Daytona Times, January 11, 2018

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LA’TASHA D. MAYES: IT’S TIME FOR AMERICA TO #TRUSTBLACKWOMEN PAGE 4

MAINLAND’S LADY BUCS BELIEVE THIS WILL BE THEIR YEAR SEE PAGE 7

JANUARY 11 - JANUARY 17, 2018

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‘HUMILIATED AND DISRESPECTED’ Huger quits longtime Daytona position; lawsuit ongoing

BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES

Thomas Huger once enjoyed his job at the City of Daytona Beach, calling it a pleasure to work for the municipality from May 2006 to October 2010.

Huger said that after that time he endured “constant alienation,

isolation, humiliation, discrimination, harassment and retaliation.’’

He resigned last month as the city’s facilities construction and maintenance manager.

Huger, 65, is suing the city for age and race discrimination and wants a jury trial.

“I hope someday our community does not have to deal with this behavior,” Huger told the Daytona Times.

Filed last year His attorney, Kelly Chanfrau,

confirmed via email that the lawsuit is ongoing.

“The case is in discovery. The parties have some depositions to take and then the case will be ready for trial,” Chanfrau stated.

The lawsuit was filed early in 2017 and followed a 2015 claim with the Florida Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) for racial discrimination against the city after Huger was passed over for a promotion for deputy public works director. The job went to David Waller

DAYTONA TIMES / 40TH ANNIVERSARY

Campbell dedication, MLK march

a 39-year old White male.

In the EEOC suit, Huger noted, “I am Black, more educated, (MBA Management, more experienced (40 Thomas years of work exHuger perience), local resident, nine-year employee compared to a 39-year-old white man with a Bachelor of Science degree in Forest Resource Con-

The Martin Luther King 50th Anniversary weekend of events will include a free “State of the Dream’’ address at BethuneCookman University in Daytona Beach by Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, a Georgetown University sociology professor and author. A march and festival also are scheduled in DeLand.

“It’s important to come together united in celebrating Dr. King’s legacy, especially with this being the 50th annual (of his death). Dr. King was about unity and bringing others together. Together we can have a bigger festival – not just DeLand but all of the communities in Volusia County,” said Troy Bradley, co-chair of the 50th anniversary committee and pastor of of Greater Union First Baptist Church, DeLand.

The Rev. Nathan Mugala, pastor of Allen Chapel AME Church in Daytona Beach, also is a cochair.

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump created a political headache for Republican leaders of coastal states with his proposal last week to expand offshore oil

ALSO INSIDE

Master — a diehard Trump ally facing a competitive Republican primary in June — is one such governor.

“We cannot afford to take a chance with the beauty, the majesty and the economic value and vitality of our wonderful coastline in South Carolina,” McMaster said Wednesday.

See HUGER, Page 2

JACK DYKINGA/CHICAGO TRIBUNE/TNS

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. addresses the Sunday Evening Club at Orchestra Hall in Chicago on March 14, 1965. King told a capacity audience that “White and Black men alike must learn to live together or they will perish together as fools.”

No tickets needed Festivities will begin on Saturday with the speech by Dyson at the Mary McLeod Bethune Performing Arts Center, 698 W. International Speedway Blvd. It starts at 7 p.m.

“It’s just important for those who already know the struggle.

The older folks have struggled with civil rights. Dr. Dyson has continuously been the drum major for justice for all. It’s important to continue to discuss it and the struggles of our forefathers.

People need to get out and hear the message,” Bradley stated.

The event is free to the public.

“We do have tickets distributed See MLK, Page 2

THE HISTORY CHANNEL

King stands near a bus at the end of the Montgomery Bus Boycott in Alabama on Dec. 26, 1956.

Trump’s offshore drilling stance creates trouble for other GOP governors and gas drilling. Now he’s causing even more chaos.

After allowing Florida to opt out of the plan, Trump is now likely to receive a barrage of requests from GOP governors of other affected states who suddenly feel pressure to ask for exemptions, too.

In South Carolina, Henry Mc-

In his resignation letter to Daytona Human Resources Manager James Sexton obtained by the Daytona Times, Huger says his workplace had become a hostile

BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES

Dyson to speak

BY EMMA DUMAIN AND TONY PUGH MCCLATCHY DC/ TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE

‘Belittled, alienated’

Local events will honor King, remember ‘Dream’ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. died on April 4, 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee after he was fatally shot at 6:01 p.m. as he stood on the second-floor balcony of rhe Lorraine Motel. He was 39 years old.

This year marks the 50th year of his assassination at the Memphis motel, which is now the site of the National Civil Rights Museum.

The federal King holiday on Monday also is the birthdate of King, who was born on Jan. 15, 1968, in Atlanta.

In observance, various cities in Volusia are hosting joint activities instead of separate ones as they’ve done in the last.

Thirty-nine years ago in 1979, the Daytona Times reported on the official dedication of the Campbell Community Center (now the Dickerson Center), and a memorial march in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday starting and ending at then-Bethune-Cookman College.

servation and personal associate of Steven Richart, the person making the final decision on the hiring.’’

Richart was the city’s public works director at the time.

Legal action possible In staunchly Democratic Maryland, centrist GOP Gov. Larry Hogan will dispatch his attorney general “to take any legal action necessary against the federal government to prevent this possible exploration,” said a spokeswoman.

And in Georgia, Republican

Gov. Nathan Deal broke his silence on the issue with a statement on Wednesday that suggested he too has reservations about Trump’s proposal.

“The governor has some concerns with opening up Georgia’s pristine coastlines, which he will convey to the congressional delegation,” said Jen Ryan, Deal’s deputy chief of staff for comSee DRILLING, Page 2

COMMENTARY: MARC H. MORIAL: THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF A MOMENTOUS YEAR IN CIVIL RIGHTS | PAGE 4 NATION: TWEETS BY NFL PLAYER TURNED TEACHER BRINGS ATTENTION TO FRIGID CLASSROOMS | PAGE 5

7 FOCUS

2 MLK observance in Flagler County set for Monday The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 50th Anniversary Ecumenical Program will be held at 11 a.m.

