Palm Coast group honors Times columnist, other leaders SEE PAGE 3
EE FR
REV. JESSE JACKSON: It’s time for a national commission on race and poverty SEE PAGE 4
FIREFIGHTERS SHARE SAFETY TIPS WITH TURIE T. ELEMENTARY STUDENTS SEE PAGE 8
East Central Florida’s Black Voice NOVEMBER 5 - NOVEMBER 11, 2015
YEAR 40 NO. 45
www.daytonatimes.com
Huger files EEOC claim against city Widely distributed email supports claim BY PENNY DICKERSON DAYTONA TIMES news@daytonatimes.com
In a complaint dated Oct. 7, Thomas Huger - the 63-year old son of Daytona Beach’s first Black city commissioner, James Huger charged the city with race and age discrimination after being passed over for a job as deputy public
works director. Huger’s claim against the city got unexpected support when a memo dated June 8, 2015 – allegedly bearing the signature of Public Works Director Steven T. Richart – surfaced, indicating that the city would save more than $164,000 by hiring Huger and eliminating an unnecessary position. The Daytona Times has learned that on Tuesday, a copy of the memo was e-mailed to every Daytona Beach city employee. The Daytona Times obtained a
copy of the EEOC Charge of Discrimination filed with the Florida Commission on Human Relations on Oct. 7. In it, Huger stated the following as the reason for his claim. “I am a 63-year-old Black individual. I have been employed with the City of Daytona Beach since 2006 and most recently held the title of Facilities Construction & Maintenance Manager. During my tenure, I have never had any performance problems and received favorable evaluations.
‘The most qualified’ “In July 2015, I applied for the position of Deputy Public Works Director. I was the most qualified and received an interview. However, I was not selected for the position. On July 29, 2015, I was advised that a younger less qualified white individual (David Waller/ White) was selected. “After my non-selection, I filed an internal complaint of discrimination with the company but nothing was done. Although they
state that they investigated the matter, it was clear from their findings, that this was not the case. “No reasons were given for my non-selection. Other similarly situated employees outside of my classes have been selected for the Deputy Public Works Director,” he continued.
Two strikes Huger stated that he believes he has been discriminated because Please see HUGER, Page 2
Speedway, stadiums apply for millions of state money BY JIM TURNER THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
PHOTOS BY DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTS PHOTOGRAPHY.COM
Thousands of walkers participated in the Oct. 31 event, which started and ended at Riverfront Park.
‘Sea of Pink’ Volusia County raises $375,000 in Breast Cancer Walk
T
he Volusia County “Sea of Pink” walk-a-thon ended October with impressive numbers: 285 teams, 11,000 walkers and over 200 volunteers joined forces to raise money for those who are currently dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis, those who may face a diagnosis in the future, and those who may avoid a diagnosis altogether thanks to education and risk reduction. It is estimated that more than 40,000 African-American women in Florida have breast cancer. The Making Strides event is an affiliate of the American Cancer Society (ACS) and is both a national initiative and culminating event of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Funds raised during the campaign will help ACS do the most. Teams continue to raise funds through Dec. 31, but it is projected that $375,000 was raised. “This was my first year as event chair for the Making Strides Walk. I had been a member of the committee before having served as a survivor chairperson,” said Valencia Robinson, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2006 and has successfully completed chemotherapy and a double mastectomy.
Avoided by House members
Walkers included cancer survivors, their families and advocates.
BY PENNY DICKERSON DAYTONA TIMES news@daytonatimes.com
TALLAHASSEE – Florida’s three professional football stadiums and Daytona International Speedway are seeking millions of dollars from the state to help pay for upgrades that in most cases are already underway. The applications have been filed despite continued opposition from House leaders to such funding. Applications submitted Monday – the deadline to file – were from Buccaneers Football Stadium Limited Partnership for Raymond James Stadium in Tampa and from the city of Jacksonville and the Jacksonville Jaguars for EverBank Field. The speedway filed its application on Oct. 30, joining an earlier submission from South Florida Stadium LLC, which oversees the Miami Dolphins’ home, Sun Life Stadium. The Department of Economic Opportunity will begin reviewing the applications to determine the potential returns on investment and to rank the proposals for the 2016 stadium funding process. Earlier this year, House leaders turned back attempts to steer state money to Sun Life Stadium, the speedway, EverBank Field and a soccer stadium in downtown Orlando. Lately, House leaders have avoided the topic. “This issue is not before the Legislature at this time,” Michael Williams, a spokesman for House Speaker Steve Crisafulli, said Monday in an email. Proponents of stadium funding say the money goes to projects that create jobs, attract tourists and increase regional trade.
Called ‘corporate welfare’ “I was very familiar with all of the work that goes into making the entire event happen from being there on Friday afternoon to set up the event, to being there Saturday morning at 5 a.m. to organizing what needs to get done the day of the event,” Robinson added.
Painted the town pink Wearing pink hats, signature tshirts, bandanas that donned the pink-ribbon of hope and even pink socks, breast cancer survivors, advocates, family, and community sponsors endured a three-mile trek. Together they began at Riverfront Park in Daytona, crossed over Main Street Bridge and looped around the International Speedway Bridge. Barricades and roads were closed to make room for the crowd of walkers who maintained a steady pace and
ended their marathon right where they began – at Riverfront Park for a celebration of smiles, hugs and balloons. “For three years, the walk was at the Jackie Robinson baseball park. We moved back to Riverfront Park in the open area because we felt that this was the best way to rally the walkers before the walk,” explained Robinson. “Since it also just happened to be on Halloween, we invited everyone to wear their best pink costumes.”
