Florida Courier - February 14, 2014

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FEBRUARY 14 – FEBRUARY 20, 2014

VOLUME 22 NO. 7

FOLLOWING THE MONEY

According to a Florida Lottery study, there are only two types of people in Florida: Hispanic and non-Hispanic.

In this occasional series, the Florida Courier looks at hundreds of millions of advertising dollars spent by the Florida Lottery, Visit Florida, the Department of Citrus, and the Department of Agriculture. This week: Seven years of Florida Lottery studies ignore Black Floridians.

BY DAPHNE TAYLOR FLORIDA COURIER

In 2006, the Florida Lottery was starting to feel old.

It had been around since 1988. For almost 20 years, it had raised billions for education and given away billions in prize money. But the numbers of Lottery players, and the amounts of money they spent playing, seem to have flat-lined and were forecast to slip, and Lottery officials were worried.

So in 2006, Lottery leadership decided to invest millions to find out who “the players” were, and to convince them to play more during the economic recession. That year, they signed up a Canadian market research firm, Ipsos Reid, to a four-year, $2.5 million contract to help them chart the course for the future of the Florida Lottery – a future that evidently did not take note of Black players.

The key categories of Lottery players Ipsos Reid of identified in 2006: • Indifferent jackpot dabblers who like “jackpot” games such as Lotto, who are mostly middle-aged women, and who only play when jackpots are high;

• Upscale gamers who are mostly competitive, middle-aged men with higher incomes and education levels; • Thrill-seeking dreamers, mostly middle-income, middle-aged women who are active gamblers at Native American casinos, and who play the daily jackpot and scratch-off games. They are the backbone of the Florida Lottery, accounting for more than 50 percent of Lottery sales; • Conflicted players, men and women who have concerns about governmentsponsored gambling, but play anyway; • Concerned followers, middle-aged men and women with average educations and incomes who play jackpot games but who generally don’t gamble, and tend to play only to support worthy causes like education; • Prohibitionists, a group of older women accounting for 1 percent of Lottery spending. They are gambling opponents who are morally opposed to the Lottery and gambling generally.

Blacks do play It’s common knowledge that Black Flo-

FLORIDA COURIER / OUT AND ABOUT

Foxx down south

See LOTTERY, Page A2

Ten dollarsplus Obama raises minimum wage for federal contractors

BY CHRISTI PARSONS TRIBUNE WASHINGTON BUREAU / MCT

KIM GIBSON / FLORIDA COURIER

Entertainer Jaime Foxx spent some time in South Florida, appearing at events sponsored by the Trayvon Martin Foundation and here on the beach with the Miami Heat’s DJ Irie at the WILDFOX Model Beach Volleyball event.

Florida Courier photojournalist Kim Gibson was also there.

WASHINGTON – After promising for weeks to do so, President Obama on Wednesday signed an executive order raising the minimum wage for federal contractors – but only after wagging his finger at Congress for failing to “give America a raise” by hiking the overall minimum.

Surrounded at the White House by people who work for an hourly wage, Obama delivered remarks aimed largely at members of Congress who have ignored his call to raise the federal minimum wage from $7.25 an hour to $10.10.

“In the wealthiest nation on Earth, nobody who works full time should have to live in poverty – nobody, not here in America,” Obama told a crowd gathered at the White See OBAMA, Page A2

SNAPSHOTS

FAMU grad replaces Gates as Microsoft chair FROM WIRE REPORTS

Florida A&M University (FAMU) alumnus John W. Thompson has been appointed the independent chairman of computer software giant Microsoft Corp., replacing company founder Bill Gates.

Thompson, a 1971 graduate of the School of Business and Industry (SBI), first joined Microsoft’s board of directors in February 2012, serving as a lead independent director, a role he will continue in tandem with the appointment.

John W. “Florida A&M University celThompson ebrates this achievement with John as he continues to excel in the world of business,” said FAMU Interim President Larry Robinson. “This is an excellent

ALSO INSIDE

example of how the education our students receive at FAMU will propel them from the classroom to the boardroom and beyond.”

Thompson was inducted into the FAMU SBI Hall of Fame in 2011.

Major school supporter “John’s selection as chairman of Microsoft, one of the world’s most accomplished software companies, is a testament to the preparation that students receive at FAMU,” said Shawnta Friday-Stroud, dean of SBI. “He has been a major supporter of SBI through both his time and resources. We are extremely proud.”

In addition to chairman of the Microsoft board, Thompson is the chief executive officer of privately held Virtual Instruments. He is the former chairman and CEO of Symantec, where he served for 10 years. Previously, he

held a number of leadership positions at IBM, including sales, marketing, software development and general manager of IBM Americas.

“One of my key contributions, I hope, will be to engage with shareholders and keep focus on how together we can bring great innovation to the marketplace and drive strong long-term shareholder value,” said Thompson in a video statement from Microsoft.

Thompson received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from FAMU. He earned a master’s degree in management from the Sloan Fellows program of the MIT Sloan School of Management.

Thompson was named chairman of the board and Satya Nadella was named chief executive officer, taking over for Steve Ballmer.

According to Microsoft, Gates will assume a new role on the board as founder and technology advisor.

FLORIDA | A3

Record $2 million donation for Edward Waters College NATION | A6

Jobless rate at 12 percent for Black men FINANCE | B4

How to do taxes for free ENTERTAINMENT | B5

Meet Erica

COMMENTARY: CHARLES W. CHERRY II: RANDOM THOUGHTS OF A FREE BLACK MIND | A4 COMMENTARY: VALERIE JARRETT: CARTER G. WOODSON A CHAMPiON OF BLACK HISTORY | A5

Chew to lead ‘Dancing With the Stars’ orchestra

FOCUS

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FEBRUARY 14 – FEBRUARY 20, 2014

No taxpayer checks to pro sports this year

BY JIM TURNER THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

House Speaker Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, indicated Wednesday he’s not in favor of the state setting aside money for any professional-sports stadium projects this year, after also opposing a highprofile effort in 2013 to direct tax dollars to improvements at the home of the Miami Dolphins.

Instead, Weatherford expects the House to craft legislation this year that would redefine the process for the owners of the multimillion-dollar facilities to apply for money.

“Our focus right now is on a process that treats everyone equitably and not writing any checks,” Weatherford said during an interview with The News Service of Florida in his Capitol office.

Next year?

That means Daytona International Speedway may have to wait another year – until Weatherford is out of office – on its request for help with a major renovation project, and the same could be true for anticipated funding requests for

FLORIDA COURIER FILES

Last year, Daytona International Speedway and three other pro sports companies asked the Florida Legislature for millions of tax dollars to subsidize expansion projects. The requests were refused. a recently granted Major League Soccer franchise in Orlando and a soccer club proposed for Miami.

Miami Beckham United, which is seeking an expansion approval from the MLS and a stadium location in Miami, has hired prominent lobbyist Brian Ballard. Meanwhile Orlando City Soccer Club has employed lobbyists from GrayRobinson PA. “If you want to come to the state of Florida, and you want to participate and be a partner with the state of Florida, you have to prove that there is a return on in-

vestment,” Weatherford said, referring to the process he wants to require.

“You have to go through the process with the Department of Economic Opportunity just like everybody else does that wants to create jobs in Florida.”

The House Economic Affairs committee is drafting the new process.

Soccer included As a step toward potentially seeking state money, Rep. Erik Fresen, R-Miami, and Sen. David Simmons, R-Altamonte Springs, have

filed measures (HB 887 and SB 618) that would require the Department of Economic Opportunity to set aside two facility certifications for Major League Soccer franchises.

Their measures also expand the definition of professional sports franchises to include the soccer league with the National League or the American League of Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association, the National Football League, and the National Hockey League.

Weatherford’s statement

is an indication that a measure (HB 127) co-sponsored by Reps. Jason Brodeur, R-Sanford, and David Santiago, R-Deltona, to provide up to $2 million a year for 30 years to a “motorsports entertainment complex” with at least 50,000 fixed seats – the Daytona speedway – will have difficulty advancing in the House.

A similar proposal (SB 208) by Sen. Dorothy Hukill, R-Port Orange, to direct $2 million a year in state sales-tax dollars for improvements at Daytona International Speedway has already been approved by the Senate Finance and Tax Subcommittee and the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee.

Hukill has promoted the work – new entrances and expanded entertainment concourses, with increased refreshment and concession areas and wider seating – as a job creator.

The requested money, totaling $60 million over 30 years, would help International Speedway Corp., which is putting up $375 million to $400 million for its “Daytona Rising” project.

Two additional commit-

OBAMA House to witness the signing.

“While Congress decides what it’s going to do – and I hope this year, and I’m going to work this year, and urge this year that they actually pass a law – today I’m going to do what I can to help raise working Americans’ wages,” he said.

In so doing, Obama put the executive order to its intended use: calling out Congress for inaction.

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ridians buy lottery tickets, a fact that could be inferred if studies done in other states hold true in Florida.

In North Carolina, a 2010 report by Sarah Ovaska of North Carolina Policy Watch detailed how the most impoverished counties in North Carolina – many of them predominately African-American – spend the most money on the state lottery.

And in South Carolina, a review of demographic studies commissioned by the South Carolina Education lottery showed that African-Americans made up 19 percent of the state’s adult population, but accounted for 39 percent of frequent players.

Many Black Floridians could probably place themselves in one of the six categories listed above. But a Florida Courier review of Ipsos-Reid’s Florida Lottery studies dating back to 2006 indicate that the playing habits of African-Americans have never been specifically evaluated by the Florida Lottery for a simple reason: Blacks don’t exist in any of the studies.

In fact, even Ipsos Reid’s latest study, known as the 2012 Florida Lottery General Population Segmentation Study, divides all Floridians into only two ethnic categories: Hispanic and non-Hispanics.

The company has maintained this ‘binary’ designation for the entire time it has been retained to perform studies for the Florida

The state currently directs up to $2 million a year in sales-tax dollars to each of eight major league sports facilities: Sun Life Stadium in Miami-Dade County, EverBank Field in Jacksonville, Tropicana Field in Tampa, Tampa Bay Times Forum, BB&T Center in Broward County, Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, American Airlines Arena in Miami, and the Amway Center in Orlando.

As of January 2014, the total payout to the facilities has equaled $267.2 million, according to state Department of Economic Opportunity records.

The Amway Center, home of the NBA’s Orlando Magic, was the most recently approved funding deal, in February 2008. The other seven were approved in the 1990s.

GOP opposes

First action

LOTTERY

Millions already paid

“a dishwasher at Randolph Air Force Base in Texas making $7.76 an hour.”

There’s a fast food worker at Andrews Air Force Base making $8.91 an hour, he said, and a laundry worker at Camp Dodge in Iowa making $9.03 an hour.

“Once I sign this order, starting next year, as their contracts come up, each of them and many of their fellow co-workers are going to get a raise,” Obama said, as his crowd cheered.

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The executive order, which Obama had announced in the State of the Union address and detailed in a series of appearances that followed is the first unilateral action of the administration’s 2014 strategy of emphasizing moves the president can take on his own. It would require companies that do business with the federal government to pay their workers at least $10.10 per hour.

