Florida Courier - November 14, 2014 by Central Florida Communicators Group, LLC

A tribute to the life of Florida Courier Founder Charles W. Cherry, Sr. See Pages B1-B8

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NOVEMBER 14 – NOVEMBER 20, 2014

VOLUME 22 NO. 46

WHY DEMOCRATS LOST – 13 REASONS BY THE FLORIDA COURIER STAFF

MICHAEL LAUGHLIN/SUN SENTINEL/MCT

Gov. Rick Scott, right, and Charlie Crist faced off in the second of three Florida gubernatorial debates in October.

1. State Democratic leadership believes that Black political support is an entitlement and refused to invest serious money in longterm registration and turnout activities. The numbers tell the story. Democrat Charlie Crist lost by a little more than 1 percent (66,000 votes of 5.7 million cast). The Florida Democratic Party, its candidates and associated entities spent approximately $137 million during the 2014 cam-

paign cycle. They still lost the races for the governor’s mansion, the Florida Cabinet and a supermajority of the seats in the state House. It’s a law of political physics that to win Florida statewide, every Democrat MUST run up the vote count in South Florida: Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach. Those three counties are three of Florida’s largest by population, have the largest number of Democratic voters in the state and have high-density Black populations.

VETERANS DAY 2014

‘The last full measure of devotion’

A preliminary Florida Courier review of 2014 Democratic gubernatorial expenditures indicates that less than onehalf of one percent of the total Democrats spent went to long-term Black voter registration, Black-focused advertising, Black “get out the vote” (GOTV) drives in South Florida’s tri-county area. Almost no money was spent with Blackowned businesses – caterers, printers, etc. Instead, Crist, the state party, Black politicians and symSee DEMS, Page A2

Democratic ‘bed-wetters’ criticized House Dems wage leadership fight BY BRANDON LARRABEE THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

A rebellion against leadership by some Florida House Democrats burst into the open Friday, three days after the party lost six seats in the midterm elections and gave Republicans a supermajority in the chamber. Rep. Dwayne Taylor, D-Daytona Beach, confirmed that he would challenge incoming House Minority Leader Mark Pafford, DWest Palm Beach, at a caucus meeting scheduled for Nov. 17, one day before of the Legislature’s organizational session. Pafford was slated to be formally elected to the po- Mark sition during that Pafford meeting. Taylor said he and others tried to raise concerns with Pafford before the end of the spring legislative session, but saw little change in the caucus’ approach to the elections.

No leverage

OLIVIER DOULIERY/ABACA PRESS/MCT

This is the wall of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., on Monday, the eve of Veterans Day 2014. More than 58,000 names of U.S. military members who died in the Vietnam War are engraved on the wall.

Winslow apologizes to Rattler community SPECIAL TO THE FLORIDA COURIER

FAMU Athletic Director Kellen Winslow.

ALSO INSIDE

TALLAHASSEE, – Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) Athletic Director Kellen Winslow issued a statement Wednesday promising to be more measured and collaborative when making decisions and communicating with students, the Board of Trustees, faculty, alumni, and supporters. Two weeks ago, Winslow unexpectedly fired Head Football Earl Holmes, igniting calls for Winslow himself to be fired just as Homecoming events were kicking off at Florida’s largest historically Black college or university.

“This change was necessary at this time to provide new leadership and direction for our students and to ensure that we can have a new coach in place in time to build a staff and begin recruiting” Winslow, Sr. said in a press statement at the time. Holmes’s termination brought harsh criticism students from FAMU trustees, faculty, prominent alumni, and supporters.

Measured apology “When I was asked to assume the role of athletic director at FAMU, I came knowing it is an institution with a long and proud history of winning, a university

with legendary athletic figures like Jake Gaither, Willie Galimore, Althea Gibson, and Bob Hayes,” said Winslow. “Upon my arrival, it was evident that we had numerous issues that required immediate attention and I focused my energies on addressing those issues. Acting with the best of intentions and my zeal for positive changes, some of my actions were conveyed in a manner that were inconsistent with my goals and objectives and offended some members of the Rattler community. To those I have offended, I offer my sincerest apologies,” See WINSLOW, Page A2

The Democratic wipeout on Tuesday leaves the party with little to no leverage in dealing with Republicans, whose 81-38 advantage gives them a free hand to run the House without fear of interference. “Moving forward, we don’t See HOUSE, Page A2

SNAPSHOTS

FLORIDA | A3

LGBT Floridians hoping for progress despite election losses NATION | A6

What you should know about attorney general pick Prominent pastor, wife perish in Bahamas crash

COMMENTARY: BRUCE A. DIXON: OBAMA WON’T STAND UP TO POOR AND WORKING PEOPLE | A4 GUEST COMMENTARY: CLEO MANAGO: BLACKS NEED TO HOLD OBAMA ACCOUNTABLE | A5

FOCUS

NOVEMBER 14 – NOVEMBER 20, 2014

Adversity breeds leaders and losers Opportunities for leadership are often borne out of adversity. Conversely, the manner in which one responds to a challenge can also simply assure more adversity. This is the place at which Florida Democrats find themselves after the tsunami of an election we just experienced. The tidal wave ensured several more years of strong Republican control of this state’s major public offices. But it shouldn’t have destroyed Democrats will to succeed and, more importantly, our desire to work together.

PERRY E. THURSTON, JR. GUEST COMMENTARY

Notwithstanding the results that tilted heavily in Republicans’ favor, Florida is, as it was before the election, a truly bipartisan state, with roughly half of the state’s 20 million residents identifying themselves as Democrats. Without a doubt, the election

results must be taken seriously. At the least, they offer a call for action.

Craft a message Florida’s Democratic leaders now must craft a message that resonates with a wide swath of the state. It must be a message that will motivate Democrats, independents and even moderate Republicans. It has to be a message that will get more people off the couch and to vote. It’s essential, for the sake of both the Democratic Party and the future of our state, that there be greater participation in deciding who should run this state. A plan of action must take shape, a plan that will highlight the need for health coverage for all Floridians. It needs to be a

HOUSE from A1

have the time to take a chance on what else (Pafford) might not be able to do,” Taylor said. Democrats are expected to win a Jacksonville House seat in a special election early next year, but that will not stop Republicans from having a two-thirds majority.

Rep. Dwayne Taylor says he will challenge Rep. Mark Pafford for the leadership of Democrats in Florida’s House of Representatives. portedly working to engineer his removal this past spring. After Democrats lost six seats in last week’s elections – essentially sidelining the party in the House for the next two years – Taylor

DEMOCRATS

2. Democrats “lost’’ South Florida. U.S. Census data says there are about 952,000 votingage Black voters in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Statewide turnout is estimated at less than 50 percent on Election Day vs. Barack Obama’s 75 percent in 2008 and 72 percent in 2012. Overall election turnout was 41 percent in Miami-Dade, 44 percent in Broward, and 49 percent in Palm Beach. Democrats’ winning turnout number in the threecounty South Florida area was 47 percent. That’s an additional 66,000 Black voters of the 952,000 available in South Florida. Blacks are almost 17 percent of the state’s population. If Democrats had invested $5 million – less than four percent of the $137 million they had in the bank – in

said he would challenge Pafford. “When you look at the divisiveness that’s been going on, how do you think they’re going to win races when they’re fighting each other? Mark Pafford should by absentee or early vote, and advertising in a few hand-picked Black newspapers a week before Election Day. On the media side, Black-owned radio, especially Haitian and Caribbean stations in South Florida, were virtually shut out from advertising, as were Black online media and influential Black bloggers around the state.

from A1

pathetic unions such as the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) never put together a cohesive, collaborative GOTV plan that included Black community institutions like churches, Blackowned media and small business owners. Democrats lost in Black South Florida by relying on general market television commercials, making last-minute church “drive-bys” featuring either Crist or Black elected officials, and “Souls to the Polls” mass voting on the Sunday before Election Day. Democrats and their leadership refused to bring all the stakeholders to the table early to get input on a winning strategy, something that should have been done years before Election Day. They refused to invest in success by hiring qualified local Black campaign and media consultants and paid campaign workers who know and respect Black Floridians. Florida Democrats spent dollars to turn out White voters and pennies to turn out Black voters. That’s the most important reason why they lost. It seems that they would rather lose than pay Black people for the hard political work only we can do in our own communities – a problem they also have nationally.