Walking works Taking to the streets in sneakers to combat a deadly disease may seem like a muted point to some or just good ’ol community nostalgia. But according to Robinson, walk-a-thons are still effective. Please see PINK, Page 7
Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III said in a release Monday that the speedway continues “to pursue all options to ensure the successful outcome of this process.” “As we move into the future, it is imperative that we continually make improvements to the facility to keep our guests, the majority of whom are visiting from outside the state of Florida, returning year after year,” Chitwood said. Critics, such as the conservative-advocacy group Americans for Prosperity, question the economic return on investment and call stadium funding “corporate welfare.” “Taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars should be kept off the track, the field, or anywhere else that entails profitseeking enterprises guzzling taxpayer gas,” Americans for Prosperity-Florida spokesman Andres Malave said in an email Monday. “These projects are ongoing renovation projects that taxpayers shouldn’t be on the hook for.” Please see MONEY, Page 2
ALSO INSIDE
EDUCATION: B-CU TO HOST FREE BUSINESS WORKSHOP FOR ENTREPRENEURS | PAGE 2 BUSINESS: NISSAN AND TOYOTA DEFEND THEIR DIVERSITY RECORDS | PAGE 5
7 FOCUS
R2
B-CU to introduce CEED at Nov. 6 program SPECIAL TO THE DAYTONA TIMES
Bethune-Cookman University will introduce the Center for Entrepreneurship & Economic Development (CEED) with a daylong launch program on Friday, Nov. 6. CEED, which began operation this year, offers an array of business services, resources and tools to small business owners and those interested in entrepreneurship. The soft launch will offer workshops and panel discussions featuring seasoned entrepreneurs, investors and industry experts. Topics will focus on entrepreneurship and economic development in Daytona Beach/Midtown. It will begin at 8:30 a.m. Registration is free. Refreshments will be served and lunch will be offered for on-site purchase.
Dudley to speak Speakers will share insight on the state and vision of entrepreneurship in the Daytona Beach/Midtown communities. Attendees will hear from business owners such as Dr. Joe L. Dudley, Sr., co-founder of DudleyQ, who turned a $10 investment into a multi-million dollar enterprise. Sessions will include “How to Build an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in the Midtown area,” “Ideation to Innovation’’ and “Stakeholders Feeding the Ecosystem.’’ Register on Eventbrite at www. eventbrite.com/e/b-cu-centerfor-entrepreneurship-economic-development-soft-launch-tickets-19068295786.
Stewart Memorial men to host Nov. 10 forum The men of Stewart Memorial United Methodist Church are inviting the community to a forum focusing on property crimes, domestic abuse and crime among youth. The forum is Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 6:30 p.m. The church is located at 317 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd., Daytona Beach. For more information, call 386255-7222.
NOVEMBER 5 – NOVEMBER 11, 2015
HUGER from Page 1
of his age and race. “I am Black, more educated, (MBA Management, more experienced (40 years of work experience), local resident, nineyear employee compared to a 39-year-old white man with a Bachelor of Science degree in Forest Resource Conservation and personal associate of Steven Richart, the person making the final decision on the hiring,” Huger explained. He added that although he was highly qualified for the position, he was needed more to manage the Property Maintenance Division because Richart felt “he could never replace me with someone as experienced as I am in Facilities Management.’’ Huger alleges that City Manager James Chisholm gave the directive for Richart not to hire Huger as the Deputy Public Works Director. Huger added that he believes Richart would say that Chisholm “gave the instruction to the interview committee to not select me for Thomas the Deputy PubHuger lic Works Director’’ if questioned by the EEOC about Huger’s claim.
Highly educated, experienced Huger’s resume is weighted with both education and professional achievement including his work for the City of Daytona Beach. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in finance from then Bethune-Cookman College (now University) and a Master of Business Administration in management from Webster University. In his resume’s professional summary, Huger describes himself as a “seasoned, resultsoriented business professional with proven abilities in strategic planning, managing projects,
improving efficiency of operations, team building and detailing project information to determine effective processes for operations. Further, he is educated and experienced in the areas of management, construction, real estate, and procurement with a demonstrated ability to motivate staff to mainstream productivity and control costs through the most effective uses of manpower and available resources.
VP, contractor, entrepreneur His multiple certifications include Facility Manager (CFM) from the International Facility Management Association. He has been licensed by the state of Florida as a Certified Building Contractor (CBC) and Certified Real Estate Sales and the International Code Council has named Huger a Certified Building Inspector and Certified Residential Combination Inspector. Professional posts include 10 years, from 1988-1999 with Bethune-Cookman. Huger was employed in the following positions: associate vice president for fiscal affairs, assistant vice president for procurement, and director of construction/renovation. As an entrepreneur, Huger managed his namesake business Thomas Huger, CBC from 2000-2006. He was owner, consultant, contractor and developer and managed oversight for residential, multi-family and commercial real estate. Most notable to substantiate Huger’s claim is his nine-year post with the City of Daytona Beach as Facilities Construction & Maintenance manager. He currently has fiscal oversight over a $205 million annual budget municipality with an array of success projects managed under his direction.
City opens investigation A City of Daytona Beach memo was addressed to Huger on Oct. 2 with the subject: Investigation Regarding Race, Age, and Retaliation Complaint. It was sent directly to Huger from Betty
Goodman, assistant city manager, and James A. Sexton, human resources director. Goodman and Sexton referenced subsequent meetings with Huger on Aug. 25 and 27 informing him that a “formal investigation” was being conducted as a follow up to his allegations of discrimination. As part of the process, the pair conducted interviews with “each member of the hiring panel, which included Richart: Gary Shimun, deputy city manager; Frank Van Pelt, technical services director; Sonja Wiles, Public Works administrative coordinator; and Mike Garrett, director of permits and licenses.
