Flagler couple hosts inspirational ‘Third Watch’ SEE PAGE 3
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JULIANNE MALVEAUX: Why Jannie Ligons is the woman of the year SEE PAGE 4
THE LINKS PRESENT CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY AFFAIR SEE PAGE 3
East Central Florida’s Black Voice DECEMBER 24 - DECEMBER 30, 2015
YEAR 40 NO. 52
www.daytonatimes.com
B-CU provost named president of Virginia HBCU Dr. Makola Abdullah was chosen as 14th leader of Virginia State University. BY PENNY DICKERSON DAYTONA TIMES news@daytonatimes.com COURTESY OF B-CU
Dr. Edison Jackson, president of Bethune-Cookman University, honors Dr. Makola Abdullah, right, at B-CU’s fall commencement on Dec. 12.
When Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU) conferred more than 220 degrees at its fall commencement ceremony on Dec. 12, students
were not the only legacy symbols to leave the historical institution. President Edison O. Jackson also announced that Provost Makola Abdullah would transition to serve as the 14th president of Virginia State University in Petersburg, Va. Prior to joining B-CU, Abdullah was provost and vice president at Florida Memorial University. He also spent a 15 years at Florida A&M University, where he most recently served as the dean and director of the
1890 Land Grant Programs in the College of Engineering Sciences, Technology and Agriculture. “It is a pleasure to announce Virginia State University’s next president and one of my dear colleagues. Dr. Abdullah has done tremendous work here at BCU and I am confident in his ability to lead Virginia State University,” said Jackson.
Credit to Jackson Abdullah is the 10th leader that has moved on
to a presidency under Jackson’s mentorship and the second from B-CU. Dr. Dwaun Warmack, a former B-CU vice president, was named the 19th president at Harris-Stowe University in 2014. Abdullah credits Jackson’s mentorship as one of the main reasons he has this opportunity. “I was able to openly share my career aspirations with President Jackson. He was always welPlease see PROVOST, Page 2
Cocoa pastor to speak at New Smyrna’s MLK banquet BY PENNY DICKERSON DAYTONA TIMES news@daytonatimes.com
The Light Up Midtown Senior Prom was open to local seniors 55 and older. VITAS Healthcare was the signature sponsor for the event.
A senior prom for, well, real seniors Dr. Cleo Higgins, center, is named prom queen. She was escorted to the prom by Mr. and Mrs. Redd. PHOTOS BY DUANE C. FERNANDEZ/ HARDNOTTS PHOTOGRAPHY. COM
Daytona holiday event attracts hundreds to Midtown center DAYTONA TIMES STAFF
H
undreds of area seniors stepped out for an evening of fun that’s usually celebrated during the teen years. The Midtown Cultural and Educational Center in Daytona Beach was the scene of the Light Up Midtown Senior Prom on Dec. 18 sponsored by VITAS Healthcare in partnership with the City of Daytona Beach. Many of the 275-plus in attendance had never attended a prom. For others, it had been a long time since they had an evening out, according to Charles J. Bryant, the city’s Redevelopment Project Manager. The prom was open to residents 55 and older. Bryant said the evening included a night of dinner, dancing, perforPlease see PROM, Page 2
From Ghana to Jamaica, here’s how African cultures celebrate Christmas BY MARTIN JOHNSON THE ROOT
Some of the Christmas celebrations around the world resemble those everywhere, with food, family and good times. Others are quite different, and some don’t even take place Dec. 25. Here’s a look at how the holiday season is celebrated by African cultures across the globe.
South Africa Christmas occurs during the dog days of summer in South Africa (summer occurs from midOctober to mid-February there), so it’s often a time for vacations
ALSO INSIDE
and barbecues. The Christmas dinner typically consists of turkey and, in a nod to the country’s British colonial heritage, plum pudding.
Jamaica Dried fruit marinating in crocks of rum is a sure sign of the approaching holiday in Jamaica. The fruit is then used to create a pudding that is an offshoot of English plum pudding. The holiday cuisine also features pork slow roasted and garnished with fruit; rice and peas, which are ofJOHN VAN BEEKUM/MIAMI HERALD/TNS ten called “a coat of arms’’; along Friends and family join hands to share Kwanzaa blessings with plantains, roasted pineap- some years ago before eating special dishes prepared by Please see CELEBRATE, Page 2 Maisie McNaught at her home in Miami Gardens.
“Honoring Our Past, Celebrating Our Future’’ is the apt theme for the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Banquet to be hosted by the Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church on Jan. 17 at 6 p.m. The commemorative event is scheduled to take place at the Babe James Center, 201 N. Myrtle Ave., New Smyrna Beach. The individual purchase of a $20 ticket offers attendees a gourmet meal and keynote address by the Rev. Odell Watson, senior pastor of Mt. Rev. Odell Moriah A.M.E. Watson Church in Cocoa. Watson currently serves as the president of the Daytona Beach District Ministerial Alliance and is affiliated with the African Methodist Episcopal church in various capacities including dean of the Orlando District Board of Examiners and member of the Central Conference Board of Examiners.
Teacher of preachers Additionally, Watson has taught biblical survey and church leadership courses to first-year ministerial candidates as well as serving on the 11th Episcopal District’s Board of Christian EdPlease see BANQUET, Page 2
Reconstruction project impacts City Hall too The City of Daytona Beach has experienced its own problems relating to the reconstruction of Orange Avenue after a water main was severed. According to sources, workers for Thadcon Construction, the project’s general contractor, accidentally cut the water supply to City Hall on Tuesday, leaving toilets inoperable. The Daytona Times has been reporting about problems relating to the project since it started in 2014. 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. In last week’s issue, the Times reported about residential water lines being severed and telephone lines being cut. Read the Daytona Times next week for more on the construction project.
COMMENTARY: REV. JESSE JACKSON: LEADERS PROVIDE VISION, NOT DIVISION | PAGE 4 LIFESTYLES: HOW HOLIDAY SHOPPING TRADITIONS VARY WITH EACH GENERATION | PAGE 5
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DECEMBER 24 – DECEMBER 30, 2015
PROM
from Page 1 mances by local groups and crowning of the prom queen (Dr. Cleo Higgins, age 92) and the prom king (Mr. Joseph Valentine, age 90). Although this was the first Light Up Midnight Senior Prom, there are plans to continue it.
