Florida Sentinel Bulletin

’70s OLD SCHOOL DANCE WAS ALL-WHITE AFFAIR

A group of young ladies who were reminiscing the 1970s and their days of growing up in the same community, attending the same schools,  hosted the second ’70s Old School Reunion over the Labor Day weekend. The event was held at on Saturday, Sept. 2^nd at the Sons of Italy Hall. Those in attendance enjoyed nothing but music from the 1970 by a popular disc jockey. After the success of the first year’s dance (2016), the ladies decided to do it again and by popular demand, brought it back! Those who were a part of the planning committee were: Rhonda Pierce, Sharon Gordon Maps, Gail Napper, Darlene Harris, June Campbell-Williams, Carolyn Cliatt Williams and Beverly Wright-Brinson. (Photograph by Frederick Harris)

ALLEN TEMPLE AME CHURCH HOSTS INAUGURAL IMAGE AWARDS

Allen Temple African Methodist Episcopal Church held its 2017 Inaugural Image Awards on Saturday, August 26, 2017 at the Westin Hotel on Harbour Island. The event honored several of the “Community’s Champions of Service.” Reverend Dr. Glenn B. Dames, Jr., Senior Pastor, and his wife, Mrs. Jennifer Dames served as Master and Mistress of Ceremonies.  Among those who received awards in various categories were: 

Earl McCullough, Freddie Barton, Robert ‘Pete’ Edwards, Major Willie Parker, Jr., Tykeen McCord, and William Jackson. Second row: Reverend Kirk Bogen, Pastor St. Luke AME Church; Edward Howard, Cynthia Jones , Mariah Joi Youngblood, Mrs Mary M. James, and City of Tampa Fire Chief Thomas Forward. On the top: Curtis Walker, Natilee Newson, Lillian Stringer, Kilia Fontaine, and Dominique Cobb. Also honored, but not shown: Evangeline Best, Ed Narain, former Tampa Police Dept. Chief Eric Ward, Dr Brenda Walker, Esq., Atty. Norman Harris, Dr. Alfonso L. Lewis, and Wilbert Malphus. (Photograph by Lomax McIntyre) 

GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSES 

A groundbreaking ceremony was held Thursday, August 31, 2017, for Gardens at Diana Point for new affordable townhouses. The complex will be in the 4400 block of E. Diana Street, near N. 43^rd St. The development is one of the project of the Corporation to Develop Communities (CDC) of Tampa, Inc. Several members of the CDC Board participated. They were: left to right: Chloe Coney, Founder, CDC of Tampa, Inc.; Nelson Black, Chief Lending Officer, Florida Community Loan Fund; Ernest Coney, Jr., President/CEO, CDC of Tampa, Inc.; Cheryl Howell, Affordable Housing Service Director, Hillsborough County; Tammy Haylock-Moore, and Frank Cornier, Vice President of Real Estate Development, CDC of Tampa, Inc., who was the Master of Ceremonies. (Photograph by Frederick Harris)

AT&T AND FORMER STATE REP ED NARAIN DONATE $18,000

Former State Representative Edwin (Ed) Narain presented a check for $18,000 to the United Way Suncoast. The funds are designated for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay. The presentation was made at the East Tampa Wilbert Davis Boys and Girls Club. Those in attendance were: Ricky Gallon, Director of Community Engagement Boys and Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay; Zahara Narain, Titus O’Neil, WWE Superstar Wrestler; Ed Narain, AT&T Regional Director; Elaina Narain, DeWayne Mallory, District Director, Office of Congresswoman Kathy Castor; and Anddrikk Frazier, Boys and Girls Clubs Board of Directors. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

450 BOOK BAGS, 800 MEALS PREPARED BY NFL YET CENTER

Several community organizations came together on July 29, 2017 to deliver book bags and lunch to youngsters headed back to school. There were 450 book bags filled with supplies distributed to the youngsters and lunch was served to 800 parents and students. Former Tampa Chief of Police, Eric Ward was also in attendance. He was presented an award for his community service. From left to right are: former Chief Ward, Dianne Hart, former Tampa Bay Buccaneer, Derrick Brooks, President of the partnering organization, Derrick Brooks Charities; Diedre Anthony of NFL YET Center; Patty Donner and Darrell Daniels of Derrick Brooks Charities. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