Hiring panel and process According to Goodman, four candidates were interviewed for the position of Deputy Public Works Director: Chris Wall, David Waller, Frank Griffin and Huger. All candidates were provided the list of interview questions in advance of the interview, which lasted approximately one hour each with candidates being asked questions and panel members were free to ask follow-up questions. After each candidate’s interview, the panel discussed its observations of the candidate. Upon completion of the interview process, the panel deliberated for a lengthy period of time and came to a general consensus and recommended Waller for the position. “Nothing in our investigation even remotely suggests that the panel considered race and/or age during the hiring process. Four members of the hiring panel had Mr. Waller as their number one pick and had you (Huger) as their number two pick.” stated Goodman. “One member stated that you and Mr. Waller were tied for their number one pick and further did not object to the panel’s consensus to offer the position to Mr. Waller. This hiring panel operated identically to the hiring panels that you sat on when filing other key positions within the department,” added Goodman.
Open, shut, and open case By Oct. 5, Goodman had issued her final findings to Huger in a signed memo that countercopied Sexton. Her conclusion regarding the independent investigation was brief: “Thomas, Jim, and I conducted a thorough investigation into your complaint and we are in agreement on all aspects of our findings. Regarding your request for an independent investigator to re-investigate your complaint, the City considers this investigation closed.” Huger responded the same day with a signed statement of disagreement addressed to Goodman requesting an outside independent investigator.
NAACP wants review Last month, Cynthia Slater, president of the Volusia County-Daytona Beach branch of the NAACP, said she wants a full review of minority employees, including hiring practices, terminations and promotions ordered by the Daytona Beach commission. Slater addressed the commission on Oct. 21 during a regular meeting with a request for employment equity and diversity for African-Americans and minorities within city government. “Our organization has been bombarded with complaints from employees from the City of Daytona Beach throughout the years and our legal redress committee has held meetings with the city manager and his administrators with very unsettling outcomes. Therefore, it is with this great sense of responsibility that the organization speak out to what we believe are unfair practices in hiring and promotions within the city.” In an email to the Daytona Times on Wednesday, Commissioner Paula Reed said she would ask the commission “to execute an external equity analysis’’ of Slater’s concerns. “Our staff should reflect the community we serve,’’ she stated. “Employees and applicants should be treated with dignity & respect with opportunity for advancement.’’
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE FOR BLACK STUDENTS. NO EXCUSES. The classic guide from Florida Courier publisher, lawyer and broadcaster CHARLES W. CHERRY II PRAISE FOR ‘EXCELLENCE WITHOUT EXCUSE’: DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTS PHOTOGRAPHY.COM
Racing fans watch the action on July 5 at the Coke Zero 400 at the Daytona International Speedway.
MONEY from Page 1
Malave added that the “House stood up to special interests in 2015, and we hope they will stand by taxpayers again in 2016.”
$3 million a year The Daytona speedway and South Florida Stadium are each again seeking $90 million – $3 million a year for 30 years. The state agency didn’t immediately release how much was requested for the Jacksonville and Tampa stadiums. The state process allows stadium backers to apply for as much as $3 million a year when projects total more than $200 million. They can seek up to $2 million a year if construction or improvements are between $100 million and $200 million. The requested amount is limited to $1 million a year when the work is below $100 million. Jacksonville sought $1 million a year for three decades from the state during the 2015 process. In a letter accompanying its latest application, Jacksonville Chief Administrative Officer Sam Mousa and Jaguars General Counsel Megha Parekh indicated the proposal could soon be updated. “The city and the Jaguars are currently negotiating
$90 million in additional improvements to EverBank Field and its surrounding premises, including club space improvements, a covered practice field, and an amphitheater; this will bring the total publicprivate investment in the stadium to $172.7 million during the application period,” they wrote the state. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who play in the Hillsborough County-owned Raymond James Stadium, have been in discussions with the county and the Tampa Sports Authority for $75 million to $100 million in upgrades to the facility.
Updated paperwork The application submitted by Daytona International Speedway is an updated version of the paperwork filed a year ago, according to a speedway spokesman. In the prior application, the speedway said a frontstretch expansion will in addition to auto races “attract non-sports events that bring thousands of visitors to Florida and pump millions of dollars into the economy.” The project, known as Daytona Rising, is a $400 million “reimaging” of the raceway’s stands with expanded and redesigned entrances, seating and social areas. The work, started in July 2013, is expected to be completed by the 2016 Rolex 24 At Daytona and the Daytona 500.
The Tampa football stadium proposal is being reviewed before it will be released to the public, a state spokeswoman said. South Florida Stadium, which is undergoing at least $350 million in renovations, simply refilled its earlier applications. The phased Sun Life Stadium work, started earlier this year, will reduce seating by more than 10,000, put a canopy over 91 percent of the crowd, and include four new giant highdefinition video boards. Ron Book, a lobbyist for Sun Life Stadium, has said the project is about economic development.
New funding method The Legislature created a new funding method for professional stadiums in 2014 in an attempt to reduce the lobbying from prior years for state money. Initially $7 million was set aside in potential salestax revenue that could go to stadium projects, with the annual pool of money growing to $13 million in 2016. The law gives the Department of Economic Opportunity 60 days to determine if an application should go forward and to rank all the applications by Feb. 1, something the agency didn’t do with the four proposals that were made for the 2015 legislative session.
