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The Departments of Treasury, Justice and State provide unwanted distractions for Barack Obama’s second-term agenda.

COMPILED FROM WIRE AND STAFF REPORTS

Four months into his second term, President Barack Obama finds himself under siege from members of both parties and the news media for a series of crises that have stalled his policy priorities and threaten to engulf the second half of his presidency. The Justice Department secretly seized the telephone records of journalists as part of an unprecedented crackdown on leaks. The Internal Revenue Service targeted conservative groups that were seeking tax-exempt status. And the administration is fighting accusations of a cover-up after a number of conflicting reports surfaced

about what happened before and after an attack last Sept. 11 on a diplomatic facility in Libya that left four Americans dead. Here’s what happened this week as of the Florida Courier’s press time late Wednesday night:

IRS chief dumped Treasury Secretary Jack Lew sought and accepted interim IRS Commissioner Steven Miller’s resignation after Obama said Wednesday that he was “angry” at IRS officials who inappro-

priately targeted conservative groups for scrutiny. Miller, a career IRS employee, became the agency’s acting commissioner in November 2012. Miller’s resignation follows an inspector general’s report released Monday that found that incompetence and ineffective management at IRS, particularly in a poorly managed unit of the tax collecting agency in Cincinnati, Ohio, led to employees applying extra scrutiny to conservative and Tea Party advocacy groups whose tax exemption appli-

Olivier Douliery/Abaca Press/MCT

On Wednesday, President Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder attended the 32nd Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service in Washington, D.C. honoring law enforcement who were killed in the line of duty in the previous year. cations, in some cases, have been delayed for more than three years. The report also found there was no evidence of outside pressure on officials to target conservative groups. Calling the conduct of the agency “inexcusable,” Obama said he would “do

everything in my power to make sure nothing like this ever happens again.” Obama said he thought the problems at the IRS were “fixable,” and said IRS would implement the inspector general’s recommendations and place safeguards in place to prevent

CLASS OF 2013

At last, it’s graduation time!

reoccurrences. Obama said he would work with Congress as it kicks off investigation of the IRS, but said that investigations should happen “in a way that doesn’t smack of politics or partisan agendas.” See OBAMA, Page A2

Decisions, decisions Education bills await governor BY BRANDON LARRABEE THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

The biggest battles on the education front in the 2013 legislative sessions have already been fought and largely decided. Educators will get $480 million in pay raises, though not precisely how Gov. Rick Scott had asked. The Senate killed a bill allowing parents more of a say in the future of failing schools. But there were several more highprofile bills Gov. Rick that moved Scott through the process. Many of those still wait for decisions from Scott on whether to sign or veto them, and some people have taken to lobbying the governor by email on what he should do. COURTESY OF DAYTONA STATE COLLEGE

A jubilant Jerred Mason was among thousands of graduates receiving degrees Monday from Daytona State College. The Daytona Beach college made national news this week because one of its 4,200 spring graduates included 91-year-old Irene Lewis, who, like Mason, received a bachelor’s degree.

High school degrees Another one of the initiatives that lawmakers say is the most wide-ranging has already been put inSee SCOTT, Page A2

SNAPSHOTS METRO | B1

How DNA influences breast cancer risk

FLORIDA | a3

College president’s pay wide-ranging, report shows FINEST | B5

Meet Abby

ALSO INSIDE

Miami-Dade early voters opposed stadium funding THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

The Miami Dolphins were down 14 percentage points at the polls when time ran out on their bid to pick up needed legislative support for the referendum on using hotel bed-tax dollars for upgrades at Sun Life Stadium. Of the 60,678 ballots cast toward the May 14 referendum in Miami-Dade County – both early and via mail – 34,780, or 57 percent, were opposed to the Dolphins’ request, while 25,898, or 43 percent, were in favor, according to numbers from the Miami-Dade Elections Department. Eric Jotkoff, a spokesman for the team’s stadium improve-

COURTESY OF THE MIAMI DOLPHINS

This is what Sun Life Stadium in Miami-Gardens would look life if the renovation project is ever completed. ment campaign, expressed of where we projected.” confidence voters would have “These incomplete numapproved the measure as the bers are irrelevant,” Jotkoff incomplete results were “ahead tweeted Tuesday night. “If the

2012 election ended at a similar point, Mitt Romney would have likely won Florida.” The special election was halted after the legislative session ended May 3 without the state House taking up measures that would have supported a requested increase in the bed tax and the use of bed tax dollars for the proposed $350 million in stadium improvements. The election cost the Dolphins at least $9.3 million, as the team agreed to a non-refundable $4.8 million to cover the cost of the election and the team’s political action committee, Friends of Miami First, spent $4.49 million between April 1 and May 10.

COMMENTARY: CHARLES W. CHERRY II: RANDOM THOUGHTS OF A FREE BLACK MIND | A4 COMMENTARY: LUCIUS GANTT: LOOKING FOR MR. OR MS. GOODBAR | A4

FOCUS

MAY 17 – MAY 23, 2013

FAMU’s legacy is one of improving lives, community Over the past 18 months, Florida A&M University has become an institution of national interest for a lot of the wrong reasons. But as the media repeatedly asked what went wrong at FAMU and focused on unflattering news stories, it may have been easy for the general public to miss more prominent yet less told stories of what goes right at FAMU. Great things happen at FAMU every day, making the university a major asset for the state, region and the nation. For over 125 years, FAMU has been critical to enhancing the lives of citizens and remains critical to fostering thriving communities of the future.

Great things happening The portrait of FAMU that some have painted is one of a university fraught with turmoil. But what these portrayals do not convey is the intricate collage of “great things” revealed only through an objective lens. They do not reveal the Florida

SCOTT from A1 to law. Scott signed Senate Bill (SB) 1076 in April. The 144-page bill creates two “designations” for high school degrees, each with different requirements, with one aimed at encouraging students to work toward industry certification. The measure has been praised by business groups and educators, in part because it would free students who choose one of the designations from being required to pass some courses – such as Algebra II – that are aimed at collegebound students. Business groups also say the bill will more closely tie the education system to employers’ needs.

Virtual school, tutors A budget conforming bill dealing with education (SB 1514) would slice into the money provided to the Florida Virtual School by revising the way the state’s main funding formula applies to the 16-year-old program. Private providers say the change will do away with an unfair advantage that the virtual school receives on the funding formula. In many cases, that would mean the virtual school might go from getting one-sixth of the cost of educating a student to splitting one-seventh of the cost with the student’s brick-and-mortar school. That will discourage public schools from allowing their students to enroll in the classes. Tutoring providers are also complaining about

OBAMA from A1 GOP responds In just the past week, Obama has faced more critical scrutiny than perhaps he did in his entire first term. Some have even compared him to President Richard Nixon, who was accused of using the IRS to punish his enemies and of overzealously searching for leaks inside his administration. House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, escalated the rhetoric Wednesday, telling reporters that his question “isn’t about who’s going to resign” over the controversy. “My question is, who’s going to jail?” Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell questioned the inspector general’s report. “It seems like, with each passing hour, the facts get more and more inconvenient for senior folks over at the IRS,” the Kentucky Republican said. “All we’ve gotten from the IRS … is an attempt to scapegoat some

Working on solutions Dr. Larry Robinson GUEST COMMENTARY

A&M University that we know remains one of the nation’s top producers of African Americans with bachelor’s degrees, or the FAMU that in 2009-2010 produced 20 percent of the nation’s AfricanAmericans with doctorates in the environmental sciences, 16 percent of the African-American PharmDs, and 20 percent of the nation’s African-American doctorate degrees in the pharmaceutical sciences. These myopic snapshots do not convey the image of FAMU that U.S News and World Report ranked as the country’s No. 1 public historically Black college or university (HBCU), nor of the FAMU that Washington Monthly magazine ranked as one of the Nation’s Top 100 Universities.

the fact that the bill allows the lapse of a provision of law requiring school districts to use 15 percent of their federal funding on academic help for lowerincome children. Media reports have raised questions about some of the providers. But Todd Walden, a Pasco County resident who has a tutoring company, wrote to Scott that those are exceptions to the rule when it comes to providing “supplemental education services.” “While there have been scathing stories about certain company’s practices within SES, the majority of the providers are providing effective and quality services,” Walden wrote. “I am asking that you do not sign the Senate bill and preserve tens of thousands of FL jobs [affected] by this bill.” Another new bill dealing with virtual education (HB 7029) aims to encourage the use of massive open online courses, known as MOOCs, in Florida schools. Out-ofstate companies would be able to provide the courses under the change, and “blended” courses that include some online instruction and some classroom time would be exempt from class-size requirements.

Students with disabilities Some of the most emotionally charged discussions around education this year took place on SB 1108, a bill that ended up passing both chambers unanimously. The measure gives parents more influence on the individual education plans, or IEPs, that are used to guide the education of children with disabilities. For example, parfolks out in Cincinnati and a laughable attempt to move past this whole issue.”

Holder weighs in Testifying on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. promised a thorough criminal investigation of the IRS that will look at potential civil rights violations and false statements that may have broken the law. Appearing before the House Judiciary Committee, Holder took questions from Republican and Democratic lawmakers equally upset about the allegations. Holder said the probe would be spearheaded by FBI agents and federal prosecutors in Washington and would go far beyond the Cincinnati office.

AP leaks The day before, Holder strongly defended the criminal investigation into the leak of classified details about a successful U.S. undercover operation, calling it “within the top two or three most serious leaks” of government-protected information since he be-

The university that many believe they know through the events of the recent past is in stark contrast to the institution that the state, federal and private sectors continue to look to as a resource for both talented graduates for employment and solutions to complex research issues. When our faculty gaze into the mirror they see images of marine scientists addressing the impacts of the BP oil spill, biologists, chemists and pharmacists on the verge of breakthroughs in cancer, HIV/AIDS and obesity, and physics and engineers on the cutting edge of research. The images they see are of faculty members who serve on major advisory boards for state and federal agencies such as the Florida Institute for Oceanography, Florida Sea Grant, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. These faculty see an image of the FAMU that has produced a stunning number of patents in the past year alone.

We do understand the concerns surrounding FAMU, and we understand that Floridians want to know the dollars they allocate toward supporting public higher education in their state are spent well. And we understand that sanctions such as the probation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) raise red flags. We are taking seriously the lessons of the recent past and working on bettering our institution, because like every university or organization, we must take stock of our challenges.

Searching within Over the past six months, we have engaged in a deep introspection and have identified on our own other areas not covered in the headlines that need improvement and have either addressed the issues or developed corrective action plans to do so. We have also worked on the concerns highlighted by SACSCOC

and are preparing for the association’s September visit to assess our progress. As we prepare for this important visit, we will be able to share an element of our FAMU portrait that reveals 2011-2012 as the sixth consecutive year that the state auditor general has given the University a clean audit for its stewardship of public dollars. We will be able to share a FAMU portrait that shows the recent Florida Bar Examination pass rate of our law school graduates exceeding the average for all law schools in Florida. The true FAMU masterpiece is layered with the compassionate and artful brushstrokes of legends from our past alumni who excel in all walks of life. I sometimes find myself mesmerized by FAMU’s legacy and the opportunity that we have to work together to ensure that its true luster is visible for generations to come.

Dr. Larry Robinson is interim president of Florida A&M University. and abuse their power if the[y] see a message that they do not like.” And after debate about a range of policy solutions, and the approval of funding for a study of security measures in the wake of the massacre in Newtown, Conn., the Florida Legislature passed one measure, SB 284, dealing with emergencies. The measure allows private schools to be notified by first responders about emergencies and makes sure public schools spell out which agency is supposed to contact them.

