1 cause it’s not about us, it’s about the kids that’s gonna come behind us.” Wilson went on to say that it wasn’t enough because there are people who need to understand the growth and keep working. They decided while looking at a tree on the wall in their house that they ought to have a legacy tree. His committee, whom he referred to as “God sent” went to work and ended up with over $130,000 in a month in a half.

‘Not an option’ The legacy tree is permanently housed in the College of Liberal Arts building. The branches and roots of the tree represent the lineage of Rufus and Janice Wilson, catalysts

7 FOCUS

OCTOBER 15 – OCTOBER 21, 2015

ter your fever is gone, without the use of fever-reducing medicine, except to get medical care or for other necessities. Get revaccinated every year because strains of flu viruses change each year.

A report from Business Management Daily was used in this report.

of the foundation and the generational connection of their parents, David and Blevins Jackson and Robert and Wanda Wilson. Wilson concluded by saying, “As we go through this life, take the money out the picture and put the university and the kids first. It’s not really about the money, it’s not about us . We just continue going through this life, and what we do will be a blessing to others.” In a statement before the event, he said, “This is a very special project for me. I love Bethune-Cookman University and I am forever grateful for my family. The values instilled in me from my family and B-CU have enabled me to live well and serve others. Giving back isn’t an option, it is my responsibility.’’ For more information about the foundation, visit www.thejaniceandwandafoundation.com.

Rufus Wilson, center, attends the ceremony with his children, Rudy and Serena. In the background is a photo of Wilson ad his late wife, Janice.

BRIEFS

Embry-Riddle plans Oct. 30 Halloween Carnival Parents looking for a safe way to spook and scare their little ones are invited to join Embry-Riddle students and staff at the Daytona Beach Campus for the school’s annual Halloween Carnival on Friday, Oct. 30. Family-friendly activities will include trick-or-treating, face painting, balloon animals, carnival games, a bounce house and pumpkin decorating. Of course, candy – and refreshments – will be on hand. This free event is open to the public. Children should be accompanied by an adult and have their own bag or container to collect goodies. The carnival will take place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Embry-Riddle Student Village Complex near the intersection of South Clyde Morris and Richard Petty boulevards. For more information, contact Olivia Eriksen at 386-226-2980.

ECHO grants program schedules mandatory workshops The Volusia County ECHO Grants-in-Aid program is kicking off its 20152016 grant cycle with two workshops. Eligible organizations wanting to apply must attend at least one of these workshops for their applications to be eligible: • 2 to 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, in the first-floor training room of the Thomas C. Kelly Administration Center, 123 W. Indiana Ave., DeLand • 2 to 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, in the third-floor training room of the Volusia County Lifeguard Headquarters, 515 S. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach The workshops are open to the public. ECHO grants are provided through a competitive application process annually and are for the purpose

of acquiring, building or restoring environmental, cultural, historical and outdoor recreation facilities, facilities that are open for public use. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) not-forprofit groups that have a local office in Volusia County, municipal governments within Volusia County, and departments of Volusia County Government. The ECHO grant guidelines and application are available at www.volusia. org/grantinfo or by calling 386-736-5953.

Halloween Boo Bash is Oct. 23 in Palm Coast The City of Palm Coast and Wadsworth Elementary School will present the annual Halloween Boo Bash, a family-friendly event for all ages, from 5-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, at Belle Terre Park, 339 Parkview Drive, Palm Coast. Activities will include a costume contest, bounce houses, music and games with a DJ and carnival games. Food and candy will be available. The annual costume contest will begin at 6 p.m., with registration from 5 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. Admission is free. Tickets for carnival games are $1, and an unlimited Bounce House wristband will be $5. Vendors will be selling food and drinks. For more information, call 386-986-2323.

Daytona State’s band to honor veterans The Daytona State College Symphonic Band takes the stage for its Oct. 18 performance at the college’s News-Journal Center, presenting the American Premiere of “Trombonico,’’ a three-movement work that takes, from among others, inspiration for the music of Tommy Dorsey and Glenn Miller. The event is to honor veterans from the “Greatest Generation.’’ The program will include musical selections from the hit Broadway Show,

DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

Lisa Lewis of the Council on Aging talked about the Meals on Wheels program during the Midtown Neighborhood Watch meeting.

KIMMONS from Page 1

citizens in District 2,” he told the Daytona Times this week.

Proud family history Kimmons said his family history goes back over 80 years in Volusia County. He notes his political accomplishments of an uncle, Henry Lee. “Uncle Henry and his older brother James Alphonso Lee ran the Bethune-Cookman Vocational School in the early1940s, teaching auto mechanics to women,” Kimmons stated. He noted that Henry Lee was a ward leader for years in the late 1930s in charge of voting in nine of the Daytona Beach’s precincts for all state, county and city elections. “He was the Supervisor

“Chicago,’’ and traditional marches by John Philip Sousa, as well as “At Dawn They Slept,’’ a musical remembrance paying tribute to fallen heroes of that fateful day at Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, 1941. The concert kicks off at 2:30 p.m. in the News-Journal Center’s Davidson Theater, 221 N. Beach St. in downtown Daytona Beach. The event is free to Daytona State and Volusia and Flagler County students; all others $8 per person or $15 for two.

College’s Yuletide Feast tickets on sale Tickets are available now for the annual Daytona State College Yuletide Feast, Dec. 7, 8, 9 and 10 at 6:30 nightly in the Goddard Performance Hall on the Daytona Beach Campus, 1200 W. International Speedway Blvd. Admission is $40. Guests will be treated to a celebration of Christmas by the 60-voice Daytona State Choir, Brass Choir and the Courtly Dancers and the Halifax Consort, all in period costume. Tickets, featuring reserved seating, are available at the News-Journal Center box office Wednesday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. or online at DaytonaState.edu/TheArts. For more information, call 386-226-1927.

