Daytona Times, March 29, 2012, #13

Daytona Is pain of grief really depression?

See page 5

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

EE FR

BILL FLETCHER, JR.: Let’s take hate radio down Page 4

B-CU SPORTS ROUNDUP See page 7

East Central Florida’s Black Voice

www.daytonatimes.com

MARCH 29 - APRIL 4, 2012

YEAR 37 NO. 13

PEOPLE ‘No justice. No peace. No justice. No peace.

SPEAK Faith moves mountains. Faith moves mountains!’

Rev. Walter Monroe • Chaplain at Bethune-Cookman University

Midtown could be home to new law school ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES butleramj@yahoo.com

DAYTONA TIMES / JAMES HARPER

Young marchers protested in front of Daytona Beach City Hall on Monday.

Daytonans rally in support of justice for Trayvon Martin Diverse groups unify, call for George Zimmerman’s arrest

BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES harperjames59@yahoo.com

Hundreds of Bethune-Cookman University and Daytona State students, joined by members of Occupy Daytona and others, marched from the B-CU campus to protest the refusal of law enforcement authorities to arrest George Zimmerman, a 28-year-old Sanford man who shot and killed 17-year-old Trayvon Martin.

Martin was unarmed carrying only a bag of Skittles candy and a can of iced tea when he was shot. The incident has galvanized millions across the nation with many claiming Martin, a Black boy, was racially profiled.

Justice, homelessness The Feb. 26 killing motivated and mobilized the students to march from the campus to the First Baptist Church in Daytona Beach, where another rally organized by Fighting Against Injustice Toward Humanity (F.A.I.T.H.) was taking place to address homelessness in Volusia County.

Dr. Valarie King recognized as ‘making a difference’

BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES STAFF harperjames59@yahoo.com

Dr. Valarie Greene King, the founding director of the University of Central Florida’s Office of Diversity Initiatives, has been recognized as a woman who is making a difference in the March issue of Diverse Issues in Higher Education. She is among a distinguished group of 25 women from Dr. Valarie throughout the G. King U.S. to receive this prestigious recognition.

UCF President John C. Hitt congratulated King, and acknowledged that she helped the school reach its goal of making UCF more inclusive and diverse.

“It was very heartwarming when he congratulated me on the national recognition that I not only brought to myself, but also to the University of Central Florida,” said King.

The University of Central Florida is the second largest university in the nation.

Started at B-CC King began her career at Bethune-Cookman University during the administration of thenBethune-Cookman College President Dr. Richard V. Moore. She was as a counselor in the College Education Achievement Program at Bethune-Cookman University in 1969.That program was designed to assist first-time U.S. and international students in developing the necessary skills to successfully complete college.

“The environment at B-CU was Please see KING, Page 2

F.A.I.T.H., composed of members of approximately 30 Volusia county churches, was holding its annual assembly. It asked Volusia County Council members – five of seven were in attendance – to direct their staff to come up with a funding source to raise at least $950,000 to support the county’s 10-year plan to end homelessness.

Unscheduled appearance Though the Trayvon Martin protesters caught organizers of the F.A.I.T.H. off guard, they were welcomed by one of the speakers during the assembly.

Rev. Walter Monroe, chaplain at Bethune Cookman University was on the campus Monday as the students prepared to march down Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard to Ridgewood Avenue where First Baptist Church is located. Rev. Monroe was also coincidently scheduled to give the call to order during the F.A.I.T.H assembly and chose to also recognize the students and the Trayvon Martin issue.

“No justice. No peace. No justice. No peace. Faith moves mountains. Faith moves mountains!” Rev. Monroe said to the packed church. He told them Please see RALLY, Page 2

A Jacksonville group met with city officials at City Hall on Tuesday to discuss the possibility of bringing a law school to Daytona.

The school, if it’s built, would be located at the old police station on the corner of Orange Avenue and Nova Road in the historic Midtown district, Daytona’s Black community.

The groups who want to create and run the school include Eric Smith, Jim Catlett and Steve Nemerson. They feel that Daytona is a prime location, despite Stetson University already having a law school.

“Daytona is a great place for such a school. It has fine institutions in Bethune-Cookman University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University –which has an engineering school in avionics – and Daytona State College, which hosts Florida State University’s School of Medicine,” Smith explained.

Smith is an attorney with the Maddox/Horne Law Firm in Jacksonville, and a former Jacksonville politician, TV host and law professor. Catlett is affiliated with Infinity Global Solutions, LLC which has constructed several structures in the Jacksonville area. Nemerson is a former attorney, law professor and law school dean.

Improving Midtown Bringing a law school to Midtown isn’t a new concept. In the past Florida A&M University was in discussions with officials to bring one here, but FAMU ended up going to Orlando.

Through the persistence Midtown Redevelopment Board Chairman Hemis Ivey, State Representative District 27 Dwayne Taylor and others, the possibility still looms.

“Over the last couple of years, I have had discussions with Taylor, Please see SCHOOL, Page 2

Deputy Chief Walton leaves Daytona for Philly “It was great. I learned a lot and met a lot of people. I know that I am leaving the department better than it was when I first got here. I am thankful to the chief for the opportunity,” Walton acknowledged.

ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES butleramj@yahoo.com

Daytona’s second-in-command and highest-ranking Black cop ever is headed up North because of an offer that he couldn’t refuse.

Deputy Chief Benjamin ‘Ben’ Walton is leaving the Daytona Beach Police Department to take a position as the executive director of public safety for the Philadelphia Housing Authority.

“I didn’t apply for the job; they sought me out. We had dialogue and they made me an offer that I just couldn’t refuse,” said Walton.

Pushed for diversity Walton spent almost six years with the Daytona Beach police.

He started as deputy chief of the Support Bureau and ended up as deputy chief of the Operations Bureau.

DBPD Chief Michael Chitwood commented, “He has been a great partner and friend. I wish

Diversity goal

ANDREAS BUTLER / DAYTONA TIMES

Deputy Chief Ben Walton gets recognition from his boss, DBPD Chief Michael Chitwood. him the best in his new assignment. The Philadelphia Housing Authority is a getting a great asset. Myself, the police department and the city will miss him greatly.”

During his tenure at the DBPD, Walton did his best to diversify the department.

“The only regret that I have is that we weren’t able to get to 20 percent Black officers. We only got to 15 percent. That is thanks to Bethune-Cookman University and Daytona State College, which really helped us with recruiting,” Walton told the Times.

Walton credits the low number of Blacks in law enforcement to history.

“There is a long history. There is a disconnection between the Black community and the police both here and other places.

Please see WALTON, Page 2

7FOCUS

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MARCH 29 - april 4, 2012

Dr. Ernest Cook to speak at April 3 health summit KING

BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES STAFF harperjames59@yahoo.com

Dr. Ernest C. Cook, Jr. will be the keynote at the National Minority Summit at the Volusia County Health Department April 3 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

A number of leading experts in the field of health inequities and minority health will also speak.

Dr. Cook is the chief medical officer for CIGNA and will be speaking on “Why Health Dr. Ernest Equity Can’t Wait.”

C. Cook, Jr. “As a lifelong resident of my

beloved Daytona Beach, I have throughout my careers as a practicing family physician and physician executive remained dedicated and committed to the issue of health disparity. The opportunity to share knowledge gained over my diverse professional experience is truly a cherished honor and privilege,” Dr. Cook said to the Daytona Times this week.

In recognition of National Minority Health Month, the Volusia County Health Department, Halifax Health and Bethune-Cookman University’s Odessa Chambliss Wellness Center are hosting a Minority Health Summit to raise awareness of health inequities in our community.

Dr. Cook attended the University of Minnesota College of Medicine from 1972-1975.

After earning his medical degree, he interned and completed his residency at the University of Florida in Jacksonville. Dr. Cook is board-certified in Internal Medicine and has worked in a variety of settings, including private practice.

In 1981, he became the founder and owner of the Atlantic Family Practice and Atlantic Medical Associates in Daytona Beach. He later became a member of the Federal Aviation Administration where he served as a First Class Airman Medical Examiner from 19831998.