Like most executive actions, this one has much more limited impact than a new law. If Congress raised the minimum wage, several million workers would get more money. Obama’s order will affect at most several thousand – primarily janitors and food-

tees, Community Affairs and Rules, are expected to consider the proposal before it could appear on the Senate Floor.

OLIVIER DOULIERY/ABACA PRESS/MCT

On Wednesday, President Obama signed an executive order requiring federal contractors to raise the pay of their federally funded employees on new contracts. service workers at some federal buildings and military bases.

The order affects only new federal contracts, so its impact will be phased in as contracts are renewed.

Still, Obama is rolling out a raft of directives and orders this winter, explaining each time that he is taking baby steps in hopes of inspiring Congress to make leaps.

QUESTIONS TO IPSO REID ABOUT THE FLORIDA LOTTERY STUDY Why are people designated either as only Hispanic or non-Hispanic?

Why is there no demographic breakdown by race or ethnicity?

What is the definition of “Hispanic?” Does the definition differentiate by national origin? By race?

Were African-Americans included in the sample? If yes, how many?

If no, why not?

African-Americans are 16.6 percent of Florida’s population, according to 2012 U.S. Census estimates. Is that number significant enough to include them as a separate category?

Were Haitians included in the sample? If yes, how many? If no, why not?

Why was the data collected only on the Internet? Was any thought given to data collection by phone or door-to-door in selected neighborhoods?

Read the full April 2012 General Population Segmentation study at www.flcourier.com.

Lottery, despite the fact that the 2012 U.S. Census identifies Florida’s self-described population as 78.3 percent White, 23.2 percent Hispanic or Latino, and 16.6 percent Black. (The term “Hispanic” can be applied to any race, according to the Census.)

Furthermore, the 2012 study was conducted only via the Internet and did not indicate if its sample size included AfricanAmericans.

Ipsos Reid doesn’t want to talk about any of it.

Tepid response In an attempt to get an explanation, the Florida Courier reached out to Ipsos-Reid. At first, Marketing Director Elen Alexov said the company would not comment for this story.

A second phone call to Senior Vice President of Strategic Public Affairs Research John Wright directed this reporter back to the Florida Lottery with pertinent questions posed to the firm in writing.

Wright didn’t seem convinced

Workers will benefit And while the impact of his executive order may be small, Obama focused Wednesday on those who would be helped. The higher wage, he said would aid

that his firm even conducted the study for the Florida Lottery until he was told the study appears on the Florida Lottery’s website, and that his contact information appeared as the designated media contact on the Ipsos Reid website. He eventually issued the following statement via email: “...We have some strict protocols in place at Ipsos when commenting on anything real or alleged that we have done for a client. This is due to business confidentiality arrangements that we enter into in every client relationship. As such, we neither confirm nor deny any research for any client unless it has been specifically released into the public domain.

“This is signaled when it is officially posted to our website where it becomes an official public record. If the results of a study are made available in another manner but are not posted to our site then we are compelled to direct the inquirer to forward their questions or comments to the alleged issuing party. This is a policy that we have had in place for 25 years as a major global provider of research undertaken for public, private and not-for-profit agencies.”

At Ipsos Reid’s request, the Florida Courier forwarded the same questions to Florida Lottery officials, who did not have a chance to answer prior to press time late Wednesday night.

Similar concerns Even as questions are being raised by the Florida Courier and Black elected officials about Lottery operations, particularly how millions in taxpayer-funded ad-

The executive action has not changed the minds of Republican lawmakers, who still oppose the idea of a higher minimum wage. As Obama prepared for the afternoon event, an aide to Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky emailed a recent McConnell remark from a debate in the chamber.

“If and when we turn to that issue,” McConnell said, “I think you’d anticipate Republicans being interested in offering as an alternative something that might actually create more jobs, rather than something that would destroy jobs. So we are prepared to have that debate.”

House Speaker John A. Boehner, R-Ohio, has dismissed Obama’s executive action as insignificant.

vertising dollars are spent, lawmakers are looking at overhauling the state’s gambling landscape by establishing a new gaming commission that would include taking over Florida Lottery management.

Sen. Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando, on Monday suggested the Florida Lottery be placed under a proposed five-member gaming commission that would be appointed by the governor.

“Over the years we’ve had some issues regarding the advertising and some of the games that are chosen by the Department of Lottery,” said Gardiner, a Senate Gaming Committee member who is next in line to become Senate president. “I certainly would think that it would be appropriate for a commission to hear the concerns by the taxpayers on what they do.”

The proposal is the latest potential addition to three gambling-centric bills that Chairman Garrett Richter, R-Naples, intends to roll out of the Gaming Committee. Richter said he would meet with Gardiner to discuss the Lottery proposal.

Gardiner didn’t discuss what the change could mean for the Lottery, which is now overseen

by Secretary Cynthia O’Connell, an appointee of Gov. Rick Scott.

Richter had previously excluded Lottery changes from discussions of gambling expansion and changes in Florida.

The News Service of Florida contributed to this report. Go to www.flcourier.com to read Ipsos Reid’s 2012 Florida Lottery General Population Segmentation Study.

FEBRUARY 14 – FEBRUARY 20, 2014

Edward Waters receives record $2 million donation

BY PENNY DICKERSON SPECIAL TO THE FLORIDA COURIER

Cultivating a friendship proved rewarding for Edward Waters College President Nat Glover. His childhood friend and renowned attorney Steve Pajcic donated $2 million of his personal funds to the HBCU with no strings attached. But even with friends like Pajcic, the college needs additional funding.

Community stalwart and respected alum of the college, Glover broke a 100-year barrier when he was elected Jacksonville’s first African-American sheriff in 1995 and was appointed the institutions 29th president 15 years later.

He is credited with raising more college funding than any predecessor and further allocated his $250,000 pension benefits toward scholarships for low-income students. But even with a president like Glover, more students need financial assistance.

Longtime friendship Accompanied by his wife Anne, Pajcic chronicled his long friendship with Glover with a jovial approach that ended on a poignant note. Among the parallels shared were how they grew up as kids on separate sides of Jacksonville’s Beaver Street.

The Milne Auditorium at the college was packed with a sea of students, faculty, and community leaders for Monday’s announcement.

“Anne and I have perspective on this gift. Yes, it’s $2 million – which is a lot of Nat money for us – but it is far short of what Glover is needed, said Pajcic. “Obviously, we believe in charitable giving and we’re hoping others will ‘step up’ and do their part for Edward Waters.’’

Remarks by mayor Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown shares political success with Glover as the city’s first African-American to hold Steve the office. Brown also is an EWC alum.

Pajcic In reiterating the donation’s gravity, he shared, “I think when Edward Waters College is successful, Jacksonville is successful. We can’t be successful without each other.”

With a goal to increase student enrollment by 1,000 in the year 2015, Glover expects to primarily use the funds for scholarships and additional institutional needs.

“The good thing about Pajcic’s gift is that they didn’t require us to name anything after them or say do this, that, or the other,” explained Glover. “We have a number of needs, but one of our main objectives is to get as many young people in school so they can access an education.”

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FLORIDA

Weatherford: House waiting to reveal state’s pension overhaul Florida Speaker Will Weatherford, above, and other supporters of changes to the state’s pension system say the state has to figure out how to stop making annual payments of $500 million a year to the pension fund.

BY BRANDON LARRABEE THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

TALLAHASSEE – The House is still considering two approaches to an overhaul of the state’s retirement system, Speaker Will Weatherford said Wednesday, indicating that a pension measure filed Monday by a leading senator might not be the final say.

In an interview with The News Service of Florida, Weatherford said his chamber was considering both the “cash balance” system proposed by Senate Community Affairs Chairman Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, and a “hybrid” plan that would combine elements of a traditional pension and a 401(k)-style investment plan.

The speaker said House leaders were still waiting for the results of an accounting study on the Legislature’s options.

“Until the actuary gives us a report, it’s kind of hard for us to say whether or not we favor one over the other,” said Weatherford, RWesley Chapel. But he added that he was “very sensitive to the fact that the Senate is favorable to the cash balance plan.”

‘Special risk’ Revamping the state’s pension system has been a top priority for Weatherford, who last year pushed a more far-reaching plan to force all new employees into the investment plan.

That proposal failed after running into strong opposition from a group of renegade Republican senators.

Weatherford and other supporters of changes to the system say the state has to figure out how to stop

making annual payments of $500 million a year to the pension fund.

“We think that we can make the current system sustainable, make the new benefit that we create a very good one still for our future employees and protect the state of Florida from what is plaguing other states, which is a huge unfunded liability,” Weatherford said.

Both plans would exempt current employees as well as law enforcement officers and firefighters, who fall into a category called “special risk.” The inclusion of special risk employees in last year’s proposal was one of the reasons it failed in the Senate.

Hybrid plan better?

Either a cash balance plan or a hybrid would be a dramatic reshaping of the Florida Retirement System, which currently guarantees monthly pension payments to retirees based on their incomes and lengths of service to the state.

Under the Senate measure (SPB 7046), employ-

ees would have de facto accounts set up and would be guaranteed a return of at least 2 percent a year on the money in their accounts.

If the plan’s investments made more than 2 percent, then three-quarters of the extra money would go to employees.

A hybrid plan would essentially split an employee’s account into two, with part of it being invested in the traditional pension system and the other half going into the investment plan.

During presentations Wednesday to two House committees, Rowland Davis, a pension consultant with the firm Hewitt EnnisKnupp, said that the hybrid plan would better serve employees who work with the state for their entire careers, while the cashbalance plan would be better for those who only work for the state for a part of their careers.

Study in weeks The hybrid plan would also be easier for the state to set up, Davis said.

“You basically just start using the two pieces that you already have in a different fashion for new hires,” he said.

Weatherford said the House would unveil its plan “here in the next couple of weeks.” State Affairs Committee Chairman Jim Boyd, a Bradenton Republican whose panel would consider any pension legislation, said the accounting study was not set to be done for another five to six weeks.

That could put the release of a proposal in the middle of the 60-day legislative session that begins March 4.

In either case, Democrats say they’re still wary of any sweeping changes to a retirement system that has one of the highest rates of funding in the nation.

“The pension is healthy,” said Rep. Dwayne Taylor, DDaytona Beach and a member of Boyd’s committee.

“There are no major issues with it. I think when someone is healthy, I think they don’t need to be operated on.”

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE FOR BLACK STUDENTS. NO EXCUSES. The classic guide from Florida Courier publisher, lawyer and broadcaster CHARLES W. CHERRY II PRAISE FOR ‘EXCELLENCE WITHOUT EXCUSE’: “This guide for African-American college-bound students is packed with practical and insightful information for achieving academic success...The primary focus here is to equip students with the savvy and networking skills to maneuver themselves through the academic maze of higher education.”

