Florida Sentinel Bulletin

REALTOR HOSTS 1^ST ANNUAL EASTER TEA BRUNCH

            Real Estate Veteran, Ursula Bell hosted her First Annual Easter Brunch on Saturday, April 3, 2021. The event was held at a local tea shop. The women in attendance were empowered by a guest speaker on the topic of building financial wealth through retirement investing. Ladies dressed in their Easter outfits from left to right were: Chandra Richardson, Rhodda Cameron, Angela Howard, Shauntae Baker, hostess Ursula Bell (Orca Homes), Treshena Dixon of KeeTre Realty; Caroline Baxter, Stephanie Lewis and Hope Owens-Henry. (PHOTOGRAPH BY BRUNSON)

TAMPA POLICE UNVEIL HISTORIC MONUMENT

On Saturday, April 3, 2021, the Tampa Police Department honored four former officers credited with changing the practices of the police department and the City of Tampa Government as well. The four former officers, Lt. Clarence Nathan, Sgt. Rufus Lewis,Cpl. Frank Gray, and Officer James Dukes filed an EEOC Complaint against the department alleging discrimination in 1974. In 1976, then Mayor Bill Poe signed a conciliatory agreement. In recognition of their quest for equal treatment, the City unveiled “the Fearless Four Historical Monument.” Among those in attendance at the event were shown seated: honorees, Clarence Nathan, James Dukes, Frank Gray, and Rufus Lewis. Shown standing from left to right are: Mayor Jane Castor, Chief Brian Dugan, former Chief Bennie Holder, City Councilman Orlando Gudes, retired officer Willie Monroe, retired Assistant Chief Tina Wright (Moderator), and retired Sgt. B. J. Curry. See Full Story on Page 2-A. (Photograph by Tonya Lewis).

DORIS ROSS REDDICK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HAS NEW PRINCIPAL

            Dr. Jennifer Dames was recently named Principal of Doris Ross Reddick Elementary School. She is shown at the School Board office with School Board officials, her family and members of her church. In front are: Dr. Jennifer Dames and her husband, Rev. Glenn Dames, Pastor of Allen Temple AME Church; Clemmie Perry, daughter of Doris Ross Reddick; Superintendent Addison Davis, Delores Jefferson, Kimberlee Hayward, Trey Dames, Loretta Jackson, and Bishop Michelle Patty. On the 2nd row are: Minister Jene Prince, Carol Stewart, Fred Hearns, Janette Spencer-Davis, James Beauford, Easter Curry, Linda Oliver, Charlotte Gipson, Jailynn Dames and School Board Member, Henry “Shake” Washington (District 5). (Photo by Lomax McIntye)

GRAND OPENING HELD FOR NEW MASK BUSINESS AT THAP’S 5508

                  American Surgical Mask Company (ASM) held its Grand Opening recently. The business is located at 5508 N. 50^th Street (THAP Complex), Suite 1000. The East Tampa business provided 200,000 masks for the City of Tampa’s NFL events. Attending the Grand Opening of the minority-owned business were: Kalv Watanabe, Matthew Brandman, CEO of ASM; Ingrid Daniels, Robin Lockett and Frank Crum. In the rear, Derrick Blue, CEO of THAPgroup; Mayor Jane Castor and Atty. Norman Harris.

CITY OF TAMPA EMPLOYEE HONORED AS WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH KICKS OFF

  March is Women’s History Month and the City of Tampa kicked off the month by honoring one of its own – Mrs. Ida Walker. On Tuesday, March 2, 2021, Mrs. Walker received the Josephine Howard Stafford Memorial Award, during a ceremony at Lykes Gaslight Square Park. Mrs. Walker is joined by family members at the event. From left, Gloria Riley; Krystal Brown, sister; honoree’s mother, Sandra Lockett; honoree, Ida Walker; Jimmy Walker; Desmond Walker; Robin Lockett, sister; and Marcus McDougle. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

FAREWELL TO EDUCATOR WHO RETIRES AFTER 36 YEARS

                  The staff at the Hillsborough County Head Start office recognized their Supervisor who retired after 36 years. A drive-by farewell celebration was held on Monday, March 1^st. Mrs. Evelyn Ellison McFadden was joined at the celebration by members of her family. From left to right are: Debra Ellison Martin, Corey J. McFadden, Jamela McFadden Grier, honoree Evelyn Ellison McFadden; Stella Grier (grand), Calvin J. McFadden, Sr., Aubrey O. Grier, Jr. (grand); and the honoree’s parents, Ira M. and William Ellison, Jr. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

CITY OF TAMPA BLACK HISTORY COMMITTEE HOLDS ANNUAL EVENT

                  The City of Tampa Black History Committee (COTBHC) held its annual celebration on Tuesday, February 23, 2021, outside the City of Tampa Administrative offices. Because of COVID-19 and social distancing, this year’s celebration was a little different. Among those in attendance were: Mr. Bobby L. Bowden, Founder of COTBHC; Celeste Gibbons-Peoples, President, COTBHC; Pastor Calvin Jefferson, owner, Mr. B’s Southern Cuisine (who provided the celebration food); Mayor Jane Castor, and Regina Lock-DePass, Scholarship Chair, COTBHC. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

POWER OF INFLUENCE AWARD RECIPIENTS

The Power Of Influence Awards Dinner was held on Friday, February 5, 2021, at THAP’s 5508. Several celebrities, local leaders and businesses were recognized. Among the award recipients were from left: Carl Crawford, CEO 1501 Certified Entertainment; Jerry B., co-founder of the Power of Influence Awards; Titus O’Neil, WWE wrestling superstar; Antonio Tarver, legendary boxing champion; Dexter Jackson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers MVP of Super Bowl XXXVII; and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, former NFL superstar and philanthropist. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

KEEP TAMPA BEAUTIFUL SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

                  These young men were awarded the Keep Tampa Beautiful Scholarship for the 2020-2021 school year. These young gentlemen of Men of Vision have gone above and beyond to keep Tampa beautiful. They all have more than 100 hours of serving our community and the environment. And, each has over a 3.0 standard GPA. They are: Kyron Defreitas, Jefferson High School; Angel Mendoza, Hillsborough High School; Zachary Walls, FLVS; Khalil Bradley, Cristo Rey High School; Howard Brookins, Hillsborough High School; Kory Connor, Wharton High School; and Zion Wright, Hillsborough High School. Ross Anderson, Community and Educational Advocate Liaison, Climate and Culture Student Engagement Division, Hillsborough District Schools, is the founder and Director of Men Of Vision. (Photograph by BRUNSON)