Disappointing news

KIMBERLY P. MITCHELL/ DETROIT FREE PRESS/MCT

President Obama rallied the Democratic voting base in Detroit days before Election Day, but he never rallied Florida voters. voter registration and GOTV activities (rallies, meetings, neighborhood solicitations, advertising, promotions, parties, etc.) just in South Florida, would Crist have gotten the one percent he needed to win? We think so.

5. Black politicians can’t turn out Black voters for anyone other than themselves. Democratic leadership wants to put the burden of turning out Black voters on current and former Black elected officials, most of whom have no strategic training and experience in elections other than their own – and virtually no financial resources. Black politicians both in and out of office should quit embarrassing themselves, resist such pressure, refuse the few dollars they (and their friends) may be offered, and refer the Florida Democratic Party to qualified full-time Black political and media consultants who can get the job done.

3. Crist inherited the dysfunctional 1980s-era Florida Democratic “machine,’’ rather than bring the GOP’s culture of “win at all costs” to state Dems. Crist didn’t bring a winning GOP team with him when he became a Democrat. Instead, he refused to exert his will over the party as its statewide standard bearer and retain consultants and vendors who helped him win campaigns in the past. The current set of Democratic consultants, especially those handling Blackowned media, has lost election after election for almost 20 years. Crist should have permanently dumped them all.

6. State Democratic leadership refused to support Black statewide candidates. Two statewide candidates could have served as effective surrogates for Crist if Democratic leadership would have invested funds in sending them around the state. House Minority Leader Perry Thurston, a South Florida native, was defeated in the primary by George Shelton – who should have been pushed aside by state leadership to allow Thurston to get into the primary. Thad Hamilton, a candidate for state agriculture commissioner, is a military veteran with an outstanding track record. He was completely unknown among Black Floridians. Thurston, Hamilton, or both could have made the case effectively to Black Floridians on Crist’s behalf.

4. With regard to Black voter turnout generally, it was same tactics, different election cycle. Crist’s campaign theme? “I’m not Rick Scott. Be very afraid of him.” Crist and the Democrats did not try to create election messages that would inspire and motivate Black Floridians, their most loyal base. Even when Democrats did something right, they did it at the wrong time, such as sending direct mail and making “robocalls” to people who had voted either

7. Barack Obama vaunted “ground game” was ineffective. Obama’s operatives “shot game” at Florida Democrats – and the party bought it. Veterans of Obama’s successful campaign – including some being paid up to $20,000 per month – had state Democrats believing that Obama’s success in Florida could be replicated without him on the ballot, and without local Black political involvement. Longtime Black operatives here like Lu-

of the Florida House Democratic Caucus are apparently not galvanized to fight for core Democratic principles. If true, it’s incredibly distressing. And what’s worse is that some of these Caucus members, colleagues of mine, are contemplating an ouster of their Leader-elect, under the false premise that he, somehow, is responsible for the tsunami that struck the Democratic Party nationwide. Turning on one another is the response of losers, not leaders. In these adverse times, we need leaders who will work together and fight for all Floridians.

To that point, it was greatly disappointing to me to read in a recent news article that members

Perry E. Thurston, Jr. is the outgoing Florida House Democratic Leader.

have been able to put together his team without any of all of this noise,” said Tant, who added that contributors have called her concerned about the fracas. “Why anybody thinks that this kind of craziness is good for the caucus or for the Florida Democratic Party or for any Florida Democrat is beyond me,” Tant said.

to keep his position. Asked how many votes Pafford has, Jenne said “more than he had the last time he ran,” when Pafford won on a 29-12 vote with one abstention. Jenne said he hoped the caucus could avoid a contested election next week. “It’s just not necessary,” he said. “The votes are where they are.” Meanwhile, Pafford announced that he would keep Rep. Mia Jones, D-Jacksonville, as the No. 2 Democrat in the House. Rouson narrowly defeated Jones last year when he won the initial race for leader of the caucus. Mia

Win or lose?

Harsh words Chairwoman Allison Tant said House Democrats criticized what she called “craziness.” “We have to marshal our energies, put on our big-girl pants and move the heck down the road,” Tant said. “The bed-wetters need to shut up, and we need to move on.” Tant’s unusually harsh criticism was a sign of her frustration with the infighting that has plagued House Democrats for almost two years. Rep. Darryl Rouson, D-St. Petersburg, won a hotly contested leadership fight in February 2013 for the right to lead the caucus after this year’s elections, but was later ousted following a fundraising dispute with Tant. Pafford was then elected last fall to lead Democrats, but some members of the caucus were re-

plan that will protect and improve our public education system in a way that it turns no one away. And we need in this state a strong infrastructure and environmental protections that guard our most treasured assets. And, yes, we need equality for all Floridians. But while building this plan, and crafting a strong message to a wide audience, it’s crucial that Democrats not fall into the trap where they have too often gone. There’s no tolerance now for internecine squabbles. Simply put, Democrats can’t turn on one another.

Taylor said Friday he has the support necessary to win the position. “I have enough votes,” he said. “I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t.” Pafford, who has been speaking to caucus members in the wake of Tuesday’s defeat, disputed that Taylor has lined up the needed support. He noted that Taylor and others reportedly tried to topple Pafford at the end of the last legislative session, but nothing ever came to a caucus vote. For now, Pafford said, he’s been focused on trying to unify House Democrats amid the fallout from this week’s losses. “It’s unfortunate that we can’t move on without this type of distraction,” Pafford said.

Who has the votes?

More money

Jones

Pafford also pointed out that the party’s efforts to defend 10 seats seen as vulnerable were hampered by a fundraising advantage for Republicans. But Taylor said that explanation doesn’t fly. “They always have more money than us,” he said. “You’re supposed to have a strategic plan to deal with that situation.”

Incoming Rep. Evan Jenne, DDania Beach, said Wednesday that Pafford has enough support

News Service of Florida reporter Margie Menzel contributed to this report.

cius Gantt told Florida Dems two years ago that an Obama strategy would fail in 2014. It obviously did.

11. Democrats are now GOPlite. Nan Rich, Crist’s nominal competitor in the primary, is a diehard Democrat who never had a chance to be the candidate of the party she effectively served for two decades. The fact that Crist, a Republican-turnedindependent-turned Democrat, was the immediate gubernatorial frontrunner months before he even publicly announced his candidacy lets you know everything you need to know about of the condition of Florida’s Democratic Party. They picked a candidate that at one time supported or opposed almost every major issue. Scott’s commercials showed Crist, in his own words, for and against the Affordable Care Act, Obama, Bill Clinton, the 2008 stimulus money, abortion – even for and against Democrats and Republicans. What do Democrats stand for these days? 12. School choice may have carved off votes from Black churchgoers. A growing number of Black churches own and operate moneymaking charter schools. The charter school system is being used by the GOP to justify defunding public school systems. That puts Black churches at odds with the teachers’ unions, who are big-money Democratic Party supporters. During the last month of the campaign, the Scott campaign effectively used school choice as a “wedge” issue to carve off usually dependably Democratic Black church votes. In fact, Black churches and Republicans have linked up to fight a lawsuit filed by teachers’ unions and school boards (supported by Democrats) alleging that Florida’s school choice laws are unconstitutional. Stay tuned. 13. Enthusiasm for Amendment 2 did not translate into additional votes for Crist or other Democratic candidates. More than 5.8 million Floridians cast votes for or against legalizing medical marijuana. The Democratic Party-backed legalization amendment was expected to turn out younger, Democratic-leaning voters. Republicans opposed Amendment 2 and tried to keep it off the ballot. Almost 3.4 million Floridians voted “for” the Democrat’s position with regard to Amendment 2, but 600,000 didn’t bother to vote for Crist. It’s questionable whether the amendment improved youth turnout.

