Florida Sentinel Bulletin

On Sunday, June 16^th, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., several fathers and their daughters participated in the 7^th Annual Daddy-Daughter Dance. The event was held at the Pepin Hospitality Center, 4121 N. 50^th Street. The event was hosted by Stu Robinson, formerly of Clear Channel’s 95.7 FM the Beat. This year’s theme was “A Lifetime of Love.” Those in attendance enjoyed dinner and an evening of dancing. Among the fathers and daughters attending the event are shown seated left to right: Michelle Horne, Tyeisha Hairston, Stu Robinson, and Iris Carter. Shown standing are: D. J. Chase, Ebony Grimsley, Zahra Magwood, Patricia Early, Kia Holder, Sherita Woodard, Patricia Harris, Kenya Woodard, and Cathy Etheridge. (Photography by BRUNSON)

The SOS Foundation of Tampa Bay, Inc., hosted its first End of the Year Bash and Health Fair last Saturday. The event took place at the Northside Missionary Baptist Church. Several community organizations and medical professionals were on hand to take part in the health fair to educate those who attended the event. There were numerous activities that took place including face-painting and door prizes. Among those in attendance at the event were shown seated: Michael Holmes, Abriel Spells, and Valerie Harris. Shown standing are: Yoshicka Snow, the organization’s Secretary, Tranette Engram, Director of Social Services and Donations Coordinator, April T. Jones, President, and Anthony Cook, Vice President of the organization. (Photo by ANDRICK DENNIS)

The Hillsborough County Branch NAACP held its ACT-SO competition on June 2, 2013. The competition took place at Mount Pleasant Standard Based Middle School. The theme for this year’s competition was “Nurturing the Gifted Youth Within Our Village: Preserving Our Own Legacy.” The purpose of the Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) is to recognize and reward African American youth who exemplify scholastic and artistic excellence. The student awardees are shown with their family members: from left, Chelsea and her father, Kingsley Reeves; Victoria and her father, Solomon French; Remey Phillip with grandparents, Carolyn and Oscar Osborne; Anoni and her mom, Irene Alexander, and Alonzo and his dad Myron Jackson. Maurice Jackson was coordinator of the program. (Photos by Julia Jackson)

     Last weekend (May 29-June 2, 2013), the Desert of Florida Prince Hall Shriners and its auxiliary, Daughters of Isis, held its Annual Desert Conference and Gala Day Celebration State Conference in Jacksonville. More than 450 delegates attended. PP Billy D. McLamb (#182) serves as the Imperial Deputy of the Desert of Florida (Nobles) and HPIC Patricia A. Harrell serves as the Imperial Deputy for the Desert of Florida (Daughters of Isis). Harram Temple No. 23, Inc. earned 2 Leadership Awards. Noble Byron K. Johnson was named Illustrious Potentate of the Year 2013 for his leadership and support of the Imperial Council Programs. Past Potentate Earl Haugabook received the prestigious Imperial Deputy of the Oasis of the Year 2013 for his exceptional dedication as the Imperial Deputy of the Oasis of Tampa. Standing left to right are: PP Pierre Rutledge, Noble Darrell Thomas, Noble Bernard Gray, Noble Lesley (Les) Miller, Jr., Noble Steve Lawson, Noble Byron K. Johnson, HPIP Michael Dozier, PP Billy D. McLamb, Noble Tony Downing and Noble Wayne Kellogg, Jr.

     The Royal Jewels of Sheehy Elementary, the group mentored by the Tampa Chapter of The Links, Inc., had an opportunity to put their etiquette skills to work recently.  The Tampa Links hosted its annual Mother/Daughter Tea in honor of the girls. The 4^th and 5^th graders wore their Sunday best, and the chapter provided hats, pearls and gloves to top off the outfits. They were served sandwiches, and dessert with a spot of tea. The Tampa Park Community Center was decorated to perfection with many members displaying their finest tea sets and tier dishes.  A group of girls from St. Peter Claver School also attended.  Felicia Harvey, granddaughter of Link Hazel Harvey and Tampa Chamber of Commerce official, was the guest speaker.