How idea originated
Some members of the Daytona Beach Chapter of The Links gather around to honor Mrs. Larry Ruth Hyde, a chapter charter member (seated). Left to right: Dr. Robenia Gary, Jessie Childs, Dianne Ross, Vicki Presley, Barbara Blossom, Celestine Hinson, Ekecia Taylor, Esquire, Gloria Fordham and Donna Tucker.
BRIEFS The Links host Christmas Holiday Affair The Daytona Beach Chapter of the Links, Inc., recently held a holiday party at LPGA International in Daytona Beach. The Christmas Holiday Affair was a festive evening of dinner and dancing with family and Lucy Bell, chapter president, welcomed the guests and extended holiday greetings to all. Ken Moore of Orlando provided the music and entertainment for the evening. The Daytona Beach Chapter, chartered in 1958, has members in Flagler, St. Johns and Volusia counties. The chapter provides community service to local schools, organizations and government agencies in the tri-county area. Through the Rising Stars Program, a program for high school juniors and seniors, and the Sepia Fashion Revue featuring the Vogue-Esquire Models of Chicago, The Links raise funds to give annual scholarships to high school seniors. The chapter also donates annually to the scholarship fund at Bethune-Cookman University. The Links is an international organization of approximately 255 chapters whose mission is to provide service to people of African ancestry. The chapters provide service to the various communities through their program committees.
Beach Safety Ocean Rescue receives state honor Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue has been named
the 2015 Beach Patrol of the Year, the highest honor given by the Florida Beach Patrol Chiefs Association. The award will be presented during the association’s annual awards banquet in Daytona Beach in March. Beach Safety Ocean Rescue – which has 71 full-time employees and 228 part-time, seasonal employees – includes lifeguards, beach safety specialists, senior lifeguards, supervisors and administrative staff. It was selected from 36 eligible organizations based on goals and objectives, employment requirements, physical and skill testing, training requirements, public safety education, special events, and contributions to ocean lifesaving. “I am extremely proud of all the men and women who make up our division,” said Beach Safety Director Mark Swanson. “This is a prestigious award that is presented only to agencies that demonstrate and deliver superior services at many different levels on the beach throughout the year.” Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue patrols 47 miles of the county’s beaches, making ocean rescues and enforcing beach laws and regulations. Lifeguards rescued 1,893 persons from the surf in 2015. In August, the division hosted the Nautica USLA National Lifeguard Championships, which attracted more than 1,200 competitors from across the nation. Volusia County placed third in the national competition. Staff members also took part in 57 community outreach events and co-hosted the Daytona Beach Half Marathon, the Surfers for Autism event, and the Living Legends Parade. Nearly 400 children ages 9 to 15 took part in the division’s Junior
Lifeguard Program this summer, learning about lifesaving techniques, water safety and beach ecology. The Florida Beach Chiefs Association was formed in 1983 to promote professionalism within Florida’s ocean lifesaving agencies.
Palm Coast’s tree recycling event is Jan. 9 Mark your calendars for the Palm Coast holiday tradition that preserves the environment and beautifies our city – the annual Christmas Tree Recycling Event on Saturday, Jan. 9. Recycle your Christmas tree and receive a free three-gallon evergreen tree in exchange at the city’s ninth annual Christmas Tree Recycling Event. The event will be 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Palm Coast Fuel Depot, 22 Utility Drive. DVD and CD players, keyboards, old wires, cell phones, Christmas tree lights, Styrofoam and used gift wrap will also be accepted for recycling. No TVs, microwaves, or computer monitors will be accepted. All trees donated for recycling will be ground and used as mulch to beautify the parks and trails across Palm Coast. “It helps the environment and saves the city and our residents money by us not having to purchase as much mulch for projects,” said Palm Coast Urban Forester Carol Mini. “There are residents who come out year after year for their free tree to plant in their yard.” Residents should remove all decorations, lights, tinsel and ornaments from trees prior to donation. Local Girl Scouts will assist and will accept some recycled materials. For more information, contact Carol Mini at 386-986-3722.
Bryant said he came up with the idea of the senior prom after visiting his hometown of Baldwin. “I went to visit with a lady in my old neighborhood who helped raise me when I resided there. Two of her daughters who live with her, ages 65 and older, were there and the three of them were shelling peas. They began to talk about the senior prom they had recently and how they enjoyed it so much,” he related to the Daytona Times. Bryant later explained his vision with Shanda NoblesMilton, general manager of VITAS Healthcare. “After presenting my concept to Mrs. Nobles-Milton, she loved the idea and said that VITAS Healthcare would be the signature sponsor. From that, the Light Up Midtown Committee began meeting and the committee members came up with other ideas
BANQUET from Page 1
ucation, Central Conference statistician and chair of the Central Conference Evangelism committee. The parallels between Dr. King and Rev. Watson begin with their penchant for academic excellence. At age 15, King passed the exam for early entry into Morehouse College prior to entering seminary.
PROVOST from Page 1
coming and offered wisdom to help me achieve the ultimate goal,” said Abdullah. “It has been a privilege to work under his tutelage.”
Standout among 200 A Chicago native, Abdullah earned his bachelor’s degree from Howard University followed by a Master of Science and Ph.D. from Northwestern University. Upon graduation from Northwestern University, he was recognized as the youngest African-American to ever receive a Ph.D. in engineering. In a statement to the Rich-
on how to get the community involved such as local beauticians, barbers, the Salvation Army as well as other community organizations,” Bryant explained. “It was great to have the opportunity to honor our seniors with an evening out on the town at no expense to them. It was our way of giving back to so many who have given so much and have asked for so little.’’
Free hairdos Prior to the prom, 40 women got their hair done for free from local beauty salons and 10 men received free haircuts and shaves from area barbers. The Salvation Army also donated $50 vouchers to 50 prom goers to get clothing for the event. VITAS Healthcare was the signature sponsor of this year’s event and has committed to do so next year. Each participant also left the event that evening with a care bag. Bryant spearheaded the senior prom as well as other holiday events presented by the City of Daytona Beach. Light Up Midtown Health Fair attracted more than 750 people on Dec. 12 to Daisy Stocking Park. It included participation of nearly 40 healthcare-related agencies. Later that evening, a crowd of 200 listened to live music at Jingle Bell Rock, a holiday party also held at Daisy Stocking Park.
