Florida Sentinel Bulletin

Recently, members of the community gathered at the Wilbert Davis Boys and Girls Club for their Annual Black History Celebration. The youngsters participating in the program thrilled the audience with a skit, step show demonstrations, and solos of popular songs. During the program, several businesses from the African American community were also recognized and presented awards. Shown from left to right are: Jason Jenkins, Unit Manager of the Wilbert Davis Boys and Girls Club; William Knowles, Derrick Brooks Charities; Sol Davis, Sol Davis Printing, Leon Crews, Florida Sentinel Bulletin; Daryl House, Classic Gentlemen; James Lee, House of Hitz; and Cornelius Hamilton, Big Bru Barbecue. Other award recipients known shown are: Big John’s Alabama Barbecue, WMNF 88.5 FM Soul Party, Oriental Fish Company, Wilson’s Funeral Home, Aikens Funeral Home, and Barbecue King. (Photography by BRUNSON).

Mrs. Frances Alexander, President of the Tampa Bay Branch of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), and its members held their annual Black History Celebration at Sligh Middle Magnet School on February 22, 2012. This year, the organization paid tribute to Dr. William Bernard Robertson, a local educator who has continuously given his time and energy for the betterment of his students.
Each year, Dr. Robertson sponsors members of the Men of Vision to visit the Camp Virginia Jaycees, an organization he founded.  Attending the program from left to right were: Ms. Manuschka Michaud, Assistant Principal of Curriculum at Sligh Middle Magnet School; Mrs. Doretha Edgecomb, member of the Hillsborough County School Board; the honoree, Dr. Robertson, Mrs. Ruth Robertson, who introduced the speaker; Sligh Principal, Barbara Fillhart; and Tom King, Immediate Past Chairman of the Board, Camp Virginia Jaycee. (Photography by BRUNSON).

The Temple Terrace Police Department paid tribute to a Tampa Bay Tech High School student for doing the right thing. Destinee’ Spruell, second from left, is credited with saving the life of an instructor who was having a stroke during class. Destinee’, a junior honor student, noticed the teacher seemed to be having problems when she ran for help. Shown with her at the Temple Terrace Police Department on Tuesday are from left: her mother, Marilyn Spruell, Destinee’, Helen Brown, her grandmother; Wesley Speights and Carolyn Nelson, her aunt. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

Last week, Middleton High School Principal Owen Young, the staff and students held their First Annual Middleton High School Alumni Day. The school’s Jr. ROTC Squad greeted the returning alumni as they gathered in the Media Center at the school. After singing the school song and a conversation with Principal Young, alumni members visited the classrooms and shared some of their experiences with the current Tigers. Members of the Middleton Alumni Board who attended the event are (seated): Jodie Hines; Calvin Simmons, board president; Aleatha Shaw-Filer; Alphonso Ball, Jr., and Denese Meteye James. Standing from left to right are: Margaret Williams O’Neal, Henry Washington, Yvonne Gadson Douglas, Gary Ellerson, and Patricia A. Cooper. Fred Hearns is not shown. (Photography by Toby Scott of Chow and Scott Keepsakes). 

The Tampa Chapter of the Links, Incorporated have participated in the Annual National African American Read-In for six years. The Links and more than 40 male guests met at Paul Sheehy Elementary School and read to the student population on Monday morning. Among those participating in the event from left to right: Bruce Curry; former Major League Baseball player, Reggie Jefferson; Tampa Fire Chief Thomas Forward; Bob Morrison, Esquire; The Honorable Charles Wilson; Dr. David Stamps; Napoleon Wade; Col. Randy Bland; Robert Winters; and Dr. John Smith. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

The City of Tampa Black History Committee held its 24th Black History Celebration on Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at the Tampa Convention Center. This year’s theme was Reining In Finance: Reshaping the American Dream.” Rod Carter of News Channel 8 was the Master of Ceremonies. Others who had a part in the program, from left to right: Gregory Hart, Councilman Frank Reddick, Mayor Bob Buckhorn, City of Tampa Black History Committee President Frank Crum, Speaker Pamala L. McCoy, MC Rod Carter, Tampa Fire Chief Tom Forward, City of Tampa Black History Committee Vice President Lenoir Russell and Gregory Spearman, who gave the occasion and introduced the speaker. Entertainment was by the Distinctive Men of Brass. (Photo by Lomax McIntyre)

The Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Association, Inc. held its Inauguration Ceremony honoring its new Moderator, Reverend Dr. Hosea L. Daniels, Pastor of New Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. The inauguration ceremony was held at New Friendship on Friday, February 3, 2012. Pastors, ministers and congregants from around the State came to Tampa for the ceremony. Reverend Dr. T. W. Jenkins, 1st Vice Moderator and Pastor of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, Tampa, was the Toastmaster. The Inaugural message was by Dr. N. S. Sanders, Moderator Emeritus and Pastor of  Greater St. Paul First Baptist Institutional Church, Lakeland.  Rev. Dr. H. L and Mrs. Jeanie Daniels are seated. Standing, from left, Rev. James Harvey, Vice President At Large, Pastor, Holy Light M. B. Church, Havana; 3rd Vice Moderator and Pastor of St. Mary M. B. Church, Parrish, Dr. Fletcher and Mrs. Mazie Lawson; Dr. N. S. and Mrs. Betty Sanders; and President, Progressive M&E Baptist State Convention of FL and Pastor, St. John Progressive M. B. Church, Dr. and Mrs. Bartholomew (Vanessa) Banks, Sr. (Photograph by Lomax McIntyre)

A book signing for Robert (Bob) Samuels was held recently at the Ferguson Law Center. Mrs. Lillie Samuels, Bob’s wife, was the Mistress Of Ceremony. Program participants included: Rev. Dr. W. James Favorite, who delivered the prayer and book dedication, Charnell Williams delivered a message on the banking industry and Rickey Reynolds delivered a message on Bob and the Men’s Health Advocacy that Bob started for African American men in Hillsborough County. Bob was introduced by Paula Stahel. He spoke on his book, A Memoir: “Don’t Tell Me I Can’t.” Bob Samuels is seated. Standing left to right are: Mack Oligaro, Sammecia Bagley, Charnell Williams, Lillie Samuels, Rickey Reynolds, Michelle Maner, Paula Stahel and Michael Dove (rear). (Photo by Lomax McIntyre)

The members of Club 44 hosted their “Presidential Affair: Celebrating Optimism and Hope” on Saturday, January 28, 2012 at the USF Embassy Suites. A cocktail hour preceded the 7 p.  m. dinner. Club 44 members who entertained guests included: seated left to right, Evelyn Davenport Bethune, Bernadette Yee, Ruby Brown, Grace Jones, Eleanor Gilder, CaSandra Washington, Patricia Miles and Verneka Rhodes. Standing, Ruth Duncan Bell, Sonja W. Garcia, Ebba Wilson, Frances C. Sykes, Barbara A. Jackson, Pearlyne Wilson and Jacqueline Wilds. Not shown, Demoris Rhodes. (Photography by BRUNSON)