Florida Sentinel Bulletin

GROUP OF BIKERS RIDE WEEKLY TO ‘GET KIDS ON BIKES’

            During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sean Bell, Sr. had to stop his job of cutting hair. He started bike riding and before long, others had joined him. He eventually founded “Get Kids On Bikes” to provide bikes for kids who wanted them and to help with those who needed repairs. The group now has about 25 riders. Bikers join Bell in Ybor City on Saturdays where they strategize and map out their 2-hour bike ride for Sunday. They also interact with kids along the route. He posts photos on FaceBook and Instagram and receives donations for bikes through alllovetampa@hotmail.com. This group of men was captured in Ybor City recently. They are: Kay Jay Harris, Sean Bell, Sr., Greg Young, Nick Friedman and Johnathan Fuller. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

TAMPA’S BLACK BUSINESS BUS TOUR HAS RETURENED

            After more than a year away, Tampa’s Black Business Bus Tour has returned. Candy Lowe, founder, hosted the event Saturday, April 16, 2021. The group departed from Al’s Finger Licking Good Soul Food in Ybor City with 50 different shoppers. The group visited 5 different businesses in Ybor City, East Tampa and surrounding neighborhoods. Among those on the tour were: seated in front, Travia Anderson, Juanita Mitchell, Delores Grayson, Candy Lowe, her grandson, Ken, III, and Ken McKinnon, Jr. Second row, Sherry Wilkins, Jarvis El-Amin, Connie Melton, Celeste Mona Judge, Kay’Lisse Mitchell, Beth Shoup, Rhonda Wright, and Twanda Bradley. Third row, Connie Burton, Jacqueline Reynolds, and Cecelia Mitchell, Delia DeCaprio Gadson, and Deanna Hardey-Joseph. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

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)