– Book review, School Library Journal • How low expectations of Black students’ achievements can get them higher grades;

ROBERTO KOLTUN/EL NUEVO HERALDMCT

From left to right, Jose Machado, a student of Nicaraguan descent, Cheryl Little, executive director of Americans for Immigrant Justice, and students Julio Calderon and Natalia Jaramillo listen to President Obama’s announcement that his administration had ordered suspension of deportations of documented students seeking the protection of the DREAM Act, on June 15, 2012. The students were at Miami Dade College.

• How Black students can program their minds for success;

Miami Dade College leads nation in students receiving Dreamers scholarships

• Setting goals – When to tell everybody, and when to keep your mouth shut;

BY LAURA WIDES-MUNOZ ASSOCIATED PRESS

• Want a great grade? Prepare to cheat!

• Black English, and why Black students must be ‘bilingual.’ …AND MUCH MORE!

www.excellencewithoutexcuse.com Download immediately as an eBook or a pdf Order softcover online, from Amazon, or your local bookstore ISBN#978-1-56385-500-9 Published by International Scholastic Press, LLC Contact Charles at ccherry2@gmail.com

Facebook ccherry2 excellencewithoutexcuse

for info on speeches, workshops, seminars, book signings, panel discussions.

Twitter @ccherry2

Miami Dade College on Tuesday became the biggest recipient of a new private scholarship program aimed at helping immigrant youth.

Former Washington Post owner Donald E. Graham, who co-founded TheDream.US, joined College President Eduard Padron at Miami’s historic Freedom Tower to present the awards to 22 Miami Dade students. Another 17 youth nationwide also were to receive the support in this inaugural batch of scholarships.

Graham said he became interested in helping the Dreamers after working with youth in Washington, D.C., public schools, encouraging them to at-

tend college. Each year, the number of students unable to afford college because of their immigration status grew.

“There was always this one group of students that could not go. First it was five, then it was 10, then it was 75 to 100 even in Washington, D.C.,’’ he said.

$25 million raised Youth brought to the country as children and who now live here illegally – so-called Dreamers – are not eligible for federal grants, and in many states must pay out-of-state tuition.

Philanthropist Henry Munoz III and for U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez also co-founded the group last June and tapped Miami Dade alumna and Dreamer activist

Gabby Pacheco as its program director. TheDream.

US provides scholarships of up to $25,000 in aid and has raised $25 million, Graham said.

Award recipient Federico Paseiro, 20, whose father buses tables at a Miami hotel, is using his scholarship to study business administration and hospitality management.

“I still can’t believe I went from not knowing what path was open to me two years ago to now getting a scholarship to go to college,’’ said Paseiro, who began classes last month.

Miami Dade has long supported college access for qualified youth living in the country illegally. It is one of a small number of Florida schools that provides them in-state tuition.

EDITORIAL

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FEBRUARY 14 – FEBRUARY 20, 2014

Beyond the rhetoric: An energized future at home Climate change is a fact.

We have seasons, spring, summer, autumn and winter, which rotate on an eternal basis. Temperatures vary on an ongoing basis, which is why we have weather reports. Man has no control over the weather. Global warming is a theory that has yet to be proven.

Former Vice President Al Gore has created a personal windfall that has given him hundreds of millions of dollars. He claimed that by 2013 there would be no more ice caps on the North Pole. It is 2014 and there are more than ever. His unfounded rants even got him a Nobel Peace Prize.

He became one of the greatest hustlers of all time.

HARRY C. ALFORD NNPA COLUMNIST

Not quite independent

federally owned land and off shore on our coastlines.

If we opened up our true potential, we could become a major exporter of oil. That would mean an economic boom for our treasury and an increase in jobs by the millions. Soon, the Keystone Pipeline will be constructed from the Canadian border to our Gulf Coast. The environmentalists have been fighting this fiercely. But the truth has been confirmed by the State Department. There will be no adverse impact from the construction and operation of this project.

There was a time when our oil needs were based on importing. We were dependent on nations that were not that friendly to us. Price volatility was out of our control. Today, America is robust with oil. Only 10 percent of our oil now comes from the Middle East. CanaOther successes in da and Mexico, our friendly neighbors, are our principal fracking importers. We could be toWe have been having tally independent if the gov- even more success with naternment would allow us to ural gas. Fracking is a proexplore the vast amount of cess of extracting natural gas

VISUAL VIEWPOINT: FARM STUFF

Charles W. Cherry II, Esq.

Judged by the minority

PUBLISHER

Bernice says the MLK estate is controlled by his three remaining kids, and that it was a 2-1 vote to sell the items she now calls “sacred.” MLK himself warned about materialism, and in fact gave his $40,000 Nobel cash prize to SCLC. (I wonder if Bernice would consider those dollars “sacred” too?)

This is a commercial dispute not worth the time I’ve spent to explain it. Bernice, a decision was properly made. Leave it alone…

Contact me at ccherry2@gmail.com; holler at me at www.facebook.com/ ccherry2 and ‘like’ the Florida Courier and Daytona Times pages. Follow the Florida Courier (@flcourier), the Daytona Times (@daytonatimes) and me (@ccherry2) on Twitter.

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.

THE 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.

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However, current events received prior to deadline will be considered before any information that is submitted, without the Publisher’s prior approval, after the deadline. Press releases, letters to the editor, and guest commentaries must be e-mailed to be considered for publication. The Florida Courier reserves the right to edit any submission, and crop any photograph, for style and clarity. Materials will not be returned.

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 Dr. Glenn W. Cherry, Chief Executive Officer Charles W. Cherry II, Esq., Publisher Dr. Valerie Rawls-Cherry, Human Resources Jenise Morgan, Senior Editor Linda Fructuoso, Marketing Consultant/Sales, Circulation Angela VanEmmerik, Creative Director Chicago Jones, Eugene Leach, Louis Muhammad, Lisa Rogers-Cherry, Circulation Andreas Butler, Ashley Thomas, Staff Writers Delroy Cole, Kim Gibson, Photojournalists MEMBER National Newspaper Publishers Association Society of Professional Journalists Florida Press Association Associated Press National Newspaper Association

of an underground pipeline to oil exploration sites. It is used in the process of underground oil exploration.

There is no “carbon footprint” as Al Gore would say.

Yes, the future is bright for those of us who support our important energy industry.

There will be cleaner and less costly ways to manufacturing and production.

Guess who will be the players in that innovation? Naturally, it will be our energy industry as they have the expertise and engineers to do it. It won’t be done by “rookies.”

Harry C. Alford is the cofounder, President/CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce®. Write your own response at www.flcourier.com.

Creating your own legacy

quick takes from #2: straight, no chaser

Random thoughts of a free Black mind, v. 201

Central Florida Communicators Group, LLC, P.O. Box 48857 Tampa, FL 33646, publishes the Florida Courier on Fridays. Phone: 877-3524455, toll-free. For all sales inquiries, call 877352-4455; e-mail sales@flcourier.com.

wants to kill coal. They have caused some damage with some coalmines closing and a noticeable amount of utility plants shutting down their operations due to pressure from the Environmental Protection Agency. However, that is about to change.

Once again, the innovation of our energy industry is taking us to new heights.

We can now take hard dirty coal and convert it to clean natural gas. While it is in the ground we can press it and separate the carbon from the gas. The gas is brought to the surface for use by our plants. Some of the Japanese owned auto plants in the United States have their own individual processing faciliNew use for coal ties. What about the dirty Then there is coal. Even carbon? It remains underour president has said he ground. It is shipped by way

Once again, Black History Month is upon us and we are bombarded with radio and television commercials recognizing the achievements of African-Americans. It’s good that the national media pays tribute and homage to the many brothers and sisters who have made significant strides in medicine, politics, technology, sports, and business. Without a doubt, African-Americans have achieved and continue to achieve remarkable feats in a world that still looks at us as without being fully and totally acceptable.

The election of the first African-American president of the United States of America was a tremendous victory for people of color in that it proved with hard work, determination, and a willingness to rise above naysayers, all things are possible. Yet, the election of an African-American president brought about racism to the forefront that was somewhat hidden for so long. Thinking that we were/are living in a post-racial world is fictitious.

PAT BAGLEY, SALT LAKE TRIBUNE

Michael Dunn trial – At our press time late Wednesday night, the Jacksonville jury was still trying to figure out whether another Black male teenager, Jordan Davis, was a threat to a grown-ass man who killed him. If Florida wasn’t a “shootfirst” state, this would seem to be a clear case of murder or manslaughter at the very least. The fact that Angela Corey’s office is on the case, and the prosecutors made a decision (like they did in the George Zimmerman case) not to discuss the issue of race as a factor in this killing makes me uneasy. I’ve been a plaintiff, a defendant, a prosecutor and a defense attorney. ANYTHING can happen in a Florida court. And when you add fear of a Black male, whether man or boy, into the mix, a miscarriage of justice is a clear possibility…

MLK’s kids – Heard Bernice on the “Tom Joyner Morning Show” this week, as she continues to try to keep her brothers from selling Daddy’s trinkets. Yes, the Nobel Peace Prize and his traveling Bible are trinkets. Does selling the prize mean MLK didn’t win the prize? When an NFL player sells his Super Bowl ring, does that mean he didn’t play on a championship team?

from rocks buried deep into our soil. The technique was invented in the 1950s but improvements to it have made it much more productive and profitable. We have become the Saudi Arabia in natural gas. No nation has more than we do. The price of natural gas is about $2 per unit in the United States. In places like Europe and Japan it is more than $14 per unit. The environmentalists have been trying fanatically to stop the use of fracking but to no avail.

In the end, our economy wins out. We are now taking our $2 natural gas and exporting it to other places for a very nice profit.

Every day, African-Americans are unfortunately judged by the actions of a few. What’s troubling is that the unruly actions of a few somehow and someway represent the behavior and traits of the majority of African-Americans. As I mentioned, we are unique in nature because when we are given the chance to compete with the masses, we excel. I don’t want you to think

DR. SINCLAIR GREY III GUEST COLUMNIST

I’m dissing and disrespecting other races or nationalities; I’m simply celebrating the victory of our people.

My challenge for the African-American community at large is for us to be more entrepreneurial-minded.

School should be viewed as an instrument for us to network with great minds. In addition, our educational upbringing should broaden our minds and cause us to gather information about a chosen profession that we can eventually become business owners. In his book, Mis-education of the Negro, author Carter G. Woodson deposits the fact that too many AfricanAmericans go to school and advance to higher-level degrees so that they can work for someone else. What needs to happen is that we need to transition from working for someone to creating economic platforms for ourselves and people in our community.

Creating opportunity Entrepreneurship creates opportunity for freedom to make as much money as possible. In addition to the financial rewards of owning your own business, you are making a difference in the lives of employees and your community. Too often, we spend our money with com-

panies that don’t give back to the African-American community. Let me say it again. Without understanding where our money is going and who is making a difference in our community, all we’re doing is throwing money away with no return on our investment.

Here’s your mission – if you’re not getting what you desire to be the best, create it through entrepreneurship. If you’re not happy with your status and you desire better, go for it. Don’t allow what others say to deter you from being the very best. People like to quote the Biblical definition of faith which is the ‘substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen’ but fail to walk according to it.