Public invited to nursing school’s accreditation visit Bethune-Cookman University’s School of Nursing will host a site review for continuing accreditation of its baccalaureate nursing program by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). The public is invited to meet the site visit team and share comments about the program at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, at the L. Gale Lemerand School of Nursing building, 739 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach.

of Elections for two terms where he registered voters in his home and signed all the voter registration cards. He was also one of the first deputy sheriffs in Volusia County where he served for eight years.’’ Kimmons said he was inspired by his late godmother Shirley Chisholm. She was the first AfricanAmerican woman elected to Congress in 1968. Chisholm also was the first Black woman to run for president.

Veteran, chairman For several decades, the Army veteran worked in education, including presidency of Wayne County Community College. Born in Hernando, Miss, he was raised in Memphis, Tenn., where he attended public schools. He was a student athlete and received an athletic scholarship to attend Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Mo. He later became a first lieutenant in the Army.

Dr. Kimmons says he’s a “strong new voice’’ for Volusia County. Kimmons received his undergraduate education at Lincoln and later a doctorate from Northern Illi-

nois University in DeKalb, Ill. After retiring from his education career, he started Save Children Save Schools Inc., which assists educators and parents in the growth and development of children. He also is the author of five books and travels around the country as a motivational speaker. He has been a member of many community endeavors, including vice chairman of the Daytona Beach Community Relations Council, vice chair of the Daytona Beach/Volusia County Association for Retarded Citizens, board member of Volusia County Department of Health, vice president of the Volusia County Florida Men Against Destruction-Defending Against Drugs and Social Disorder, and board member of the local Salvation Army.

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3 7

OCTOBER 15 – OCTOBER 21, 2015 COMMUNITY DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006

M A YNEWS OR

School, students are engaged in the medical sciences, and getting ahead in the integrated health sciences at the Indian Trails Middle School. From a Power Point presentation, Shott said: “This is the engineering lab at Wadsworth Elementary, where students are working on robotics, and entering robotics competitions.”

Understanding dual enrollment

PHOTOS BY JEROLINE D. MCCARTHY/DAYTONA TIMES

Flagler NAACP treasurer Bryant Logan engages in paperwork. Branch President Linda Sharpe Matthews addresses the audience, while Membership chair Jerusha Logan waits to speak.

NAACP learns how flagship program works at schools

Votran makes scheduling changes for Biketoberfest SPECIAL TO THE DAYTONA TIMES

In response to anticipated traffic congestion during the upcoming Biketoberfest, some Votran routes have been changed. Schedule delays will occur from Thursday, Oct. 15, through Sunday, Oct. 18. “Heavy event traffic is anticipated and Votran riders should expect some delays, interruptions and possible route deviations,” said Steve Sherrer, Votran’s general manager. “Detours will be activated as dictated by traffic conditions, and we estimate that will begin around 11:30 a.m. each day. We regret the inconvenience these changes may cause to our passengers.” The following route changes will be in effect:

PALM COAST COMMUNITY NEWS JEROLINE D. MCCARTHY

passed by the students. Without restriction to travel, zoning, grades and disciplinary factors, students can enroll in the “flagship program’’ of their choice at any school to meet their interests. The programs are intended to create excitement in learning and prepare for college and career readiness in a global society.

Building robots and futures Kindergartners through sixth graders at Bunnell Elementary School have a new lab and are learning to build robots, in addition to implementing green technology. Buddy Taylor Middle School has partnered with the county to harvest community gardens through the environmental sciences. Dual enrollment at

Daytime routes • Buses will be unable to use the Intermodal Transit Facility (ITF). Passengers must use stops on State Road A1A. Passengers must wait for routes 1, 18 and 19 at the bus stops on A1A. Route 8 passengers will be boarded on Halifax Avenue. • Route 1 outbound: Right on Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard, right on Palmetto Avenue, left on International Speedway Boulevard, right on Beach Street. • Route 1 inbound: From Beach Street left on International Speedway Boulevard, right on Palmetto Avenue to the Transfer Plaza. • Route 8 outbound: Right on Palmetto Avenue, left on International Speedway Boulevard, left on Halifax Drive. Services will remain on Halifax Drive and will not go into the ITF. Reverse on inbound trip. • Route 11 outbound: Left on Palmetto Avenue, left on Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard, right on U.S. 1, right on Fairview Avenue, left on Beach Street. The route will not

Get there faster Fall B -“Mini-mester” 7 week classes start Oct. 26

DaytonaState.edu | (386) 506-3059

a university can be opted for enrolling in an aeronautics program, or the program can be opted for at Flagler Palm Coast High School. Whichever school is selected, tuition is free, and college credit is accrued. Hands-on experience on simulators and drones are realized in this world of aerospace. An IB (International Baccalaureate) academy is one of the flagships at Flagler Palm Coast High School (FPC), which has an enrollment of 119 students. One thing that is done there is to have a journalism class. The kids run The Palm Coast Observer, an offshoot of the mainstream newspaper. Personnel come in and train the students. They have staff meetings, and editing changes are made. “At Matanzas High School, finances is one of our flagships,” said Shott. “We have a bank in the school.” Advanced robotics has been developed at Belle Terre Elementary School, leadership acuity is acquired at Old Kings Elementary School, sustaining communication, initiative and conflict resolution. At Rymfire Elementary

be able to serve the Daytona Beach Flea Market, and only will be able to serve the Kennel Club as long as traffic permits. Passengers going west of Thames should take route 60. • Route 11 inbound: From Beach Street, right on Fairview Avenue, left on U.S. 1, left on Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard to the Transfer Plaza. • Route 17A/B will use the International Speedway Bridge. Outbound: Right on Palmetto Avenue, left on International Speedway Boulevard, right on State Road A1A. The route will not be able to serve Main Street. Reverse on inbound trip. • Route 18 will not serve Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University or Daytona Beach International Airport. Outbound: Will stay on International Speedway Boulevard, right into east entrance of Volusia Mall. Inbound: From State Road A1A right on University Boulevard, left on Halifax Avenue, right on Seabreeze Boulevard to Mason Avenue, left on U.S. 1, left on Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard to the Transfer Plaza.

