Florida Sentinel Bulletin

     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)

The Tampa Metropolitan Section of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. held its 4th Annual Bethune Recognition Luncheon on Saturday, May 4, 2013 at the Marriott Westshore Hotel. Channel 10 News Anchor, Reginald Roundtree, was the Master of Ceremonies. Recognition awards were presented to David Northern (Business), Carrie Williams (Religion), Gwendolyn Luney (Education), Geraldine Rellis (Bethune Achiever) and Sequenis Pye (Junior Bethune Achiever).  Members who attended the luncheon were: seated, Cassandra Leeks Howard, Harriet Scott, Frances Cheeks Jennings, Geraldine Twine, Minnie Sullivan, Tee Solomon (President), Erma Griffin, Antonia Barber, Rosalie Jones, Lucille Morris, Geraldine Rellis and Sadarria James. Standing: Charlette Smith, Doris Reddick, Sharen Robinson, Kaladia Chaney, Deborah Thomas, Gloria W. Davis, Audrey Miller, Essie P. Clark, Edna Berryhill, Willie Dillard Brown, Doris Scott, Joann Harris, Mildred W. House, Bertha Kemp, Jacqueline Mitchell, Rosa McKinzy Cambridge and Hilrie Kemp in the rear. (Photograph by Sylvester Harris of Treasured Moments)

Bible-Based Fellowship Church of Carrollwood and OMJ Consulting presented the Dr. Dorinda Clark-Cole 5th Regional Singers and Musicians Conference May 3-5, 2013. The weekend of events, held at Bible-Based, began Friday evening with the Showcase of artists. Several local groups and individuals performed. The 2013 winner was Sam Washington, center, shown with from left, Elder Steve Marshall, conference coordinator; Jackie Clark, Dr. Dorinda Clark-Cole and Angie Kelly, all of Detroit, Michigan. (Photograph by Julia Jackson)

   President Judy Genshaft and the University of South Florida African American Advisory Committee held the 2013 Kente Awards Reception on Thursday, April 25, 2013. The event was held in the USF Gibbons Alumni Center Traditions Hall. The welcome and recognition of special guests was done by Marian Lauria-Davis, Ph.D., Chair, USF African American Advisory Committee. The Kente Awards were presented to Dexter Frederick, M. D., and Lesley Miller, Jr. The scholarship recipients were also presented. Shown with President Genshaft, center, are: Deanndra Burrowes, Geornesia Moses, Dr. Frederick, Les Miller, Jessica Wilson and Javaris Green. (Photograph by Lomax McIntyre)