Florida Sentinel Bulletin

Members of the Tampa Bay Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of Amreica (GMWA), held an Appreciation Program on April 6^th. The purpose of the event was to honor its directors and musicians. It was held at St. John Cathedral. Several members were honored in recognition of their work during the past year with cards, plaques, and other gifts. Among those recognized from left to right are: Spencer Scott, Sandra Jones, James Robbins, Carlton Brown, Chapter Representative, Adrian Nelson, Jeffery Ballon, Windell Roberson, and Minister Isaac Ruffin. (Photograph by Toby Scott, of Chow and Scott Keepsakes). 

The official ceremony changing the name of the East Tampa Produce Station, 2810 E. Hillsborough Avenue, to honor the late Reverend Abraham Brown, retired educator, pastor and community leader took place Tuesday morning. Ernie Onody, Officer in charge, Tampa Post Office, served as the Master of Ceremonies. Pierce Blount, grandson of Reverend Brown, led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Reverend Evan Burrows, who succeeded Reverend Brown as Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church of College Hill provided the Invocation. Among the family members and officials present at the ceremony were from left to right: daughter, Kim Blount, U. S. Congresswoman Kathy Castor, granddaughter, Morgan Bennett, Reverend Brown’s widow, Mrs. Altamease Brown, daughter, Ouida Brown, granddaughter, Vedressa Mitchell, grandson, Abraham Mitchell, great grandson, Jarious Mitchell Striker, Robert Blount, son-in-law, daughter, Vanessa Bennett, and Mayor Bob Buckhorn. Pierce Blount is shown standing in front. (Photograph by Julia Jackson).

Members of the Florida Conference of Black State legislators and the Florida Legislative Black Caucus hosted their 6^th Annual Legislative Summit in Tallahassee April 3-6. The theme for the event this year was “A Call to Action: Refocus, Reconnect & Recommit.”  The Summit included a luncheon at the Leon County Civic Center on Thursday, April 4^th, in which Michael Eric Dyson delivered the keynote address. Among those in attendance at the luncheon were Florida Legislators:  Representative Randolph Bracy;  Senator Audrey Gibson; Senator Oscar Braynon, II; Senator Arthenia Joyner, Chair of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus;  Michael Eric Dyson, Keynote Luncheon Speaker; Representative Hazelle Rogers; Senator Dwight Bullard; Senator Geraldine Thompson; and Representative Kionne McGhee.

Last week, Dr. Juel Smith, along with Ms. Dottie Berger MacKinnon, and Ms. Deanne Roberts, (posthumously) were inducted into the Commission On The Status of Women Hall Of Fame. The ceremony was held at the Tampa Convention Center, on Thursday, March 28^th. The Hall Of Fame was created in 2011 to pay tribute to women in Hillsborough County who have made significant contributions for the betterment of the citizens. Among her many other contributions, Dr. Smith helped establish the Institute on Black Life and the Center for Africa and Diaspora at the University of South Florida, becoming the first African American woman to do so. Members of The Links, Inc., of which the honoree is a member, were on hand for the Induction Ceremony and luncheon. Shown from left to right are: her daughter, Babette Shannon, Marie Beard, Joan Dawson, Gloria Andrews, Dr. Juel Smith, (the honoree), Margarette Spears, Odessa Banks, Donna McRae and daughter, Gina Spicer at the induction ceremony. (Photography by Toby Scott, of Chow and Scott Keepsakes). 

On Sunday, March 24, 2013, the Tampa Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and the Tampa Guide Right Foundation held its First Annual Benefit Concert at the 34^th Street Church of God. The free gospel concert was well attended and supported by many local choirs and groups from the Tampa Bay Area. The proceeds from the concert will benefit the Tampa Guide Right Foundation, which has assisted more than 90 Bay Area students with college scholarships over the past decade.  Shown from left to right are: Aaron Covington, Malawi Hills, Anthony Wheatley, Guide Right Director Andre Curry, Master of Ceremonies Ed Narain, Bryan Walker, Aaron Keith, Jarell Kelley, and Kyle Johnson.

Earlier this month, family and friends gathered at the College Hill Event Center to celebrate the 80th birthday of Clifford Canty. The birthday celebration, a surprise event, was filled with entertainment, songs, roasting and of course enjoying a delicious meal. Guests from as far away as Georgia were in town to help him celebrate. Mr. and Mrs. Clifford (Thelma) Canty, seated, are shown with, from left in front, Rashawn Kennedy and Sonja Patterson. Standing behind are: Denise Edwards, Lenzo Canty, Cheryl Patterson and Joe Patterson. (Photograph by Sylvester Harris of Treasured Moments)

During Spring Break ten members of Men Of Vision visited the State Capitol. This is the 6^th Year that State Representative Betty Reed has sponsored the one-day trip for the organization. The group visited the Capitol while the legislators were in session and Rep. Reed recognized them on the floor. They also met and talked with State Rep. Janet Cruz. After leaving the Capitol, the young men visited the campuses of Florida A & M University and Florida State University. They rounded out the day by having lunch with Rep. Reed before returning home. Men of Vision members shown in the photograph are: Chris Webb, Kerion White, Andres Bautista Phillip Smith, Henry Tillman Jr., Brandon Johnson, Trevon Brown, Kezio Snelling, all students at Steinbrenner High School, and Eddie Fields, of West University Charter High School. Barkari Brown is not shown. Ross Anderson is the founder and sponsor of Men Of Vision. 

The Wilbert Davis Boys and Girls Club Modeling Krew was among the participants in the Black History Month Program. The DOC of WMNF Radio (88.5) was the host of the program. Those who are a part of the Modeling Krew (K-5th grade) are: first row, MaKayla, Calicia, Jamarya, Khalia, J’ohnnie, Samantha, Erica, Leah, Vianca, AhKeela, Jacorria, Alleah, Vanesha and Ronjzae. Second row, MarKeisha, Destiny, Laneyia, Marquise, Chris, J’emaris, Alexius, Amaurie and Rodney. Top row, Myona, Stephanie, Kaylen, Franchelle, Dejah, Tariyah, De’maris, Dontavius, Jailon and Theotis. (PHOTOGRAPH BY BRUNSON)

Daryll Anthony of Da Best Restaurant hosted a gospel concert, “Lift Jesus Higher,” on Saturday, March 9th. The concert was held at the 34th Street Church of God with the Rance Allen Group and ‘Sunday Best’ finalist, Sue Roseberry as headliners. Several local talents were among the program participants. Tony Pittman and the Harmony Winds was one of the groups.  They are: from left, Tonya Pittman, Felicia Pittman, Tony Pittman, Sr., Tony Pittman, Jr., Crystal Capheart and Johnnie Capheart. (Photograph by Toby Scott of Chow and Scott Keepsakes)