Watson is a product of the Miami Dade County’s Gifted Program and graduate of Miami Norland Senior High. He earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology (2002) followed by two master’s degrees from the University of Florida in educational leadership (2007) and Social Science Education (2003). In 2008, Watson’s third master’s degree was conferred at Asbury Theological Seminary in Orlando. For more information and tickets, call 386-428-2901.
mond Times-Dispatch, Virginia State University Rector Harry Black said Abdullah was selected from more than 200 applicants who sought the job. “He stood out – his energy, his demeanor, his history,” Black said. “He stood out as a difference maker, as someone who could provide transformative leadership and who could unite the entire university family.” Virginia State University is a historically Black land-grant insitution located in Ettrick near Richmond. Abdullah and his wife, Ahkinyala, have two children. He is expected to take office Feb. 1.
Nigeria In Nigeria, there is a buying season filled with gift purchases, and Santa is recognized as Father Christmas. On Christmas Day, there are celebrations that include knockouts and banya, which are like firecrackers, and feasts throughout the Christian communities.
Guadeloupe
WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
The influence of the French can be found in the bûche de Noël, or yule log, that is the de rigueur dessert for the holiday meal in Guadeloupe. The Christmas feast often follows midnight Mass, and it consists of roasted pork; rice and peas or black-eyed peas; and, in another nod to the French, fine, often vintage, wines.
The Father Christmas booth is at the Palms Shopping Mall in Lagos, Nigeria
United States
CELEBRATE
In addition to Christmas on Dec. 25, the African-American celebration of Kwanzaa—which runs from Dec. 26 until Jan. 1—combines many of the traditions found in African countries, which makes sense, considering that the holiday was created in 1966 as a way for African-Americans to connect with their African heritage. Each day is devoted to a guiding principle of the holiday: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. The celebration is marked by traditional soul food, especially with collard greens and black-eyed peas on Jan. 1 for good luck in the new year.
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ple and sweet potatoes. The holiday season includes celebrations of Christmas, Boxing Day (Dec. 26) and New Year’s Day.
Malawi In Malawi, the heart of the Christmas celebration is a procession where groups of young children, often dressed in skirts made of leaves, go door to door and perform dances to music made from
homemade instruments. The children often receive a gift or money after their performances. The parade is followed by a festive church service.
Ethiopia Christmas doesn’t arrive on Dec. 25 in Ethiopia. Most people there who celebrate the holiday follow the Julian calendar, which puts the holiday on Jan. 7, and it’s called Ganna. The celebration begins with a day of fasting followed by church services. After the services, there is a big traditional feast featuring a delicious stew, vegetables and sourdough bread. Gifts
are not a big part of the celebration; instead, communities gather for games and sports.
Ghana The rhythm and pacing of the holiday season in Ghana will likely feel familiar to any American. In early December, after the cocoa harvest, houses are decorated in vivid colors and bright lights to celebrate the season. On Christmas Day, there’s a big family meal, often featuring goat, fufu, veggies and okra soup. It’s followed by church services, then parades.
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF DAYTONA BEACH PUBLIC NOTICE HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER (HCV) A/K/A SECTION 8 (S8) PROGRAM WAITING LIST OPENING In compliance with HUD Rules and Regulations, notice is hereby given that pre-applications for the Housing Authority of the City of Daytona Beach (HACDB) Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program a/k/a (Section 8) will be made available online ONLY on: Monday, Dec. 28, 2015 8:00 a.m. to Monday, Feb. 1, 2016 5:00 p.m. Persons interested in applying must apply online by completing the pre-application during the specified dates above at the HACDB website: www.dbhafl. org. Person with disabilities or special needs may as a reasonable accommodation request assistance with the online process at our office located at: 211 N. Ridgewood Ave., Suite 300, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114 The HACDB has partnered with several community service agencies that will make computers with Internet access available, at convenient locations throughout our service area. For additional information and a list of our partner agencies, please visit our website at www.dbhafl.org.
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DECEMBER 24 – DECEMBER 30, 2015 COMMUNITY DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006
M A YNEWS OR
Christian couple’s goal for TV show: Empowerment, edification and education Let’s zoom in on “Third Watch,’’ a Christian television evangelistic outreach tool, designed to reach a diverse audience and population. The program airs on Good Life TV 45 at 5 a.m. on Sunday mornings. Through a dynamic and entertaining format of casual yet serious dialogue with real people interwoven with relevant sermon clips, viewers are captivated by this broadcast’s ability to speak directly to their needs and concerns. “Third Watch’’ is locally produced in Flagler County by Drs. David and Danita Blow, who also host the program. In addition, Dr. David Blow serves as youth minister at the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church of Palm Coast, where the Rev. Edwin Coffie is pastor. The hope of the Blows is that God will use the “Third Watch’’ broadcast to be a vehicle through which exposure can be given to issues of importance to the citizens of Flagler County and God-inspired prescriptions can be dispensed that can move our community forward. “Each program has a topic, and the topic maybe anything from tattoos to sexuality, to the school board, to the elections, or whatever is going on at a particular time,” said Dr. David Blow. “And, we go on to different venues and locations such as barbershops, such as the park. We’re even going to do an episode upcoming in the hospital, and then, we will talk about health care issues, and so forth,” he continued. “And then, we will find different sermons...and we will try to find points of discernment that support or give meat to whatever the discussion is talked about because everything has to be anchored in the Word of God.”
Certified consultants According to Dr. David Blow, viewers can expect to receive three E’s – empowerment, edification and education. It’s a must-see program that’s further televised on Sundays, 5 a.m., on the HD channels of Bright House Networks, Channel 1045; DirecTV, 45; Comcast, 439/380; Summit Broadband, 8; Cox, 1019, and Dish, 45. Interestingly, “Third Watch’’ is broadcast on the SD channels of Bright House, Chan-
JEROLINE D. MCCARTHY/DAYTONA TIMES STAFF
State Rep. Dwayne Taylor (D-Daytona Beach), second from right, who’s running for Florida’s 6th congressional district, is shown with staff member Shannie Green, left; campaign manager Collin Stelle and campaign treasurer Michele Gilbert.
Drs. David and Danita Blow are the hosts and producers of “Third Watch,’’ a locally produced TV show.