8. Crist and Democrats banished Obama from the state. They made a calculated decision that bringing Obama to Florida would anger likely Crist voters (mostly Whites) who had soured on the president. Obama is one of the best political campaigners in modern history. He covered South Florida like a blanket in 2008 and 2012. Would an Obama parade through Black South Florida’s streets and a large rally or two in Miami – even without Crist – have energized an additional four percent of South Florida’s Black voters Crist needed to win? We think so. But on the other hand… 9. ...Obama had no incentive to rally Florida’s Black voters. The president has a deserved reputation of only helping politicians who can directly help him. Florida’s elections had no effect on Obama since a U.S. Senate seat was not at stake. So if Obama had come to rally his Black voter base and Crist beat Scott, the benefit of having a Democratic governor in Florida would go to Obama’s “frenemy,” Hillary Clinton, not Obama himself. 10. The GOP’s legal and regulatory voter suppression tactics worked by disqualifying hundreds of thousands of people of voting age. Florida Democrats have been whittling away at voter registration, early voting, and restoration of ex-felons’ voting rights ever since the GOP captured control of the Florida Legislature in 1996. The strategy bore fruit during the disputed 2000 presidential election of George W. Bush (who won Florida by 537 votes) before Obama’s election energized Black voters in 2008 and 2012. Voter suppression has borne fruit twice for Scott as indicated by the fact that an estimated 111,000 Black Floridians are exfelons who were unable to vote last week. That’s about twice the number of voters either Alex Sink or Crist needed to beat Scott in 2010 and 2014. Over the past four years, Scott and the GOP have made it more difficult to legally conduct voter registration drives and restore civil rights. Expect such efforts to continue.

NOVEMBER 14 – NOVEMBER 20, 2014

FLORIDA

LGBT Floridians hoping for progress despite election losses BY MARGIE MENZEL THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

TALLAHASSEE – The 2014 election wasn’t a good one for Florida’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. LGBT organizations supported Democrats Charlie Crist for governor and George Sheldon for attorney general, but both lost. So did state Rep. Joe Saunders, D-Orlando, one of the first two openly gay members of the Legislature, elected in 2012. But despite those losses, some supporters are hoping for movement on a bill, the Florida Competitive Workforce Act, that would ban discrimination in the workplace based on sexual orientation. It was Saunders’ bill, but now it will be sponsored by a Republican lawmaker, Rep. Holly Raschein of Key Largo. “It’s my hope that my colleagues will see it as a bipartisan issue,” Raschien told The News Service of Florida on Monday. “I never look at equality as a partisan issue, personally. Being a Republican is about freedom and liberty. This is quite a conservative principle, if you ask me.”

Even tougher But John Stemberger, president of the Florida Family Policy Council, which helped lead efforts to pass a 2008 constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage, called

the bill “dead on arrival.” “There’s no way, in this climate, they’re going to get any oxygen at all now,” he said. The Florida House is even more Republican after this year’s elections, which gave the GOP a vetoproof majority in the chamber. Gov. Rick Scott and Attorney General Pam Bondi, who support “traditional marriage” between a man and a woman, were both re-elected. But LGBT organizers said even so, this election wasn’t as searing as 2008, when Floridians passed the “Florida Marriage Protection Act” – the ban on same-sex marriage spearheaded by Stemberger. “I cried, pretty much for three days straight,” said activist Susan Gage. “It was enormously painful to have your life, your relationship put onto the ballot and have people cast a vote on whether you get to stay in or off the island.”

Some progress Andy Janecek, president of the Capital City Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Allies Democratic Caucus, said groups like his had redoubled their efforts after the amendment passed. “Our community really rallied after that point,” he said. “We elected openly LGBT representatives to state government. We elected local county commissioners, city commissioners. We really worked to advance folks who were going to advance equality and not

keep it on the backburner.” And in 2012, Saunders and Rep. David Richardson, D-Miami Beach, were the first openly gay Floridians elected to the Florida Legislature. “It was, ‘At long last somebody who really represents me is going to be in the chamber,’” Gage said. “’And it’s going to be an awful lot more difficult for these people to say the ugly things that I used to hear them say about gay people – on the floor.’”

Less hostile Saunders said Monday that Tallahassee traditionally had been “a hostile environment” for LGBT people, but it is less so now. He pointed to the fact that with a Republican governor and GOP majorities in both chambers, his workplace anti-discrimination bill drew 11 Republican cosponsors. “And while I do think the path to marriage equality in the state and comprehensive non-discrimination protections would be quicker in a Tallahassee that has more Democratic energy, I think we also have to point out that some of the largest contributors to Gov. Scott’s campaign were the same people who are now leading this coalition calling for comprehensive nondiscrimination protections in the LGBT community,” Saunders said.

Competitive Workforce Coalition Last week, the Florida

FLORIDA HOUSE PHOTO

Rep. Joe Saunders, D-Orlando, debates election reform on the House of Representatives floor in Tallahassee on March 5, 2013. Businesses for a Competitive Workforce Coalition, which supports the antidiscrimination legislation, announced the hiring of a bipartisan team of professionals to oversee the initiative for the 2015 legislative session. They include Ashley Walker of Mercury Florida, Towson Fraser of Southern Strategy Group, Ann Herberger of The Woods Herberger Group and Christina Johnson of On 3 Public Relations. So far this year, 19 major Florida employers, including CSX Corp., Darden Restaurants Inc., Florida Blue, Haskell, Home Shopping Network, Marriott, Tech Data Corp., Walt Disney World Resort, Wells Fargo

and Winn Dixie have joined the coalition. “I don’t think it’s a social issue,” Raschien said. “We’re the jobs party. This is about people’s jobs. We want to recruit the best and the brightest to Florida, and I think this sends a strong message to that community.”

‘Odious’ bill Stemberger called the workplace discrimination bill “particularly odious.” He raised the possibility that the legislation could force some business owners to violate their religious beliefs. “When a bed-and-breakfast owner, when a baker, when a photographer or videographer refuses to photograph a wedding – I

mean, where’s the greater injustice? To ask the gayidentified person to go in the phone book and find one of 1,500 other vendors? Or to ask one person to violate their conscience and to do something that they believe to be immoral, improper or violates their faith?” Gage and Janacek say they aren’t going away. “I think it’s going to be easier for (lawmakers) to contemplate and wrap their heads around actually hearing bills and bringing them to a vote,´ Gage said. “Whether or not they pass in this legislature is another question, but ... it’s baby steps. You have to keep moving forward.”

AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM MEDICARE

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“We found lower co-pays.”

“I found a plan that works better for me.”

