Daytona Times - December 6, 2012

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Midtown See page 2

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Daytona

PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit #189 Daytona Beach, FL

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WADE HENDERSON: Reforming the GED exam may help unemployed Page 4

A ROUNDUP OF LOCAL SPORTS See page 7

East Central Florida’s Black Voice

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DECEMBER 6 - DECEMBER 12, 2012

YEAR 37 NO. 49

No early voting in District 2

PEOPLE SPEAK

NAACP upset about DeLand being only place to vote early in school board race

BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES harperjames59@yahoo.com

The local NAACP is calling for an early voting site to be located in District 2 during the upcoming school board election.

Dr. Walter Fordham, political action chairman of the Daytona Beach/Volusia County NAACP and a Bethune-Cookman University professor, along with NAACP president Cynthia Slater have voiced their concerns that there will be one voting site set up during early voting for the District 2 special election. That

early voting site is in DeLand, where the Volusia County’s elections office is located in the courthouse at 125 W. New York Ave. “Citizens must have an opportunity to show a stake in what happens in District 2. Citizens deserve the support of this county elections department,” Fordham said.

Dr. Walter A special election has Fordham been scheduled for Dec. 18 to replace School Board chairman Al Williams, who died unexpectedly on Oct. 1. Early voting for

the seat takes place Dec. 8-13.

5 seeking office The five candidates running for the school board seat are Ida DuncanWright, an instructor at Bethune-Cookman; Dr. Kathy Williams, a retired educator and Williams’ widow; Teresa Valdes of Daytona Beach Shores; Deborah Nader of South Daytona; and Horace Anderson, a local barber and hairstylist.

Slater, along with Fordham and other elected officials are upset that Supervisor of Elections Ann McFall the early voting site is on the west side of the counPlease see VOTING, Page 2

Sharing their golden moments

127 students to graduate this month from B-CU

BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES harperjames59@yahoo.com

For the first time in 20 years, BethuneCookman University will have a fall commencement.

The graduation is at 10 a.m. Dec. 8 at the Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Performing Arts Center, 698 W. International Speedway Blvd. in Daytona Beach.

Graduating will be 127 students along with the first two students ever to graduate with a master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Environmental Science, according to B-CU. The two students are Andrew Kamerosky and Niraj Ray. “I decided to bring back fall commencement at the request of the students and faculty. I believe our students should share the same opportunities that other uni- Dr. Lee versities afford and enter the Rhyant workforce in January with their degree in hand,” said Dr. Edison Jackson, B-CU’s interim president.

Former B-CU board chairman Lee Rhyant, a 1972 alumnus and retired executive vice president from Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, will be the commencement speaker.

B-CU Interim President Dr. Edison O. Jackson will be the service of consecration speaker.

Honorary doctorates Bishop Kenneth H. Carter and Michelle Carter-Scott will be receiving honorary doctorate degrees.

Carter-Scott has a Bachelor of Science from Bethune-Cookman University and a master’s from Nova University. She is executive director of Vince Carter’s Embassy of Hope Foundation, CEO of Visions in Flight, Inc., and chief operating officer of Flight XV. In January 2010, Carter-Scott and her son, Vince Carter, opened Vince Carter’s, a restaurant in Daytona Beach. She oversees the Embassy of Hope Foundation, which provides food to needy families and financial support to the humanitarian efforts of the Children’s Home Society, Halifax Urban Ministries, Anchor House Ministries, Wings of Hope Foundation, Dream-A-Wish, and Habitat for Humanity.

About Bishop Carter ANDREAS BUTLER/DAYTONA TIMES

Campbell Middle School Principal Craig Zablo poses in front of the school with four-time Olympic medalist Ato Boldon, 2012 gold medalists Allyson Felix and Aries Merritt, and 2004 gold medalist Joanna Hayes.

Olympic medalists motivate students at Campbell The event was part of the USA Track and Field’s “Win with Integrity’’ program, which travels the nation speaking to youngsters in schools.

BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES butleramj@gmail.com

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everal Olympic gold medalists visited local schoolchildren last week and motivated them to pursue their dreams.

Allyson Felix and Aries Merritt appeared at Campbell Middle School in Daytona Beach and spoke with eighthgrade honor roll students on Nov. 30.

Joanna Hayes, a 2004 gold medalist, also joined them.

Enjoy giving back The athletes also were in town for the USA Track and Field annual meeting, which took place at the Hilton Daytona Beach Resort from Nov. 30 to Dec. 2 “It’s really cool for us. We spend so much time on the track. We love to come and spend time with the community and give back. It’s a lot of fun and

it’s important to us,” commented Felix.

Merritt agreed, “It’s always a pleasure to give back to the community and share my life experiences.”

Felix is a six-time Olympic medalist.

She won three gold medals in the 2012 Olympics (200-meter dash, 4x100 relay, 4x400 relay) becoming the first American female to do so since 1988. Felix also won silver medals in 200-meter dash at the 2004 and 2004 Olympics.

Merritt set a world record in the 110-meter hurdles and took gold in the Please see olympians, Page 2

Bishop Carter was elected to the episcopacy of the United Methodist Church, consecrated as a bishop and assigned to the Florida Conference during the Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference, formally known as the Resident Bishop of the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church.

A native of Georgia, he has a Bachelor of Science from Columbus College, a master of divinity from Duke University Divinity School, a master’s from the University of Virginia, and doctor of ministry from Princeton Theological Seminary.

