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RELL BLACK: SHAKYRI WILLIS AND ENDING POLICE BRUTALITY PAGE 4 DAYTONATIMES.COM
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WILDCATS KICK OFF SEASON IN ATLANTA SEE PAGE 6
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AUGUST 29 - SEPTEMBER 4 , 2019
YEAR 44 NO. 35
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REMEMBERING A ‘GOOD KID’ Jentavion Jackson dies from gunshot wound; police call it an accident while his mom isn’t so sure. BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES
After a three-day fight for his life, a Daytona Beach child has succumbed to a gunshot wound to the head. Jentavion Jackson, 10, died on Tuesday afternoon at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando. The fourth-grader at Turie T. Elementary School was flown there from Halifax Medical Center where he was originally taken after being shot at a home on Keech Street in Daytona Beach on Aug. 24, according to police reports.
Reports indicate that Jentavion was shot by a 14-year old friend at the home. Both boys were visiting relatives of the 14-year old.
ing. It seems that the two kids were playing with a firearm,” said Daytona Beach Police Chief Craig Capri.
‘A tragic incident’
The deceased child’s mother, Jacqueline Jackson, spoke to the Daytona Times on Wednesday afternoon. The distraught mother suspects foul play. “I want justice. That’s all I want for my son. I know it’s an investigation going on, but I think they have enough evidence to make arrests. My son doesn’t deserve this,’’ she said. Jackson said her son wouldn’t play with guns. “He is my only son. I love him. I miss him being here. I miss his smile. I miss his kindness. He is the type of person that would do for anybody. He would give the clothes off
The police report indicates that Jackson was found lying on his back at the foot of a bed in a room at the Keech Street home. By the Daytona Times’ late Wednesday night deadline, the police had an ongoing investigation, no arrests had been made, and there were no charges pending. On Wednesday evening, Daytona Beach’s police chief expressed the same sentiment he did at a press conference at police headquarters on Monday. “It’s a just a tragic incident. Our prayers go out to the child and the family. We know the mother is griev-
Jentavion Jackson holds up a paper he did well on at school. His mom said he was making straight A’s.
Mom wants justice
DAYTONA TIMES / 40TH ANNIVERSARY
2,139 consecutive weekly issues and counting
See JENTAVION, Page 2
Road work on MLK crippling businesses BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES
Road construction on Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Boulevard between Orange Avenue and International Speedway Boulevard began earlier this month. For the past few weeks, construction crews have been working at the intersection of MLK Boulevard and Magnolia Avenue. Traffic has been blocked off on the road between Magnolia and El Dorado Street but businesses are still accessible by foot for pedestrians. The $2.6-million-dollar project is designed to completely restructure the road’s surface, update underground utilities, new utility poles, widen sidewalks, improve lighting, install decora-
tive lighting features and landscaping, and add-on street parking to the east side of the road.
Limited access City and county updates on the project state that construction crews are removing a 30-foot reuse pipe and are about tie a new reuse main into the existing reuse main on both sides of the intersection. Meanwhile, Black-owned businesses in the area – especially at or near the intersection of MLK Boulevard and Magnolia Avenue – are starting to feel the pinch as traffic is diverted and access becomes limited. Nightmares of the Orange Avenue project are still fresh in the See MLK, Page 2
Top left to right are interns Raneihesi Love, Maximillian Jeanbrice, Napoleon McCants, Bree’shaun Watson, Keyh Marrah, Andrew Lodge, Khalil Bradley, Mychal Watson, Chloe Hall and Clayton Ford.
10 B-CU students interning in Volusia public schools
Forty-one years ago in 1978, the first issue of the Daytona Times was published. The lead story was an essay by Dr. Florence Roane. The newspaper also reported on local residents Herbert Thompson and Reginald Moore running for elected office, as well as the sudden resignations of a vice-president, a high-level staff person, and three instructors from Bethune-Cookman College in the same week.
ALSO INSIDE
Ten Bethune-Cookman University seniors in the College of Education, who have passed all parts of the Florida Teacher Certification Examination, are interning in eight Volusia County Public Schools. Dr. Stephanie Pasley Henry, dean of the College of Education, credits the hard work of her faculty and staff for the increased achievement of students successfully passing the exam, making them eligible to intern and become certified teachers.
“While there’s much controversy surrounding the validity of the Florida Teacher Certification Exams, we must devote serious effort and energy toward testing success,’’ Henry stated. “We are employing rigorous pedagogical practices and executing engaging programs, while instilling the importance of discipline, diligence, and determination to pass all required exams. Our students are indeed ‘rising’ to the challenge,’’ referring to College of Education’s theme of “We Will R.I.S.E.-- Reach Illimitable Success in Education.’’ This year, the College of Education will continue to implement GK Boot Camps (General Knowledge), Faculty, Staff, Alumni Mentorship Programs, the S.T.E.P. Study Program (Specialized Test Examination Preparation), as well as other programs.
COMMUNITY NEWS: EMBRY-RIDDLE WELCOMES LARGEST INCOMING CLASSES IN UNIVERSITY’S HISTORY | PAGE 3 NATION: ‘WEEPING TIME’ AUTHOR DISCUSSES SLAVE AUCTIONS, PART IN 1619 PROJECT | PAGE 5
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AUGUST 29 – SEPTEMBER 4, 2019
MLK
out of their homes. “I do have to flip around the other way to get in and out of here, but the one good thing to come out of this is that it has stopped all the cars from speeding through here. Traffic has definitely been slowed down,” responded Nicole Edwards. Nicey Lanier reflected, “We want the road and the pipes fixed, but it is still an inconvenience. School bus routes have changed. Also, someone hit the road closed sign running from the police one night.” A City of Daytona Beach spokesperson did not respond to Daytona Times request for comment by the Wednesday night press time.
from Page 1 the minds of some local residents. That project, which cost $13.4 million, lasted three years instead of the planned two (2014 to 2017). It nearly shut down several businesses and spurred lawsuits.