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EDITORIAL

NOVEMBER 14 – NOVEMBER 20, 2014

The aftermath of the midterm elections The day after the 2014 midterm elections, I began my day with my normal routine. As I made my way to the local coffee shop to engage in conversation with friends and fellow entrepreneurs, the topic of what do we do now as African-Americans since the elections are over came up. How do we respond to the victories of Republicans and how do we prepare for the 2016 Presidential election? With so many comments and ideas, I couldn’t help but ask the question to my colleagues – What are you going to do? I asked this question because for so long, many (not all) Afri-

Solutions please I don’t know about you, but every election time, I’m sick and tired of seeing all of the negative attacks on television. Yes, it’s important to point out your opponent’s weaknesses, but without providing a detailed solution on fixing problems, voters, or should I say, issue-oriented thinkers, are left second-guessing an individuals’ competence to lead. For example, you’ve heard it said by many candidates – getting an adequate education is a problem and needs to be fixed in many areas. The solution some candidates will

DR. SINCLAIR GREY III NNPA COLUMNIST

can-Americans are looking for Democrats to be their savior when in actuality, we should never look towards any political party to do for us. Let’s face it: One party has a habit of disrespecting us as African-Americans while another party seems to take us for granted. For change to happen, it’s time we become more issue-oriented instead of party-loyalist.

VISUAL VIEWPOINT: DISEASE CRISIS

MILT PRIGGIEE, MILTPRIGGIE.COM

Obama won’t stand up for poor and working people When was the last time you heard a prosecutor running for office pledging to crack down on wage thievery? Never. But President Obama’s campaign did sell him to the American people as the agent of change. In front of union audiences candidate Obama even promised to “put on some comfortable shoes” and walk the occasional picket line. When is this likely to happen? Never. The reality is that with no help from federal or state prosecutors, and in a legal atmosphere which makes union organizing more difficult than any time in the last seven decades, workers must seek individual relief in the courts. An Amazon.com worker filed a federal lawsuit against his bosses, who forced employees to stand in line without pay for a daily security check before

BRUCE A. DIXON BLACK AGENDA REPORT

and maintaining machinery when the machinery is not running, and declaring that a wide variety of actual work tasks essential to their businesses are not “work” and should not be paid. If the president stood up for poor and working families in the campaign just past, many more Democrat voters might have turned out. He could have barnstormed the country talking up raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour, or even indexing it to the cost of living like civilized countries do. But Obama spent the last two weeks of the campaign in rooms full of rich donors. It’s the new normal at the end of year six of the Obama era, standing up for poor and working people...never.

being allowed to leave the job. Workers asked to be paid for the time. Amazon said no. A federal judge and an appeals court ordered Amazon to pay them. Amazon’s lawyers appealed to the Supreme Court, which will hear the case. Who did the Obama administration side with? The administration filed two briefs in favor of Amazon.com’s right to NOT pay its workers. If Amazon.com and the Obama administration get their way, employers can define the work processes so as to avoid paying emBruce Dixon is manployees for suiting up with aging editor of BlackAgprotective gear, cleaning endaReport.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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say is ‘I’m going to make education my top priority.’ That comment isn’t good enough for people who want to hear solutions. Pointing fingers is never the solution because it only keeps the attention on the problem without ever working towards a solution. The time for us to work together must begin today. Instead of saying what can’t be done because of previous actions and/or disappointments, we need to rally together to become issue-oriented. What I mean by this is we cannot keep saying Democrats want this and Republicans want that; we must say these are the issues and we’re going to address these issues head on.

Ask the necessary questions How can we work on issues without becoming disrespectful to those with

whom we may disagree with? • Schedule a meeting with our local politicians to voice our concerns. We need to be clear and concise with our platform • Mobilize like-minded individuals who are willing to work toward making a difference • Document results of every meeting and what transpires. After speaking with our representatives, we must hold them accountable for their actions • Stay abreast of what’s happening in the world. We must move from ‘reality shows’ to ‘relevant news outlets’ • Refuse to have a defeatist attitude. Those who engage in this mindset will always remain confined. Like I said, the 2014 elections are over. We cannot forget that we still have things to do. We still have to make sure affordable

healthcare remains available for all people. We still have to push towards equal pay for women. We still have to push for increasing the minimum wage. And we still have to push for income equality for all persons regardless of race, gender, and sexual orientation, just to name a few. Of course, you’ll have those in public office who will think otherwise, however, we cannot stop fighting for justice. If you and I want to live in a better world, let it begin with us making a difference through our actions.

Dr. Sinclair Grey III is an activist, speaker, writer, author, life coach, and host of The Sinclair Grey Show heard on Monday’s at 2 p.m. on WAEC Love 860am (iHeart Radio and Radio and Tunein). Write your own response at www.flcourier.com.

Black parents support common core state standards “We have a powerful potential in our youth, and we must have the courage to change old ideas and practices so that we may direct their power toward good ends.” –Mary McLeod Bethune The National Urban League released a new survey last week that shows overwhelming support from one of the most important, but rarely heard voices in the roiling and often distorted debate over Common Core State Standards – African-American parents. Our survey of 1,600 AfricanAmerican public school parents found that 60 percent of respondents have a favorable impression of the new Common Core State Standards in English, language arts and math that have now been adopted by 43 states and the District of Columbia. Sixty-eight percent of surveyed parents believe that Common Core will improve student achievement, and 66 percent believe it will better prepare their children for college or the workforce. The survey also shows that a majority of parents believe what the National Urban League believes as well – that Common Core standards offer great potential for transformative educational excellence, but only if parents are actively engaged, teachers are adequately trained and resources for schools and students are equitably disbursed.

Unequal education Given the history and current state of unequal education in America, many African-American parents are rightly concerned that their children not be shortchanged by an inequitable implementation of Common Core. A majority of respondents (58 percent) agree that the school their child attends lacks the resources

that have been touted by many of Common Core’s politically-motivated opponents.

MARC H. MORIAL

Some misconceptions

TRICE EDNEY WIRE

Sixty-eight percent of surveyed parents believe that Common Core will improve student achievement, and 66 percent believe it will better prepare their children for college or the workforce. and facilities to effectively teach Common Core State Standards, and 54 percent agree that teachers are not prepared to teach the standards. Those numbers jumped to 64 percent and 62 percent, respectively, for parents with children enrolled in predominately African-American schools. This underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to ensure that students in all schools have the resources to learn and teachers have the resources to effectively teach the Common Core. While the National Urban League has taken a leading role in educating parents about this issue via our Put Our Children 1st: Common Core for Common Goals campaign, our survey suggests that efforts will be necessary moving forward as well to dispel the myths and deliberate distortions

Seventy-six percent of the parents surveyed understood that Common Core State Standards are a state-led effort that establishes a single set of educational standards, but 70 percent are under the misconception that the federal government was involved in their creation. This demonstrates the importance of continued work to ensure the dissemination of accurate information about the Standards. Nothing is more important in a child’s education than parental involvement. As I said in announcing the survey results, “Our survey of African-American parents on Common Core State Standards strongly indicates that when parents are fully informed – void of distortion, myth and political agendas, they tend to support Common Core and its potential to transform public education and help ensure that all of our children – regardless of their family income, zip code or ethnicity – are prepared for college or career. When parents are empowered and knowledgeable about the expectations and goals of Common Core, they are able to tune out the political rhetoric – and tune in to the potential for their children.” For more on our survey findings and to learn more about the National Urban League’s “Put Our Children 1st” parent education campaign, visit www.PutOurChildren1st.org.

Marc H. Morial, former mayor of New Orleans, is president and CEO of the National Urban League. Write your own response at www.flcourier.com.