In addition, he was awarded an honorary doctorate of Divinity degree from the United Methodist University of Liberia.

Bishop Carter is the author of eight books, most recently, “Pray For Me: The Power in Praying For Others’’ (Upper Room, 2012).

The fall commencement is free, but tickets are required and limited. Tickets can be picked up at the Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Performing Arts Center box office.

Orlando pastor among authors lined up for Midtown book festival

BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES harperjames59@yahoo.com

Pastor Riva Tims will be one of the many authors to be featured next month at the F.R.E.S.H. Book Festival in Daytona Beach.

Tims is the former wife of the late Pastor Zachary Tims. At one time, they were co-pastors at New Destiny Christian Center, which became one of Central Florida’s largest congregations. She now is the pastor of Majestic Life Min-

istries of Orlando, a church she founded a few years ago.

In her book, “When It All Falls Apart,’’ she shares her testimony on surviving a broken marriage, her exhusband’s death and the controversy that ensued over the battle for Riva leadership of New Tims Destiny. She calls it the “road map’’ God gave her

to reach a place of healing and wholeness.

The two-day festival kicks off Jan. 4 at the Midtown Cultural & Education Center.

Gift to community, other authors Author Donna M. Gray Banks is one the organizers of the festival.

Banks is nationally known for her novel, “Ila’s Diamonds,’’ a story about a young African-

American female working for the government during the 1970s and 1980s who finds love but ultimately loses it.

Banks said the F.R.E.S.H. festival was conceived through conversations with other authors who had a different view of the what, where and how a literary festival should be brought into a community.

“But the one thing we all agreed on is that literacy is a legacy and the gift of being able to read will never fail you or your loved ones,”

said Banks.

She said the organizers want to make it possible for self- published authors and authors not published under large publishing companies to get their product out to the public.

Weekend lineup The festival begins Jan. 4 at 7 p.m. with author and poet Milton McCulloch (“A State of Life: Man, Woman, Child’’) along with Please see festival, Page 2

7FOCUS

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DECEMBER 6 - DECEMBER 12, 2012 Reservations are not required.

More information: 386-8225778.

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

Compiled by the Daytona Times Professor to offer poinsettia pointers Dr. Jim Barrett, a University of Florida professor emeritus, will offer tips on poinsettia care

from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 13 in the Volusia County Agricultural Center auditorium, 3100 E. New York Ave. DeLand. He will discuss breeding trials

being conducted on the University of Florida campus, how to care for poinsettias in the landscape, and which varieties grow best in Central Florida.

Annual dance The AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary Post #100 invites the public to its annual Christmas Dance Dec. 15 from 8 p.m. to midnight at the John H. Dickerson Center, 308 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Cost is $10.

Shows at Peabody The Kings of Swing will be at the Peabody Auditorium Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. The Nutcracker Ballet

OLYMPIANS Midtown continues December celebration

will be there Dec. 8 at 2 p.m.

Tickets also are on sale for a Feb. 1 concert featuring The O’Jays.

mation www.SantaHustle.com, 847-829-4538 or visit www.

AdrenalineSportsManagement. com.

Santa Hustle set for Dec. 9 Join Adrenaline Sports Management for its first Santa Hustle in Daytona Beach on Dec. 9. This event features a 5k and half marathon through the streets of Daytona Beach and along the Atlantic Ocean.

The half marathon begins at 9 a.m.; the 5K walk/run at 9:15.

Registration and more infor-

Holiday luncheon for seniors Unified Ministry’s second annual Senior Citizens Christmas Luncheon is Dec. 15 at noon at Mt. Bethel Institutional Church, 700 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. More information: Call Rev. Inez Stafford at 386-2955915.

FESTIVAL

from Page 1

BY Ashley Thomas DAYTONA TIMES

Five-year-old Narae Ivey and dad Hemis Ivey (shown on the front page) were one of the many people who attended the “Light Up Midtown” tree lighting event held Saturday at Daisy Stocking Park. Other events to take place during Midtown’s celebration throughout December include: • A Christmas parade, on Dec. 8 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard between Daytona Mall and Charles Street.

• A step show, Dec. 15 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Daisy Stocking Park.

• A “Christmas in Songs’’ event hosting local choirs and other talents geared toward the holiday spirit, Dec. 22 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Daisy Stocking Park.

2012 Olympics. Hayes also won a gold in the 110-meter hurdles in 2004.

ics. We have to give them a sense of belonging and a sense of respect at a young age.”

Great accomplishment

Education stressed

Felix and Merritt also reflected on their recent Olympic experiences.

“It was a dream come true for me. It was my third time, and I finally won gold. It finally worked out,” stated Felix.

Merritt mentioned,” It was a great experience. It started in the World Championships Indoor in Istanbul and it carried over to the Olympics. I beat the world record holder and Olympic champion. It was great – something I wanted to do and it was great to do it.”

Although they were professional athletes, they stressed the importance of education.

“It’s very important to be dedicated in both. You need to have that degree. I was able to attain mine. I graduated from college. The classroom helps you with your skills in sports,” stressed Merritt.

Felix emphasized, “It’s important to get them at a young age and teach them about winning the right way and about integrity. We get them now they are more likely to go on the right path.”

The children even got to ask the athletes questions and touch a gold medal during the event. At the end, there was a brief autograph section.

“I enjoyed this experience today because it encouraged me to be the best that I can be,’’ said 13-year-old Keara Floyd.