Monday at Trinity Presbyteri-

JANUARY 11 – JANUARY 17, 2018

an Church, 156 Florida Park N., Palm Coast.

The keynote speaker will be John Miller Jr. of Orange Park.

Miller is a retired U.S. Navy officer.

For more information, call 386446-4657.

Glover to lead workshop Dr. Nathaniel Glover will headline a free leadership workshop at 11 a.m. on Jan. 27, at First Church of Palm Coast.

Glover is the president of Edward Waters College in Jacksonville.

First Church is located at 91 Old Kings Road N. For more information, call 386-446-5759.

DRILLING from Page 1 munications, in a statement to McClatchy.

Drilling plan Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke announced last week that between 2019 and 2024, the administration would make more than 90 percent of the nation’s Outer Continental Shelf acreage available for oil and gas drilling.

Hogan and Deal are up for re-election in 2018. They and McMaster represent states that benefit from oceanrelated commerce, including hotels, restaurants and recreational and commercial fishing.

In a 2017 letter to Zinke, members of Congress said that ocean-related commerce generates $95 billion in economic activity each year and supports 1.4 million jobs on the Atlantic coast.

Gift to Scott?

Halifax Health employees enjoy cupcakes in celebration of the hospital’s 90th year.

Halifax Health celebrates 90th year serving area SPECIAL TO THE DAYTONA TIMES

On Jan. 3, Halifax Health commemorated 90 years of service to the communities it serves with a special cupcake celebration for its more than 4,000 employees in Volusia, Flagler and Orange counties.

On Jan. 3, 1928, Halifax District Hospital in Daytona Beach was officially opened with 125 beds, 40 of which were private rooms, and a

MLK from Page 1 that some of the pastors and community leaders have. People can still come without tickets. You don’t have to pre-register,” clarified Bradley.

DeLand events On Sunday, a countywide community praise and worship service is scheduled at 4 p.m. at The Sanctuary, 401 E. Taylor Road, DeLand.

This year’s celebration culminates with a two-mile march from Stetson University to Earl Brown Park at 750 S. Alabama Ave., DeLand, beginning at 11 a.m. on Monday.

The march will be followed by a festival in Earl Brown Park, which will include music by the R&B and jazz band Pocket Change of Fort Lauder-

HUGER from Page 1 environment.

“I am unable to continue working where I have been embarrassed, belittled, alienated, discriminated against, isolated, humiliated and disrespected personally and professionally,” Huger wrote.

In the letter, Huger further states, “It was a pleasure to serve the city of Daytona Beach from May 2006 until about October 2010. Since that time I have endured constant alienation, isolation, humiliation, discrimination, harassment and retaliation.’’

‘Pattern of discrimination’ Chanfrau believes the work environment forced his client out.

“Our position is that he was constructively discharged, which means he was forced out by resignation,” stated Chanfrau.

According to the lawsuit, the city has “actual and constructive knowledge of discrimination within its ranks and workforce that has been permitted to ensue’’ and “has engaged in

22-member nursing staff.

Julia May Leach served as the hospital’s first administrator.

Services provided Since that time, Halifax Health has experienced tremendous growth.

The community health system now provides a continuum of health care services through a network of organi-

dale as well as local entertainers. There also will be prizes, food vendors, other vendors and a dance competition by local dance teams.

The festival will include a three-on-three basketball tournament at the park.

Separate breakfasts Local municipalities will continue to host separate King breakfast events. They are scheduled at the following locations on Monday morning.

• Allen Chapel, A.M.E. Church, 580 George Engram Blvd., Daytona Beach, 7:30 a.m.

• Stetson University, 421 S. Woodland Blvd., Rinker Field House, DeLand, 9 a.m.

• Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 214. N. Myrtle St., New Smyrna Beach, 8 a.m.

• South Ormond Beach Neighborhood Center, 176 Division St., Ormond Beach, 8 a.m.

Bethune-Cookman Interim

a pattern of discrimination with its hiring practices.’’

The lawsuit further states that the city has retaliated against Huger “by isolating him, giving him a poor evaluation, subjecting him to ridicule publicly, humiliating him, harassing him, undermining his supervisory authority rightfully entitled to him by his job title and position and attempting to create a work overload for performance evaluation.’’

Former bosses criticized In his resignation letter, Huger acknowledged, “I regret that I must hand in this resignation and I will look back fondly on the good times I had at this job before being transferred to the public works department under Ron McLemore.’’

McLemore is Daytona’s former city manager.

Huger, whose father, James Huger, was the city’s first Black commissioner, noted in his letter, “I am grateful for the valuable experiences I have gained while working for the city of Daytona Beach, more than 40 capital projects successfully completed, most under budget with validation of approximately $35 million.

zations including two hospitals, a freestanding emergency department, an urgent care, primary care offices, hospice care, home health care, a cancer treatment center with five outreach locations, psychiatric services, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, children’s medical practices; a pediatric community clinic and an exclusive provider organization.

In addition, Halifax Health offers the area’s only Level II

Trauma Center, Comprehensive Stroke Center, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Pediatric Emergency Department, Child and Adolescent Behavioral Services, complete Neurosurgical Services, OB Emergency Department and Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit that cares for babies born as early as 28 weeks.

For more information about Halifax Health, visit halifaxhealth.org.

President Hubert Grimes will be the keynote speaker for the breakfast at Stetson.

These breakfast events have been held for many years. Tina Carlyle who is organizing the Ormond Beach breakfast stated that it has been held for 15 years.

“It’s really grown and gotten bigger and better in Ormond.

It’s free to the public thanks to the sponsorship of the City of Ormond Beach and community partners like VITAS Hospice Care who sponsor,” Carlyle told the Times.

need to embrace it and open our hearts and minds to that struggle,” she related.

“They went through a lot for us. We need to embrace it in a positive way and uplift that legacy. Our people were lynched, raped, murdered, called names and spat on.

They did this for us to be able to live freely. We can now marry who we want, work where we want, eat where we want, go to school where we want, etc.,’’ she added.