Where’s the money? There’s a saying that when America catches a cold, the Black community catches the flu. Over the last seven years, the great recession has had several adverse effects, reversing economic gains realized by Black businesses - gains that took decades to achieve. A recent Wall Street Journal article notes that in the midst of the economic rebound over the last few years, Black businesses have simply been ‘missed’ when it comes to federal small-business lending efforts. At the close of fiscal year 2013 (September 30), the U.S. Small Business Administration reported that of the $23.09 billion in total loans made, Black businesses accounted for just 1.7%. Adds J. Patrick Kelley, a deputy associate administrator at the SBA, “The borrowers hardest hit… are the last to see a recovery come to them.” As a non-traditional lender, Black Business Investment Fund Florida (BBIF Florida) understands that the Black businesses that have made it through the economic downturn have a tremendous need for working capital. Many entrepreneurs seek loans or lines of credit, going from bank to bank in search of a lender that will work with them. Most banks have tightened

JASMINE HOUSTON GUEST COLUMNIST

their credit, particularly impacting those businesses wishing to borrow less than $250,000. These rigid credit requirements leave would-be borrowers to figure out the ‘capital crunch’ dilemma on their own. According to the U.S. Census Bureau in 2007, Florida was third in the nation in the number of Black-owned businesses, behind New York and Georgia. However, in Florida there is very little investment capital to assist these businesses. Entrepreneurs have the tough skin, talent and drive to create small businesses – and where would our economy be if not for small businesses?

Jasmine Houston is the Marketing and Development Officer for BBIF Florida (BBIF) www.BBIFFLORIDA.com. Write your own response at www.flcourier.com

NOVEMBER 14 – NOVEMBER 20, 2014

Improved quality of Medicare plans, steady premiums great news as Open Enrollment begins Fall is a wonderful time of year. Changing leaves. Cooler weather. It’s also the season for people with Medicare to review their current Medicare coverage, as Medicare Open Enrollment begins. As we prepare for Medicare Open Enrollment, which began on Oct. 15 and ends on Dec. 7, Medicare wants everyone to know that quality continues to improve both in Medicare Advantage and in the Part D Prescription Drug Program. Each year, plan costs and coverage can change. During open enrollment, seniors and people with disabilities across the country have the opportunity to review their current Medicare coverage and see if they want to make any changes for the next year. It’s important for people with Medicare to take the time to make sure their current situation still meets their health care needs best.

‘Star ratings’ To help people choose a plan, Medicare calculates plan “star ratings” for Medicare health and prescription drug plans. Each

MARILYN TAVENNER MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES ADMINISTRATOR

rolled in stand-alone prescription drug plans with four or more stars for 2015, compared to just 16 percent in 2009. Since the passage of the Affordable Care Act, enrollment in Medicare Advantage will increase to 42 percent to an alltime high of over 16 million and Medicare Advantage premiums will have decreased by 6 percent. For people with Medicare, this is good news in how they receive care. Plans that are higher rated deliver a high-level of care such as improving the coordination of care, managing diabetes or other chronic conditions more efficiently, screening for and preventing illnesses, making sure people get much-needed prescription drugs, or getting appointments and care quickly. A high rating also means these plans give better customer service, with fewer complaints or long waits for care.

plan gets a number of stars on a scale of 1 to 5 – with 5 being the best – based on quality and performance. These ratings are designed to help people with Medicare, their families, and caregivers compare plans, in addition to information on their premiums and benefits. This year, people with Medicare who choose to enroll in a Medicare health or prescription drug plan will have access to more high-rated, four- and fivestar plans than ever before. Approximately 60 percent of Medicare Advantage enrollees are in a Medicare Advantage Plan earning four or more stars in 2015, com- How to get help pared to an estimated 17 percent If you have Medicare and need back in 2009. assistance, you can visit Medicare. Likewise, about 53 percent of gov, call 800-MEDICARE (800Part D enrollees are currently en- 633-4227), or contact your State

EDITORIAL VISUAL VIEWPOINT: JEB’S SHOES

BILL DAY, CAGLE CARTOONS

Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). You should have received the 2015 “Medicare & You” Handbook and important notices from your current plan, Medicare, or Social Security about changes to your coverage. If you’re satisfied with your current coverage, there’s nothing you need to do. Better quality in Medicare health and prescription drug plans isn’t the only good news for people with Medicare. For most seniors who have Original Medicare, the 2015 Part B premium will stay unchanged for a second consecutive year at $104.90. This

Time for Black Democrats to switch The midterm elections are over, the final numbers are in and they don’t look pretty if you’re a progressive. So, I am going to propose something our national African-American leaders should have suggested a long time ago: It’s time for us to switch. No, not to the Republican Party. That would be tantamount to drinking Jim Jones Kool-Aid (Young people, Google “Guyana Massacre”). It’s time to switch our emphasis from politics to economics. I remember Al Sharpton, speaking at the 2004 Democratic convention, saying Blacks had decided to ride the (Democratic) donkey as far as it would take us. Well, Al, that donkey has taken us as far as we can go in politics, even into 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Now, it’s time to park that old, tired pack animal on a farm and try a new mode of transportation.

GEORGE E. CURRY NNPA COLUMNIST

Notable Blacks Even when we have given it our best, politics have never delivered the expected results. I am old enough to remember how exuberant we were with the election of the first wave of Black big city mayors: Carl Stokes in Cleveland, Richard Hatcher in Gary, Ind., Ken Gibson in Newark and later, Tom Bradley in Los Angeles, Andrew Young in Atlanta and David Dinkins in New York. We saw Doug Wilder elected governor of Virginia, the cradle of the Confederacy. The outgoing governor of Massachusetts is another African-American, Deval Pat-

rick. In January, we will have not one, but two Blacks in the U.S. Senate (Cory Booker and Tim Scott), the largest African-American contingent ever in the upper chamber. And the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), which bills itself as the conscience of Congress, has behaved as though it was unconscious the last six years, too afraid to even critique President Obama for fear of facing a backlash back in their home districts. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver of Missouri, stated: “Well, I’m supposed to say he [Obama] doesn’t get a pass, but I’m not going to say that. Look, as the chair of the Black Caucus I’ve got to tell you, we are always hesitant to criticize the president. With 14 percent [black] unemployment, if we had a White president we’d be marching around the White House.”

Blacks need to hold Obama accountable To explain the very low turn-out of Black (and Brown) people or Democrats during recent elections, President Barack Obama said,“..[Black people, etc.] have this congenital disease, which is in midterm elections don’t vote at the same rates.” From a Black perspective, or at least a perspective held among Blacks, the recent non-voting response does not result from “congenital disease.” But, from a perception of the president’s apparent lack in usage of his own [Black] “gonads,” so to speak.

Investment in change Prior to Barack Obama’s 2008, presidential run, it had been decades since Black people turned out in great numbers to vote. That extraordinary Black voter turnout for Obama was an anomaly, a gamble, a desperate investment in the concept and hope for change. The mantra, “Yes We [Finally} Can” was taken very seriously. But, never was there clarification made on what specifically it was we could finally do. For too many Black people what was simply desired was to see a “Black” president in the White House. However, once Obama was in office, Black people rarely held him accountable, Black presidential knight in shining armor. White gays, White women and immigrants did. Apparently, these groups never expected to be rescued by Obama. Instead, they executed plans that work for them. Overall, the descendants of enslaved Africans in the U.S. did not do the same. Many African-Americans were so enamored that they

CLEO MANAGO NNPA GUEST COLUMIST

could not get past it to put Obama to work for Black people. President Obama’s lack of a powerful and clear position on Black “community” challenges (i.e. racism, the murder of unarmed Black youth, social determinants to poverty and or criminalization, etc.), along with Black people’s apprehension to demand that he did, – unlike other groups – makes it appear that Obama did not do right by us. This unfortunate perspective and assessment of Barack Obama recently sent Black voting interests – local, national or otherwise – back to preObama mindsets. Back to low voter turn-out.

