Florida Sentinel Bulletin

RETIRED COMMISSIONER PRESENTED COVETED AWARD

On Wednesday, April 5^th, the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners recognized Rubin Padgett, Sr., for his decades of dedication to the people of Hillsborough County. Mr. Padgett was chosen as the recipient of the Ellisworth G. Simmons Good Government Award. The presentation took place at 9 a.m., in the County Center, Second Floor Boardroom, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd. Among those on hand to witness the coveted honor shown in this photograph from left to right: Commissioner Les Miller, Jr., Glenn Padgett, nephew of the recipient; Cynthia Few, Rubin Padgett, Jr., son of the recipient; Nolan Padgett, son of the recipient; the honoree, Mr. Rubin Padgett, Sr., Commissioner Stacy White; and Linda and James Albert Padgett, daughter-in-law and son of the recipient. Shown on the back row are: Commissioners Pat Kemp, Al Higginbotham, Sandy Murman, Victor Crist, and Ken Hagan. (Photography courtesy of Hillsborough County Government).

HEAD START MALE INVOLVEMENT WORKSHOP AT RIVERVIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

A recent Hillsborough County Public Schools Head Start Male Involvement Workshop was held at Riverview Elementary School on Thursday, March 23, 2017. The workshop was a continuation of many workshops being held throughout the county, which consist of lectures and experiences of being a better parent and role model. Several parents came out to take advantage of the information being shared. Workshop presenters were: Terry Bradley (program manager), Dan Parravano, Thomas Coverson, Donald Dowridge and Michael Thomas, Sr. (Photograph by Frederick Harris)

VOLUNTEERS ASSIST WITH MEN’S HEALTH FORUM

The Men’s Health Forum, sponsored by Moffitt Cancer Center, was held on Saturday, March 18, 2017 at the Marshall Center on the campus of the University of South Florida. Although it’s a Men’s Health Forum, the assistance of several women volunteers is welcomed for the operation to run smoothly. The final count was 395 men who participated: African American/Black – 138 (34.9%); White – 67 (17.0%); Hispanic – 145 (36.7%); Asian – 15 (3.8%); and other – 7 (1.8%). The ladies who assisted with the men getting signed in were: seated, Sandra Phipps and Antonia Barber. Standing: Iika Poole, Linda Paige, Ave’ Morgan, Keke Green, Sherrail Brown and Jenny Morales. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

CITY OF TAMPA WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION

The City of Tampa held its Women’s History Month Celebration on March 21st at the Tampa Convention Center. The theme was “Honoring Trailblazing Women In Labor And Business. The Special Award was the MacDill Air Force Base Women’s Appreciation Award, presented to Civilian Nicole M. Tompkins and 1st Lt. Col. Amy B. Bartee, Chaplain. Jeanette LaRussa Fenton introduced Regina McBride-Smith, recipient of the 2017 Josephine Howard Stafford Memorial Award. The award was presented by City of Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn. Seated from left to right: Heather Erickson, Diedrea Anthony, honoree Regina McBride-Smith, Sonya Street and Hope Kiriisa. Standing, Alvin Holder, John Grimsley, John Allen and Marlin Hall. (Photograph by Frederick Harris)

MT. OLIVE AME CHURCH RECOGNIZES CITIZENS DURING BLACK HISTORY PROGRAM

Mt. Olive African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1902 W. LaSalle St., held its Black History Month Program on February 26, 2017. One of the featured events during the service was Donald Dowridge, Jr.’s portrayal of Frederick Douglass. The highlight of the service was the recognition of Community Trailblazers. Presiding Elder, James O. Williams and Reverend Gregory V. Gay, Sr., Pastor, standing in the rear are shown with the honorees: Jeffery Rhodes, Fannie Stone, City Councilman Frank Reddick, Attorney Delano Stewart, Retired Judge Perry Little, Judge Barbara Twine-Thomas, Chloe Coney, and Harriett Carter-Manning. (Photograph by Frederick Harris)

BLACK NURSES OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY HISTORICAL ORGANIZATION, INC. SCHOLARSHIP LUNCHEON

The Black Nurses of Hillsborough County Historical Organization, Inc. (B. N. H. H. O.) held its Scholarship Luncheon on Saturday, February 25, 2017. The luncheon was held at the American Legion Seminole Post #111. James Tokley was the Master of Ceremonies and Joanna Tokley and Kathy Hamilton were the guest speakers. The theme was “The Plight of Black Nurses In Hillsborough County: What a Difference A Day Makes.” Nursing students who received scholarships at the luncheon are shown with their parents: Cynthia, DeJa (University of Tampa, scholarship recipient), and Marcus Suttle, left, and Arthur Sr., Nicole, and Arthur Shepherd, Jr. (FAMU, scholarship recipient). The organization was founded by Reverend Pauline Morgan Cole in 2007. (Photograph by Frederick Harris)

BUSINESSWOMAN TELLS AUDIENCE ‘TO THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX’

An audience of mostly women listened attentively last Friday as billionaire  businesswoman, Dr. Sheila Johnson shared with them ways they should “think outside the box.” Dr. Johnson, guest speaker, shared with them some of her own experiences that prepared her for the role she now stands in. Dr. Johnson, a former owner of BET, is currently owner of Salamander Hotels & Resorts, which includes the golf spa resort, Innisbrook in Palm Harbor. Dr. Johnson and former Tampa Mayor Sandra Freedman were the honorees at the annual luncheon hosted by the Helen Gordon Davis Centre For Women. Among those in attendance were: Veronica Life, Stephanie McNeal-Brown, Alice Thompson, Satura Smith, Stacey Banks-Houston, speaker and honoree,Dr. Sheila Johnson, former model, Beverly Johnson, and Nancy Vaughn. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

On Saturday, March 5^th, five Tampa sisters held a launch party to introduce a new product in the beauty industry that appears to be the first of several. In support of her daughters, Ms. Fatima Clanton offered her beauty salon, Sistah Sistah Beauty Salon, 1949 W. Cass Street, for the young ladies to showcase their new product. Shown in this photograph at the launch party are from left to righ are: Everlecia, Ever, Everquicia, Evernecia, Auntie Sana, Everkesia, and their mother, Fatima Clanton. (Photography by BRUNSON).