The program at BethuneCookman and other events sponsored by the 50th anniversary committee are free due to help from local sponsors.

This year’s sponsors include Volusia County Government, Bethune-Cookman University, Stetson University, Rotary International, NAACP, Greater Union Life Center and The Sanctuary of DeLand.

For more information, visit www.volusiamlk.com.

Many sacrifices Carlyle, who also is on the 50th MLK Celebration Committee, reflected on the importance of honoring King and others who fought for freedom.

“We as human beings and African-Americans understand the struggle that our people went through and the legacy they left behind. We

“I am hopeful and confident that these experiences will benefit me in all of my future endeavors.”

Huger also stated, “My former supervisor, Mr. Frank Van Pelt continued to harass and retaliate against me and created a hostile workplace. The damage has already been done and damaged my health and well-being.”

A spokesperson for the City of Daytona Beach

would not comment for this story, citing the ongoing litigation.

Success before city Prior to his career with the city, Huger was a successful businessman and administrator.

He has been licensed by the state of Florida as a certified building contractor (CBC) and certified real estate sales, The International Code Council

Trump’s concession to Florida is being seen largely as a gift to Republican Gov. Rick Scott.

Although Scott once supported offshore drilling, he recently embraced the opposite view, and now he can wield this victory in a likely Senate campaign against Democratic incumbent Bill Nelson.

Nat Mund, director of federal affairs for the Southern Environmental Law Center, said his organization was viewing the decision with a degree of cynicism and suggested it could lead to legal challenges.

“It’s not clear procedurally what they’ve done. Have they actually taken Florida out? The 60-day public comment period is open right now.

Have they prejudged an outcome, which is against the law? It’s not clear what they actually accomplished other than playing politics with our coast,” Mund said.

Dems respond In some ways, Florida’s Scott might have given coastal Republican governors an opening to advocate on behalf of the interests of their state, but it’s not clear whether it will work elsewhere.

It’s not clear whether McMaster’s lobbying will be a political benefit.

The Democratic Governors Association (DGA) issued a particularly scathing statement.

“After days of silence and inaction, Governor McMaster finally woke up to the threat of Trump’s offshore drilling plan,” said DGA deputy press secretary Alex Japko. “Instead of proactively taking steps to stand up for his state, McMaster was caught flat-footed. South Carolina voters deserve to know why Florida got a carve-out and not South Carolina.”

Deal wasn’t getting a pass in Georgia, either.

“While we commend Governor Deal’s announcement, the adverse impacts of offshore drilling to Georgia’s coastline should elicit more than just concern,” said Diane Hoskins, campaign director at Oceana, in a statement.

Avery Wilks of The State in South Carolina contributed to this report.

has named Huger a certified building Inspector and certified residential combination inspector.

Professional posts include 10 years, from 19881999 with Bethune-Cookman. Huger was employed in the following positions: associate vice president for fiscal affairs, assistant vice president for procurement, and director of construction/renovation.

As an entrepreneur,

Huger managed his namesake business Thomas Huger, CBC, from 20002006.

Huger has a bachelor of science degree in finance from Bethune-Cookman College (now University) and a master’s of business administration in management from Webster University. He also served in the United States Marine Corps.

classes start JANUARY 16 W, T NO R A T S ERE, H ATH T P R STAR U

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JANUARY 11 – JANUARY 17, 2018 COMMUNITY DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006

Kwanzaa event highlights struggles and successes A Kwanzaa celebration reinforcing the seven principles, or the Nguzo Saba, was held Dec. 29 by the Cultural Committee of the African-American Cultural Society.

It reached many that filled the seats a marketplace for vendors - and through cultural entertainment, acknowledged our African heritage.

The celebration resonated another annual Kwanzaa at the African American Cultural Society, emanating since 1991.

Dr. Maulana Karenga of the Black Studies Department of California State College, Long Beach, created Kwanzaa in 1966. Kwanzaa is defined as “First Fruits of the Harvest.”

The guide to living the seven principles of the Nguzo Saba are: umoja (unity), kujichagulia (self-determination), ujima (collective work and responsibility), ujamaa (cooperative economics), nia (purpose), kuumba (creativity) and imani (faith). Kwanzaa offers African-Americans the opportunity to reconnect with their African roots.

A candle, celebrating each day of Kwanzaa, is lit from Dec. 26 through Jan. 1.

What candles mean On the kinara, or candleholder, three red candles are placed on the left of the black candle; three green candles are placed on the right, and the black candle is in the middle.

“The black candle represents unity among Black people,” said Cultural Committee member Edward Brown Jr. “The red candles represent our struggle, or the blood that we have bled – or in Garvey’s words (Marcus Garvey), our struggle for equality, freedom, empowerment and political unification,” said Brown.

The green candles signify hope for the future.

Brown and his wife, Wilhelmina, lit the mishumaa saba (the seven candles) symbolizing the principles of Kwanzaa.

A ujamaa moment The Browns’ daughter, Edwina, scaled the depths of Kwanzaa, and said, “It was a communal value system that would aid us in our struggles to be ourselves, to free ourselves as African people, and make our own unique contribution to the four globes of human history.”

The 12-year-old highlighted the fourth day of ujamaa (cooperative economics), which was paramount to celebrating Kwanzaa at the African American Cultural

PHOTOS BY JEROLINE D. MCCARTHY/DAYTONA TIMES

The Cultural Committee was made up of Edward Brown Jr.; Leuwhana Sylvain; Meshella Woods, curator; Brenda Andrews, cultural chair; Janice Williams; Eileen Hopkins; and Donald Bryant.

PALM COAST COMMUNITY NEWS JEROLINE D. MCCARTHY

Society.

“Ujamaa involves the call and commitment to build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses, and profit from them together,” said Edwina.

History lesson Committee member/curator Meshella Woods, focusing on Halena Wilson, president of the Women’s Auxiliary to the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, offered that “the Negro in 1942 should unite

Above left: Participating in Kwanzaa were Walter C. Lane and Berthena StatonHall of Florida Steppers International. Above right: Andrea Graves recited “Still I Rise.’’ his forces and pool his funds for the common good of all.’’