Numerous changes

FLORIDA COURIER FILES

The educations of thousands of Florida students will be impacted by the bills Gov. Rick Scott signs - or doesn’t sign. ents would have to sign off on plans to send their child to an Exceptional Student Education center, which specializes in educating those with disabilities. The Foundation for Florida’s Future, an education advocacy group chaired by former Gov. Jeb Bush, hailed the measure. “This bill will be lifechanging for Florida families,” said Patricia Levesque, the organization’s executive director, after the Senate vote. “ ... These are lifealtering decisions, and

parents should be fully informed and engaged in the process.” Lawmakers also approved House Bill (HB) 461 aimed at standardizing some procedures for IEPs for students with hearing difficulties.

came a federal prosecutor more than 35 years ago. Prosecutors want to know who tipped off the Associated Press (AP) about the secret CIA operation that foiled a plot to bomb an airplane bound for the U.S., an attack that was to coincide with the one-year anniversary of the killing of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden. The story, published May 7, 2012, said al-Qaida operatives had devised a new type of bomb without metal, making it easier to evade airport security. The AP reported that the terrorists had not yet selected a target city or purchased a plane ticket “when the CIA stepped in and seized the bomb.” The AP said it had held off publishing details about the plot for a week because of the sensitivity of the matter. The wire service said it went ahead after it was told “those concerns were allayed.” But U.S. officials said the disclosures put a secret informant and his family at risk, and cut off his opportunity to continue to gather intelligence.

Holder not involved

Bullying and safety Lawmakers also unanimously approved a bill (HB 609) that would crack down on “cyberbullying” in public schools. The bill would expand what school dis-

The attorney general said he had recused himself earlier from overseeing the probe. But Holder did not hesitate to defend a decision he said he did not make: to subpoena two months’ worth of telephone records from more than 20 AP telephone lines. He said American lives had been endangered by the disclosure. “This was a very serious, a very serious leak, a very, very serious leak,” Holder said. “It put American lives at risk, and that is not hyperbole. It put the American people at risk.” Holder said although he is not privy to the investigation, he is sure it is being conducted “in conformance with DOJ regulations.”

Obama didn’t know At the White House, spokesman Jay Carney said Obama learned of the seizure of phone records on Monday during a fundraising trip to New York. Carney offered little insight into how the president, a former constitutional law professor, responded.

tricts are allowed to punish at school and when children are not at school – if the non-school bullying affects education. Supporters say the bill simply catches up to new realities when it comes to education. But not everyone supports the measure. Daniel Daly Jr., writing to Scott from Santa Rosa County, urged a veto. “School officials are not law enforcement,” he wrote. “They will become law enforcement of the Internet for school age kids Carney, a former reporter, said Obama supports journalists’ right to pursue investigative stories “unfettered,” but believes that right should be balanced with the need to protect national security.

‘Rough days’ “It’s been a very rough few days,” said Allan Lichtman, a historian at American University. “People are talking about the second term curse. That is not what the president needs to be hearing. He has an important agenda. Environment, guns, immigration. That’s a very ambitious second term...These alleged scandals have been a distraction.” Scholars who study the presidency say the Obama administration has been struggling with its reaction to the problems, in part, because it won’t fully acknowledge the problems or take some definitive action, such as reprimanding or firing employees. William Galston, a former policy adviser to President Bill Clinton who’s a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, a centerleft policy research cen-

An omnibus education bill, HB 7009 would make a slew of changes across the board, including: • Adding both new accountability measures and new flexibility for charter schools. High-performing charters would be allowed to boost their enrollment annually, and the Department of Education is charged with proposing a standard contract for charter schools; • Giving school boards the ability to set up a public “Innovation School of Technology” that could get much of the same flexibility as charter schools get if they use new technology in instruction; • Barring students from being taught by low-performing teachers in the same subject two years in a row, though parents could allow districts to ignore that rule in the case of extracurricular courses; Another large bill (HB 1664) makes several changes regarding educators, but the most-watched provision might be one aimed at making sure classroom teachers are only assessed based on the students they teach. ter, said crisis managers all would advise Obama not to let an issue come out bit by bit. But that’s exactly what he’s letting happen. “If your credibility is under attack, the first thing you need to do is restore it,” he said. “They have to work hard to get out in front of it.”

Second-term problems For more than a century, presidents have run into unforeseen problems in their second terms. Most recently, Nixon was forced from office for the abuses known collectively as Watergate, Ronald Reagan endured the IranContra scandal, Bill Clinton was accused of lying under oath to conceal an affair and impeached, and George W. Bush watched unpopular wars and the poor response to Hurricane Katrina sink his popularity.

Matea Gold, Anita Kumar, Melanie Mason, Michael A. Memoli, Richard A. Serrano, Steven Thomma and Joseph Tanfani (MCT) all contributed to this report.

MAY 17 – MAY 23, 2013

FLORIDA

College president’s pay wide-ranging, report shows BY BRANDON LARRABEE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

TALLAHASSEE – The contracts for Florida state college presidents range widely and in several cases seem to violate state law, according to a review released Monday by Gov. Rick Scott’s top oversight official. In her report, Chief Inspector General Melinda Miguel wrote that presidents at the 28 institutions are making anywhere from $143,866 to $630,157 in the current fiscal year, which ends June 30, when retirement benefits and other perks are taken into account. In all, compensation for the presidents amounted to more than $9.8 million, though some of that is not state money. Miguel said how much the presidents actually make was sometimes difficult to figure out, and that there didn’t appear to be any guidelines for how much the executives should be paid. “Therefore, we recommend that the boards of trustees, in consultation with the Division (of Florida Colleges), jointly establish the parameters upon which the presidents’ total compensation is determined, document the factors upon which compensation is based and standardize the methodology across state colleges,” Miguel said.

Scott responds Scott, who asked for the review in October, issued a statement late Monday saying colleges should focus their resources on helping students get degrees that will lead to jobs.

“With a system as diverse as ours ... it is difficult to imagine that a ‘one size fits all’ formula for presidential compensation would be very effective.” Timothy Morris

Lake Sumter State College Board Chairman “Every dollar we invest in our colleges must be geared toward this ultimate goal,” he said. “The report issued today provides information necessary for our State College Board of Trustees to use when reviewing current and future compensation contracts.” The report also highlights 11 colleges where contracts could be read in some cases to entitle presidents to more than the maximum 20 weeks of severance pay allowed by state law. At least two of those contracts hadn’t been signed or amended since the law took effect in 2011, and many of the remaining colleges responded that they had fixed the problem by the time the final draft of the report was issued.

Pushing back The chairman of the board of trustees for Pensacola State College

pleaded in vain for his school’s name to be removed from the list, saying the oversight was inadvertent and was quickly corrected when an early draft of the report pointed it out and that people who read the report might think the college was intentionally breaking the law. Some of the colleges also pushed back against the idea of restricting schools’ ability to set their compensation for presidents. “With a system as diverse as ours in terms of size, geography, community demographics and businesses, which leads to varying mix of programs to meet those local needs, it is difficult to imagine that a ‘one size fits all’ formula for presidential compensation would be very effective,” wrote Lake Sumter State College Board Chairman Timothy Morris in a response. “If, for example, size were a limiting factor, colleges like ours would become training grounds for new presidents who would soon move on to the next opening at a larger school. Such a model would be destabilizing for our college and others like us.” Morris also said the 20-week limit on severance pay for college presidents could hurt recruiting by giving presidents too little job security. Lake Sumter was not one of the colleges cited for allowing more than 20 weeks’ worth of severance pay.

George Zimmerman, defendant in the killing of Trayvon Martin, center, arrives at Seminole circuit court in Sanford with his counsel for a pre-trial hearing on April 30. The trial is scheduled to begin on June 10. JOE BURBANK/ ORLANDO SENTINEL/ MCT

State: Keep Trayvon’s personal life out of trial Prosecution asks judge not to allow certain testimony relating to slain teenager BY SUSAN JACOBSON ORLANDO SENTINEL/MCT

ORLANDO – The prosecution in the George Zimmerman murder case has asked a judge to prohibit testimony about shooting victim Trayvon Martin’s personal life, including whether he had been suspended from school, used marijuana or been in a fight. The information is irrelevant and would prejudice a jury, the state contends in the motion, filed late Friday, May 10. The motion also asks the judge to disallow: • Screen names used by Trayvon Martin on social media. Martin • The fact that he wore or owned a set of gold teeth. • The contents of text messages received or sent by Martin before Feb. 26, the day he died. • The contents of text messages received or sent by Martin on Feb. 26 unless a court has ruled them admissible. Other new motions filed by the Friday deadline were more routine.

BRIEFS

Governor says he’s ‘working’ on Carroll replacement After Jennifer Carroll abruptly resigned from the lieutenant governor post two months ago, Gov. Rick Scott said he would wait until after the legislative session to select a replacement. A week after the session concluded, Scott says: “I’m working on that.” In a May 10 interview broadcast on WFLA radio in Tampa, Scott said he hadn’t made Jennifer Carroll the pick just yet. “I’m going to find somebody that can do a great job and help make sure that we’re the number one state for job creation and the number one state to get an education,” Scott said.

Allen West?

Allen

SOUNDTRACK ON DEF JAM RECORDINGS

The defense wants to include more witnesses and is asking the judge to allow them to be added to the witness list even though it’s beyond the allotted time, according to a motion filed on May 10. The witness names were supposed to have been disclosed last month. The motion does not list the two additional witnesses by name — only as “GZW LLL” and “GZW MMM.” The defense also wants the judge to hear motions at a May 28 hearing including: The admissibility of expert-opinion testimony. • Whether the jury can go to the scene of the killing. • Whether the jury can be anonymous. • Whether expert witnesses can testify via video conference to avoid the expense of bringing them to Sanford. George Zimmerman is charged with second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Martin, a 17-year-old South Florida youth. The killing happened Feb. 26, 2012 in Zimmerman’s neighborhood in Sanford. Zimmerman says he acted in self-defense. Martin was unarmed. The case sparked national protests because Zimmerman was not immediately arrested. mentioned as possibilities include former Congresswoman Sandy Adams and Sen. Anitere Flores.

Infant mortality at historic low in Florida TALLAHASSEE (AP) – Infant mortality rates have fallen to a historic low in Florida. Department of Health officials announced Friday that infant mortality rates decreased from 6.4 in 2011 to 6.0 in 2012 per 1,000 live births. Black infant mortality rates also decreased from 12.0 in 2011 to 10.7 in 2012, marking another historic decrease. Infant mortality rates for whites remained the same during that time and decreased just slightly for Hispanics. State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong attributed the decrease to local and state partnerships connecting pregnant women to prenatal care and encouraging parent education.

Lottery adds Mega Millions, drops Lucky Lines Starting May 15, Florida joined 42 other states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands, in offering Mega Millions. The addition of the Florida Lottery game could spell a big economic hit for retailers just north of the border in Georgia, which have reported a surge of Florida players when the Mega Million jackpot has reached into triple digits. The jackpot - drawings are held Tuesday and Friday - starts at $12 million. The start of Mega Millions comes as Florida Lottery discontinued the Lucky Lines instant-win terminal game on Tuesday. The game has been offered since late 2010.

News Service of Florida and wire services.