Businesses impacted Deborah Branch owns Lil Mama’s Kitchen at 200 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., at the intersection with Magnolia Ave. It’s right at the construction site. “It is definitely affecting business, especially parking. We do have a little parking in the back, but we normally have more parking on MLK out in front. People are used to coming along MLK and parking,’’ Branch told the Daytona Times. Ron Richardson is the manager of Earl Shell Car Wash and Service Station at 201 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., across the street from Lil Mama’s. “MLK Boulevard is a major roadway and the main road into our business. We are really feeling it. We went from averaging 12 to 15 cars a day down to about two to three per day. I just think if this was another community that construction would be done at night,” he said.
No helpful signs Businesses say there aren’t
JENTAVION from Page 1 his back. He was also not the kid who would play with guns,’’ she stated.
‘A good kid’ Jackson also wants Jentavion to be remembered for the type of kid he was, not for the tragedy
In the first phase
DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
The road work on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard is creating problems for business owners in the area. signs indicating they are open. “There are no signs saying that we are open, but there should be. Also, I think the road closed sign on MLK near Orange Avenue should be closer to El Dorado Street,” noted Richardson. Branch echoed, “The detour signs don’t allow traffic our way. There are no signs indicat-
ing that our businesses are in the construction zone. People don’t know that we’re open unless we advertise it.” Some businesses along MLK Boulevard between Orange Avenue and International Speedway Boulevard have closed for the duration of construction. Richardson stated “That’s not
an option. We are already losing our livelihoods. The businesses could be lost. I don’t know if the city has a way of helping us.”
that took his life. “He was a good kid. He liked to have fun. He made straight A’s in school. He was playing football. He was a very happy child. He was well liked. He was the kind of person that would do anything for anybody,’’ Jackson said.’’ Pierre Louis, former director of Neighborhood Network Center, remembers Jentavion frequenting the center to play on the computer and attending pizza parties there said “He was just like any kid. Curi-
ous and wanting to have fun. He always had a big smile and was always willing to help out,’’ Louis recalled. One of the boy’s former teachers is setting up a GoFundMe account to help the family with burial. Turie T. Small Elementary teacher Courtney Folkerts said she was Jentavion’s teacher for two years. A funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 7. The location and other plans were not available to the Times by the news-
paper’s Wednesday night deadline. R.J. Gainous Funeral Home of Daytona Beach is in charge of arrangements.
Lawtey pastor to speak at Palm Coast church The Rev. Tracy McGeathey-Lockley will serve as the messenger for Women’s Day at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 8, at First Church in Palm Coast. She is pastor of Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church in Lawtey and former professor of Florida State College at Jacksonville. McGeathey-Lockley earned a Master’s of Divinity degree from Turner Theological Seminary of the Interdenominational Theological Center of Atlanta.
The Women’s Day theme is “Women Who Know Him, Follow Him.’’ First Church’s Women’s Day Choir will provide specially selected music. Women are requested to wear white. Dinner will be provided after the service. Rev. Tracy First Church is located at McGeatheyLockley 91 Old Kings Road North in Palm Coast. The number is 386-446-5759. The Rev. Gillard S. Glover is the pastor.
Inconvenience for residents Residents living in the area are also dealing with access in and
Gun safety message Law enforcement were stressing the importance of gun safety this week as a way to avoid such tragedies for those who have guns in the home with children. Capri emphasized, “Parents should teach their kids about firearms so that they know about them but also that they know not
The area around Magnolia Avenue was chosen for upgrade because underground pipes in the area are the deepest. Pipes are also said to be around 100 years old. While the area between Magnolia Avenue and El Dorado Street is being blocked off, traffic is being rerouted to Orange Avenue, Seagrave Street, Lockhart Street, and International Speedway Blvd. The project is still in its first phase; the second phase will take place from Magnolia Avenue to Orange Avenue The project was first reported as being expected to be completed by March. Updates can be found on the city’s website at www.codb.us.
to play with them. ‘This is how it works, this is how to do it, but it can kill you if you don’t know what you’re doing.’ ” Investigators found the gun in the home, according to a report. Police say that the homeowner had the gun secured in a room inside the home but the children found it. “The homeowner has a right to have a gun; they had it in a secure place. What they thought was secure. It was in a drawer in a locked room,” Capri added.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE FOR BLACK STUDENTS. NO EXCUSES. PRAISE FOR ‘EXCELLENCE WITHOUT EXCUSE’:
Weather spotters training scheduled in Deltona The City of Deltona will offer a free SKYWARN basic spotter training class in cooperation with the National Weather Service in Melbourne from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Sept. 24, in the City Commission Chambers, of Deltona City Hall, 2345 Providence Blöd. One of the most important assets to the National Weather Service warning, forecast, and verification process is the SKYWARN Spotter Network. National Weather Service trained weather spotters provide real-time reports of tornadoes, hail, winds, flooding and hurricane damage. SKYWARN spotters include ham radio operators, emergency responders and communication dispatchers, citizen groups and others.