PALM COAST COMMUNITY NEWS JEROLINE D. MCCARTHY
nel 19; AT&T U-verse, 45; Comcast, 17; and Cox, 19. Drs. David and Danita Blow are longstanding members of the certified John Maxwell Team of Level Up Coaching and Consulting with years of professional experience. With marriages facing the onslaught of internal and external challenges, causing an unprecedented amount of couples desiring to give up and throw in the towel on their marriages, the Blows have successfully hosted their signature “Marriage Bed Retreat” throughout Central Maryland and Central Florida. Countless couples attest to the positive impact that the retreats and counseling have had on their marriages. To learn more about Level Up Coaching and Consulting, visit the Level Up website
at LevelUpPartners.com or call 239-6037040. And then, Dr. Danita Blow touts the efforts of the New York City Transit Retirees of Palm Coast. She will be keynote speaker for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ecumenical Service on Jan. 18, 11 a.m. at United Methodist Church, 5200 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast. Moreover, other details will be provided in an upcoming edition. Both Dr. David and Dr. Danita Blow are proud graduates of the Howard University School of Divinity in Washington, D.C., where they earned their Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees.
Flagler Democrats dine with Taylor State Rep. Dwayne Taylor (D-Daytona Beach) recently met supporters to jumpstart his campaign in Flagler County for Florida’s 6th congressional district. A reception at the Palm Coast Golden Corral was a side effect of Taylor’s campaign. A suggested donation was set at $20.16, where many Flagler County Democrats far exceeded the proposed amount. Taylor is seeking the seat now occupied by Ron DeSantis, a Republican, who’s opting for the U.S. Senate seat now vacated by Marco Rubio, whose eyes are on the presidency.
Georgia pastor preaching at Watch Night Service Welcome the New Year and attend the Watch Night Service of Dec. 31, 10 p.m., at First Church of Palm Coast, 91 Old Kings
BRIEFS
Health department issues swimming advisory for Main Street beach area SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
Road North. The guest preacher will be the nationally renowned Rev. G. Vincent Lewis, pastor of Social Justice at the Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church of Decatur, Ga. The members of First Church encourage you to Rev. G. invite your friends for a Vincent wonderful time. The service Lewis will be followed by a traditional New Year’s Eve meal. First Church, under the leadership of the Rev. Gillard S. Glover, can be reached at 386-446-5759.
Emancipation Proclamation event Jan. 1 at church Bring the family - and especially the children - to celebrate the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1 at noon. The Emancipation Proclamation was enacted into U.S. law on Jan. 1, 1863. Enslaved Blacks then became free. The celebration will include a panel discussion on educating our children after the Emancipation Proclamation. It takes place at First Church of Palm Coast. ••• As always, remember our prayers for the sick, afflicted and bereaved. ••• Birthday wishes to John Williams, Dec. 24; Mark Green, Dec. 25; Henry “Smitty” Smith, Dec. 28; Sis. Mary Lee, Dec. 29; John Foti, Dec. 30; Charlotte Prince, Vivian Rowe, Dec. 31. tact with the water may pose an increased risk of infectious disease based upon Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) criteria, and swimming is not recommended at this time. This is a precautionary advisory and not a closure. Environmental Health experts say the spike in levels is a natural phenomenon. A spike has occurred every winter for the past several years. In every case, the levels have returned to the normal range in a matter of days or weeks.
The Florida Department of Health in Volusia County has issued a swimming advisory for the Main Street area of the beach in Daytona Beach based on recent water sampling. “We typically see elevated bacteria levels during this time of year due to increased migratory bird populations,” said Eric Maday, environmental specialist. This site represents a small section of Volusia County’s coastline. The Healthy Beaches Program monitors 13 sites that span over 40 miles of beach area. Bacteria levels were lower at all other sites tested and the advisory is only for the area around this site. Advisory signs will be posted. A swimming advisory means that con-
Sampling underway
No bus service on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
hours early Christmas Eve, at approximately 10 p.m. Votran night service will operate on New Year’s Eve, Thursday, Dec. 31, according to the published hours in the regular night schedule. Votran riders are encouraged to plan trips in advance. Riders may learn more by visiting votran.org. The website provides up-to-date alerts and real-time bus tracking. It also offers downloadable information for the myStop mobile app for real-time bus information anywhere.
SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
Votran will not operate bus service Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 in the Greater Daytona Beach area, southeast and West Volusia County areas. Votran night service will end two
Affordable Housing committee meets Jan. 6 Volusia County’s Affordable Housing Advisory Committee will meet at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 6, at the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County, 1845 Holsonback Drive, room 516-C, Daytona Beach. Staff from the county’s Community As-
County schedules charter review meetings Volusia County’s Charter Review Commission will meet at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 11, in the second-floor Dennis McGee Room at the Daytona Beach International Airport, 700 Catalina Drive, Daytona Beach. Members will discuss Article III, which concerns the Volusia County Council’s role
Water samples are analyzed for enterococci bacteria. Enterococci bacteria can be found in the intestinal tract of humans and other animals. Associated bacteria can cause gastrointestinal illness, upper respiratory infections, or skin infections if open wounds or sores exist. Water sampling will continue and the beach advisory will be lifted as soon as it is possible to do so. Background information on the Aquatic Toxins Program and Florida Healthy Beaches Program can be found at www. floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/ aquatic-toxins/index.html.
sistance Division will provide overviews of the committee’s responsibilities and the Florida Sunshine Law. Members will elect a chair and vice chair, develop a schedule for the discussion of incentive strategies, and establish a meeting schedule. The advisory committee recommends initiatives to the Volusia County Council to facilitate affordable housing in Volusia County. For more information, call Paula Szabo at 386-736-5955, ext. 12308. as the legislative branch. A subcommittee will explore the Volusia Growth Management Commission’s role at noon Monday, Jan. 4, in the same location. The meetings are open to the public. Reservations are not required. For more information call Dona DeMarsh Butler at 386736-5955 or Tammy Bong at 386-736-5934. Attendees may bring their parking slips to the meeting for validation. For more information on the charter, visit www.volusia.org/countycharter.
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DECEMBER 24 – DECEMBER 30, 2015
Why can’t we win the terrorist war? It has been two years since our president declared the ISIS movement a “jayvee” team. He implied this terrorist coalition was no big thing and we shouldn’t worry about it. Since that time, ISIS has stretched its footprint to Libya, most of Syria and a significant amount of land in Iraq. They are efficiently managing attacks in Africa, the United States and Europe. They are reaching their goal of terrifying most of the world. The only nation seriously committed to defeating them is France, which needs other nations to join in. The worst thing about ISIS is that it is growing in numbers exponentially. The key to this growth is that they have established a caliphate, which is a form of a state or nation. Young men and women from around the world see this as very romantic and empowering. They believe this movement can defeat the non-Muslim world and all participants will be empowered. The “poor things” are marching towards their graves, but yet they are coming in increasing numbers.