Let books be written about you. Let others call you for advice and counsel.

You and I have read countless books about AfricanAmericans who overcame obstacles to reach their apex; now it’s time for you and me to be a part of the stories. It’s now about arrogance; it’s about confidence and the strong yearning to leave something of value to the next generation.

Dr. Sinclair Grey III is an inspirational speaker, motivator, author and committed advocate for change. Contact him at drgrey@sinclairgrey.org or on Twitter @drsinclairgrey. Write your own response at www.flcourier. com.

Freedom rider: Modern day lynching Remember the names Garrick Hopkins, Carl Hopkins, McKenzie Cochran, Darrin Manning, and Charda Gregory. They are the latest victims of the unofficial but very real lynch law that has ruled America for centuries. Black people have always been victimized at the whim of racist White people, be they individuals, the police, prosecutors, judges or juries. This late date in history is no exception.

Thanks to the work of organizations such as the Malcolm X Grass Roots Movement, we know that a Black person is the victim of murder carried out by police, security guards, and self-appointed vigilantes at least every 28 hours. MXGM and groups like it depend on their own resources and initiative, so the number of deaths is in all probability even higher.

Reoccurring events In recent months, there has been a spate of killings and assaults on Black people committed by White people whose actions are obviously based on race hatred. In West Virginia, Garrick Hopkins had the bad luck to purchase property next door to the ironically named Rodney Black, a White man with a cache of guns in his home. Black claimed that he thought he

MARGARET KIMBERLEY BLACK AGENDA REPORT

the barbarians have once again been unleashed and have seized upon their traditional belief in the right to do anything they want to Black people. Stand Your Ground laws are an example of modern day secession from what a civilized country ought to expect. At first it seemed odd that these new laws were needed in a country that always accepted a right to self defense. But there is nothing new about racism and nothing odd about it being protected with perversions of the legal system.

How do Black people defend themselves when the justice system is arrayed against them? Every White person with evil intent can kill first and fear perhaps being put on trial and fear even less being convicted.

If the murderer is wearing a uniform the odds are overwhelmingly against any of that ever happening.

The old signs, which read, “a man was lynched today” should be dusted off for use in 2014. The fact that the Garrick Hopkins, Carl Hopkins and McKenzie Cochran were killed in 2014 instead of in 1914 ultimately makes little difference.

was being burglarized by the Garrick brothers, but that is beside the point. He saw two Black faces and, while in a state of psychotic auto-pilot, killed them both.

In Michigan McKenzie Cochran was killed in broad daylight and on videotape by mall cops. They killed him with pepper spray and chest compression as he screamed that he couldn’t breathe. Charda Gregory is still alive but only after surviving a brutal assault in a police station, also in Michigan. After Gregory was arrested, physically restrained, and pepper sprayed, a White female police officer felt the need to add insult to injury and hack off the victim’s sewn-in weave and her hair. Gregory has had some satisfaction in seeing the officer fired after the assault, but the fact that the cop believed herself immune from prosecution while under constant video surveillance says quite a bit Margaret Kimberley about the criminal justice is an editor and senior system. columnist at BlackAgendaReport.com. Write Stand who’s ground? your own response at Now in the 21st century, www.flcourier.com.

FEBRUARY 14 – FEBRUARY 20, 2014

Carter G. Woodson: Champion of African-American history In the fall of 1870, a handful of students made their way through the northwest quadrant of the nation’s capital, and through the doors of D.C.’s “Preparatory High School for Colored Youth,” the country’s first public high school for African-American children. There, in the shadow of the American Civil War, and dawned with the spark of reconstruction, a converted basementturned-classroom in the lower floor of Fifteenth Street Presbyterian Church bore the seeds of Dunbar High School, which would become one of the country’s preeminent institutions for African-American educational achievement.

The students and teachers who graced its hallways would be heard through the years in the halls of Congress, in the highest ranks of the U.S. military, at the heart of our civil rights movement, and in the upper echelons of medical and scientific study.

One such voice was that of Carter G. Woodson: A journalist, author, historian, and co-founder of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH). It was through his work with the ASNLH that Woodson spearheaded the celebration of “Negro History Week” in America, which served as the precursor to Black History Month, which was officially recognized by President Gerald Ford in 1976.

VALERIE JARRETT GUEST COLUMNIST

Harvard grad The son of former slaves, Woodson grew up poor, and unable to attend school regularly. Still, he managed to master scholastic fundamentals on his own. After entering high school at the age of 20, he earned his degree in two years and continued on with an impressive academic career earning a bachelor’s degree from Berea College in Kentucky, a post as a school supervisor in the Philippines for nearly five years, a master’s degree in 1908 from the University of Chicago, and his Ph.D. in history from Harvard University in 1912.

After Harvard, Woodson moved to Washington, D.C. and joined the Dunbar High School staff, which at that point was called the “M Street School.” He taught there for years until joining the faculty at Howard University, where he began teaching Howard’s first-ever Black history courses.

Reflection on father

I was struck by Carter Woodson’s story both as we observe Black History Month at the White House, and as I reflect on the tangential story of another Dunbar faithful. My father, Dr. James E. Bowman, who would be 91 years old today, attended Dunbar and graduated at the age of 16, deFormed Negro cades after Mr. Woodson had History Week moved on, and amidst another Carter G. Woodson spent his ca- era of struggle and restructuring reer promoting the importance of in America.

Slaves in 2014 need to run away The recent movie “12 Years A Slave” has received rave reviews and a lot of critical acclaim. The film was so well liked the movie director and several people who played on screen and off screen roles in the movie are being considered for numerous awards.

Well, if the men and women that acted like slaves in “12 Years A Slave” get Academy Awards and Golden Globe Awards, every Black person in the United States should get something too for being treated like slaves from the day we were born until the day we die!

I know you don’t like for me to write like this but it’s true. In the history of America the worst thing you could be is a slave and the second worst thing you can be is a descendant of slaves!

Black history as part of the American story, and in context of the birth and evolution of global civilizations. With the publication of The Journal of Negro History, the formation of the ASNLH, and the inception of Negro History Week, Woodson is often cited as the “father of Black history,” and one of the earliest champions of AfricanAmerican empowerment through historic learning.

Woodson taught us that, “those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history.”

It was his belief that a thorough and prideful understanding of our history as Americans, and a full grasp of the contributions of Black people would provide us the foundation and vision we need to confidently contribute to society, and reach our full potential.

Lucius Gantt THE GANTT REPORT

loved the slaves that would entertain everybody at the big house.

If you could run fast, carry heavy weights, fight other slaves, sing Negro spirituals, play banjos or fiddles, buck dance and tell funny slave stories you probably could get an extra plate of chitterlings or sleep on a wood floor instead of on the dirty ground.

In 2014, the same behavior is still admired by modern day slave masters and overseers. If you’re a comedian, a clown or a jacklegged preacher that will criticize or make fun of Black men and Rewards for being a slave women you can get a network TV, Years ago, plantation owners cable TV or national radio show.

If you can sing, rap and do the new age buck dances (twerk) you can get a recording contract but don’t ever go to sleep and dream about having a major record label or being a record distributor because that big music money will go to the new bosses.

During slavery days there were certain things slaves couldn’t do and today, 400 years later, there are still things that the Black man cannot do!

Let me explain.

During slavery, slave masters did everything they could to prevent slaves from voting. In 2014, politicians are doing everything possible to suppress Black votes, to deny Black votes and to prevent eligible African Americans from going to the polls to cast ballots for the candidates of their choice.

Shopping while Black Every American slave had to work for a White American slave master. Slaves couldn’t open up a business no matter how good they were at shoeing horses, caring for White children or farming the land. And, to be respected, Black people have to work for White

Well-conceived plan needed if Black-White wealth gap is to end There is a Black-White wealth gap. It's a quantifiable reality. Getting rid of it, however, may be an impractical, albeit sincere, goal.

While this equality goal is not insurmountable, there is no precedent for it ever having been achieved -- and that raises serious challenges when developing a strategy for success.

In recorded human history, a substantial Black racial demographic group has never experienced a wholesale rise to economic equality with its White counterpart within a leading world power. This excludes, of course, the rise and recognition of a select few individuals from a racial minority group (e.g., Robert Johnson or Oprah Winfrey).

Clearly, at this point, Black Americans are in no position to affect a rise by leveraging economic or military means. The latter, in fact, is unlawful and can produce very adverse outcomes such as the riots of the 1960s.

Take advantage of the law Our Declaration of Independence states, "all men are created equal." Our government has certainly enacted enough laws over the years to allegedly ensure equality of opportunity. But it is a very expensive proposition to expect any government to create and protect such opportunities for everyone. Besides, there is no guarantee that those for whom the laws are intended will take full advantage of them.

In a religious context, Blacks often equate their condition to that

B.B. ROBINSON, PH.D. PROJECT 21

of the Biblical Hebrews in Egypt.

These people cite how God aided the Children of Israel — and could similarly help them today.

That narrative has the Hebrews exiting Egypt, not achieving economic parity with the Egyptians.

It's not the same.

In a 2006 article entitled "The Economics of Identity," three Black economists — William Darity, Patrick Mason and James Stewart — argued that it is not anomalous that Whites operate in a racial manner and prefer to affiliate with those who are similar in every respect. Interestingly, Yale University researchers Karen Wynn and Paul Bloom told "60 Minutes" last year that this appears to be an inborn characteristic of all races — not just Whites.

We all like and support those who look, act, talk and think as we do.

Consequently, it is perplexing why Black Americans even expect White Americans to facilitate our rise in the first place.

‘To what should Blacks aspire?’

By considering the over 40 million Black Americans as a nation within a nation, developmental economists must argue — as they do in the context of a North-South divide — that there are many reasons why Black America may

never achieve economic convergence with its White counterpart.

Therefore, it is time that we ask a fundamental question: If BlackWhite economic equality is outside of the realm of possibility, to what should Black Americans aspire?

(Again — this is not to say that Black-White economic equality is absolutely impossible to achieve.

But given history, culture, and economic reality, it does not appear to be a reasonable and realistic goal.)

If the desire remains to strive for Black-White economic equality, then Blacks should be able to present plausible assumptions and describe a realistic scenario within which this equality can be achieved. Such goals are not now in the public domain.

It's the duty of Black Americans and those who claim to be our leaders to do more than say something — we need to actually do something. If we truly want the Black community to begin to move toward more economic parity with Whites, a well-conceived plan needs to be developed.

Otherwise, when considered seriously, Black-White economic equality is merely a pipe dream with little prospect for any movement toward such a laudable goal.

B.B. Robinson, Ph.D., is a member of the national advisory council of the Black leadership network Project 21. Visit his website at www.Blackeconomics.org. Write your own response at www.flcourier.com.

EDITORIAL

A5

VISUAL VIEWPOINT: BUDGET SOCHI/53 BILLION EUROS

PAVEL CONSTANTIN

He would later become a renowned pathologist and expert in genetics and inherited disease, as well as the first African-American resident at St. Luke’s Hospital in Chicago, and the first African-American to receive tenure at the University of Chicago Division of Biological Sciences. Like Mr. Woodson, and so many others over the years, my dad broke down barriers throughout his life and career, and left us a world better than the one he found.