NAACP president and former housing director wed Happiness always to the former Linda Sharpe Haywood, the new Linda Sharpe Matthews, who was married Oct. 10 to Mr. Donald Matthews. The sacred vows were officiated by the Rev. Gillard S. Glover, gathering family and friends together at the First Church of Palm Coast.

• Route 19 will not serve Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University or Daytona Beach International Airport. Inbound: From Midway Avenue left on International Speedway Boulevard.

Night service • Buses will be unable to use the Intermodal Transit Facility (ITF). Passengers must use stops on State Road A1A. • Route 1 outbound:Right on Palmetto Street, left on International Speedway Boulevard, left on State Road A1A. Inbound: Will turn around at Vining Court and Granada Boulevard. There will be no service on the Granada Bridge. • Route 1 inbound: From State Road A1A, right on International Speedway Boulevard, right on Palmetto Street to the Transfer Plaza. • Routes 3, 4 and 10 will use Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard and Beach Street to Fairview Avenue. Reverse routing on inbound trip. • Route 15 will use Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard to Beach Street. #17636CL DSC Creative 9/15

Members of the Flagler County NAACP through dialogue pressed for opportunities on the same playing field for all students in the Flagler County schools. This happened at a recent NAACP meeting at the African American Cultural Society. However, part and parcel will only be addressed here regarding the discussion. “We want to be sure we are preparing them (students) for jobs that are here, that will keep them here,” said Lynette Shott, Student and Community Engagement director for Flagler schools, “as well as preparing the workforce...trying to entice businesses in, trying to entice families in, so that we can show them: ‘Look what we are doing. We can help prepare these students for your future workforce.”’ Under School Superintendent Jacob Oliva, flagship specialty programs are implemented at every Flagler school and the programs are multiple for each educational facility. Moreover, all curricula have not been addressed in this article. The Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT), nevertheless, will still need to be

The flagships have three college partners: Embry-Riddle University, Daytona State University, and Bethune-Cookman University, which enable dual enrollment. Connected to dual enrollment “at FPC, we have 66 students enrolled, and of the 66, 62 percent are White and 38 percent are minority,” Shott noted. “Some of the things we are trying to do to increase that are starting to see effects.” “What we saw were two factors, in that one was peer pressure,” said Branch President Linda Sharpe Matthews, “and the other one was time and responsibility. A lot of the children that we approached had things they had to do after school. At home, they took care of younger children, that were younger siblings, and some of them were afraid that they did not have enough time to form time management and handle their extracurricular activities, as well as their advanced placement classes or IB classes.” Not only were there Black students, but the same across the board, who were reluctant to register for dual enrollment. “They did not understand how the class was going to be weighted,” affirmed Matthews. “They were operating on the assumption that if they got a “B” in the advanced placement class that it would outweigh their GPA score, rather than having an “A” in a regular classroom setting.” These are a few of the points that were associated with the discussion.

Mr. Matthews serves as Freedom Fund chairman of the Flagler NAACP Executive Committee. He is the former director of the Brooklyn Management Donald Matthews Department for the New York City Housing Authority.

Body cams focus of Oct. 27 meeting Linda Sharpe Matthews invites the community to the Flagler County NAACP meeting of Oct. 27, 6 p.m., at the African American Cultural Society, 4422 U.S. 1 North, Palm Coast. Matthews announced that Jim Troiano, undersheriff for the oversight of Sheriff James Manfre’s office, will make a presentation on body cameras. In addition, NAACP Health Chairman Orjanette Bryant shared that Director Terri Belletto will discuss matters concerning the Flagler County Free Clinic. A question and answer session will follow each presentation. For further details, contact the NAACP at 386-446-7822.

Church to host evening of jazz Enjoy the acclaimed Gary Starling Jazz Group, featuring jazz violinist Russell George. They are part of the 2015-2016 concert series at Palm Coast United Methodist Church, where the Rev. Dr. Kevin James serves as the pastor. That’s Oct. 23, 7 p.m., at 5200 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast. The ticket price is $20 each for adults and $5 for students. Tickets can be purchased at Aimee’s Hallmark Shop, from the church office, or at the door of the concert. For further details, call 386445-1600. ••• As always, remember our prayers for the sick, afflicted and bereaved.

Celebrations Birthday wishes to he Rev. Brian Bernard in Tauranga, New Zealand; Thomasina Brown, Clifton Daniels, Oct. 17; and both Herbert Hillary Booker, II, and wife Enery Hodge-Booker, Oct. 20.

Reverse routing on inbound trip. • Route 17 outbound: Right on Palmetto Street, left on International Speedway Boulevard, right on State Road A1A. Will end at Raymond Avenue and South Atlantic Avenue. There will be no service on the Dunlawton Bridge. • Route 17 inbound: From State Road A1A, left on International Speedway Boulevard, right on Palmetto Street, to the Transfer Plaza.

Sunday service There also could be service interruptions on Sunday, Oct. 18. Route 10 will stay on International Speedway Boulevard and will not serve the Daytona Beach Flea Market. Service will operate from the Intermodal Transfer Facility, but some routes may have to detour. For more information, visit www.votran.org.

Entrepreneurial Speaker Series Scholarships available at Daytona State Three students will receive $1,500 scholarships on Thursday, Nov. 12, when Daytona State College’s L. Gale Lemerand Center for Entrepreneurship will be announced during the center’s fall speaker series event. Applications are being accepted now for the L. Gale Lemerand Entrepreneurial Speaker Series Scholarship. One scholarship will be awarded to a student enrolled in a Volusia or Flagler County high school who plans to attend Daytona State College (DSC) upon graduation, one will be awarded to a DSC Adult Education student and one will be awarded to a DSC student enrolled in a collegecredit program with a business focus.