How to register The classes are free, but registration is preferred. The presentations generally last two hours and are free. Full registration will be completed at the class. A National Weather Service
meteorologist will discuss various aspects of severe weather, storm spotting, and severe weather safety. At least one SKYWARN spotter class is taught within each county every year— with two or more classes typically conducted within many counties. Registration is required online, https://www.eventb r i t e. c o m / e / s k y w a r n basic-training-registration-092419-deltona-tickets-65692745771. For more information, contact Scott Spratt at scott. spratt@noaa.gov or 321255-0212, ext. 223.
Free breastfeeding classes available in September The Volusia County Health Department is hosting no-cost breastfeeding classes for new and expectant mothers. Classes cover the basics of breastfeeding, basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and information on choking prevention and are scheduled at health department locations from: 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 3, at 775 Harley Strickland Blvd., Orange City.
10 to 11 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 10, at 1845 Holsonback Drive, Daytona Beach. 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 11, at 717 W. Canal Street, New Smyrna Beach. 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 19, at 1845 Holsonback Drive, Daytona Beach.
WIC counseling Each class is a onetime session. Reservations are suggested but not required. Lactation consultants from the department’s Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program offer resources and assistance to breastfeeding mothers. WIC also offers breastfeeding peer counseling programs. Trained peer counselors are chosen from the same socio/economic/ethnic groups as WIC clients and have successfully breastfed their own babies. Breastfeeding peer counselors provide mother-to-mother basic breastfeeding education and support to pregnant and breastfeeding moms. For information or to register for a breastfeeding class, call 866- 942-3663.
East Central Florida’s Black Voice Visit us online at daytonatimes.com
“This guide for African-American college-bound students is packed with practical and insightful information for achieving academic success...The primary focus here is to equip students with the savvy and networking skills to maneuver themselves through the academic maze of higher education.” – Book review, School Library Journal
www.excellencewithoutexcuse.com
AUGUST 29 – SEPTEMBER 4, 2019
COMMUNITY NEWS Volusia landlords invited to Section 8 meeting Volusia County’s Housing Choice Voucher Program will host a mandatory informational meeting for landlords who are renting or interested in renting to Section 8 participants. The meeting will be from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, Sept. 12, in the County Council Chambers on the second floor of the Thomas C. Kelly Administration Center, 123 W. Indiana Ave., DeLand. Staff from the county’s Community Assistance Division will explain the program’s rules and regulations. Landlords must make reservations by Sept. 6; contact the county at section8WL@volusia.org or 386736-5955, ext. 12566.
Superintendent to address AAUW Flagler on Sept. 14
New programs at Embry-Riddle’s Daytona Beach campus include master’s degrees in Occupational Safety Management as well as Data Science.
Embry-Riddle touts largest classes in its history Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s residential campuses in Florida and Arizona welcomed their largest incoming classes this week and highest total enrollment numbers in university history. For the sixth year in a row, the Daytona Beach campus welcomed its largest freshmen class, of more than 1,950 students, boosting total enrollment to about 7,000 Eagles. This class represents an increase of nearly 300 students, or 18 percent, from the campus’s 2018 class, and boasts the highest academic profile in campus history, as well (average GPA of 3.79 and average SAT of 1236). Students at the Daytona Beach campus come from all 50 states and 110 different countries.
More aspiring pilots Many degree programs will be at record levels this fall, particularly the flight program and Aerospace Engineering. In Daytona Beach and at the campus in Prescott, Arizona, total enrollment in the university’s residential Aeronautical Science programs leading to a bachelor’s degree for professional pilots has increased about 25 percent over the last three years, with enrollment up from 2,000 students as of fall 2018, to an expected 2,300 arriving for the fall 2019 semester. The Prescott campus also welcomed 850 new students, a 23 percent increase over last year. This pushes total enrollment to almost 3,000 students — the highest number since the campus opened in 1978.
‘Focused, driven and inspired’ Additionally, this incoming class has the highest academic profile ever (average GPA of 3.74 and average SAT of 1260), as well as the highest percentage of female
students: 28 percent of the student body. Students at the Prescott campus come from 48 states and 62 countries. “Our students are uniquely focused, driven and inspired young people who will be the leaders in areas critical to our national, international and economic security, as well as on the cutting edge of scientific achievement and exploration,” said Bryan Dougherty, dean of Enrollment Management. “It is an elite peer group to be part of as a student. It makes me confident and optimistic about our future if it is in the hands of these exceptional young people.” Across all campuses, new programs for fall 2019 include master’s degrees in Occupational Safety Management as well as Data Science, in Daytona Beach; a bachelor’s degree in Human Factors Psychology, on the Prescott, Arizona campus; a new bachelor’s degree in Business Analytics and a master’s in Emergency Services, via the Worldwide campus.
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) Flagler will host its monthly general meeting at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 14 in the main dining room of Pine Lakes Country Club. AAUW Flagler kicks off its year by focusing on back to school in Flagler County by welcoming its Tech Trek and National Conference for College Women Student Leaders (NCCWSL) recipients. The branch will also receive updates about the overall status of Flagler County Schools from Superintendent James Tager and Public Information Officer Jason Wheeler. Members and the public will hear middle-school aged girls recall their experience from this year’s Tech Trek camp and how their passion and curiosity for STEM careers have been impacted. In addition, how did NCCWSL challenge, inspire, and create an impact on this year’s recipient? Lunch is available for $18 per person. For reservations and menu options, contact Sally Smeaton by email at shsmeaton@gmail.com or phone at 386-447-4137 by Sept. 11.
