Florida Sentinel Bulletin

GALLERY ON THE AVENUE AT SAUNDERS LIBRARY

         Shown here at the Robert W. Saunders Public Library on November 12, 2019 are, left to right: Shayla Mitchell, Marnese Mitchell, Artist Patrick Mitchell, Maria Mitchell, Mary James and Patricia Williams. They attended the Gallery on the Avenue program at the library, featuring some of Mr. Mitchell’s many paintings. His artwork will be on display at the library, 1505 N. Nebraska Avenue, until December 5^th. Different African American artists’ paintings are displayed there every few months. Mr. Mitchell, a native of Tampa, a 1967 graduate of G. S. Middleton High School, and a graduate of Bethune-Cookman University, is a retired graphic designer and senior editor at the Tampa Tribune. He and his wife, Maria (a retired art teacher) are mentors for several youth programs and teach painting and general life lessons. (Photograph by Fred Hearns)

A SURPRISE 80^th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

         Mrs. Ora Sledge-Chester was truly surprised when she entered the Embassy Suites-USF recently. The occasion was a surprise birthday dinner recognizing her 80 years. The dinner was hosted by her husband, Fred Chester and sister, Elaine Sledge-Saffold. In addition to family members, several guests included friends, fellow worshippers from 34^th Street Church of God and 1957 Middleton High School classmates. Mrs. Chester and her husband, Fred, seated, are shown with the classmates: Ruby French, LeJoan Franklin, Norlyn Hill (Nashville, TN), Ester Ervin and Barbara White. (Photograph by Julia Jackson)

TAMPA BAY CHAPTER GOSPEL MUSIC WORKSHOP OF AMERICA HONORS VETERANS

         The Tampa Bay Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America held its 2^nd Biennial Veterans Appreciation Program on Saturday, November 9, 2019. The program was held at New Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. Carlton Brown is the Chapter Representative and Erma Griffin and Windell Roberson were Program Co-Chairs. The Chapter recognized 19 veterans. Among those in attendance were: 1st row, David Beck, Willie Howard, Charles Tolliver, Myra Carline, Martha Feazell, and Tammie Terrell-Simmons. On the 2nd row:  Isaac Ruffin, Les Miller, Christopher Jones, Jonathon Holbrook, Alfred Nelson, Anthony Frazier, and Henry “Shake” Washington. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY, INC. HOSTS GOLF TOURNAMENT

         The Tampa Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., held its Annual Golf Tournament recently. The Tournament was held at the historic Rogers Park Golf Course. These First Place Winners shown with Kappa Members Frank Lee, left and Dr. James O. Brookins, right, are: Terry Dewedney, Hernando Johnson, Julian Moore, and Vince Worlds. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS HONOR ATTORNEY ARTHENIA JOYNER

         On Wednesday, November 6, 2019, the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners recognized Arthenia Joyner for practicing law in the State of Florida for 50 years. The commendation read in part: “…50 years of practicing law continuously, longest practicing Black female lawyer in Florida’s history.” The commendation went on to recognize her remarkable achievements in a trailblazing career. Family members and friends there to congratulate her are: left to right, front row, Katrina Billups, Donna Cason, Sonja Bexley, Senator Arthenia Joyner, County Commissioner Pat Kemp, who recommended the commendation; Rosalie Smith, Sabrina Billups, and (retired) Chief Tom Forward. On the back row, Commissioners Sandy Murman, Ken Hagan, Chairman Les Miller, Stacy White, Kim Oberman, and Mariella Smith. (Photograph by Tonya Lewis)

79^th ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF AME CHURCH HELD

Last month, members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church traveled to Tampa to attend the 79^th Annual Conference Of African Methodist Episcopal Church. The event was held at Allen Temple A. M. E. Church, where Reverend Dr. Glenn Dames, Jr., is the Senior Pastor. The Conference began on October 22^nd and culminated on October 25, 2019. It was the last Conference that Bishop A. J. Richardson officiated in his current capacity as Bishop of the 11^th Episcopal District of the AME Church. Two individuals were presented awards during the Conference. Shown on the left, Rev. Clarence Williams, of St. Petersburg, is shown accepting the “Professional Service Award” from Bishop Richardson. On the right, Mrs. Pasty Greene is shown holding the “Extraordinary Community Service Award” presented to her husband, Dayle Greene. Dr. Walter Smith is shown on the far right. (Photograph by LOMAX McINTYRE).

MAYOR MEETS WITH BLACK ELECTED OFFICIALS

Recently, Mayor Jane Castor met with Hillsborough County Black elected officials to discuss several topics of interest including affordable housing, the proposed Al Barnes Park Cultural Center and economic development.  The meeting was convened at the request of Hillsborough County Commission Chairman Les Miller, Jr., and took place on Monday, October 28, 2019.  Among those in attendance at the meeting shown from left to right are: Tampa City Councilman Orlando Gudes, Hillsborough County School Board Chairperson Tamara Shamburger, State Representative Fentrice Driskell,  Mayor Jane Castor, State Representative Dianne Hart, State Senator Darryl Rouson and Hillsborough County Commission Chairman Les Miller, Jr.  Among the City staff not shown in the photograph who attended the meeting were: Chief of Staff John Bennett, Community Partnership Manager Janelle McGregor and Housing & Community Development Manager Vanessa McCleary.

WOMAN CELEBRATES 50^th BIRTHDAY WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS

                  Ms. Quilla Pentor celebrated her 50^th birthday recently. She was joined by a host of family and many friends at the Brandon Golf Center for the birthday party celebration. Ms. Pentor, center, is shown with: Dale Brisksman, Stephie Bricksman, Norma Letterman, Hattie Quest, Valerie Crieg and Daniel Crieg. (Photograph by Julia Jackson)

TYER TEMPLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OBSERVES 126^th ANNIVERSARY

                  Tyer Temple United Methodist Church has been serving the Tampa community for 126 years.  To celebrate that milestone, the church held its anniversary celebration on Sunday, October 20, 2019. The 11 a. m. anniversary guest speaker was Reverend Cal Hopkins, a Tampa native, who is the Pastor of Williams Memorial CME Church, Ft. Lauderdale. Committee members shown are: from left, Kawren Garvin, Linda Archer Garvin, Valerie Pearce, Anniversary Chairwoman; Cheryl Walker and Host Pastor Douglas Walker. (Photograph by BRUNSON)