Among the sightings of cooperative economics in African-American history, civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hammer ascribed in the 1970s that “cooperative ownership of land opens the door to many opportunities for group development of economic enterprise” ...and establishes “economic independence in the face of economic and political discrimination and retaliation,” said Woods.

“And so that means, as an individual, we can’t accomplish as much as we can as a village. And, that’s the full theme of cooperative economics – starting to think not as I, but as we,” said cultural chair Brenda Andrews.

Entrepreneurial vendors also were on hand for the crowd to support our Black businesses.

And, Kwanzaa was ready to roll with Andrea Graves reciting poetry and Walter C. Lane spinning dance partner Berthena Staton-Hall to depict the expressive culture of African Americans.

A weekend of films in Flagler The experience of featuring a Flagler Film Festival fuels the desire of a Fifth Annual Flagler Film Festival and 55 films shown in a weekend at the Hilton Garden Inn, 55 Town Center Blvd., Palm Coast.

Organizers Kathryn and James Barry made the announcement of the amazing 55 independent films at the upcoming festival, ranging from two-minute microshorts to two-hour feature films. Films from 16 Florida filmmakers, including films from around the world, will be screened.

The Barrys are thrilled that the legendary Burt Reynolds will star in “Miami Love Affair,” a romantic comedy filmed entirely in

State of the County address set for Jan. 22 Volusia County Chair Ed Kelley and other members of the Volusia County Council will deliver the annual State of the County address at noon Monday, Jan. 22, in the Ocean Center ballroom, 101 N. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach.

The free event is open to the public. Lunch will be served, and seating is limited.

For reservations, call the County Manager’s Office at 386-943-7026 or send an email to dzakaluzny@volusia.org by Friday, Jan. 12.

Miami with a local cast and crew.

In addition to the plots, New York actor/comedian Chris Roach will bring the comedic music video, “Ronkonkomo.” You’ll remember Chris from the CBS comedy “Kevin Can Burt Wait.”

Reynolds Ryan Egypt’s action short, “Chasing Titles Vol. 1,” will bring Brian Austin Green, and the short filmed in Florida.

There’s Lance Reddick in “Lawman,” directed by Matthew Gentile, plus the Emmynominated Robert Picardo of “The Wonder Years” will be screened in “Occupants,” directed by Russ Emanuel.

Jan 12 start The plethora of films will be featured Jan. 12, 6 to 11 p.m.; Jan. 13, noon to 11 p.m.; and Jan. 14, 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Advance tickets are $5 per block; $10 per a one-day pass; and $25 for the all-festival pass.

Tickets at the door are $7 per block; $14 per a one-day pass, and $35 for the all-festival pass.

Log on to the website at www.flagler filmfestival.com for the listings and credit card payment.

••• As always, remember our prayers for the sick, afflicted, the prodigal son, or daughter, and the bereaved.

Celebrations Birthday wishes to Marva Jones, Jan. 11; Lutherine McCarthy of Bear, Delaware, Jan. 14; Michelle Kinshasa, Jan. 15; Thea Smith, and Gladys Carr, Jan. 17.

Hours for tax, tag and title office at Ocean Center Volusia County’s Daytona Beach Tax, Tag and Title Office, which is temporarily located in the Ocean Center, will close at 3 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12. It will be closed all day Friday, Jan. 26.

Other county-operated Tax, Tag and Title Offices are open five days a week at 2744 Enterprise Road, Orange City; 123 W. Indiana Ave., DeLand; and 111 Canal St., New Smyrna Beach.

Vehicle registration renewals can be processed online at www.Volusia. org/Renewexpress.

Tax payments can be processed online at https:// Volusia.county-taxes.com.

Private, third-party offices are located at 927 Beville Road, South Daytona; and 2772 Elkcam Blvd., Deltona, also provide tag and title services.

All county offices will be closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 15.

For more information about the Daytona Beach office, call 386-254-4626.

R4

7 EDITORIAL

JANUARY 11 – JANUARY 17, 2018

It’s time for America to #TrustBlackWomen After Roy Moore’s defeat at the hands of Alabama voters – driven by Black voter turnout, especially the votes of Black women – we saw the celebration, credit-taking, and meaning-making that usually accompanies a progressive electoral victory.

But one thing was different.

This time, mainstream media and social media feeds flooded with messages acknowledging and thanking Black women for our role in the outcome.

Our reality One of the hashtags that took off amid the Alabama election returns and the following days was #TrustBlackWomen. Welcome to the reality Black women have known about – and named – for decades.

But what does it mean to trust Black women? What does it mean to advance a policy agenda that addresses the issues Black women face in this country?

Black women voters are not a monolith. We’re diverse, complex, and deeply engaged in national, state, and local policy debates. We don’t all agree.

But there is a set of values and policies that most Black women hold close to our hearts: we want a future where we can live with respect, health, and justice. Where we can decide whether and when to have children, and raise those children without fear of hunger, violence, or discrimination. Where we can realize our dreams and highest human po-

LA’TASHA D. MAYES GUEST COMMENTARY

tential.

Support legal access I hope that this election can finally put to rest the ludicrous question of whether a progressive agenda must include support for abortion access. (Yes, it must.) Not only are Black women overwhelmingly supportive of abortion access, but nationwide, keeping abortion legal has the highest levels of support in decades. Being able to make our own decisions about our bodies, pregnancy, and parenting is crucial to Black women’s dignity and self-determination.

Black women are already leading the way in reproductive health, rights, and justice policy.

In 2015, after decades of work

by Black women advocates, Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) led the introduction of the EACH Woman Act to repeal the Hyde Amendment’s reign of terror on poor women, and the bill today has 128 co-sponsors in the House, even in this incredibly hostile political moment.