Serious problem Some of the ISIS participants are trained and then sent back to their homelands to wait until ordered to perform jihad (Islamic war). Others immigrate to nations like France, England and our own United States to blend into main-
HARRY C. ALFORD NNPA COLUMNIST
stream society until ordered to strike. That is a very serious problem for us. Through negligence of our Homeland Security Administration, they are allowed to come in like the Boston bombers and most recently the San Bernardino terrorists. This will continue and perhaps get worse as the White House is preparing to let in more than 10,000 Syrian refugees. How convenient for ISIS to blend in with these refugees, walk into our nation, and be placed throughout a myriad of local communities. It will be a disaster of major proportions.
Paranoid about Obama This could be prevented. But for some reason, President Barack Obama does very little. This is causing a growing paranoia. More American citizens are starting to think that our president who has a Muslim name; spent part of his childhood in a Muslim community; had Muslim parents and his closest advisor is Iranian-born, Farsi-speaking (Iranian language) Valerie Jarrett – is a Muslim. Could there be a deep affinity? This is strengthened by his refusal
Why Jannie Ligons is the woman of the year Jannie Ligons is an Oklahoma City grandmother who left a friend’s house to drive home. She collided with Daniel Holtzclaw, the rogue police officer who seemed to think it was part of his duty to sexually abuse Black women. He raped them because he could. They did not accuse him because they feared they could not. Some had criminal records – they had been involved with drugs or had other skirmishes with the law. They felt both vulnerable and violated, and they thought nobody would believe them.
Taking advantage At least 13 women were violated, and they were only identified because one courageous woman, Jannie Ligons, took her complaint to the police. She had no criminal record and nothing to hide from. She simply had the harrowing experience of encountering a White (really half Japanese, but that’s another story) man with a badge, feelings of su-
DR. JULIANNE MALVEAUX TRICEEDNEYWIRE.COM
perior racial identity, and a penis. According to many of the accounts of women who encountered Holtzclaw, he referred to his Whiteness as he violated them. Many of the women had other matters with the law, and he intimidated them into silence. In our nation’s sordid history, when Black women spoke, they found themselves denigrated or ignored. In 1944, Recy Taylor, a 24-year-old mother, was abducted as she walked form church with her friends. A car full of White men threatened her with a shotgun, then took her into an abandoned field and repeatedly raped her. The men who raped Ms. Tay-
Leaders provide vision, not division Leaders provide vision. They help people understand where they are, how they got there and what they must do to go forward. They help calm nerves and strengthen courage. They are steady in times of trouble, inspiring in times of demoralization. Donald Trump’s reaction to the terrorist acts in Egypt, Lebanon, Paris and San Bernardino, Calif., both divides and weakens us. And for the most part, his rivals for the Republican presidential nomination have allowed him to lead the Republican Party and its run to the White House to ignominy. Americans are understandably worried. We have been fighting wars in the Middle East for over a decade. We lost thousands of lives and spent literally trillions of dollars in a wrong-headed war of choice in Iraq.
REV. JESSE L. JACKSON, SR. TRICEEDNEYWIRE.COM
Failed states We toppled the Taliban in Afghanistan, Saddam Hussein in Iraq, Muammar Qaddafi in Libya, producing failed states and generating more terrorists. Now we are trying to take out Assad in Syria even as his mortal enemy ISIS takes credit for terrorist horrors in Paris and Beirut. The violence keeps spreading; the terrorists keep reviving. And Americans grow more and more worried.
VISUAL VIEWPOINT: WORLD OIL PRICES DROP
to call this Muslim terrorism what it is. Instead, he uses the term “workplace violence” and any other description. He won’t call it what it is. It is making people wonder whose side is he on. As presidential candidate Senator Ted Cruz stated, “You can’t defeat an enemy if you don’t define him.” Congressman Michael McCaul, chair of the Homeland Security Committee, said, “ISIS is not on the run; it is on the move.”
Destroy the ‘state’ The first thing responsible nations need to do is destroy the caliphate. It is natural that the United States should lead this effort. Wherever ISIS has a strong presence such as Western Iraq, we should carpet-bomb them. The “shock and awe” approach must be applied if we want to eradicate this growing threat to civilization. Immediately following the thorough carpet-bombing, we must invade their territory with at least two divisions (20,000) of our active military. We should also welcome other nations’ military – the more, the better because this will speed up the process. Political posturing will not make this go away. Our president recently claimed that “We now have ISIS contained,” but within hours of saying that, Paris was viciously attacked. Later, he claimed that we will have a very peaceful holiday season and not to worry. A few days later the San lor said she welcomed the sex and they paid her. They could have been arrested, but a complicit sheriff ignored the law.
No indictment When an all-White jury heard the case, they failed to indict the six men who raped Recy Taylor. In 2011, Alabama offered Recy Taylor an apology for failing to properly manage the case. Justice delayed is justice denied. There are too many Black women, raped by White men, whose experiences are swallowed in the vacuum of history. There are some experiences that have been captured, though. Consider Betty Jean Owens, a Florida A&M University student, who was talking with three friends when a group of White men, armed with shotguns and switchblades, abducted her. They admitted as they were arrested that they were looking for a Black woman to rape, and made jokes about it. They might have escaped prosecution and gotten away with their crime had not a young White police intern organized a search party to find Owens. Had there been no protests or national attention, the rapists may
The task of leadership is to provide clarity, and a strategy that quells fears and offers a way out. Mr. Trump has chosen instead to foster greater fear, to divide us one from another, while calling on us to abandon our own values. It is time for people of conscience to once more stand up. We are not in a war with our brothers and sisters of the Muslim faith. They are neighbors and friends. Some volunteer to defend this country. American Muslims despise ISIS and the way the terrorists distort and disgrace their religion. We should not lock our doors or close our hearts to those who are the victims of ISIS and the terror in Syria and Iraq whatever their religion or tribe.
Counterproductive lockout The threat to lock out Muslims is harmful, hurtful and divisive. It is immoral and perversely counterproductive. There are more
LUOJIE, CHINA DAILY, CHINA
Bernardino massacre took place. It appears that our leader should be quiet and start working on our national security in an efficient manner.
Forget gun control He should also realize that gun control has nothing to do with this. The more he threatens to ignore the Second Amendment of our Constitution (the right to bear arms), the more guns that are sold. On Black Friday, more than 185,000 gun permits were processed. That is an all-time national record. On Wall Street, gun manufacturers’ stock is rising significantly. Liberty University has recently recommended to its faculty and students to apply (at no cost) for gun permits through the campus have been acquitted. They were convicted, but Betty Owens was further demeaned through a trial that questioned her virtue, and asserted that she didn’t fight hard enough (with a shotgun to her head). Her dress, they said, wasn’t torn enough to indicate a rape. Unexpectedly, the all-White jury found the rapists guilty, with life sentences. At least one of them was paroled to rape and kill again – and he did.