Today, Dunbar struggles against many of the same economic, social, family, and scholastic barriers to success that face so many schools in America, and which leave too many children fighting for the chance they deserve. But we can certainly learn from Carter

Woodson, that we need only look to our past to understand our capacity for forging our own destiny in the face of unrelenting challenges. The strength of our future as a country, as always, lives in the hearts and minds of our young people, and I can think of no surer vessel in which to place our faith.

Carter G Woodson is buried at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery in Suitland-Silver Hill, MD, and his DC home is preserved as a National Historic Site.

Valerie Jarrett is Senior Adviser to President Obama and chair of the White House Council on Women and Girls. Write your own response at www.flcourier.com.

They beat us when they say “real” minorities are White women, Hispanics, Asians and disabled White men and being a Black businessperson doesn’t matter and has no significance in government or corporate America whatsoever!

It doesn’t surprise me one bit when Black people say they want to leave America and move to another country, work in another country or study in another country.

Real slaves and movie slaves all felt a need to run away. They wanted to run away from brutality, run away from oppression, run away from exploitation, run away from hatred, run away from disrespect and run away from poverty Same beat down, and mistreatment! new whip The everyday slaves of 2014 The movie slaves got beaten need to consider running away with leather whips but the everyday slaves get beat with econom- too! ic whips! They beat us when they Buy Gantt’ book "Beast Too: tell us only Black vendors and Dead Man Writing" at any contractors seeking government contracts and businesses must bookstore. Like the TGR page on be “certified”. They beat us when Facebook and contact Lucius they “red line” our communities at www.allworldconsultants. and say banks won’t lend to busi- net. Write your own response at nesses in Black neighborhoods. www.flcourier.com.

folk in 2014 to be recognized and considered as expert. Every Black community has non-Blacks in the neighborhood selling goods and services to Black people but if you open up a restaurant or a corner store in a White neighborhood nobody will shop with you.

The adjective “Black” automatically infers that your business is substandard, your newspaper is inadequate, your web site is imperfect, your restaurant is inferior, you car repair shop is “shade tree,” your barbershop can only cut Black hair, your consulting firm is second class and your ice is never as cold as the White man’s ice!

Civil rights movement made Super Bowl possible The Super Bowl is our national festival. Some 70 percent of all TVs were tuned to the game. Each of the last four Super Bowls set a new record for the most watched show in history.

More women watch the Super Bowl than men and women combined watch the Academy Awards.

Advertisers pay billions to peddle their wares. The halftime features American flags, children’s choirs and tributes to our military.

The players are so big that Tim Tebow is featured in an ad because he doesn’t have a contract. Why is this spectacle so captivating? This is a time when Americans create their own communities, select from hundreds of channels, pick their own Facebook friends, select their own music and search out their own sources of information.

Civil rights helped unify What are the roots of this unifying festival? In many ways, it is a product of the civil rights movement. Sounds odd, but think about it. Without the civil rights movement, segregation would have blocked the inclusion of the Atlanta Falcons, Dallas Cowboys, Tennessee Titans, Miami Dolphins, Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers and the New Orleans Saints. Integrated teams would have been controversial, if not impossible.

A national playoff would have broadcast our divisions, not our unity. It took the civil rights movement to bring down the cotton curtain of legal segregation, free

Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. TRICEEDNEYWIRE.COM

the new South and unify America across the Mason-Dixon line. The owners didn’t push this transformation. League officials didn’t force it.

Brave men and women who risked their lives to make America better created it. Similarly, players gained free agency not by the generosity of the owners nor the foresight of league officials. Free agency was forced by a star baseball player, Curt Flood, a St. Louis Cardinal who refused a trade to Philadelphia and sacrificed much of his athletic career to challenge, in the courts, a system that he said treated athletes like chattel slaves.

But enlightened bankers, or generous CEOs, won’t rectify it. Politicians acting on their own won’t fix it. We will rebuild an economy that works for the many and not just the few only when people decide it is time for change, and begin to organize and mobilize and march and demand that change. What the Super Bowl and the new South show is that change can bring us together economically, not drive us apart socially.

Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. is president/CEO of the Rainbow/ PUSH Coalition. Write your own response at www.flcourier.com.

TOj A6

NATION

FEBRUARY 14 – FEBRUARY 20, 2014

School catches flak for putting watermelon, fried chicken on menu

Selo'monda Williams, left, and Bill Breitling attend a job search skills orientation at Charlotte Works, a publicprivate job training agency, on Jan. 9 in Charlotte, N.C.

BY MYEISHA ESSEX BLACKAMERICAWEB.COM

The principal of an all-girls Catholic school in California had a lot of explaining to do this month after the cafeteria offered a special Black History Month menu of watermelon, fried chicken and cornbread. The menu sparked outrage after parents and students complained that the meal celebrated Black stereotypes, not history, in an assembly and explanatory letter.

Nancy Libby, the head at Carondelet High School, responded to the outcry by speaking to members of the Black Student Union and offering a public apology for the offensive menu.

“I’d like to apologize for this announcement and any hurt this caused students, parents or community members,” she stated in a letter.

“Please know that at no time at Carondelet do we wish to perpetrate (sic) racial stereotypes.’

JOHN D. SIMMONS/ CHARLOTTE OBSERVER/MCT

Unemployment rate at 12 percent for Black men Number at 20.7 in January for Black teens

in December, BLS reported.

Removed from menu

5.4 rate for White men

BY FREDERICK H. LOWE TRICE EDNEY NEWS WIRE

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for Black men rose in January as the nation’s nonfarm businesses added 113,000 jobs, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported this morning.

The overall Black unemployment rate in January was 12.1 percent compared to 11.9 percent in December.

The jobless rate for Black men 20 years old and older was 12.0 percent in January compared to 11.5 percent in December.

The unemployment rate for African-American women 20 years old and older was 10.4 percent in January, the same as

According to University of San Francisco professor James Taylor, the idea was well-intentioned but poorly executed. “Chicken, watermelon, collard greens — these stereotypes of Black southern culture come from the same place that the N-word comes from,” he told NBC. “This is not like this food represents some heroic moment in African-American experience. What it represents is the degradation and the stereotyping of African-Americans.”

Ruth Wilson, chair of the AfricanAmerican Studies Department at San Jose State University, added that the reason why this meal sparks bad feelings “is because blackface-era cartoons and plays showed AfricanAmericans eating these foods in ugly caricature depictions.”

The jobless rate for AfricanAmericans is the highest among major worker groups except for teenagers, which was a seasonally adjusted 20.7 percent in January.

The unemployment rate for White men 20 years old and older was 5.4 percent, and the jobless rate for White women 20 years old and older was 5.2 percent.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the unemployment rate for Hispanics was 8.4 percent. The Asian unemployment rate was 4.8 percent, but it was not seasonally adjusted.

The nation’s overall seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 6.6 percent. Employment grew in construction, manufacturing, wholesale trade and mining.

The Associated Press reported the items were removed from the menu and a special diversity assembly will be held to discuss the matter.

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Williams to speak at Boca Raton summit See page B2

SHARING BLACK LIFE, STATEWIDE

FEBRUARY 14 – FEBRUARY 20, 2014

Essence to honor Black males in Hollywood See page B5

www.flcourier.com

By GreGory Clay McClatchy-Tribune News Service

1. Who was the first Black

woman named to a U.S. Cabinet position?

A. Condoleezza Rice B. Alexis Herman C. Patricia Roberts Harris D. Hazel R. O’Leary

2. Michelle

Obama became the first Black first lady when Barack Obama won the presidential election in Michelle 2008. At what Obama college did she complete her undergraduate studies?

A. Yale B. Princeton C. Illinois D. North Carolina

3. Debi Thomas became

the first Black woman to win a medal in a Winter Games when she captured the bronze in figure skating in 1988. What professional discipline did she enter after her skating career?

A. Chiropractor B. Accountant C. Attorney D. Physician

4. Who was the first Black

woman to win a Nobel Prize in literature?

A. Lorraine Hansberry B. Toni Morrison C. Alice Walker D. Maya Angelou

5. Who was the first Black

Surveying the historical and cultural contributions of Black women Yannick Bonheur became the first Black couple to compete in Winter Olympic pairs skating when they participated in the Vancouver Games in 2010.

Which country did they represent in that Olympics?

A. United States B. England C. Canada D. France

6. Halle Berry, in 2002, be-

came the first Black woman to receive an Academy Award in the Best Actress category.

Name the movie in which she appeared for said award.

A. “Losing Isaiah” B. “Monster’s Ball” C. “Solomon & Sheba” D. “Gothika”

13.

7.

Name the first Black woman to play for a Negro League baseball team.

A. Althea Gibson B. Wilma Rudolph C. Toni Stone D. Wyomia Tyus

8. Who was the first Black female flight attendant?

A. Ruth Carol Taylor B. Bessie Coleman C. Shirley Chisholm D. Aretha Franklin

9. Vonetta Flowers became

the first Black woman to win a gold medal in a Winter Olympics in the 2002 Games in Salt Lake City. In which sport did she participate in before bobsledding?

A. Track and field B. Basketball C. Softball D. Soccer

10.

Ursula Burns is the first Black female CEO of a Fortune 500 company. Name the company.

4/*

ANSWERS

ost of us know prominent Black women in Hollywood — from Cicely Tyson to Halle Berry to Kerry Washington. We know superstar Black female athletes, such as the tennis-playing Williams sisters, and we remember bronze medal-winning figure skater Debi Thomas from the momentous Calgary Winter Olympics of 1988.

But sports and entertainment aren’t the only arenas in which Black women have achieved.

Here, we examine a historical roll call of Black women firsts and their legacies as we celebrate Black History Month and Women’s History Month with an eclectic and challenging trivia quiz.

woman to moderate a U.S. presidential debate?

A. Gwen Ifill B. Suzanne Malveaux C. Fredricka Whitfield D. Carole Simpson

B

GeorGe BridGeS/MCT

Vanessa James and Yannick Bonheur compete in the ice skating pairs event at the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver, British Columbia.

A. Xerox B. Archer Daniels Midland C. Hewlett-Packard D. Avon

11.

Who was the first Black woman named Playboy Magazine’s Playmate of the Month?

A. Halle Berry B. Vanessa Williams C. Jennifer Jackson D. Dorothy Dandridge

12. Vanessa James and

Name the first Black woman who was a nonsupermodel or a nonathlete to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit edition.

A. Beyonce B. Rihanna C. Aaliyah D. Iman

14.

Who was the first Black woman to earn her pilot’s license?

A. Bessie Coleman B. Mae Jemison C. Shirley Ann Jackson D. Ella Fitzgerald

15.

Alice Coachman became the first Black woman to win a gold medal in an Olympics. In what year did she win the gold?

A. 1960 Rome B. 1936 Berlin C. 1948 London D. 1956 Melbourne

16.