In another show of leadership, women of color in the Senate and their colleagues sent a bold and defiant letter to Donald Trump demanding that he strip the Hyde Amendment and other bans on abortion coverage

The 50th anniversary of a momentous year in civil rights “It is not an overstatement to say that the destiny of the entire human race depends on what is going on in America today. This is a staggering reality to the rest of the world; they must feel like passengers in a supersonic jetliner who are forced to watch helplessly while a passel of drunks, hypes, freaks, and madmen fight for the controls and the pilot’s seat.”

– Eldridge Cleaver, “Soul on Ice” (1968) As we embark upon 2018, we step into the 50th anniversary of a year that shook the world.

Perhaps the most momentous of these events are the assassinations of Dr. Martin Luther King,

MARC H. MORIAL TRICE EDNEY NEWS WIRE

Jr., and Robert Kennedy. Both of these tragic deaths hold personal significance for my family.

Knew MLK My parents, civil rights activists, were personally acquainted with the Rev. King. My mother, Sybil Morial, and King were students together at Boston University while she pursued her master’s degree in education and he his Ph.D. in theology. In her

My thoughts on the New Year lull Certain characteristics are common to all living organisms.

The shared need for rest pops into mind. Whether we label it rest, sleep, hibernation or dormancy, in the life cycle of an organism, its health and wellbeing is only satisfied with time set aside for rejuvenation.

My studies and observations inform me that as the complexity of organisms increase, there is a corresponding complexity in their need for rest. Generally, lower lifeforms simply sleep when their need impacts. Unless threatened, they will awaken and pursue outcomes that are more instinctive than not.

Although the human animal will succumb to the need for sleep, its restfulness will be de-

DR. E. FAYE WILLIAMS, ESQ. TRICE EDNEY NEWS WIRE

termined by a myriad of circumstances that include individual anxieties, physical threats, physical discomfort, and more. Whatever our circumstance, rest is the absence of or a lull in the presence of the stressors that prevent us from allowing ourselves to experience a renewed state of peace.

Rest period Many friends have called this

VISUAL VIEWPOINT: TRUMP’S OFFSHORE DRILLING PLAN

from the budget. I doubt anyone is holding their breath for him to do the right thing, but that should never stop our leaders in Congress from taking a principled proactive stand.

But a reproductive health, rights, and justice platform that respects Black women must go beyond abortion. Black women in the U.S. are dying in childbirth at many times the rate of White women, a national crisis that has gone largely ignored. Black women also suffer and die at disproportionate rates of reproductive cancers like breast and cervical cancer.

DAVE GRANLUND / POLITICALCARTOONS.COM

Improve ‘Obamacare’ We also need access to quality affordable health care and coverage for the full range of reproductive care including cancer prevention, screening, and treatment, and prenatal, maternity, and postpartum care.

The Affordable Care Act – a law Black women championed – was a monumental step in the right direction. We’re fighting to hold on even to that, and we know a much more accessible and comprehensive solution is needed.

Every day, Black women face nearly impossible odds to raise our children with dignity, love, and abundance. But the cruel anti-family budget and tax policies of the conservative GOP have decimated funding for nutrition, housing, and other necessities while lining the pockets of their wealthy donors – even as they have failed to reauthorize

memoir “Witness to Change,” she writes of the moment on April 4 when she learned of his death: I could hardly grasp the words: Martin Luther King has been shot to death in Memphis. Dutch was in the study. I called to him, and he came and stood by me. “Martin has been killed.” I could hardly say the words; I could hardly believe it. Not Martin. Dutch and I watched the gruesome footage in silence.

She recalled the words of his final speech, “I’ve seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land.”

He knew it, but we didn’t. And we didn’t understand his death.

I was inconsolable ... I said to Dutch, “Now that Martin is gone, what will become of the movement?” “It will go on. It must.”

At RFK’s death My late father-in-law, Ross Miller, was a trauma surgeon

year’s holiday period a lull in their observation of the insane behaviors of No. 45. Their need to remove immediate thoughts of the past 11 months and potential consequences from their consciousness has directed them impose a personal lull in the processing of current events.

As I have stated numerous times, I think it is in No. 45’s plan to have us thinking in so many different directions that we can’t see the truth of his actions.

I again encourage and admonish readers to “Stay woke” and focus on No. 45’s real intent for our lives and future of our nation.

Rather than surmise his intent, give serious and ongoing consideration to several questions. Answer them for yourselves. Discuss them with others and open a dialogue: • What does our nation gain with the destruction of the institutional norms that give direction to our daily lives?

the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). We must do everything in our power to reverse this dangerous redistribution of wealth and well-being from the poor to the super-rich.

Finally, we must address the ways in which police and prisons have been weaponized against Black Americans to rob us of our loved ones through mass incarceration and deadly police violence. Black lives matter is more than a hashtag, organization, or movement. It’s the urgent cry for justice from the mouths of mothers, sisters, wives, partners, and daughters.

No more waiting Time and time again, Black women have been told to wait our turn.

When male citizens – both White and Black – got the legal right to

of a home, but also racially-motivated threats, intimidation or retaliation in relation to housing.

• What benefits accrue to our nation when No. 45 and his lackeys distort and misshape the facts we use to construct our understanding of the truth?

• What positive outcomes can be expected from destroying public faith in the judicial system and those who enforce the law?

• Can our nation, divided racially, ethnically, religiously and by other factors, thrive when the division is engendered by political leaders?

tor has relaxed rules on dumping toxic waste and air and water quality. The attorney general has abandoned civil and voting rights enforcement.

Every White House press conference challenges us to believe or not believe what we see with our eyes and hear with our ears.

No. 45 constantly condemns intelligence and law enforcement agencies that are not in lockstep with him. And, No. 45 has engendered a resurgence of overt racism not seen in the last 50 years.

If nothing else, we must keep these questions in the forefront of our collective consciousness.

We mustn’t let our need for rest lull us into inactivity. Our struggle continues and we will only succeed through action.

No accident Steve Bannon told the 2017 Conservative Political Action Conference that a major goal of No. 45 was “deconstruction of the administrative state.” He added, “...these cabinet appointees, they were selected for...deconstruction.”