To register for this free summit, please contact Public Information Intern Shauna Nabors at 386-274-0838 or shauna_nabors@ doh.state.fl.us.

from Page 1 not only nurturing to these students who were new to higher education, but it also provided a nurturing and supportive environment to me as a young, beginning professional,” King said. “My eleven years at Bethune-Cookman ignited my passion for a career in the field of diversity and inclusion.”

She worked at BCU for 11 years before becoming a clinical psychologist in the U.S. Army. She was also employed at Southern Methodist University as the director of intercultural education and minority student affairs.

King is considered an expert in strategic planning, leadership development, and psychological counseling services. Her parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. James Greene, were both professors at B-CU when it was Bethune-Cookman College. King is the sister of Daytona Beach City Commissioner Cassandra Reynolds.

High-powered women

Rendering by William Hallisky

This is an artist’s rendering of a proposed law school to be located at the corner of Orange Avenue and Nova Road.

SCHOOL from Page 1 former Midtown Board Chairman Johnnie Pryor and other city officials about bringing something to make Midtown better.

Taylor worked hard on it and asked me to come arrange this meeting. The vision and concept was never lost,” recounted Ivey.

Midtown and the rest of the city hope such an endeavor could bring improvements to the area as well as economic opportunity.

“Such a school in our community will enhance the core of our community. Our goal is to change Midtown,” said Ivey.

Catlett added, “The most important thing is jobs. This will create jobs. People with jobs pay taxes, buy cars, buy houses, etc.”

Opportunities for Blacks Zone 5 Commissioner Cassandra Reynolds hopes that the school brings economic opportunities for those who need it most.

WALTON from Page 1 The Black community distrusts the police. Here it’s getting better, but there still needs improvement,” explained Walton.

Police and military career Walton also has had a military career. He served 29 years (19732002) in the United States Air Force.

“It has helped a great deal by

RALLY from Page 1 that the students initiated the march and chose to attend the F.A.I.T.H. rally to make a statement calling for justice for Trayvon and his family.

National outrage Other marches and protests took place all over the country Monday, one month to the day of Martin’s killing. The purpose of the marches was to help put pressure on law enforcement to arrest Zimmerman, who was never charged with a crime by the Sanford Police Department or local prosecutors.

Many protesters wore jackets with hoods and carried bags of Skittles candy and a can or bottle of ice tea.

Dale Crosby is a B-CU

“The commission gives preference to those who provides jobs for locals, Blacks and other minorities during the construction of the project and when the construction is completed,” said Reynolds.

The Jacksonville group assured that it would be an equal opportunity project.

“We’d be very committed to doing that. We have always done such with all of our projects. You can check our track record,” exclaimed Smith.

A different kind of law school

want to be that institution that can make it happen.

“Teachers will be selected for their ability to teach and be accessible. We don’t want professors to just teach and write academic articles. We will have those who can really help the students.”

The new school may also cooperate with other institutions.

“You may have a student that can’t grasp a subject. There may be a professor at another institution that is an expert who can explain it better. We believe that we can collaborate with the other institutions in the area,” said Nemerson.

The idea is to open with a staff of approximately 80 people, including 12 full-time and adjunct professors. The goal is to be a different kind of law school which costs less and is more accommodating, compared to others.

Nemerson explained, “We want to be affordable and flexible. We want to explore every avenue available to teach law. Maybe someone works in another career and wants a law degree and can only take night courses...We

Possible obstacles

teaching me discipline with regard to my police career. The police are a paramilitary unit, and what you learn in the military helps on the shooting range and with dealing with people of different races, genders and ethnicities,” Walton explained.

Before his time in Daytona, Walton had a distinguished career in law enforcement. He retired from the Philadelphia police force with the rank of captain after 30 years (1976-2006) of service.

“I have had a great career. It owes me nothing. It has been good to me. I’ve met a lot of great

and influential people, including Colin Powell, President George H.W. Bush and President Obama.

I have also meet NASCAR drivers and actor Nicholas Cage,” Walton chuckled.

With his ties to Philadelphia Walton, believes that his transition should be easier.

“The transition should be a lot smoother because of the ties and rapport that I still have with people in law enforcement there,” added Walton.

student and one of the organizers of the Daytona Beach march.

“We are Trayvon Martin.

If we allow this to happen to one, it can happen to any of us,” Crosby said. “It’s important for the students of B-CU to fight for justice.”

Jacques Durand Jr., who is Mr. B-CU, remembers being taught about the participation of college students during the civil rights movement.

“Something had to be done. It’s important for us (students) to express how we feel about (the killing of ) Trayvon,” Durand said.

“Though most of us are not from Daytona Beach, we have to be cognizant of what’s going on.”

‘Change the hearts’ George Roberts, who is White, felt compelled to join the march when he learned about it.

Several hurdles stand in the way, including the old building itself, which includes a jail.

“The cost cannot be accessed at this time, but we need to see if we can use what is there. The building is one piece, but not the only piece,” stated Catlett.

Storm water retention is another problem. Currently there is none in the area.

“When it comes to storm wa-

Great career Walton would like to see more

“It will take Christians and those of us who believe in God to help change the hearts of those who racially profile,” said Roberts.

Teresa Breland said she participated in the march because of her seven grandchildren.

“It could have been my daughter. It’s not safe to walk anywhere. He (Trayvon) got caught ‘walking while Black,’” Breland concluded.

Lani Van Petten, a member of Occupy Daytona, is White and over 50. She participated in the march because she was against racial profiling.

“Out of a tragedy there can come unity. We’re all one. We care about our kids, and grandkids. Nobody should be profiled,” Van Petten said.

‘A free man’ Daytona Beach resident

ter retention, building bigger is cheaper. Plus the size of the structure will be a big factor in it,” added Catlett.

Land zoning and whether the property will be purchased or leased are other issues.

“We have gone through the procedure to have mixed use zoning to also allow commercial use. We have put out requests for proposals for this property in the past, with zero responses.” mentioned Reed Berger, the city’s redevelopment manager.

Deputy City Manager Paul McKitrick said, “The city manager (Jim Chisholm) has advocated for something to be done with this land. In the past, former Commissioner Charles W. Cherry, Sr. advocated that the property be used for commercial use.

“Whoever get it will be subject to taxes. We could also do a payment in lieu of taxes like we have done with the Housing Authority (of Daytona Beach). Daytona State did the same with the News-Journal Center.” youngsters consider careers in the military and police.

“I would encourage all kids, not only Blacks, to go the military or be a cop, or go to the military first then be a cop, especially if college isn’t for them. I have a son in the Army that has done two tours in Iraq and is now in Korea.”

Walton added, “I refer being a policeman to the song ‘Car Wash’

by Rolls Royce. ‘You may never get rich, but it’s better than digging a ditch. You never know who you might meet – a movie star or an Indian chief. You’re not here to be a star.’”

Donna Cooper said she is upset over the injustice of the criminal justice system.

“There are innocent Black people getting life in prison, and George Zimmerman is walking the streets a free man,” said Cooper.

Durham an organizer Dr. L. Ronald Durham, pastor of Daytona Beach’s Greater Friendship Baptist Church, helped organize a rally in Sanford March 22 supporting Trayvon and his family. The Sanford march attracted thousands, including civil rights activists the Rev. Al Sharpton and Martin Luther King, III. Durham was also scheduled to speak during the F.A.I.T.H rally about the organization’s successful initiative urging the county to do more local hiring.

In the article, the editors wrote they have been privileged to meet dynamic women like King in the world of higher education and beyond.

“They lead some of the most demanding and consequential organizations and programs on the planet. No longer sitting on the decision-making sidelines, they have shattered the glass ceiling and, subsequently, have introduced new ways of thinking about and approaching leadership,” according to the article.

Some of the other women recognized this year included Myrna Adams, Duke University’s first vice president of institutional equity; Lezli Baskerville, former outside counsel to the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education before becoming its first female president and CEO in 2004; Molly Corbett Broad, the American Council on Education’s 12th president and the first woman to lead the organization since its founding in 1918; and Phyllis Buchanan, who manages Dupont’s Center for Collaborative Research and Education.

Other awardees included Charlene M. Dukes, the first female president of Prince George’s Community College in Largo, Md.; Kimberly Ford, the NCAA’s director of minority inclusion since 2010; Lenora M. Green, director of client relations for the Educational Testing Service; Dr. Hilda Hutcherson, dean of diversity and minority affairs at Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons; Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson, the 18th president of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, the oldest technological university in the United States; Teresa A. Sullivan, the University of Virginia’s first female CEO; Belle S. Wheelan, president of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools; and Cora B. Marrett , deputy director of the National Science Foundation.