WilD^
Alaskan Salmon Caught by Alaskan fishermen and in season now. Sustainably sourced, wild, and always fresh, never frozen.
image courtesy of Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute
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7 EDITORIAL
AUGUST 29 – SEPTEMBER 4, 2019
Moral revival – Will you answer the call? I cannot overstate my tremendous admiration for Rev. William Barber. Our connection goes back to North Carolina when I was the president of Bennett College, and he led the state NAACP. His daughter Sharrelle graduated from Bennett in the spring before I assumed the presidency and as student body president, she served on the search committee that selected me. So he's a friend of long standing.
pairers of the Breach. Its website is https://www.breachrepairers. org/, and it is worth checking out regularly.
Watched him grow
Necessary movement
In the years since our North Carolina time, I've watched Rev. Barber grow in his profound leadership, galvanizing people all over the nation around a moral agenda for our country. When we see already-weak bonds of civility and community, both national and international, fraying, we need a movement to "build a moral agenda rooted in a framework that uplifts our deepest moral and constitutional values to redeem the heart and soul of our country." In the past year or so, Rev. Barber has been building national momentum and plans mass action in Washington D.C., on June 20, 2020. We will be in the heat of the 2020 political election, a time when we must look at our nation's future and its direction. Barber's organization (which he co-leads with Rev. Liz Theoharis) is poetically called Re-
people, and the responsibility to care for our common home.”
JULIANNE MALVEAUX TRICE GUEST EDNEY COLUMNIST NEWS WIRE
The Barber movement is optimistic and necessary at a time when an elected leader regularly picks fights with the heads of other nations, triggers a trade war, disrespects people (even his own appointees) with vile name-calling, and drips disdain for women (especially elected Black women) and other women of color. We live in a graceless age, but Barber and Theoharis radiate grace. They are optimistic, patient, and movement-building. They are inclusive, focused, and, most importantly, kind. They get this economy and its uneven distribution, but they also get race and the many ways it is foundational. The Repairers website says, "Our deepest moral traditions point to equal protection under the law, the desire for peace and among nations, the dignity of all
Shakyri Willis and ending police brutality From the beginning of this modern era, non-White people have been targeted through gang wars, drugs, disease, poverty and illiteracy. In this country, whether Black music, Black art or Black politics, there’s always a plan to devalue our opinions and ultimately our lives. The No. 1 cause of death for a Black man in America is by the hands of a police officer. With this upcoming election, we must push for stricter police brutality policies as well as for laws severely punishing officers who use their weapons to kill civilian citizens.
Thousands dead Since 2017, 7,000 Black men and women have been killed after a police interaction. Tragically, three-fourths of those 7,000 were unarmed. Police brutality and police abuse is a long-running tradition in the Black community.
RELL BLACK GUEST COLUMNIST
We’re told to “Get over it,” or “He should’ve complied.” But what happens when the danger happens in your own backyard? On August 22, 2017 here in Daytona Beach, a young man was killed by a Daytona Beach police officer in his grandma’s yard. However, despite multiple media reports from CNN, the Washington Post, the officer admitting to shooting him and even the key witness seeing every second of it, the police ruled it as a suicide. Six shots were fired directly at Shakyri. However, the official documentation wants us to naively believe he shot himself in
Despite progress, disparities persist in Ferguson Five years ago, a Ferguson, Missouri police officer shot and killed unarmed Black teen Michael Brown, bringing national attention to the Ferguson Police Department’s shocking pattern of racial profiling and excessive force. In a town that is one-third White, African Americans accounted for 85 percent of traffic stops, 90 percent of tickets and 93 percent of arrests, according to a Justice Department report released seven months after Brown’s death.
Blacks targeted Ferguson police used force almost exclusively on African Americans. They regularly stopped Black drivers without probable cause. Ferguson officials circulated racist jokes on their government email accounts.
VISUAL VIEWPOINT: DONALD TRUMP, ‘THE CHOSEN ONE
MARC H. MORIAL TRICE EDNEY NEWS WIRE
Five years later, the Ferguson has shown some signs of improvement. There are now six Black members of the city council, compared with only one in 2014. The Police Department has gone from three Black officers out of 53 to about two dozen Black officers, including a Black chief, Jason Armstrong. The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, which transformed the location of a burnedout building into the Ferguson Empowerment Center, has just
Address poverty In embracing and expanding the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Revs. Barber and Theoharis have asked presidential candidates to consider a debate that focuses exclusively on poverty. Many have agreed, but others have not gone on record. With more than one in five African American families living in poverty, and wages relatively stagnant, a national conversation about poverty is more than overdue. Indeed, the other conversation is one that drills down on what international economic fluctuations mean to the average person. Economic pundits have highlevel discussions about the stock market (when half of all Americans own no stock or bonds), making people think they can make no difference in economic policy.
Laws can help But we can make a difference when we pass laws that provide a living wage, paid sick leave, affordable health care, and more. The Poor People's Campaign and the Moral Budget give people tools to approach some of these economic issues. With his elo-
the neck. Considering the circumstances, his entire scalp would have been blown off if he were to pull the gun on himself.