Sananda Muhammad 14, agreed, “This is one of the best experiences of my life. I got to meet people who are overachievers.”

On reaching youth

ASHLEY THOMAS/DAYTONA TIMES

This 25-foot tree brought delight to the faces of young and old alike at it was lit during Daytona Beach’s Midtown event in Daisy Stocking Park on Saturday.

VOTING from Page 1 ty and the District 2 school board seat’s boundaries are on the east side of the county.

Early voting for most residents of the Greater Daytona Beach area usually takes place at the City Island Library, which is about 20 miles from the DeLand elections office.

Racial impact?

Fordham helped to organize a 2,000 student march to the polls during early voting before the Nov. 6 general election.

“To set voting dates beginning Dec. 8 to Dec. 13 does not support a plan to make special election voting convenient for citizens in District 2. This plan comes from the same era as literacy tests and poll taxes – all of which were enacted to prevent colored people from voting,” said Fordham.

He also is concerned that B-CU students who are registered to vote won’t be in town on Dec. 18 for the primary election. The students will be on holiday break at that time.

Fordham also said that when a site or precinct is not accessible, it has a disproportionate racial impact in the district assumed to elect a Black representative.

Slater, Cusack, Wagner respond Slater said she was not aware of a statute that addresses a window to hold

primaries for special elections.

“What I can speak on is the effect the primary election will have based on the early voting date. Although the fixed dates will affect many voters, we remain diligent in our efforts to ensure all registered voters are able to exercise the right to vote by encouraging students and any other voter who will not be in Daytona Beach during the primary elections date to vote absentee ballot,” Slater said.

Volusia County Councilwoman Joyce Cusack, who served on the canvassing board for the general and primary elections, said she was very disappointed when she learned that early voting would only be at the DeLand office.

“I did put it on the record of the canvass board meeting that early voting for the school board should be in Daytona where the voters in that district live. The supervisor stated (early voting) will only happen at the DeLand location. I do not agree with that decision,” Cusack noted.

from Page 1

The athletes also are aware of the importance of reaching out and encouraging kids in the Black community.

“It’s very hard to be a Black male, but if you’re educated you prove a lot of people wrong like I did. You can achieve in life,” expressed Merritt.

Felix added, “It is important to show our kids that there is a different and correct route whether it is sports or academ-

Joshua Wagner is the District 2 representative for the Volusia County Council. If it were his decision, he would have an early voting site open in Daytona Beach.

“I have spoken to many of my constituents and they agree that there should be an early voting site in Daytona Beach for this election. As you know, I am a very strong proponent of early voting and want to make sure all citizens are afforded the opportunity to vote,” he said.

Mayor weighs in Newly elected Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry also weighed in on the issue.

“It is important that we have an early voting location for this critical election and failure to do so during the holiday season – given the propensity for travel – will suppress the voter turnout,” Henry said.

McFall verified to the Daytona Times that the law does not require her office to open up any additional offices for early voting

for special elections. She’s only required to open the main office.

She also told Slater during a conference call that she overspent her budget during the general election and she didn’t have the operating funds to open an early voting site in Daytona.

Slater said McFall stated that there are special elections coming up in other cities in the county. If she opened an early voting site in Daytona Beach, she would have to offer the same service in other cities. Therefore, she is not extending special early voting sites to any cities.

Not cost-effective McFall explained that she once opened up an office for a special election in Holly Hill or Ormond some time ago and no one took advantage of the early voting site.

“This cost her office thousands of dollars so she felt it was not cost-effective and didn’t want to provide that service again,” Slater said.

musical guest artist Anthony Armstrong. Price for the Friday night meet and greet is $20, which includes dinner.

On Jan. 5, the festival will begin at 10 a.m. and continues all day with presentations from authors Janis Kearney (“Conversations: William Jefferson Clinton from Hope to Harlem’’); Judge Hubert Grimes (“How to Keep Your Child From Going to Jail’’); Pastor Tims (“When It All Falls Apart’’); Dr. Irvin Winsboro (“Old South, New South or Down South: Florida and the Modern Civil Rights Movement’’); Dr. Willie Kimmons (“Parenting Guide’’), and Rahiem “TheAuthortainer’’ Brooks (“Laugh Now’’).

Entrance fee into the book festival on Jan. 5 is $3.

There will be other authors from all genres selling their books on Saturday, including Vernelle Nelson, Erma C. Merritt, Michael Beckford, Cynthia Hughes, Andrea Hogan, Johnnie Mae Chavis, Michelle Donice, and Tremayne Moore.

Banks said there’s still space for additional authors and publishing companies to participate.

For more information, contact Banks at freshbookfestivals@gmail. com or call 386-627-4353. Tickets to the festival also can be purchased at the door.

As of Daytona Times’ press time Wednesday night, early voting was still set for Saturday, Dec. 8, in person only in DeLand at the elections office in the courthouse. Early voting continues to Dec. 13 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

All other voters will have to wait until Dec. 18 and vote at their regular precinct.

McFall said 10,000 absentee ballots have been

sent out to voters who have asked that they always receive absentee ballots for all scheduled elections.

McFall expects a low turnout for this election considering the school board race is the only one on the ballot.

A runoff is set for Jan. 15 if no one gets more than half the primary vote.

School board members are elected to four-year terms and earn $34,010 annually.