Name the first Black woman to receive a Ph.D.

from Duke University.

A. Susan Rice B. Melissa Harris-Perry C. Michelle Bernard D. Ida Stephens Owens

17.

Who is the first Black woman named to the NCAA’s College Football Playoff Selection Committee?

A. Pam Oliver B. Jemele Hill C. Condoleezza Rice D. Lisa Salters

18.

Who was the first Black female millionaire in the United States?

A. Nichelle Nichols B. Madam C. J. Walker C. Oprah Winfrey D. Judy Smith

19.

Gabrielle Douglas became the first Black woman to win a gold medal in the individual all-around gymnastics competition, during the 2012 London Olympic Games.

What is her nickname?

A. “Supergirl” B. “Ace” C. “Queen of the Mat” D. “Flying Squirrel”

20.

Who was the first Black female author to win a Pulitzer Prize?

A. Gwendolyn Brooks B. Zora Neale Hurston C. Nikki Giovanni D. Terry McMillan

1. C. Patricia Roberts Harris was named secretary of housing and urban development in 1977 during the administration of President Jimmy Carter.

2. B. At Princeton, Michelle Obama majored in sociology with a minor in African-American studies, earning a B.A. in 1985. She received her law degree from Harvard in 1988.

3. D. Physician. Debi Thomas graduated from Stanford University in 1991 with a degree in engineering, then graduated from the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in 1997. She performed her surgical residency at the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences Hospital and an orthopedic surgery residency at the Martin Luther King Jr./Charles Drew University Medical Center in South Central Los Angeles.

4. B. Toni Morrison won the Nobel Prize in literature in 1993 for the body of her work “characterized by visionary force and poetic import.”

5. D. Carole Simpson moderated a debate in 1992 between U.S. presidential candidates George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Ross Perot.

6. B. Halle Berry played the role of Leticia Musgrove, the troubled wife of an executed murderer in “Monster’s Ball.” Her performance was awarded the National Board of Review and the Screen Actors Guild best-actress awards. In a most interesting coincidence, she became the first Black woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress when earlier in her career, she portrayed Dorothy Dandridge, the first Black woman nominated for Best Actress.

7. C. Toni “Tomboy” Stone played second base for the Indianapolis Clowns in 1953. She even got a hit off legendary pitcher Satchel Paige.

8. A. Ruth Carol Taylor became the first Black flight attendant in 1958, working for Mohawk Airlines.

9. A. Vonetta Flowers initially participated in track and field as a sprinter and long jumper. Flowers originally aimed to compete in the Summer Games, but, after several failed attempts at the trials, she switched to bobsledding, teaming with Jill Bakken to take the gold in the 2002 Salt Lake City Games.

10. A. Ursula Burns, who grew up in a housing project in New York City, replaced Anne Mulcahy in 2009 as CEO of Xerox, the world’s largest maker of high-speed color printers. A math whiz, Burns earned a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Columbia University in 1981.

11. C. Jennifer Jackson became the first Black woman to appear as Playmate of the Month for the March 1965 issue. She later became a social worker; her twin sister, Janice, also worked as a Playboy Bunny.

12. D. Vanessa James and Yannick Bonheur represented France. They placed 14th in the competition.

13. A. Singer Beyonce created a major buzz in 2007 when she appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Edition.

14. A. Bessie Coleman received an international pilot’s license in 1921 in France instead of the United States because of segregationist laws in America.

15. C. Alice Coachman won the high jump in the 1948 London Games with a height of 5 feet, 6 1/8 inches. In fact, she was the only U.S. woman to win a track and field gold medal in that games; Coachman’s dominance was so pronounced that she won the AAU outdoor high jump championships from 1939 to 1948.

She was only 25 in 1948, so imagine how many medals she would have won had the 1940 and 1944 Summer Olympics not been canceled because of World War II. 16. D. Ida Stephens Owens received a Ph.D. in physiology in 1967 from the Duke Graduate School.

17. C. Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, also an accomplished figure skater and classical pianist, was named to the 13-person panel that determines the four teams that will play in major college football’s playoff system.

18. B. Sarah Breedlove, also known as Madam C. J. Walker, was a U.S. entrepreneur and philanthropist who earned her million-dollar fortune by developing and marketing beauty and hair-care products for Black women.

She died in 1919 at age 52, amassing her wealth several decades before Oprah.

19. D. Gabrielle Douglas was nicknamed the “Flying Squirrel” because of her acrobatic performances on the uneven bars.

20. A. Gwendolyn Brooks, in 1950, won a Pulitzer Prize for poetry with her book, “Annie Allen.”

CALENDAR

B2

FEBRUARY 14 – FEBRUARY 20, 2014

TOJ

Former FAMU cheerleader makes NBA All-Star dance squad SPECIAL TO THE COURIER

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – NBA All-Star Weekend is one of the biggest attractions in all of professional athletics. The best basketball players from the entire NBA and their fans converge this year on New Orleans for the annual midseason classic. This season, for only the second time in the history of the NBA All-Star Weekend, a spirit squad was selected from the 30 dance teams that cheer on the teams throughout the regular season.

While the Charlotte Bobcats will not have a player in the All-Star festivities, they will have Shardia Washington representing the Lady Cats on the Eastern Conference All-Star Dance Team. In just her second season as a member of the team considered the best in the NBA, Washington was submitted by the Bobcats organization as one of three finalists for her team, followed by her ultimate selection to the All-Star squad by the NBA selection process.

She graduated in 2008

from Florida A&M University (FAMU) with a bachelor’s in science, In 2010, she earned a master’s degree at the university in occupational therapy. While at FAMU, she was a member of the FAMU cheerleading squad, an experience the Jacksonville native holds dear to her heart.

“I never thought in a million years I would make a professional dance team, especially for the NBA. So just having the opportunity to come out here and represent FAMU and to represent myself, it just means a lot to me,” Washington said.

Lots of community service She spends virtually all of her time either working, rehearsing and performing with the Lady Cats or doing community service projects. She often visits schools and reads with children in the Charlotte area as part of her community service obligations.

Recognizing the impact that a positive role model can have is something she learned early in life, but

Venus Williams to headline Women of Power Summit BLACKNEWS.COM

Tennis superstar and entrepreneur Venus Williams will headline the 2014 Women of Power Summit in Boca Raton.

Presented by Black Enterprise Magazine, the Women of Power Summit is the nation’s No. 1 executive develVenus opment and leadership conWilliams ference for women of color, annually attracting more than 800 corporate executives, professionals and businesswomen from across the country. It will take place Feb. 26 - March 1

her involvement as a part of the Lady Cats has elevated that perspective for her.

Fourth AfricanAmerican The historic part of her trek to New Orleans has not fully set in for Washington, but to put it in perspective, there were three AfricanAmerican women chosen for the first NBA All-Star dance team in 2007, therefore she represents just the fourth ever to achieve the task. She credits her foundation at an HBCU with allowing her to accept the responsibility to do well on all levels.

“I definitely enjoy my life here in Charlotte as an adult, but I do miss being in college on ‘The Hill’ in Tallahassee. Cheerleading in college prepared me, but not quite for the time consumption that we deal with on the professional level,” she said.

Brandi Tatum, who coached Washington while she attended FAMU, was beaming with pride when she learned of the accomplishment. “Shardia has a very outgoing bubbly

Shardia Washington will represent the Lady Cats dance team of the Charlotte Bobcats during the NBA All-Star Weekend. personality. She would try anything to make our squad better. She started as a base, ended as a flyer. She has an incredible outbound spirit and was humorous and able to lift people up,” Tatum said.

Back home in Jacksonville, the excitement grew immediately as she in-

formed her mother that she would be participating on the all-star dance team.

“When I first told her I was selected, she screamed and she texted the entire family and I don’t even know if my mom knew what the NBA All-Star game was, but she was super excited,” she said.

Washington left for New Orleans on Feb. 12. The squad will be performing at virtually every official NBA All-Star Weekend event.

“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and I don’t think I fully understand what it’s going to be about until I step out on that court,’’ Washington added.

at the Boca Raton Resort and Club.

Williams, who along with her sister Serena has ruled the world of professional tennis for more than a decade, is more than just a sports superstar. She is best-selling author, fashion designer and entrepreneur to her many accomplishments. Her businesses include, V*STARR and EleVen. Other featured headliners of the 2014 Women of Power Summit include iconic civil rights activist and former NAACP Chairperson Myrlie Evers-Williams; Apple Inc. Environmental Initiatives VP and former White House Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson; and Linda Johnson-Rice and Desiree Rogers, chairperson and CEO, respectively, of Johnson Publishing Company, Inc. For more details about this event, visit www.blackenterprise.com/events/womenof-power-summit.

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LoveFest Miami 2014 will feature Wale, K. Michelle, Meek Mill and Marcus Cooper on Feb. 14 at the BankUnited Center.

KATHLEEN BATTLE

Soprano Kathleen Battle’s Underground Railroad: A Spiritual Journey show takes place Feb. 23 at the Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.

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ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater 2014 tour makes a stop in Miami from Feb. 20-23 and in Jacksonville on Feb. 25.

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Tampa: Actor and comedian John Witherspoon is scheduled at the Tampa Improv Feb. 13-16.

Miami Gardens: The ninth annual Jazz in the Gardens is March 15-16. More information and lineup of artists: www.jazzinthegardens.com.

Gainesville: The Take 6 Project Concert takes place Feb. 15 at 7:30 p.m. at the Curtis M. Phillips Center for

the Performing Arts.

Tampa: Katt Williams’ Growth Spurt tour stops at the USF Sun Dome on March 15.

Gainesville: J. Cole and Chance the Rapper are scheduled for a 7 p.m. show Feb. 27 at the O’Connell Center.

Tampa: Charlie Wilson is scheduled Feb. 21 at the University of Sun Dome and the James L. Knight Center on Feb. 22 in Miami.

Daytona Beach: Wayne Brady takes the stage at the

Peabody Auditorium on Feb. 19 for a 7:30 p.m. show.

St. Petersburg: Branford Marsalis will perform at the Palladium Theater on April 3 and on April 4 at the Curtis M Phillips Center for Performing Arts in Gainesville.

Jacksonville: John Legend is scheduled at the Florida Theatre Jacksonville on April 30.

Tampa: Miley Cyrus’ Bangerz Tour stops in Miami on March 22 and Tampa on March 30.

STOJ

FEBRUARY 14 – FEBRUARY 20, 2014

B3

sports

A Smithsonian honor for Hank Aaron Baseball great’s 80th birthday celebrated with portrait unveiling

BY STEVE HUMMER ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION/ MCT

Henry Louis “Hank’’ Aaron turned 80 on Feb. 5, a long life now divided neatly in half by the 40 years building to home run No. 715 and the 40 years spent in service to that epic swing.

Aaron was honored on Feb. 7 at a dinner thrown by his buddy, Commissioner Bud Selig. On Feb. 8, he and his likeness were celebrated at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery.

