Florida Sentinel Bulletin

GALA LUNCH RECEPTION AND HONORARY AWARDS CEREMONY HELD

            On September 12^th, members of the community gathered at the Robert W. Saunders, Sr., Public Library to attend a Gala Lunch Reception and Honorary Awards Ceremony. Joseph Lundy, founder of Master of Achievement Leadership and Excellence (M.A.L.E.), Inc., was among the honorees. The theme for the gathering was “Being the Best M.A.L.E. You Can Be.” Darrell Daniels, of the Derrick Brooks Charities, Inc., delivered the keynote address. Shown in this photograph from left to right are: Reverend Byron B. Pressley, Sr., honoree Joseph M. Lundy, Reverend Gregory V. Gay, Sr., Judge Edward Ward, retired, Dr. Lespy Nelson, and Darrell Daniels. (Photography by BRUNSON).

FICTIONAL, HISTORICAL PLAY DEBUTS

On the weekend of September 11^th, the fictional, historical play, “Six Triple Eight,” made its debut at the Hillsborough Community College Theater. Recently chosen as the winner at the Tampa Bay Theater Festival, “Six Triple Eight” focuses on the fictional first African American female battalion as it arrives in Europe and their seemingly impossible assignment. The play was written and directed by Mary McCallum. Cast members shown in this photograph are from left to right: Alicia Haymer, Mary McCallum, Shawn Whitsell, Candace Omnira LaFayette, Meleisha Edwards, and Felichia Chivaughn. (Photography by TOBY SCOTT, of Chow & Scott Keepsakes).

            On Saturday, September 12^th, family and friends of Ms. Theresa Manuel held an appreciation banquet in her honor. The elaborate event was held at the DoubleTree, By The Hilton, 4500 W. Cypress. The theme of the grand affair was, “An Evening In Shades Of Blue.” Ms. Manuel became the first African American woman from Florida to represent the United States at the Olympics in 1948 in Track & Field. Ms. Manuel, 89, retired from the Hillsborough County School District after 38 years of service as an educator. The Master of Ceremony for the event was Kevin D. Lofton, of the CDC of Tampa, Inc., The Honorable Doretha Edgecomb, Hillsborough County School Board Vice Chairperson, was the Keynote Speaker. Ms. Manuel is shown seated. Among those in attendance at the banquet were on the front row from left to right are : Mrs. Lena Higgs Canty, of Miami, who founded the Harbor Island Family Group, of which Ms. Manuel is a member, Mrs. Chloe Coney, District Director for Congresswoman Kathy Castor, Mrs. Doretha Edgecomb, Susan Valdes, Chairman of the Hillsborough County School District and Mrs. Kim Moore, Middleton High School Principal. Shown on the back row are: Hillsborough County Commissioner Les Miller, Jr., and Jeff Eakins, Superintendent, Hillsborough County School Disrict. (Photography by BRUNSON).

FIRST ANNUAL WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT SUMMIT HELD

            On Saturday, August 29^th, the First Annual Women’s Empowerment Summit was held at First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens. The theme for the summit was, “Love Yourself To Life.” The summit was designed to increase awareness, motivate, educate, and empower women. The event was sponsored by Elder Dominic and Mrs. Paula Watkins, and was presented free for teenagers and women of the community. More than two hundred were on hand to listen to guest speakers, giveaways, entertainment, and food. Among those on hand for the event were from left to right: Minister Erica Herrington, Tampa Bay Tammy, Netrice Wingfield, Dr. Katurah Jenkins-Hall, Paula Stephens-Watkins, Katie Brinson, Inetta Stephens, and Layesha Walton. (Photography by FREDERICK HARRIS).

POLICE CHIEF ATTENDS FIRST

‘BACK TO SCHOOL BONANZA’

            Tampa Police Chief Eric Ward was the special guest at the first “Back To School Bonanza,” sponsored by the Woodland Terrace Neighborhood Watch organization and held at the park. Chief Ward was accompanied by several members of the police department who interacted with neighborhood watch members, parents, and children. The children received book bags and school supplies during the festivities that included food, and country line dancing. Chief Ward and his staff also had an opportunity to meet Tia Black President of the newly formed Junior Neighborhood Watch. Mrs. Ruth Fleming is president of the Woodland Terrace Neighborhood Watch and Dr. Aaron Smith is Vice President. Shown from left to right are: Tia Black, Anglin Black, Coach Alex Warren, Mother Rosanna McCullough, Advisor, Herman Monroe, Ruth Fleming, Regina Meeks, Chief Eric Ward, and Janell McGregor, Public Information Officer for the Tampa Police Department. (Photography by SYLVESTER HARRIS).

