Florida Sentinel Bulletin

INVESTITURE OF JULIE SIMONE SNEED AS U. S. DISTRICT JUDGE HELD IN ORLANDO

      An audience estimated at 300 individuals attended the Investiture of Julie Simone Sneed as United States District Judge, Middle District of Florida. The audience included her family, magistrates, federal judges, appellate court judges, appeals courts judges, district judges, former Supreme Court Judge, many of her club sisters, sorority sisters, and many friends. The 3 p. m. ceremony was held on Friday, July 12, 2024, at the U. S. Courthouse, George C. Young Federal Annex, in Orlando. Judge Sneed is shown with her family, who participated in the enrobing: daughter, Asha, son, Ryan, and her husband, Kevin B. Sneed, PharmD, FNAP, FNPHA, University of South Florida, Dean, Taneja College of Pharmacy. [See full story on the ceremony in next week’s edition.]

     (Photograph by Dawn Aiello)

SPRING OF LIFE COGIC HELD ITS 1^ST ANNUAL 7-UP PROGRAM

      Spring of Life COGIC held its 1^st Annual 7-Up Program on June 23, 2024.  The theme was “Joy Over the Rainbow.” There were 7 speakers, 7 subjects, who spoke 7 minutes each, topped off with 7-Up Cake and 7-Up Soda for refreshments. Among those in attendance were: Charles Riggins-Black, Steve Marshall, Brandi Perdue, Dr. Samuel L. Wright, Sr., Vernice Jeannie Jenkins, Contessa Dorsey, Jeff Amos, Denise Peeler and Andre Walker. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

OMEGA PSI PHI FRATERNITY HONORS MEMBERS OF ALLEN TEMPLE AME CHURCH

      Members of Allen Temple AME Church, who are members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. were honored during the Unified Conclave Worship Service on Sunday, June 30, 2024. Attorney Benjamin Crump, front, 2^nd from left, who is also an Omega man, was the guest speaker. Members of Allen Temple who were honored were: Marlo Blair, 2^nd from left, back row, his son, Atty. Blair is holding his plaque; Atty. Delano Stewart, front, left, Rocky Ratliff, 3^rd from left, is holding his plaque; Fred Hearns, far right, second row; and not shown, Atty. Carl Hayes. They are joined by several other members of the fraternity. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

COACH FOUNDATION HOLDS SUCCESSFUL JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

      The COACH Foundation (Committee Organizing Assistance and Community Help) hosted its 13^th Annual Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at the Charles Davis Conference Center. Reverend Willie G. Dixon, Founder and CEO of COACH, said the filled-to-capacity event was an overwhelming success. He expresses gratitude to the many partners who helped to make the event successful. Shown in attendance, from left to right: Robin Lockett, Reverend Willie G. Dixon, Bobby Bowden, U. S. Rep. Kathy Castor, Pastor Charles Davis, Zenna Miller, Miskondra Key, County Clerk Cindy Stuart, State Rep. Dianne Hart, State Rep. Fentrice Driskell, and Vanessa Lester, in rear. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

GENTLEMEN’S QUEST CELEBRATES 10^TH ANNIVERSARY WITH SCHOLARSHIPS

       In honor of the 10^th anniversary of Gentlemen’s Quest, several young men were awarded scholarships including Jalen Thomas, Telvin Mexile, Dominic Caines, Robert Stone, Jr., Nicolas Nina, Donovan Terry, and Jeremiah MarQuel Pressley.  See story on page 3A.

(Photograph Courtesy of Gentlemen’s Quest)

TAMPA ALUMNI CHAPTER KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY HOLDS FREE COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR

    During National Men’s Health Month, the Tampa (FL) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. will look to elevate the health of Black men by focusing on health issues that are important to them and their families. On Saturday, June 2, the chapter held a day of health screenings, education, and resources from the region’s top health and wellness companies, at The Skills Center. Among those in attendance Collis Ivery, III, Polemarch; Dr. James Brookins, Health Co-Chairman, Dr. JaMia Washington-Osunsanmi, Barney Morris and Darrell Johnson. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

MEN OF VISION, INC. HOLDS 18TH ANNUAL ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS CEREMONY

     Men of Vision, Inc. is a local, grass roots, community services organization that has mentored over 2,500 young men over the last 18 years. The organization boasts a 100% graduation rate and EVERY young man is either joining the military, attending college, or trade school, or going right into the workforce, states Ross Anderson, founder. The organization held its 18^thAcademic Achievement Scholarship Award Ceremony at Middleton High School on May 11^th. At this time, Anderson announced that he is “passing the torch to the next generation to MaQuavius Hamilton and Timothy Nobles, who have been part of the organization for the past 10+ years. This passage conveys spiritual impartation, passion, passing the torch, a leader in one generation cheering on a torchbearer in the next generation.” Award recipients in this photo are: Pedro Caballero, Jefferson High School; Julian Hernandez, Hillsborough High School; Peace David, Hillsborough High School; Donvayn Dawkins, Jefferson High School; HCC Vice President Dr. Kenneth Ray; and Jakeel Smith, Jefferson High School. (Photograph by Tonya M. Lewis)

CITY OF TAMPA BLACK HISTORY COMMITTEE PRESENTS SCHOLARSHIPS

      The City of Tampa Black History Committee honored high school students on May 7^th with scholarships totaling $13,000.  The students with their checks are shown with Black History Committee members. From left are: Regina Lock-DePass, Scholarship Chairperson; Emanual White, Quentin Jefferson, London Berry, Peace David, Bobby Bowden (Committee founder), Jace Hopkins, Jordan Riggins, Donavyn Hawkins, and Katrina House. (Photograph by Tonya M. Lewis)

MILES COLLINS CELEBRATES GRADUATION WITH HIS COUSINS

     Miles Collins (center, holding bouquet of roses) graduated Wednesday, May 8, 2024, from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). He was joined by his parents, aunts, uncles and first cousins, who came from far and near for the celebration. First cousins from left to right are: Dr. Alexis Wells Oghogb0meh, Allison Wells Clebert, Myles’ twin brother, Maxwell Collins (who will be graduating later in the summer), Dr. Gabrielle Blanchette, Dr. Dominique Blanchette Taylor, Adam Andrews, Ayla Andrews, Hermione Andrews, C. Blythe Andrews, IV, and William Andrews, II. Myles is the son of Tampa native Dr. Nancy Andrews Collins and Dr. Kevin Collins.  (Photo courtesy of the family)