Space in that hall is reserved not only for those who can hit the fastball, but those who have, on a grander scale, influenced a nation’s culture. The Hammer did his share of societal shaping with a 33-ounce piece of sculpted ash.

“Can we tell the story of baseball without Henry Aaron? I don’t think so,” Bethany Bentley, a gallery spokeswoman, said. He’ll keep eclectic company, hanging next to actor Morgan Freeman.

Smithsonian portrait The artist who did this and another portrait of Aaron to go in the Baseball Hall of Fame, Atlanta’s Ross Rossin, felt it his responsibility to capture “the positive energy that comes from him, the magnetism, the charisma.

“He is more than a sports star; he is an unbelievable human being who represents the time he lived in,” Rossin said. Aaron will be Rossin’s fourth subject displayed at the Smithsonian, along with Freeman, former U.N. ambassador/Atlanta mayor Andrew Young and poet Maya Angelou.

Even someone who has been honored in nearly every conceivable fashion still can be moved by an event of this scale.

“I was there with Andrew Young when they hung his (portrait),” Aaron said this month. “You’re on a different level when you get there. You’ve achieved a lot and somebody upstairs loves you. I

don’t know — you feel like somebody special.” Before leaving for D.C., Aaron sat for an interview in the southwest Atlanta home he has been in since 1974. What emerged was another portrait of an octogenarian sporting icon at ease with the sum of his life.

General health Aaron doesn’t use the tennis court at his home anymore, and in fact jokes about turning it into a garden. Doesn’t fish the fiveacre pond out back of the house.

But otherwise, “I feel good, I really do,” he said.

Travel can wear him out, but he knows he would feel it all the more had he fully indulged in the pleasures of the road while he was playing.

“I feel fortunate. I feel proud of myself. I’ve tried to stay healthy all my life, tried to do the right things,” Aaron said.

His parents willed him a long life. His father, Herbert, lived to the age of 89. Estella, his mother, made it to 96.

“I wish I knew (the secret to longevity),” he said. “Even when I played baseball, I always felt like I had to take care of myself. If I felt like the night before I stayed out a little later and it kept me from playing the kind of baseball I wanted to play, then nobody had to tell me the next night — or the next two weeks — that I had to get to bed.”

moment, Aaron still wishes he could have savored it more.

“The hardest thing I went through was the fact I was so isolated. I didn’t go out to dinner. My kids had to go to a private school.

I had to slip out of the back door of ballparks.

“My teammates would stay in one hotel, and I would stay in another one. Paul Casanova was a catcher with the Braves at the time. After we’d play a night game he would have to bring my dinner to my hotel if I wanted to eat anything.” Where others in search of one benchmark or another may have enjoyed the chase, Aaron looks back on the buildup to 715 and says, “I had no great moments.”

Aaron’s legacy

Note to the generations of fans who never witnessed Aaron in a uniform: He did more than hit a baseball into the seats. He ranks This portrait of Hank Aaron by Atlanta artist Ross Rossin was third all-time in number of hits. placed in the Smithsonian earlier this month.

First in RBIs, extra-base hits and total bases. Fourth in runs. Had youth baseball. When he left home what happened there. That sta- three Gold Gloves.

The numbers, though, start to to prove himself in the now-long- dium should always be (at its curdefunct Negro Leagues, he held rent site), I think.” As for the pre- lose their sharp edge over the dethe bat wrong (cross-handed) and served section of Atlanta-Fulton cades. Stats are incomplete meacontradicted his athletic ability by County Stadium, the relic from sures of a running on his heels rather than the historic night of April 8, 1974, life, cold figures telling a two-dihis toes. Such a baseball upbring- when Aaron passed Ruth? “I don’t mensional tale. They don’t, for ining is unlikely to be duplicated in know what’s going to happen to stance, account for his children’s that little wall. Might end up in charity — the Chasing the Dream the ever-refined future. somebody’s living room,” he said. Foundation — in which Aaron takes such pride.

On the Braves’ move They don’t make him smile like A portion of the wall over which Burden of No. 715 On birthdays past Letters that deserved no more his five grandchildren and his one Aaron launched the ball that There was nobody doing por- broke Babe Ruth’s revered record than the flame of the fireplace or great-grandchild. “I have a grandtraits of Aaron when he grew up stands a lonely watch in a parking the muck of the landfill are boxed daughter now who’s at Michigan, in Mobile, Ala., the third of a ship- lot across the street from Turner in Aaron’s attic. He kept some of and I told my wife, ‘Wouldn’t it be nice for me if I can hang around Client: Fifth/Third Bank Bleed:much all that’s USones that yard worker’s eight children. the good ones,Region: too, the Field. That’s pretty Campaign: BHN Newspaper Trim: 9.889” x 10” StaLanguage: Birthday parties were for oth- left of Atlanta-Fulton urged him up and over English Ruth’s re- here for four more years to see her County Agency Job #: 610-FTFTBNP4001 Live:of Aaron’s past.

Notes: None graduate?’” he said. er kids.

Aaron cannot recall any dium, a faint echo cord.

AD #/AD ID: QFRC3705 Aaron chased down a record singleDate birthday present from his The vile and racist scrawl sent A prerogative of age is an almost Modified: 02/6/14 1:55 PM Keyline Scale: 100% childhood instinctual resistance change. him in the 1970s, the death threats, compiled when those of his skin CR: that left an impression.

Output at: to 100% AD Round: There is a sort of pride when He said he shed a tear when the that is the indelible stain on Aar- tone could not step foot on a maPage: he speaks about the humbleness old stadium was imploded. He’ll on’s story. He would hit 40 more jor league field. And in the process of his background, a wry humor be saddened as well NOT home runs his professional de- shined a light on the dark alcoves whenTO theBE USED FORinCOLOR APPROVAL when he declares, “I tell a lot of Braves bug out of Turner Field for nouement, but it was No. 715 that of ignorance. What number can AM: R.their Bernadine P: E. Garber BM: J. Lewandowski people I was a vegetarian before extruded the best and worst from express that? “I think overall my life new suburban Elysium. has been good, and God has been they knew what a vegetarian was.

“I never played baseball in that the era.

We didn’t eat meat but once every park, but it seems I’m connected Not that Aaron even glances good to me. I’ve tried to live my life, two or three weeks.” at any of the old correspondence in spite of some things that may to it somehow,” Aaron said.

He never played high school “You have people come along, a anymore. He just can’t throw it have happened a few years ago, by baseball. Certainly never came younger generation, who have no out. doing unto others as I’d have them Forty years removed from the do unto me,” Aaron said. up playing any kind of organized (sense of) history, no care about

HISTORY IS MADE BY THOSE WHO ASK QUESTIONS. The curious bank and its 20,000 employees proudly support and celebrate Black History Month.

The curious bank.® Member FDIC.

B4

PERSONAL FINANCE

FEBRUARY 14 – FEBRUARY 20, 2014

STOJ

HOW TO DO YOUR FEDERAL TAXES

FOR FREE FROM FAMILY FEATURES

L

Did you know?

ooking to save money and time when it comes to your taxes? There’s a simple way to do your federal taxes, and it’s all for free. The program, called “Free File,” does the hard work for you, either through brand-name software or online fillable forms. And, it’s available only at IRS.gov.

• Most refunds are issued in less than 21 days.

• Combining e-file with direct deposit is still the fastest way to get your refund.

• Use “Where’s My Refund?” to get personalized refund information.

• You can also use the IRS app, IRS2Go, to check the status of your refund.

• Can’t meet the April 15 deadline? Use Free File for a free extension; then use Free File to do your taxes by Oct. 15.

A simple way to cut fees

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

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• Select your tax software that

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Search “VITA” on IRS.gov for a nearby site.

Tax Counseling for the Elderly, which is operated by AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, offers free help all with priority assistance to people who are age 60 and older. Find a Tax-Aide site at AARP.org or call 888-227-7660. Some VITA/TCE sites even offer Free File.

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If your income was more than $58,000, you can use Free File Fillable Forms, the electronic version of IRS paper forms.

Just select the “Free File Fillable Forms” button at www.irs.gov/ freefile. This version is best if you are comfortable preparing your own tax return with more limited help.

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Use self-help options on IRS.gov Free File is just one of many self-help options available at IRS.gov. Wondering about your refund? Just select “Where’s My Refund” to track the status of your refund and get a personalized refund date.

Have a tax law question? Visit the Interactive Tax Assistant, IRS Tax Map or Tax Trails. You

also can find payment options and request an install ment payment agreement online.

You can even order a summary of a previous tax return. When you have ques tions, make IRS. gov your first stop.

Materials needed to get started Keep this as a checklist of the items you will need to file your return. The IRS recommends keeping all tax-related documents for three years, in case of an audit. Tracking income-related documents can help you take full advantage of deductions available to you.

• A copy of last year’s tax return • Valid Social Security numbers for yourself, spouse and children • All income statements, i.e.W-2 forms from all employers • Interest/dividend statements, i.e. 1099 forms • Form 1099-G showing any state refunds • Unemployment compensation amount • Social Security benefits • Expense receipts for deductions • Day care provider’s identifying number

Earned Income Tax Credit: How to Get It Right

No tax benefit offers a greater lifeline to working families than the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). But putting this credit to work can be complex. The IRS has upgraded its EITC Assistant on IRS. gov to make it easier than ever to determine if you are qualified and how much you may receive.

Here are a few things to keep in mind: • You must have a Social Security number and have earned an income.

• The maximum credit for 2013 tax returns is $6,044 for workers with three or more qualifying children.

• Eligibility for the EITC is determined based on a number of factors including earnings, filing status and eligible children. Workers without qualifying children may be eligible for a smaller credit amount.

You can learn more at www.irs. gov/eitc and use the EITC Assistant or ask your tax professional. If you are eligible for EITC, you also qualify for free tax help at VITA sites nationwide or for Free File at www.irs.gov/freefile.

STOJ

FEBRUARY 14 – FEBRUARY 20, 2014

FINEST & ENTERTAINMENT

Meet some of

FLORIDA'S

finest

submitted for your approval

B5

Think you’re one of Florida’s Finest?

E-mail your high-resolution (200 dpi) digital photo in casual wear or bathing suit taken in front of a plain background with few distractions, to news@flcourier. com with a short biography of yourself and your contact information. (No nude/ glamour/ fashion photography, please!) In order to be considered, you must be at least 18 years of age. Acceptance of the photographs submitted is in the sole and absolute discretion of Florida Courier editors. We reserve the right to retain your photograph even if it is not published. If you are selected, you will be contacted by e-mail and further instructions will be given.

erica

Entrepreneur and nursing student Erica Jones graduated from Albany State University with a Bachelor of Psychology degree in 2009. At that time, the Atlanta native began her career in modeling and started her business in shoe design (www. styleversusfashion.com). Contact Erica at twitter.com/stylevsfashion.

