Florida Sentinel Bulletin

MEN OF VISION HOSTS 20^th ANNIVERSARY ACADEMIC AWARDS & SCHOLARSHIP CEREMONY

         Twenty years ago, educator Ross Anderson founded an organization aimed at guiding young African American male youth in a direction that would lead them to graduation and beyond. Last Saturday, May 9, 2026, the organization, Men of Vision, Inc., celebrated its 20^th Anniversary with an Academic Awards and Scholarship Ceremony at The Skills Center. Among the many recognitions made was for the 2026-2027 Men of Vision new officers. They are: Caleb Williams, Overall President – MS/ EM Schools; Calvin Wright, Jr., Treasurer; Kyle Isaac, Overall Vice-President; Aziah Cannonier, Overall President; JaMarcus Thomas, Secretary; and Jordan Belvin, Historian; Not in picture: Kingston Wise, Sergeant-At-Arms; and Loyal Jones, Public Relation. (Photograph by Tonya M. Lewis) 

Black Treasures Investments Provide Unique Opportunities For Students

       Recently, Judge Barbara Twine-Thomas hosted five students from the Black Treasures Investments (BTI) Basketball team. The students were interested in criminal justice. From left to right, Aaliyah Chandler, Alana Garcon, Ama Gyebi, Honorable Barbara Twine-Thomas, Robin Bailey, Harmonie Charles, and Yolanda Amos, BTI VP and mentor

(Photograph courtesy of Yolanda Amos)

AMERICAN LEGION CARMICHAEL-LEGREE POST 167 SERVING THE COMMUNITY

     American Legion Carmichael-Legree Post 167, continues to serve the Tampa Bay community. On Tuesday, April 7, 2026, ten members volunteered their time to selflessly greet and feed almost 200 guests, who have various reasons for having a home-cooked meal at the Trinity Cafe on Nebraska Avenue in Tampa. Pictured rear: Ursula Yates, Michael Bridges, Shelly Gainous, Johnnie Wright, Terence Jackson, Lionel Hicks and Don Lee, Jr. In front are: Cynthia Miller, Chanie Robinson, and Sonia DeYampert. (Photo courtesy of Michael Dozier)

MASJID AN NASR HONORS LOCAL EDUCATOR DURING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

       Masjid An Nasr held its 8^th Annual Black History Charity Gala last month. This year’s theme, “Black Educators Matter,” honored the pivotal role that Black educators play in shaping the lives of students and communities. Among the educators honored was Otis Kitchen II, center, Principal of Twin Lakes Elementary School. He is shown with, from, left, Brother Richard Muhammad, Mrs. Vivian Kitchen (his mother), his wife, Temika Kitchen, and Brother Idris Muhammad.  (Photograph courtesy of Julia Jackson)

NEW SUPERINTENDENT INSTALLED FOR THE GREATER TAMPA DISTRICT CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST

        The Southwestern Florida Jurisdiction, Church of God in Christ, held its AS/CEND Leadership Session last month at Brown Memorial Church of God in Christ. One of the services during the session was the installation of a new Superintendent. Bishop Anthony Gilyard, Prelate, right, reads the orders to the new Supt. of the Greater Tampa District, Pastor Johnny L. Smiley, left. They are joined by Elder Mitchell Davis, III, Pastor Aaron Hayes and Elder Greg Jackson. (Photograph by Streets & Streets Photography)

CDC Of Tampa Hosts 12th Annual ‘Suit Up & Show Up’ Leadership Retreat for Young Men

           The Corporation To Develop Communities of Tampa, Inc. (CDC of Tampa) held its 12^th Annual ‘Suit Up And Show Up’ Leadership Retreat for young men on Friday, February 27, 2026. The event was held at CareerSource Hillsborough on Florida Ave. The theme was “Shape Your Leadership Journey. Step Forward with Intention. Suit Up, Show Up, and Rise.” A hallmark of the Suit Up & Show Up experience is the powerful finishing touch: each young man receives a custom-tailored business suit. Among those who worked with the young men were Raymond Sutton of Sutton Environmental Group, Ernest Coney, Sr., and Ernest Coney, Jr., President/CEO, CDC of Tampa, Inc. (Photograph by Frederick Harris)

REPRESENTATIVE KATHY CASTOR HOLDS ANNUAL BLACK HISTORY PROGRAM

      S. Representative Kathy Castor hosted her annual Black History Month Program on Friday, February 27, 2027. The event was held in the auditorium of Tampa Bay Technical High School. The principal, Ms. Ernestine Woody-Bethune was the Mistress of Ceremonies. Rep. Castor, 3^rd from right, presented 2026 Congressional Record Statements to these honorees: C. Blythe Andrews, III (Drew), President, Florida Sentinel Bulletin; businesswoman, Candy Lowe; Ariel Danley, accepting posthumously for her mother, City Councilwoman Gwen Henderson; Principal Woody-Bethune; Kay Andrews, Publisher, Florida Sentinel; and businessman Marvin Knight. (Photograph by Frederick Harris)

THE GAMMA OMICRON BOULE VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER AND DANCE

           The Gamma Omicron Boule held its Valentine’s Day Dinner and Dance at the Tampa Club. Among the ladies in attendance were: from lefr, the Honorable Judge Julie Sneed, Lisa Hamilton, Monica Narain, Tammy Spratling, Debra Duggins, Ruth Bell, Angie Johnson, Odessa Banks, Gail Holmes, Valerie Bell, Tammi Gilbeaux, Maisha Sims and Casey Curry. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

A SURPRISE 75^th BIRTHDAY CELEBREATION FOR CHARLES CONEY, SR.

           The family of Charles Coney, Sr., along with many friends gathered at the Palm River Community Center on January 31^st for a surprise celebration in honor of his 75^th birthday. Charles Coney, Sr., seated, is joined by his children: Charles, Jr., Deana, Chavrenda, Christy, and Charlton. (Photograph by Fred Harris)