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NOVEMBER 5 – NOVEMBER 11, 2015 COMMUNITY DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006
M A YNEWS OR
African American Cultural Society honors dutiful members at annual awards luncheon Stephanie Robinson rolled out the acts of achievement for a presentation of the 2015 Awards Luncheon that recently paid tribute to the members of the African American Cultural Society (AACS). They were the best achievers chosen by Awards Chairman Robinson and the committee: Walter Boone, Loretta Bryant, along with AACS President Stephanie Ecklin. The late President Clarence Mauge’ instituted the annual awards, after having been honored with a 1997 AACS award. Robinson, speaking on whether the recipients were paid or not, affirmed, “They don’t get paid. It’s not because they are worthless; it’s because they are priceless.” The culinary experience of the sold-out luncheon capably was handled by Edward Tucker Caterers Unlimited. It featured emcee Loretta Bryant, Joseph Matthews rendering the invocation and the benediction, vocal performances by Alexis Williams, in addition to award presenters Stephanie Ecklin and Board of Directors Chairman Edmund G. Pinto, Jr. “I talked so much about the affair. I am enjoying myself so much,” relayed Ecklin. “My $25 was worth it!”
The honorees Making their way to the grandstand as stakeholders of the Meritorious Awards were: Richard Barnes, past chairman of the board of directors, who chaired the AACS Sweepstakes and raised over $11,000 for 2010, 2012 and 2013. He is a Silver Lifetime Member, a member of the Men of the AACS, a member of the 20th anniversary committee, former financial audit member, bartender for the group’s func-
PALM COAST COMMUNITY NEWS JEROLINE D. MCCARTHY
tions, as well as a cast member for the theatrical performances. June Bethel, chair of the Christmas Gift-Giving Committee, was the organization’s past Boy Scouts Troop co-leader. She is a member of the Callers Committee and a member of the committees governing amenities, cookouts, awards, nominations, cancer awareness, other fundraisers, Kwanzaa and broadly based cultural presentations. Shirley Jacob, a member of the Board of Directors, is chair of Ways & Means and the former Ways & Means co-chair. The committee is responsible for raising funds. Jacob, as Ways and Means chair, is involved with the organization’s cultural trips, New Year’s Eve Gala, Game Day and the annual cookout among other society happenings. Edmund S. Pinto, Jr., chairman of the board of directors, has served six years minus three months as AACS president. He is a past second vice president and is both a member of the Men of the AACS and the 15th and 20th anniversary committees. He also is a volunteer custodian, maintenance worker and a bartender for the various events. Barbara Solomon, serving three terms on the board of directors, has designed the 20th anniversary T-shirt, mud cloth booklet and the pyramid while serving on the 20th anniversary committee. She has chaired the cultural presentations for Kwanzaa, Juneteenth and Ashe’, and
Port Orange to swear in new police chief next month
Port Orange has scheduled a swearingin ceremony for its new police chief for Tuesday, Dec. 1 at 10 a.m. Chief Thomas Grimaldi started work this week. In September, he was selected
by City Manager Jake Johansson to replace current Chief of Police Gerald M. Monahan, Jr., who is retiring at the end of November after 16 years. The ceremony will be at the Port Orange Police Department, 4545 Clyde Morris Blvd. For more information, call 386-506-5870.
Richard Barnes
Shirley Jacob
has served as a member of the Cultural Committee and the Phenomenal Woman Committee. Solomon has donated artwork to grace the walls of the center and has volunteered over 1,000 hours to the organization over the past five years. And, to receive the Distinguished Long-Term Service Awards were: Erma S. Brooks, assisting weekly with the society’s cultural presentations, Black Studies and the Underground Railroad Quilters, is the past Ebony Society liaison to Flagler Palm Coast High School, past coordinator in partnership with the Flagler Teen Center and the PACE Center for Girls. Brooks has donated artifacts to the organization’s library and, moreover, is one of the society’s charter members, a Gold Lifetime member, a former second vice president and a former member of the summer youth program. Moreover, Brooks instituted the AACS Bridge Club and has attained a food service certificate to assist in the kitchen for the organization. Yours truly, Jeroline D. McCarthy, is a former “Scribe” chairman and editor as well as a 20-year veteran of the Scribe Committee. She volunteers as chaplain and is the former Public Affairs secretary and press release writer as well as a past recording secretary on the executive board. She chaired an annual cookout and is the past chairman of the society’s first gospel show and hip-hop show. McCarthy, an administrator of the center’s Facebook page, is a former vice chair of the Christmas Gift-Giving Committee. She generated funds for the organization by celebrating a milestone birthday at the center and having her friends donate their monetary gifts to the organization. The red carpet rolled out publicly, recognizing the uncommon
Edmund G. Pinto, Jr.
Barbara Solomon
amount of work and commitment of each award recipient.
Donations accepted for Christmas campaign June Bethel is one of the awardees continuing to do good work. Bethel’s Christmas Gift-Giving Committee again will distribute gifts of toys to selected, less fortunate families in Bunnell, Espanola, Flagler Beach, and Palm Coast. The African American Cultural Society will celebrate the 22nd Annual Christmas Gift-Giving on Dec. 4, 6 p.m., at the AACS Center, 4422 North U.S. 1, Palm Coast. Members of the community are invited. AACS members have generously supported this program, and if you would like to join them with a financial donation, or a contribution of toys, it would be appreciated. The Christmas Gift-Giving Campaign was inaugurated by the late AACS member Walter Morris, who was our nation’s first Black paratrooper and served with the prestigious Triple Nickles. Checks may be payable to the AACS. On the check’s memo line, write Holiday Gift and drop it off at the center or mail it to P.O. Box 350607, Palm Coast, Fla. 321350607. Unwrapped toys and gifts can be left with the Cultural Center administrator. Please indicate the intended child’s appropriate age (3 to 7 years old), the sex of the child who will receive the gift, and don’t forget to jot down your name as well. The organization thanks you in advance for the generous support of this worthy endeavor. If you have queries regarding the Christmas Gift-Giving campaign, contact Bethel at 386-4477030.