We see a secretary of Education who has designs to eliminate public education. The Environmental Protection Agency direc-

CREDO OF THE BLACK PRESS The Black Press believes that Americans can best lead the world away from racism and national antagonism when it accords to every person, regardless of race, color or creed, full human and legal rights. Hating no person, fearing no person. The Black Press strives to help every person in the firm belief...that all are hurt as long as anyone is held back.

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Charles W. Cherry, Sr. (1928-2004), Founder Julia T. Cherry, Senior Managing Member, Central Florida Communicators Group, LLC Dr. Glenn W. Cherry, Cassandra CherryKittles, Charles W. Cherry II, Managing Members

La’Tasha D. Mayes is the founder and executive director of New Voices for Reproductive Justice. Twitter: @duxfemfac.

and Kennedy campaigner who was present at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles on June 5. When the shots rang out, he bravely stepped forward and tried to save the lives of Kennedy and others who were wounded.

These deaths are but two of the civil rights milestones of that historic year half a century ago.

On February 8, the Orangeburg Massacre took place in South Carolina. Highway Patrol officers opened fire on a crowd of 200 student gathered on the campus of South Carolina State University to demonstrate against the continued segregation at the bowling alley. Three young men were killed and 27 other protesters were injured.

On April 11, amid continuing unrest triggered by King’s murder, President Lyndon Johnson signed one of the most significant laws of the era: the Civil Rights Act of 1968, more commonly known as the Fair Housing Act. The Act prohibited not only racial and religious discrimination in the sale or rental

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.

vote, we were told to wait our turn. When White women built a suffrage movement on our backs and out of our genius and then cut us out of it, we were told to wait our turn. And when Democrats and Republicans alike have taken our votes for granted while ignoring our needs, we have been told to wait our turn.

No longer. It’s time for this country to do more than thank Black women – it’s time to put our issues in the center of the political table and follow the leadership of Black women as we construct a new nation that affirms the human rights of us all.

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Still inspirational In a move often cited as inspiration by current-day activists, on October 2, Black Olympians Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their arms in a “Black Power” salute after winning the gold and bronze medals in the men’s 200 meters.

November 22 saw the first interracial kiss ever to air on television in the United States, between the characters Captain James Kirk and Lieutenant Nyota Uhura, on the program “Star Trek.”

In the coming year, we will observe many of these anniversaries in depth. We begin the year reflection on a half-century of civil rights progress, and the progress that lies ahead.

Marc Morial is president and CEO of the National Urban League.

Dr. E. Faye Williams is national chair of the National Congress of Black Women, Inc. Contact her via www.nationalcongressbw.org.

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5 7

M ANATION YOR

JANUARYDECEMBER 11 – JANUARY 2018 14 - 20,17, 2006

“He was a proponent for education for all and he believed that strong minds break strong chains and once you learn your lesson well, the oppressor could not unlearn you. - Rev. Jesse Jackson

King’s lasting impact on equity in education

BY STACY M. BROWN NNPA NEWSWIRE

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s influence on the Civil Rights Movement is indisputable, but his fight for equity in education remains a mystery to some.

That fight began with his own education.

“He clearly had an advanced, refined educational foundation from Booker T. Washington High School, Morehouse College, Crozer Theological Seminary, and Boston University,” said the Rev. Jesse Jackson, founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

“His education in his speeches and sermons and writings were apparent and he wanted us all to have that type of education.”

King completed high school at 15, college at 19, seminary school at 22, and earned a doctorate at 26.

“Dr. King laid down the case for affordable education for all Americans, including Polish children— from the ghetto and the barrios, to the Appalachian mountains and the reservations. He was a proponent for education for all and he believed that strong minds break strong chains and once you learn your lesson well, the oppressor could not unlearn you,’’ Jackson added.

‘Always saw education’ The Rev. Al Sharpton, founder and president of the National Action Network (NAN), said that NAN works with Education for a Better America to partner with school districts, universities, community colleges, churches, and community organizations around the country to conduct educational programming for students and parents.

“The mission of the organization has been to build bridges between policymakers and the classrooms by supporting innovations in education and creating a dialogue between policymakers, community leaders, educators, parents, and students,” Sharpton said. “We’re promoting student health, financial literacy, and college readiness in our communities, just like Dr. King did.”

King was a figure to look up to in both civil rights and academia, Sharpton told the NNPA Newswire.

“Then, when you look at his values, he always saw education, especially in the Black community, as a tool to uplift and inspire to action,” Sharpton said. “It’s definitely no coincidence that a number of prominent civil rights groups that emerged during Dr. King’s

ABERNATHY FAMILY PHOTOS/WIKIPEDIA COMMONS

Civil Rights Movement co-founder Dr. Ralph David Abernathy and his wife, Mrs. Juanita Abernathy (not pictured), march with Dr. and Mrs. Martin Luther King Jr. (center). The Abernathy children march on the front line, leading the Selma to Montgomery March in 1965. The children are (left to right): Donzaleigh Abernathy, Ralph David Abernathy III and Juandalynn R. Abernathy.

The name of the White minister on the left is unknown. time, were based on college campuses.”

Equality and access Sharpton added that King routinely pushed for equality to access to education.

“Just as importantly, he always made a point to refer education back to character—that we shouldn’t sacrifice efficiency and speed for morals,” Sharpton said.

“A great student not only has the reason and education, but a moral compass to do what’s right with his or her gifts. It’s not just important to be smart, you have to know what’s right and what’s wrong.”

Dr. Wornie Reed, the director of Race and Social Policy Research Center at Virginia Tech who marched with King, said when he thinks of King and education, he immediately considers the late civil rights leader’s advocating that “we should be the best that we could be.”

“King certainly prepared himself educationally…early on he saw that education played a crucial role in society, but perceived it as often being misused,” Reed said. “In a famous essay that he wrote for the student newspaper at Morehouse in 1947, he argued against a strictly utilitarian approach to education, one that advanced the individual and not society.”

Cummings. “His fight for equality in educational opportunities helped to tear down walls of segregation in our nation’s schools.”

Cummings continued, “He instilled hope in us that we can achieve our dreams no matter the color of our skin. He instilled in us the notion that everyone can be great, because everyone can serve and there are so many great advocates, who embody this lesson.”