Scholarship recipients will be selected based on a demonstrated financial need, academic performance and an interest in entrepreneurship.

Free event Lemerand will announce the awards during the Nov. 12 Entrepreneurial Speaker Series event, which will feature Brant Menswar, front man for the acclaimed band Big Kettle Drum and “Chief Experience Officer” for Banding People Together, a company that specializes in teaching corporations how to improve productivity and performance by creating more collaborative work environments. The event, free and open to the public, takes place in the Mori Hosseini Center on the college’s main campus at 1200 W. International Speedway Blvd. It is being hosted by Daytona State’s Small Business Development Center. Scholarship applications may be downloaded at www.DaytonaState.edu/ entrepreneurship and must be submitted to Entrepreneurs@DaytonaState.edu by 5 p.m. on Nov. 6.

Salvation Army seeking holiday volunteers The Salvation Army is seeking red kettle bell ringers. The red kettle is a century-old Christmas symbol, helping shoppers remember the needy during the holiday season. Groups and individuals are needed from Nov. 21 through Dec. 24. The Salvation Army will be operating about 40 red kettle locations locally. The kettles will be open from 10 a.m. through 8 p.m. Training is Nov. 12. If interested, contact the Salvation Army Center at 386-236-2020 for more information.

7 EDITORIAL

OCTOBER 15 – OCTOBER 21, 2015

A ‘feral child?’ A racist fool I was preparing to write a column on the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), the trade agreement that President Obama wants to fast track through Congress. I considered tackling the Planned Parenthood kerfuffle, as Republicans are targeting a most important women’s health provider for political purposes. But a friend sent me a link to a photo uploaded by Atlanta native Geris Hilton (also known as Gerod Roth), with a string of comments that simply turned my stomach, and I realized that the TPP would have to wait.

Kid in the office Hilton, whose legal name is Roth, worked at the Polaris Marketing Group in Atlanta. There he took a selfie of himself and a coworker’s child, and posted it on Facebook. When one of his “friends” asked why the child was running around the office, Roth replied, “He was feral.” The dictionary defines “feral” as “relating to, or suggestive of, a wild beast,” and “not domesticated or cultivated – wild,” or “having escaped from domestication and become wild.” Excuse me? Roth’s own daughter hangs out at the office at the end of the day. She plays with the adorable boy child whose innocent little face attracted the most “feral” comments from Roth’s intellectually challenged Facebook friends. From one “friend,” “I didn’t

DR. JULIANNE MALVEAUX TRICEEDNEYWIRE.COM

Who calls a child ‘feral?’ Who then describes himself or herself as the victim? And who, in the light of this kind of nonsense, says we live in a ‘postracial’ space? know you were a slave owner.” There were comments about selling enslaved people or “send him back” because they are “too expensive.”

Mom was there Sydney Jade is three-year old Cayden’s loving, caring and hardworking mother. Gerod Roth knew this, but he never corrected his “friends” who described the child as abandoned and worse. Jade started a Twitter handle – #HisNameisCayden to affirm her child’s humanity, and to reject the caricature Hilton/Roth put out there. She has received an out-

Happy birthday to Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. Seventy-five years ago, a freedom fighter was born in Greenville, S.C. His name is Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr. I will say something about this brother that I have known and worked with for decades in the ongoing civil rights movement in the U. S., and in the overall freedom struggle internationally. Too often, particularly among Black American leaders, we are too quick to say something negative about each other, and too late to say a positive word about that leader while they’re still alive. Yes, I am talking about Black unity among Black leaders. It’s a subject or a call that is rarely mentioned today.

Why? Some would argue that the division or lack of operational unity among Black American leaders today is a symptom or byproduct of centuries of racial, economic and political oppression. I believe

DR. BENJAMIN F. CHAVIS, JR. NNPA COLUMNIST

that is partly true. But on the other hand, disunity is not something that we are born with. It is socially generated. My point here is simply to remind all of us that we need more unity not just among our leaders, but we also need more unity in the Black American community in general. I was in Detroit, Mich. recently to attend the 16th Annual Rainbow PUSH Global Automotive Summit on on behalf of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA). Sister Glenda Gill, another strong freedom fighter and executive director of the Rainbow PUSH/CEF Automotive Project, made sure that the audience was made aware that the day was Rev. Jackson’s 75th birthday.

How to revitalize families when children are involved Recently, I had the opportunity to be the keynote speaker at a pastors’ forum in Atlanta, Ga. The organization that held the event was the American Clergy Leadership Conference’s Atlanta chapter, an organization that brings together clergy from all ethnicities, nationalities, and faiths under the auspices of family and love. In a day when we hear about so much violence happening with our children, it was good to be around so many people whose focus is on love and unity. The concept of bridging the gap between persons of different backgrounds is and continues to be one of the main fabrics of the American Clergy Leadership Conference.

DR. SINCLAIR GREY III GUEST COLUMNIST

Rebuild families It was during my speech that the issue of rebuilding the family came up. With so many of our children living in single-family households, we must make it our mission to help bring families together so that our country can be strong. Whenever we see families that are torn apart for one reason or another, our children suffer. How many times will we point the finger at the problem without actively working towards a solution?

VISUAL VIEWPOINT: PUTIN, ISIS, AND OBAMA

pouring of love and support from cyberspace. Thumbs up to the Polaris Marketing Group, who fired Roth about two weeks after his offending selfie, and wrote about the incident and subsequent firing on Facebook. I am among those who think it should have taken less than two weeks, but they deserve credit for taking action instead of hiding behind the “free speech” argument that many make to defend their racist employees. The Root reported that others who made offending comments were also fired from their jobs.

