Florida Sentinel Bulletin

TOWN HALL MEETING HELD TO DISCUSS BULLYING

           Hillsborough County officials gathered at Howard W. Blake High School on Monday evening to discuss bullying. The town hall meeting was a collaborative effort to promote anti-bullying throughout Hillsborough County with the mission to Teach One, Save One – Together, let’s make Hillsborough County bully free. Commissioner Sandra L. Murman, who championed the idea of an anti-bullying session, was the moderator. Panelists were: actor Quinton Aaron, anti- bullying advocate and star of the Academy Award winning film “The Blind Side;” Hillsborough County Schools Superintendent Jeff Eakins, law enforcement representatives, mental health professionals, and community partners. In attendance were: from left, Jessie Salter, Blake Principal; Supt. Jeff Eakins, Dr. Shandale Terrell, Quinton Aaron, and Tampa’s Chief of Police, Eric Ward. (Photograph by Frederick Harris)

PRETTY GIRL WORLD PRESENTS FREE WOMEN’S FORUM

The Tampa Bay organization of Pretty Girl World recently presented a free women’s forum, “Bringing the U into Community – Pretty Girls Pray.” The forum was held at the Center For Manifestation, Mark T. Jones, Pastor. Among those who participated in the forum were: from left Vernell Howard, Catherine Jones, Dr. Tamarrah Tarver, founder of Pretty Girl, who was the speaker; Vonecia Carswell, Miss Black New York USA, and Tonya Lewis. In the rear, Lorenzo Carswell, father of Miss Black New York, teacher and CEO of 3C, Inc; and Jessie McNeil, speaker. Evangelist Hope Drew was also a speaker. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

CARIBBEAN CULTURAL EXCHANGE CROWNS NEW ‘MISS INTERNATIONAL’

The Caribbean Cultural Exchange held its “Miss International Pageant” at the Marshall Center at the University of South Florida. This year’s winner, Shamara Spencer, represents Jamaica. The Caribbean Cultural Exchange launched the Miss International Pageant in 1984 to assist the organization in achieving its goal to promote multicultural diversity at the University of South Florida. Over the past 25 years, more than 40 countries have been represented at the pageant. Among this year’s participants were: Josani Schneider, Tatiana Isidore, Rose Rodriguez, Isabelle Monique Arroyo Acevedo, Shamara Spencer, Shereese Fagan, Dadavi Anthonio, Saika Viard, Samantha Thompson and Angelique Jackson. (Photo by Chow & Scott Photography)

TRAINING AND JOBS GRANT HAS POSITIVE AFFECT IN BAY AREA

Three years ago, Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) and the CDC of Tampa, Inc., were one of 17 recipients throughout the country to receive an FTA Innovative Transit Workforce Development grant to implement “Meeting Today’s and Tomorrow’s Job Needs in Mass Transit.” U. S. Rep. Kathy Castor  talked about the progress the grant has kick started when it comes to training for green jobs and the track record the region has set for putting federal investments to good use as Tampa Bay seeks future jobs grant opportunities.  Among those who joined Rep. Castor last week at the HART Operations Center were from left: Nick Snapp, Lisa De Jordy, Ernest Coney, Jr., CDC Chief Executive Officer; Rep. Castor; HART Official Chester Simon, Katharine Eagan, CEO, HART; and HART Official, Ken Burk. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

BATS ARE SWINGING AT BELMONT HEIGHTS LITTLE LEAGUE

      Several teams of young people were introduced last month when Opening Day was held for the Belmont Heights Little League. Since then, bats have been swinging and balls thrown across the plate as the 2016 Little League Baseball season has begun. The Tampa Bay Rays sponsored all 5 of the tee-ball teams at Belmont Heights. One of the teams introduced was the Black Rays, sponsored by the Florida Sentinel Bulletin. Members of the coach-pitch team are: Khadin Anderson, Malik Booker, Robert Booker, Trevor Bradley, Aaron Green, Jasyiah Knighton, Torrance Lee, Omari Loyola, Cyncere Mitchell, Ivanoynia Patman, Da’Zarah Pinckney, Chadwick Stokes, Jr., and Acelin Walker. Nathaniel Martin is the manager and Teddy Bradley is the coach. Artis Gambrell is President of the League. (Photo by BRUNSON

HUNDREDS TURN OUT FOR GRAND OPENING OF PERRY HARVEY, SR. PARK

      A crowd estimated at about 2,000 persons turned out on Sunday, April 3^rd for the Grand Opening of the Perry Harvey, Sr. Park.  Visitors to the park came from far and near to be a part of the day’s celebration. Mayor Bob Buckhorn gave opening remarks and several others spoke. The park is full of activities preserving the history of Central Ave. in its heyday. Several members of the Harvey family were in attendance. From left to right are: Maurice and  Felecia Harvey, Lauren and Gregory Fleming,  Darele Campbell, Dr. Kermit Harvey, Ray Campbell, Christopher Harvey, daughters, Gustava Harvey and Dorothy Harvey Keel;  Sonja McCoy and Vincent McCoy. (Photograph by Frederick Harris)

TOBA PRESENTS SCHOLARSHIPS TO BLAKE STUDENTS

   This week was the week of giving for the Tampa Organization of Black Affairs (TOBA). Members of the organization visited George S. Middleton High School on Monday to present scholarships to 2 students. Wednesday morning representatives of the organization stopped off at Howard W. Blake High School and presented scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each to Donte Glover and Alexis Sealy. From left to right are: Lewis Brinson, Chief of Diversity, Hillsborough County School District; Dr. Glenn Cherry, TOBA Member; scholarship recipients, Donte Glover and Alexis Sealy; James Ransom, TOBA Member; and Jesse Salters, Blake Principal. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

FASHION SHOW HELD TO BENEFIT SICKLE CELL AWARENESS  

   The Hands Of Hope Sickle Cell Foundation, Inc. held its 3^rd annual fashion show on March 12^th on the campus of the University of South Florida in the Music Building. This year’s theme was “We Are Family,” as the disease affects all members of the family. Guest speakers were Dr. Linda Perdue and Leroy Staley. Members of the Board of Directors in attendance were: Dale Savage, Monic Savage, Gloria Elliott, Angela Birdsong and Cecelia “CeCe” Mitchell, President and Founder of the Hands of Hope Sickle Cell Foundation, Inc. (Photograph by Frederick Harris)

GOLFERS GATHER IN TAMPA TO KICK OFF ADVOCATES PRO TOUR

     The first leg of a golf tour by Advocates Pro Golf Tour began in Tampa the weekend of March 11^th and will continue to other cities. Upcoming tours are scheduled for Atlanta, New Orleans, Pensacola and Los Angeles. Among the organizers and board members who were in attendance for the Tampa tour were from left: Kenneth Brantley, Tour Executive Director; Henry Brandon, Dr. Michael Cooper, Christian Heavens, Montreal Wells, Tony Ferguson, and Adrian Skills. (Photograph by Frederick Harris)