Instilled hope

Universal quest

Maryland Democratic Congressman Elijah Cummings, who remembers running home from church on Sundays to listen to King’s speeches on radio, said King had a tremendous impact on education in the Black community.

“Dr. King worked tirelessly to ensure that African Americans would gain the rights they had long been denied, including the right to a quality education,” said

In support of education equality, civil rights leaders across the country are still working to ensure all students, regardless of color, receive access to experienced teachers, equitable classroom resources and quality education, Cummings noted further.

For example, the NAACP has done a tremendous amount, across the country, to increase retention rates, ensure students have the resources they need, and

Former NFL player raises money to keep students warm Tweets by linebacker turned teacher brings attention to problems at Baltimore schools

in keeping them warm. How can you teach a child in these conditions? This fundraiser will help in purchasing space heaters and outerwear to assist in keeping these students warm.”

BY LAUREN VICTORIA BURKE NNPA NEWSWIRE

Outpouring of support

Thousands of people stepped up to help former NFL linebacker Aaron Maybin raise money for students in Baltimore’s public schools after his tweets showing students wearing jackets and winter hats inside a classroom went viral.

The former NFL player has continued to raise awareness about the issue by promoting a clothing drive and other initiatives to support the students.

Maybin now teaches at Matthew A. Henson Elementary in Baltimore. He Maybin played football for the Buffalo Bills and the New York Jets.

Jones, who also graduated from the Baltimore city public school system, according to the GoFundMe page, said that the fundraiser would help to purchase, space heaters and outerwear to help the students stay warm; the page also noted that supporters could donate hats, gloves, coats and socks for the students.

In less than a week, nearly 2,100 people contributed $76,199.

On Jan. 6, Maybin tweeted, “It’s been amazing to see the outpouring of support from the community. Thank you to everyone that has helped to push this issue and donated resources. Please keep them coming! #MyBmore”

GoFundMe account

Citywide shutdown

A senior at Coppin State University named Samierra Jones set up a GoFundMe account to support Maybin’s effort.

The GoFundMe page says that, “Baltimore City Public Schools are currently operating with an inadequate heating system. Students are still required to attend classes that are freezing and expected wear their coats to assist

Most of Baltimore’s public schools reopened Monday after public outrage forced a citywide shutdown last week, according to USA Today.

“Four schools failed to make the grade Monday, and students were sent home from another school after a pipe burst,” USA Today reported. “Baltimore serves more than 80,000 students

prepare students for success after graduation—whether it be for college or a specific career path, Cummings said.

During his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech in Oslo, Norway, King said: “I have the audacity to believe that peoples everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education and culture for their minds, and dignity, equality, and freedom for their spirits.”

The need for high quality education in the Black community is universal and the route to get there may be different, but education does matter, Jackson said.

“Dr. King told me he read a fiction and a non-fiction book once a week. He was an avid reader and, in the spirit of Dr. King, today we fight for equal, high-quality education,” Jackson added. “We fight for skilled trade training, affordable college education and beyond.”

jails. But not enough for basic public school necessities.”

Failing systems

AARON MAYBIN/TWITTER

Aaron Maybin tweeted: “I got two classes in one room, kids are freezing, Lights are off. No computers. We’re doing our best but our kids don’t deserve this.” at 177 schools and programs.”

Last week, Maybin tweeted: “It’s really ridiculous the kind of environment we place our children into and expect them to get an education. I got two class-

es in one room, kids are freezing, Lights are off. No computers.

We’re doing our best but our kids don’t deserve this.”

Maybin continued, “All the money in the world for building

Like Maybin, many who followed the story on social media acknowledged the irony of the amount of tax money that is spent on jails and prisons as compared to what is spent on the public school system.

“Baltimore’s K-12 public school students and teachers are on the front lines watching this city talk about juvenile crime while the State of Maryland, Baltimore’s mayor, and @ BaltCitySchools can’t even keep classrooms properly heated during freezing weather,” tweeted Lawrence Brown on Twitter. “As studies have determined, however, Maryland severely UNDERFUNDS our schools, creating deep issues.”

According to the Baltimore Sun, “Baltimore schools have had to return millions in state funding for building repairs after projects to fix failing heating systems and roofs grew too expensive or took too long.”

The Sun report continued: “Since 2009, city schools have lost out on roughly $66 million in state funding for much-needed repairs after approved projects ran afoul of state regulations meant to prevent waste, state records show. The money could have funded dozens of new heating systems at schools where the heat is now failing.”

Lauren Victoria Burke is an independent journalist, political analyst and a frequent contributor to the NNPA Newswire and BlackPressUSA.com. She can be contacted at LBurke007@gmail.com and on Twitter at @LVBurke.

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7 CLASSIFIEDS

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M SPORTS AYOR

JANUARY 11 – JANUARY 2018 DECEMBER 14 - 20,17, 2006

STATS KEY Note: The stats from the Mainland Lady Bucs did not figure in Tuesday’s game against Father Lopez. ppg: points per game average rpg: rebounds per game average apg: assists per game average spg: steals per game average year we may be faster. The best thing is that we come together as a team during adversity, which makes us better.”

‘Still learning’

DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

The Mainland High School Lady Bucs believe this is the year they can return to the playoffs.

Trust is key to Lady Bucs’ success The Mainland High team has shown improvement from last year’s season

BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES

The Mainland High School girls’ basketball team were off to a 9-4 as of Wednesday.

They are also 5-2 in district 2-7A – good enough for second place behind Father Lopez.

The key to success for the Lady Buccaneers has been trust.

“The girls just really believe in me and themselves. I told them at the beginning that they have to trust in what I am teaching

and that they have to trust in each other,” said Arthur Westbrook, head coach.

This is Westbrook’s fifth year leading the program.

Westbrook also has installed a defensive identity into the squad.

“Everyone wants to score. I am a defensive coach. My philosophy is if your opponent can’t score, then they can’t beat you. If we come out and score the first basket and keep our opponent from scoring, then we win 2-0. It’s that simple,” said Westbrook.