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UNIVERSAL PICTURES PRESENTS IN ASSOCIATION WITH RELATIVITY MEDIA AN ORIGINAL FILM/ ONE RACE FILMS PRODUCTION A JUSTIN LIN FILM VIN DIESEL PAUL WALKER BREWSTER DWAYNE JOHNSON “FAST & FURIOUS 6” MICHELLE RODRIGUEZ JORDANA MUSIC TYRESE GIBSON CHRIS ‘LUDACRIS’ BRIDGES SUNG KANG LUKE EVANS GINA CARANO JOHN ORTIZ BY LUCAS VIDAL EXECUTIVE BASED ON CHARACTERS PRODUCERS JUSTIN LIN AMANDA LEWIS SAMANTHA VINCENT CHRIS MORGAN CREATED BY GARY SCOTT THOMPSON WRITTEN PRODUCED DIRECTED BY CHRIS MORGAN BY NEAL H. MORITZ p.g.a. VIN DIESEL CLAYTON TOWNSEND p.g.a. BY JUSTIN LIN A UNIVERSAL PICTURE

Florida Courier

Carroll, who resigned West March 12 amid a gambling investigation into a non-profit for which she once did consulting work, has taken a leadership position with Folsom, Calif.based Global Digital Solutions, which makes military ordnance and grenade launchers. Asked about Allen West, a Republican from Palm Beach Gardens who lost his bid to remain in Congress last November, Scott replied “He’s a great American and a great patriot, and he’d be a great lieutenant governor.” Other names that have been frequently

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EDITORIAL

MAY 17 – MAY 23, 2013

A proud citizen of hip-hop I’ve often debated with myself over the obvious ramifications the Hip Hop lifestyle imposes on society. Still, I proudly raise my flag and declare: I Am a Citizen of Hip-Hop. But what does that mean? Does it mean I’m going to wear my pants low, love my hood and support the Rap artist who is No. 1 on the charts? No, it means I embody the five elements of hip-hop: the art of MCing, DJing, graffiti writing, break dancing and my favorite knowledge. As a citizen, I represent the betterment of the hiphop community. I listen for authentic skills mixed with

JINEEA BUTLER NNPA COLUMNIST

sensible lyrics over a complimenting beat. I dress to the occasion; OutKast describes the attitude best, “Ain’t Nobody Dope As Me, I’m Just So Fresh, So Clean.”

Power in hip-hop I stand on the principle that knowledge reigns supreme over nearly everyone. The most significant jewel I received from hip-hop was when KRS-ONE’s “You

Must Learn” video debuted. It spoke to my soul. He changed the way I looked at education. There is power in that. Industry veteran DJ Sir Charles Dixon says, “Hiphop did not explode until it hit the suburbs and it was the demand from the suburbs that completely changed the game.” Today, more than twothirds of all hip-hop recordings are purchased by Whites. It is not an exaggeration to say that hip-hop might have brought down more racial barriers than some of the famous civil rights marches of the 1960s. For many like me, belong-

VISUAL VIEWPOINT: IRS AND THE TEA PARTY

ing to the Nation of Hip-Hop instills deep pride. It makes us believe that we can ourselves and live out our dreams. I had to have the latest, the newest, the first, the best, whatever was better than all the rest. It was motivation to be the greatest Jineea I could be with no disrespect towards or dislike of anyone else.

Message lost

to compete in the market. Everybody wanted in and would do whatever it took to get in. Major brands began budgeting for big paydays from hip-hop endorsements in the songs and directly from the artists. Where it was once admirable to hear about a rags to riches story, the same story manufactured just to sell records is/ was an appetite for destruction. The stories and gimmicks began to backfire when the desire for money outweighed the desire to deliver a message. Now, no matter what your circumstances, you can strive to be a character in hip-hop. The people who were once avid hip-hop fans gave up on the music. They disappeared into the ranks and took the foundation and principles with them.

Unfortunately, anybody can be an MC. Like Charles said, once the demand for hip-hop music was coming from the suburbs, the record labels responded to the demand with what they thought would earn them a percentage of this economic cash cow. Consequently, the message was no longer impor- Minstrel show tant – they began creatThe momentum that creing stories and gimmicks ated honest millionaires

was replaced with nursery rhymes and class clowns. To become a millionaire now, you have to be a 21st-century minstrel show. The system that empowered us is now set up with mixed messages that stagnate us. Everybody can’t be an MC. Everybody can’t be trusted with the power to speak and lead responsibly, especially when most people are willing to compromise their souls for success. Hip-hop is a culture of people controlled another culture of people. The Citizens of Hip-Hop need to reclaim our role. We can’t sit by and watch greatness be destroyed by greed. We need to re-build, re-package and resell the dream.

Jineea Butler, founder of the Social Services of Hip Hop and the Hip Hop Union, can be reached at jineea@gmail.com or Tweet her at @flygirlladyjay. Click on this story at www.flcourier.com to write your own response.

Class of 2013: Summon the courage, choose to serve, live with compassion

NATE BEELER, THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Random thoughts of a free Black mind, v. 177 IRS ‘targets’ right-wing groups – Cry me a river. ‘Mainstream’ media are all blasting Bro. Prez’s administration after finding out that the Internal Revenue Service singled out a few conservative organizations for extra scrutiny as they applied for nonprofit tax exemptions. Oh, the outrage! As usual, nobody bothers to the check the historical facts – especially from a Black perspective. Author George Derek Musgrove, in his book entitled “Rumor, Repression and Racial Politics: How the Harassment of Black Elected Officials Shaped Post-Civil Rights America” (University of Georgia Press, 2012), documents how there’s a long history of using government agencies, including the IRS to target Black America. J. Edgar Hoover’s Federal Bureau of Investigation targeted advocates for racial equality for spying and investigations as far back as the 1940s. In 1969, the Richard Nixon administration used the Central Intelligence Agency and military intelligence to spy on civil rights and Black liberation movement leadership. According to the book, in 1969, “...the IRS...created a secret counterintelligence unit called the Special Services Staff. The mission of the SSS was to aggressively audit ‘predominately dissident and extremist organizations,’ with the intention of diverting resources and manpower from their political activities. The SSS opening files on 8,585 individuals and 2,873 organizations.

quick takes from #2: straight, no chaser

Charles W. Cherry II, Esq. PUBLISHER

Fully 41 percent of these files focused on African-American activists and organizations.” In the 1970s, the IRS specifically targeted Black city councilors, mayors, state legislators, and members of Congress for audits, and subsequently arrested, tried and imprisoned some on trumped-up tax fraud charges. And does anyone remember how George W. Bush’s IRS investigated the NAACP for two years, and threatened Black churches whose pastors preached against Bush and his Iraq-Afghanistan wars with stripping their tax-exempt status during Bush’s 2004 re-election campaign? What Bro. Prez’ IRS (yes, it’s his while he is president) did, though wrong, was minor. Every tax exemption application should be thoroughly reviewed, regardless of political affiliation. The fact that conservativesounding organizations were ‘flagged’ for special scrutiny should be kept in perspective – something that mainstream media never does well.

Contact me at ccherry2@gmail.com.

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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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 Lynnette Garcia, Marketing Consultant/Sales Linda Fructuoso, Marketing Consultant/Sales, Circulation Angela VanEmmerik, Creative Director Chicago Jones, Eugene Leach, Louis Muhammad, Lisa Rogers-Cherry, Circulation James Harper, 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

“Raise your eyes now, and look from the place where you are…for all the land that you see I will give to you.” Genesis 13: 14-15 University commencement season is a time of high hopes and great celebration. I was again reminded of that this past Saturday when I delivered the commencement address at Huston-Tillotson (HT) University in Austin, Texas. This coming weekend, I will also speak during graduation ceremonies at Tuskegee University and Alcorn State. Perhaps best known as the university where Jackie Robinson served as athletic director and basketball coach before he set out to break the color barrier in baseball, Huston-Tillotson is the oldest historically Black college and university (HBCU) west of the Mississippi. For 137 years, it has opened doors of educational opportunity that might have otherwise been closed to many African-American students. The enthusiasm and optimism I saw in the faces of this year’s HT graduates – and that I expect to see at Tuskegee and Alcorn – reaffirmed my belief that the future is indeed in good hands.

Pave the way My message to the graduates was simply to make sure that in addition to emerging from college academically prepared, they should also embrace their obligation to pave the way

individual interests and clear obstacle-laden paths so that those who followed could have better opporMARC H. tunities. The baton is now MORIAL passing to a new generaTRICE EDNEY WIRE tion, and I have no doubt they will rise to the chalfor the next generation and lenge. leave this world better than they found it. Choose to serve I am all too aware that this The National Urban is easier said than done. So, League has always engaged I also shared three key obyoung people in our emservations, or better yet life powerment movement. lessons, to help them naviFor more than 40 years, our gate this next phase of their Black Executive Exchange journey. I call them the Program (BEEP) has been three C’s – courage, choice cultivating new leaders and and compassion. inspiring achievement by While many of the legal enabling African-Ameriimpediments to equal opcan students to interface portunity have been elimand network with Africaninated over the past halfAmerican business profescentury, new challenges sionals to prepare for caincluding voter suppresreers in corporate America. sion, criminal justice abusIn addition, the National es, economic inequality Urban League Young Proand opposition to common fessionals (NULYP) engagsense gun safety legislaes young professionals agtion, have risen to take their es 21-40 in voluntarism and place. philanthropy to empower their communities and Muster courage change lives. All of these problems Many of today’s HBwill require this generation CU graduates have been of graduates to muster the touched by those and simkind of courage shown by ilar efforts. We expect that people like Jackie Robin- they will use the blueprint son, Texas Congresswom- of courage, choice and coman Barbara Jordan, and Na- passion summoned and tional Urban Leaguer He- shown by so many before man Sweatt, who fought the them. We expect that they battle to integrate the Uni- will pass it on and choose to versity of Texas in 1950. serve. They each found the courage and made the choice Marc Morial is presito devote themselves to a dent/CEO of the National cause greater than them- Urban League. Click on selves. They each demon- this story at www.flcouristrated the kind of compas- er.com to write your own sion required to act beyond response.

Looking for Mr. or Ms. Goodbar I only gave my children one bit of advice about relationships. I told my son to avoid sleeping with women that he didn’t like and I told my daughter to never take money or things that money can buy from men that she didn’t like. After a 23-year marriage, I’m single now and oftentimes I run into women seeking a husband or a companion. I am always amazed when women, or men, seek material things or actions from a potential partner that they would refuse to share themselves. For example, I sometimes have to travel for my business and if I say I have to attend an event in Phoenix or a business meeting in Paris, France, a woman that I just met or don’t really know will say to me, “I want to go!” And dumb me will respond, “OK!” Yes, my woman or my wife can go anywhere that I go, but I’m thinking a new friend will pay her own way until our relationship grows to the point where I will handle all travel costs. The point is, a man that will take you on a $5,000 or $10,000 vacation either loves you or is a fool. He is

Lucius Gantt THE GANTT REPORT

not a new friend trying to impress you. Now, if a man says to that same woman, “I need $10,000 to buy some new equipment for my business will you co-sign on a loan for me?” or “Will you get me an American Express card so I can by some business supplies?” the woman will respond, “You must be a damn fool.” The moral of this is no woman or man should do anything for someone they just met if that person will not do the same thing for them.

Love priceless If you don’t know, sex, not even good sex, is worth $10,000. Love is priceless, but a mere roommate, so to speak, is not that expensive. When contemplating a new relationship both partners should start off with “baby steps.” You should do what comes from your heart and that way you can be happy regardless of what your

new friend does or does not do. It’s good to marry someone with Oprah Winfrey or Bob Johnson money, but it’s better to be with someone that loves you, wants you, respects you, protects you and so on.