Irrigation of lawns now limited to one day a week Thomas Grimaldi
Workshop to focus on rebuilding homes after disasters Volunteer organizations that help rebuild homes after disasters are invited to a free workshop at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, in the Volusia Room at the Daytona Beach International Airport, 700 Catalina Drive, Daytona Beach. Tim Smail, senior vice president of engineering and technical programs for the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH), will present the one-hour workshop titled “Build back better.” He will highlight recently developed materials and recap joint programs undertaken by FLASH, FEMA and the Na-
June Bethel
tional Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster Housing Committee. The three organizations are working to break the build-destroy-rebuild cycle by putting stronger-building information into volunteers’ hands. FLASH, a nonprofit organization, is a leading consumer advocate for strengthening homes and safeguarding families from natural and man-made disasters. Reservations are not required. For more information contact Pat White at pwhite@ volusia.org or 386-258-4088, ext. 11245.
SPECIAL TO THE DAYTONA TIMES
Landscape irrigation is now limited to one day a week in 18 counties of the St. Johns River Water Management District, including Volusia County and Port Orange. Plants and grass need less water in cooler months and watering restrictions ensure the efficient use of water for lawn and landscape irrigation. One of the most important ways to help meet Florida’s water supply needs for today and the future is through conservation. Lawn and landscape irrigation often accounts for more than half of residential water use. Watering wisely promotes healthier lawns and landscapes and conserves Florida’s water resources. Because lawns need significantly less water in Florida’s winter months, landscape ir-
Flagler County offering free ‘storm spotters’ class SPECIAL TO THE DAYTONA TIMES
Flagler County Emergency Services and the National Weather Service will host a Skywarn Storm Spotter class on Nov. 12 at 6 p.m. The class will be taught by a meteorologist with the National Weather Service and will cover everything from cloud formations to thunderstorm development to visual predictions. It will be held at the Emergency Operations Center located behind the Government Services Building, 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Bunnell. Those who participate in the class are eligible to become volunteer storm spotters and assist Emergency Services
Salvation Army seeking holiday volunteers The Salvation Army is seeking red kettle bell ringers. Groups and individuals are needed from Nov. 21 through Dec. 24.
Erma S. Brooks
Jeroline D. McCarthy
Coming Nov. 17: Evening of Jazz History & Art The entertainment factor will make its way to “An Evening of Jazz History & Art,” presented in association with Loyce Nottage Allen and Laurence Walden Productions. Allen, as you may recall, is founder of the Florida Friends for Obama, which hosted the inaugural ball for the president’s reelection and other presidential initiatives. Continuing on course are vocalist, historian and visual artist Laurence “Blinky” Walden and emcee, historian and jazz vocalist Dr. Evelyn Bethune, granddaughter of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, founder of BethuneCookman University. Flautist Linda Witsell and The Jazz Connection will provide innovative instrumentation. And, there’s the perfect accompaniment of light refreshments, a cash bar and door prizes. That’s Nov. 14, 7 to 11 p.m. at the African American Cultural Society. The admission price is $27 per person. For additional information, call 904-647-5226 or 609-4123049. ••• As always, remember our prayers for the sick, afflicted and bereaved.
Celebrations Birthday wishes to Dot Straker, Linda Henderson-Baker, Nov. 5; Richard Williams, Nov. 6; Dotnella Singletary, Nov. 8; Phyllis McVay, Nov. 9; my sister-in-law, Blossom Coaxum in the Bronx, Nov. 10; and Sasha Delaney, Nov. 11.
rigation is limited to one day a week on the following schedule when Eastern Standard Time is in effect: • Saturday at addresses that end in an odd number or have no address • Sunday at addresses that end in an even number • • Tuesday for nonresidential landscape irrigation No irrigation allowed between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Ends in March In addition, irrigation is limited to 3/4 inch of water per irrigation zone and to no more than one hour per irrigation zone. The one-day-per-week restrictions will be in place until daylight saving time returns on March 13, 2016. The restrictions apply to water withdrawn from ground or surface water, from a private well or pump, or from a public or private water utility, but they do not apply to irrigation using reclaimed water or storm water. For complete information about the district’s watering restrictions and exceptions to the rule, visit floridaswater.com/ wateringrestrictions.
and the National Weather Service by reporting potentially hazardous weather events.
Limited availability While warnings for thunderstorms are only issued for hail and high winds, lightning is part of all storms and is the cause of more deaths in the United States than tornadoes and hurricanes, according to the National Weather Service. “This is a really important class because trained storm spotters serve as the local eyes of the National Weather Service,” said Bob Pickering, Flagler County Emergency Management Technician. “And this may be the only time this year that we get a class here in Flagler County, because of the limited availability with the National Weather Service to come teach the class.” Registration is required, and can be done by calling Pickering at 386-313-4250, or by email at bpickering@flaglercounty. org.
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. For more information, call 386-2362020.
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7 EDITORIAL
NOVEMBER 5 – NOVEMBER 11, 2015
Where are our women? Where are our educators? Richland County, S.C. Senior Deputy Sheriff Ben Fields seemed to think the only way he could get a young Black girl out of her seat was to fling her across the room. His brutal attack on her was filmed by one of her classmates, and it’s a good thing he documented the incident. It was said that the young lady punched the officer before Eddie Robinson, Jr. started taping, but he indicates that she was quiet and simply refused to get out of her seat. He said she had only taken her phone out for a minute and “she didn’t do anything wrong.”
‘Doing his job’ On October 28, Sheriff Leon Lott announced that Fields had been fired because his behavior was inconsistent with the training he had. But in response to a question at the press conference he held, he reported that Fields did not feel remorseful, that he was sorry the incident happened, but he was “just trying to do his job.” Not only did he brutalize a young girl, but he also arrested another young woman who simply asserted that the officer was wrong to treat her classmate so roughly. No other student said a word, and they were perhaps frightened to speak up.