He addressed marchers on the BCU campus before they began their march to First Baptist.

“We don’t want the march (for justice for Trayvon) to end at the (First Baptist) church,” he exclaimed. “The Trayvon

Martin incident that has galvanized you needs to be highlighted so this never happens again. It could have been one of you.

“What F.A.I.T.H. does all year long is what your rally is about tonight,” concluded Durham.

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MARCH 29 - APRIL 4, 2012

M ANEWS YOR COMMUNITY

3 7

DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006

‘Faith, family, friends’ is focus of surprise birthday party Loretta Pete’s 70th birthday was a popular draw, as a surprise birthday party was set up for the Palm Coast resident.

The party made for an unforgettable experience.

Pete was surprised when her guests shouted, “Surprise!” at Vince Carter’s, a Daytona Beach venue of upscale cuisine and entertainment. Daytona Beach native Vince Carter, a NBA Dallas Mavericks star, and his mom Michelle CarterScott are the owners of the establishment.

Mikala’s Piano Lounge of the restaurant summoned laughter and featured live music for the cocktail hour.

The right ingredients were put together for a lavish party by Pete’s husband, Arthur, their daughterin-law, Ursula, and son, Claude, of Livingston, NJ, and their daughter, Linda, of Bear, DE. “The party was magnificent, one of the most beautiful that I’ve been to,” said Esther Perry, Pete’s friend.

“Arthur and the kids should be highly commended.”

“The Owner’s Box,” a private room, offered 38 guests and family the authentic

Palm Coast

Community news

By Jeroline D. Mccarthy | Daytona Times taste of filet mignon, North Atlantic salmon, pasta Vinsanity, or chicken caprese Roma. The setup provided an exquisite three-tiered cake which favored a wedding cake.

A rendition of “Happy Birthday” was led by the Pete grandchildren: Wakeisha, Wakeen, Quianna, Taylor, Madison, Miah and Chase.

The Owner’s Box, aligning a lakeside terrace, had a private restroom. Hand towels and napkins monogrammed in gold lettering contained Pete’s name, party date and the insignia of her 70th birthday.

Party favors of “Faith, Family and Friends” candles were mounted and gift-wrapped in gold designer accouterments.

“I don’t know why I’m crying,” Pete said. “I thank my children and Arthur.

landscaping design. Free and open to the public Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., at the Ocean Center.

More information: www. dbnjshows.com/springhomeshow.

Silent Auction Social The Volusia Women’s Initiative of United Way of Volusia Flagler Counties invites the public to attend this year’s first Silent Auction Social to benefit the “Power of the Purse” Silent Auction. A Silent Auction donation: gift certificate, completed basket, jewelry, purse, etc. is the asked admission. March 28, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Elusive Grape, 133 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand.

More information: Lori Grant atlgrant@unitedwayvfc. org or 386-366-9050.

Minority Health Month Summit In recognition of National Minority Health Month, the Volusia County Health Department, Halifax Health and Bethune-Cookman University’s Odessa Chambliss Wellness Center are hosting a Minority Health Summit to raise awareness of health inequities in the community. The event takes place April 3 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Volusia County Health Department, 1845 Holsonback Drive in Daytona Beach. Registration is required for this free event.

Contact Shauna Nabors at 386-274-0838 or shauna_ nabors@doh.state.fl.us.

Local ACLU meets The local chapter of the ACLU invites the public to their 9th Annual Meeting at the Grant Bly House, 842 E. New York Ave., Deland.

March 31. The evening begins at 6 p.m. with a beer and wine cash bar, followed by 7 p.m. dinner and program with keynote speaker, Randall Marshall, ACLU of Florida Legal Director and the presentation of the 2nd Annual Bob Stevenson Award presented to Volusia County Councilman Josh Wagner for civil rights work locally. Dinner is $25 for members, $35 for non-members (memberships available at the door). Reservations

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 Women’s conference The Word and Praise Family Church, Inc. presents a 2012 Women’s Conference on March 30-31 themed “Empowered to Impact,” with service, workshops and a continental breakfast. The conference will be held at 955 Orange Avenue, Suite 120. $25. More information: 386-257-2559.

Home Show at Ocean Center The Spring Home Show, presented by The Daytona Beach News-Journal, featuring hundreds of exhibits of home improvement products and services, outdoor living amenities such as swimming pools and spas, and local businesses and nonprofit agencies showcasing their services, will be held March 30-April 1. Meet HGTV celebrity Ahmed Hassan from the show “Yard Crashers,” who will talk about his experience and knowledge with

They couldn’t have done anything any better, and I thank each and everyone of you for being here.”

••• Ryan Montgomery, 10, participated in the International Problem Solvers state conference last week in Orlando. She competed with her team and placed second in the individual competition. Ryan, a student at Wadsworth Elementary School in Palm Coast, will join her teammates in June for the competition finals at the University of Indiana.

Ryan is the daughter of Ryan and Michelle Montgomery, granddaughter of former Flagler Ford dealers Robert and Valorie Montgomery, and the niece of Attorney Raven Sword.

••• First Church of Palm Coast will celebrate Eas-

09/12/2008

One minute, I’m fine. Then, BAM! My body aches so bad I can hardly move. My hair is falling out. I need some answers. NOW.

WENDY

Loretta Pete celebrated her 70th birthday, an unforgettable experience, with hubby Arthur. ter through a service for Maundy Thursday, on April 5, 6 p.m., followed by a Seder meal; the Seven Last Utterances of Christ, Good Friday, April 6, noon to 3 p.m.; Sunrise Service, Easter Sunday, April 8, 6 a.m., followed by a free brunch for guests; and the Resurrection Celebration, 10 a.m. First Church, at 91 Old Kings Road North, is the

preferred. More information: 877-865-2258, or email Davie Griffin atdaviegriffin@ gmail.com.

B-CU Alumni to host Fiesta The Volusia County Alumni Chapter of Bethune-Cookman University will host the annual Constance T. Oliver Calendar Fiesta on March 31 at 5 p.m. at the John Dickerson Center. The event promises food, fun and fellowship for $15 with all proceeds going to scholarships.

Healthy Start hosting annual meeting The Healthy Start Coalition of Flagler & Volusia Counties invites the public to the 2012 Annual meeting honoring Sen. Evelyn Lynn on March 30 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at the Museum of Arts and Sciences, 352 S. Nova Road. Registration is required. Cost: $35. More information: Peggy Cage at 386-252-4277.

Child safety workshop Safe Kids Volusia/Flagler invites the public to an informational session on child passenger safety at 9 a.m.

March 29 at the Center for Business Excellence, 329 Bill France Blvd. RSVP to steven. parris@halifax.org or 386323-0000.

Community recycle sale Halifax Health is hosting a community recycle sale for churches and non-profit organizations to browse an inventory of quality preowned furnishings through March 30 by appointment and opening to the public March 31 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at All Aboard Storage, 1035 Mason Ave. To make an appointment, call 386-7630364. Cash and check only; debit/credit cards will not be accepted.

AGE 35

When you need answers, ask a doctor the right question. COULD I HAVE LUPUS? couldihavelupus.gov (800) 994.9662

Easter service Hope Fellowship Church invites the public to their Resurrection Celebration 2012, April 8, 11 a.m. at the News-Journal Center. 221 N. Beach St. More information please call 386-226-1122.

Blood pressure workshop An educational program for adults at risk of high blood pressure is scheduled 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 2 and April 9 at the New Smyrna Beach Library 1001 S. Dixie Freeway. Jill Taufer, a registered dietitian with the University of Florida/ Volusia County Extension, will help attendees cre-

pastorate of the Rev. GilAs always, remember lard S. Glover. The church our prayers for the sick, afcan be reached at (386) flicted and bereaved.

446-5759.

••• The Women’s MissionHappy Birthday ary Society of First Church to You! will have a clothing giveaway to those in need on Birthday wishes to: April 14, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., as well as a food giveaway, Birthday wishes to: Shirley Jones, March 29; John McVay, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

••• April 4.

