Florida Sentinel Bulletin

20^th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF BLACK BUSINESS BUS TOUR

          The 20th Anniversary of the Black Business Bus Tour was held on Saturday, June 13^th, at the Westshore Hilton. The Bus Tour, started by Mrs. Candy Lowe-Jones, has traveled throughout the city visiting Black-owned businesses. Among those who joined Mrs. Lowe-Jones, center, for the celebration were from left: Beth Shoup, Wanda Mundy, Connie Melton, Mona Judge, Cecilia Mitchell, Tia Jenkins, Twanda Bradley, Ischolina Williams, Cametra Edwards, and Donald Dowridge. (Photograph by Tonya Lewis, Children With A Vision)

CITY OF TAMPA BLACK HISTORY COMMITTEE PRESENTS SCHOLARSHIPS

          The City of Tampa Black History Committee held its scholarship ceremony recently to recognize graduating high school students. The program was held at South University. Some members of the committee are standing with the students. Front row, from left: Marvin Martin, Bobby Bowden, Barbara Tripp, Fire Chief, City of Tampa; Shirley Foxx-Knowles, City Clerk, City of Tampa; Mindi R. Rainey, COTBHC Scholarship Chair; Ryan Rabon, Nina Brewster, Kelea Shepard, Naya Young, Councilwoman, Tampa City Council; and Robert E. Collins, Chief of Special Operation, Tampa Fire Rescue. On the top row: Emmanuel Nwosu, Julius Brocks, Jr., Noah Gandy, Candice Cowen, COTBHC President; Oliver Habiyakare, Cohen Allen and Don’Trevius Gadson. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

ORDINATION OF DEACONS AT NEW MT. ZION M. B. CHURCH 

          The congregation of New Mt. Zion M. B. Church was joined by family members and friends of 4 men who were installed as deacons on Sunday, May 31, 2026. The pastor, Rev. Larry Roundtree, II, conducted the installation service. The wives of the new deacons were also installed as new Deaconesses. Seated from left to right are: Deacon and Mrs. Ivan (Angela) Reese, Deacon and Mrs. Cecil (Priscilla) Howard, Deacon and Mrs. Keith (Sabrina) Winters, and Deacon and Mrs. Calvin (Glenda) Hudson. (Photograph by Tonya M. Lewis)

TAMPA CHAPTER OF THE LINKS, INC. INDUCT FIVE NEW MEMBERS

         On Saturday, May 16, 2026, the Tampa Chapter 0f the Links, Inc. inducted five new members to the sisterhood. The induction and celebratory luncheon were held at Hunter’s Green Country Club.

       From left to right, VP of Membership Dr. Sharon Andrews Gray, New Member Tina Fernandez, New Member Taylor Curry, New Member Jennifer China, New Member Gianna Clayton, New Member Dominque Blanchette Taylor, and Chapter President, Brenda McKenzie. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

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)