Kept talking Gerod Roth is one of those pouty little racists who have now described himself as the “victim” in this matter. He “has been targeted,” he says. He whines that his remarks have been taken out of context. He posted an “apology” that was several paragraphs long, attempting to “explain” how he happened to post the selfie in the first place – suggesting that young Cayden actually asked him to take the picture. He had neither the grace nor the good sense to say, “I’m sorry and I’m out of order,” and then shut up. Instead, he tried to cover his insensitivity up. Next thing you know, there will be a group of folks rallying around Roth –who can be described as nothing more than a child molester for his callous exploitation

RICK MCKEE, THE AUGUSTA CHRONICLE

of his coworker’s son. And next thing you know, those who have railed against this incident will be told this occurrence is “isolated.”

the respite when cyberspace reveals life as both gritty and grand.

No respite

While Roth is little more than gas in the wind, not even a footnote in our nation’s history, he merits attention because there are so many more of him lurking out there, fracturing peace because they are so hateful. Who calls a child “feral?” Who then describes himself or herself as the victim? And who, in the light of this kind of nonsense, says we live in a “post-racial” space?

The late great writer Bebe Moore Campbell once wrote an essay about “race fatigue,” about the many ways she was tired of seeing, living, talking and writing about race. She wrote about ignoring slights she might once have challenged, tamping down an anger that might once have been volcanic. In that particular essay, she wrote about seeking a peaceful respite from race matters. We all seek that respite, those days when we don’t have to think about the indignities of both institutional racism and the microagressions that are difficult to quantify. We seek, but we don’t find

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.

Julianne Malveaux is author and economist based in Washington, DC. Her new book, “Are We Better Off? Race, Obama and Public Policy,” is available for pre-order on www.juliannemalveaux.com.

cago in the 1960s to the 2015 auto summit in Detroit, Rev. Jackson has been the most consistent Black American leader on the question of economic justice and equality for Black Americans and for all people throughout the world. Black Americans, according to the Nielsen research company, have an estimated collective buying power of $1.1 trillion in the United States. Yet, too many of our communities remain in poverty. Thus, the quest today for economic equity and parity should be priorities for all our national Challenged audience At the automotive summit in organizations and movements. front of industry corporate executives, Rev. Jackson challenged ev- ‘Run, Jesse, Run’ I also remember when Rev. eryone to understand that there is a difference between winning Jackson decided to run to be presfreedom and establishing equali- ident of the United States in 1984. ty – in particular economic equal- His campaign became both a poity – and equal opportunity to ful- litical and spiritual crusade to lift fill one’s true God-given potential the aspirations and hopes of millions of people across the nation in life. Rev. Jackson stated, “Rainbow/ as part of an emerging Rainbow PUSH will continue to engage Coalition. The Reverend Wyatt T. Walker with the auto manufacturers to protect consumers and continue and I were the national clergy cothe quest for equity and fairness.” ordinators for Rev. Jackson’s 1984 From the early days of SCLC’s political empowerment camOperation Breadbasket in Chi- paign. “Run Jesse Run” became

the proud theme for millions of people who were crying out for freedom, justice and equality. The truth must be told. Rev. Jackson’s 1984 campaign opened the door wider for the subsequent, successful historic political campaign that led to the election of President Barack H. Obama in 2008.

why they are, and what they want out of life, perhaps there will be a revitalizing of the family. If individuals within the family become whole and the children within the family see positive traits within the family, a change will happen. Here are some ways in which we, as adults can help foster a positive and productive family for our children to embrace: Affection. Parents who are affectionate to one another in a fun-loving and caring manner shows the child what love looks like. Talk with our children about life. In other words, parents need to be the teachers about morals and ethics. Whenever the media is allowed to assume this role, the child will more than likely receive the wrong information that will eventually shift into dysfunction. Incorporate spirituality into the household. While one cannot force their spiritual practice up-

on their child, it’s good for them to see a particular practice. This provides guidance and direction. Teach them to be themselves. Because so many children want to be like this person or that person, let the child know that you love them and accept them as they are. When the family is viewed as an important area to work on, many issues will be resolved. Children who witness healthy relationships from their immediate family are more inclined to make positive choices. I leave you with what I learned from the American Clergy Leadership Conference after my speech: “The family is the cornerstone of Christ’s kingdom on earth.”

As I watched and listened to the Rev. Jackson take the podium at the kickoff reception, it brought back many positive memories of the past. I have been a firsthand witness to the remarkable, game-changing leadership and irrepressible spirit of our brother leader. Although I was just a little younger, we both had the privilege, pleasure and responsibility to work with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in the 1960s.

For those within the religious community, it’s imperative that lessons on family be taught to our children. While we teach them about right and wrong, why can’t we teach them, or better yet, show them what a family looks like and what it means? As one of the participants alluded to during the forum, “Dysfunctional behaviors within families must end.” I definitely concur, because a strong family structure provides a solid foundation for our children and our children’s children. During our question-and-answer period, the Rev. Erich V. Fladger, pastor of Cargle Chapel AME Church, gave all of the participants a word to consider – “autology.” For those not familiar with the term, it simply means “a study of oneself.”

Let’s face it When everyone does a study or self-assessment of who they are,

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.

Historical footnote

Dr. Glenn W. Cherry, Sales Manager

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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

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Much respect During the past 60 years we have made progress, but we still have a long way to go to fulfill Dr. King’s dream. We all should be vocal and grateful that Rev. Jackson is still on the case with outstanding leadership. We thank you, Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr. We salute you, we respect you and may we work today to raise up a new generation of freedom fighters who know what it means to advance the cause of freedom and equality for all.

Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. is the president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

Dr. Sinclair Grey III is a speaker, writer, author, life coach and radio/television talk show host. Contact him at www.sinclairgrey.org,

Central Florida Communicators Group, LLC, P.O. Box 48857 Tampa, FL 33646, publishes the Florida Courier on Fridays. Phone: 877-352-4455, toll-free. For all sales inquiries, call 877-352-4455; e-mail sales@flcourier.com. Subscriptions to the print version are $69 per year. Mail check to P.O. Box 48857 Tampa, Fl 33646, or log on to www.daytona.com; click on ‘Subscribe’.

