Florida Sentinel Bulletin

The 31st Annual Miss Junior Debutante Coronation was held at the College Hill Conference Center on Sunday April 21, 2013. This year’s theme was “And Still I Rise,” which was performed by Charmette Bettye Kinsey. Suix young ladies were vying for the title. From left to right are 2nd place winner, Asya Jafar; Jasmine Jacobs, “Miss Good Manners,” Timyra Newton, first runner-up; winner, Miss Junior Debutante 2013, Heaven Stephens; Miss Junior Debutante, 2011, Taylor Young; Zena Keys, “Miss Sunshine;” and Taymiyyah Muhammed, “Miss Creative.” Dr. Margaret A. Fisher is President of the Charmettes of Hillsborough County. (Photograph by Lomax McIntyre)

The George Edgecomb Bar Association held its 30th Annual Scholarship Banquet last Monday, April 29, 2013 at the Hilton Tampa Downtown. Sponsors of the event were: Butler Pappas, Quarles and Brady, LLP, and the Saunders Foundation. The keynote speaker for the event was The Honorable Glenda A. Hatchett, founder and CEO of Great Day Productions that specializes in television programming. Her message was about encouraging young people, who are tomorrow’s future. From left are: AnnKisha Harrelson, Attorney Clinton Paris, Judge Glenda Hatchett, Attorney Delano Stewart, Attorney Lesley Smith-Hayes and Attorney Corey Person, President, George Edgecomb Bar Association. (Photograph by Julia Jackson)

High School students in Hillsborough County Public Schools were recognized a few weeks ago for turning around their academic and personal lives. The students were treated to lunch at the Maestro Restaurant in the Straz Performing Arts Center. The keynote speaker for the event was former professional football player, author and motivational speaker, James Evans. Turnaround student, Rodrionna Harris, center, of Blake High School is shown with from left, Phan Robinson, Julio Douglas, Nicole Posante and Ernestine Johnson-Robinson. (Photograph by Frederick Harris)

All Sports Community Service founder, Tyrone Keys, surprised two families recently when he invited them to tour his office on the campus of Howard W. Blake High School. Keys showed the parents of two young men, one the mother of the victim and the other the father of the suspect, a #23 jersey perfectly framed for display. The jersey belonged to the late Albert Perry, who was shot to death 20 years ago. In the photo are (left to right): Ricky Sailor, Ronald Pressley, Sr. (father of suspect), Cheryl McCarter-Perry (mother of victim), Scott Ulm of Jerry Ulm Dodge, Tyrone Keys, and in front, Albert Perry’s grandson, Jean Williams.

Recently, members of the “Yes, We Can” Women’s Fellowship Ministry held their Anniversary Celebration along with a Conference Retreat. The three-day event took place at Shepherd’s Beach Resort and the theme was “Higher Than Your Brokenness.” Among those in attendance at the event were on the front row from left to right: Eddie Brown, Gloria Bracelet, who was honored at the Anniversary Banquet, Gloria Williams, Brenda Greenway, Paula Lang and Jacquelyn Walker. Pastor Phyllis Mack, guest speaker at the anniversary banquet, Esther Ehikioyo, Tina Edwards, Allene Roberts, Valerie Mitchell, Leah Miller, Annette Haywood, Janice Peeler, Vallynn Rogers, Sylvia Baker, Francina Spain, LaTonya Riley and DeAnna Johnson are shown on the back row. 

 (Photograph by Toby Scott, of Chow and Scott Keepsakes). 

Tampa City Councilman Frank Reddick (District 5), with the assistance of Stanley Gray and other members of the Saturday Morning Breakfast Group (S. M. B. G.) along with some anonymous donors presented City of Tampa Parks and Recreation Director Greg Bayor with checks totaling over $5,000 to assist children in attending summer camp at Al Barnes Park (18th St. Park). More than 40 young people will have the opportunity to attend summer camp and receive a recreation card to use at park facilities. Among those who responded and were available for the check presentation are: Sean Dickerson, Stanley Gray, Jetie B. Wilds, Councilman Reddick, Greg Bayor, Michael Hadley, Diedra Anthony, Eddie Adams, John Grimsley, Tony Mulkey, Scott Hardy, Michael Reeves, Marsha Carter, James Ransom, Alvin Holder and Heather Erickson.

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.