No reaction Where are our women’s or-
DR. JULIANNE MALVEAUX TRICEEDNEYWIRE.COM
ganizations, African-American and civil rights organizations, and African-American educators? Granted, this is just a few days after the fact; perhaps some of these folks will speak up eventually. Perhaps they are waiting to hear “the facts,” but as Sheriff Lott said, there was no excuse for a young lady to be dragged in the way that she was. Sheriff Lott said his community, a suburb of the state capital of Columbia, was an “orderly” community. In his press conference, he said that Fields’ behavior was inappropriate, but he basically blamed the young lady for her plight. He said there were no marches, no confrontation, because “that is not how we do things here.”
Attitude adjustment While the sheriff did the right thing by firing Fields, his own attitude could stand some adjusting, and perhaps a march might be a way to express dissatisfaction at his approach (and that of the school system). While civil rights leaders routinely turn it out when Black men are beaten or killed, far fewer
seem to care about what happens to Black women. From the time that video hit the airwaves, there ought to have been cries of outrage (perhaps they are coming). Fields’ actions should not simply be called “unacceptable” but also criminal. Why did the school call the police anyway? From what I understand, the young lady was not making noise or disrupting class. She failed to comply with a request regarding her cell phone (some say she was asked to put it away, others said she was asked for the phone). Either way, the penalty for noncompliance should not have been arrest. Last year, the Department of Education released a report that showed that African-American and Latino students were suspended or expelled far more frequently than their White counterparts, often getting a different level of punishment for the same offense. Some of the suspensions and expulsions even happen at the preschool level – meaning that three-and four-year-old children are being kicked out of school simply because they are little children (who frequently misbehave). According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, around 43 percent of our nation’s public schools had police officers on their grounds during the 2013-2014 school year, including 63 percent of middle schools and
We must stop tolerating ‘condemning Blackness’ In 2011, Dr. Khalil Gibran Muhammad, executive director of the Schaumburg Center for Research in Black Culture, published his book, “The Condemnation of Blackness.” I suggest it as required reading for anyone interested in historical dynamics that have led to our contemporary position of asserting that “Black Lives Matter.” Dr. Muhammad sat for an interview with noted journalist Bill Moyer. He gave his insight on why, from the inception of the American republic to the present, African-Americans were the recipients of disparate and unjust treatment.
‘Scientific’ analysis “Thomas Jefferson penned ‘Notes on the State of Virginia’ in 1787, which was… one of the first scientific arguments for why
equal citizens, were not made of the stuff of equal humanity.” Later in that interview, he discussed his understanding of law enforcement and criminal justice in the United States: “It tells you something about the invention of the criminal jusDR. E. FAYE tice system as a repressive tool to WILLIAMS, keep Black people in their place.... It’s still with us, because ultimateESQ. ly, as a social problem, crime has TRICE EDNEY WIRE become like it was in the Jim Crow South, a mechanism to control Black people’s movement in citBlack people should be treated ies.” differently from Whites, by virtue of their racial inferiority,” Dr. MuSome can’t see hammad said. As I reflected on the treatment “In other words, the scientific notion that Black people were of the Black teen at the hands of fundamentally different, wheth- the South Carolina deputy, my er it was in hair texture or in body thoughts went back to that inodor, which is all part of Thom- terview. I grieved at the thought as Jefferson’s analysis, gave birth that, in the face of overwhelming to the enduring justification that evidence, a significant portion even in America, even in a place of our population cannot see the that represented a tradition of disparate and, frequently unjustirepublicanism in the world, the fied, brutal treatment of Africanfirst modern democracy, that you Americans in circumstances that could actually reconcile freedom would’ve elicited an altogether and slavery, as long as the peo- different response had the “susple who were enslaved were not pect” been White.
VISUAL VIEWPOINT: HOT DOGS
BOB ENGLEHART, THE HARTFORD COURANT
64 percent of high schools. Why are officers of the law on school grounds? How often is their behavior inappropriate? It is unlikely that is the first time former officer Ben Fields behaved so badly toward a student. Indeed, the student who was arrested for speaking up (he said she was disruptive) indicated that Fields had a bad reputation. He was the subject of at least two complaints for excessive force.
Hold him accountable While Fields has been fired, he needs to be held accountable, sued. But the bigger picture is the criminalization of our young people by arresting them (leaving them with a criminal record) for minor offenses.
Regardless of the infraction, I challenge any reasonable adult to justify the excessive force used by Deputy Fields to gain control in that classroom. I challenge any adult, Black or White, to imagine the same force used against a similarly situated White female teen. What is all too clear in our society is that ALL Black people have been stereotyped and characterized by too many law enforcement officials as dangerous criminals. Without regard for age or gender, Black people are perceived as lethal threats to public order and to law enforcement officials. Tamir Rice, Sandra Bland, Eric Garner, and Michael Brown stand in evidence of this fact.
Some questions Without regard to whom he dated, there are important questions. What thought process did Fields use to justify his actions against that teenage girl? Was he in such fear for his life that he could rationalize throwing her across the room like a ragdoll? There seems to be no plausible answer to either question.
Where are the voices lifted to protect a young woman whose simple “no” earns her a brutal beating? Where are the women, the civil rights leaders, the others who often have something to say? Are they silent because this is a girl? The two young women who were arrested need to be lifted up and affirmed by the AfricanAmerican community. And that sheriff’s office needs to be confronted by the community. Sheriff Lott was gratified because there was no marching. There needs to be.
Julianne Malveaux is a Washington, D.C.-based economist and writer.
