Florida Sentinel Bulletin

URBAN LEAGUE OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY HOSTS MARCH FORTH GALA

The Urban League of Hillsborough County held its 2^nd Annual “March Forth Gala” earlier in the month at the Tampa Union Station. The event recognized several individuals for their association with the Urban League. Among those in attendance were from left: Mr. and Mrs. Stanley (Dr. Sharon Andrews) Gray, Ms. Sherri Foster, Drs. Juel and John Smith and Mr. and Mrs. Jeffery (Yolanda) Amos. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

TAMPA’S BLACK HISTORY MUSEUM AT ENCORE!

The former St. James Episcopal Church, was historically restored to become Tampa’s Black History Museum at ENCORE! The Tampa Housing Authority has plans to partner with the Tampa Bay History Center to operate the museum. The inaugural event was the special screening of ‘THE ART OF THE POSSIBLE,’ on Thursdauy, March 16, 2023. This was the museum’s first event with more to be scheduled in the coming months. The museum is located adjacent to other buildings at ENCORE! such as the Tempo to the north and the Trio to the south. Among those in attendance, were from left: Gina Sanders, Alma Jordan, Evelyn Igbinosun (African Extravaganza), Ersula Odom, Brenda Clark and Sylvia Hill.  (Photograps by BRUNSON)

CITY OF TAMPA BLACK HISTORY COMMITTEE 35^th ANNUAL PROGRAM

            The City of Tampa Black History Committee held its 35^th Annual Black History Program last month. The event recognized leaders in the community who have made an impact in the fields of education and scholarship. Shown seated, left to right: Fire Chief Barbara Tripp, Dr. John Smith, Dr. Juel Smith, Retired Florida Supreme Court Justice Peggy Quince, Dr. Tonjua Williams, President, St. Petersburg College; Tampa City Councilman Orlando Gudes; and Tampa Police Department Interim Chief, Lee Bercaw. Standing: Katrina House, President, City of Tampa Black History Committee; Cheryl Byrd Washington, Dr. Andrea Beverly, Tonya Lewis, Tangela D. Dupree, Deanne King, WFLA, News Channel 8; Elizabeth Hordge-Freeman, Keensha Parham, Sheila McCants, Nicole Golden, and Artis Gambrell, Jr. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

SAMUEL MAXWELL, SR. RETIRES AFTER 42 YEARS OF PASTORAL LEADERSHIP

            Last month, the First Baptist Church of Progress Village hosted a celebration for the retirement of their pastor, Dr. Samuel L. Maxwell, Sr. The event recognized his 42 years of Pastoral Leadership. The celebration was held at the West Shore Grand Hotel. Dr. and Mrs. Samuel (Gerri) Maxwell, Sr., center, are holding a Proclamation presented to them from the City of Tampa. Joining them from left are: Executive Pastor Todd Hammond, Mrs. Stacia Hammond, City of Tampa Fire Rescue Chief Barbara Tripp, and City of Tampa Senior Executive Aide, Tampa Police Department, Ida Walker. (Photograph by George Streets)

MEMORIAL UNVEILED AT KING HIGH SCHOOL TO HONOR THOSE BURIED AT RIDGEWOOD CEMETERY

            On Monday, February 27, 2023, Hillsborough County Public Schools unveiled a beautiful memorial honoring the men, women, and children buried at Ridgewood Cemetery, a one-acre cemetery on the edge of the King High School property. The site has been designated as a historical site by the State of Florida’s Division of Historical Resources and Bureau of Historic Preservation. Among those who participated in the presentation were: Meghann Barnes, James Chamber (Council Member, Temple Terrace); Alison Fernandez (Council Member Temple Terrace); Gil Schisler (Vice Mayor Temple Terrace); Commissioner Gwen Myers, Janet Cruz, Jerel McCants (Architect of Memorial); Anaya Findlay, Addison Davis (School Superintendent), State Rep. Fentrice Driskell, Neela Rogers, Henry “Shake” Washington (School Board Vice Chair); Nadia Combs (Hillsborough County School Board Chair), Yvette Lewis (NAACP President), Arlene Castelli  (Principal King High School), and Ebony Robinson (King AP). SEE FULL STORY ON PAGE 15-A. (Photograph by Tonya Lewis, Founder, Children With A Vision)