Male, female fools Asking someone you hardly know to spend money on you is like asking someone you don’t know to allow you to perform forbidden sex acts with them when you don’t know their HIV status! Neither is a good idea. There are just as many male fools with money as there are female fools with bad romance. If you don’t know what a good man or a good woman is, chances are you’ll never find one. Each of us has a soulmate out there somewhere waiting to unite with us. Keep looking for Mr. or Ms. Goodbar and don’t be too quick to settle for a Nutty Buddy or a Baby Ruth!

Contact Lucius at www. allworldconsultants.net. Click on this story at www. flcourier.com to write your own response.

MAY 17 – MAY 23, 2013

EDITORIAL

The Mis-Education of Americans on Negro history In 1933, the father of AfricanAmerican history, Dr. Carter G. Woodson, penned a book titled “Mis-Education of the Negro.’’ The book itself was interesting literature, and within its pages were lessons of a people mis-educated to think they were inferior based solely on the color of their skin. Today, as we celebrate the 500th Anniversary of Florida we need a revised version of that book entitled, “The Mis-education of Americans,” which would not deal with bias based on skin color, but on the inaccurate history projected in public schools and universities throughout the United States. Unlike “The Mis-education of the Negro,’’ this new book would emphasize how the winners write the history, and in so doing, misrepresent the truth, denigrating the South, Native Americans, African-Americans, and the Spanish history of America. America has a rich, long multicultural history, more history than is discussed in college lectures or grade school textbooks. It is a history that includes the role of Minorcans and free Blacks in Florida, an Underground Railroad heading south before it ran north. The mis-education of Americans would be about how our education system has failed to teach

DEREK HANKERSON guest commentary

an accurate, complete history of the country in which we live, and how we in Florida need to be catalysts to bring the Native, Spanish and African Florida’s story to the national curriculum.

Free Blacks existed One prime oversight or deliberate omission in history textbooks is not to mention of the Minorcans who marched north to freedom in St. Augustine from Turnbull’s plantation at New Smyrna, and how they established a presence that still thrives today, bringing stability to our city of St. Augustine. Another point excludes the presence of free Blacks on Spanish expeditions or in the militia that protected St. Augustine from the British dating back to the 17th century. The Underground Railroad is also a prime disparity. Our current history textbooks start with the Underground Railroad heading north to Ohio, Pennsylvania,

VISUAL VIEWPOINT: BENGHAZI

and Canada. Granted, the railroad did lead north, but that was over a hundred years after it ran South to Spanish Florida, which welcomed runaway slaves to freedom.

Black heroes Our school books leave out the Black heroes of the American Revolution, the Seminole Wars, as well as the Civil War — on both sides. Currently, we are taught that the Confederates were the Caucasian guys in gray, and the Union were the Caucasian guys in blue who fought to “free the slaves.” While slavery was an issue during the “War Between the States” it was very much secondary to the issues of tariffs, lower taxes, and states’ rights. Like Florida’s motto “In God We Trust,” which dates Native American confederate naback to 1868, and it too is a states’ tions lived under their own rules for hundreds of years before Eurorights issues. pean immigrants arrived. Let us remember the people Re-educate ourselves who made this nation, and who Black men served valiantly in made it great. The United States both armies of the Civil War. In ac- is a great place to live, a worthy tuality, the confederacy and the place, and worthy of recognizconfederate nation was started by ing all our founding fathers and six Native American nations from mothers, who gave our country upstate New York. This form of the strength and longevity we engovernment was the basis of the joy today. Articles of Confederation, the DecLet us re-educate ourselves and laration of Independence, and our our nation, not to dilute our rich American government today. The heritage, but to give credit where

DAVID FITZSIMMONS, THE ARIZONA STAR

credit is due, and to enjoy our multicultural past, present, and future. Please go to http://vimeo. com/65919153 a Video Short of Fort Mose – The First Free Black Settlement in North America, St. Augustine, Florida

Derek Boyd Hankerson is a cofounder of Freedom Road Productions, based out of St. Augustine. For more information on Freedom Road, Hankerson can be reached at derekhankerson@bellsouth.net.

A fair minimum wage is a measure of decency The April jobs report has been hailed as good news by the nation’s newspapers. But a look under the numbers is more sobering. In Chicago and cities across the country, extreme poverty remains high, and the jobless still haunt our streets. Washington would rather sell optimism. We’ve seen 38 straight months of private-sector jobs growth. The stock market is at record heights. Corporate profits are setting records as a percentage of the economy. Compared with Europe and Japan, the U.S. is doing well. But more than 20 million people are still in need of full-time work. That level of unemployment undermines wage growth. Housing construction is stirring, but manufacturing still lags. The jobs being created tend

times higher than 50 years print. For White married or cohabitating women, median wealth is $167,500; for African-American married or cohabitating women, it is ing 40.5 percent as of April $31,500. 2013. (White teenagers sufAs a result, young Afrifer a debilitating 21.8 per- can Americans and Hispancent unemployment rate.) ics are less likely to get help And the wealth gap has from their families to pay for gotten wider in recession college, for a down payment and the faltering recov- on a home or for seed monery. In 2010, White families ey to start a business. earned on averaged about In Chicago, high unem$2 for every $1 that Afri- ployment rates lead to povcan-American and Hispan- erty. Chicago now suffers ic families earned. White the third-highest rate of wealth was on average six “extreme poverty” of the 10 times as great as that of mi- largest U.S. cities: 10.4 pernority families. cent. That means 10.4 percent earn $9,500 or less in a year. Wealth differences The median wealth of a single African-American Bottom up woman at the peak of her Dr. King taught us the working years — ages 36 to economy best grows from 49 — is $5. That isn’t a mis- the bottom up, not the top

Rev. ago. Jesse L. But African-American Jackson, teenagers have an unemployment rate of a staggerSr. TRICEEDNEYWIRE.COM

to be low-paid jobs in the service and entertainment sectors — waiters and waitresses, clerks, maids and custodians.

Black, White gaps People of color are particularly struggling. The National Urban League’s State of Black America reports that the unemployment gap between Whites and Blacks remains at nearly 2 to 1, not much changed since 1963. Blacks have closed nearly 60 percent of the high school graduation gap. Black college enrollment is three

From race man to debased man, Obama at Morehouse Back in the day, the “race men” and women, graduates of America’s historically Black colleges and universities imagined it was their duty to stand and lift up the interests of African-Americans and their communities as a whole. If the choice of commencement speakers means anything, that’s not what HBCU leaders expect of their graduates nowadays. It’s not about fighting the power, it’s about serving that power. A good friend in Atlanta observed that when President Bush used to visit, his inbox would be flooded with alerts and notices about vigils, picket lines and demonstrations. But when the current president comes to town, there’s nothing. President Obama will punctuate the commencement at Atlanta’s Morehouse College this week. The only ripple that’s made news is whether some preacher who criticized the president for not making enough Black appointments to elite high offices should be allowed to set foot on campus that weekend. Commencement week, Morehouse officials solemnly say, it is about the graduates, not politics. At Morgan State University, another historically Black institution of higher learning in Baltimore, Obama’s basketball buddy and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan is scheduled to deliver the commencement address. There’s not much publicly visible dissent behind that either, despite the fact that President Obama’s Race To The Top program has closed and privatized

Misleadership class BRUCE A. DIXON BLACK AGENDA REPORT

more public schools than any other president in US history, and Arne Duncan chucks that spear.

Destructive policies Baltimore is reportedly closing 32 schools in the near future while building only 15 new ones. One wonders whether Baltimore and Morgan State would be protesting if the same destructive policies were forced upon them by a White president without the soothing presence of a compliant Black political elite as intermediaries. There’s no shortage of pressing issues at Morgan State, Maryland state delegate Jill P. Carter informed Black Agenda Report. The school is suing the state of Maryland and its Democrat governor, charging that the state’s historically Black colleges and universities have been chronically underfunded. According to Carter, HBCUs across the country are watching and waiting to file similar suits if this one succeeds. “There’s no shortage of bright, successful HBCU alumni who could deliver powerful, inspiring commencement address,” said Carter. “It’s too bad Morgan State didn’t go there instead.” Delegate Carter has a point. It is too bad. It’s not the least bit surprising.

The leaders of Morgan State University, of Morehouse College and many similar institutions are not really leaders at all, not the way the old style “race men” and women supposed themselves to be once upon a time, standing up and lifting up all our people. They are followers, members of a Black misleadership class which values conformity, silence and careers over courageous advocacy and struggle, and prizes individual enrichment over investment in a community’s collective wealth and power. The race men have become debased men, unable even to stand up for the interests of their own institutions, let alone for public education, or against gentrification, or the interests of African-Americans as a whole. Commencement addresses for them are not about inspiring the graduates about to go forth into the world and accomplish things about which their elders can only dream. They’re about genuflecting to power and repeating the stale old narratives that validate and justify our class of elite Black misleaders.

Bruce A. Dixon is managing editor at Black Agenda Report, and a member of the state committee of the Georgia Green Party. He can be reached via this site’s contact page, or at bruce.dixon@blackagendareport.com. Click on this story at www.flcourier.com to write your own response.

down. We have to raise the floor under workers to ensure that they can be paid fairly for the work that they do. Democrats have introduced legislation to lift the minimum wage to $10.10 per hour, and to lift the minimum wage for “tipped workers” (waiters and waitresses, for example) for the first time in 20 years. This will enable a full-time minimum wage worker to lift a family of three out of poverty.

Poor peoples campaign Dr. King’s last action was a poor people’s campaign challenging the nation to allow people to work their way out of poverty and desperation. As we celebrate 50 years after the March

on Washington this fall, let us not just simply admire his poetry, let us follow his teaching. The Bible says a servant is worth his or her hire. The Fair Minimum Wage Act is only a start. We still need a plan for America’s cities. We still need to repeal the sequester cuts and make the investments vital to our future. But a decent minimum wage is a common sense measure of simple decency. Workers should be paid fairly for the work that they do. It is time to raise the roof to raise the floor.

Keep up with Rev. Jackson and the work of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition at www.rainbowpush.org. Click on this story at www. flcourier.com to write your own response.

You need to listen and act Do you know what your children are listening to? We do, and that’s why we’ve been taking action in the National Congress of Black Women. Our Entertainment Commission members, co-chaired by Krystal Glass and Tracey Holloway monitor the relationship between corporations and rappers who promote vulgarity, violence, and misogyny. Previously when NCBW objected to this type of denigrating content in media, we went directly to the corporations supporting rappers through advertising. Most recently, we joined the public outcry leading to withdrawal of several corporate endorsements of these artists. That’s why we’re on this subject again this week! Reebok ended their endorsement of Rick Ross after he rapped about drugging and raping a woman. Mountain Dew pulled a racist commercial created by Tyler, The Creator, which displayed a battered White woman identifying her attacker from a line-up of all African-American males. Additionally, Lil Wayne lost his endorsement from PepsiCo after making a vulgar and disrespectful reference to Emmet Till who was murdered.

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

male counterparts.

Minaj’s artistry?

