Florida Sentinel Bulletin

PHYLLIS GILLIAM RETIRES FROM HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD

     Phyllis Gilliam was joined by family and friends recently at her home to celebrate her retirement from the Hillsborough County School District after 30 years. Shown from left are: Cedric Gilliam, Phyllis Gilliam, Simon Palk and Wayne Price. (Photograph by Frederick Harris)

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY HOLDS BUFFALO SOLDIERS MEMORIAL DEDICATION

     The Hillsborough County Buffalo Soldiers Memorial Dedication Ceremony was held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Veterans Memorial Park & Rear Admiral Leroy Collins, Jr. Veterans Museum.   Among those in attendance were: front row (left to right): Commissioner Joshua Wostal, Commissioner Chris Boles, Commissioner Gwen Myers, Brig. Gen. Remo Butler, U. S. Army (Ret.), State Representative Fentrice Driskell, Mayor Jane Castor, and Councilwoman Naya Young. Back row (left to right): Lawrence “Captain Hook” VanHook (National Chaplain National Association of Buffalo Soldiers & Troopers Motorcycle Club, Inc., Lead Pastor of Community Church, Oakland, CA; Nathan ‘Motown’ Mack, National President, National Association of Buffalo Soldiers & Troopers Motorcycle Club, Inc.; and James “Big Dog” Thomas, Sr. (National Association of Buffalo Soldiers & Troopers Motorcycle Club/NABSTMG) Charter Member, Eufaula, AL Chapter. (Photograph by Tonya M. Lewis, Children With A Vision)

ED NARAIN, ESQUIRE, CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF BLESSINGS

     On Sunday, September 6^th, family members and friends joined Edwin (Ed) Narain, Esquire, at the Tampa Garden Club as he celebrated 50 years of Blessings. Ed is shown with daughter, Elaina, wife, Monica, and daughter, Zahara. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

‘WE STILL DO’ 25^TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

     Sameya Roundtree and Larry L. Roundtree, II, observed their 25th Anniversary on Saturday, August 22, 2026, with a renewal of vows ceremony. The couple, joined by family and friends, gathered at the site where the couple were united August 4, 2001 – Greater St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, Lakeland. The Roundtrees “We Still Do” Bridal Party included: Marra Earle (Maid of Honor), Aria Roundtree (Bridesmaid), Aryah Roundtree (Flower Girl), Lady Sameya Roundtree (Bride), Pastor Larry Roundtree, II (Groom), Tyree Williams (Groomsman), Larry “Bishop” Roundtree, III (Groomsman) and Lashad McCloud (Groomsman). Photograph by Tonya L. Lewis

HOWARD W. BLAKE HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1966 60^th REUNION

        The Howard W. Blake High School Class of 1966, held their 60^th Reunion over a 3-day period at the DoubleTree by Hilton Tampa Rocky Point Waterfront. Several of the Yellow Jackets took advantage of the opportunity to reconnect with former classmates. These classmates are: 1st Row: Carolyn Willis, Arnold ‘Daddybo’ Watson, and Ivelita Suber. On the 2nd Row are: Pauline Williams, Cynthia Jones, Patricia Hunter, Kay Long, Mary Underwood, and Margarett McDowell. On the 3rd row: Lois Dunbar, Everlyn Chester, David Bowers, Dr. Prentiss Davis, ,Ollie Thornton, Sandra Canaday, Mattie Davis, Eulauia Harris, and Anthony Carswell. (Photograph by Frederick Harris)

JOY OVER THE RAINBOW HOLDS 7-UP PROGRAM

        Joy Over The Rainbow held its annual 7-Up Program on July 19, 2026, at Abundant Life Church, Plant City. Proceeds from this year’s event benefitted the Salvation Army. The 7-Up Program featured 7 speakers, who spoke for 7 minutes, on 7 subjects, with refreshment of 7-Up Pound Cake and 7-Up soda. Among those in attendance were: from left, Pastor Karen Barnes, Delores Gambrell, Vernice Jeannie Jenkins (President/founder), Evonne Kostantenaco, Felicia Clark, Johnnie Mae Monroe, Annette Royal, and Fran Tate. On the 2nd row: Pastor Frank Shines, Mr. James Padgett, and Linda Grant. On the back row: Elder Robert Sturgis,  Regina Gainey, Vivian Kitchen, Mary Jones, and Fanni Green-Lemons (Event Chairperson). (Photograph by BRUNSON)

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)