G. R. I. T. S. HOSTS 7^TH CHICKEN WING COOK-OFF

Girls Raised In The South (G. R. I. T. S.) hosted their 7^th Annual Ultimate Guys Chicken Wing Cook-Off Charity Fundraiser on Saturday, August 5, 2017. The event was held at the Bounce Boy Event Center, featuring several men from the community. The purpose of this event is to bring together over 200 patrons who feast on a variety of chicken wings that provides financial support for The G. R. I. T. S. youth mentor group scholarship fund.  G. R. I. T. S. members in attendance were: seated, KeKe Williams, Annie Connally and Shadann White. Standing, Kathryn Ross, CaSandra Washington, President of the organization; Marilyn Washington and Sheila Ross. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

VICTORIOUS LIVING 2017 WOMEN’S CONFERENCE

Chanetta Burnett, Founder and CEO of Happy Days Plus, Inc., a not-for-profit organization that assists families and agencies with housing stability strategies, healthy communication and organization and goal setting skills, was the hostess for the Victorious Living 2017 Conference held on July 29, 2017. The Women’s Empowerment Conference featured orators, panelists, poets, praise dancers and gospel artists. Women in attendance were, seated left to right: Pastor Ruby Robinson, hostess and founder, Chanetta Burnett; and Financial Consultant, Paula Duncan. Standing, left to right: Lakeshia Tunstall, fashion designer; Apostle Dilliana Powell, Apostle Geraldine Cash, Evangelist Trish Ross, Minister Velma Benet and Minister Danetta Collins. (Photograph by Chow and Scott Keepsakes)

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF COLLEGE HILL HOSTS WOMEN’S CONFERENCE

First Baptist Church of College Hill Women’s Ministry and Young Women’s Ministry hosted its 4^th Annual Women’s Conference: Outside the Walls on Saturday, August 12, 2017. The conference was held at the University of South Florida Alumni Center. The theme was “Pearls and Proverbs.” Iris Collins served as the Mistress of Ceremony. Among the women in attendance were: Karen Minter, Valarie McGill, Michel R. Samuels, Diane English, Lucille Kerr, Nocile Bryson, Diane McGriff, Ruth Bentley, 2^nd Vice President, Women’s Ministry; Sherri Youngblood, Lutricia Ward, Marilynette Terry, Donna Brown, Crystalyne Matthews, Jowancia Matthews, Young Women’s Advisor; Wanda Knight, Barbara Moore, Vice President, Women’s Ministry; Clovis Alford, President, Women’s Ministry; Gloria Kelly, Hope Kiriisa, President, Young Women’s Ministry; and Pat Crowder. (Photograph by Frederick Harris)

FATHERS, FATHER FIGURES JOIN ‘MILLION FATHER MARCH’ AT BROWARD ELEMENTARY

Over the summer, Rennex Franklin, Counselor at Broward Elementary School, was given information from his Principal, Mrs. Angela Livingston, of a national initiative from the Black Star Project – “The Million Father March.” Franklin organized the event and invited fathers and positive father figures to the Broward campus for the first day of school. The gentlemen wanted to encourage and excite the students as they return for the 2017-2018 school year. Among those who participated, front row: Pastor Bruce Humphrey, Common Ground Christian Church; Brian Curry, South Seminole Heights Civic Association; Rev. R. J. Stevenson; Joel McCowan; Mrs. Angela Livingston, School Principal;  Henry Washington, retired Hillsborough County Area Superintendent; Rev. Dr. Glenn B. Dames, Pastor, Allen Temple AME Church; Gary Oliver; and Richard Grayes, Hillsborough County Area Four Principal Coach. 

Back Row: Rennex Franklin, School Counselor; Mr. Steve Kelly, faculty member’s husband; Belton Livingston, Mrs. Livingston’s husband; David Salters, Arthur Cole, Albert Pelham, Broward father; Noel Johnson, Project LINK, Community Partner; Curtis Walker; and Jonathan Means. (Photograph by Lomax McIntyre)