Tamela Mann coming to Daytona SEE PAGE 3
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REV. JESSE JACKSON: Ban of assault weapons once had bipartisan support SEE PAGE 4
ALPHAS WORSHIP AT PALM COAST CHURCH SEE PAGE 3
East Central Florida’s Black Voice DECEMBER 17 - DECEMBER 23, 2015
YEAR 40 NO. 51
www.daytonatimes.com
Merchants losing power, patience with road project Orange Avenue project called ‘slow and sloppy’ DAYTONA TIMES STAFF CHARLES W. CHERRY II / DAYTONA TIMES
On Oct. 30, an AT&T repair worker held the telephone line to 623 Orange Ave. that was shredded during the infrastructure repair project. There was little construction activity noted on the day he repaired the line.
Since construction began on Orange Avenue last year, business owners in the area have complained about the lack of access to
their establishments and the loss of revenue they’ve suffered. The City of Daytona Beach’s $17.6 million project began in June 2014 as an effort to optimize the quality of life and the economic development potential of Midtown through improved infrastructure. According to an update
on the project, the roadway’s base and surface will be rebuilt; new water, sewer and drainage systems installed; traffic signalization and street lighting will be upgraded; sidewalks widened from 4 to 6 feet; and utilities buried. The project was initially expected to be completed next summer.
However, local residents and business owners continue to complain that the project isn’t just slow. It’s also sloppy. The Rev. Derrick Harris, owner of Cut Masters Barber Shop, has been one of the most vocal and has complained at Daytona Beach City Commission Please see ORANGE, Page 2
Documentary takes a close look at life in Midway DAYTONA TIMES STAFF
‘Jingle Bell Rock’ and so much more City hosts holiday health fair, concert
Above: Singer Leroy Robinson hangs out with officers from the Daytona Beach police and fire departments.
Local residents seeking a way to get into the Christmas spirit found it the evening of Dec. 12 at Daytona Beach’s Daisy Stocking Park. The City of Daytona Jingle Bell Rock concert included holiday music and a chance for residents to mingle and be jolly. The event included representatives from the Daytona Bach fire and police departments as well as city leaders. Earlier that day, there was a Light Up Midtown Health Fair, sponsored by the city in partnership with the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County. The health fair included screenings, children’s activities as well as cooking demonstrations and dance fitness demos.
Right: Creamy Hayes plays the saxophone. PHOTOS BY DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./ HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY. COM
A documentary is in the works that explores Daytona Beach’s African-American community. The film will include a community forum that took place on Dec. 12 featuring longtime Daytona Beach educators, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and a local historian. The project is the brainchild of longtime Daytona Beach resident Percy Williamson, who is presenting the documentary in partnership with Daytona State College WDSC TV 15. Williamson also is director of Leisure Services for the City of Daytona Beach. Williamson said the documentary was inspired by the 1943 Gordon Parks photo exhibit titled “Midway, A Portrait of a Daytona Beach Neighborhood, 1943.’’ The exhibit is currently on display at the Yvonne Scarlet-Golden Cultural and Educational Center, 1000 Vine Street. The exhibit, which began on Sept. 11, ends Jan. 15. The images are on loan from the permanent collection of the Southeast Museum of Photography on the campus of Daytona State College.
‘Riveting’ discussion On Dec. 12, Williamson moderated a live taping of the community forum titled “Beyond Midway – The Evolution of An African American Neighborhood.’’ During the forum, panelists discussed various issues relating to Midway, including the culture, education, achievements and challenges. The proposed airing of the documentary is February 2016 on WDSC TV 15. The filming included a live studio audience who contributed questions to the panel. Panelists included Attorney Charles W. Cherry III, Esq., publisher of the Daytona Times and Florida Courier; James Daniels, a Please see MIDWAY, Page 2
B-CU graduates 246 students; honors civil rights martyrs DAYTONA TIMES STAFF
History was made by BethuneCookman University (B-CU) on Dec. 12 when 246 students were bestowed 246 degrees during the fall commencement. It was the university’s largest ever fall graduating class. The graduation was made even more special with the bestowing of four honorary doctorate degrees, which included posthumous honors for civil rights martyrs Harry T. and Harriette Moore. On Christmas night 1951, the Moores had just gone to bed at
ALSO INSIDE
their home in Mims when a bomb exploded – on their 25th wedding anniversary. Harry Moore was killed instantly. His wife, Harriette, died nine days later. Drapher “Skip’’ Pagan Jr., the grandson of the Moores, accepted the degrees and the President’s Medallion for his family. The Moores both were graduates of then-Bethune-Cookman College and had two daughters, Annie and Juanita, who also received their degrees from the school. B-CU stated that the Moores were honored “for their impact on the nation, the State of Florida
and this immediate community.’’
Trustees honored Dr. Bob Billingslea, an influential Walt Disney executive, also was honored. He spent 43 years with Disney and continues to serve as an advisor to Disney and other organizations. Dr. Terry Prather, former executive at SeaWorld Orlando, was this year’s commencement speaker and also received an honorary doctorate degree. Prather shared nuggets about some of his personal struggles and encouraged students to remember three key things – family, focus and faith. Billingslea and Prather both are members of B-CU’s board of trustees.
COURTESY OF JOHN REEVES/B-CU
Dec. 12 was a reason for big smiles from this group of graduates. They received degrees from B-CU during the fall commencement at the Mary McLeod Bethune Performing Arts Center.
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