MEN OF VISION BLACK HISTORY STROLL GOES THROUGH PERRY HARVEY, SR. PARK

            As part of their Black History learning experience, the Men of Vision strolled through Perry Harvey, Sr. Park last Saturday. Founder of the organization, Ross Anderson said it was not just a walk-through tour. The young men had to take notes, get quizzed, and do a 1-minute video of what they had learned. “Tampa has a rich history. The stroll through the park was an excellent educational opportunity,” Anderson said. Participants included: front row, Malachi Williams, Sheehy Elementary; Ross Anderson, Founder, MOV, Inc.; and Kyle Isaac, Dr. Carter G. Woodson School. Second row, Daniel Buron, East Bay High School; Jonathan Lucas, Blake High School; Jordan Smith, Blake High School; Noah Gandy, Wiregrass High School; Quinterious Rufus, King High School; and Julius Hayden, Middleton High School. Third row, Carlton Russell, Sponsor, Middleton High School; Adrian Freeman, Middleton High School; Travis Holland, Jefferson High School; Eric Jackson, Jr., Middleton High School; Ean Jackson, Middleton High School; and Cory Street, Armwood High School.

TAMPA BAY TECH ATHLETES COMMIT TO INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION

Wednesday, February 1, 2023, was National Signing Day for high school athletes who had committed to schools of higher learning to continue their education. The students at Tampa Bay Tech High School were among students in the Tampa Bay Area who made their commitment. Standing in front, from left to right, are: Bryanna Anderson, Sumter State College (softball); Aaliyah Joiner, Florida Memorial University (soccer); Breyanna Wright, Florida Memorial University (track and field); Marque Vereen, Kentucky State University; Jaheim Borden, Allen University; and Coach Rob, Head Football Coach. On the top row, left to right are: Donteye Drew, Bethune-Cookman University; Edward Gwinn, Allen University; Mekhi Penix, Tennessee State University; Fred Neal, Kentucky State University; Norris Davis, Iowa State University; Antonio Camon, University of Pittsburgh; and Coach Don, Softball Coach. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

MIDDLETON SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1967

HAS 55^TH-YEAR REUNION

The Middleton High School Class of 1967 held their 55th-year reunion recently at the Hilton Garden Inn. Planners of the reunion were pleased that so many of their classmates were able to attend. Seated on the front row, left to right are: Susan Sullivan Hugger, Ouida Brown, Joyce Dennis Tim, Geraldine German Williams, Gladys Baisden Shavers, Sandra Lester Barr, Linda Lucia Williams, Deborah Jones Harris, Linda A. Reaves, Henrietta Johnson Rice, Shirley Sherman Wilson, Belenda Stephen Cypresss, Vernell Barnum, Vivian Davis Franklin, and Ruthie Durr Sampson. Second row, left to right: Willie C. Miller, Jr., Arnold Cousin, Louis Culpepper, Charlene Williams Robinson, Sandra K. Livingston, Clarence Mann, Ora Johnson Williams, Barnell Edwards, Deborah Washington, Linda J. McCray, Cheryl Williams Collins, Linda McMillan Adejumo, Linda Vickers Mitchell, Charlene Anderson, Roseland Wilson Scriven, Osa Crawford Russell, Annie Allen Morris, Kenneth Andrews, Howard Rich, Mattie Brown Smith, and Shirley Jones Ford. Not shown: Debera Devard, Frank Hough, Gwendolyn Carroll Wheeler, K C Williams, Robert Felder, and Verdis Hinton. (Photograph by George Streets of Streets& Streets Photography)

‘LADY OF GLAM’ HOSTS 7^th ANNUAL BLACK AFFAIR PARTY

Ms. Bonnie Brown, known as ‘The Lady of Glam,” hosted her 7^th Annual Black Affair Party at Sons of Italy Hall. The event featured several steppers sharing their skills on the dance floor. Ms. Brown, center, is shown with Chicago Style Steppers of Tampa Bay, Tranice McGriff, Candi Brewton, Pam Reynolds, Stephanie Arnold, Teresa Roop, Valerie Jones, Gwen Wallace Cooper, and Elayne Jones. (Photograph by BRUNSON)