Fortunately, the student didn’t suffer any life-threatening injuries. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about potentially lifealtering injuries to her psyche. Lest we ignore her classmates, we must anticipate that this was a life-changing experience for them as well. Foreshadowing where society is today, Dr. Muhammad spoke with great enlightenment: “Why race matters today...is really about saving Black people. And this is a colorblind public safety agenda because no White community in America would tolerate this kind of treatment in the name of public safety in its communities, period…There’s no moment in time…where race is not a primary factor in the treatment of Black people.” We must stop tolerating this kind of behavior!
Dr. E. Faye Williams is national chair of the National Congress of Black Women, Inc. Contact her via www.nationalcongressbw.org.
Convene a national commission on race and poverty When America’s founders wrote the Constitution, Blacks were considered three-fifths human. In a compromise at the constitutional convention, the U.S. Constitution was written to allow slave states to count each slave as three-fifths of a person for the purposes of the census and for elections. Slaves couldn’t vote, but they could increase the population and thus the representation of slave states. We’ve come a long way since then. The Civil War – the most brutal in the nation’s history – ended slavery. The civil rights movement ended segregation and gave African-Americans the right to vote. But we still have a long way to go.
Increased burden It used to be said that Blacks carried twice the burden of Whites. Unemployment rates among African-Americans are generally twice those of Whites.
REV. JESSE L. JACKSON, SR. TRICEEDNEYWIRE.COM.COM
Poverty is nearly three times that of Whites. Homeownership is about 60 percent that of Whites. But in critical ways, African-Americans rank even lower. The typical African-American household, for example, has about one-tenth the wealth of the typical White household, a disparity that has tripled over the last decade. Now a study by the New York Times documents what we know to be true: Driving while Black is dangerous. African-Americans are significantly more likely to be pulled over while driving for traffic violations than Whites. When pulled over, they are twice as likely to be searched, even though police are far more likely
to find drugs and weapons in the searches of Whites than Blacks. In Chicago, Blacks are five times more likely to be searched when stopped than White drivers, even though the police are less likely to find contraband when searching them. Part of the reason, police argue, is that African-Americans are more likely to live in impoverished neighborhoods. As the Washington Post reported, poor African-Americans are 10 times more likely to live in high poverty census tracts than poor Whites. In Chicago, about 35 percent of poor African-Americans live in poor neighborhoods while about 4 percent of Whites do.
Blacks ‘penned’ Housing discrimination, zoning patterns, redlining by banks, public housing construction all combine to pen poor AfricanAmericans in poor neighbor-
hoods. And then the police are assigned to patrol aggressively in what quickly become “highcrime districts.” This is a recipe for tension, suspicion and violence. And as distrust rises, crimes go unsolved as residents don’t trust the police enough to cooperate. This is the “whereas:” whereas, racial disparity is clear and destructive. The real question is the “therefore;” therefore, we will act. Too often the complaint ends with the “whereas,” and little or no attention and resources are devoted to the “therefore.” Therefore, we need reform of our criminal injustice system. Better monitoring and training of police, who should live in the neighborhoods that they patrol.
Focus on ‘therefores’
politan areas. We need aggressive enforcement of laws against redlining, a crackdown on banks and auto companies that target African-Americans for the highest rate and trickiest loans. We need real investment to put people to work, to provide public transport that can take them to where the jobs are, and to give children a fair start from the beginning. President Obama is in Chicago this week at a gathering of police chiefs. It is important to keep pushing for police and criminal justice reforms, but the “therefore” must go far beyond. It is time to convene a National Commission on Race and Poverty to go beyond reporting on the “whereas” and start detailing the “therefores.”
But police reform is not sufficient. We need a transformation of housing policy to spread low-cost housing across metro-
The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. is president and CEO of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition.
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.
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green certification on the scorecard reflects best practices for ethnic diversity while those with a yellow mark showed some indication of diversity evident goals, initiatives and accountability, according to the ranking system. Red indicated that diversity initiatives and investments were non-existent, not disclosed or that the company did not provide enough relevant information for scoring and they didn’t submit a completed survey. The release of the diversity scorecard highlighted the Rainbow PUSH Global Automotive Summit in Detroit where auto executives, suppliers, dealers and government officials gathered to discuss ways to strengthen and create opportunities in the industry for minorities. “Minority companies need a short-term plan for survival and a long-term critical path to success with measurable goals, targets and timetables,” Jackson said. NNPA NEWS SERVICE
The Rev. Jesse Jackson, the founder and president of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, said the only way to achieve a meaningful return on investment for the dollars spent by African-Americans with auto companies is to measure progress on fair trade.
Nissan, Toyota defend diversity records after Rainbow Push scorecard BY STACY M. BROWN NNPA CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Nissan, Toyota and Hyundai are the latest automakers to respond to the recently released Rainbow PUSH Automotive Project, which issued its annual diversity scorecard earlier last month. While Ford and General
Motors scored high on the scorecard which provides consumers, investors and industry experts a snapshot of each automotive manufacturer’s ability to build and sustain ethnic diversity as a driver of marketplace competitiveness, other companies needed to step up their proverbial game. “I think you’ll see that
we are driven to provide a culture of inclusion in all our practices at Nissan and we will continue those efforts,” said Josh Clifton, senior manager for communications at Nissan North America, Inc. “We realize that we cannot continue our growth without leveraging our diversity. Our goal is to embrace partner-
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ships in key functional areas of our business, including: dealer ownership, supplier relationships, marketing, advertising, philanthropy and human resources.” A spokesman for Hyundai said the company “will continue to be inclusive.” The Rev. Jesse Jackson, the founder and president of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition said that the only way to achieve a meaningful return on investment for the dollars spent by African-Americans with auto companies is to measure progress on fair trade.