WOMEN HOST CAREGIVERS FORUM

            On August 22^nd, The Black Women’s Agenda/AARP hosted a Caregivers Forum at the Tampa Park Plaza Community Room. The theme for the event was “Taking Care of Yourself While Taking Care of Others.” Ruth Duncan Bell and Heddie Sumpter were Co-Chairpersons of the forum. The purpose of the forum was to provide useful and pertinent tools for caregivers. Some of those who attended the forum shown from left to right are: Chloe Coney, District Director for the Congresswoman Kathy Castor, Rhonda Flowers, MA, Strategic Communications & Leadership Center Manager Town N’ Country Senior Center, Ruth Duncan Bell, Co-Chairperson, State Senator Arthenia Joyner, Sharon P. Andrews, MD, MSPH Staff Psychiatrist, James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, Paulette C. Walker, Ed. D., National President, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Gladys Gary Vaughn, Ph.D., member of the Board of Directors, The Black Women’s Agenda, Inc., and former National President of The Links, Inc., Heddie Sumpter, Co-Chairperson of the forum, Dora B. Mays, Ph.D., Director, Consultant, Counselor, Educator, Airman & Family Readiness Center, and Dionne Polite, Manager of State Operations, AARP Florida. (Photography by BRUNSON).

DANCERS PERFORM IN RECITAL

            Recently, a group of young dancers participated in “A Marvelous Experience In The Arts,” which was held on Sunday, August 23rd. A Greater Mount Carmel Development Corporation Production, the recital took place at the University Area CDC. In a tribute to Katherine Dunham, the talented dancers performed African, Mime, Jazz, Hip Hop, Ballet and Tap. The dancers shown in this photograph on the first row are: Erica Howell, Yazmine Harris, Ja’Zaria Saffore, Dominique Brown, and Chyna Romero. Shown on the second row are: Janea Dampier, Kila Ryker, Ja’Daya Walker Saffore, Jor’Dayn Walker Larry, Joe Dampier, Edlaya Holmes, Chanelia Jenkins, Wykeshia Cannady, and Elexis Thomas. Shown on the third row are: JayDunn Walker Larry, and Xavier Harris. (Photography by FREDERICK HARRIS, SR.).

‘Ladies Room Live’ Celebrates First Year Anniversary

            On Thursday, August 20^th, at AJA Channelside, Ladies Room Live founder, Chanel Kissa, presented her first year anniversary with an array of entertainment and a history of her company and the success she’s achieved. Panelists for the event were Vanessa Abuchaibe, Weather Anchor; Chanel Kissa, Founder/CEO of Ladies Room Live; Jasmin Brown, Comic Actress; Lura Lee, Entrepreneur Strategist; Tuki Daily, Ladies Room Live Correspondent, and Jorge, Ladies Room Live Cocktail Hour Host. Above (from left to right) are: Geneva Maccarone, Chanel Kissa, Bre Cotten, Adrian Purnell, and Jhlechia Queshi.(Photography by BRUNSON).

ANNUAL BACK TO SCHOOL EVENT

            On Sunday, hundreds of parents and students assembled at the Ragan Park Community Center for the Annual Back To School Giveaway. The event began 16 years ago as a way to give back to the community and to help parents, grandparents, and guardians who are raising underprivileged children. In addition to receiving the school supplies, those in attendance enjoyed an afternoon of activities in a safe environment. In addition to displays from city and county government, there was entertainment, food, and other activities. Members of Jewels Of Distinction, #561, volunteered their time to make sure the event was a successful. The Jewels Of Distinction shown seated from left right are: Tara Roberts, Cheryl Jackson, Annie Nichols, and Jessica Weston. Shown standing are: Ruth Jackson, Hope Montgomery, Tammy Montgomery, Tonia Lemons, De’Andria Scales, and Leatha McDuffie. (Photography by BRUNSON).