Florida Sentinel Bulletin

LEGACY LUNCHEON HONORS ALUMNI, COMMUNITY CITIZEN

         The Hillsborough County Alumni Chapter of Bethune-Cookman University National Alumni Association, held its Second Annual Legacy Luncheon, honoring Legacy Alumni in the chapter, along with a Community Citizen, who exemplifies excellence in service in Hillsborough County. The 11:30 a. m. luncheon was held Saturday, March 16^th, at the Sheraton Hotel – Brandon. The 2019 theme was, “We are Legacy, Depart to Serve.” Alumni Gina Sanders and comedian Rod-Z were Mistress and Master of Ceremonies. Dr. Davina Jones was Luncheon Chairperson and Raquel Watson Hunter is President of the Hillsborough County Alumni Chapter. Honorees from left to right: James McCarthy, Sr., Class of 1968; Molbert Scrivens, Class of 1968; Gwen Hayes, Community Citizen honoree; and Andra Diggs, Class of 1971. (Photograph by Julia Jackson)

OAK PARK STUDENTS OBSERVE BLACK HISTORY MONTH WITH ‘MOTOWN REVIEW’

           The students at Oak Park Elementary School observed Black History Month with a “Motown Review” on Thursday, February 28^th. This is the school’s annual talent show performance where the students dance, wear different costumes and lip sync several of the groups from Motown. The event was coordinated by Music Teacher, Corey Brown with the assistance of teacher Christy Rice. Ryan Moody is the Principal. Students who participated in the talent show are: in front, Saniya Lewis, Hailey Perez, Trinitie Fain, Skylee Hayes, Deloni Worlds, Carmelo Mitchell, Frankie Carter, Kadarian Lewis, and Johnny Lewis. On the top row with Mr. Brown are: Jameela Hurtado, Vonyae Franklin, Aiden Peterson, Malayah Buggs, Andrew Hill, Ethan Peterson, Teagan Brooks, Keishawn Bussey, Z’niya Norwood, Keasia Anderson and Kierstan Grace. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

USF’S BLACK LEADERSHIP NETWORK HOST 2^nd SCHOLARSHIP SOIREE

           The University of South Florida Black Leadership Network held its Second Annual Scholarship Soiree. The event was held on Wednesday, February 27, 2019, in the Sam and Martha Gibbons Alumni Center on the USF Campus. Scholarships were presented to several students. Among those who had a part in the program were: Vada Manager, Board of Directors, Helios Education Foundation; James McDaniels, one of the first Blacks to graduate from USF; President Judy Genshaft, who is also a donor to the Black Leadership Scholarship; and Jerry Bell, a founding member of the Black Leadership Network. (Photograph by Frederick Harris)

BLACK PROFESSIONAL GROUP CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH

           The Tampa Bay Black Professional Group (BPG) held its annual event to celebrate Black History Month. The event was held Thursday, February 28^th, at the Bank of America. The theme for the event was, “Courageous Conversation – To Protect and Serve.” The goal of this conversation was to promote inclusion, understanding and positive action. Among the guests in attendance were: from left, in front, Atty. Norman Harris, owner, Champions for Justice Law; Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister; retired Atty. Delano Stewart; Atty. Jeria Wilds, Assistant State Attorney, Hillsborough County;  and Ernest Hooper, Columnist, Tampa Bay Times. In the rear, from left: Chief Anthony Holloway, St. Petersburg Police Department; Bill Geode, and Darius Frazier, VP, Small Business Banker Manager, who coordinated the event. (Photograph by George Streets of Streets and Streets Photography)

COKE FLORIDA INVESTS IN COMMUNITIES

DURING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Last month, Coke Florida celebrated Black History Month by investing back into the community. Coke Florida donated several laptop computers to community partners across the state to stimulate economic empowerment and to encourage education. One of the organizations selected as a community partner was the Men of Vision, Inc. Service organization. During the presentation, five high school students became the recipients of laptop computers. Shown in the photograph at the presentation were from left to right: Savon Watson, of Blake High School; Howard Brookins, Hillsborough High School; Ross Anderson, educator and founder of Men of Vision, Inc.;  Eric Ward, former Tampa Police Chief and current Coke Executive; Karrington Hickman, of Spoto High School; and Tyshawn Hatch, of Middleton High School.

BAR ASSOCIATIONS HOST RECEPTION HONORING ELECTORAL CANDIDATES

           The George Edgecomb Bar Association and the Fred G. Minnis, Sr. Bar Association presented their Black History Month Reception on Tuesday, February 26, 2019. The reception was held at the George Edgecomb Courthouse in Downtown Tampa. The event honored Electoral Candidates of Tampa Bay. Valeria Obi, Esquire, is President of the George Edgecomb Bar Association, and Carmen Miller, Esquire, is President of the Fred G. Minnis, Sr. Bar Association. Shaquana Harper, Esquire, Vice President of the Minnis, Sr. Association, recognized the African-American Electoral Candidates, from left: Attorneys Sean Shaw, former State Senator, who was the keynote speaker; Arthenia Joyner, former State Senator; Fentrice Driskell, Florida House of Representatives, District 63, who also brought greetings; and former State Representative, Edwin (Ed) Narain. (Photograph by Ricky Roberts)

AT&T HONORS SEVEN AS VISIONARIES

DURING ANNUAL LUNCHEON

Last Friday, AT&T Florida celebrated its Annual Black History Leaders at the UNCF Black History Month Luncheon. During the program, seven people considered as barrier-breaking visionaries were recognized for their respective contributions to the Tampa Bay Area. The program was held at the Tampa Marriott Westshore. Ms. Charlayne Hunter-Gault, Civil Rights activist and award-winning journalist delivered the keynote address. The honorees, shown with Ed Narain, far right, are from left to right: Dayle Greene, Rod Carter, Dr. Harold Nixon, Attorney Carolyn House Stewart, Reverend Bartholomew Banks, Dr. Tonjua Williams, Mrs. Gwendolyn Miller, and Ed Narain, Director of External Affairs for AT&T Florida. (Photograph courtesy of AT&T).

1. U. S. REPRESENTATIVE CASTOR HONORS 4 FOR CONGRESSIONAL RECORDS

                        The statements of 4 of Tampa’s citizens will be entered into the Congressional Records in Washington, D. C. United States Representative Kathy Castor (14^th Congressional District) hosted the Black History Month event on Tuesday, February 19^th at Middleton High School. The honorees from left are: Harold Jackson, the Honorable Betty Reed, Congresswoman Castor, Dr. Juel Smith, and the Honorable Doretha Edgecomb. (Photograph by George Streets)