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GIGANTIC HOLIDAY SALE

DECEMBER 6 - DECEMBER 12, 2012

COMMUNITY M ANEWS YOR

3 7

DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006

Civil rights workers weigh in on Flagler’s school district issues Flagler County Public Schools has failed to pull it together since forewarned in March at a NAACP meeting that the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) would not wait too long before filing a complaint.

Flash forward: On July 24, the SPLC forwarded a letter to the federal Office of Civil Rights (OCR).

The letter in essence was “a complaint filed against Flagler County School District on behalf of African-American students who have been or will be subjected to discriminatory disciplinary removal and disproportionate arrests while attending schools within the District.”

The scenario became the backdrop of a recent meeting of the Flagler County NAACP at the African American Cultural Society.

The SPLC was invited to return with an update on what had transpired.

Attorney Stephanie Langer asserted that the findings to the OCR were based on numbers reported to the state by the district for the academic year 2010-11.

“We took those numbers

Palm Coast

Community news

By Jeroline D. Mccarthy | Daytona Times and said there is a problem. We have about a 16 percent population of African-American students out of the total school population,” said Langer, “and out of that, we have about 35 percent being arrested from school. You have 35 percent being suspended from school and 33 percent being expelled from school. So your kids are being expelled and pushed out of school,” recounted the attorney.

African-American students make up 69 percent of those expelled. They’re penalized for relatively minor and non-violent conduct. Complaints impacting the disciplinary policies were cited by the SPLC for four other school districts – Escambia, Okaloosa, Bay, and Suwannee.

The Flagler County NAACP factored in the complaint

when the SPLC called upon the NAACP Washington Bureau. Jerusha Logan is the chairman for the branch on education.

From students to hiring practices The OCR opened an investigation and will ask the Flagler School District to respond and provide documents, and to take part in a resolution, much like mediation.

“Our ultimate goal is actually to get them to come to the table, which they haven’t done yet,” said Langer.

SPLC Community Youth Advocate Keyontay Humphries reiterated to continue to update her on whether students are still being suspended so information can go up the pipeline to the OCR, letting them know that the problem has yet to

Stephanie Langer is an attorney for the Southern Poverty Law Center and Keyontay Humphries is the Community Youth Advocate. They work out of the Miami office of the Montgomery, Ala.-based civil rights organization. be fixed.

Humphries made clear “...when you teach the administrators about cultural differences, when you teach them about how to support kids with positive behavior in the beginning, instead of always being critical of them after it actually happens, all of these things are areas and models that this community thanks to the NAACP - is aware of.”

Downtown Daytona to celebrate holidays Dec. 15

Flu shots available at health department’s centers

The public is invited to the Home for the Holidays event at Riverfront Park from 1 p.m. -6 p.m.

Dec. 15. Bobby Bosley will serve as the master of ceremonies as performances from the Calvary Christian Praise Band and Choir, the Warner Christian Academy Velvet Blues Marching Band and the 14th Annual Downtown Opry Christmas Reunion, which features Linda Cole, Michael Leone, Shari Frink, Joey Miller, Eddie Uzzle, SASS and other local performers take place.

Other activities will include the Shergren Farms Petting Zoo and Santa’s Workshop. The Home for the Holidays event is free and open to the public.

The festivities will conclude with the 12th Annual Daytona Christmas Boat Parade on the Halifax River beginning at 6:30 p.m. The parade is presented by the Halifax River Yacht Club.

The Volusia County Health Department is offering flu vaccine at its health centers in Daytona Beach, DeLand, New Smyrna Beach and Deltona.

“Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses,” said Dr. Celeste Philip, acting director of the Volusia County Health Department. “It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Getting a flu vaccine is the first and most important step in protecting against this serious disease.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends people get vaccinated against influenza as soon as the 2012-2013 flu season vaccine becomes available in their community. Influenza seasons are unpredictable.

Flu vaccines are offered at all Volusia County Health Department locations The prices are $25, flu; $45, high-dose flu zone (65 and

Moreover, the complaint resonates on hiring Black staff members for Flagler County, said Branch President Linda Sharpe Haywood. The hiring practices are atrocious, and they complain there are budget cuts, and so they’re hiring from within, and you’re not getting the desired results, or the required results.

Black teachers total about 2 percent for elementary school, 4 per-

cent for middle and high school, 15 percent for principals, and 25 percent for assistant principals for the academic year 2011-2012.

“They wouldn’t even allow our kids to have a “Black History Month,” interjected Haywood. “It became ‘Who’s Who in American History’...it’s bad enough you know that the history books do not tell the story of this country appropriately and truthfully, but to take away the ability for those of us who educate the children, and go into the school system during what should have been a ‘Black History’ program, I think was just unacceptable, and I’m going to make sure that it does not happen again...”

••• As always, remember our prayers for the sick, afflicted and bereaved.

Happy Birthday to You! Birthday wishes to: Bert Lightbourne, Jr., Lawrence Wettlin, Dec. 6; Alexis Luckett, Dec. 9; Sunny Delaney, Erica Malloy, Dec. 10.

over); and $65 for pneumonia.

The health department accepts Medicare Part B, non-HMO insurances.

The centers are located at 1845 Holsonback Drive, Daytona Beach; 7171 W. Canal St., New Smyrna Beach; 935 N. Spring Garden Ave., DeLand; and 3151 Howland Blvd., Deltona.

