Florida Sentinel Bulletin

SOUTHWESTERN JURISDICTION CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST HOLY GATHERING

        The Southwestern Florida Jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) held its Holy Gathering June 22-26, 2026. Brown Memorial COGIC was the host headquarters. Among ministers in attendance were: Superintendent Clethen U. Sutton, Bishop Anthony W. Gilyard, Dr. Mark Ellis, Sr., Opening Night Speaker, and Supt. Walter R. Jenkins. (Photograph by George Streets, Streets & Streets Photography)

MELISSA AND KALVIN EXCHANGE WEDDING VOWS

        Popular Tampa couple Melissa “Missy” Moore and Kalvin Pearce exchanged wedding vows on Saturday, July 11, 2028. The ceremony was held at New Bethel Progressive Missionary Baptist Church, with the pastor, Reverend Reginal T. Webb, officiating. After the ceremony, the couple was greeted by more than 300 guests at their reception at HCC Regent in Riverview.

NATIONAL COALITION OF 100 BLACK WOMEN TAMPA CHAPTER HOSTS GOURMET GENTS

        The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Tampa Bay Area Chapter, held is “Gourmet Gents Denim & Pearls Culinary Affair” on Sunday, June 28th, at Higgins Hall. The event offers an afternoon of flavor, fellowship and community impact. Among the gentlemen who shared the event with family were: Enrique Grayson, Chef Danny Green, Marquis Lee, Jr., Marquis Lee, Sr., Don Lee, Jr. and Chef Don Lee, Sr. (Photograph by Tonya Ml Lewis, Children With A Vision)

TAMPA CHAPTER OF THE LINKS, INC. WELCOME NEW NATIONAL PRESIDENT

        Several members of the Tampa Chapter of the Links, Inc. traveled to Detroit, MI, for the 45^th National Assembly of the Links, Inc. Dr. Shuana Tucker Sims was installed as the new National President on June 27, 2026 in a lavish ceremony. Pictured from left to right: Brenda McKenzie, President of the Tampa Chapter; Angelia Williams, Member of the Tampa Chapter; Dr. Juel Shannon Smith, Member of the Tampa Chapter; National President Dr. Shuana Tucker Sims; Dr. Sharon Andrews Gray, VP of the Tampa Chapter; and Felicia Harvey, Programming Coordinator of the Tampa Chapter.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY HOLDS JUNETEENTH FLAG-RAISING CEREMONY

        Hillsborough County observed Juneteenth with its Fifth Annual Juneteenth Flag-Raising Ceremony on Thursday, June 18, at the north entrance of the Frederick B. Karl County Center, downtown Tampa. Several local, state and national elected officials were in attendance. Howard W. Blake High School Air Force Junior ROTC, did the ceremonial raising of the Juneteenth flag. Displaying the flag are: C/CRA La’titeyanna Nixon and C/CMSGT Austin Gusteso-Cruz. (Photograph by Frederick Harris)

20^th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF BLACK BUSINESS BUS TOUR

          The 20th Anniversary of the Black Business Bus Tour was held on Saturday, June 13^th, at the Westshore Hilton. The Bus Tour, started by Mrs. Candy Lowe-Jones, has traveled throughout the city visiting Black-owned businesses. Among those who joined Mrs. Lowe-Jones, center, for the celebration were from left: Beth Shoup, Wanda Mundy, Connie Melton, Mona Judge, Cecilia Mitchell, Tia Jenkins, Twanda Bradley, Ischolina Williams, Cametra Edwards, and Donald Dowridge. (Photograph by Tonya Lewis, Children With A Vision)

CITY OF TAMPA BLACK HISTORY COMMITTEE PRESENTS SCHOLARSHIPS

          The City of Tampa Black History Committee held its scholarship ceremony recently to recognize graduating high school students. The program was held at South University. Some members of the committee are standing with the students. Front row, from left: Marvin Martin, Bobby Bowden, Barbara Tripp, Fire Chief, City of Tampa; Shirley Foxx-Knowles, City Clerk, City of Tampa; Mindi R. Rainey, COTBHC Scholarship Chair; Ryan Rabon, Nina Brewster, Kelea Shepard, Naya Young, Councilwoman, Tampa City Council; and Robert E. Collins, Chief of Special Operation, Tampa Fire Rescue. On the top row: Emmanuel Nwosu, Julius Brocks, Jr., Noah Gandy, Candice Cowen, COTBHC President; Oliver Habiyakare, Cohen Allen and Don’Trevius Gadson. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

ORDINATION OF DEACONS AT NEW MT. ZION M. B. CHURCH 

          The congregation of New Mt. Zion M. B. Church was joined by family members and friends of 4 men who were installed as deacons on Sunday, May 31, 2026. The pastor, Rev. Larry Roundtree, II, conducted the installation service. The wives of the new deacons were also installed as new Deaconesses. Seated from left to right are: Deacon and Mrs. Ivan (Angela) Reese, Deacon and Mrs. Cecil (Priscilla) Howard, Deacon and Mrs. Keith (Sabrina) Winters, and Deacon and Mrs. Calvin (Glenda) Hudson. (Photograph by Tonya M. Lewis)

TAMPA CHAPTER OF THE LINKS, INC. INDUCT FIVE NEW MEMBERS

         On Saturday, May 16, 2026, the Tampa Chapter 0f the Links, Inc. inducted five new members to the sisterhood. The induction and celebratory luncheon were held at Hunter’s Green Country Club.

       From left to right, VP of Membership Dr. Sharon Andrews Gray, New Member Tina Fernandez, New Member Taylor Curry, New Member Jennifer China, New Member Gianna Clayton, New Member Dominque Blanchette Taylor, and Chapter President, Brenda McKenzie. (Photograph by BRUNSON)