Multicultural show set for March 30 Students enrolled in Daytona State College’s School of Modern Languages will demonstrate their skills during a multicultural show to be held March 30, at 2 p.m. on the Daytona Beach Campus, 1200 W. International Speedway Blvd. Just prior to show time, Daytona State College President Carol Eaton will host a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony dedicating the newly constructed student commons area located on the ground level of the Education Hall, where the multicultural performances will take place. The event is free and open to the public.

The show, produced by students and their tu-

ate a personal strategy to reduce their blood pressure and risk for heart disease by incorporating healthy practices into your life. Learn about personal risk factors, improved nutrition, exercise habits and lifestyle management to reduce health risks.

Reservations are required.

More information: 386-4242910, ext.104.

College to honor women leaders The Daytona State College Women’s Center and its advisory board announce their annual luncheon recognizing National Women’s History Month on March 29 from noon to 1:30 p.m.

The luncheon will be held in the Hosseini Center (building 1200) on the Daytona Beach Campus. Open to the public, the event is $25 per person. More information: Tami Kruger, 386-506-3471 or womenscenterluncheon@ DaytonaState.edu.

B.B. King coming March 31 B.B. King is scheduled to stop at The Peabody Daytona Beach on March 31 for a 7:30 p.m. show.

Hopegiving luncheon set for April The Presbyterian Counseling Center will hold its annual Hopegiving Luncheon April 19 at 11:45 a.m. at the Palmetto Club, 1000 S. Beach St. The luncheon will provide an opportunity for participants to learn more about the ministry and its

tors, will feature performances of short, comedic vignettes in Spanish, Portuguese and American Sign Language, as well as musical pieces performed in Spanish, Japanese, Italian and Portuguese.

The new student commons area was completed this spring and features a staging area where students can meet for small, open-air activities or social gatherings that are protected by cover. Its location is adjacent to the courtyard leading to the Lenholt Student Center to the east and the ECHO Clock Tower Plaza to the south.

College officials currently are working with students to officially name the new commons area.

Dr. Eaton will share her ribbon-cutting duties with Student Government President Catheryne Webb. For more information, call 386-5064588.

work in the community. The luncheon is free; however, there will be opportunity to offer further support. More information or to RSVP: 386258-1618.

Classroom volunteers sought The Junior Achievement of Volusia County is seeking Volusia business and community members to serve as classroom volunteers for students in elementary and high schools to educate students about financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. Volunteer opportunities are available at three levels and require approximately one-hour per week for five to seven sessions, depending on the program. For more information about volunteer opportunities, contact Tammy Hayward at 386- 566-8362 or thayward@jacentralfl.org.

Farmers’ Markets at Stetson Stetson University’s Hatter Harvest plans Farmers’ Markets April 22 from noon to 4 p.m. featuring fresh and local foods and entertainment on the Stetson Green, the lawn between the Carlton Union Building and the Quad, 421 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand. The events are free and open to all and pets are welcome. Applications from vendors are now being accepted. More information: Elly Bludworth at ebludwor@stetson.edu or 386-631-1995.

7 EDITORIAL

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MARCH 29 - APRIL 4, 2012

Women, children and poverty made visible Tavis Smiley and Dr. Cornel West deserve high props for their summer poverty tour. They started on an Indian reservation, hit the inner city, and looked at poverty in all of its manifestations.

While many dismissed their high-profile tour as a political ploy, I am absolutely convinced of their sincerity. In addition, these two men are among the few who have dared utter the word “poverty” in public.

Vice President Biden has a Middle Class Task Force, but there has been no focus on the poor or the extremely poor – those who have less than half of the poverty line in income.

A personal problem We have turned poverty into a personal problem, not a social problem. People are ashamed and embarrassed to be poor, yet poverty has increased thanks to our economic failings – the financial meltdown of 2008, the mortgage crisis, high unemployment, and other matters. Millions of people, especially women and children, are hanging on by a shredded shoestring.

Tavis and Cornel have a book coming out in April, “The Rich and the Rest of Us.” It will share reporting from the poverty tour, and offers a dozen solutions to the poverty problem. Both these men are passionate about eradicating poverty, and about engaging politicians and policymakers in the task.

Would that the entire nation felt as strongly as they do. Indeed, one of their solutions is to call on President Obama to convene a White House Conference on Poverty.

There’s not been such a gathering

ty of women around the globe.

DR. JULIANNE MALVEAUX TRICEEDNEYWIRE.COM

since Lyndon Johnson was president.

Powerful women On March 18, Tavis convened a group of women to talk about women, children and poverty, and a powerful group it was. I’ve never participated in a conversation where two hours went more quickly.

We had a full house at New York University, and a lively group of women, including Labor Secretary Hilda Solis, former Planned Parenthood leader Faye Wattleton, financial guru Suze Orman, author Sheryl WuDon (“Women Hold Up Half the Sky”), American Federation of Teachers leader Randi Winegarden, Native American leader Cecelia Firethunder (the first woman head of her Indian nation), Nele Galan, former head of Telemundo and founder of the Adalante movement to inspire Latina women, and yours truly.

Talk about fast and furious conversation; about passion for justice; about women who care about our images in music videos. We spoke about our position in the economy, our access to health care, including reproductive health, the state of education and the ways some young people are getting the short end of the stick in our schools, and the extreme importance of financial literacy and money savvy in preventing poverty, and the pover-

Why the complacency?

Underlying the conversation – why are people so passive about poverty, why are women so complacent about inequality, where is the movement to improve the status of women?

The Made Visible conversation was an important first step. Tavis and his talkfests often bring hidden issues to light, and this is a great example of such an occurrence. He indicated that this is the first time he has presided over a panel of all women, and hopefully it will not be the last. And with his tour, book, and call to action (he calls it “a poverty manifesto”), he is laying out possibilities for next steps.

Here is the bottom line. While the economy seems to be recovering, that recovery is not trickling down. More than 43 percent of the unemployed have been jobless for more than half a year. The reported unemployment rate is a special kind of fiction – the “real” unemployment rate is more than 14 percent for everyone, more than 25 percent for African-Americans.

This has been the case for at least two years.

We can’t compete with other countries with the drag of poverty, lack of access to education, and the notion that austerity will improve our national prospect.

Julianne Malveaux is president of Bennett College for Women, and author of “Surviving and Thriving: 365 Facts in Black Economic History.” Click on this story at www.flcourier.com to write your own response.

Locked up with George Clooney It’s not every day that one goes to jail and have the act called a badge of honor. I had never thought of going to jail for any reason. When I was in law school, any mention of an arrest or going to jail would have meant I was representing someone who’d been arrested and taken to jail.

I was on a peace mission on the Arabian Sea with a group of women peace activists trying to prevent the first Gulf War. About 200 women and I were under “ship arrest” by United Nations military forces for 20 days. We were forced to stay on the ship on the sea in order to prevent our group from breaking the blockade in order to get humanitarian aid to women and children who were hurting as a result of sanctions against their country.

Recent arrest

Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq. TRICE EDNEY WIRE

surely experience mass starvation.

Like George, I was a rookie at civilian arrest. But 15 of us joined George and spent the day locked up with him. Among those who joined the protest and submitted themselves for arrest included Dick Gregory, Martin Luther King III, Ben Jealous, Nick Clooney, Nicole Lee (president of TransAfrica), Rabbi David Saperstein, U.S. Reps. Al Green, James Moran, James McGovern, and John Oliver, former Rep. Tom Andrews, and me.

Gregory pledged to eat no solid food until the blockade is broken. That got our attention, since most of us like eating a lot more than he does! He’s a well-known professional with such action, but you don’t have to be a professional to want to help in such dire circumstances.

Then came March 16, 2012.

We were protesting a blockage of humanitarian assistance at the Embassy of Sudan in Washington, D.C. for the Sudanese people. George Clooney had recently returned from the Sudan and informed us of the atrocities committed by President Omar alBashir and his military. George Take action Call your Members to urge them said that the rainy season is less than six weeks away in the Su- to do what they can to end the dan and at that point, the people blockade before as many as half a for whom aid is being blocked will million people – many of who are

women and children die needlessly. All of us can do something to help. If we were talking about confessed or convicted people on death row being denied food, there would be an outcry around the world.

When I went to the embassy to express my dissatisfaction, I had no intention of getting locked up.