Downtown Daytona to celebrate holidays on Dec. 15 The public is invited to the Home for the Holidays event at Riverfront Park from 1 p.m. -6 p.m. Dec. 15. Bobby Bosley will serve as the master of ceremonies as performances from the Calvary Christian Praise Band and Choir, the Warner Christian Academy Velvet Blues Marching Band and the 14th Annual Downtown Opry Christmas Reunion, which features Linda Cole, Michael Leone, Shari Frink, Joey Miller, Eddie Uzzle, SASS and other local performers take place.

Other activities will include the Shergren Farms Petting Zoo and Santa’s Workshop. The Home for the Holidays event is free and open to the public.

The festivities will conclude with the 12th Annual Daytona Christmas Boat Parade on the Halifax River beginning at 6:30 p.m. The parade is presented by the Halifax River Yacht Club.

Publix is the real deal.

With all the claims of low prices and great values, which grocery store really does offer you the most? Bottom line, it’s Publix. No gimmicks. No come-ons. Just straight-up savings that will help keep your grocery budget in check. Go to publix.com/save right now to make plans to save this week.

LOVE TO SHOP HERE. LOVE TO SAVEHERE.

7 EDITORIAL

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DECEMBER 6 - DECEMBER 12, 2012

‘Playing the numbers’ hurts the poor I remember when I was about 7 or 8 years of age, the two elderly ladies who lived downstairs from my family would give me a ladies’ handkerchief tied in a knot with some coins and a piece of paper inside.

They would have me walk up the street and give it to another lady about two or three times a week.

Of course, I would get a piece of candy or a nickel for doing so. Little did I know at the time that I was “playing the numbers” for them.

Fast forward to the early 1970s, I believe, when the states began commandeering the numbers racket, primarily run in Black neighborhoods, and turned an illegal activity into a legal game of chance, called the Lottery, which has evolved into what I call the “Lootery.”

Remember the dream book The few coins in the handkerchief and the hopes of winning $25 or so have changed to monthly shell-outs of hundreds of dollars by individuals with hopes of winning millions of dollars.

The only thing that has not changed among many Black folks is the dream book that tells what number to play if you happen to dream about death, or the sky, or a trip, or a meal, or a new job, or a car, or a truck, or the devil, or God, or you name it. Whatever the

JAMES CLINGMAN NNPA COLUMNIST

dream, there was a corresponding number attached to it.

The recent $580 million Powerball jackpot, the largest in history, was the craze of new wave “Lootery” players. Some folks spent hundreds and thousands of dollars on 1 chance in 175 million to win all that money.

Finally on Thursday morning, Nov. 29, millions of people were tearing up their worthless tickets as their dreams of winning the prize were dashed. The “Lootery” had gotten them again.

‘Lootery’ always win In general, the “Lootery” has become a legalized frenzy of transferring hard-earned dollars mostly from those who can least afford it, to high-salaried “Lootery” directors and others who just love it when those balls start dropping through the tubes. They always win, no matter which numbers come out. Sure, some of the money goes to schools, but where is the benefit when it comes to our children receiving a better education?

In general, the “Lootery” is just another regressive tax.

Here’s my solution to making the Powerball “Lootery” at least a bit more palatable and the chances of winning a bit higher. When the total gets to $100 million, let the drawing be for 10 winners of $10 million each. As the pot increases, the individual amounts for the 10 winners increase proportionately.

My point is this: If we are going to have $500 million as a prize, why not intentionally spread that prize to more people. I would love to see 10 winners of $50 million, or even 100, $5 million winners, rather than one winner, or even two splitting a $500 million pot. Think about that when you’re standing in the next line of “Lootery” hopefuls and dreamers.

Who knows? Maybe there can be some changes made in how the prize money is allocated, and you will have a better chance of winning. Oh yeah, remember a brother when you hit.

Jim Clingman, founder of the Greater Cincinnati AfricanAmerican Chamber of Commerce, is the nation’s most prolific writer on economic empowerment for Black people. He is an adjunct professor at the University of Cincinnati and can be reached through his website, blackonomics.com. Click on this story at www.daytonatimes.com to write your own response.

’Tis the season to be careful Okay, I’ll admit it. I am truly the Grinch who wanted to steal Christmas.

It takes me until about Dec. 23 to get in the spirit, and I only feel obligated to find gifts for children and close family.

I like to give, which is why I share with a few charities that are close to me. I like to connect, which is why I have a greeting card ritual. But all this crazy frenzy after Thanksgiving, before Christmas sale stuff truly repels me. And while I don’t want to put a damper on anybody’s sprit, I want to say that this is the season to be careful.

After all, we live in a consumeroriented society. When we spend, other people get paid. When we spend other people are blessed.

The average American will spend about $900 this year on Christmas gifts and toys, but that means that half will spend more.

‘Tis the season to be careful.

Be careful of charities Some of the biggest scams come from charities. They will reach you through email, snail mail, and even text mail. They may ask for a little or a lot.

You’ve got to ask where your money is going. Some organizations take as much as 80 percent of your gift, which means that the people you want to help get just 20 percent of your money.

DR. JULIANNE MALVEAUX TRICEEDNEYWIRE.COM

Before you send a penny, ask the right questions. Too many charities lean on this time of year to make their money, but if the whole truth is told, they are really leaning on this time of year to make a living.

Another scam is the garbled name scam. You may think you are giving to a worthy program, such as the Police Athletic League, only to find that you are giving to the non-registered Police Athletic Program. You may think you are giving to an African-American cause, only to find that a garbled name takes you someplace else.