Photo credit: Michelle Masso

kevin

Kevin Dorival, 32, known for his dual clothing line, One Woman Army and One Man Army, is also an inspirational speaker, play director, mentor and author of the new book, “The Courage To Believe.” He can be reached at www.TheCourageToBelieve.com or Facebook.com/TheCourageToBelieve CREDIT: Robertson Sejour/Sejour Glamor Shots

Chew to lead ‘Dancing With the Stars’ orchestra EURWEB.COM

Ray Chew

Veteran musician and orchestrator Ray Chew will lead the new band situation on “Dancing With the Stars” for its 18th season.

He’ll replace longtime orchestra leader Harold Wheeler, whose dismissal from the

show made headlines this month. The musicians union blasted it as a move away from live music.

Series executive producer Conrad Green has now responded to the backlash.

“Live music is the lifeblood of ‘Dancing With the Stars’ and we couldn’t be more excit-

ed to be working with Ray and his talented band,” said Green.

“Ray is one of the most versatile and dynamic musicians working today. It promises to be a spectacular season.”

Impressive resume Chew’s lengthy TV resume includes serving as music di-

rector of the 65th annual “Emmy Awards,” “American Idol,” “It’s Showtime” at the Apollo and live events like President Obama’s Neighborhood Inaugural Ball.

“I’m looking forward to continuing the musical legacy established on ‘Dancing With the Stars,’ a show that respects

Essence to honor Black men in Hollywood ASSOCIATED PRESS

LOS ANGELES – Essence is known for honoring Black women, but during Oscar week, they’ll also be lauding the accomplishments of African-American men in film.

The magazine is launching its first “Black Men in Hollywood” dinner, an intimate affair that will salute the work of Spike Lee, Lee Daniels, Malcolm Lee and filmmaker Tyler Perry, who will host the event.

The California Endowment’s “Sons and Brothers” campaign, which acknowledges role models for young men of color, will also be recognized.

Honorees will gather on Feb. 26 in Los Angeles on the eve of Essence’s annual Black Women in Hollywood luncheon, which returns to Beverly Hills to recognize best supporting actress nominee Lupita Nyong’o for “12 Years a Slave,” Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences President Cheryl Boone Isaacs and writerdirector Ava DuVernay.

live music and musicians,” said Chew. “It is important to me and to the producers to maintain the integrity of the music presentation for the dancers as well as for the viewers. Toward that end, my approach will be to utilize first-class live vocalists, arrangers, copyists and musicians of all instruments.”

Townsend reflects on impact of Black filmmaking EURWEB.COM

OLIVIER DOULIERY/ABACA PRESS/MCT

Filmmaker Spike Lee and his wife, Tonya Lewis, attend the BET Honors at the Warner Theater in Washington D.C., on Jan. 14, 2012. Lee will be honored by Essence this month.

Williams donates wig, other items to Smithsonian ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON – Talk show host Wendy Williams is giving part of her diva act to the Smithsonian to be part ED HILLE/PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER/MCT of a growing collection of items from Wendy Williams interacts with the studio audience dur- daytime television. ing a taping of her self-titled show in New York City on During an episode of “The Wendy March 24, 2010.

Williams Show, Williams is donating

her bedazzled pink microphone and other items to the National Museum of American History.

The gift includes the dress and shoes Williams wore for the show’s first photo shoot, a wig and wig head, a script and a light-up “diva fan” with Williams’ signature catchphrase “How you doin’?”

The museum says Williams is the first talk show host to donate objects to the entertainment collection.

Her TV show premiered in July 2009 and is currently in its fifth season. Previously, Williams had a 23-year career as a radio personality.

When Robert Townsend was in his prime of filmmaking, “Hollywood Shuffle“ and “The Five Heartbeats“ were classic results.

Nowadays, he says Black films are made a little differently — with a powerful tool.

He credits social media and the Internet as a whole to promote Black filmmaking.

“The Internet and social media are game changers,” Townsend said.

“Now, you could personally reach a target audience and send your trailer out, you can market it, you can put up a website and you can sell it.

Robert So, it’s like your Townsend own distribution pipeline.”

Nowadays, Black films are becoming more impacting than ever. It’s being called the golden age of Black films. And Townsend talked about the resurgence of good Black filmmakers.

“There were seeds planted and all of a sudden there’s Antoine Fuqua and F. Gary Gray.

They were like, ‘If you guys can do it, we can do it’. So, I think there’s a resurgence, which is good because now there’s real discussion going on around images of people of color and we’re seeing different types of images.”

F0OD

B6

FEBRUARY 14 – FEBRUARY 20, 2014

TOJ

Delectable dessert

indulgences Treatology blends different flavors for delicious results

FAMILY FEATURES

Dessert is an indulgence, and when you delight in the taste, texture and aroma of a decadent sweet treat, you savor every bite.

It is easy to get lost in the flavor and fragrance of rich chocolate or creamy caramel.

But what happens when chocolate or caramel are paired with different flavors, like salty, sour or savory? Spurred by curiosity, the food scientists in the Wilton Test Kitchen dug deeper into unusual flavor pairings to enhance the taste experience.

While the terms “taste” and “flavor” are often used interchangeably, there is a difference between the two. The taste of a food is what the taste buds perceive, while the flavor of a food is the combination of these tastes, plus the aroma and the other sensations.

Treatology™ is the science of blending different flavors and tastes to create dishes that are an experience all on their own.

Look for more taste, flavor and inspiration at http://treatology.wilton. com.

TASTE TERMINOLOGY

There are five basic taste categories the taste buds perceive: • Sweetness is recognized by the presence of sugar. It is very predominant in desserts, but also creates great contrast with salty and sour.

• Sourness can be added through a variety of acidic foods, such as vinegars and citrus fruits.

• Salt enhances flavor, intensifies sweetness and suppresses bitterness.

• Bitterness may be found in a variety of foods, including chocolate and coffee. When not in balance, bitter can be offensive, but in very small quantities it adds richness and depth.

• Umami is described as a savory, often mouthwatering taste perceived when eating meat, fish, cheeses like parmesan and bleu and certain vegetables such as asparagus.

Coffee Toffee Heath Cupcakes Makes about 24 cupcakes • Coffee increases the bitterness of the chocolate for richer, deeper flavor • Toffee adds rich buttery notes and caramelized sugar flavors Cupcakes 1 cup water 2 tablespoons instant coffee 1 package (16.2 ounces) Devil’s Food cake mix 3 eggs 1/3 cup vegetable oil Ganache 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream 2 tablespoons instant coffee 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 package (8 ounces) English toffee bits

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line muffin pan with baking cups.

In a small bowl, combine water and instant coffee; stir to dissolve.

In a large bowl, combine cake mix, coffee, eggs and oil. Beat with electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds, scraping bowl frequently.

Then, beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Fill baking cups 2/3 full with batter.

Bake 16 to 18 minutes or until toothpick, inserted into the center, comes out clean. Cool cupcakes in pan 5 minutes.

Remove from pan and place on cooling grid to cool completely.

For ganache, combine cream and instant coffee in small saucepan; stir to dissolve. Warm over medium heat until cream begins to steam; do not boil. Remove from heat and add chocolate chips; stir until smooth. Cool slightly.

Place 1/2 cup ganache in disposable decorating bag. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, create a small hole in the center of each cupcake; pipe in ganache. Dip tops of cupcakes in remaining ganache; lightly shake off excess. Immediately dip cupcake in toffee bits.

Frozen Greek Yogurt Pops with Pistachios and Raspberries Makes 8 pops • Greek yogurt adds sour cultured notes and creamy texture • Sourness is balanced by the sweet honey, which contributes floral notes • Raspberries add fruity flavor, which is also slightly floral 1 cup plain Greek yogurt 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream 1/4 cup, plus 4 teaspoons honey, divided 1 teaspoon Wilton Clear Imitation Vanilla Extract 1/4 cup raspberries 3 tablespoons chopped pistachios, divided 4 Wilton 8-inch Cookie Sticks, cut in half In medium bowl, whisk together yogurt, cream, 1/4 cup honey and vanilla until smooth.

Place one whole raspberry in the bottom of each Wilton Round Brownie Pops Mold cavity. Cut the remaining raspberries into quarters.

To assemble pops, spoon 1-1/2 teaspoon yogurt mixture over raspberry in mold cavity; lightly tap mold against work surface to level. Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon pistachios over yogurt and then 1/4 teaspoon honey over pistachios. Repeat, layering yogurt, pistachios and honey, as listed above, lightly tapping mold to level. Add a quartered piece of raspberry; top with remaining yogurt mixture and lightly tap to level. Insert sticks about 2/3 into pop; freeze at least 3 hours or overnight.

Pear and Brie Honey Tartlets Makes about 2 dozen tartlets • Brie has creamy texture and is a soft-ripened cheese with mild flavor • Honey adds sweetness and balances the cheese flavor • Pear also adds sweetness • Cardamom adds a slight bitter note 1 sheet (1/2 of a 17.3-ounce box), puff pastry, thawed 1 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/4 teaspoon salt 3 tablespoons honey, divided 1-1/2 cups diced, peeled firm ripe pear 1/2 4-ounce wheel, brie, cut into 1/4-inch pieces Preheat oven to 400°F. Prepare a 24-cavity mini muffin pan with vegetable pan spray.

On a lightly floured surface, unfold puff pastry; roll out to about 12 inches x 8 inches. Cut into 24 squares, about 2 inches x 2 inches.

Press each square into a prepared pan cavity.

In a small bowl, stir together cardamom, salt and 2 tablespoons of the honey. Add pears; toss to coat. Add 1 heaping teaspoon pear mixture to each pastry tartlet.

Bake 13 to 16 minutes or until puff pastry is golden brown and filling is bubbly. Immediately top with pieces of brie. Cool in pan 5 minutes. Remove to cooling grid. Drizzle remaining honey over tartlets and serve immediately.

Sweet and Salty Caramel Cashew Brownies Makes 15 brownies • Caramel gets its flavor from browning sugar, butter and cream; it adds a rich, mouth-filling flavor • Cashews add nutty, roasted flavor notes • Salt reduces sweetness and increases the bitterness of the chocolate and butter in the caramel, creating a richer flavor 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate (squares or chips) 12 tablespoons (1-1/2 sticks) butter 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup cocoa powder 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt 1-1/3 cups granulated sugar 3 eggs 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 2/3 cup cashews, chopped plus additional for garnish 15 soft caramel candies Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare 9-inch x 9-inch pan with parchment paper.

In a large saucepan, melt chocolate and butter over low heat, stirring to combine. Cool slightly.

In a small bowl, stir together flour, cocoa powder and salt.

Add sugar, eggs and vanilla to chocolate mixture. Stir until well combined. Add flour mixture; stir until just incorporated. Stir in cashews. Pour into prepared pan.

Bake 24 to 28 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out nearly clean.

While brownies bake, unwrap caramel candies and roll each one out until it is 1/8 inch in thickness. Cut with medium sized Leaf CutOuts cutter.

Remove brownies from oven and immediately top with caramel cut outs, arranging in 3 rows of five. Position a cashew on each caramel. Return to oven for 1 minute. Remove from oven. Cool on cooling grid until just barely warm. Cut into 1-1/2-inch x 3-inch rectangles and serve warm or at room temperature.