Much of Minaj’s “artistry” is too vulgar to include within this article; however, we have provided references so parents, can be aware of what many children are listening to. You may be shocked to view images of Minaj on stage with sex toys. Observe the debauchery in her video for Beez in the Trap, and in her latest work where she has sexual relations with Lil Wayne in the video for a song called High School – a blatant promotion of underage sex. We must also question Minaj’s latest business venture, the Pink Pill - a portable wireless Bluetooth speaker made in the shape of a pink pharmaceutical drug, especially considering a recent national survey which found that prescription drug abuse among teens is at an all-time Despicable music high. Further, the advertisement for the For over 20 years, my predecessor, Dr. Pink Pill perpetuates the double negative C. Delores Tucker and our members have stereotype of the “Black woman with attimet with and picketed BET and record tude” and the “cheating Black man.’’ shops that promoted despicable music and videos. We’ve purchased stock in Psychological war companies so we could speak at stockBy incorporating both childhood innoholders’ meetings. We’ve contacted spon- cence and adult sexuality in her image, sors of negative TV shows and music and Nicki Minaj is attracting and, certainly, asked them to drop their support. We’ve confusing the impressionable minds of testified before Congress. We’ve met with our young girls and boys. rappers and tried to reason with them. Therefore, she must be included among These were all men denigrating women. the slew of artists who are waging a psyUnfortunately, there’s also a female art- chological war against the healthy develist who must be included among the pro- opment of our youth. In Bible verse Matmoters of degenerate behavior. Nicki Mi- thew 7:16 it states, “You will know them naj, the darling of the American Idol judg- by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered es’ panel, is admired by millions of young from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, people and adults. are they?” On the red carpet, the self-professed The NCBW asks you to be aware and Barbie Doll displays rainbow bright col- continually ask yourselves, “Do I know ors and wears clothing covered in toys what my children are listening to?” and stuffed animals - adornments sure to catch the eye of young girls. However, Dr. E. Faye Williams is chair of the Nasuch childhood innocence isn’t always tional Congress of Black Women, Inc., present in her music. Her videos often www.nationalcongressbw.org. Click on display the same level of female sub- this story at www.flcourier.com to write jugation and immoral behavior as her your own response.

NATION

TOj A6

MAY 17 – MAY 23, 2013

New FCC chair continues prison phone battle Market in state prison systems worth more than $362 million annually

that should translate to $15 for a 15-minute phone call,” said Steven Renderos, national organizer for the Center for Media Justice in Oakland, Calif.

Varies by state

TRICE EDNEY NEWS WIRE

Mignon Clyburn, a veteran policymaker from the Public Service Commission of South Carolina, has been appointed acting chair of the Federal Communications Commission, the first woman to ever hold the post. Since joining the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 2009, Clyburn remains a leader in the fight to reduce telephone rates for prison inmates throughout the country and, in her first interview since being appointed by President Barack Obama to her new post, she vows to continue that battle. “Tens of thousands of consumers have written, emailed, and telephoned the Federal Communications Commission, pleading for relief on interstate long distance rates from correctional facilities and I intend to keep pushing this issue,” said Clyburn, 51. Clyburn said that she could not discuss details regarding her recent appointment, which was announced on May 1. However, the second-term FCC commissioner is miffed that rates make it cheaper to place a cellular telephone call from as far away as Singapore than it is for an inmate to make an interstate collect call from prisons in the United States.

89 cents a minute According to data from various telephone companies, including Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint, the average cost of a call to Singapore is 12 cents per minute, while a call from prison includes a $3.95 connection fee regardless of the length of the conversation. “One five-minute call from prison could be as high as $17

NNPA

Mignon Clyburn says the current rates are unfair to inmates and their families. with the connection fee and the per minute rate can be as high as 89 cents,” Clyburn said. “That framework can be as high as your regular monthly phone bill. We’re talking a significant amount of money for those who are least likely to be able to afford that type of engagement. All of this has motivated me to keep this fight going,” she said. Clyburn, who holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Banking, Finance and Economics from the University of South Carolina, served as chair of South Carolina’s Public Service Commission from 2002 to 2004. While Clyburn has made her mark in the public sector, she remains proud of her background in media – that’s where she learned to speak truth to power. “It was on an African-American newspaper, the Coastal Times, in South Carolina,” she said. Clyburn co-owned and operated the newspaper with her father, Rep. James E. Clyburn (D-S.C.), the

former House majority whip and the current Assistant Democratic Leader.

Pressing regulators Clyburn said she will continue to pressure regulators to find more affordable solutions and rates for inmates and their families. Two private companies own the service that operate all prison phone calls in the country, Global Tel*Link Corp. of Mobile, Ala., and Securus Technologies, Inc. of Dallas. A spokeswoman at Global Tel*Link and a secretary at Securus each declined comment. Officials from both companies have previously said during a conference in New York last year that the higher rates are due to the security features their technology provides, such as monitoring phone calls and blocking numbers. “But, technology is readily available and not something

Rates for the calls widely vary from state-to-state, but the commissions received by the phone companies and prisons are high, Renderos said. “For example, in Alabama the commission rate is 61.5 percent, and this translates to families having to pay 89 cents a minute on top of the $3.95 connection fee every time a family member receives a call,” said Renderos. “Eight states, California, South Carolina, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, Michigan, and Missouri, have banned these commissions and in those states, you see some of the lowest rates for phone calls,” he said.

Crucial instrument Clyburn, who in 2001 began work to reduce the rates and recruited Jesse Jackson’s Operation Push to assist, said the telephone is a crucial instrument for the incarcerated, and those who care about them, because telephone usage is often the only communications option available. “Maintaining contact with family and friends during incarceration not only helps the inmate, but it is beneficial to our society as a whole because there are well over two million children with at least one parent behind bars and regardless of their circumstances, both children and parents gain from regular contact with one another,” said Clyburn. A major hurdle in the battle to reduce the call rates is the “Almighty dollar,” officials at the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) said. This month, representatives from the CBC also signed on to help Clyburn fight the exorbitant costs of prison calls.

Exclusive contracts The phone market in state prison systems is worth more than $362 million annually. Payments to governments in return for exclusive phone contracts account for an estimated 42 percent nationwide, or $152 million per year, according to a 2011 report published by Prison Legal News. Also, while telephone companies sometimes provide reduced rates for evening and nighttime calls, many prisoners don’t have the luxury of scheduling phone calls during those time periods.

Big business Some of America’s prisons are privately owned and publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), meaning that they are for-profit businesses and pay dividends to shareholders. Cornell Companies Inc. (whose NYSE symbol is CRN), Corrections Corp. of America (CXW) and Geo Group Inc. (GEO), are the three companies that own prisons in the U.S. Cornell, which operates in 15 states and the District of Columbia, is currently trading at $29.45 a share. Stock for Corrections Corp., the largest owner of partnership correction and detention facilities and one of the largest prison operators in the United States, is trading at $37.07. Located in Boca Raton, the Geo Group is trading at $37.92 a share and the company is expected to release its first quarter financials on May 9. “I’m optimistic on a number of fronts,” Clyburn said. “Our office has constantly ensured that this process of reducing the rates is one that is dynamic and moving forward,” she said.

This story is special to the Trice Edney News Wire from the Washington Informer.

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LaTonia TaliaferroSmith, Ph.D., a researcher at Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University is shown in October 2012 working hard to find a cure for cancer. Eight women in her husband’s family had been diagnosed with breast cancer. VINO WONG/ ATLANTA JOURNALCONSTITUTION/ MCT

How DNA influences breast cancer risk Actress Angelina Jolie’s breast removal surgery prompts questions about genetic testing and the risks BY ERYN BROWN LOS ANGELES TIMES/MCT

LOS ANGELES — By opting for surgery to remove her breasts while they were still healthy, actress Angelina Jolie joined a growing number of women who have used genetic testing to take control of their health. Here are answers to some common quesAngelina tions about how Jolie DNA influences breast cancer risk and what women can do about it. Question: What genes are involved in breast cancer? Answer: The two primary ones are known as BRCA1 and BRCA2. Hundreds of variants of these genes have been found that make a woman — or a man — more likely to develop breast cancer. The mutations can increase one’s lifetime risk of breast cancer from about 50 percent to more than 85 percent, said Rebecca Nagy, president of the National Society of Genetic Counselors. In her essay in The New York Times, Jolie said her doctors believed the mutation found in her BRCA1 gene raised her chance of developing the disease to 87 percent. Scientists know of variants in other genes that also play a role in breast cancer, but these occur more rarely than the BRCA mutations, said Nagy, who works at Ohio State University’s James Cancer Hospital in Columbus.

Who should get tested Q: How many people have these mutations? A: Everyone has the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, but only about 1 in 600 women have variants known to increase the risk of breast cancer, said Ellen Matloff, director of cancer genetic counseling at the Yale Cancer Center in New Haven, Conn. The variants are more common in certain groups of people, including Jews from Europe, and are also linked to ovarian cancer in women. BRCA2 mutations, additionally, are associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer, Matloff said. Other cancers have also been linked to mutations in the two genes. Q: Should I get tested to see if I have these mutations? A: Not necessarily. At the Yale Cancer Center, genetic counselors only recommend testing for people who have a strong family history of a type of cancer that is known to be linked to these genes: breast cancer before the age of 45, several family members with the disease on the same side of the family, breast cancer and ovarian or pancreatic cancer on the same side of the family, a family history of male breast cancer, or Jewish ancestry combined with even one case of breast or ovarian cancer in the family. Matloff emphasized that most cases of breast and ovarian cancer are not related to these mutations.

Should you remove breasts? Q: How does the test work? A: Generally, a woman who is concerned about her cancer risk begins by consulting her physician and a genetic counselor, who can examine her personal and family history to determine what tests might be useful. A genetic counselor can also discuss the pros and cons of testing, including implications for other family members, Matloff said.

Preventive mastectomy More women who find they are at high risk for breast cancer – such as actress Angelina Jolie – are choosing to have healthy breasts removed to reduce their chances of getting the disease. The surgery, called preventive (or prophylactic) double mastectomy, is often accompanied by breast reconstruction.

Total mastectomy

Reconstruction with implants

Natural reconstruction Site

Prosthesis, implanted under skin

All breast tissue, some or all arm pit lymph nodes are removed; both breasts are totally removed in preventive mastectomy

Top risk factors Reasons why women may choose preventive mastectomy

Saline injected into implant

• Previous breast cancer or family history of the disease

Source: Rush University Medical Center, Medline Plus, New York Times

MORE INFORMATION The National Cancer Institute explains how genetic testing helps determine cancer risk on its BRCA page (http:// www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/BRCA) and the American Cancer Society has information on early detection here: http://www. cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/moreinformation/ breastcancerearlydetection/ breast-cancer-early-detection-risk-factors-youcannot-change. The test involves collecting a sample of blood or saliva and sending it to Myriad Genetics, a company that performs the analysis and can deliver a report on which variants you have and how much these variants increase your risk of various types of cancer. However, Matloff warned that sometimes the test results are misinterpreted, with variants that are not known to cause cancer confused with variants that do. “We’ve found that a lot of women who’ve had this surgery had their test results read incorrectly,” she said. Q: If the test says I have a high risk of breast cancer, should I have my breasts removed? A: That is a very personal decision that patients should make

Tissue used to make TRAM flap An alternative procedure is to remove tissue – skin, muscle and blood vessels – from lower abdomen (TRAP flap) and transfer it under the skin to the breast site

One reconstructive procedure involves placing a prosthesis under the skin, then slowly filing it with saline to create a breast mound

• Mutations in certain genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, which may cause breast cancer (Jolie’s reason)

TRAM flap

• Tiny calcium deposits in the breasts or dense breasts

• Radiation therapy to the chest before age 30

• Lobular carcinoma in situ, unusual cells in the lobules of the breast Graphic: Pat Carr, Melina Yingling

in consultation with their families and doctors. Cosmetic factors and the availability other options — including heightened surveillance for early signs of disease or taking a drug such as tamoxifen, Matloff said — can come into play as a woman makes her decision. Nagy said that studies have estimated that at least 35 percent of women who have a dangerous BRCA mutation decide to get the surgery when they are still healthy. Doing so can reduce their lifetime risk of breast cancer to less than 5 percent.