Give with head Americans want to give, and African-Americans are among the most generous, based on the percent of income we give. But give with your head and not with your heart, and ask solicitors important questions.

One of the other scams is the sale scam. If you buy it now, you will get a sale that will never, ever, in your lifetime be replicated. Retailers are playing on your greed and your panic. If you take your

time, you might find an even better deal. And if seems too good to be true, it is.

Scruffy little children will come to your door this time of year, asking for money for their church, for magazine subscriptions, for all form of causes. You may want to slip the child a few pennies, but please know they aren’t going to make more than that with the magazine subscription scam, or with the church solicitation.

I suppose I am the Grinch because I am dismayed that our holiday season that supposedly celebrates the birth of the Christ child has turned into a commercial orgy with people shopping for a full five weeks.

It has also turned into a solicitation orgy with almost every organization you have ever known asking for end of year contribution. In the middle of all this drama, the purpose of the holiday is swallowed.

I hope that we will all remember and embrace the meaning of Christmas and not the crassness of consumerism.

Julianne Malveaux is a Washington, D.C.-based economist and writer. She is president emerita of Bennett College for Women in Greensboro, N.C. Click on this story at www.daytonatimes.com to write your own response.

Reforming the GED exam may help unemployed As our economy steadily improves and we look ahead to the next four years, it’s time to turn our attention to solving the intractable problem of long-term unemployment.

Reforming the General Educational Development exam – better known as the GED – is one of the most promising pathways to getting this done.

More than 5 million workers have been unemployed for more than six months, casting a long shadow on our country’s improving job numbers. Even worse, a growing segment of these individuals may never find a job, not because of any moral failing on their part but because they lack the necessary credentials for work in a post-industrial economy.

Now consider nearly 40 million adults in this country do not have a high school diploma or a GED. And that 54 percent of these adults are out of the workforce. Improving the GED, if made a national priority, would help reclaim this important segment of our prospective workforce. The White House can and should take the lead in examining this link between jobs, job readiness, and educational attainment.

WADE HENDERSON NNPA GUEST COLUMNIST

needs to be addressed.

To transcend this, the GED test is being reformed into a more rigorous credential aligned with college-and career-ready standards – but this reform also comes with a steep price increase for test takers.

This is a real problem; an improved GED is no use to those who cannot afford to take it.

Reform needs to also include improving GED preparation programs. This means an expansion of accessible sites for preparation and testing, including in the nation’s prisons, and a hard look at the quality of teaching available to students.

Finally, meaningful reform would further develop the GED exam as a pipeline program for workforce development and educational advancement.

No answer is simple, but if we want to build a solid economic foundation for our nation, we must ensure that no one is excluded from our national educational priorities.

double burden: once students stop pursuing education, the education system stops pursuing them. For all intents and purposes, nearly a million students disappear from our education system without a trace each year.

Ignoring these potential students and workers is a gross moral miscalculation that also has significant economic consequences for the nation. Our system essentially relegates them to road-kill on life’s super-highway.

So what would education reform that included these individuals look like?

Such reform would need to significantly increase the number of people who pursue and pass the GED test. Each year, the number of Wade Henderson is the presiGEDs awarded is less than half the dent and CEO of The Leadership number of high school dropouts, so Conference on Civil and Human the population without a secondRights, a coalition of more than ary credential continues to grow.

200 national organizations to promote and protect the rights of A stigma? all persons in the United States.

Dropping out a burden Currently, having a GED has Click on this story at www.dayUnder our current education nearly as much stigma as dropping tonatimes.com to write your own system, dropping out presents a out. This perception is unfair and response.

VISUAL VIEWPOINT: BUDGET NEGOTIATIONS

Eric Allie, Caglecartoons.com

Fed chair: Communities of color must be part of recovery In a recent speech before the Operation HOPE Global Financial Dignity Summit in Atlanta, Ben Bernanke, chairman of the Federal Reserve, warned that the current housing recovery is leaving communities of color behind.

In his remarks, he acknowledged that racial discrimination in housing persists despite federal fair housing laws and the Community Reinvestment Act. “Two types of discrimination continue to have particular significance to mortgage markets.” said Bernanke. “One is redlining, in which mortgage lenders discriminate against minority neighborhoods, and the other is pricing discrimination, in which lenders charge minorities higher loan prices than they would to comparable non-minority borrowers.”

Dr. King’s legacy He added, “I am reminded here that fair treatment in housing was a significant focus of Dr. [Martin Luther] King’s and the Fair Housing Act of 1968 – still one of the nation’s cornerstone laws to prohibit discrimination – was passed only a week after his assassination and stands among his legacies.”

Despite that historic legislation, from 2004 to 2012 AfricanAmerican homeownership fell more than double that for other racial groups, and the number of home-purchase loans among African-Americans and Hispanics dropped more than 65 percent. By comparison, lending to non-Hispanic Whites fell during these same years less than 50 percent.

Nationwide, the current homeownership rate stands at a 15-year low.

The Fed chairman’s conclusions underscore recent independent housing research by the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL).

The report titled, “Collateral Damage: The Spillover Costs of Foreclosures,’’ measures losses in property values suffered by families who live near foreclosed homes.

CRL found that among the 10.9 million homes that went into foreclosure between 2007 and 2011, more than half of the “spillover” costs were borne by African-American and Latino families – a loss amounting to

Charlene Crowell NNPA FINANCIAL WRITER

approximately $1 trillion.

