Florida Sentinel Bulletin

Albert Lee, Managing Principal of Heights Capital Group, LLC, and Consultant to Tampa Bay Black Business Investment Corporation, though it would be a great idea to pull together African American business owners to network and share information and ideas. It worked. Lee says he’s very pleased with the success of the First African American Business Summit. The event was held June 23rd at the Howard Johnson Plaza, Downtown Tampa. In attendance from left to right: Thomas Huggins, III, Frances Wimberly, President, Tampa Bay Black Business Investment Corporation; Sol Davis, Safrone Presley, Charles Young, Jr. and Albert Lee. (Photography by BRUNSON)

Last week, the U. S. Department of Labor selected the Computer Mentors Group, Inc., as one of 15 organizations in the country to receive a grant to help young offenders. During a press conference Monday, U. S. Congresswoman Kathy Castor and several members of the community gathered to announce the award to the community. The grant, valued at $1,007,149,000, is to benefit 66 young offenders with necessary training. Computer Mentors Group, Inc., was the only organization in the southeastern United States to become a recipient of the grant. Attending the press conference were from left to right: Ethan Floyd, a former student and now summer employee of Computer Mentors, Inc.; Mrs. Doretha Edgecomb, School Board Chair; U. S. Congresswoman Kathy Castor; Ralph Smith, Founder and Executive Director of Computer Mentors Group, Inc.; State Representative Betty Reed; and Hillsborough County Commissioner Les Miller, Jr. (Photography by BRUNSON).

Stu Robinson hosted his 5th annual Father Daughter Dance – “Her King, His Princess” — on Father’s Day at the Glazer Children’s Museum. More than 300 fathers and daughters attended the event. This year, Robinson received a surprise proclamation from the Mayor’s Office declaring June 19, 2011 as “Stu’s Annual Father Daughter Dance Day.” This year’s attendees heard the story of 18-year-old twins, Alexis and Alesia Jackson, who will be attending Howard University in the fall. Attendees and supporters, left to right are: Claude Etheridge, Ebony Grimsley, Glynn Hagins, Cathy Etheridge, Candice Salph, Iris Williams, Tyeisha Hariston, Maxine Brooks, Stu Robinson, Zahra Magwood, Michelle Horne, Patricia Earley and Ben Turner. (PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRUNSON)

Officials of the School District of Hillsborough County attended the graduation ceremonies of all the high schools. All ceremonies were at the Florida State Fairgrounds. The graduation for Brandon High School was at 8 p. m. on Thursday, June 9, 2011. Among the officials of the District in attendance were, left to right: School Board Members Candy Olson, Doretha Edgecomb (Chairman), Carol Kurdell, Carl Green, Brandon Principal; School Board Member Susan Valdes, David Steele, Assistant Superintendent; and Anthony Satchel, Area Director for Area VII. (Photo by Frederick Harris)

“Faithfully Preparing For Our Journey” was the theme of the 121st anniversary celebration of Tyer Temple United Methodist Church. Among the program participants were: from left to right, Kimberly McDonald, Anniversary Chairperson; Elder Michelle B. Patty, who did the Altar Call; Reverend Geraldine Christopher, Pastor of Tyer Temple; Sonya White, who introduced her husband, the speaker; Reverend Tony White, Guest Speaker; and Germany Roberts, who gave the Invocation.  (Photo by Julia Jackson)

Seagram’s Gin hosted its 2012 Swim Suit Calendar Model Search Saturday evening at the Boomerang Martini Club in Brandon. Comedian Davell was the host for the evening. From left to right are celebrity judge Tango, Patricia Marie, 2nd runner-up; Helena Capers, 2012 Swim Suit Calendar Model Search winner; LaToya Nash, first runner-up and Corey Curry, producer of the show. (Photography by BRUNSON)

Recently, the Men of Vision Mentoring organization celebrated the first graduation of its original members. Prior to the graduation ceremony, the young men were recognized during their 5th Awards Ceremony. The program began with 21 original members and 14 of those are still active with the organization. Among those who graduated were from left to right: Mylez Smith, and Bryan Mario Navarro, Steinbrenner High School; Daniel Davis, Tampa Bay Technical High School; Steve Smith, Middleton High School; Ross Anderson, founder of Men Of Vision; Francisco Rosa, Leto High School; Scott Provencher and JoMarcus Harris, Steinbrenner High School; and Fred Porter, Lennard High School.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Gamma Theta Omega Chapter hosted a reception honoring Mrs. Marsha Lewis Brown, South Atlantic Regional Director. The 6 p. m. event was held at the Embassy Suites Westshore. The Mistress of Ceremony for the evening was Mrs. Lacquitta Fullilove Berry and Mrs. Dianna Allen-Quin, President, Gamma Theta Omega Chapter, brought the welcome. Mrs. Brown, seated, is shown with family members: Arlecin Lewis Harris, Avery Harris, kids Arsha Harris and A. J. Harris, Joseph Lewis, Jr., Charlene Lewis, Solomon Lewis and G. T. Brown. (Photograph by Lomax McIntyre)

The weekend of May 20-21, 2011 was a happy one as The Tampa Chapter of The Links, Inc. welcomed 6 new members into its sisterhood.  Joselynne Walden Forde, Sylvia Berry Andrews, Dr. Maria Russ, Barbara Jackson, Cassie Curry and Jewel Warren were treated to a cocktail reception and celebratory breakfast at the Innisbrook Resort. The ‘Significant Six’ completed their service project assisting with the chapter’s Childhood Obesity initiative. (Photo by Ishmon Johnson)