Same playbook
Muslims than Americans. ISIS may declare war on Western civilization, but that just illustrates their madness. We are not at war with Islam. We are at war with terrorists who threaten our people. We want to enlist the overwhelming majority of Muslims to stand with us, not provoke them to stand against us. In this Christmas season, we should not forget that after his birth in a manger, Jesus was a refugee, fleeing into Egypt with his parents from the threat of Roman violence. He taught us to care for the stranger on the Jericho Road, not spurn and scorn him. I grew up under segregation, locked out because of the color of my skin. The race test was hurtful because I could never pass it. The same is true of the call to exclude all Muslims. We must speak forcefully against those who would mindlessly impose a religion test for entry into the U.S., and those who would call for closing down Mosques or cracking down on places where Muslims gather peacefully. America
CREDO OF THE BLACK PRESS The Black Press believes that Americans can best lead the world away from racism and national antagonism when it accords to every person, regardless of race, color or creed, full human and legal rights. Hating no person, fearing no person. The Black Press strives to help every person in the firm belief...that all are hurt as long as anyone is held back.
Dr. Glenn W. Cherry, Sales Manager
W W W. DAY T O N AT I M E S .C O M
Dr. Valerie Rawls-Cherry, Human Resources
Charles W. Cherry, Sr. (1928-2004), Founder Julia T. Cherry, Senior Managing Member, Central Florida Communicators Group, LLC Dr. Glenn W. Cherry, Cassandra CherryKittles, Charles W. Cherry II, Managing Members
Harry C. Alford is the cofounder and president/CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce. Contact him via www.nationalbcc.org. up to injustice.
Deserves praise Too many Black women have been forced into silence; those who speak up pay consequences. Jannie Ligons deserves to be acknowledged because she took a risk and may pay a price for outing a rouge police officer. He took advantage of women simply because he could. Jannie Ligons, the self-described “ wrong woman to stop” was willing to spotlight Holtzclaw’s abuse. She is my woman of the year, and she deserves all acknowledgements. I am encouraging our African-American organizations to lift this sister up, to give her high props, to give her every award that is available. She stands on the shoulders of Recy Taylor, Betty Owens and countless others. She has helped serve Mr. Holtzclaw a steaming plate of justice. She fought the fight and so must we. In the words of Mari Evans, “look on her and be renewed.”
Those who defended Daniel Holtzclaw took a page from the historical playbook when they paraded the backgrounds of his rape victims before the all-White jury. They were on drugs. They had arrest warrants (sometimes for simple parking tickets). Well, someone who has dabbled with drugs can be raped; someone with outstanding warrants should not be victimized. The women with police records may have been reluctant to come forward, but Jannie Ligons had no record and no warrants. She was a grandJulianne Malveaux is a Washmother minding her business and her speaking up opened the door ington, D.C.-based economist for others to speak. She reminded and writer. Contact her at www. other women that they could stand juliannemalveaux.com.
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.
police department. In essence, Americans will not give up their weapons – it’s the last resort of safety. We must wipe out ISIS thoroughly and immediately. Let’s upgrade our current visa system and instantly take interest in unusual activity. There is a report that the Libya wing of ISIS has secured plane simulators and is training troops to fly aircraft. Memories of 9/11 enter my mind. We can’t repeat that! Mr. President, if you love this country, start defending it by any means necessary.
Jenise Morgan, Senior Editor Angela van Emmerik, Creative Director Cassandra Cherry Kittles, Willie R. Kittles, Circulation Penny Dickerson, Staff Writer Duane Fernandez Sr., Kim Gibson, Photojournalists
MEMBER
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National Newspaper Publishers Association
Society of Professional Journalists
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Associated Press
will not defeat terrorism by dividing one from another.
Hope, not terror Terror is the weapon of the weak. For a people with hope, the hate of ISIS has no attraction. For people who are integrated into a society, ISIS’ call to violence goes unanswered. ISIS calls for jihad, arguing that the West is waging war on Islam. We need to isolate the terrorists, not inflate them. We need to give lie to their calumnies, not provide evidence for them. Anyone who aspires to lead this country ought to demonstrate that they will respect and defend the values on which it has been built. In this time of trouble, Mr. Trump and many of his rivals are denigrating the very principles that make America strong.
The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. is president and CEO of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition.
Central Florida Communicators Group, LLC, P.O. Box 48857 Tampa, FL 33646, publishes the Florida Courier on Fridays. Phone: 877-352-4455, toll-free. For all sales inquiries, call 877-352-4455; e-mail sales@flcourier.com. Subscriptions to the print version are $69 per year. Mail check to P.O. Box 48857 Tampa, Fl 33646, or log on to www.daytona.com; click on ‘Subscribe’.
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DECEMBER 24 – DECEMBER DECEMBER1430, 2015 - 20, 2006
5 7
LIFESTYLE M AYOR
Holiday shopping habits vary with generation BY KYLE ARNOLD AND CAITLIN DINEEN ORLANDO SENTINEL (TNS)
Everyone approaches shopping for the holidays a little bit differently. From when they start shopping to who they’re shopping for to how much they spend, shopping habits are distinctly different for almost every generation. Retirees, for instance, seem to focus on gift-giving for their youngest family members. Millennials, on the other hand, don’t just want to give another boring gift, they want to give friends a memory or experience. The differences don’t end there. Generationally, shopping preferences also differ in the way people are influenced to buy what they buy. Millennials could be swayed by word of mouth while older shoppers rely more heavily on advertising, according to a 2013 study by Radius Global Market Research, an independent market research company. And then there’s the impact of technology. “There is a comfort with technology that millennials have, and it decreases as you age,” said Marlene Morris Towns, a professor of marketing at Georgetown University. “There are some things about holiday shopping that are ritual, and I will find myself in the stores on Christmas Eve doing that last-minute dash. For me, it’s part of that whole holiday experience.” There’s an age affect. Here’s a look at how three generations of Central Florida shoppers approached this year’s holiday shopping season.
