Florida Sentinel Bulletin

TAMPA CHAPTER FAMU NAA PRESENTS CHECK DURING ENDOWMENT GALA

                  The Tampa Chapter of Florida A&M University National Alumni Association (NAA) presented a check in the amount of $52,000 to the Florida A&M University Foundation. The presentation was made earlier this month when the Scholarship Gala was held at the DoubleTree Hotel. Tampa Bay Chapter Endowment Scholarship Gala Committee Co-Chairs were Rosalyn McIntosh and Debra Duggins. Those shown with the check are: from left, Carmen Cummings, FAMU Office of Alumni Affairs; Wendell Duggins, President, Tampa Chapter; Col. Gregory Clark, President, FAMU NAA; Dr. Larry Robinson, President, Florida A&M University; and Dr. Shawnta Friday-Stroud, Executive Director, FAMU Foundation. (Photograph by Ricky Roberts)

FAMILY MEMBERS LAUNCH FOUNDATION TO ASSIST SINGLE PARENTS

                  The family of a local educator launched the Gwendolyn M. Baker Foundation on April 6, 2019, at Mt. Olive A. M. E. Church. Mrs. Baker was an Early Childhood educator in the Hillsborough County School System for 25 years, 23 of those years were spent at Meacham Elementary School. To honor her memory, the family established the foundation to present a scholarship to a single parent. The scholarship will be used to cover after-school care. Family members who were present at the launching were: from left, Alvin Baker, Jr., Loretta Baker, Sophia Baker Alexander (Founder, President), Alvin Baker, Sr., Kim Williams, Varnard Williams, Tonya Johnson Baker and Kim Baker. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

TAMPA CITY COUNCIL PRESENTS COMMENDATION TO PHOTOGRAPHER

                  The Tampa City Council recognized Jerry Brunson Thursday morning for his dedicated service and contribution to the Tampa Bay Community for over 30 years as a professional photographer. In part, the commendation read: “In 1988, the Florida Sentinel BulletinNewspaper gave you your first start when they hired you as a news/events photographer. In 1992, you started BRUNSON Photography and have gone on to be one of the recognizable and respectful photographers in the Tampa Bay Community….Always remember, “With God’s help, you can give freely and generously of the blessings that God has entrusted to you. Be Blessed.” The commendation is signed by Council Chair Frank Reddick and other Council members. From left to right are: Miss Kitty Browning, Chase Brunson, Daffanh Brunson, honoree, Jerry Brunson, and Councilman Reddick. (Photograph by Tonya Lewis)

SENIORS ARE STILL TALKING ABOUT BLACK HISTORY PROGRAM 

                  The senior citizens who attend the Phyllis Busansky Adult Day Care Center are still talking about all the fun they had during the Black History Program. They modeled their fashions, played games and enjoyed great food. The Center is located at 4102 W. Spruce St. Shown here are, in front: Joe Ballard and Patricia Miller. In the rear, Carolyn Snells, Kimberly Walker, Jacqueline Roman, Sylvia Owens, Victoria Romaella, Remona Singleton, April Williams, Jacquelyn Mentor and Barbara Edwards. (Photograph by Frederick Harris)

 ‘WE READ’ BOOK CLUB DISCUSSES MORE THAN BOOKS

                  The “We Read” Book Club gathered at a local restaurant recently to discuss their book of the month. But as members say, they talk about more than just books. “We Read” Book Club is a book club cultivating relatable, educational and affirmative discussions in the community, while also promoting adult literacy. Topics of discussion range from upbringing, personal evolving, relationships, social injustice to mental health. Those who attended the recent gathering are from left to right: Catoria Eubanks, Sheena Brown, Ciera Bennett, Marlicia Perry, Xiomara Maetinez, Dextasia Sureller, Clarence Sureller, Maletha Love, and Demetre Taylor. (Photograph By BRUNSON)

MINISTRY RECOGNIZES ‘FIRSTS’ IN LAW ENFORCEMENT DURING PROGRAM

         The Refreshing Spirit Ministry, Greater Tampa Bay District, recognized three of the ‘firsts’ in Law Enforcement in the Tampa community during its Black History Program last month. The ministry recognized Detective Patricia Bell Pierce Coleman, Lieutenant Willie G. Monroe and Captain Sam Jones, Sr.  Mr. Monroe was in attendance, and Ms. Anita Jordan represented her mother, Mrs. Pierce Coleman. The program also paid tribute to Harriet Tubman and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Among those who had a part on the program were: from left, Dr. Clovis Dunbar, Pastor; Lady Lois Dunbar, Rose and Dea. Albert Arenas, Isis Jones, Arnelle Watson, and Dea. Arnold Watson. (Photograph by Frederick Harris)

COMMITTEE MAKES PREPARATIONS

FOR ANNUAL FUNDRAISER

Recently, a group of concerned citizens held a meeting to make the final preparations for their annual fundraiser. For the last three years, they have hosted an evening of jazz to benefit St. Peter Claver Catholic School. The event, entitled “Jazz’n At The Italian Club,”will take place on Sunday, April 14, 2019, at the Italian Club. Among the volunteers attending the meeting were: Genette Keely, Vivian Heyward, Sherry Williams, Tommy Williams, Krystal Davis, Belinda Wilson, Kendra Goosby, Milton Jenkins, Debora Southhall, Makayla Johnson, Scott Hardy, DeShone Glenn, Norman Harris, Cassandra Watson, Sankar Montoute, Darrell Gordon, and Marvin Knight. (PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRUNSON).

MEN OF VISION VISITS TALLAHASSEE

DURING SPRING BREAK

Last week, students throughout Hillsborough County enjoyed their Spring holiday. Many of them just enjoyed a week of relaxation. However, others, such as members of the Men of Vision, Inc., founded by educator Ross Anderson, spent their spring holiday with several activities. During the week, the young men fed the homeless, visited Zoo Tampa, held their own summits on current events plaguing society, and traveled to Tallahassee, where they met with several elected officials. Shown in the photograph with Ross Anderson, educator and founder of Men of Vision, Inc., and State Senator Tom Lee, District 20, are:  Howard Brookins, Joe Langluis, Derrick Andrews-Powley, Avriel Harris, Karrington Hickman, Zion Wright, Giovanni Rosario, William Andrews, David Dor, Kyron Defreitas, John Johnson, Venet Desir, and Anthony Walker.

YOUNG MAN GIVES HIS INITIAL SERMON

         The family and friends of Theron (TJ) James, Jr. witnessed him give his initial sermon last month at his home church, New Mt. Zion M. B. Church. The Reverend Larry L. Roundtree, II, is the Pastor. He used as his topic,  “I’m Still In God’s Plan,” from 1 Timothy 1:1-11. Minister Theron James, second from right, is shown with his mother, Mrs. Annette James, uncle Elder Eddie Daniels; nephew, Isaiah Anderson; and grandparents, seated, Mr. and Mrs. Eddie James (Eartha) Daniels. (Photograph by Julia Jackson)