      Royal Jewels of Sheehy Elementary pose after their Tea:  Kneeling: L-R: Betty Hernandez, Emily Macias, Symorra Churchwell, Synovia James, Brianna Nickerson, Mikeiyonna Gilmore, Ci’Arra Maddix-Evans, and De’Shawna Miller.

     Sitting: L-R: Rozana Bass, Christie Wallace, Ashliona Martin, Kamiah Courtney Veronica Williams, Leandrinique Ponder, Desire McMillan, Nevaeh Tolbert, and Jahnaye Moody.

     Standing: L-R: Adirah Valor, Joanna Rene, Joanna Hernandez, Anjaliyah Chapman, Nylijah Mobley, Brynette Louis, Sole’ Herring, Lanika Johnson, Asya Walden, Kenniyah Gaffney,  Ayana Gaines, Kashia James, Meia Keaton, Anniqua Sawyers, Kanesha Slater, Jordyn Davis, Kourtney Lawton and Ceana Taylor. 

Links Evelyn Bethune, Margarette Spears, Marlina McClure and Ruby Brown chaired the event. Kay Andrews is the president of the chapter. (PHOTOGAPH BY BRUNSON)

Members of the Men of Vision Service Organization held their 7^th Annual Academic Achievement Awards Ceremony on May 18^th. The event took place a Muvico Theaters Centro Ybor. During the event, all of the young men were recognized for their academic achievements and community service. Among those in attendance were Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor, State Rep. Betty Reed, and Hillsborough County School Board members April Griffin, Doretha Edgecomb and Susan Valdes. During the program, Ross Anderson, founder of Men of Vision, Inc., introduced the new officers for the 2013-2014. The new officers are from left to right: Brandon Johnson, Treasurer, Wildens Cajuste, Overall President, Jorge Rojas, Overall Secretary, Douglas Conklin, Men of Vision Board Chairman, Kerion White, Overall President of Middle and Elementary School Chapters, Marqavious Hamilton, Overall Vice President, and President at Steinbrenner High School, Andres Bautista, Vice President, Steinbrenner High School, and Gabriel Gerth, Historian.

   The City of Tampa Black History Committee observed its Silver Anniversary with a Scholarship Gala. The event was Saturday evening, May 25th at the Wyndham Tampa Westshore. The keynote speaker was Emmy-nominated, actor, film director and political activist, Danny Glover. The Mistress of Ceremony for the evening was Erica Riggins of Bay News 9. One of the highlights of the evening was recognizing its title sponsor, TECO Energy. From left to right: Frank Crum, President, City of Tampa Black History Committee; Lenoir Russell, Vice President, COTBHC; Bruce Narzissenfeld, Vice President-Marketing, Customer Service, Business Development and Fuels Operations, TECO; keynote speaker, Danny Glover and Regina Lock-DePass, Scholarship Gala Chairperson. (Photograph by Julia Jackson)

   Eddie Graddy celebrated his 50th birthday with a celebration in Ybor City on May 11th. A host of family and friends were on hand to help him with the celebration. The event was hosted by his brother, Marcus Graddy of Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Eddie, center, better known as “Bubba,” is shown with from left, cousins, Bennie Holder, Bernecia Holder and Louise Holder; and brother, Marcus.

   The 7th District of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. held it District Meeting in Tampa a few weeks ago at the downtown Hilton Hotel. One of the founders of the fraternity was Ernest E. Just, for whom a West Tampa elementary school is named. The District wanted to do something in his honor. The local Pi Iota Chapter of the fraternity presented the check on behalf of the District to Ms. Carolyn Hill, right, Principal at Just, during last week’s School Board meeting. Local chapter members who made the presentation, from left, Ron Cherry, Willie Robinson and Fred Hearns. (Photograph by Julia Jackson)