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5 7

M ANATION YOR

OCTOBER 15 – OCTOBER 21, 2015 DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006

Youth voices for justice rise at Million Man rally ple heard about it.” Students Ashia Evans, Braylin Rushton and Shienne Williams came from the Black Student Union at Youngstown State University (YSU) to unite with their people. “We need the solidarity, man,” Rushton said. “There’s so many people that don’t care and it’s important that we form in a group of solidarity and stand against things that need to be changed. We’re inheriting this — we’re inheriting all of this and next it goes on to our children and so forth. We got to make a change somewhere.”

BY JANAIH X ADAMS AND MICHAEL Z MUHAMMAD NNPA NEWS WIRE

WA S H I N G T O N—T h e Justice or Else gathering held before hundreds of thousands of people on the National Mall Oct. 10 featured the voices of emerging new leadership in America. In fact, many said the overwhelming success of the gathering had the footprint of youth all over it. “The core organization of the gathering was done through social media,” observed Native American activist YoNasDa Lonewolf. “This Joshua generation is able to see through the falsehood and insincerity” demonstrated by some of the traditional and political leaders. Lonewolf pointed out native Black Foot leader Gyassi Ross as an example, noting his bold declarations as part of the program where he called for a revisit to the racist Discovery Doctrine and Papal Bulls, governmental and religious declarations that helped to destroy Native people.

Strong, young voices In fact, what was striking at the demonstration was the absence of traditional civil rights leaders. In their place were young leaders like Carmen Perez with the New York Justice League who voiced support for Minister Louis Farrakhan’s efforts during his organizing visit to New York. What is great about this movement is its inclusiveness, Latino, Black, Mexican, and native communities, she said. Her specific focus is to end the school-to-prison pipeline and her demand for justice for young people. She also credited her involvement to her Justice League colleague Tamika Mallory, another strong young voice that participated in the program.

Conference focuses on hip-hop and the Black dollar BY JAMES G. MUHAMMAD NNPA NEWS SERVICE

WASHINGTON – The power of hip-hop and the Black economy were the topics of discussion during a press conference at the National Press Club on Oct. 9, a day before the 20th anniversary of the Million Man March. Real Hip Hop Network chairman Atonn Muhammad called for an end to community violence and the murders of Blacks by police, adding that rap artists play a key role in the solution. “Hip-hop is a means to not just influencing Black people, but influencing the world. Our job is to challenge these negative images in hip-hop culture. We’re here to make a change,” he said. Muhammad acknowledged the choices many artists make in order to maintain access to the powerful in the industry. He described a “hidden hand” of those who control the industry that hamper artists – as rappers like Jay Z have admitted in songs – from saying what’s in their hearts.

‘Revolutionary rap’ Featured speaker Nuri Muhammad of Indianapolis Muhammad Mosque #74 referred to the criticism that Minister Louis Farrakhan has faced as he has sought to meet hiphop artists during the mo-

Direction and guidance

PHOTO BY DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

Young performers were a part of the choir at the Million Man March. Members of Black Student Unions at colleges nationwide also participated.

‘What we are witnessing today is a natural evolution in leadership, new voices that are not controlled and are clear.’ Abel Muhammad

Emerging Latino leader in the Nation of Islam “What we are witnessing today is a natural evolution in leadership, new voices that are not controlled and are clear,” said Abel Muhammad, an emerging Latino leader in the Nation of Islam. “In the past,

bilization of the Million Man March Justice Or Else gathering. To that criticism, Farrakhan has said rappers are the leaders in our communities and that one good rap song is worth more than 1,000 of his lectures, Nuri Muhammad said. “When you look at any fruit of Louis Farrakhan … you are looking at the fruit of less than 1,000 lectures. When a hip-hop artist has the right idea in their music, you can, with one song, make soldiers better than Malcolm X. You can produce, with one song, soldiers better than Farrakhan. With one song. “We hope that as those artists have heard from the Minister, that you will go home and renegotiate your script for your lyrics. If you’re gonna rap, make it a revolutionary rap. Make songs about the struggle for liberation of our people,” he said.

‘Raw pain’ Panelist Maurice Rashid Hood of The Money Club and GMG Enterprises, both hip-hop oriented companies, commended Farrakhan for reaching out to the youth and advised others to hear the raw pain of people talking about their lives in their rap. “Some people can’t relate to the way things are said, but this is raw pain. Every song has a message,” Hood told The Final Call. “I thank the Minister for accepting the path that was chosen for him which has given me a platform to stand on. Any enlightenment or inspiration that would raise Black people will be opposed by the power structure,” he said

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

Black leadership and leadership of people of color were largely controlled and sanctioned.”

Black Lives Matter support The diversity of the young audience participating in the rally included not only Native and Latino faces, but also Asian, African and the Caribbean. And despite the hue of their skin, many of them wore shirts that read, “Black Lives Matter,” a movement that played an important role in the rally. Sparked by the murder of Trayvon Martin by George Zimmerman and further energized by the police murder of Michael Brown, the movement has galvanized young people into active protest in a way that hasn’t been seen in decades. “To me, Black Lives Mat-

ter means Black people are treated equally under the system,” said Amanda Nelson, who rode the train from Maryland to get to the rally. “Not just the justice system, but every system in America the same as White people are treated. Too many are losing their lives.” Seventeen-year-old Darrell Davis from Ithaca, N.Y., attended with a group of friends from his high school wearing #BlackLivesMatter hoodies. They took three cars to travel from their home city to get to Washington. “I’m not used to coming somewhere and seeing this many Black people gathered, at least not for a good cause,” young Davis said. “The sense of unity is really cool. I feel comfortable. Usually, going out in public, there’s some sense of wanting to look around… Here, it’s just a good sense

of unity and it makes you want to go back home and just emphasize being one with what we need to do, because there’s a bigger cause than us going against each other, really.”