But once there, Nicole and I saw that no women had offered themselves for arrest to avert a potential disaster. We volunteered, despite the fact that both of us had speaking engagements that day. I missed mine because once you’re locked up, despite promises to process you quickly, that message gets lost on the police doing the processing!

Having looked at suffering caused by war in many areas of the world, and having heard of the tragedy about to occur in the Sudan, a few hours in jail to call attention to the catastrophe seems like a small price to pay. We must not stand idly by while saying nothing to help. This is a humanitarian crisis crying out for action immediately.

Dr. E. Faye Williams is national chair of the National Congress of Black Women, Inc. Click on this story at www.flcourier.com to write your own response.

Let’s take hate radio down The recent case of Rush Limbaugh’s rant against the Georgetown University Law student Sandra Fluke once again highlights the national problem we have with ‘hate radio.’ In the name of free speech, demagogues such as Limbaugh are allowed to run free and say virtually whatever they wish to say irrespective of who they hurt, what misinformation they spread, or the potential consequences of their remarks.

Hate radio is not a new phenomenon in the USA. During the 1930s, the notorious ultrarightwing priest Father Coughlin used radio to spread anti-Semitic nonsense.

Yet what we are currently experiencing feels like Father Coughlin on steroids. Since the 1980s there has been an explosion of hate radio with many of these right-wing ‘commentators’ serving as defacto organizers for right-wing causes, egging their listeners on irrespective of the truth.

In the case of Limbaugh, his attack on Fluke apparently went too far. I say “apparently” because there was a well-deserved counterattack that resulted in him losing sponsors. This should tell us something.

VISUAL VIEWPOINT: GOP ATTACKS ‘OBAMACARE’

BILL FLETCHER, JR. NNPA COLUMNIST

Getting paid The radio stations that sponsor these hatemongers are looking to make money. If the hatemongers bring in the listeners, the sponsors are happy and the station gets rich.

On the other hand, if the sponsors are embarrassed, they will walk away, costing the station money.

So, let’s up the ante. Appealing to the consciences of the radio station owners is to no avail. Even if they have a conscience, they more importantly have a wallet and bank account that they wish to fill.

Attempting to explain the immorality of these hatemongers to the radio station owners is a waste of our breath. Going after the sponsors, however, might meet with different results particularly if we do it in a concerted fashion.

In your state, try an experiment. Identify a particular radio hatemonger. Do research to find out who are the key sponsors of

this hatemonger’s program. Get together with some friends who share your antipathy toward this demagogue.

Begin a campaign, quietly at first, by going to important community institutions to get them to sign on to a request that a sponsor(s) pull their support from the demagogue’s radio program.

Listen for a scream If the sponsor agrees to pull their support, make that big news and encourage your friends and community members to support that sponsor. If the sponsor declines to withdraw their support from the demagogue, begin a very public boycott of any and all products of that sponsor. When you hear them scream, you will know that you have won.

This approach has worked in the past and it will continue to work. We just have to be determined.

Bill Fletcher, Jr. is executive editor of BlackCommentator. com and is the immediate past president of TransAfrica Forum. Click on this story at www. flcourier.com to write your own response.

RJ MATSON, ROLL CALL

All parents, students borrow heavily to finance college Whether beginning a career or seeking to keep one going, the competitive edge in today’s job market usually goes to those with college degrees. In our recovering economy with fewer jobs available than there are people who need them, there is strong motivation to earn degrees.

But higher education also costs money – more than many household finances can afford.

As a result, many Americans are counting on the potential benefits of higher incomes derived from strong academic credentials against the cost of going in to debt to fund that degree.

The New York Federal Reserve determined that 37 million Americans now owe more in student debt than is owed on either car loans or credit cards nationwide.

Further, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, outstanding student loan debt hit the trillion-dollar mark several months ago. In 2011, federal student loan volume totaled $117 billion just for that year.

How we pay “How America Pays for College,” a research report from Sallie Mae, the nation’s largest financial services company specializing in education, found that parents’ income(s) and savings are being stretched as well. For the average American, 70 percent of college funding comes from three sources: grants and scholarships (33 percent); parent incomes and savings (30 percent); and parent borrowing (7 percent). Students invest in their own futures by a combination of borrowing in their own names (15 percent) and working/saving (11 percent).

The Sallie Mae report also found that the recent increase in grant usage occurred among middle and high-income families. Low-income families – with the least financial resources – actually paid more of their incomes and savings for college.

Among Black families, 51 percent borrow for college costs and 35 percent of Black students take out loans in their own names to attend four-year institutions, both public and private.

Instead of comparing curriculum choices or graduation rates to guide a choice of college, today the weightiest influence in selecting a college is the financial aid package offered. The value of a financial aid package, according to the report, was the

Charlene Crowell NNPA FINANCIAL WRITER

determining factor for 57 percent of Black students. Additionally, 52 percent of Black students live at home while studying to contain costs.

Degree and debt Overall, students who graduate leave campuses with a degree in one hand and a stack of student debt in the other. The average amount of debt new undergraduates amass is $25,000.

But for Black students receiving a bachelor’s degree from 2007-2008, 27 percent borrowed $30,500 or more. The highest student loan debt was most common among families with incomes between $30,000 and $59,999.

As young graduates enter the workplace, student debt burdens will likely defer their ability to purchase a home, the traditional gateway to building personal wealth. For their parents, the additional debt of borrowing for their children will probably defer retirement and/or alter their standard of living.

These devastating financial effects have attracted the attention of some Capitol Hill lawmakers. According to U.S. Rep. Hansen Clarke of Michigan, “Graduates are finding that their degrees, like homes at the height of the real estate bubble, were vastly mispriced assets that are now hard to finance. Yet, unlike the debt from a home bought in the boom years, it is impossible to walk away from the debt incurred by getting a degree.

Student borrowers cannot discharge or even refinance their debts in bankruptcy, regardless of how desperate their situations become. We must set these students free.”

Finding solutions to this student debt dilemma is another initiative of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Later this year, the bureau will publish a report of their findings on this mounting issue.

Charlene Crowell is the Communications Manager for State Policy & Outreach with the Center for Responsible Lending. Click on this story at www.flcourier.com to write your own response.

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MARCH 29 - APRIL 2012 DECEMBER 14 - 20,4, 2006

Avoid ER with advice from emergency room doctors

BY NANCY CHURNIN THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS / MCT

You can’t prevent every trip to the emergency room, but simple steps can keep you safe – or keep you alive when the worst happens.

Americans made more than 119 million visits to emergency rooms in 2006, according to the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care. Among the most common causes cited by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are trauma, abdominal pain, chest pain, fever and acute upper respiratory infection.

To find out how to cope with those issues, we turned to experts. To help you keep out of the ER, they say you should be getting ongoing care from a primary physician who may be able to catch small problems before they escalate. At the same time, they echo the position of the American College of Emergency Physicians: Don’t hesitate if you are experiencing bleeding you can’t stop, gaping wounds, breathing troubles, chest pain, extreme pain, vomiting that will not stop, extremely high fever or suicidal thoughts.

In addition, they note that the danger signs for children sometimes vary from those for adults; parents should consult with their pediatricians for symptoms that warrant an ER visit, such as any fe-

ver in a baby less than 3 months old.

When it comes to preventing and coping with the most common ER problems, here’s the advice we received from Dr. Matt Bush, Medical City Dallas Hospital’s Medical Director of Emergency Services; Dr. Ketan Trivedi, emergency department medical director at Methodist Mansfield Medical Center; and Dr. Halim Hennes, medical division director of pediatric emergency medicine at Children’s Medical Center.

Trauma • Prevention: Use bike helmets, seat belts and motorcycle helmets when you ride. Watch children in grocery carts to make sure they don’t fall. Be wary of sharp objects. Practice safety measures around swimming pools.

• Before heading to the ER: Immobilize broken arms and legs with a straight object wrapped alongside the bone with a bandage. Create a sling for an arm with a large cloth pinned with a safety pin over the shoulder.

Put an ice pack on any area that is swelling.

Stop bleeding with pressure. Apply gauze and wrap the bandage around the gauze.

Be aware that anyone taking blood thinners is at increased risk for excessive bleeding and should share that information with the ER staff.