Mastectomy risks Q: Why doesn’t it reduce the risk to 0 percent? A: Even after a double mastectomy, some breast cells remain — and there is always a chance that cancer could develop in this tissue, Matloff said. However, a risk of less than 5 percent is much lower than the 12 percent to 13 percent risk faced by a typical American woman, she added. Q: What is involved in a mastectomy? A: All mastectomies involve removal of most of the breast tissue, but patients have options when deciding whether or how to have their breasts reconstructed, said Dr. Maureen Chung, a surgeon and medical director of the Margie Petersen Breast Center at St. John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, Calif. “The trend is to leave more and more behind,” she said, noting that increasingly women are choosing to keep their skin, areolas and nipples intact for a bet-

ter cosmetic outcome. Breast reconstruction can take place when the breast tissue is removed or later, depending on the type of reconstruction a woman chooses, Chung said. In Jolie’s case, tissue expanders were put in place for a couple of months to create a pocket to accommodate breast implants. Q: Are there any risks involved? A: There is always a risk involved in any surgery, but generally speaking the procedure is very safe, Matloff said. You can live a healthy life without your breasts — and reconstructed breasts can look very good.

Remove ovaries? Q: What about having your ovaries and fallopian tubes removed? A: This surgery is also routine but one consequence is that women who have it no longer have the estrogen produced by the ovaries; as a result, they go into a kind of early menopause. However, a lot of women who have their ovaries removed are good candidates for hormone replacement therapy, Matloff said. According to Nagy, about 70 percent of women with dangerous BRCA mutations choose to have their ovaries removed eventually. The numbers are higher than for mastectomies because it is very difficult to screen for ovarian cancer.

Times staff writer Amina Khan contributed to this report.

CALENDAR & obituaries

MAY 17 – MAY 23, 2013

TOJ

FLORIDA COMMUNITY CALENDAR

TGT

R&B trio TGT (Tyrese, Ginuwine and Tank) will be at the Times Union Center Performing Arts Moran Theater in Jacksonville July 3 and the James L. Knight Center in Miami July 4 for shows at 8 p.m.

Jacksonville: The Jacksonville Jazz Festival featuring Najee, Gary Staling, the John Ricci Quartet and others will be held May 23-26 at 117 West Duval St. Orlando: Orlando Black Pride will take place May 28 through June 2 at the Best Western Lake Buena Vista Resort Hotel, Pirates Dinner Adventure and other venues throughout Orlando with a full schedule that includes parties, contests, karaoke competition, a bowling night, educational events and church services for the lesbian, gay, transgender and bisexual community. More information: orlandoblackpride.com. Naples: The NAACP Leadership 500 Summit will be held May 23-May 26 at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Participants will attend thought provoking, interactive panel discussions, strategy sessions, and facilitated general sessions led by prominent private sector, non-profit, corporate and community leaders.

CEDRIC THE ENTERTAINER

Tampa: The second annual UNCF Walk for Education Kickoff will be held May 21 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Tampa Club, 101 East Kennedy Blvd. Suite 4200.RSVP to Robert Foster at 407- 896-6940 or Robert.Foster@uncf.org. St. Petersburg: A free, two-part household budgeting seminar, designed for people who want to live better on less and/or to save to buy a home, will be held May 23 and May 30 from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. at the Sunshine Center, 330 Fifth St. North. A certificate of completion will be awarded. More information: 727-461-0618, ext. 4 or www. csfhome.org Jacksonville: Avant and Brian McKnight will be at the Florida Theater Jacksonville May 24 for a 7 p.m. show. Orlando: R&B songstress Jordin Sparks will be at the House of Blues Orlando for a benefit concert hosted by Masters Champ Bubba Watson on May 17. Winter Park: Adult Hip-hop classes are held on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. 244 Pennsylvania Ave. More information: 407-644-3430. Orlando: Play games including

KOOL & THE GANG

“King of Comedy’’ Cedric The Entertainer will bring his laughs to Hard Rock Live Hollywood July 18, the Florida Theatre Jacksonville July 19, and the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre in Orlando on July 20. Battleship, Candy Land, Chinese Checkers, Clue and many more at the Orange County Regional History Center, 65 E. Central Blvd. on May 31 from 7 p.m.-midnight. Retro attire encouraged. $5 for nonmembers, free for members. More information: 407-836-7010.

Chapter, will include a STEM event for students at the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. More information: Visit www.dstta.com.

Mount Dora: The Mount Dora Blues and Wine Festival will be held May 17 – May 19 on Main St. in downtown Mount Dora. More information: 352-728-5250.

Tampa: State Rep. Janet Cruz will host a West Tampa Job Fair July 30 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Higgins Hall, 5255 N. Himes Ave. Admission for job seekers is free and an eightfoot table is free to employers. More information and to register as an employer: 813-673-4673.

St. Augustine: Rap artist Kendrick Lamar will be at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre June 19 for a 6:30 p.m. show.

Jacksonville: A youth and young adult revival will be held at Central Metropolitan CME Church May 17 at 7 p.m. 4611 N. Pearl St.

Tampa: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s Centennial Torch Tour makes a stop in Tampa on May 18. The day, hosted by the Tampa Alumnae

Jacksonville: The stage play and musical “Dreamgirls” will be at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts May 21 at 7:30 p.m.

St. Petersburg: LL Cool J, Ice Cube, De La Soul and Public Enemy will be at The Mahaffey in St. Petersburg during their Kings of the Mic Tour on June 6 and the St. Augustine Amphitheatre June 7. St. Petersburg: First Fridays are held in downtown St. Petersburg at 250 Central Ave. between Second and Third Avenues from 5:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. More information: 727-393-3597. Fort Lauderdale: The Florida Minority Community Reinvestment along with a coalition of Florida minority non-profits and neighborhood associations are hosting the 2013 Let’s Do Business Florida & Summit June 28-June 29 at the Westin Beach Resort & Spa. No cost to women-minority-veteran businesses and nonprofits. More

Kool & the Gang will be at The Mahaffey in St. Petersburg June 21 for an 8 p.m. show.

information: www.letsdobusinessflorida.com. Jacksonville: Ritz Jazz Jamm “Walter Beasley” will be at the Ritz Theatre June 1 for 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. shows. Orlando: Kelly Rowland and the Dream bring their Lights Out Tour to the House of Blues June 6 for a 7:30 p.m. show. St. Petersburg: Youths ages 7 to 11 can enjoy a night of football, kickball, ping-pong, foosball, video games and dance parties during “Freestyle Fridays” at the Fossil Park & Willis S. Johns Center, 6635 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N. First visit free; $6 each following visit. More information: 727-893-7756.

Heart failure claims life of former NFL player Chuck Muncie ASSOCIATED PRESS

TRICE EDNEY NEWS SERVICE

Malcolm Shabazz, the grandson of Malcolm X, is shown in 2010 during his trip to Mecca, Saudi Arabia for his first Hajj, the annual spiritual pilgrimage taken by millions of Muslims in submission to Allah, God.

Arrests made in death of Malcolm X’s grandson BY RICHARD FAUSSET LOS ANGELES TIMES/MCT

MEXICO CITY — Two waiters at a downtown Mexico City bar have been arrested and identified by prosecutors as the “likely killers” of Malcolm Shabazz. The grandson of slain civil rights leader Malcolm X, Shabazz was beaten to death last week. According to a news release issued Monday by the Mexico City attorney general’s office, the waiters, David Hernandez Cruz and Manuel Alejandro Perez de Jesus, worked at a bar called the Palace Club, where Shabazz

and a friend had been drinking. Prosecutors described the Palace Club as “a bar not frequented by tourists,” located near the Plaza Garibaldi, the famous square where visitors and Mexicans alike are serenaded by bands of roving mariachi musicians.

Died of trauma At 3 a.m. on May 9, the statement said, the waiters and two other individuals at the Palace Club demanded that the two visitors pay a $1,200 bar tab. When they disputed the charge, Shabazz was beaten, and his friend, a labor leader

named Miguel Suarez, was threatened and robbed. Prosecutors said Shabazz, 28, died of trauma caused by the beating he received with a blunt object. The two waiters were jailed on suspicion of murder and aggravated robbery. Shabazz was the son of Malcolm X’s second daughter, Qubilah. He spent four years at a juvenile detention center after pleading guilty, at age 12, to starting a house fire that killed Betty Shabazz, Malcolm X’s wife. He had other run-ins with the law, but had been working more recently as a public speaker, blogger and activist.

METAIRIE, La. – Chuck Muncie, a Pro Bowl running back with both the New Orleans Saints and San Diego Chargers, has died at age 60, the NFL clubs and a family spokesman said Tuesday. Muncie family spokesman Vintage Foster of AMF Media Group in San Ramon, Calif., said Muncie died at his Los Angeles-area home on Monday from heart failure. He was the Saints’ first-round pick, third overall, out of California in 1976. He played 4½ seasons in New Orleans before being traded in 1980 to San Diego, Chuck where he finished his Muncie nine-year NFL career. In 1979, Muncie became the first Saint to rush for 1,000 yards, finishing with 1,198 yards and 11 touchdowns, and his 1,506 total yards from scrimmage earned him the first of his three Pro Bowl selections.

Part of ‘Thunder and Lightning’ The 6-foot-3 Muncie, who played at 227 pounds, and fellow Saints running back Tony Galbreath formed what then-coach Hank Stram dubbed the “Thunder and Lightning” combination in the New Orleans backfield. Both running backs are now member of the Saints Hall of Fame. Saints owner Tom Benson said in a written statement that the Saints were mourning Muncie’s “untimely passing,” adding, “Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and other loved ones at this difficult time.” Muncie was traded by the Saints at midseason in 1980 to the San Diego Chargers, where he played 51 games and was named to Pro Bowl rosters two more times, in 1981 and ‘82. In 2009, the club recognized him as one of the

50 greatest Chargers of all time.

Spoke about drug abuse His accomplishments on the field came despite cocaine use, and in 1989, five years after his retirement from pro football, Muncie was sentenced to 18 months in prison for a cocaine distribution conviction. Thereafter, however, he began sharing his life story with at-risk youth, highlighting his struggles with drug abuse. He created the Chuck Muncie Youth Foundation, the mission of which was to offer children mentoring, educational assistance and counseling. “His work with at-risk youth, the Boys and Girls Clubs and his foundation were the things that really made him shine,” Muncie’s daughter, Danielle Ward, said in a written statement provided by Foster. “He was star on the football field but his most impressive work was done in the second chapter of his life where he lived his life with great transparency,” added Muncie’s former wife, Robyn Hood. “He simply wanted others to learn from his mistakes. He carried that message with him everywhere he went. And as a result, he changed the lives of hundreds of kids. He made a difference.”

‘Tremendous athlete’ Muncie’s 43 touchdowns for San Diego, and 19 touchdowns in a single season, both rank second in Chargers history, eclipsed only by LaDainian Tomlinson. “Everyone at the Chargers is deeply saddened by the passing of Chuck Muncie, one of the greatest running backs in Chargers history,” the team said in a written statement. “We will remember him as a tremendous athlete with a larger-than-life personality. It’s a sad day for all of us and all Chargers fans.” In nine seasons, Muncie finished with 6,702 yards rushing, 2,323 yards receiving and 74 total touchdowns.