Green, yellow, red marks Those who received a
Ford scores best Of the 12 automotive companies to participate in the scorecard, Ford Motor Co. received the top ratings, including green marks in five of six categories while General Motors also scored well. BMW and Mercedes Benz were the only companies to receive red indicators in each of the categories, which included employment, advertising, marketing, procurement, minority dealer development and philanthropy. Toyota received green marks for employment and procurement and yellow for advertising and marketing. “To grow sustainably as a global company, Toyota has been and remains firmly committed to our belief of putting the right people in the right places and working with the right
partners, regardless of nationality, gender, age, and so forth,” company spokesman Aaron S. Fowles said. “Our relationship with Rainbow PUSH has led to recognition among our peers and customers, who also value our focus and commitment on diversity and inclusion. We will continue to work with similarminded organizations to continually improve our engagement with suppliers, dealers, customers and society in general.”
Nissan sites accomplishments Nissan officials also rattled off a list of accomplishments that show their commitment to diversity including acknowledgement from “Diversity Inc.” magazine as a Top 25 Noteworthy Company for the second straight year. Also, Nissan earned a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index for the second year in a row and, in 2013; Nissan was among the fastest risers in the history of the index with a 70-point increase in just two years. Clifton also cited Nissan’s philanthropic efforts, including the Nissan Foundation, which was created in 1992 as a thoughtful response to a societal need, he said. Following the civil unrest that occurred in Los Angeles that year notably marked by the Rodney King riots, Nissan established the foundation with a $5 million endowment to foster a greater appreciation for cultural diversity and educational programs that support it. Rainbow/PUSH officials said Jackson and Executive Director Glenda Gill will meet with automakers to discuss the results of the survey and to develop a “road map for progress in diversity and inclusion.”
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NOVEMBER 5 – NOVEMBER 11,142015 COMMUNITY DECEMBER - 20, 2006
MAYOR
PINK
from Page 1 “Avon has a breast cancer crusade and participants walk 60 miles over three days,” Robinson related. “Susan Komen has breast cancer marathon runs and fitness walks and these organizations are raising millions of dollars each year to support women and men fighting the disease.’’ The American Cancer Society event is different in that it does not require pre-registration, registration fee or minimum fundraising required. Avon and Komen have stipulations for participation that are vastly different and may be deemed less liberating. Participants are required to show up at the ACS event with their completed registration form, submit the money they intend to contribute, and put on your walking shoes. “And of course everyone knows someone who is battling the disease or who has succumbed, so people love to come out and support or walk in honor of someone,” said Robinson.
A strong survivor Terri Yearby was diagnosed with Stage I breast cancer in July 2013. She was 38 years old then, but today she is a survivor. Yearby led a team of 10 in the “Sea of Pink” walka-thon and raised $1,000. “I have had lumps in my breasts for four years. I went to my gynecologist who told me not to worry because most African-American women have dense breasts,” said Yearby. “But my lumps were associated with pain each time the technician pressed a certain area.” Following a recommended mammogram and ultrasound, Yearby’s physician ultimately identified a malignant lump resting under the nipple of her right breast. “Even though it was a small cancer, I prayed and made a decision to have both breasts removed,” Yearby explained. “I didn’t want cancer again, so I just gave both of my breasts back. I had walked around with them my whole life and didn’t need them anymore.” A mother of a 13-year-old daughter and 4-year-old son, Yearby is grateful that her case did not require chemotherapy or radiation, but she was prescribed tamoxifen which she withstood for just one year.
Committed sponsors Robinson cites “Realtors for a Cause” as her strong community sponsor. The community business raises funds year-around including a “Bratini” event held at the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort, which raised $25,000. Total funds raised in 2015 reached $75,000.
The law firm of Politis and Matovina have been supporting the Making Strides for Cancer walk-a-thon for 10 consecutive years. Partner Michael Politis recruits his entire staff to participate in the walk. While his firm along donated $15,000, they additionally lead a team that raises an equivalent amount.
Hope The hallmark of the ACS “Sea of Pink” walk-a-thon is a single word: Hope. According to Robinson, the ACS has a team of great volunteers, staff and doctors who are dedicated to eliminating cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. But, hope is powerful, real, and for many survivors it is all they have. “I participated in my first Making Strides walk two days after I was released from the hospital after having a double mastectomy,” said Robinson. “The walk for me during that time was extremely painful both physically and emotionally. But just being in the presence of the thousands of people who were gathered on a morning like today gave me hope and strength to make it through my journey with breast cancer,” Robinson added.
PHOTOS BY DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
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Black firefighters share safety tips with Turie T. Elementary students The International Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters (IABPFF) Southeast Region held its fall conference in Daytona Beach from Oct. 28-Nov. 1 with the theme “Creating Growth through Participation.” Community participation for the visiting firefighters included an outreach program at Turie T. Small Elementary. Fourth- and fifth-graders, their parents and community members, got to hang out with firefighters during a school fire safety day program on Oct. 29. The program included a discussion titled “Fire Won’t Wait, Plan Your Escape’’ as well as safety demonstrations.
Thousands of members The firefighters organization was founded in 1970 for Black firefighters to address employment, professional development and community fire prevention concerns for fire service members in the United States, Europe, the Caribbean and Africa. The IABPFF also serves as the liaison and voice of its membership with other fire service organizations, professional organizations, community leaders and governing bodies. The organization is made up of about 3,500 men and women. It’s also the umbrella organization for the Black Chief Officers Committee and Black Women in the Fire Service.
PHOTOS BY DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
Students from Turie T. Elementary School listen intently to a presentation by firefighters. Left: State Rep. Dwayne Taylor (standing, left) attended the school safety program. Below left: Safety patrol kids were recognized. Below: How to appropriately use a fire extinguisher was demonstrated.
Smokey Bear makes a visit.