Know the signs of con-

MHEALTH AYOR

5 7

RYAN C. HENRIKSEN/DALLAS MORNING NEWS/MCT

Janet Bigej-Cerqua teaches Warrett Kennard and his daughter, Nicole Kennard, while attending a free CPR class at the hospital in Texas. cussion and get checked out immediately if the person shows signs of headache, nausea, confusion or slurred speech after hitting his head.

Use CPR immediately on someone who doesn’t have a pulse. Each second without oxygen can cause permanent damage to the organs.

Chest pain • Prevention: Maintain a healthful lifestyle, and don’t be a weekend warrior who exercises inconsistently. See your family practitioner regularly and be aware of your stroke and heart attack risk. Sweating and shortness of breath are red flags for a serious problem.

• Before heading to the ER: Call 911 and go in an ambulance, where technicians can help if your condition worsens. Baby aspirin helps thin the blood, which can avoid clots in most cases but can make things worse if the prob-

lem is aortic dissection, or bleeding of the main artery from the heart.

Abdominal pain • Prevention: Make good food choices, because abdominal pain can be caused by indigestion. If it is, overthe-counter stomach medication may offer relief.

Pain can also be caused by food poisoning, appendicitis, diverticulitis, inflammation or colitis. Expectant mothers should ask about a possible ectopic pregnancy. If a head injury is involved, let the ER staff know immediately, as this could be a sign of a fatal blood clot.

• Before heading to the ER: If you’re vomiting, stay hydrated. Drink a halfounce of clear liquid every 15 minutes and continue as long as it stays down. Take ibuprofen and aspirin for pain and fever as needed.

Respiratory difficulty • Prevention: Be aware

of triggers for breathing problems – smoke or allergies – and avoid them if possible. People with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, are at the greatest risk for respiratory difficulty. If you have signs of bronchitis, see your family practitioner before it leads to pneumonia.

• Before heading to the ER: People with breathing conditions should use an inhaler and go to the doctor immediately for treatment. Stay calm, as hyperventilation can aggravate the problem.

High fever • Prevention: Avoid germs by washing hands frequently and not sharing drinks or utensils. Cough into your sleeve rather than your hand.

Use hand sanitizers. Check with your primary care physician to make sure you are up to date on vaccinations.

• Before heading to the ER: Babies younger than 3 months, senior citizens,

cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, patients taking steroids and people with a weakened immune system should go to the hospital with any fever, says the American College of Emergency Physicians.

Danger signs for otherwise healthy people can be a fever of 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, a fever that lasts for more than four to five days, trouble breathing, a change in behavior, headache or neck stiffness. Be alert to exposure to bacterial or viral infections if the person is not vaccinated or has been recently exposed to possible parasites or bacteria in the water.

Bacteria can cause potentially fatal infectious diseases if they get into cuts and wounds. Wash open or infected areas well with soap and water and apply antibiotic ointment and bandages. Bring fever down with acetaminophen or ibuprofen and stay hydrated.

New guidelines developed for HIV

BY MEREDITH COHN THE BALTIMORE SUN / MCT

Some leading AIDS experts have issued the first guidelines aimed exclusively at getting those newly diagnosed with HIV into treatment and keeping them in it.

Thirty-one international experts, including three Johns Hopkins faculty members, used 325 studies involving tens of thousands of people infected with HIV to develop the guidelines for the International Association of Physician in AIDS Care.

HIV, which infects about 50,000 Americans a year, is now treatable. More than a million people are believed to be living with HIV. But that doesn’t mean everyone is getting the care they need – about two-thirds have never use the most effective antiretroviral drug therapy, only 59 percent continue the therapy and less than a third have suppressed or nearly suppressed their disease.

Room for improvement “Clearly, there is lots of room for improvement in how we, as care providers, can get new patients into treatment and help them adhere to the often strict

Meditation and aromatherapy may help fight Alzheimer’s

BY DRS. KAY JUDGE AND MAXINE BARISH-WREDEN MCCLATCHY NEWSPAPERS / MCT

Two new scientific studies in the last couple of months have shown some benefit in helping brain functioning in Alzheimer’s: one on meditation, the other on Rosemary oil aromatherapy.

drug regimens needed to suppress the viral disease and prevent drug resistance,” Dr. Larry W. Chang, a guidelines co-author and an assistant professor at Johns Hopkins, said in a statement.

The guidelines were published online in the Annals of Internal Medicine. And Chang, an infectious-disease specialist, said they were important to save the lives of HIV patients. He said those who miss their follow-up care within the first year of receiving treatment tend to die at twice the rate of those who stay with the regimen.

Those who suppress their virus are much less likely to give it to others, making the guidelines an important prevention tool as well, say the researchers.

Strategies may involve helping the newly diagnosed navigate services available and finding aid for them, having someone call to follow-up about medications or developing an automated system to alert pharmacists or physicians when prescriptions aren’t filled. Reducing the number of pills needed would also be beneficial, as would one-on-one counseling, the guidelines say.

The group plans more research and an accredited, online medical education program for health care providers.

For the study on meditation and Alzheimer’s, early findings showed a (surprising) substantial increase in cerebral blood flow in the patients’ prefrontal, superior frontal, and superior parietal cortices, and also better cognitive function in the group that performed regular meditation.

In the rosemary oil aromatherapy study, results indicate for the first time in human subjects that concentration of 1,8-cineole in the blood is related to an individual’s cognitive performance – with higher concentrations resulting in improved performance. Both speed and accuracy were improved in the study in cognitive functioning.

Grief is not a disorder, say some mental health professionals.

BRUCE CHAMBERS/ ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER/ MCT

Is pain of grief really depression?

BY MELISSA HEALY LOS ANGELES TIMES /MCT

The pain of losing a loved one can be a searing, gut-wrenching hurt and a long-lasting blow to a person’s mood, concentration and ability to function. But is grief the same as depression?

That’s a lively debate right now, as the psychiatric profession considers a key change in the forthcoming rewrite of its diagnostic “bible.” That proposed modification – one of many – would allow mental health providers to label the psychic pain of bereavement a mood disorder and act quickly to treat it, in some cases, with medication.

Vocal opponents With the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual’s fifth edition set for completion by the end of this year, the editors of the British journal The Lancet have come out in strong opposition to the new language, calling grief a natural and healthy response to loss, not a pathological state.

“Grief is not an illness. It is more usefully thought of as part of being human, and a normal response to the death of a loved one,” writes the editor of The Lancet. “Most people who experience the death of someone they love do not need treatment by a psychiatrist or indeed by any doctor.

For those who are grieving, doctors would do better to offer time, compassion, remembrance, and

empathy, than pills.”

The change under consideration would expunge any reference to the passage of time since a loved one’s death before a diagnosis of depression could be considered.

The current edition of the diagnostic manual states that if a patient’s low mood and energy, sleep difficulties and appetite changes persist for more than two months following bereavement, a diagnosis of depression might be considered. An earlier edition of the manual had established a year as the period during which mourning should not be confused with depression.

No time frame “Putting a time frame on grief is inappropriate,” The Lancet’s lead editorial states simply. And in a “Perspectives” essay also published Thursday in Lancet, Harvard University medical anthropologist Dr. Arthur Kleinman agrees, eloquently exploring what’s at stake.

“Is grief something we can or should no longer tolerate?” asks Kleinman, who describes his own grief after his wife of 46 years died last March from Alzheimer’s Disease. “Is this existential source of suffering like any dental or back pain unwanted and unneeded?”

Kleinman calls the current two-month time period allowed for grief a “shockingly short expectation” that no religion or

society would support. To allow grief to be redefined as depression with no allowance at all for the passage of time not only spells “the loss of grief”: it risks redefining vast numbers of Americans who are taking their time to adjust to the loss of a loved one as sick, he writes.

And it powerfully rewrites cultural values about how we understand and mark the loss of a fellow human being.

Proponents of the change have argued that it would allow the bereaved to seek help for their suffering. And they add that it would not define all who grieve as depressed. They argue there is often no difference, but for the recent death of a loved one, between the behaviors that define depression and those that define grief.

Drugs unhelpful The Lancet’s editors note there is no evidence that antidepressant medications improve the moods of people who are healthy to begin with. Citing fellow critics of the proposed move, Kleinman suggests that it might have been inevitable once the financial interests of pharmaceutical manufacturers collided with psychiatry’s loose definitions of mental illness and the profession’s tendency to expand its patient base.

