Florida Sentinel Bulletin

  TAMPA CHAPTER OF JACK AND JILL HOSTS RECEPTION FOR NATIONAL PRESIDENT

            The Tampa Chapter of Jack And Jill of America, Incorporated. hosted a reception for its National President, Mrs. Joli Cooper-Nelson, who is also a member of the Tampa Chapter. Mrs. Cooper-Nelson was elected National President at the 42^nd National Convention held in Palm Desert, California. She now becomes the 25^th National President of the organization considered the premier organization for African American families. Family members and members 0f the Tampa Chapter joined Mrs. Nelson at the Centre Club for the reception, which was organized by Mrs. Diana Allen Quin. Mrs. Nelson, center, is joined by charter members of the Tampa Chapter: from left, Jeneil Thomas, Margarette Spears, Evangeline R. Best, Lois Bowers, Ruthelia Bradford, Patsy Miles, Quida Hilton and Freddie Hudson. (Photograph by Frederick Harris)

PLAQUE PLACED IN GROCERY STORES TO HONOR FATHER, SON FOR 100 YEARS SERVICE

           Winn Dixie, Inc. dedicated three stores in honor of a father/son duo, Ishmon Johnson, Sr. and Ishmon Johnson, Jr. for their nearly 100 years of loyalty and service to the company. One plaque was hung in a Jacksonville store on Thursday, Sept. 29th, where both men worked, and 2 plaques were hung in 2 stores in the Tampa community where the younger Johnson worked in management. On Saturday, October 2, 2016, a plaque was hung in stores on Sheldon Rd. and in Lutz on U. S. 41. Mrs. Tameca Johnson, wife of the younger Johnson, 2^nd from right, and their children, Kyndall, left, and Ishmon, III, and Joey Medina, Regional Vice President, Winn Dixie Stores, Inc. hung this plaque in the Sheldon Rd. store. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

ACADEMY PREP CENTER OF TAMPA HOSTS

ANNUAL JUDICIAL ROUNDTABLE

                On October 4^th, the Academy Center of Tampa held its Annual Academy Prep Round Table. The event featured five sitting judges who introduced themselves to the student audience. The judges discussed their reasons for becoming a judge along with the challenges they face and some of the more interesting aspects of being a judge. The panel discussion was followed by the judges rotating between tables to speak with small groups of students. Stephanie Ritt and Richard Maselli, of Odgen & Sullivan P. A. served as moderators for the Roundtable. Judges participating in the Judicial Roundtable shown in the photograph on the first round from left to right are: the Honorable Julie Sneed, U. S. District Judge, Middle District of Florida;  the Honorable Barbara Twine-Thomas, Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Judge;  and the Honorable Darryl Manning, Thirteenth Judicial Circuit. Shown standing from left to right are: the Honorable Charlene Edwards Honeywell, U. S. District Judge, Middle District of Florida; the Honorable Mary Scriven, U. S. District Judge, Middle District of Florida; and the Honorable Marva Crenshaw, Second District Court of Appeal, Lakeland.  Ms. Maggie McCleland is the Director of Development at Academy Prep Center of Tampa. Lincoln J. Tamayo is the Head of School. (Photography by BRUNSON).

 NEW HEIGHTS DESTINY, INC., HOLDS FIRST ANNUAL CONFERENCE

            New Height Destiny, Inc. held its First Annual Conference at the Robert W. Saunders Public Library on Saturday, September 17, 2016. “The purpose of the organization is to empower, encourage and educate parents and their children who may be having a difficult time in our community or to continue to develop positive life perspective.” Among those who attended and participated during the first conference were, from left to right: Dr. Herbert Christopher, who talked about ‘Journey on the Road to Freedom;’ Christopher McComas, Sr., founder of CMK Customs, whose topic was, ‘Story of Redemption;’ Rev. T. R. Coverson, who gave a presentation on ‘How Money Works;’ Paulette Walker, founder; Captain Patrick Forward, Lorenzo Carswell and Rev. Dr. James Leon Gallon, Keynote Speaker. There was also a presentation by Retired Lieutenant Colonel Ricardo M. Kinsey. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

CHARTERING CEREMONY FOR TAMPA BAY BLACK CHILD DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE

            The Chartering Ceremony of the Tampa Bay Interest Group of the National Black Child Development Institute (NBCDI) was held on Thursday, September 22, 2016 at the Children’s Board. Tobeka G. Green, President and CEO, National Black Child Development Institute, presented the charter and installed the officers. From left to right are: Evelyn McFadden, Hillsborough County Head Start, Hillsborough County Vice President, BCDI – Tampa; Delquanda Turner, Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County, Pinellas County Vice President of BCDI; Ms. Tobeka Green; Louis A. Finney, Jr., Executive Vice President for Lutheran Services Florida, President of BCDI – Tampa; Nailia Ogunnaike, Hillsborough County Head Start, Secretary; and Dr. Daphne Fudge, Mistress of Ceremonies, Treasurer. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

MOUNT TABOR M. B. CHURCH CELEBRATES 94^th ANNIVERSARY

            The Mount Tabor Missionary Baptist Church held its 94^th Church Anniversary with services that began on September 15, 2016 with guest churches and ministers each evening. The service culminated on Sunday, September 18^th with a 4 p. m. service. The anniversary theme was: “A Christian Church Will Grow In Its Faith And In Its Love,” taken from 2 Thessalonians 1:3. The Divine message was delivered by former Tampa resident, Pastor Adrian Taylor, Pastor of Spring Hill Missionary Baptist Church, Gainesville, FL. T. D. Leonard is Pastor and Estella Davenport and Evelyn Davenport Bethune were Anniversary Chairpersons. Pastor Taylor was accompanied by members of his congregation. Dinner was served after the service. Pastor Taylor was also joined by his family: wife, Dr. Courtney Moore Taylor, daughter, Alexis S. Taylor and his mother, Cynthia D. Taylor. (Photograph by Frederick Harris)

STUDENTS LEARN EARLY HOW TO BECOME ENTREPRENEURS

  Walters Academy for Entrepreneurship (WAE) was launched in the community recently. Students in grades 5-12^th are students at the school. The goal of the school is to teach youngsters how to become business owners at an early age. Multiple classes are built into the school day for not only the traditional classes, but classes that will enable students to own a business when they finish high school. Shown at a recent WAE event were, from left, in front: Darian Blue, Mekhi Walters, Romauni Borders, Derrick Blue and Dawnell Schofield. In the rear: Veronica Blakely, Bryan Williamson, Sonya Edwards, Dr. Veronica Walters, Lisa Newton, Adam Walters, Lorenzo Carswell and James Hammond of Tampa Hillsborough Action Plan (THAP). (Photograph by BRUNSON)

INDUCTION CEREMONY HELD FOR NEW GIRLS CLUB AT MIDDLETON HIGH

  An induction ceremony was held last week for a group of girls at Middleton Senior High School, a Pre-Collegiate STEM Academy. The group is called Ladies of Distinction. The vision of Ladies of Distinction is to promote high scholastic attainment and empowerment through mentorship, leadership and service. The group was founded last school term, but just recently held its induction ceremony. From left to right at the recent induction were: Stevonia Dixon, Club Sponsor; Breanna Young, Jayla Key, Kevonna Porteus, Angel Larry (current student at Lennard High School, who started with the group), Princess Pinamang, LaKoya Kerr, Precious Young and faculty member, Kiffani Browning. Dr. Kim Moore is the Principal. (Photograph by BRUNSON)