Gaps in literacy While Chairman Bernanke called for consumers to become more financially informed, CRL cautions that efforts to strengthen consumer education should never substitute for fair policies.

There will always be gaps in financial literacy, but sound policies can help ensure better and more sustainable opportunities for families to build wealth.

Now, while the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) moves towards finalizing key mortgage reforms, CRL has publicly posed an important question: How will these policies affect homeownership opportunities for lower- and middle-income families who bore the brunt of the recent crisis?

Consumers concerned about these issues can stay informed and join the ongoing conversation on Twitter. CRL encourages Twitter users to participate in a growing online advocacy effort to fight for fair and affordable homeownership at www.homeville.us.

Once joining the Homeville community, be sure to use the hash tag #Homeville to encourage others to speak up about mortgages and homeownership.

In coming months, CFPB regulatory actions can become an opportunity to correct the multiple ills wrought by lending abuses and lax financial regulation.

As Chairman Bernanke said, “Our recovery must be broadly felt to be complete, and families and communities that were already struggling before the crisis must be included in that recovery.”

Charlene Crowell is a communications manager with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at Charlene.crowell@responsiblelending.org. Click on this story at www.daytonatimes. com to write your own response.

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Wildcats too much for Stetson Hatters Wildcats with 21 points against UNF. The Ladies hosted Edward Waters College on Tuesday.

BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES butleramj@yahoo.com

Bethune-Cookman snapped a three-game losing streak by crushing I-4 rival Stetson 86-63 in front of 2,269 fans at Moore Gymnasium on Monday.

The Wildcats used a stifling defense while their athleticism and speed was too much for the bigger Hatters squad.

“It’s a good win. We beat a talented team that had an off night. Our defense really helped us as well,” responded Gravelle Craig, B-CU’s head basketball coach.

Adrien Coleman led BCU with 29 points, eight rebounds and five steals.

“Our defense ignited our offense tonight. Playing good defense allowed us to get things offensively out in transition,” commented Coleman.

The home team has now won the last eight games in the series between the two schools. The Hatters still lead the all-time series 19-6 but B-CU has now defeated Stetson four straight times at home.

Too many turnovers The Wildcats (3-6) shot 65.3 percent from the field, which is their best since Feb. 5, 2000, when they shot 60.3 percent in a 94-75 win over Maryland Eastern Shore.

Stetson (2-4) never could get any momentum going and was plagued by 19 turnovers.

A three-point play by Coleman gave B-CU a 3013 lead with 8:31 to play in the first half.

B-CU had its biggest lead

Bowling: Lady Wildcats split

KIM GIBSON/DAYTONA TIMES

B-CU Coach Brian Jenkins, front left, holds up with No. 1 sign with others after the Wildcats defeated Florida A&M in November at the Florida Classic in Orlando. Jenkins was named American Football Coaches Association’s Region 2 Football Championship Series Coach of the Year. He also was named a finalist this week for the top coaching job at Southern University.

B-CU ROUNDUP at 42-17 after a three by Kevin Dukes with 2:46 to go in the half.

Javoris Bryant’s jumper put the Wildcats up 4420 with 1:24 remaining in the half. Bryant also finished with a career high 17 points.

“I’m just trying to get healthy. This is the healthiest that I have been all season. I was in position where I could knock down some shots,” said Bryant.

Weber, UCF next The Hatters got back within 14 twice in the second half, the last when Aaron Graham converted two

free throws with 9:45 to play.

Adam Pegg led Stetson with 17 points while Graham added 12. Paul Scotland added 15 points and Dukes 13 for B-CU. The Wildcats were without Ricky Johnson, Mikel Trapp and Myron Repress, who all sat out nursing injuries.

B-CU came into the game on the heels of a loss to archrival Florida A&M to open MEAC play.

In that game, Coleman had 17 points and Alex Smith 13 for B-CU. The Wildcats will host Weber International on Dec. 8 and travel to Orlando to face the University of Central Florida on Dec. 12.

Honors for Jenkins Coach Brian Jenkins has been named American Football Coaches Association Region 2 Football Championship Series Coach of the Year.

Jenkins led the Wildcats to a 9-3 overall record and an 8-0 record in the MEAC. B-CU won the MEAC title and made the FCS playoffs.

In three seasons, he has compiled a 27-8 record, 213 MEAC mark, two MEAC titles and two playoff appearances at B-CU. He also was named MEAC Coach of the Year a week earlier. It was his second time winning that honor.

Jenkins is also a finalist for the Eddie Robinson award, which is given to the top coach in the FCS ranks.

Lady Wildcats drop two A slow start doomed Bethune-Cookman in a 66-43 loss to the University of Central Florida 66-43 on Dec. 2.

Terreneshia Hollis had 11 points while Amanda Hairston had nine with eight boards for B-CU against UCF. The Ladies also suffered a heartbreaking 56-55 loss to the University of North Florida 56-55 on Nov. 28.

Chastity Taylor led the

B e t h u n e - C o o k m a n ’s women’s bowling team went 4-4 at the second Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Southern Divisional in Chesapeake, Virginia from Dec. 1-2.

The 18th ranked Wildcats got great performances from Staci Hilliard (205 average), Natalee Armstrong (202) and Felecia Baker (201).

Both Hilliard and Armstrong represented B-CU on the All-Tournament team.

The Ladies will next bowl at the Kutztown Invitational in Ready, Pennsylvania from Jan. 25-27.