“Its ubiquity makes grief a potential profit centre for the business of psychiatry,” writes Kleinman.

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MARCH 29 - APRIL 4, 2012

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IF YOU ARE A NEW VOTER, REGISTER WITH YOUR PARTY AFFILIATION AS “NONE,” NOT REPUBLICAN, DEMOCRAT, OR INDEPENDENT. Evaluate and vote for candidates on the basis of how they plan handle issues of importance to Black Floridians. Where does he or she stand on dealing with disproportionately high infant mortality rates, HIV/AIDS/STD rates, public school discipline/dropout rates, juvenile and Black male incarceration rates, high foreclosure rates, and high unemployment rates of Black Floridians – among other specific issues of importance to your local Black community? Will the candidate push city, county, state and federal government – and larger private businesses – to do more business with Black entrepreneurs?

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After the general election, change your Florida voter’s registration back to NONE. Don’t let any political party take you for granted by counting you as a member – when they don’t address issues important for you.

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INSTEAD OF JUST HANGING OUT ON SATURDAYS

I HELP KIDS HANG IN THERE

AT SCHOOL BECAUSE I DON’T JUST WEAR THE SHIRT, I LIVE IT.

GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER. LIVE UNITED

®

Michael Cleveland is part of United Way’s ongoing work to improve the education, income, and health of our communities. To find out how you can help create opportunities for a better life for all, visit LIVEUNITED.ORG.

march 29 - APRIL 4, 2012 DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006

B-CU extends the win streak

BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES butleramj@yahoo.com

The Bethune-Cookman University Wildcats softball started off the season losing eight of their first nine games and 15 of their first 18.

The Wildcats (14-20) are now coming around and have won eight straight during a recent home stand, picking up victories over Providence, Alcorn State, Towson and Hartford.

“I don’t look at it as a win streak or hot streak. We are just starting to play forward and letting what happened in our earlier games be our past,” responded Chris Cochrane, B-CU head coach.

Bats come alive in Hartford sweep On March 22, B-CU swept a doubleheader, beating Hartford University 6-2 and 15-0.

“These last four games, we have had some good at-bats against some different types of pitchers with timely hitting. We also had good pitching and defense,” said Cochrane.

In the first game, Amari Foster was 2-for-3 with a two-run homerun to lead the Wildcats.

“I was trying to just hit down and not swing at high pitches,” explained Foster.

Shamaria Engram was 2-for3 with two RBIs, Cesley Tafoya 2-for-3 with an RBI, Karina Romero was 2-for-3, and Shanel Tolbert pitched a complete game, striking out seven for B-CU. In the second game, the Wildcats had season highs in both runs (15) and hits (14) and hit three home runs. Kelsey Rodney went 3-for-5 with five RBIs, including a home run, to lead BCU. “I was just trying to help out our pitcher and get some runs on the board. On the homerun, the pitch was right down the middle,” commented Rodney.

Calesha Shelly and Michelle Banuelos-Smith both had two hits, and Tafoya earned three RBIs; Arelia Gamch and Michelle Soltes both hit two-run home runs for the Wildcats. Sotles’ home run came in her first college at-bat.

Tolbert pitched a complete game shutout and struck out three to get the win for the ‘Cats.

“I was just trying to hit my spots and let the defense play behind me,” added Tolbert.

Tolbert, Gamch key Towson sweep Gamch hit a three-run home run and Tolbert pitched a com-

MSPORTS AYOR

7

B-CU ROUNDUP plete game as B-CU edged Towson 3-2 on March 20.

Tolbert also pitched a complete game shutout, while Gamch scored on a passed ball during a 1-0 win over Towson.

Coming together The Wildcats have outscored their opponents 49-10 in its last eight games. The team feels confident and that things are finally coming together.

“We are just playing more as a team now. At first we were playing iffy and not sure of ourselves, but now we know what to expect,” said Tolbert.

Tolbert won all eight games during the streak, including three shutouts, while holding batters to a .180 average with a 0.67 ERA. Tolbert was named MEAC Pitcher of the Week after going 4-0 with a 0.80 ERA and 14 strikeouts in games against Towson and Hartford.

Foster (.500 BA, 8 hits, 1 HR, 4 RBIs), Gamch (.409 BA, 9 hits, 2 HR, 7 RBIs), Rodney (.389 BA, 7 hits, 1 HR, 8 RBIs), Romero (.421 BA, 8 hits, 4 RBIs) and Tafoya (.412 BA, 7 hits, 6 RBIs) have also been hot over the last eight games.

“We know that conference play is coming up and we really want to get better for these games,” said Rodney.

Foster added, “Right now we are very confident. We want to get better. We believe that if we get better, we can win.”

DAYTONA TIMES / ANDREAS BUTLER

The Wildcats softball team is hyped and ready during a recent home game. B-CU has won eight straight games as MEAC play rolls around this weekend.

Looking at the Wildcats B-CU is 9-2 at the friendly home confines of Sunnyland Park. The Wildcats are batting .274 with 19 homeruns and have a .945 fielding percentage.

Tolbert (14-15, 3.62 ERA, 3 shutouts, 54 Ks) is their top pitcher. Banuelos-Smith (.357 BA, 6 HR, 17 RBI), Gamch (.320 BA, 2 HR, 11 RBI), Foster (.310 BA, 2 HR, 5 RBI and Ferguson (.263 BA, 2 HR, 16 RBI) have led the team offensively.

Rodney (2 HR, 19 RBIs), Tafoya (1 HR, 15 RBIs) and Engram (2 HR, 13RBIs) have chipped in.

MEAC play coming The Wildcats begin Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference play with three games at home against North Carolina Central University on March 31 and April 1.

“We just want to continue to improve. We are playing better but we can play even better. We do that and things will work out,” explained Cochrane.

Bethune-Cookman head coach Chris Cochrane looks on from third base during a recent game.

They played at Jacksonville University on Tuesday which was after deadline.

Baseball: Wildcats win series with Aggies B-CU’s seven-game win streak ended with a 4-2 loss to the University of North Florida, but they responded by winning a MEAC series with North Carolina A&T. NCA&T (7-15, 2-4) won the series finale 5-3 on Sunday.

David Lee, Alejandro Sanchez and Josh Johnson each went 2-for-4 while Johnson, Carlos Delgado and Jordan Taylor each had an RBI for B-CU. The previous day, the Wildcats took a double header. Ryan Gonzalez pitched a complete game while Stokes went 2-for-3 with

three RBI’s in a 6-2 win for B-CU in the second game. Lee, Sanchez and Josh Johnson each had two hits for the Wildcats.

The Wildcats won the first game 7-5 as Lee and Jairo Acevedo each had three hits with two RBI’s.

B-CU (14-11, 6-3) played at Florida International on Tuesday and hosted North Florida on Wednesday, after the Daytona Times’ deadline.

They play at Jacksonville University on April 3 and Georgia Southern on April 4.

Track and field: Cabrera and Barthol lead Wildcats Angelo Cabrera and Akeem Barthol highlighted BethuneCookman’s track and field per-

Shanel Tolbert pitches during a recent home game. Tolbert has been hot for the Wildcats, especially during a recent win streak. formance at the Embry-Riddle Spikes Classic in Daytona Beach this past week.

Cabrera, a football player, won the 100m dash (11.0s) and finished second in the 200m dash (21.88s). Barthol (4.55m) set a school and MEAC record in the pole vault, despite finishing third in the event. Stephon Pamilton (53.65s) won the 400m dash, while Kemer Clarke (55.46s) took second.

On the women’s side La’Quan Howard (46’4.75”) won the triple jump; Desiree Richardson (12.72m) took the shotput; Sasha Smallwood (3.55m) won the pole vault; Raven Thomas (25.22s) took the 200m dash and Latoria Grier (1:05.33) won the 400m dash for the Wildcats.

Lopez tops Warner take district lead ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES butleramj@yahoo.com

Game of the week: Lopez beats Warner Father Lopez Catholic High School beat Warner Christian Academy 7-1 at Jackie Robinson Ballpark in downtown Daytona on Tuesday. Lopez got timely hitting and took advantage of key Warner errors.

“Warner is a better team than most people give them credit for.