Knew him well All around the country we hear about police brutality and the deaths of Black men and women due to trigger-happy cops. His name was Shakyri Willis, and he was truly an asset to our community. Despite what that officer thought, we knew his spirit, his positive energy and that he would NEVER hurt a fly. Willis, who had been released prematurely from Halifax Medical Center under psychiatric evaluation, was suffering from mental health issues, according to medical documents. It is disturbing that our issues get swept under the rug because of how we look or carry ourselves. Our lives still matter! To honor his legacy and his innocence, my organization hosted a “Remembrance Walk” throughout our city. Unfortunately for the family, they still haven’t received justice, an accurate copy of the bodycam video or even a knock
announced a new $5 million investment to build a strip mall that will include a bank, a restaurant, a minority business incubator and a home healthcare company. Save Our Sons, the workforce development program that operates out of the Empowerment Center, has connected more than 750 men with jobs in the Ferguson area since it opened in 2017. A new partnership with First Financial Federal Credit Union will provide auto loans, credit counseling, checking and savings accounts to members of Save Our Sons and other local residents.
Still not equal Stark racial disparities persist not only in Ferguson but also in the wider St. Louis region economically and in the criminal justice system. The disparity in traffic stops in Ferguson actually has widened drastically, according to the Missouri Attorney General’s office. The rate of stops of Black drivers has increased by five percent-
ADAM ZYGLIS, THE BUFFALO NEWS, NY
quence and his leadership, Barber has emerged as a national treasure and a lightning rod for economic transformation. What will economic transformation look like? Is it possible for capitalists to make a profit and still pay their workers a living wage? It is possible to dismantle the predatory capitalism that, in the words of Dr. King, "thingifys" people in the name of profit?
Do they understand? Do capitalists understand that consumers fuel this system, and paying consumers translates into more sales for them? And do predatory capitalists understand the ecological devastation they promote when they fail to embrace climate change? Rev. Barber raises all these
on the door and a hug. Not a call from Mayor Derrick Henry, our city commissioners or the officer who committed the homicide. Two years and the Willis family continues to have restless nights and tear-filled mornings. Meanwhile, that same officer was placed on administrative leave (with paid time off) and the good ol’ boy system went right into effect. As an activist and social justice warrior, I made it my mission to get the full details from Mr. Willis’ family as well as information from media outlets and local neighbors. The most tragic part is that two years later, the case is swept under the rug and completely forgotten about. With the upcoming election year, it’s time to reopen this case and do further investigation, maybe through an outside firm with no connections to any Florida-based police force. Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner, Alton Sterling, Tamir Rice, Mike Brown, Sandra Bland, Emmitt Till, Sean Bell and Shakyri Willis are amongst the thousands of names
age points since 2013, while it has dropped 11 percentage points for White drivers. Statewide, Black motorists were nearly twice as likely as other motorists to be stopped. Ferguson has not yet identified a consent decree coordinator who, according to the independent monitor appointed in 2016, was part of a settlement between the city and the Justice Department. “Although the Monitoring Team published a Workplan in the Fall of 2018, it has not received regular updates from the City with respect to progress on that plan because no sole individual within the City is responsible for updating the Workplan and notifying the Monitoring Team about advancement in particular areas,” according to the monitor’s most recent report.
Worse news According to the East-West Gateway Council of Governments, the median White house-
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Julianne Malveaux is a Washington, D.C.-based economist and writer. Her latest book, “Are We Better Off? Race, Obama and Public Policy,” is available at www.juliannemalveaux.com.
that have been taken away due to open racism and police brutality.
Absolutely nothing
Charles W. Cherry II, Esq., Publisher
Opinions expressed on this editorial page are those of the writers, and do not necessarily reflect the editorial stance of the newspaper or the publisher.
questions and more. For the next nine months, through June 20, 2020, he is moving around the country addressing injustice, mobilizing people, and focusing on change. He has offered our nation a fundamental challenge. Will you answer the call for moral revival? Four hundred years after the first Black folks were brought to these shores, a call to deal with systemic racism, economic injustice, the war economy, and ecological devastation is long overdue.
A long struggle From the early beginning of slave patrollers, police and the Black community have always been in a long-standing struggle. In the 1950s and ‘60s, officers would hose down Black protestors and even attack them with dogs. Cops would harass, intimidate and attack everything Black. We hear these stories on local news and become emotionally distraught. We create social media hashtags and do everything we can to demand justice. Protesting, calls from community leaders and mass media outrage have allowed this dangerous occurrence to be broadcast more than ever. This epidemic must not continue into the next decade! Contact your local officials and state reps and DEMAND JUSTICE for families and victims everywhere!
Rell Black is an award-winning activist, blogger and the founder of Community Healing Project Inc.
hold income was more than twice the median Black household income in 2017, a slightly wider gap than in 2010. Disparity in the poverty rate in St. Louis County has grown as well, driven mainly by flat income growth for Black households versus increases in White income. We commend the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis and its outstanding leader, Michael McMillan, for their work in tackling economic disparities in the region, and agree with his assessment that the work is a “marathon as well as a sprint.” As he has said, “A concerted, dedicated effort has to be spent on changing these disparities, and that the job is not done. So we have to stay the course from the governmental, not-for-profit, corporate, business and civic communities in order to fix those wrongs.”
Marc Morial is president and CEO of the National Urban League.
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NATION MA YOR
AUGUSTDECEMBER 29 – SEPTEMBER 4, 2019 14 - 20, 2006
modity (436 human beings defined as property) in today’s dollars is $9,350,000, today’s labor value is $61,600,000 (using the unskilled wage), or $127,000,000 (using production worker compensation).
Begged in vain
PHOTOS COURTESY OF ANNE C. BAILEY/NNPA NEWSWIRE
Anne C. Bailey’s writes about the largest auction of enslaved people in American history held at the Ten Broeck Race Course, which was on the outskirts of Savannah, Ga.