Baseball: Wildcats release schedule B-CU released its 2013 baseball schedule on Monday.

The Wildcats will play 20 of their 55 games at Jackie Robinson Ballpark in downtown Daytona.

B-CU’s schedule also features seven teams that went to the NCAA Tournament and seven teams that finished ranked in the Top 40 a year ago.

The Wildcats also will face powerhouse Florida, Miami and Arizona State.

They open the season at Arizona State from Feb. 15-17. B-CU will play its first home game on Feb. 19 against the University of North Florida.

Warner Christian’s title hopes ended

Wyatt Peck/Wyatt Peck Photography

University Christian’s Chase Moody (5) is brought down by Warner Christian’s James Paytas (13) and other defenders in the Class 2A state semi-final last week.

Jeremiah Hamlin ran for 114 yards and scored three touchdowns – including two critical fourth-quarter touchdown runs – to help Jacksonville University Christian beat Warner Christian 26-21 in the Class 2A semifinals.

The game was a defensive battle with big offensive plays sprinkled throughout, but the Jacksonville Christians made the most plays with a bruising running game.

“They were bigger up front, especially on the defensive side. They had more depth with most of their guys didn’t have to play both ways. I am very proud of our kids fight and effort,” responded Steve Allen, Warner’s coach.

Hamlin broke several tackles for 66-yard touchdown to give University a 20-14 lead with 8:00 remaining. He added a four-

VOLUSIA COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL REVIEW yard score with 2:20 left making it 26-14.

Warner (11-2) got within 26-21 with 2:05 remaining when Drew Eckles found Khalil Hicks from 25 yards out.

“They stopped our running game and we had some big play opportunities in the passing game but didn’t cash in. They got a lot of pressure on us in passing situations,” commented Allen.

The Eagles failed to recover the onside kick but their defense held, giving them one last chance. A sack and fumble on Eckles two seconds left sealed it.

University (12-1) struck first when Marquis Haynes blocked a punt and Hamlin recovered the ball in the end zone. A two-point conversion made it 8-0.

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“We thought it was 12 men on the field on that play. We yelled it, but the official had other things going on. You are at their mercy on the call, but University made a big play,” said Allen.

Big plays Marcus Dixon broke for a 99-yard touchdown run with 11:20 to play in the second quarter to get Warner within 8-7.

“They loaded up the box on us tonight. It wasn’t much running room. It hurts that my high school career ends like this. I love my teammates and coaches,” said Dixon.

Hussein Howe’s sevenyard second quarter score put the Jacksonville Christians up 14-7.

Bentlee Critcher took over Warner’s ensuing drive by making some spectacular catches. The drive ended with a 13-yard touchdown pass from Eckles to Critcher tying the game a 14.

“We put together a good drive, I asked for the ball and they got it to me. I was suffering for cramps throughout the game. It hurts to lose and end my career. I am glad that I made the transition to come here,” stated Critcher.

Critcher finished with five catches for 117 yards, Eckles threw for 158 yards and Dixon had 111 rushing yards with a touchdown for Warner.

The Eagles got big defensive plays from John Harris, Damaris Tillmon and James Paytas.

Howe added 109 rushing yards and Tim Betros threw for 101 yards and ran for 36 for University.

University will play Miami Dade Christian for the Class 2A state on Dec. 7.

Mainland run ends too Mainland fell to Naples 4114 in the Class 6A Regional finals.

The Buccaneers’ scores came on an 83-yard touchdown pass from Cameron Hadley to David White and a nine-yard run from Anthony Ludovico.

Hadley threw for 158 yards and ran for another

52 while Stephen Bostick ran for 82 yards for Mainland.

Manny Morgan ran for 222 yards while Kelton Anderson ran for 109 with three touchdowns and threw for another score for the Naples Golden Eagles.

Naples will host Miami Northwestern in the state semifinals next week.

Girls basketball: Atlantic to face Lopez Father Lopez and Atlantic high schools will play in the Battle of the Best in the ICI Center at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University on Dec. 10.

Both teams are ranked in the state polls and expected to compete for state titles.

Atlantic has University of Florida commit Ronni Williams while Lopez has George Washington commit Shannon Crenshaw, Southern Miss commit Ashley Folsom and Liberty commit Simone Brown.

Tip off is at 7 p.m. and admission is $5. For tickets contact Mrs. Cindy Golk at Atlantic, 386-322-6100.

Prep Sports Seven Football (final) 1. *New Smyrna (9-1), 2. *Warner (11-2), 3. *Mainland (9-4), 4. *DeLand (65), 5. Flagler Palm Coast (6-4), 6. *Atlantic (8-3), 7. *Trinity (7-4). *denotes playoff team

Basketball scores Girls: 1. Father Lopez (60), 2. Atlantic (5-1), 3. DeLand (6-0), 4. Flagler Palm Coast (4-1), 5. Seabreeze (21), 6. Trinity (4-3), 7. Spruce Creek (2-4). Others: Warner (1-1), Calvary (1-1).

New Smyrna (3-6). University (1-2) Boys: 1. Father Lopez (30), 2. New Smyrna (4-1), 3.

Flagler Palm Coast (4-2), 4.

Mainland (1-2), 5. DeLand (2-2), 6. Spruce Creek (21), 7. Halifax (2-1). Others: Pine Ridge (2-1), University (2-2), Calvary (2-2), Trinity (1-2), Atlantic (1-2).

Note: Records are of Dec. 3 at 5 p.m.

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