Florida Sentinel Bulletin

Family and friends of Mrs. Catherine R. Smith joined her recently at the Blaise Alfano Center to celebrate her 70th birthday. Guests were treated to a program honoring Mrs. Smith, great food and lots of conversation. Mrs. Smith is shown with her family: seated, Ben Smith, Jr., standing, Ruby A. Smith, Katrina A. Smith, Maya Dee Smith and the honoree, Mrs. Catherine Smith. (Photo by Lomax McIntyre)

Last week, the Howard W. Blake High School Yellow Jackets came from behind to win the Class 4A, District 9 Championship in front of a standing room only crowd. On Saturday, the young men will travel to Fort Myers where they will take on the Fort Myers Greenies. The Greenies are the defending 4A state champions and this game will determine which team will advance to the state tournament.
The team has been playing with extra emotions due to the life-threatening illness of their Coach. Team members, Chris Tomlinson, Curtis Fountain, Andre Smith, Brandon Chandler, Xavier Alston, Quentin Brewer, Joe Morris and Deshay Williams are shown with their latest game trophy. (Photograph by Toby Scott).

On Wednesday, February 16th, the City of Tampa Black History Committee held their 23rd Annual Black History Celebration. The event was held at the Tampa Convention Center. This year’s theme was ‘Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve: The Importance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.’ The keynote speaker for the event was Dr. Walter L. Smith, former president of Florida A & M University. Edward Waters Concert Choir provided the entertainment. Among those in attendance at the event were from left to right: Tampa Fire Chief Thomas Forward, Ms. Lenoir Russell, Ed Johnson, East Tampa Development Manager; Dr. Walter Smith, keynote speaker; Mrs. Barbara Smith, Rev. Thomas Scott, Chairman of Tampa City Council, Frank Crum, CTTV Producer/Director; Ms. Tonja Brickhouse, Director of Solid Waste; and Rod Carter, Channel 8 News Anchor. (Photograph by Lomax McIntyre).

The Hillsborough County Black History Committee presented awards last Friday, February 11, 2011 during its Black History Program at Joe Chillura Park downtown Tampa. The program honored the 6 oldest African-American businesses in Hillsborough County. Awards were also presented to the sponsors and the Legacy Award was presented to a retired employee. Seated left to right: Gloria Adams Andrews and S. Kay Andrews, who accepted awards for the Sentinel as one of the oldest businesses and sponsor; Joyce Russell, African-American Liaison for Hillsborough County; Andrea White, Bright House sponsorship; Curtiss Wilson, Wilson Funeral Home; and Robert Cole, Sr. and James Cole, Cole’s Barber Shop. Standing, left to right, Marvin Knight, Oriental Fish Market, sponsor; Valerie Goddard, former Executive Director and Sunday Taylor, Administrative Assistant, Helping Hand Day Nursery; Gregory Fleming and Darele Campbell, College Hill Pharmacy; Spencer Albert, Legacy Award recipient; David Northern and Jeffery Rhodes, Ray Williams Funeral Home; Wayne Bright, Wilson Funeral Home and Anthony (Tony) Cole, Cole’s Barber Shop. (Photography by BRUNSON)

On Saturday, February 12th, 100 At-Risk Hillsborough County students competed in the final round of the selection process for ‘Take Stock In Children’s Scholarship Program, sponsored by the Hillsborough Education Foundation. The event was held at 2306 N. Howard Avenue. For the first time, the students were involved in face-to-face interviews with members of the Selection Committee. Approximately 70 of those who competed will receive either 2 year or 4-year scholarships. Shown in this photograph, Scholarship Committee members Attorney Lansing Scriven, left, and Tampa Police Major Gerald Honeywell, right, were joined by their spouses Judge Mary Scriven, second from left, and Judge Charlene Honeywell, both United States District Judges for the Middle District of Florida, at the event.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011, a standing-room-only crowd of family, friends, elected officials and many others witnessed the renaming ceremony of the College Hill Branch Library to the C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library. C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. was CEO of the Florida Sentinel Bulletin and Grand President of the Grand Assembly of Lily Security Benefit Association. He was also a community icon and leader in implementing social change. His widow and children unveiled the portrait that will be hung in the library. From left to right, children, S. Kay Andrews, Publisher of the Sentinel; C. Blythe Andrews, III, President and Comptroller; Dr. Susan Andrews Blanchette of Sacramento, California; business owner, Gayle Andrews of Tallahassee; Dr. Nancy Andrews Collins of Little Rock, Arkansas; and his widow, Mrs. Gloria Adams Andrews.

Black Women Business Owners, Executives and Entrepreneurs hosted a “Women in Business Showcase of Professional Services and Products.” The brunch was held Thursday, February 3, 2011 at the Tampa Marriott Westshore. In addition to getting an outlook on the 2011 economy, awards were also presented. Award recipients were: from left, Shirley Foxx-Knowles, City Clerk, City of Tampa; Chloe Coney, District Director for the Office of Congresswoman Kathy Castor; and Deborah L. Williams of Bellafia Chocolate Boutique. Erica Riggins, Bay News 9 Morning Anchor, was the mistress of ceremony; and Alexis Muellner, Editor, Tampa Bay Business Journal, was guest speaker. (Photography by BRUNSON)

A reception for students at Potter Elementary School was held on Monday at the Children’s Board. The event was held to display their work from The Giving Garden Word and Art Exhibit. The young people visited a farm last October to learn about growing vegetables. In addition to writing about their experiences, the young people also worked on pieces of art. The art is on display at KidzCreate Gallery at the Children’s Board and will soon be on its way to St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital. Adults Valerie Goddard, Chair, Children’s Board, Paula Allen, Director, Children’s Board Art Gallery, and Ricky Roberts, III, author, are shown at the reception with Jojuan Dixon, Tamairah Morgan, Cornelius Byrd, Alexander Pugh, Jaquarius Pickens, Christopher Pacheco, Jude Bernard, Brittany Walker and James Williams. (Photo courtesy of Diana Lucas Leavengood, artist)

Family and friends joined Clarence and Yvonne Fort on the evening of January 1, 2011 as they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. The golden celebration was held at the Sheraton Suites. Angelita Fort-Jacobs, the couple’s daughter, was mistress of ceremonies for the evening. Also on the program were Rev. Walter Williams, Minister Willie Kimbrough, Kofi and Natalie Fort, Nyla and Tress Jacobs, Elvira Pinder, Barbara Wright, George Fort, Minister Oscar Johnson, Dr. Nathalia (Toni) Fort, Dr. Kenyon Fort and final expressions from the honorees. Joining the honorees (seated), from left to right: Angelita Fort-Jacobs, Natalie Fort, Tress Jacobs, Nyla Jacobs, Dr. Kenyon Fort, Kofi Fortand Dr. Nathalia Fort. (Photo by Lomax McIntyre)