‘Weeping Time’ author discusses slave auctions Historian wrote essay for New York Times’ popular 1619 Project. BY STACY M. BROWN NNPA NEWSWIRE
Binghamton University Professor Anne C. Bailey has studied slavery and the plight of African Americans for quite some time. She has read books about the history of slavery and watched the 1970s television mini-series, “Roots,” the story of author Alex Haley’s enslaved ancestors. As commemorations of the 400th anniversary of the presence of people of African descent in North America take place, Bailey has helped bring awareness to one of the most sickening aspects of slavery: “auctions.” “The auctions were a fairly common part of the economy and typical, especially before the Civil War,” Bailey said during an interview for the NNPA Newswire.
Her curiosity heightened and took her back to two days in March of 1859 in Savannah, Georgia. First, she found the will of Thomas Jefferson. It said that some of his slaves should be freed, but others were sent for auction. She also discovered a great case study on a slave auction held in Savannah, Georgia, “The Weeping Time.” “Not a lot had been written about this, and this was the largest auction that had ever taken place,” said Bailey. Her research ultimately formed the basis for the 2017 nonfiction book, “The Weeping Time” (208 pages; available on Amazon.com). The book’s title paid homage to the heartbreaking term slaves used to describe the separation from their loved ones during sales or auctions.
Essential history lesson
Carolina and Dorcas to South Carolina. When last seen, Jeffrey was sitting alone on the ground, crying into his hands, as Dorcas was led away by her new master. She sat in the back of his carriage – emptied of words, emptied of tears,” writes Bailey. Because of her profound work, Bailey was asked to write a passage for The New York Times’ popular “1619 Project.”
Grossed $300,000
2017 nonfiction book
Anne C. Bailey’s research on slave auctions ultimately formed the basis for the 2017 nonfiction book, “The Weeping Time.’’
‘Emptied of tears’ In “The Weeping Time,” Bailey writes about Jeffrey and Dorcas, an enslaved couple who fell in love. As they were on the auction block, Jeffrey begged his purchaser to also buy Dorcas, promising that they would be good servants. Jeffrey pleaded that he and Dorcas would have strong young children who would also be good servants. “Jeffrey was going to North
To place the sale in further context, the income value of the slaves sold, when measured in today’s dollars, is $131,000,000 and the economic value is $1.4 billion. In her Times’ article, Bailey notes how slaves begged their buyers in vain to also purchase their loved ones. “What you do see are two tracks, intersecting but going in different directions, toward different outcomes – a fitting metaphor, perhaps, for black and white life in America,” wrote Bailey, who holds a bachelor’s degree from Harvard and a Ph.D. and master’s from the University of Pennsylvania. She said she wanted to call attention to slave auctions, which she called “A part of the backbone of the U.S economy.” “I’m so happy and honored The New York Times asked me to contribute,” Bailey said. “It’s my desire to see that this part of the U.S. economy is acknowledged, and it fit very well into the 1619 Project.”
Under the headline, “Shadow of the Past,” Bailey describes the The Weeping Time in a little more than 300 words. She wrote, in part: “This spot is the site of the largest auction of enslaved people in American history – an event the enslaved called The Weeping Time in which 436 people were brought to the hammer to pay off the bad investments and gambling debts of Pierce M. Butler, the absentee owner of the Butler Island Plantation. The auction was held at a playground of the local elite: The Ten Broeck Race Course, then on the outskirts of Savannah, Ga.” The auction took place on March 2 and 3, 1859. The slaves were housed in the stables. The sale of 436 slaves grossed more than $300,000 — approximately $9,350,000 if the sales took place today. In fact, calculations from measuringworth.com explain that while the real price of the com-
Bailey’s lesson plans for her students include slavery and the often-overlooked auctions. She said it’s essential that schools make slavery and African American history a part of a regular curriculum. “Not just teaching about Martin Luther King, Jr., or Rosa Parks,” Bailey said. The comparison of separating slaves and the current administration’s policies condoning the separation of immigrant families is inescapable. Bailey said that’s another reason it’s imperative to teach all the history of America and slavery. She said courses should begin early, and educators should consider how much information to provide young ones. “You have to reach children early and help them to see how people of African descent and others have contributed to the building of this country so that it doesn’t come as a big surprise,” Bailey said. “Later on, it’s something that’s going to form their thoughts and interactions. There’s so much that parallels to slavery. There’s mass incarceration and medical disparities. And, the list goes on,” she said. On the bright side, Bailey said the interest in the slave trade has crossed racial boundaries today. “I have not seen this level of interest in these topics in my lifetime,” she said.
Chevrolet hosts closing ceremony for journalism fellows B-CU mass communications major among students chosen for program BY STACY M. BROWN NNPA NEWSWIRE
Michelle Alexander believes the 2019 Discover the Unexpected (DTU) program might have been the best in the short history of the annual journalism fellowship. “I think this year was just a little bit more special,” said Alexander, General Motors multicultural marketing manager. “A lot of it had to do with the partners that we had this year, including DJ Envy as the program ambassador and Fonzworth Bentley as the program advisor,” Alexander said. “I think this really elevated the program because both Bentley and Envy are HBCU graduates, and they are extremely passionate about the community,” she said. Both Bentley and Envy are “car guys,” which probably helped, Alexander said. “Ultimately the connection they had with us this year was in a way that I think we hadn’t had in some of the other years,” she said.
