Florida Sentinel Bulletin

CITY OF TAMPA BLACK HISTORY COMMITTEE PRESENTS SCHOLARSHIPS

The City of Tampa Black History Committee held its 19^th Annual Scholarship presentation on Tuesday, June 6^th at the Holiday Inn-Westshore. As of 2016, the committee had presented more than $159,000 in scholarships to 109 students. One of the scholarships presented this year was the Bobby Bowden Scholarship. Bowden presented the $3,000 scholarship to Keyshawn Spain, a graduate of Armwood High School. He plans to matriculate to Florida A&M University to study Engineering. From left are: Ross Anderson of Men of Vision, Spain’s mother, Ms. Floretta Stewart, Spain and Bobby Bowden, retired City of Tampa employee, who founded the City of Tampa Black History Committee. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

SHRINERS HOST DESERT OF FLORIDA GALA DAY CELEBRATION IN TAMPA

Harram Temple No. 23, Inc., Prince Hall Shriners and Harram Court No. 96, Daughters hosted the Desert Conference/Gala Day Celebration 2017 in Tampa, on May 24-28, 2017. The public program was held on May 26, 2017, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. The theme was “Tampa – City by the Bay 2017 Gala Day.” Many local elected officials and others took part in this program. Among the Shriners who participated were: HPIP Pierre Rutledge, Desert Chief Rabban, who presided over the program; Illustrious Potentate Lesley ‘Les’ Miller, a member of the Planning Committee; Billy McLamb, No. 182, Imperial Deputy of the Desert of Florida; and Chairman HPIP Earl Haugabook, Imperial Deputy of the Oasis (Tampa). (Photograph by Frederick Harris)

MARY E. MAY PRAYERLINE MINISTRY PRESENTS SCHOLARSHIP TO STUDENT

The Mary E. May Intercessory Prayerline Ministry held its Scholarship Breakfast recently to present a scholarship and gifts to a deserving student. The breakfast was held in the Life Center of First Baptist Church of College Hill. The Scholarship Committee Chairperson, Joan Dawson and the Founder and President, Mary E. May presented the scholarship to Ky’aura George, 2017 Valedictorian at Armwood High School. Ky’aura, center, is shown with her family: Rod Henderson, Verlon Harris, Rhoda Hubbard, Sandra Williams, Chutney McClora, Anthony McClora and Kennedy Hubbard. (Photograph by Frederick Harris)

LEADERS OF GREEK-LETTER ORGANIZATIONS GATHER IN TAMPA FOR RETREAT

The National Pan-Hellenic Council brought its Council of Presidents to Tampa June 1-3 for their annual retreat. In addition to planning for future events, the group of Presidents also had fun. This year the fun consisted of a cook-off of Cuban History. Tampa resident and National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Dr. Paulette Walker, was instrumental in the group holding its retreat in Tampa. She is also President of the Council of Presidents. Known as the “Divine 9,” those who attended the retreat were: from left to right, sitting, Deborah Catchings-Smith, International Grand Basileus, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.; Dr. Paulette Walker (Tampa resident), National President, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; and Mary B. Wright, International Grand Basileus, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. From left to right standing: Taylor McCain, Second Vice President, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; Jennifer M. Jones, National President, National Pan-Hellenic Council; Cody Charles, Second Vice President, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.; Tony Knox, Grand Basileus, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.; Robert Clark, Grand Polaris, Iota Phi Theta Fraternity; Thomas Battles,  Grand Polemarch, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity; Sam Walthour, Executive Director, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.; Jarrod Benjamin, 2^nd Vice President, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.; and Cynthia Howell, Executive Director Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (Photograph by Kerrick Williams)

GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER CENTER GRADUATION HELD

The George Washington Carver Center, located at 2934 E. Hillsborough at 30^th Street, held its Graduation Ceremony on May 18, 2017. Three students were listed as graduates: Quantaneisha Graham, Pedro Gonzales (not shown) and Barry Valentin. The Commencement speaker was Honorable Judge Nick Nazaretian, who was introduced by teacher Joseph Rowe. Shown with two of the graduates from left to right are: Minerva Spanner-Morrow, Chief Diversity Officer, School District Hillsborough County; Dr. Essie Johnson, Carver Center Principal; graduate Quantaneisha Graham, graduate Barry Valentin; Jeff Eakin, Superintendent of Schools; School Board Member, Susan Valdez, who conferred diplomas; Owen Young, Area Superintendent, Area VII; and Dr. Shonda Flores, Assistant Principal. (Photograph by Frederick Harris)

GUESTS JOIN HOLSEY TEMPLE CME CHURCH DURING 108^th CHURCH ANNIVERSARY

Holsey Temple Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (CME) held its 108^th Church Anniversary on Sunday, May 28th. Several officials of the CME Church were in Tampa for the celebration. The church is located at 3729 N. 15^th St. Those who participated in the service from left to right are: Reverend Alfreda Jackson of Alexandria, Virginia; Miami-Tampa District of the Florida Region CME Church Presiding Elder, Rev. Dr. Lionel Walker; Rev. Geraldine McDaniels of Bethel CME Church, Sarasota; Mobile District of the Southeast Alabama Region CME Church Presiding Elder, Rev. Desi Echoles, Afternoon Speaker; Rev. Anita D. Williams, Pastor of Holsey Temple CME Church; and Rev. Dr. John Walker, Sr., Pastor of Bethel CME Church, Sarasota. (Photograh by Julia E. Jackson)

GQ STUDENTS AT CHAMBERLAIN HIGH SCHOOL RECOGNIZED 

On May 11, 2017, the students of Gentlemen’s Quest (GQ) at Chamberlain High School were recognized for their achievements and the progress they’ve made with their academics, attendance and behavior.  The guest speaker at the recognition banquet was Marques Clark. Sponsors of the event included several businesses. Members of GQ who were honored are: left to right, Mr. Tavis Myrick (GQ Sponsor and Chamberlain Assistant Principal), Reggie Lowe, Corey Criss, Donte Taylor, Kenneth Young, Santonio Hunt, Murad Jones, Michael Morales, Abdiel Figueroa, Christian Robinson, Davion Smith, Demetrius West, and Roberto Diaz. Ms. Celeste Liccio is the Principal of Chamberlain. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

CELEBRATION HONORS THE RETIREMENT OF HENRY ‘SHAKE’ WASHINGTON, SR.

Family, friends, co-workers and former co-workers joined Henry “Shake’ Washington, Sr. to celebrate the end of his 42-year career. The Tampa native rose through the ranks as an educator, ending his career as an Area Superintendent for the Hillsborough County School District. The celebration was held at Middleton Senior High School, his alma mater and where he became principal of the newly-opened school in 2002. Family members who joined Washington and his wife, Cheryl, seated, at the celebration were: James and Anna Beauford, Allen and Jennifer Byrd, Dr. JaMia Washington (daughter); grandchildren: Destiny, Skylar and Zion Washington; Mr. and Mrs. Henry (Ivy) Washington, Jr. (son); and Hattie Byrd White. (Photograph by Lomax McIntyre)