MAY 17 – MAY 23, 2013

BUSINESS

Central Florida a test market for new restaurant offerings New menus, products sampled in Orlando area because it’s home to regional, national food companies BY SANDRA PEDICINI ORLANDO SENTINEL/MCT

When the restaurant industry needs guinea pigs, it often finds them in Central Florida. Orlando-area residents recently have sampled new Chick-fil-A salads, a healthy Cracker Barrel menu and Red Lobster’s pay-at-thecounter option before most other American diners. New products or menus often are tried out in Orlando because it’s a big city filled with chains, a diverse population and millions of annual visitors. It is also home to several national and regional restaurant companies, which like to test close to corporate headquarters. “Orlando gives you the geographic diversity; people from all over the country go here,” said H.G. Parsa, a former University of Central Florida restaurant professor now on the faculty of the University of Denver’s business school. “That’s the beauty of it.” And Orlando may get even more trial runs soon. Trying to keep up with rapidly changing consumer tastes, restaurants have dramatically ramped up new menu offerings, said Darren Tristano, executive vice president of restaurant-research company Technomic.

New approaches At the same time, casu-

al-dining companies such as Orlando-based Darden Restaurants, owner of Olive Garden and Red Lobster, are experimenting with new approaches as they fight to keep customers wanting faster, cheaper fare. Restaurants learn many things from the testing process. They don’t just consider whether the new dish racks up enough in sales. Can it be prepared relatively easily? Will it cannibalize sales from more profitable offerings? “A menu item that has … a very thin margin, that doesn’t draw any new traffic, that pulls people away from a more profitable item is a loser,” said Dennis Lombardi, a restaurant consultant with Ohio-based WD Partners.

More nuggets Companies also may tweak the final product based on what they hear from customers in test markets. Chick-fil-A knew it wanted to sell its new Cobb, Asian and grilled market salads even before it started analyzing them recently in Orlando and Raleigh, N.C. Chick-fil-As across the country plan to replace their current salads with the new ones Monday. But the Atlanta-based chain made some changes based on consumer feedback. Pretzel rolls that originally accompanied the salads are gone because they

didn’t seem to tempt diners’ taste buds. Customers did want more chicken nuggets in the Cobb and Asian salads, however. So the salads will now have eight nuggets instead of the original six.

Experienced operators Orlando is one of about a dozen Chick-fil-A test markets across the United States. The area has many experienced operators who can offer insights, said David Farmer, Chick-fil-A’s vice president of product strategy and development. For instance, Chick-filA heeded the suggestion of a Winter Springs store manager who wanted color-coded packaged-salad condiments, so employees in a hurry don’t mistakenly hand the garlic-and-ginger wontons for Asian salads to customers who ordered the Cobb. Tennessee-based Cracker Barrel has been trying a “Wholesome Fixin’s” menu featuring items with fewer than 600 calories at several Central Florida restaurants, including one near Orlando International Airport. Cracker Barrel would not say what other markets are sampling the menu, which it plans to introduce to the entire nation this summer.

Online ordering tested too Atlanta-based Wing Zone and Miami-based Pollo

Nancy Francis sits down for lunch with her Grilled Market salad at a Chick-fil-A near downtown Orlando.

PHOTOS BY JACOB LANGSTON/ORLANDO SENTINEL/MCT

Three new salads are displayed at a Chick-fil-A near downtown Orlando, Florida, on April 17. Central Florida residents often get to taste new food options before other parts of the country as it is a popular test market with food franchises. Tropical have tested in Central Florida. And McDonald’s used 180 Orlando-area restaurants as a testing ground for Garden Wraps, a precursor to the Premium McWraps that made their national debut last month.

Meanwhile, companies such as Darden and Tony Roma’s, which also bases operations in Central Florida, often use Orlando to assess new methods and products. In two area locations,

THE WORST DAY AT WORK BEATS THE BEST DAY IN FORECLOSURE. SEEKING A SOLUTION FOR THOSE SEEKING JOBS

With job loss responsible for up to half of all mortgage delinquencies, getting people back on their feet became our focus. But the economy and the job market have changed. People desperately looking for work need help. Which is where Fifth Third Bank and NextJob, a nationwide reemployment solutions company, came in. Last year we initiated a pilot program that provides mortgage customers up to 39 weeks of job training – including live coaching, job search training and software – fully paid for by Fifth Third Bank. Participating Fifth Third

customers at risk of defaulting on their mortgages had experienced, on average, 22 months of unemployment. After six months of reemployment assistance, nearly 40% of participants had secured meaningful employment. BUSINESS AS UNUSUAL

Our commitment to reemployment continues to grow with the signing of a multiyear contract with NextJob, which allows us to move the program out of the pilot phase and incorporate it into the way we do business. Curious behavior for a bank? Maybe. But we’re proud to be the first financial institution to offer such assistance and hope we won’t be the last.

Fifth Third Bank. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender .

Darden’s Red Lobster is trying out “Seaside Express,” where diners order and pay at the counter. Olive Garden is testing out an online ordering system in a few parts of the country. After testing them here first, Tony Roma’s is rolling out online ordering and new menu items. Diner questionnaires completed online or on in-house tablets helped the chain determine that grilled focaccia bruschetta and a new flatiron-steak dish would succeed. A salmon with Sriracha butter, however, didn’t make the cut. Lower-to-mid-priced chains find Orlando especially appealing because the region’s median income is a little less than the U.S. average. “They demand value for the money,” Parsa said. “If (products) can make it in a value-conscious market, they can make it easily.”

EDUCATION

TOj B4

Stoj

MAY 17 – MAY 23, 2013

A better economy for college graduates Hiring outlook has improved for Class of 2013 BY MICHAEL KANEL ATLANTA JOURNALCONSTITUTION/MCT

As strains of “Pomp and Circumstance” drift from college campuses this month, odds are improving that new graduates’ next stop will not be their parents’ basements. Hiring isn’t strong, but it sure looks better than it has since the economy tipped into recession a little more than five years ago. “For sure, I thought I would graduate with a job — definitely,” said Morgan Woodbury, 22, a senior at Kennesaw State University. “I think the job market is good right now.” Her experience is evidence: Woodbury felt confident enough to turn down an initial offer from shipping service DHL. The company offered a different job with better pay and — with her graduation still a few days away — Woodbury is working in international sales in a territory arcing from Atlanta to Chattanooga. “The pay starts with a pretty good base, plus an allowance, plus commission,” she said.

Hiring outlook improves Job growth isn’t absorbing all of these new graduates, said Phil Gardner, director of the Collegiate Employment Research Institute at Michigan State University. “There has been steady improvement but it’s not enough to clear the new grad market. We need some double-digit (job) growth.” Still, the hiring outlook is improved. In 2009, when most of this year’s grads started college, the unemployment rate was cresting at 10 percent nationally. Since then, the national rate has ticked down to 7.5 percent in April. And the job market is better on average for college graduates. Among people with at least a bachelor’s degree, the jobless rate is 3.9 percent. Another hopeful sign: starting salaries for grads nationally

PHOTO COURTESY OF DAYTONA STATE COLLEGE

Daytona State College held two commencement ceremonies on Monday at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach. During the ceremonies, 4,200 graduates received degrees, ranging from bachelor's to associate degrees and certificates. are up 5.3 percent this year, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers. The biggest pay boost comes in the health care sector, while the highest starting salaries go to engineers, according to the NACE survey. Business hires are averaging 7 percent more than a year ago.

Hot sectors Dennis Loubiere, 51, of Marietta, Ga., went back to school to finish his undergraduate degree after being laid off by a mortgage company amid the housing bust. He graduated summa cum laude from Kennesaw State and stayed on to get a master’s degree this year in business. “There is definitely hiring going on,” he said. “For the first time in quite awhile, I actually feel confident that I can get a job.” Technology and finance are the hottest sectors. “We hire a ton of people each year,” said Bob Eichenberg, greater Atlanta market human resources leader at PwC, a global audit-

ing, accounting and consulting company with about 1,250 employees here. Experts in finance have been in steady demand, he said. “People still have to have audits. They still have to file their tax returns.” Grads with liberal arts degrees have to show that their skills “are transferable” to business needs, said Emory University senior Alexi Lauren New, 21, who majored in sociology and anthropology. With so many unemployed Americans, companies can be very selective, so that argument is not an easy one, she said. “I think it’s a tough market out there.” The Rockville, Md., native has a yearlong fellowship in Washington.

First job matters By last year’s commencement, only 16 percent of Emory’s graduating seniors were unsure what they would do in the coming year, said Paul Fowler, executive director of the university career center. About half of them ended up go-

ing on to more school. The situation is about the same this year, but “we have seen a number of companies calling us out of the blue this year,” Fowler said. “That’s an indication that things are getting better.” There is risk for graduates who do not find a position fairly quickly. Going without a job — or taking a poor-paying position you’re overqualified for — may handicap a young employee’s economic potential, said Carl Van Horn, director of the Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers University and author of “Working Scared (Or Not at All).” “The basic point is that where you start with your salary and benefit has a tendency to influence the first decade of your career,” he said. “The reason is that employers look at salary history and they tend to pay accordingly.”

On to master’s degree Some people try to improve their odds — and postpone their

job search — by adding a degree. Roderick Williams, 33, of Kennesaw is getting his bachelor’s in accounting at Kennesaw State. But he’s decided to take another year to get a master’s degree. “I met with a lot of firms, and they said I’d be better off to go ahead and get a masters and pass the CPA exam,” he said. “Having a master’s, especially in tax — most firms want to see that.” Other graduates will make do by stitching together jobs. Molly Gilmartin, 22, has a parttime job tending bar at Lulu’s Firewater Grill. But she wants a career on the stage: She’s majoring at Kennesaw State in theater and performance studies with a concentration in acting. She’s landed a 20-hour-aweek office job at the Georgia Ensemble Theater in Roswell. “I will keep my job as a bartender. With the combination of the two things, I’ll be OK.” She hopes to combine a day job with parts in local theater productions at night, she said. “That would be living the dream.”

Jay-Z offering scholarships to needy students BLACKNEWS.COM

The Shawn Carter Scholarship Fund provides individual grants ranging from $1,500 to $2,500 to every student who qualifies and reapplies yearly, from admission to graduation. The grant can be used to cover tuition expenses and related supplemental educational expenses such as books, lab fees, travel and select costs of living. All Shawn Carter Scholars are required to “give back” by conducting community service and by serving as mentors to younger, aspiring Shawn Carter Scholars. All high school seniors, undergraduate (two-year or four-year) college students, and students at vocational or trade schools are eligible to apply. All applicants must be US citizens, 25 years old or younger, and have a minimum GPA of 2.0. Founded in 2002 by Shawn Carter (Jay-Z) and his mom Gloria Carter, the foundation has since then given scholarships to over 750 students, totaling over $1.3 million dollars. For details, visit www.scholarshipsonline.org/2013/05/ shawn-carter-foundation-scholarship.html.

FAMILY FEATURES

Stamped alphabet magnets can take less than an hour to make.

How to keep kids busy, learning this summer FAMILY FEATURES

During the school year, kids focus on the fundamentals of reading, writing and arithmetic. Make summer a time to explore their interests. Plan trips and activities that keep them learning and enjoying their favorite topics. • Learning is as close as your computer. Both YouTube and Ted Talks feature short videos that educate and inspire. • When visiting the library for books this summer, pick up a few DVDs covering your child’s favorite subject. • Arrange a mini-internship. If one of your kids loves animals, ask a veterinarian if your child could observe at the office for an afternoon. • Explore the great outdoors at summer camp. Instead of sending your kids away, look for local day camp options focusing on nature, sports or other activities.

• Volunteer opportunities abound. Look for charity work tailored to your child’s interest to combine learning with helping others. • Connect with clubs in your community, such as Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and 4-H. Each group encourages learning, outdoor activities and friendship.

noons to paint, play with modeling clay or make special projects, such as Stamped Alphabet Magnets. Not only will everyone have the fun of making them, they can be used on the refrigerator all summer to keep kids spelling or simply share special messages.