Conversation with youth This is indicated in a conversation I had last week at Morehouse College, with a group of votingage Black youth. When asked, “Did you vote today?” most, somewhat self-consciously, said, “Naw.” Many expressed being unsure about who or what to vote for. Many were confused about continuing with their taken-forgranted loyalty to the Democratic Party. One, among the young men old enough to vote for Obama in 2012 election said, “We thought, after four years in the White House Obama would at least throw his peeps a bone. Everybody else got one.”

Most of them appeared stunned by that revelation. One particularly animated young man said, “We ain’t saying we need the bone, but we did need to know that [Obama] cared. We wanted to see that.” Black people remembered that Michelle Obama was sent to Chicago during momentary focus on the killing of Black youth there. Black people remembered that in contrast the president personally showed up to Sandy Hook following a school shooting in Connecticut. A number of Black people were emotionally and psychologically depending on Barack and Michelle to make their vote matter – for Black people. And that never happened. Using attitudes had among the Morehouse youth as a gauge, unfortunately, many Black people think voting for the president, the “Top Dawg,” and other Democrats was a waste of their time. Thus, back to the familiar state of perceived, relative powerlessness and, displaced pain and disappointment. I do not agree with that mentality, but I understand it. Hopefully, at some point, more Black people will realize that Black symbolism is irrelevant without Black accountability.

Cleo Manago is a socio-political analyst, behavioral health expert, researcher and film documentarian. Write your own response at www.flcourier.com.

Didn’t work then The undisputable truth is that Obama needed pressure from Blacks and progressives to make him a better president. When he offered his version of Ronald Reagan’s trickle down economic theory – if you take care of America as a whole, it will trickle down to what Jesse Jackson calls boats stuck at the bottom. How has that worked out for Black America? And instead of being grateful for the silence of the lambs, Obama has an inexplicable need to criticize his supporters even more than his opponents. Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) can shout “you lie” during a State of the Union speech and ice cool Obama could essentially ignore the public slight. But appearing at a 2011 CBC dinner, the president urged his audience to “Take off your bedroom slippers, put on your marching shoes. Shake it off. Stop complaining,

means more of seniors’ retirement income and any increase in Social Security benefits will stay in their pockets. The Part B deductible will stay the same as well. Medicare is working hard to make sure this good news continues so that seniors and people with disabilities will continue to get the health care coverage they deserve.

Marilyn Tavenner is the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator. stop grumbling, stop crying. We are going to press on. We’ve got work to do.” As the National Urban League stated in its 2012 State of Black America report, “… almost all the economic gains that blacks have made in the last 30 years have been lost in the Great Recession that started in December 2007 and in the anemic recovery that has followed since June, 2009.” Blacks are on the verge of spending $1.3 trillion a year, according to a Nielsen’s study. It’s time to shift our attention to economic development and empowerment. I am not saying we should abandon politics – we shouldn’t – but it should no longer be our primary focus. Let’s get off of that donkey.

George E. Curry, former editor-in-chief of Emerge magazine, is editor-in-chief of the National Newspaper Publishers Association News Service (NNPA.) Write your own response at www.daytonatimes.com.

MJ, King James and sneaker dough There’s a running debate in basketball that Michael Jordan made winners out of the players around him in Chicago, while LeBron James had to go join othEVERETT L. er winners in Miami to become a winGLENN ner. The debate rages on, and the quesNNPA GUEST COLUMNIST tion will not be answered definitively until LeBron hangs up his sneakers. We can agree on the impact that MJ, and now LeBron, have had on the com- Imagine if MJ and King pany that was originally known as Blue James developed facilities Ribbon Sports (BRS) and initially operated as a distributor for Japanese shoe to make marquee shoes in maker Onitsuka Tiger (now ASICS). With sales of $26 billion over the last the inner city instead of in year, Nike has leveraged the Jordan name to become the world’s most fa- facilities in Indonesia where mous sports brand. One of every two basketball shoes sold in the U.S. last year children under 16 are paid carried the Jordan brand. Factor in Nikebranded shoe sales into the mix, and like “slaves.” With nearly Nike has a near monopoly in basketball with market share of 92 percent, accord- $3.5 billion in combined ing to SportsOneSource. When he entered the NBA in 1984, Jor- sales, they’d rank second to dan signed a five-year, $2.5 million con- World Wide Technology as tract with Nike. The U.S. Jordan brand now generates more than $1.75 billion the nation’s largest Black globally, including apparel. The U.S. Jordan brand alone had $2.25 billion in U.S. business. retail basketball sales in 2013. If you factor in sales of Jordan apparel, the international Jordan business and sales at paid like “slaves.” With nearly $3.5 bilNike stores, the Jordan brand is contributing roughly $3 billion of annual reve- lion in combined sales, they’d rank second to World Wide Technology as the nue to Nike. nation’s largest Black business. Such a bold move would change the What’s in a name? conversation from whose contribution Hard to argue with MJ’s decision to sell to the game is greater to who has done his name to Nike. While the terms of Jor- the most to help create winners from a dan’s deal with Nike are a closely guardlost generation of youngsters. ed secret, royalties generate approxiWhat has to happen for us to realize mately $75 million annually for MJ according to sources. That’s a lot of ched- our true value? To see the same value in “us” that others see? What amount of dar! Nineteen years after MJ’s first deal, destruction and tragedy has to beset us LeBron signed a 7-year, $90 million en- before we change and do things differdorsement contract out of high school. ent? Will we ever learn? LeBron re-upped with Nike in 2010 and while terms were not disclosed, Forbes Everett L. Glenn, an attorney and estimates that the deal brings in $20 milformer sports agent, was one of the lion annually, including royalties. Imagine if MJ and King James devel- first agents to represent multiple NFL oped facilities to make marquee shoes and NBA first-round draft picks in the in the inner city instead of in facilities in same year. Write your own response at Indonesia where children under 16 are www.flcourier.com.

NATION

TOJ A6

NOVEMBER 14 – NOVEMBER 20, 2014

What you should know about attorney general pick Loretta Lynch tapped to replace Holder as nation’s chief of Justice Department THE ROOT

Loretta Lynch, U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York, is the nominee to replace outgoing U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder. Pending confirmation by the Senate, Lynch, 55, will become the first AfricanAmerican woman to be named U.S. attorney general. Described as a low-profile prosecutor, she appeared to be under most people’s radars, but she’s no stranger to Washington, D.C. As chairwoman of the Advisory Committee of U.S. Attorneys, which provides policy advice to the attorney general, Lynch was required to spend time in Washington, D.C., where she worked closely

with Holder. Here are five other things you should know about the next chief of the Department of Justice. She has brains and experience. Lynch, who was born and raised in Greensboro, N.C., received her bachelor’s and law degrees from Harvard. Before becoming the lead prosecutor for the Eastern District of New York, she first came to the district’s office in 1990 as a staff attorney, where she prosecuted drug and violent crime cases. She supervised one of the most infamous cases of police brutality. As the chief assistant U.S. attorney, Lynch oversaw the successful prosecution of white New York City police Officer Justin Volpe for sodomizing Haitian immigrant Abner Louima in 1997. Much like the Rodney King beating case, the Louima case made national headlines and became a symbol of police brutality. This is her second stint

OLIVIER DOULIERY/ABACA PRESS/MCT

Attorney General Eric Holder and U.S. President Barack Obama listen to Loretta Lynch, the U.S. attorney in Brooklyn, as Obama nominates Lynch to succeed Holder as attorney general during an event in the Roosevelt Room on Nov. 8 in Washington, D.C. as U.S. attorney. She was nominated by President Bill Clinton in 1999 and served until 2001 in the Eastern District of New York before leaving to become a partner in a private practice. She returned to the office in 2010, when she was nominated by President Obama. She’ll bring some national-security bonafides to the table. The office of the

U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York — one of the nation’s busiest districts — handles federal prosecutions for Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island in New York City and for Long Island. Because of the number of terrorism cases it oversees, the office is renowned for its national-security expertise. Her office recently

won convictions in a foiled al-Qaida-sanctioned plot to blow up New York City subways. These skills will be critical, since the next attorney general will likely take over counterterror initiatives targeting Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) militants. As a child, she had a front-row seat to one of the key civil rights movements.

