Major achievement for Palm Coast organization See page 5
YEAR 37 NO. 42
U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit #189 Daytona Beach, FL
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Daytona
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CHARLENE CROWELL: Social Security saves PRESORTED 30 percent of retired Blacks from poverty Page 4 STANDARD
A ROUNDUP OF LOCAL SPORTS See pages 6 and 7
East Central Florida’s Black Voice
www.daytonatimes.com www.daytonatimes.com
OCTOBER 18 - OCTOBER 24, 2012
Investigation clears Henry of elections charges
PEOPLE SPEAK
Mayoral candidate responds to dropped inquiry by State Attorney’s Office BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES harperjames59@yahoo.com
There’s insufficient evidence to show that Derrick Henry violated election laws in his campaign for mayor, the State Attorney’s office has concluded. “After a thorough investigation by the Office of R.J. Larizza, State Attorney of the 7th Judicial Circuit, a decision has been made that no charges will be filed regarding the
allegations brought forth by the Supervisor of Elections for Volusia County, Ann McFall,” spokesperson Klare Ly said in a press release Wednesday. “There is insufficient evidence to support claims that Daytona Beach Mayoral Candidate Derrick Henry violated any elections laws regarding absentee ballots and voters registration forms,” Ly added.
‘Timely closure’ After learning last Thursday that Henry would not face charges, the mayoral candidate’s campaign issued this statement: “A few months ago Ann McFall, the Volusia County Supervisor of
Elections, made statements to various media outlets regarding Derrick Henry’s campaign for Daytona Beach Mayor. “At that point in time, Mr. Henry reDerrick spectfully requestHenry ed the Supervisor of Elections to turn her purported ‘inquiry’ over to the State Attorney’s Office. Mr. Henry is pleased to announce that “I have willingly met with the Office of State Attorney R.J. Larizza and they have concluded that I am not a suspect of any violation related to absentee ballots or voter registrations.”
The statement from Henry’s campaign added, “I would like to thank the State Attorney’s Office for bringing timely closure to this matter so I can continue to run a positive and successful campaign.’’ McFall chose not to comment on the matter to the Daytona Times.
Authorized agent In a memo that was part of the report involving the Henry case, Assistant State Attorney Christopher Walker said, “These allegations stemmed from the submission of absentee ballots and voter registration cards procured or submitted with the assistance of
14 churches are ready to march to the polls
From left to right are Malcolm Crafton (black belt), sensei Tony Cowell (thirddegree black belt) and DeVine Lents (brown belt), Schetonia Cowell (brown belt) is in front.
BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES harperjames59@yahoo.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF TONY COWELL
An alternate sport for Midtown kids
Tony Cowell ready to make difference as karate teacher BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES harperjames59@yahoo.com
When Tony Cowell isn’t driving trucks for a living, the Daytona Beach resident is teaching karate. Cowell says he teaches karate to bring awareness about the sport and to get more of the community and inner-city children involved in something that’s productive and worthwhile and keeps them off
Daytona Mayoral candidate Derrick Henry. “There was insufficient evidence to support claims that Mr. Henry violated any elections laws regarding these absentee ballots and voters registration forms for his constituents.” The investigation noted that Henry is an authorized thirdparty registration agent, allowing him to collect voter registration applications. “There was insufficient evidence to prove beyond and to the exclusion of very reasonable doubt the guilt of any of the individuals applying for the absentee ballots or voter registrations in questions,’’ Walker added.
the streets. “I consider all the students as my kids whenever they are in my presence. They are my kids. I protect them. I look out for them and I teach them,” Cowell said, noting that he has been practicing karate for 40 years and teaching it for 15 years. Cowell also teaches a selfdefense/exercise class for women.
Builds confidence He says karate is an individual sport that builds confidence and self-esteem in all areas of life – whether it is for other sports or for a physically
demanding job. His classes are taught on the third floor of Master’s Domain Church of God in Christ on Bay Street. The pastor of the church, located in downtown Daytona Beach, is Superintendent Derrick Harris. Cowell says he is looking for a new location that is more visible to the public. Cowell was born in Brooklyn, New York, and came to Florida in 1989. He started out in Miami than eventually made his way to Daytona Beach. He had been a single parent for almost 20 years until he met Sharonda Irvin, whom he calls his best friend. She works as a recreational leader at the John H. Dickerson Center. They were married a year ago. Upon arriving in Daytona Beach, Cowell met Larry Jones and Kareem Brown and begin working out with them. He became a member of karate teams. “Karate teaches me to be more self-aware about my surroundings and the people that I come in contact with,” he explained.
Good workout Cowell says karate works on the physical and mental aspects of the body asa whole. “It teaches you respect, confidence and is a builder of selfesteem as well,” he continued. Cowell said those who participate in his class will get a good workout and knowledge of the sport. There also are competitions across the state such as the Gator Nationals held in Daytona Beach. “We also compete in tournaments outside of the state,” he added. The cost of his classes ranges from $65 dollars per month for one child to $165 for five ore more children. Classes take place Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. for younger kids. On Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Cowell teaches the women’s self-defense/exercise classes. For more information, 386236-9263 or send an email to CowellS@CODB.US.
Dr. L. Ronald Durham said plans are full steam ahead for a combined churches’ “Souls to the Polls” march scheduled Sunday, Oct. 28. A planning meeting took place at Greater Friendship Baptist Church on Oct. 11. Durham said local pastors or their representatives attended the meeting along with staff members from Organizing for America, local NAACP President Cynthia Slater as well Ann McFall, Volusia County’s Supervisor of Elections. “We agreed to gather on the steps of the Volusia County Courthouse at 1:30 p.m. next to Jackie Robinson Ballpark. There will be a brief 10-15 minute opening program to include “Why We Are Here,” Durham said this week. “After the program we will march from the courthouse to the City Island library to vote,” Durham added.
Marching churches Churches participating thus far are Greater Friendship Baptist Church, Tubman-King Community Church, Allen Chapel AME Church, New Life Ministries, Stewart Memorial United Methodist Church, Mt. Bethel Baptist Church, Hope Fellowship Church, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Divine Deliverance Church, Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, St. Timothy’s Church, Morning Star Baptist Church, New Mt. Zion Baptist Church, and New St. James Baptist Church. Durham said older seniors or handicapped persons should be dropped off directly at the library at 1:30 p.m. Churches and individuals should use the courthouse parking lot if marching, and reserve library parking for the elderly and handicapped. Please see MARCH, Page 2
Police chief, pastor to participate in fashion show to help college, homeless A fashion show sponsored by the Women’s Missionary Union of Greater Friendship Church of Daytona Beach is scheduled to feature Daytona Beach Police Chief Mike Chitwood as well as the church’s pastors and other local professionals. The event takes place Sunday, Oct. 21, at Belk’s Pavilion in Port Orange.
Pat Bennett, an organizer of the event said part of the proceeds from the event would go to Florida Memorial University in Miami to help students attend the school.
Deep discounts Those who attend also are asked to take used clothing to the event that will be donated to the homeless and those in need.
They also will be allowed to shop after the show and will receive a 20 percent discount on purchases. Bennett added those who donate an article of clothing will receive an additional 20 percent off of their purchases. Among the models in the fashion show, which will feature men and women are: Chitwood; Or-
mond Beach ophthalmologist Dr. Allen Jackson; the Rev. L. Ronald Durham, pastor of Greater Friendship; and attorney Steven R. Robinson. Tickets for the 7 to 10 p.m. fundraiser are $10 and include food served by local participating restaurants. For more information, call 386- Mike Chitwood 252-0322 or 386-774-2171.
Rev. Ronald Durham