‘We’re inheriting this’ Davis’ basketball coach took about 40 Black boys and girls from their school to a conference in Cleveland, Ohio. He recalls that when they came back, they were spreading the word about how awesome it was. So when his coach brought up going to the Million Man March anniversary, he was willing to go. “My coach explained it as really historical and something you’d only see once,” the teenager said. “We got our T shirts, and just started really spreading the movement through New York. So a lot of peo-

These students are currently fighting against the school-to-prison pipeline in their city, which refers to policies and practices that push the most at-risk children out of the classroom and into the penitentiary. “They’re trying to shut down our public school system,” said Shienne Williams, 20. “We can’t let that happen.” Williams was among 20 YSU students who were able to travel by bus provided by the Muslim brotherhood in Youngstown, free of charge, because the chairperson of the Africana Studies Department got them funding. “Today, we get some direction and some guidance,” Williams said. “I feel like we’ve had a lot of separate movements going on, but Minister Farrakhan brings us all into one solid group where we can go back into our communities and make things happen. We can collaborate with each other instead of being a bunch of different separate movements we can come together and resurrect the Black man.”

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

PHOTO COURTESY OF NNPA NEWS WIRE

The number of minority teachers has declined since 1987 even though the minority student population has grown 17 percent over the same time period.

Minority populations up, minority teachers down BY ROBERT BESS NNPA NEWS WIRE

The minority population has grown tremendously since the year 2000. According to the Census Bureau, the Hispanic population growth is due to U.S. births – and Asian population growth is due primarily to immigration since 2012. That alone has fueled a 5 percent population growth in the overall population of these groups nationwide, according to the Pew Research Center. Although there are probably many byproducts of this population growth, one of major concern is the

effect that it has had on the education system in nine major cities in the United States. In a study by the Albert Shankar Institute, it was found that though the population for minority students has increased continually and for the first time this past school year has outnumbered their White counterparts, the number of Black teachers has declined.

Major cities studied The cities included in this study were Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Washington D.C.,

which represent some of the largest school districts in the United States. The student population has continued to diversify, and there has been moderate attention given to the disparity that exists between White and non-White school systems. However, it has gone under the radar that minority teachers have declined although the minority student population has grown 17 percent since 1987.

Hispanics impacted too Hispanic teachers have continued to increase but not at the rate of population growth of Hispanic students. Black teachers have borne the biggest burden during the recession. It should be noted that during the same time frame

between 2003 and 2011, White teacher hiring in these systems grew, and in some cases doubled in largely minority settings. The cities represented in the study have large education districts with large minority populations. There have been recruiting efforts conducted over the last decade with some success. But, the retention of these teachers continues to be low which offsets the relative success of the recruiting effort. Due to the lack of experience of teachers in these districts, there have been funding challenges and educational outcomes have been substandard.

This story is special to the NNPA News Wire from the Westside Gazette.

7 CLASSIFIEDS

OCTOBER 15 – OCTOBER 21, 2015

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M ANATION YOR

OCTOBER 15 – OCTOBER 21, 2015 DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006

Dance a ‘sport’ more boys are tackling BY VIKKI ORTIZ HEALY CHICAGO TRIBUNE/TNS

Ever since he was a little boy, 15-year-old Dakota Jackson said he has entertained his family with handstands, kick-ballchanges and other hip-hop dance moves whenever he hears a beat. So when it came time for the sophomore at Eisenhower High School in south suburban Blue Island in Illinois choose an after-school activity, Jackson, who is 6-foot-2 and built like a quarterback, ignored suggestions to try basketball and football and instead tried out for the dance team. “I knew I wouldn’t have enjoyed the other sports,” said Jackson, who was aware that his school’s dance team was historically all girls, but said he didn’t let it bother him. “I just thought it would be fun to start dancing.”

National trend Jackson — now one of three boys performing dance routines with the Eisenhower Cardinals — is part of a statewide increase in male dancers on high school teams and also part of a national trend. Since the 2012-2013 school year, when the Illinois High School Association designated dance as a sport with a statewide championship, there has been a noticeable uptick in the number of boys on teams, said Tracie Henry, IHSA assistant executive director. State officials and school administrators say the move to recognize dance as a sport, combined with the way educators encourage young people to be themselves, are helping to fuel the trend. Exposure to dance in the mainstream media and the potential for college scholarships also help, they said. “It’s just kids these days. It’s more acceptable for girls to do guy things and guys to do girl things, even more than 10 years ago,” said Nikki Meyer, varsity dance coach at Bloomington High School in Bloomington, Ill., which has two male students on its team this year.

Still mostly female Meyer said she has been delighted to have three or four boys show up for dance team auditions each year for the past several years, allowing her to select boys for the team based on dance ability —

ZBIGNIEW BZDAK/CHICAGO TRIBUNE/TNS

Dakota Jackson, right, practices a dance varsity team in the cafeteria at Eisenhower High School on Sept. 24 in Blue Island, Ill. coach Amanda Shewmaker said that the year after the IHSA change, she had eight boys try out for the team — more than ever before. “Guys like the competitive aspect of it,” said Shewmaker, who added that boys on the dance team give the choreographed routines performed at halftime shows, in parades and at other school functions a new flavor. “I like the mix that it does bring,” she said. “It does change the dynamic.”

Scholarship opportunities Brian Ford, center, and Cristian Carrillo, right, watch the Cardinal dance junior varsity team in the cafeteria at Eisenhower High School in Blue Island, Ill. The dance team has three boys – Cristian Carrillo, Brian and Dakota Jackson, after a decision was made to make dance an official high school sport in 2012-2013. and not just as a novelty. Dance teams have long been a tradition at high schools across the country, and schools with strong fine arts and dance programs began showing up to competitions with boys on their teams about a decade ago, said Paula Hess, former Illinois state director for the Universal Dance Association. The association was founded in 1980

to offer dance and drill team education, camps and competitions. But in Illinois, dance teams stayed largely female until the IHSA recognized competitive dance as a state series. The move, which came after strong lobbying from coaches and students at more than 200 schools, allows high school dance team participants to compete in a multilayered

state competition — from regionals to conference finals — that culminates with the awarding of a state trophy, Henry said.