The retiree Susan Goehring is a
grandmother of four with a fifth on the way. The bulk of her shopping was done weeks before Christmas. Goehring said she makes shopping lists, but does not typically use them because she can’t find them later and prefers to shop with her eyes and her gut. “I’ve bought a few things when I see them,” said Goehring, as she shopped at Marshalls on Colonial Drive in Orlando. “If I see something I go, ‘That’s that person.’” As a retired community college teacher, Goehring said she’s able to avoid the traditional holiday shopping crowds. “I can come during the week when there’s not as much traffic,” who would only describe herself as in her “late 60s.” Goehring said she doesn’t have a set budget for holiday gifts, but has to be mindful of her spending because she’s on a limited income. That self-imposed restriction could be one of the biggest differences between her and millennials, she said. “A 20-year-old probably has a whole lot more money because they’re still working, and to me that’s one asset,” she said.
The mid-career Since September, Pamela Mickens has been scoping stores and hunting for deals, trying to find the perfect Christmas gift for everyone on her list. At 38, Mickens grew up around department stores and in the era of malls, so she said she prefers brickand-mortar holiday shopping even if a website is involved. “I’ll go online to look at stuff, but I order it to the store to pick it up,” said Mickens. “It’s something about the rush and excite-
RICARDO RAMIREZ BUXEDO/ORLANDO SENTINEL/TNS
Pamela Mickens, from left, with sons Micah, 16, and Marquis, 18, shop for the holidays at the Sanford Mall in Sanford on Dec. 8. ment, getting out with people and buying your gifts.” Mickens’ age group, those between 35 years old and retirement, has the highest income and the highest spending patterns, according to studies from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s because at this age individuals are more likely to have children and be in their prime earning years. Sons Marquis, 18, and Mica, were at her side, picking up clothing and gifts themselves. For Pamela Mickens, on-
line shopping has become an important way for her to comparison shop, gather ideas and find deals. But it’s only a starting point for shopping with a personal touch, she said. “I’ll never give something that you are only going to use once or throw away,” she said. “I’m always listening and having conversations, thinking about what to get next.”
The millennial Efren Devera has been shopping for months,
mostly from the convenience of his phone. “I come to the store to get clothes because you have to try that on, but for electronics and big items, you can buy most of your stuff online,” said Devera, a physical therapy student who lives in Tavares. Like many young shoppers, Devera is price conscious. On a recent Wednesday, he was at Seminole Towne Centre in Sanford, finding clothes and gifts for close family and friends. For small items, clothing or shoes, he said a
brick-and-mortar store can be the best. “You can find a lot of stuff on clearance this time of year,” he said, holding bags from Rue 21 and Foot Locker and accompanied by a friend. Devera’s shopping list is also small, only having to buy gifts for a few close friends and his girlfriend. But he said that hasn’t made him a more prepared shopper. He’s only bought a few Christmas gifts so far. “I’m a last-minute shopper,” he said. “I’ll probably be out as late as possible.”
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7 CLASSIFIEDS
DECEMBER 24 – DECEMBER 30, 2015
IWantToBeRecycled.org
Who would have thought? William Purvis did in 1897. The Fountain Pen, developed by William Purvis,
is just one of the many life-changing innovations that came from the mind of an African American. We must do all we can to support minority education today, so we don’t miss out on the next big idea tomorrow. To find out more about African American innovators and to support the United Negro College Fund, visit us at uncf.org or call 1-800-332-UNCF. A mind is a terrible thing to waste.
©2008 UNCF
before anything else, we’re all human rethink your bias at lovehasnolabels.com
DECEMBER 24 – DECEMBER DECEMBER1430, 2015 - 20, 2006
7
BUSINESS M AYOR USBC CEO Ron Busby Sr. “There’s a trillion dollars of spending power in our community and we want to make sure that dollar stays within our community. Twenty-eight days a dollar stays in the Asian community, $21 a day stays in the Hispanic community. In our community, our dollar leaves within six hours. We have got to change that... Until we have total control of how we circulate our money, our power and respect will continue to be marginalized.”
Black-on-Black economics
PHOTO COURTESY OF ASHLEI SUTTON
Pictured are Andre R. Rogers, CFO, Enlightened, Inc.; Antwanye E. Ford, CEO, Enlightened, Inc.; Ron Busby, president, U.S. Black Chambers; Doyle Mitchell, CEO, Industrial Bank; Colonel Jim Paige (retired), executive director, Pioneers In Education Alliance; Randall Keith Benjamin II, co-founder, BME Institute; and Howard R. Jean, co-founder, BME Institute with members of the 2015 Class of BME Institute participants.
Businessmen make strategic deposit into Black-owned bank BY HAZEL TRICE EDNEY TRICE EDNEY NEWS WIRE
In a strategic effort to continue the movement of “Black-on-Black economics” - circulating dol-
lars in the Black community to every extent possible - a group of Black male entrepreneurs led by the U.S. Black Chambers Inc. (USBC) has opened accounts with the D.C.-based
Black-owned Industrial Bank. “In order for there to be a strong Black America, you must have strong Black businesses. In order for there to be strong Black
businesses, we must have strong Black banks. So, from my standpoint, this is just a reciprocation for what Industrial Bank has done for our communities for the last 80 years,” said
The 15 young men who gathered in the lobby of the historic Industrial Bank are members of the Black Male Entrepreneurship Institute (BMEI), which is in partnership with the USBC. The meeting took on a celebratory mode as Industrial President/CEO Doyle Mitchell congratulated Busby for his influence. “I’m just humbled at the presence of mind that you have displayed since you first came to town and started taking a leadership role with the Chamber of Commerce and came to Industrial Bank and made a $5,000 deposit. You put your money where your mouth is,” said Mitchell. “Our only solution for us to get out of the situation that we are in as Black people is Black-on-Black economics. I love and appreciate the way you have taken that forward with this effort.” Busby recalled that when he made that $5,000 deposit five years ago, he
was intentionally choosing Black businesses in every area of his life. Buying a house at the time, he said he made sure he had a Black mortgage company, title company, home inspector, pest control company, and moving company. “Everybody that touched the transaction was a Black firm. The service was superior and the price was right.”
‘Start banking Black’ Since then, Busby has become a leading advocate for support of Black banks and Black-owned businesses. In that regard, USBC has now launched an ongoing fundraising effort for the BMEI, co-founded by Randall Keith Benjamin, Jr. and Howard R. Jean, who accompanied the young entrepreneurs to the bank. “This is bigger than just a moment or taking pictures. It’s about how can we go out of our way to make sure that our communities are as strong as possible,” said Benjamin. According to Jean, a BMEI reception and launch will take place Jan. 15. “We know that our community banks are the strongest funder of small businesses, particularly Black businesses in the community,” Jean said. “So this is our campaign, starting here at the Industrial Bank in Washington, D.C. as we launch nationally with BME to encourage and inspire other entrepreneurs – male and female – of all ages to start banking Black.”
