Florida Sentinel Bulletin

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)

The Tampa Bay Black Business Investment Corporation (TBBIC) was one of the recipients of Wells Fargo’s Neighborhood Grant Program. The purpose of the Grant funds is to revitalize Tampa. TBBIC will provide loans to small businesses in a Contractor Loan Program. These business owners will be Tampa residents. It is hoped that with these funds businesses can grow stronger and become part of the economic recovery by providing jobs. Shown at the Grant presentation from left to right are: Mariela Hurst, Albert Lee, Mayor Bob Buckhorn, Frances Wimberly, Larry Whiting, Ron Peterson and Machelle Maner.

The Silver Anniversary of the City of Tampa Black History Celebration was held on February 15, 2013 at the Tampa Convention Center. The theme was “25 Years of Excellence,” and highlighted the accomplishments of city employees, the efforts of the City of Tampa Black History Committee and the unity that can be found in diversity. Rod Carter, WFLA Channel 8 News Anchor, was the emcee. Among those in attendance were: from left, City Councilman Frank Reddick; City Clerk, Shirley Foxx-Knowles; Tonja Brickhouse, Director, City of Tampa Solid Waste Dept.; Heddie Sumpter, State Senator Arthenia Joyner, Bobby Bowden (retired), who started the Black History celebration and served as chairman of the committee for many years; School Board Member Doretha Edgecomb; Bettye Greene Johnson (retired), who followed Bowden as chair of the committee; Dr. Walter Smith, County Commissioner Les Miller and retired City of Tampa employee, Fred Hearns. (Photography by BURNSON)

The Radiant Jewels of Van Buren Middle School spent half of their day last week at Tampa International Airport as part of the Garret A. Morgan Shadow Day. The young ladies are one of 2 groups mentored by The Tampa Chapter of the Links, Inc., under the Services to Youth facet. Members of the organization accompanied the Radiant Jewels as they toured all areas of the airport and had lunch afterwards. The tour was organized by Link Kay Jefferson. Radiant Jewels shown with Tampa Chapter of The Links, Inc. are: sitting, left to right: Madeline Morgan, Jonbanique Gainous, Danielle Lassey, Michla Eliassaint, Angelica Carvajal, Jaisha Walker, and Kim Lee. Standing, left to right:  Mrs. Cynthia Forward, Van Buren School Liaison; Mrs. Ozepher Wilds, Tampa Chapter of the Links, Inc, Services To Youth Co-Chair; Caprice West, Ayanni Blackmon, Kayla Ruiz, Lina Nguyen, Mrs. Margarette Spears, Tampa Chapter of the Links, Inc., Services To Youth Chair; Ariel Watson, Sierra Fry, Alexis Jones, Saneicia Lowe, Aliajah Johnson, Charlizia Spraggins, Shanaya George, Daphney Jean-Baptiste, Tequasha Harvey, Quijuana Anderson, Mya Black, Antwoniq Hendricks,  Makizia Sanders, and Link Charlotte Cato, Visiting Link, Asheville, NC. (Photograph by Lomax McIntyre)