Competitive aspect Fewer than 10 states in the U.S. recognize dance as an official high school sport, Hess said. At Reavis High School in Burbank, Ill., varsity dance

Marion Castillo, varsity dance coach at Eisenhower High, said male students at her school also say they appreciate the exposure participation in dance teams offers them for college scholarship opportunities, since some recruiters scout for future students at the state competitions. At a recent after-school practice, the team’s three boys fell into rows where they executed flips, chest pops and other hip-hop moves in precision with the 15 other team members, who are girls. Sophomore Kiarri Smith said she didn’t think twice about boys dancing next to

Bikers ride for little ‘heroes’ born with rare diseases BY MINJAE PARK THE RECORD/TNS

GARFIELD, N.J. — Before hundreds of bikers in leather jackets rumbled through the streets of Bergen County in his honor, double amputee Kayden Kinckle, 3, rolled along the Applebee’s parking lot in his battery-powered Tow Mater. “He rides it all the time,” said his mother, Nikki, as his father followed him around. Kayden, who was born with his intestines, liver and bladder outside his body, in a birth defect called omphalocele, and also had a leg and foot amputated because the umbilical cord had wrapped around his lower limbs, was one of the three “heroes” at the third annual Riders for Rare Disease Bike Run. Kayden’s story received national attention last July when then-New York Jets quarterback Michael Vick

shared a video of a 2-yearold Kayden taking his first steps on his walker after the double amputation and repeatedly saying, “I got it.”

Wore purple capes The event drew bikers and other supporters to the fundraiser for the Let Them Be Little X2 Foundation, a non-profit founded by the Leider family of Elmwood Park to help raredisease families, like theirs. The “heroes” wore purple capes. Before the start of the ride, which took bikers to Bergen Community College in Paramus, N.J., the three young children took center stage atop a pickup truck. Jeff Leider, the president of the foundation, welcomed the bikers, and the national anthem played through the speakers. The foundation helps buy medical equipment, pay medical bills and travel expenses, or cover the costs of a trip that creates a

KEVIN R. WEXLER/THE RECORD/TNS

Kayden Kinckle, 3, rides past motorcycles before a charity run for the Let Them Be Little X2 Foundation on Oct. 3, in Garfield, N.J. The foundation raises money for young children with rare diseases. Kinckle has a rare disease called omphalocele, which affects the intestines. lasting memory. The name refers to the idea that children should be allowed to be young, and not be “robbed of their childhood with doctors and surgeries and medicine,” Jeff Leider said.

$10,000 raised The X2 refers to his and Deena Leider’s sons, Jason, 9, and Justin, 6, who have Hunter syndrome, a deadly genetic disease that causes progressive neurological damage. In its severe form,

which is what Jason and Justin have, the damage typically kills patients in their teen years. Jason and Justin are participating in a clinical trial in North Carolina that doctors hope can stop the brain damage and

her on the team. “It’s like having more brothers, and I already have two at home,” she said. “Our generation is more, like, open-minded than the others.”

Out of comfort zone State high school sporting officials don’t officially track how many boys participate in dance each year, but they expect to see more male participants at state dance competitions as time goes on. “When kids visualize something, or have the opportunity to see it in mass media or on television, it makes it more accepting for them to join the team as well,” Henry said. Clarence Pugh, a 16-year-old junior and one of two boys on the dance team at Bloomington, said he’d be glad if he inspires other male students to pursue dance if they are interested. He said boys who do so might be surprised to see how receptive audiences are. “I like to get out of my comfort zone and do different things,” Pugh said. “A lot of people, they’re accepting about what you do. They just like it.”

prolong their lives. The first year of the bike run raised money for the Leiders. The second year, they decided to help others, too. “I vowed that I didn’t want other families to go through what we went through,” Jeff Leider said, talking about the loneliness, uncertainty and fears for the future that followed the boys’ diagnoses. The event raises about $10,000. During the event, a $3,500 stroller was donated to Gianna Cruz, a 12-year-old Lyndhurst girl with a rare condition that has caused heart and lung problems, spinal abnormalities and orthopedic conditions that make it difficult to walk long distances, said Anna Rizzo, her mother. The custom-made stroller was presented to Gianna, who was one of the children recognized at the bike ride last year. Another honoree was Gorazd Oracevski, 6, who has a genetic fatty acid disorder that requires him to drink lots of water, eat early in the morning and snack throughout the day, said his mother, Eva. In addition, Salvatore Gonzalez, 7, who has hydrocephalus, or excessive fluid in the brain, was honored.

7EDUCATION

OCTOBER 15 – OCTOBER 21, 2015

Federal initiative to combat chronic absenteeism BY ZENITHA PRINCE TRICE EDNEY NEWS WIRE

MORE INFORMATION

Through the initiative, the administration and its partners will provide: • New federal tools to help local communities battle chronic absenteeism. • More information on the phenomenon through the gathering of statistics in the Civil Rights Data Collection. • A nationwide summit in the spring of 2016. • Technical assistance to states and local school districts to implement early warning signs. • A public awareness campaign. • Mentorship programs.

An estimated 5 million to 7.5 million students are chronically absent from school each year, putting them at risk of several negative outcomes. But, on Oct. 7, the Obama administration announced a new cross-sector initiative to turn that tide. Every Student, Every Day, an initiative led by the White House and the U.S. Departments of Education, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development and Justice, will attempt to eradicate chronic absenteeism by at least 10 percent each year, beginning in the current school year. Experts say that students who are chronically absent—those who miss at least 10 percent or about 18 days of attendance in a year—are more susceptible to becoming dropouts.

“Through this national initiative. we are partnering with communities and providing tools to help our all of our young people attend school every day, so that they are learning the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in school, careers and life.”