According to NPR, when Lynch was a toddler, her father — a minister — opened his church to the students from North Carolina A&T State University who organized the lunch counter sitins at Woolworth in Greensboro, N.C., in 1960. According to Lynch, her father carried her to those meetings, “riding on his shoulders.”

Republicans hope Utah woman’s win is watershed moment for party BY JOHN M. GLIONNA AND MATT PEARCE LOS ANGELES TIMES (MCT)

SALT LAKE CITY — She’s a whip-smart and opinionated anomaly, a newcomer to Washington of Haitian immigrant parents. She’s also, the Republican Party hopes, a harbinger of the future. In a narrow, hard-won victory celebrated by her supporters, including her teary-eyed parents, Mia Love became the first Black Republican woman elected to Congress on Nov. 4. After trailing her Democratic rival, Doug Owens, for most of the night, the 39-yearold Love pulled ahead in late results, winning a seat in the House of Representatives, 50 percent to 47 percent. On Wednesday, the Salt Lake Tribune bannered the news: “Love Makes History.”

Mia Love is the first Black woman Republican elected to Congress. what the Republican Party should look like.’ ” During her celebration speech Tuesday night, Love took a deep breath and acknowledged to supporters that they had beaten the odds. “Many people said Utah would never elect a Black, Republican, LDS woman to Congress. And guess what: We were the first to do it.”

GOP superstar

First Black mayor

GOP strategists hope Love will help lure African-American and immigrant voters from their traditional ranks — the Democratic Party. Their argument: She’s a new-generation voice who’s proud to be both a Black woman and a fiscal conservative, not to mention a staunch critic of illegal immigration. “She very well could be the new face of the Republican Party,” said Dave Hansen, Love’s campaign manager and a veteran of Utah politics. He added: “But they are going to want to parade her around the country. She’s going to be a superstar in the sense that conservatives will be saying, ‘This is

African-Americans represent just 1 percent of Utah’s population. But Love is also a no-nonsense, progun, anti-abortion conservative who criticizes government-subsidized student loans. In Utah, that’s a good fit. In 2003, she was elected to the City Council in Saratoga Springs, becoming the first Black woman to hold public office in that bedroom community of Salt Lake City. Six years later, she was elected mayor by capturing 60 percent of the vote, becoming the first Black mayor in Utah. Because Utah’s Black population is so small, race wasn’t much of a factor in this year’s campaign,

Prominent pastor, wife perish in Bahamas crash FROM WIRE REPORTS

Global tributes were expressed this week after the news that celebrated preacher and business coach Dr. Myles Munroe along with his wife and seven others perished in a plane crash in the Bahamas on Nov. 9. Actor/director Tyler Perry posted on Facebook Monday, “The poorest perDr. Myles son in the world is the perMunroe

said Morgan Lyon Cotti, the state program manager of the Hinckley Institute of Politics at the University of Utah. “Utah hasn’t dealt with a lot of issues that other states that have larger (Black) populations have,” Lyon Cotti said, adding, “If anything, being in Utah might have made things easier for her.” The 4th Congressional District is a ladle-shaped area that stretches from Salt Lake City’s southern suburbs past Provo, into a rural stretch of central Utah. The district’s median household income is $61,788 — above the national median of $53,046.

No ‘victim’ In 2012, Love challenged Democrat Jim Matheson, who is retiring this year, and lost by fewer than 800 votes. Lyon Cotti recalled a Republican strategist saying “he knew Mia Love was going to lose” back then because one week before the election — while Matheson was doing on-the-ground campaigning — Love was appearing on Fox News. This time around, Lyon Cotti said, she spent more time with voters and less time with the media. Love’s path to the political spotlight starts out as an immigrant story. At age 5, she moved with her parents from Brooklyn, N.Y., to Norwalk, Conn., where her mother worked as a retirement home nurse and her father labored at such jobs as factory line worker and church janitor. Speaking before the 2012 Republican National Convention, Love said that when her parents arrived in the U.S. from Haiti, they

son without a dream – Dr. Myles Munroe… No words, just heartbreak. My prayers and thoughts for Dr. Myles Munroe and all aboard that tragic plane crash.” Gospel singer Yolanda Adams also quoted Munroe on Twitter, adding, “The greatest tragedy in life is not death but life without purpose. Dr. Myles Munroe.” The prominent Bahamas pastor and others died after a private jet they were traveling in crashed into a shipyard crane and exploded. They were on their way to a Global Leadership Forum in Freeport when their plane crashed. Munroe, 60, was an internationally known Christian preacher and motivational speaker. He often appeared at Christian events with other widely known preachers like Bishop T.D. Jakes He wrote or co-wrote more than 100 inspirational and motivational books.

had “$10 in their pockets.” They didn’t look to Washington for help, she said, “they looked within.” As she is fond of saying, “I’m no victim.” She attended the University of Hartford, where she took dance and singing and earned a degree in fine arts;

she later worked as a flight attendant. Her sister, Cynthia, joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the family sent Mia out to investigate. She saw problems with the way the faith had treated Blacks; until the late 1970s it had banned Black

men from the priesthood. But she also didn’t rule out a future role in the church. Later, she met her future husband, Jason, while he was on a Mormon mission in Connecticut. They now have three children: Alessa, 14; Abigail, 11; and Peyton, 7.

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Florida Classic and other big events in state See page B5

SOUTH FLORIDA / TREASURE COAST AREA

NOVEMBER 14 – NOVEMBER 20, 2014

SHARING BLACK LIFE, STATEWIDE

Snacks for the big game See page B10

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“Learning expands great souls.” ~Namibian proverb

SECTION

NOVEMBER 14 – NOVEMBER 20, 2014

“A woman’s polite devotion is her greatest beauty.” ~African proverb

STOJ

NOVEMBER 14 – NOVEMBER 20, 2014

“If I am in harmony with my family, that’s success.” ~Ute proverb

NOVEMBER 14 – NOVEMBER 20, 2014

“Return to old watering holes for more than water; friends and dreams are there to meet you.” ~African proverb

STOJ

NOVEMBER 14 – NOVEMBER 20, 2014

“What you help a child to love can be more important than what you help him to learn.” ~African proverb

NOVEMBER 14 – NOVEMBER 20, 2014

“An army of sheep led by a lion can defeat an army of lions led by a sheep.” ~Ghanaian proverb

STOJ

NOVEMBER 14 – NOVEMBER 20, 2014

“Do not let what you cannot do tear from your hands what you can.” ~African proverb

NOVEMBER 14 – NOVEMBER 20, 2014

“You must act as if it is impossible to fail.” ~Ashanti proverb

STOJ

NOVEMBER 14 – NOVEMBER 20, 2014

FINEST & ENTERTAINMENT

Meet some of

FLORIDA’S

finest

submitted for your approval

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

kiara

joshua Joshua Jay attended UCF, where double-majored in Philosophy & Political Science. He officiates high school & college basketball with aspirations of working in the NBA and FIBA. Joshua can be contacted at JJWilson7@gmail.com.