Starting lineup The Lady Bucs’ starting lineup includes senior guards Dzhariya Hawkins (6.7 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 4.2 apg, 3.4 spg), Dnajah Smith (6.8 ppg, 4 spg) and LeeAnn Kent (8.8 ppg, 3.4 spg); junior forward Leesha Henry (7.5 ppg, 5 rpg) and freshman Isys Grady (11 ppg, 7 rpg).

Grady is the team’s leading scorer and leading rebounder; she plays all positions and is the tallest player at 5’10”.

“Dzhariya and Dnajah are really our leaders. Isis as a freshman has been phenomenal. You have to come and see her play. She has handled the pressure.

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She is going to be a leader. She has a good attitude on and off the court. She knows where people are supposed to be and so on,” noted Westbrook.

Key contributors of the bench for the Lady Bucs are senior forward Diamond Davis (2 ppg, 2 rpg), sophomore guard, Heavenn Gould (5.9 ppg, 2.1 rpg) and sophomore forward, Jordan Elder (4.6 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.7 spg).

‘We all click’ Despite the lack of height and depth, Mainland is fast and athletic. They are still figuring things out.

Westbrook cautioned, “We are still learning each

other. We need more time practicing and playing together. The really good teams know each other very well. They can make the right passes, key shots, right defensive switches, so on, just because of how well they know each other as teammates.”

The girls also believe in this year’s squad capabilities and possibilities.

“I never met a group of girls like this. We all click and we vibe together. I’ll go to war with them. It’s amazing to be with those who have your back and you have theirs. That is how we feel about each other,” expressed Smith.

Kent added, “I think this

Saban continues to build winning legacy at Alabama

BY JORDAN MCPHERSON MIAMI HERALD/TNS

At first glance, the halftime move seemed bizarre, rushed, perhaps even a rare overthought.

Why, in the middle of the national championship game against Georgia, would Nick Saban bench Jalen Hurts, the quarterback with a 25-2 record who led his fourth-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide to two consecutive national championship games, for Tua Tagovailoa — a first-year quarterback with just 53 career passes that mostly came in garbage time?

“We have to do something,” Saban said at halftime after Alabama was stonewalled

by Georgia’s defense.

That something turned out to be one of Saban’s smartest decisions, a gutsy call that only Saban could seemingly pull off.

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Mainland already has shown improvement from last year’s 13-12 season.

This year’s team could be as good as or better than the 2015-16 squad that was led by Machella Green, posted a 20-9 record and made it to the playoffs.

“My coaching staff and I have talked about that team and looked at this one. We’re young and still learning each other, but they really believe in each other and everyone is buying into the system,” added Westbrook.

The Lady Bucs believe that this is the year that they can return to the playoffs.

“We must continue to communicate on and off the court. We must stay focused and don’t get distracted,” mentioned Hawkins.

Westbrook agrees, “We have to trust each other you can have the best players in the state but if, they don’t trust each other and play together as well as a team. Once we do that we can get over the hump.

We have the talent but we must continue to learn and get better and coach each other.”

After being shutout in the first half and trailing the entirety of the game by as much as two scores, the Tagovailoa-led Crimson Tide pulled off a comeback for the ages to defeat the No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs 26-23 in overtime at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

And Saban’s legacy as one of the best coaches in college football history only continues to grow.

Ever since he left the Miami Dolphins following the 2006 season to become the head football coach at Alabama, Saban has brought the Crimson Tide back to the dynastic role it held in the glory days of Bear Bryant.

Tied with Bryant In simplest terms: five national championships, five SEC championships, 10 10win seasons and a 127-20 overall record in 11 years.

Add in his national championship from the 2003 season with LSU, and Saban is now tied with Bryant for the most national titles by a single head coach.

But to Saban, Alabama’s 66-year-old stoic mastermind, the wins and the accolades and the recognition are all secondary. Every game, every moment has a teaching value, Saban says.

“The message to the team tonight after this game was I hope you take something from this game and the resiliency that you showed in this game and it helps you be more successful in life,” Saban said. “It’s not just about winning the championship. … We like winning, and we hate losing, but there’s more to it than that.”

Lesson after loss His team learned as much last year, when Alabama lost to Clemson in the national championship on a last-second touchdown.

“Don’t waste a failing,” Saban said. “That’s the lesNick son we all wanted to learn.”

Saban So, his team built off it.

Despite a depleted defense at times during the season, and a couple close calls against Texas A&M and Mississippi State, the Crimson Tide opened the year with 11 consecutive wins before falling 26-14 against Auburn in the Iron Bowl.

Alabama missed out on a chance to play for an SEC championship and barely snuck into the College Football Playoff as a No. 4 seed despite plenty of criticism.

And this time, the final win came on the back of a freshman in Tagovailoa, who had a minimal role all season and rallied the Crimson Tide from a rare two-touchdown deficit.

Winning plays In the second half and overtime, Tagovailoa finished the game with 166 passing yards, three touchdowns and an interception. Each touchdown played a pivotal role in the Crimson Tide’s comeback.

First was the 6-yard pass to Henry Ruggs III in the middle of the end zone for Alabama’s first points of the game.

Tagovailoa marched Alabama down the field on a seven-play, 56-yard drive on his second series of the game, highlighted by a 9-yard run on third down during which Tagovailoa weaved and bobbed past three Georgia defenders behind the line of scrimmage to move the chains.

Then it was the game-tying touchdown to Calvin Ridley, a Monarch High alumnus, with 3:49 left in regulation.

41-yard bomb And finally, it was the 41-yard bomb to DeVonta Smith in overtime that sealed yet another Alabama crown. On that play, Tagovailoa looked the safety off the route and threw a perfect pass to Smith down the left sideline.

“We needed a spark on offense,” Saban said. “Tua certainly gave us that and did a really good job.”

And Tagovailoa was able to create that spark because Saban made a call that most would balk at on that stage — a legacy-defining decision inside a legacy-filled career.

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7JANUARY 11 – JANUARY 17, 2018