Driven to success They engaged the fellows throughout the program and did much more than what they were contractually obligated to, Alexander said. Chevrolet and the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) hosted a closing ceremony earlier this month to celebrate the fourth year of the DTU program. The eight-week fellowship kicked off in Atlanta with a boot camp and culminated in Detroit at General Motors’ global headquarters.
NNPA publications the Atlanta Voice, Chicago Crusader, Houston Forward Times and The Washington Informer, hosted the fellows during their internship road-trip experience. The fellows were allowed to hone their print, broadcast, digital and photojournalism skills while driving the all-new 2019 Chevrolet Blazer to discover unexpected stories in the African American community.
‘A ton of grit’ The 2019 DTU Journalism Fellows were Tedarius Abrams (Bethune-Cookman), Tyla Barnes (Hampton University), Elae Hill (North Carolina A&T), Miana Massey (Howard University), Emani Nichols (Morehouse College) and Sharon Joy Washington (Florida A&M). The six students wrote several powerful pieces, produced video content, participated in press conferences and met Charles Muse, one of the Chevrolet Blazer engineers. The fellows’ stories were featured on the NNPA website (www.nnpa.org/chevydtu) throughout the program. “I think one of the key elements of this program is making sure that we’re connecting with the community in a way that feels very authentic,” Alexander said. “It was truly a great year. We had students who were extremely strong, passionate, and those who had a ton of grit about themselves,” she said.
Many applicants Since its inception in 2016, the annual program has awarded nearly a half-million dollars in scholarships and stipends. It began with a select number of schools. However, based on the overwhelming response, the submission process was opened to all students in their sophomore
The 2019 DTU journalism fellows were Tyla Barnes (Hampton University), Sharon Joy Washington (Florida A&M), Miana Massey (Howard University), Tedarius Abrams (Bethune-Cookman), Emani Nichols (Morehouse College) and were Elae Hill (North Carolina A&T). through senior years at HBCUs with interest in journalism, communications, mass media or visual arts. Alexander said it isn’t easy choosing students from among a great deal of submissions received each year. “You get hundreds and hundreds of applicants, and you’re sifting through resumes, and you’re trying to get a feel for these individuals. So, you never know but to see these fellows live in action, even from day one at the boot camp where we met them, was amazing,” she said. “I think every year we have had great students. This year, I was impressed with the energy that the fellows had,” Alexander said.
$10,000 scholarships During the closing ceremony, the fellows each received $10,000 scholarships
and certificates of completion. Attendees at the closing ceremony included Bentley, a Morehouse College graduate; Envy, a graduate of Hampton University; Chevrolet leaders and NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. “Chevrolet was excited to partner with the NNPA to drive the importance of storytelling and finding new roads during their fellowship,” Brad Franz, Chevrolet’s senior manager of Crossover Vehicles Advertising & Marketing, said in a news release. “The fellows seized the opportunity to embark on this unexpected journey of professional and personal self-discovery while gaining new tools along the way,” Franz said. Learn more about the Discover the Unexpected Journalism Fellowship at www. nnpa.org/chevydtu.
R6
7 SPORTS
AUGUST 29 – SEPTEMBER 4, 2019
COURTESY OF BCU ATHLETICS
The Bethune-Cookman Wildcats, led by Head Coach Terry Sims, will be showcased during the SWAC/MEAC Challenge, which will air live on ESPN2.
‘We’re ready to go’ B-CU Wildcats kick off season Sunday in Atlanta against Jackson State BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES
The Bethune-Cookman University Wildcats open their season against the Jackson State University Tigers in the MEAC/ SWAC Challenge at Georgia State Stadium in Atlanta on Sunday. The game, which pits a MidEastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) team against a Southwestern Athletic Conference) team will air live on ESPN2 with a 3 p.m. kickoff. “I’m very excited and ready to work. We’re all pretty excited,” said Junior offensive tackle Javon Camp-Villalovos. Junior defensive tackle Gerome Howard responded, “I normally don’t talk too much. I like to play and leave it all out on the field. We’re excited to show what we got on national TV. We’re ready to go.” The MEAC/SWAC Challenge brings exposure for the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s) involved. “It’s an opportunity for both our
football programs and both of our schools to be on a national stage. It’s great for recruiting for our football programs and schools. What ESPN has done for the teams, schools and conferences has no price tag,” explained B-CU Head Coach Terry Sims.
‘A dogfight every day’ The goal is for B-CU to win the MEAC this season and play for the HBCU National Championship in the Celebration Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta in December. The Wildcats were picked to finish second in the conference behind defending champ North Carolina A&T. “I don’t think second is good enough. I think we’re ready to be on the top spot,” noted CampVillalovos. The MEAC is a competitive conference. Sims stressed, “This conference doesn’t allow you any days off. You must show up ready to play each day. There are a lot of great coaches in this league and tons of great players. It’s a dogfight every day.”
Serious players Still, the Wildcats like their chances.
“We’ve added depth and we have competition at every position. We will do whatever it takes to win. On offense, we can give a lot of different looks. On defense, we have the talent to play different ways and move guys around,” Sims stated. The players also believe in this year’s squad. Camp-Villalovos said, “I think there is more seriousness amongst us players this year. People want to put in the extra work to get better.”