Kiara Pace is a Tampa native and holds the title of 2011 Miss Teenage Tampa. She is also an aspiring supermodel, currently living in Miami where she has been in Hype Hair Magazine, and graced the runway for various local designers. Kiara can be contacted at pacekiara@aol.com.

FLORIDA CLASSIC

The Florida Classic game is Nov. 22 at the Florida Citrus Bowl featuring the BethuneCookman Wildcats and the Florida A&M Rattlers. More info on weekend activities: www. floridaclassic.org.

WANDA SYKES

The comedian will perform Nov. 16, 7 p.m., at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota.

FLORIDA COMMUNITY CALENDAR

STARTS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14

CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS FOR THEATERS AND SHOWTIMES

FRI 11/14 3 col (4.93”)” x 10” ALL.DDT.1114.FCemail

FLORIDA COURIER

UNIVERSAL PICTURES AND RED GRANITE PICTURES PRESENT IN ASSOCIATION WITH NEW LINE CINEMA A CONUNDRUM ENTERTAINMENT/ CHARLES B. WESSLER PRODUCTION SCOREA RIZA AZIZ AND JOEY MCFARLAND PRODUCTION A FARRELLY BROTHERS MOVIE JIM CARREY JEFF DANIELS BASED ON CHARACTERS “DUMB AND DUMBER TO” BY EMPIRE OF THE SUN CREATED BY BENNETT YELLIN & PETER FARRELLY & BOBBY FARRELLY EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS BRAD KREVOY STEVE STABLER MARC S. FI S CHER DAVI D KOPLAN DANNY DI M BORT CHRI S TI A N MERCURI PRODUCED BY CHARLES B. WESSLER BRADLEY THOMAS BOBBY FARRELLY PETER FARRELLY RIZA AZIZ JOEY MCFARLAND WRITTEN BY SEAN ANDERS & JOHN MORRI S AND PETER FARRELLY & BOBBY FARRELLY & BENNETT YELLIN & MI K E CERRONE DIRECTED BY PETER FARRELLY AND BOBBY FARRELLY A UNIVERSAL RELEASE

Fort Lauderdale: Kem, Joe and L’Renee are scheduled to perform Nov. 14 at the AuRene Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and the Straz Center in Tampa on Nov. 15. Orlando: The 2015-Model Central Florida International Auto Show will be at the Orange County Convention Center Nov. 27-30. Hundreds of the latest vehicles will be on display. More info: www. AutoShowOrlando.com. Fort Lauderdale: A show

featuring Patti LaBelle is set for Nov. 15 at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and Nov. 16 at the Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg.

Edge, Dru Hill and Sisqo.

Miami: A Dec. 20 show at the James L. Knight Center titled One Night Stand will feature Ginuwine, Lyfe Jennings, Jon B and Case.

Orlando: LeCrae with Andy Mineo and DJ Promote will be at the House of Blues on Nov. 15.

Miami: Usher takes the stage on Dec. 13 at AmericanAirlines Arena. Performers include D.J. Cassidy and August Alsina. A Dec. 14 show is at the Amalie Arena in Tampa. Orlando: An R&B Love Fest on Nov. 15 at CFE Arena will include Keith Sweat, Jagged

Jacksonville: Raheem DeVaughn will be in concert Nov. 15 at the Ritz Theatre & Museum.

Tampa: Candy Lowe hosts Tea & Conversation every Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m. at 3911 N. 34th St., Suite B. More information: 813-394-6363. Coral Gables: The Ultimate Holiday Experience is scheduled Dec. 27 at Bank United Center featuring Angie Stone, El DeBarge, and Ron Isley and the Isley Brothers.

B10

F0OD

NOVEMBER 14 – NOVEMBER 20, 2014 BLAZIN’ BUFFALO POTATO SKINS Servings: 6–8 3 pounds small russet potatoes Olive oil cooking spray 1 cup shredded reduced-fat or regular Monterey Jack cheese 1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce 1/2 cup crushed Blue Diamond Hint of Sea Salt Nut-Thins 1/3 cup chopped Blue Diamond Smokehouse Almonds 1/2 cup light sour cream 1/4 cup sliced green onion tops Preheat oven to 450°F and line baking sheet with foil. Rinse potatoes and pat dry; pierce with fork or sharp knife. Place in large microwave-safe bowl; cover and microwave on HIGH for 15 minutes or until potatoes are soft when gently squeezed. Remove and let cool slightly. Cut in half and scoop out potato leaving 1/4-inch rim of potato inside skin. Place on prepared baking sheet and spray both sides of potato skins liberally with cooking spray; bake for 15 minutes to crisp.

Sprinkle equal amounts of cheese into each skin. Stir together chicken and wing sauce and spoon over cheese. Top with nut chips and almonds and bake for 5 minutes

more. Add dollop of sour cream to each and sprinkle with green onions. Serve with and additional wing sauce, if desired.

1/2 tomato, seeded and chopped

1/3 cup Blue Diamond Jalapeño Smokehouse Almonds, chopped 1/4 cup diced red onion 3 strips cooked bacon, roughly chopped 2 tablespoons sour cream

1 teaspoon minced garlic Juice of 1/2 lime Salt and pepper, to taste In small bowl, mix all ingredients. Serve with tortilla chips or your favorite flavor of Nut Thins.

HONEY DIJON PRETZEL CHICKEN TENDERS Servings: 3–4 1 package (about 1 1/4 pound) chicken tenders 1 egg, whisked 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper 1 cup crushed pretzels 1 cup crushed Blue Diamond Honey Dijon Almonds In small bowl, coat raw chicken with egg, mustard and spices. Let marinate in refrigerator for 20 minutes.

Preheat oven to 375°F. Mix pretzels and almonds, and spread on large plate in even layer. Coat each chicken tender in pretzel-almond mixture, then place on greased baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.

GRAB N’ GO POPCORN BALLS Servings: 12 1 tablespoon canola oil 1/2 cup popcorn 6 tablespoons butter 1 (10-ounce) bag mini marshmallows 3/4 cup Blue Diamond Oven Roasted Sea Salt Almonds 1/2 cup chocolate chips Sea salt, for garnish

In large Dutch oven, heat oil and popcorn over medium heat. Cover with lid, shaking pan occasionally to coat kernels. Once you hear first pop, continue shaking pan until popping slows down and all kernels have popped. Set aside. In large saucepan, heat butter over medium-low heat, until melted. Add marshmallows and mix until fully melted. Add cooked popcorn. Gently stir until popcorn is evenly coated with marshmallow

mixture. Add almonds and chocolate chips, and continue to stir until incorporated into mixture. Remove pan from heat, and let cool for few minutes. Sprinkle with sea salt. Moving quickly, mold popcornmarshmallow mixture into balls with hands. (Washing hands with water will help ensure mixture won’t stick.) Place balls on parchment paper, and let cool. Store in airtight container or bag.

BACON AVOCADO DIP

WITH GAMEDAY SNACKS

Servings: 1 cup FROM FAMILY FEATURES

1 large avocado, peeled

The game is on, and your home is filled with friends decked out in those familiar colors, ready to cheer their team to victory. Now there’s only one more thing you need to make this game day gathering great — a feast of delicious, easy to enjoy goodies. Whether your team consists of spice fanatics or sweets enthusiasts, Blue Diamond offers a huge variety of delicious snack almonds perfect for every preference or craving. Complete your game day spread with delicious dips — and don’t forget the dippers. Add variety and color with sliced up carrots, bell peppers and broccoli to serve alongside tasty Blue Diamond Nut Thins, a perfect, crunchy dipper that’s also gluten-free. Get in the game with these recipes and more by visiting www.bluediamond.com.

and mashed

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