Do math at grocery store

How to make stamped alphabet magnets

The most important part of summer should be family so use those extra days of freedom to spend more time together. Involve your child in the daily routine. A trip to the grocery store is a great place to see math, reading, problem solving, and decision making in action. They’ll learn a lot about etiquette and social skills just being along for the ride during "grown-up" activities. Attend free outdoor movies, explore museums, visit relatives or play group games. Also set aside crafting after-

No experience necessary. Crafting times is less than one hour. Supplies and tools needed: • Hero Arts Happy Upper Case Alphabet • 3/4-inch ProMag round magnets • Mod Podge sparkle glue & sealer • 3/4-inch circle punch • Black ink pad For more craft ideas, visit www. joann.com.

Jay-Z

Delta Sigma Theta to host STEM event in Tampa BLACKNEWS.COM

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is celebrating 100 years of public service and social action. In concert with chapters all over the world, the Tampa Alumnae Chapter is celebrating the legacy of its sisterhood by hosting torchlighting events in Tampa from May 17-19. The sorority will host a special event with students from 9 a.m. to 12:30

p.m. on May 18 at Tampa’s Museum of Science and Industry, 4801 E. Fowler Ave. This STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) event includes a voyage of snap circuits, math robotics, video game creating and rocket launching. It is being hosted in partnership with The Dream Center, Young Magnet Middle School and Sligh Middle School. The event is open to the public and hundreds of children are expected to participate. For more information, visit http://www.dstta. com/centennial-torchevents-agenda.

STOJ

MAY 17 – MAY 23, 2013

FINEST & ENTERTAINMENT

Meet some of

FLORIDA'S

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Marc is an aspiring actor/model who says he has a lot of passion for the industry. He enjoys playing sports to include basketball, football, soccer and running track. Contact Marc at sanssoucis.marc@yahoo.com or on Twitter at @plaxcoach1. Abby B., 22, is a South Florida resident, professional fashion model, and aspiring actress. She has been cast in a supporting role in several episodes of USA Network’s “Burn Notice.” Commercial credits include Royal Caribbean (cruise lines), a French auto maker, h.h. gregg and others. She appeared in Nikki Minaj’s “Beez in the Trap” video and was the featured lead ‘girl’ in DJ Khaled’s “B – and Bottles” featuring T.I, Lil Wayne, Ace Hood, and Future. Photo credit: www.mikemontoya.com / info@1stmillionmgt.com

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Cleveland TNT’s ‘Southland’ station canceled; King signs apologizes on to ABC’s ‘Divorce’ Shot on L.A. streets drama for reporting Nursing starring Ving Rhames also on past of dropped by TNT Ohio hero EURWEB.COM

EURWEB.COM

Soon after Cleveland’s Charles Ramsey helped save three women trapped in a Ohio home for more than a decade, he was upheld in the community as a national hero. But his reputation was quickly tattered by the past. The Smoking Gun reported that Charles was a ‘repeat domestic abuser’ who had done time. But that was decades ago. Eventually someone apologized for reporting arbitrary information that in nature was not relevant to the actual news. Cleveland TV station WEWS apologized … on its Facebook page about posting the report and called it a “poor judgment call.” “We heard you. Wednesday night, we made a poor judgment call in posting a story about Charles Ramsey’s criminal record and how he’s since reformed. While the story was factually sound, the timing of it and publication of such information was not in good taste, and we regret it. “Your comments prompted us to quickly remove the story from our website and Facebook page, but we know we can’t erase what we’ve already done. Ramsey is a hero for his actions, and we recognize that. Thank you so much for your feedback.”

Charles Ramsey

The cable network TNT recently announced it’s cancellation of two dramas, “Southland’’ starring Regina King and “Monday Mornings with Ving Rhames. Both shows collapsed under the pressure of ratings demands, and won’t be picked up for another season, sources say. This marks the end of a fiveyear run for Southland, which revolved around the Los Angeles Police Depart. The gritty series was originally part of NBC’s evening lineup before it was canceled. Meanwhile, King, who played a detective on the show, has signed on for the ABC pilot “Divorce: A Love Story.” Also, “Monday Mornings,” a nursing drama starring Rhames premiered in February but was cut short after only two months.

“TNT has made the difficult decision not to renew ‘Southland’ for another season. We are enormously proud of ‘Southland,’ which stands as one of the best police dramas ever made,” the network said in a statement. “Executive producers John Wells, Chris Chulack and Jonathan Lisco, along with creator Ann Biderman and our partners at Warner Bros. Television, have given us five seasons of powerful, unforgettable storytelling, for which we are deeply grateful. We also want to thank the amazing cast for their impassioned, no-holds-barred performances, and the production team for their tenacity shooting on the streets of real-world Los Angeles. We wish everyone associated with ‘Southland’ the very best.”

Gupta a producer In a statement announcing the cancelation, TNT called “Monday Mornings” a “unique and powerfully moving drama,” but

Oprah Winfrey is one of the stars of “The Butler,’’ a film about Eugene Allen.

‘The Butler’ release date moved up *In a bid to create more Oscar buzz breathing room, The Weinstein Company has moved the release date of its Lee Daniels-directed “The Butler” from Oct. 18 to Aug.

16, reports Deadline.com. The film looks at the life of Eugene Allen, who served eight presidents from 1952 to 1986 and had a bird’s-eye view of the Civil Rights movement. He was long retired when Barack Obama became the first African-American president, but was invited back for the inauguration. Allen and his wife are played by Forest Whitaker and Oprah Winfrey.

Veteran actress Regina King starred as an officer in “Southland.’’ The show had a five-year run. acknowledged the show’s difficulty in attracting an audience. “We are extremely grateful to executive producers David E. Kelly, Bill D’Elia and Dr. Sanjay Gupta, on whose novel the series was based,” the network said. “They crafted a unique and powerfully moving drama full of memorable situations and char-

acters brought to life by a terrific ensemble cast. “Unfortunately the show never built its audience enough to warrant its continuation. We wish everyone involved with ‘Monday Mornings’ the best and hope to work with them again in the future.”

NBC drops shows featuring J-Hud, NeNe EURWEB.COM

Both Jennifer Hudson and NeNe Leakes’ NBC shows “Smash’’ and “The New Normal” have been dropped from the network’s primetime lineup. “The New Normal,” which featured Leakes (“Real Housewives of Atlanta”), was canceled by NBC after one season. The show, from “Glee” producer Ryan Murphy, navigated through the life of a gay couple trying to start a family. It wasn’t received well by the public and plummeted in ratings, hence the decision. Leakes transmitted positive energy on Twitter: “I love my fairy God Mother @ MrRPMurphy & @AliAdler 4 believing n me & givin me an amazing opportunity! No mo New Normal but we r forever.” The network also announced that Broadway-musical themed drama “Smash” will end for good after second season’s May 26 finale episode. Hudson joined the cast at the beginning of the season playing a veteran Broadway star. Fans rallied to keep the show on air when the season’s ratings dropped, but their best efforts have apparently fallen on deaf ears. “Smash” also starred Debra Messing, former “American Idol” contestant Katherine McPhee and Megan Hilty.

Jennifer Hudson

NeNe Leakes

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MAY 17 – MAY 23, 2013

From orchard to table, apples bring flavor for the perfect picnic FROM Family Features

There’s nothing like the perfect picnic or barbecue to slow down and reconnect with friends and family. This season, gather together guests and surprise them with a rustic backyard picnic, starring delicious new recipes that bring out the flavor of apples — a versatile and healthy year-round fruit. Filled with healthy antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and minerals, apples add a flavorful twist to classic picnic fare. For a refreshing treat that both kids and adults will love, try the Strawberry Banana Smoothie Popsicle, made with Tree Top Apple Juice. Or grill some Spiced Pork and Apple Burgers with Maple Dijon, made with Tree Top Apple Sauce for a lean and juicy burger. For more recipes and inspiration, visit www.treetop.com.

Designing a Backyard Party Is Easy Set the scene with the right décor and a little bit of creativity — and let nature take care of the rest. • Find vintage plates and serving pieces at a local flea market. • Serve beverages in Mason jars, which can also be used as flower vases. • Cover a rustic table with gingham tablecloth. • Fill large wicker baskets with apples to use as centerpieces. • If hosting in the evening, line the table with tea lights and lanterns.

Apple Tortellini Salad Servings: 6 to 8 Dressing: 3 tablespoons Tree Top Frozen Concentrate Apple Juice, thawed 3 tablespoons light corn syrup 2 teaspoons brown sugar 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar 2 teaspoons garlic salt Ground pepper to taste Salad: 9 ounces cheese-filled tortellini 2 cups sliced apples (approximately 2 medium apples) 2 cups shredded salad greens 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries 1/2 cup thinly sliced celery 1/2 cup sliced scallions 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts (optional) To prepare dressing, combine apple juice concentrate, corn syrup, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic salt and pepper. Cover dressing and refrigerate. To prepare salad, cook tortellini, drain and cool by rinsing pasta under cold water. Shake gently to drain thoroughly. In a large bowl, combine tortellini, apples, salad greens, strawberries, celery and scallions. Toss salad gently with chilled dressing. Serve chilled. If desired, sprinkle with pine nuts. Spiced Pork and Apple Burger with Maple Dijon Servings: 6 3 tablespoons maple syrup 2 tablespoons spicy brown mustard 2 pounds ground pork 1/2 cup Tree Top Natural Apple Sauce 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder 1 teaspoon dry mustard 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 6 hamburger buns Baby Spinach leaves Stir maple syrup and mustard together in a small bowl. Set aside. Spray a large non-stick grill pan or griddle with cooking spray and place over medium to medium high heat. Mix pork, apple sauce, salt, chili powder, dry mustard, pepper and cinnamon together in a large mixing bowl. Form mixture into 6 patties. Place patties in pan and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, turn and cook additional 4 to 5 minutes or until done. To serve, spread bun bottoms with maple mustard mixture. Top each with a patty, spinach leaf and bun top. If desired, toast buns and top with cheddar cheese, grilled onions, pickles, tomatoes or other favorite toppings. Serve with crispy sweet potato fries and steamed beans for an easy but special meal.

Strawberry Banana Smoothie Ice Pops 1 cup Tree Top Apple Juice 1 pint strawberries, hulled, sliced and frozen 1 banana, sliced and frozen 1 apple, peeled, cored, sliced and frozen 6 ounces vanilla yogurt 1 teaspoon vanilla Put all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. Pour into ice pop forms or paper cups. Place ice pop sticks in center and freeze, inverted, for 3 hours or until solid. Keep frozen until ready to serve. Baked Apple Pie Layer Bars Servings: 16 2 1/2 cups sifted flour 1 tablespoon sugar 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup shortening 1egg Milk 2/3 cup crushed corn flakes 1/2 cup Tree Top or Seneca Apple Sauce 5 cups sliced, peeled apples 1/4 cup sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon Glaze: 1 cup confectioners’ sugar 2 tablespoons lemon juice Sift together flour, sugar and salt. Cut shortening in with pastry blender or two knives. Put egg yolk into measuring cup and add milk to make 2/3 cup. Add to shortening mixture. Mix just enough until dough shapes into a ball. Roll out half the dough into 15 x 11-inch rectangle. Transfer to baking sheet. Cover with corn flakes. Mix apple sauce together with apple slices, and add mixture on top of corn flakes. Mix sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle over apple mixture. Roll out other half of dough for top crust. Place over apples. Pinch edges together. Beat egg white until stiff and spread on top crust. Bake in hot 400°F oven for 40 minutes. Cut into 16 squares. Combine confectioners’ sugar and lemon juice to make glaze. While hot, drizzle glaze over top.