They kept us off-balance at the plate, but we squared up and got some runs later,” said Trevor Berryhill, Father Lopez head coach.

“We fell apart late defensively.

We had some critical errors that led to runs with two outs. We’ll just have to regroup and go play the next one,” stated Mike Wilkes, Warner head coach.

It was a key district 4-3A match and Lopez now is the leader. The schools participated in the Daytona Cubs High School Field of Dreams Challenge which puts high school players in games in a professional venue.

Ian Farrell pitched a complete game and struck out 11 while going 1-for-1 with three walks for Lopez.

“I didn’t have my best stuff early on but when we got a few runs I got more confident. It was a total team effort and the defense helped,” explained Farrell.

Zack Hawk added two hits and two RBI’s while Bradley Hampton went 3-for-4, Tommy Roache

VOLUSIA COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS REVIEW 2-for-5 and Michael Durkin scored three runs for Lopez.

Hawk responded, “I just tried to stay back and get a good pitch to hit. I think we all did as a team.”

Warner (10-5, 2-1) took a 1-0 in the first after an infield single from Noah Hukill which scored Brandon Wilkes.

Father Lopez (5-6, 3-0) took a 2-1 lead in the top of the third on an RBI single from Nick Restuccia and RBI walk by Farrell. The Green Wave led 5-1 after a two run single from Hawk and single from Brandon Hampton which produced a run when Warner’s left fielder ran past the ball. Warner had two errors in the inning.

Hukill pitched a complete game and had two hits with an RBI for the Eagles. The two schools will square off again on March 31 in Daytona.

Warner young but capable Despite the loss, the Eagles have been putting together a good season.

“We are a young team, despite having guys who have already been here. We have been strong on the mound, but defensive mishaps in late innings have hurt us,” said Wilkes.

Chet Breaks, Taylor Oldham (.415 BA, 10 RBIs, 18 SB, 21 R), Austin Rowe (.385 BA, 14 SB) and

Warner Christian Academy huddles during a recent baseball game. The Eagles are putting together a quality baseball season.

Noah Hukill throws a pitch during the game against Lopez. He is only a freshman but the Eagles will depend upon him for their success.

Cole Texter (.395 BA, 11 RBIs) are having solid seasons.

Warner boasts three eighthgraders, three freshman and three sophomores, including players such as Brandon Wilkes

(.386 BA, 14 RBIs; 3-2, 1.52 ERA) Hukill (.375 BA; 3-2, 1.98 ERA), and Jordan Heldreth (.350 BA; 2-0, 1.30 ERA) who have been keys to their success.

“We are rebuilding, but since I’ve been here ,I try to do as much as I can to try to be a leader and help out,” said Wilkes.

Warner is optimistic about their chances of getting to the postseason.

“We have had a good season, but we can play better. We have to play defense for a full seven innings. We have to limit mistakes,” added Breaks.

Note: Warner stats do not include the recent game against Lopez.

Baseball scores Mainland 9, Elizabeth Forward (Pa.) 4; Spruce Creek 3, Trussville (Ala.) 2; Warner 15, Evans 5; New

Smyrna 3, Tampa Prep 2; McAlester (Okla.) 5, Mainland 4; Seabreeze 17, Coral Shores 4; Pelham (Ala.) 3, Creek 2; Pine Ridge 5, Ft. Lauderdale Taravella 0; Hagarty 1, University 0; NSB 4, Lake Brantley 3; Seabreeze 4, Casica Hill (Okla.) 3; Creek 9, Thompson (Ala.) 4; West Palm Beach Kings 5, Trinity 4; Flint Hill (Va.) 3, Seabreeze 2; DeLand 4, University 3; Palm Beach Gardens 10, NSB 5; FPC 10, St Augustine 0.

Prep Sports Seven Baseball 1. Spruce Creek (13-3), 2. DeLand (12-2), 3. Mainland (10-4), 4. Warner (10-4), 5. Flagler Palm Coast (8-7), 6. New Smyrna (8-6), 7. Taylor (6-5), Others: Seabreeze (7-7), Father Lopez (4-6).

Note: Records are as of March 26.

7NATIONAL

R8

MARCH 29 - APRIL 4, 2012

AT&T spends $250 million to reduce high school dropouts

BY DIANE BRADY SPECIAL TO THE NNPA FROM BUSINESS WEEK

As educators, policymakers, and other leaders gathered in Washington last week for the Build a Grad Nation Summit, one of the first people they heard from was AT&T Chairman and CEO Randall Stephenson.

The telecom chief announced a $250 million campaign to reduce the high school dropout rate over the next five years. That’s on top of the $100 million it has spent since 2008 to fund similar initiatives through an effort it calls “AT&T Aspire.”

Much of the new money will continue to fund research, as well as dropout prevention programs that include counseling, technology training, mentoring, and other ways to both keep kids in school and get them ready for college.

But AT&T is also looking to expand its investment to new technologies that keep students engaged in learning through social media, game technologies, and Web content. In June, for example, it will sponsor a “hackathon” in Palo Alto, Calif., aimed at spurring innovative apps.

Charlene Lake, who leads AT&T’s initiative as chief sustainability officer, says the goal of increased funding is “more reach but also reach in different ways.

We’re looking for new ways to accelerate the success rates.”

Rates improving There are some signs of success: AT&T’s announcement coincides with data released at today’s summit showing that the nation’s high school graduation

rate has improved to 75.5 percent.

That’s an increase of 3.5 percentage points nationally from 2001 to 2009. (Tennessee’s record improved almost 18 percent while New York’s graduation rate increased 13 percent.)

The number of “dropout factory” high schools – where 12thgrade classes contain fewer than 60 percent of the kids who were in 9th grade three years earlier –dropped almost a quarter from 2,007 to 1,550 between 2002 and 2010.

As Lake says, “it’s good progress, but it’s still not good enough...We are losing from our education system a million future workers each year.” In a company of 260,000 employees, where a third of new hires over the last two years listed a high school diploma or GED, that’s obviously a huge potential problem.

Broader picture is grim It’s worth noting that this corporate philanthropy comes at a time when debt-burdened states have cut education budgets and programs like Head Start.

While high school is an ideal touch point for reaching potential employees, experts like Diane Ravitch, the education historian, point out that the achievement gap begins before a child even reaches kindergarten.

On March 15, the American Association of School Administrators released a study in which more than 81 percent of school districts reported being inadequately funded, with most expecting continued cuts this year.

Meanwhile, several studies have found that the gap in test scores and graduation rates between wealthy and low-income students

KRT PHOTO BY JIM MAHONEY/DALLAS MORNING NEWS

Cairren Carter, right, dropped out of high school after failing her sophomore year and having her son, Demodrick, who is held by her mother Susie. Cairren eventually earned a GED. has widened. Business leaders will have to deal with the collateral damage of these trends.

Not the only one Still, AT&T isn’t the only corporate player that’s diving deeper into the education system.

Whether they’re motivated by frustration or philanthropy – or both – business leaders nationwide are making more effort to improve U.S. public schools.

The highest-profile push is Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg’s $100 million donation to boost Newark schools, which has funded initiatives from Mandarin classes to iPads for autistic students. IBM has gone a step further by working with the New York City Department of Education, City University of New York, and the New York City College of Technology to open a school last

September that aims to prepare students for careers at IBM. P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School) offers a unique six-year program that runs from grades 9 through 14, and awards graduates an associate’s degree that is equivalent to two years of college and puts them at the front of the employment line at IBM. The program is being launched in five Chicago schools this fall, and will be extended to three additional New York schools.

Benefits businesses Few would deny the benefits of more private-sector involvement in secondary education through funding, mentoring, or even some degree of involvement in the curriculum. The statistics are daunting, whether it’s data showing high school dropouts earn al-

most 60 percent less over their careers than those with college degrees, or the projected need for 4 million graduates over the next decade in the already talentstrained areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).

AT&T’s Lake vividly recalls mentoring one high school student who planned to go into teaching after graduation, not realizing she’d need to attend college first. But rather than get overwhelmed with the enormity of the challenges, Lake says she finds herself inspired by the evidence of change she sees in some students after mentoring, skills training, or new ways of learning.

“We’ve seen students with no hope actually get excited about their future,” she says. “You want to open up their minds to the possibilities.”

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