Local talent Bethune-Cookman is also making inroads of recruiting local talent. Junior running back Que’ Shaun Byrd and senior receiver Jimmie Robinson are weapons on both the offensive and the return game. They played high school ball at Flagler Palm Coast. Nick Roos is a Mainland High grad and starter on the offensive line. Other locals include freshmen safeties Marquis Gilbert (Flagler Palm Coast) and Dennis Shorter (Flagler Palm Coast), junior linebacker Robert McKenzie (Atlantic) and freshman offensive lineman Travis Robinson (Mainland) along with freshman running
ABBREVIATION KEY QB=quarterback RB=running back WR=wide receiver OL=offensive lineman DE=defensive end DL=defensive lineman DT=defensive tackle LB=linebacker DB=defensive back CB=corner back S=safety P=punter K=kicker
back Jimmie Robinson III (Flagler Palm Coast). Sims added, “In the past, kids used to have the mindset of not wanting to come here and leave Daytona. With the success that we have been having, local kids are now giving us an opportunity to recruit them and show them what we have to offer. These guys see that Bethune-Cookman has a lot more to offer than they previously thought.”
Team at a glance 2018: 7-5 overall, 6-2 in MEAC second place Head Coach: Terry Sims, fifth season 27-17 overall, 22-9 in MEAC Key returners: QB Akevious Williams, RB Tupac Isme,
RB Isaac Washington, WR Steffon Francois, R Jonathon Thomas, Que’shaun Byrd, WR/KR/PR Jimmy Robinson, OL Nick Roos, OL Javon Camp-Vivalosos, OL Jamal Savage, OL Cedrick Jackson, LB Marquis Hendrix, LB Devin James, DL Jerome Howard, DL Uriah Gilbert, DE Marques Ford, S Tydarius Peters, S Vernon Walker, CB Trevor Merritt, CB Jamuari Laguerre, CB Henry Miller. Key newcomers: WR Darryl Powell; DL Tony Bowman (Coahoma Community College); LB Untareo Johnson (East Mississippi Community College); LB Rashon McNeal (Monroe College). Offense and Defense: Multiple Strengths: Offensive line, defensive front seven Concerns: Kicking game Key games: Sept. 1 vs. Jackson State, MEAC/SWAC Challenge, Atlanta; Sept.14 at Miami; Sept. 28 at Howard; Oct. 26 vs. South Carolina State; Nov. 16 at North Carolina A&T; Nov. 23 vs. Florida A&M, Florida Classic. Outlook: The Wildcats again field a talented and competitive team. They return several key players from injury and have added some depth and skill at some key positions. To win the MEAC, it’s all about beating conference opponents. Historically, the team who wins it usually has that one conference loss or goes unbeaten. Last year, B-CU lost to Howard early and North Carolina A&T late.
High school game of the week: DeLand holds off Mainland BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES
Alec Merchard intercepted Taron Keith in the end zone as time expired and DeLand survived Mainland for a dramatic 2118 win at Daytona Stadium last week. Mainland was in position for a 47-yard field goal with 7 seconds remaining but a penalty cost the team five yards. “Our kicker can make that distance, but we wanted to do a quick play and add a few extra yards. We felt we had the right play but the penalty cost us,” said Mainland Head Coach Scott Wilson. DeLand (1-0) made big plays on both side of the ball. The Bulldogs also made the Buccaneers pay for their mistakes. “It’s a lot of things that took place, but we were able to preserve. We survived. I’m proud of our kids and coaches. We picked our poison with Keith. You can rush him or contain him in the pocket; he can throw or run on you. We did a good job,” stated DeLand Head Coach Steve Allen.
Key turnovers The Buccaneers had three turnovers in the game, including two that negated possible scores. They fumbled at the goal line in the second quarter and at the two-yard line in the third. ‘Our defense did a good job. We got some key turnovers in key situations, especially twice around the end zone,” said Allen.
Scott added, “When you lose the turnover battle, it’s not a good sign that you will lose the game and that factored into the night. Two of them could have been scores for us.” Still, Mainland had a chance to rally from an 18-point deficit. Scott noted, “I’m proud of our guys; they could have hung their heads but they didn’t quit. They continued to fight.”
Exciting to the end Keyonte Alexander’s four-yard touchdown run put DeLand up 21-3 with 1:51 to play in the third period. Mainland (0-1) responded with a 59-yard touchdown pass from Keith to T.J. Lockley with 33 seconds remaining in the third quarter. Keith’s eight-yard score made it 21-18 with 3:09 remaining. The two-point attempt was good. DeLand jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the second quarter behind a pair of touchdown passes from Jayden Nirchl to Cameron Miller. DeLand’s Avantae Williams left the game due to injury early in the first quarter.
This week’s top games Matanzas (0-1) at Seabreeze (0-1): Just feeling like this game should be competitive. Father Lopez (1-0) at Titusville (1-0): The Green Wave go for a win on the road against a larger school. Tampa Bay Christian (0-0) at New Smyrna Beach (0-1): New
Mainland and DeLand square off for a classic prep football season opener. The Bulldogs edged the Buccaneers 21-18. Smyrna tries to rebound against another tough small school. Mainland (0-1) at Columbus, Ohio Bishop Sycamore (1-0): The Buccaneers travel a long way to play in the Freedom Bowl. Execution and blocking out distractions are key.
Prep Sports Seven Preseason Rankings 1. DeLand (1-0) 2. Flagler Palm Coast (1-0), 3. Spruce Creek (1-0), 4. Mainland (0-1), 5. New Smyrna (0-1) 6. Father Lopez (1-0), 7. Atlantic (1-0).
Mainland’s Teron Keith (4) hands the ball off to Nathan Braswell (2) during the game against DeLand. PHOTOS BY DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY. COM