Prepaid debit card companies aim to replace bank accounts BY JAMES RUFUS KOREN LO ANGELES TIMES (TNS)
When Steve Streit conceived the prepaid debit card, he had something very specific in mind: a way to let kids spend money online without using a parent’s credit card. He didn’t imagine that 16 years later the cards would be used by tens of millions of lower-income Americans to manage their money — or that a bevy of small rivals would offer new products on top of the prepaid system he pioneered. “It’s much bigger than we thought it would be,” said Streit, the founder and chief executive of Pasadena’s Green Dot Corp., one of the nation’s top prepaid card issuers. “And it’s still very early on.” The cards are targeting an assortment of niches — as varied as Uber drivers and business owners who want to restrict employees’ corporate spending. Others have broader business models and are trying to use prepaid products to replace bank accounts, especially for millennials who may have no tied to traditional banks. But unlike Green Dot, which boasts that it invented the prepaid card industry, most new firms are going out of their way to call themselves technology companies, perhaps partly because of the stigma that comes along with the prepaid industry. The cards have long been decried by consumer advocates who argue they come with too many fees and too few consumer protections.
Too big to ignore Last month a new wrinkle arose when technical problems at RushCard left thousands of customers without access to their money for more than a week. But the market is too big and fast growing to ignore. Mercator Advisory Group, which tracks the industry, estimates that Americans will load $100 billion onto prepaid cards this year, up from about $57 billion in 2011.
One common feature for nearly all prepaid debit cards is that, unlike with a debit card linked to a bank account, it’s impossible to overdraw. And for entrepreneurs there is another attraction: Startups can offer prepaid cards without becoming banks. The companies need only to build their websites, tools and apps, and focus on marketing. The more complicated and more regulated back-office functions of handling customer deposits and payments are left to banks that specialize in working with prepaid card issuers. “Prepaid has created a platform that allows you to very quickly test a new product and get it into the hands of consumers,” said Andrew D’Souza, founder of Toronto start-up Clearbanc, which in October launched a product built specifically for Uber drivers and other workers in the gig economy.
More options For example, drivers can link Clearbanc to their Uber accounts and, for a $2-per-day-fee, get paid daily instead of weekly. The company hopes to offer the service to customers who work for Uber rival Lyft, delivery service Instacart and others. It also offers to set aside money for income taxes — freelancers don’t have employers to withhold taxes for them — and has budgeting tools that show how much more they need to work to hit monthly income goals. “The way other tools are set up, it’s ‘Here’s my monthly income, what’s the best way to allocate it?’” D’Souza said. “With Clear-
GINA FERAZZI/LOS ANGELES TIMES/TNS
Unlike Green Dot, which boasts that it invented the prepaid debit card industry, most new prepaid firms are calling themselves technology companies, perhaps partly because of the stigma that comes along with the prepaid industry. Above is Green Dot’s Pasadena offices. banc, it’s reversed: ‘Here are my monthly bills, how much do I need to work?’” Two other firms, both in San Francisco, are targeting their prepaid products to businesses. Karmic Labs, which was founded in 2013 and launched its product Dash this year, gives business owners a single account connected to several prepaid debit cards that different employees can use to make purchases. An employee might get a monthly allowance — for paying for lunch with clients, for example,— or one-time balance transfers to cover particular expenses, such as travel for a conference.
‘Safety box of funds’ One common feature for nearly all prepaid debit cards is that, unlike with a debit card linked to a bank account, it’s impossible to overdraw. And unlike a corporate credit card, employees can spend only as much as their boss has put on their card. “It’s a safety box of funds that’s separate from your
other accounts,” said Karmic CEO Ryan Weidenmiller. “Employees won’t have access to all the money in your main bank account. Prepaid is perfect for that.” Bento for Business, which also launched its product this year, has a similar model, with a few twists. A business owner can set daily, weekly or monthly spending limits for each debit card, and can also limit the types of businesses where cards can be used. That might restrict a delivery driver to making purchases at gas stations, said Bento CEO Farhan Amhad. Other startups are casting themselves as alternatives to banks, especially for millennials — 45 percent of whom owned prepaid debit cards as of 2013, according to a report cited by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia.
Lower fees In an era when most checking account funds are accessed through debit cards, they argue there’s little difference between
a prepaid account and a checking account. Some prepaid companies even charge lower fees than banks. Simple, a Portland, Ore., firm that was acquired last year by Spanish bank BBVA, started out as a prepaid card meant to replace checking accounts. It charges no fees, and it offers customers savings, budgeting and moneytracking tools online and through a mobile app. In contrast, Wells Fargo charges a $10 monthly service fee for basic checking accounts unless customers make at least 10 debit card purchases, maintain large balances or have at least $500 in direct deposits going into each account every month.
Business challenges Consumer advocates remain wary of the industry. Christina Tetreault, a staff attorney with Consumers Union, notes that prepaid cards often lack the deposit insurance and fraud protection that are standard for bank accounts.
“It shouldn’t be up to the consumer to hunt through the fine print to find out if their funds are protected by deposit insurance,” Tetreault said. The startups may have even more fundamental business challenges. Arjan Schütte, founder and managing partner of Core Innovation Capital, a Hollywood venture capital firm that invests in financial technology firms, said most have had only limited success in tapping into the markets they hope to serve. “Having looked at enough of these, I’m much more bearish,” he said. “Most startups aren’t doing it at any material scale. The ones I’ve seen are all tiny and not getting a ton of traction.” In part, that’s because he thinks the financial needs of different customers are not so unique that they warrant specific products. Put another way, Clearbanc might offer nifty tools for Uber drivers, but those same drivers can probably find some other way to manage their money.
R8
7DECEMBER 24 – DECEMBER 30, 2015
NEW YEAR’S
BOWL NEW YEAR’S
VS.
IT’S A SHOWDOWN! Grandma’s smoky greens vs. Mama’s black-eyed pea salad.
What a delicious and exciting way to ring in the new year. Publix has all the fresh ingredients you love. The entertainment... we’ll leave to you. Happy New Year from Publix. Log on to publix.com/aprons and check out some additional recipe ideas.