Florida Sentinel Bulletin

Spelman Alumna Association Holds 2nd Annual Scholarship Gala

The Tampa Hotel Riverwalk was the backdrop for the 2^nd Annual Spelman Gala. The Tampa Chapter of NAASC hosted a beautiful evening honoring dynamic Black Educators and raising money for scholarships. NAASC members, standing are Ro Mussadiq, Dr. Sharon Andrews Gray, Monique Stamps, Paige Anderson, Patricia Bradford, Esq., Kimberly Griffie Jackson, Esq., Twila Ambers, Kayla Vickers, Dr. Bianca Crudup, Dr. Mendee Ligon, Dr. Joi Lucas, and Diana Allen-Quin. Seated are Avia Goddard, Dr. Valerie Cherry, Andrea N. Thompson, President, Ebonee Hawkins, Valerie Catchings, and Sonia Coleman.

(Photograph by BRUNSON)

LUSIA PUERTO AND MICHAEL CUTTS EXCHANGE VOWS

       Congratulations to Luisa Puerto and Michael Cutts, who exchanged marriage vows on Saturday, October 21, 2023, along the banks of Mango Lake in the sprawling backyard, at the home of her parents, William “Pancake” and Shirley Puerto. They celebrated with over 150 family members and friends, traveling from St. Louis, New York, Atlanta and Dallas, just to name a few. The bride was escorted by her two brothers, Jesus and Robert Puerto. The bridal party consisted of their children and grandchildren, Mia Wales, Kalin Wales, Erica Cutts, Korey Douglas, Micah Brown, and Carlito Arnold. The couple will reside in Tampa.

  (Photograph by BRUNSON)

23^rd ANNUAL DERRICK BROOKS GOLF CLASSIC HELD 

       The 23^rd Annual Derrick Brooks Celebrity Golf Classic 2-day event was held earlier this month. The Pairing Party was held at the Bryan Glazer Family Jewish Community Center on October 1, 2023, followed by the golf tournament Monday at the Old Memorial Golf Club. Sports celebrities from across the country were in town for the event.  Shown with Brooks, center, are from left: Vince Coleman, Marcus Allen, Charles Oakley and William Floyd.  (Photograph by BRUNSON)

NATIONAL COALITION OF 100 BLACK WOMEN TAMPA CHAPTER WELCOMES NEW OFFICERS, NEW MEMBERS

       The National Coalition of 100 Black Women Tampa Bay Area Chapter welcomed its 2023 new members and 2023-2025 new officers. The new officers are: Dr. Adrianne Wilson, President; Kelly Jones, Vice President; Faith Burriss, Treasurer; Deborah Thomas, Financial Secretary; Shakita Stewart, Secretary; and Antonia Barber, Nominating Chair. The new members are: Geanita Everett, Kimie Grayes, Nikki Pardo, Sandra Wilkerson, Lillian Phelps, Telesia Chaney, April Sailor, Carmen Harris, Dana Stannard, Nasia Clark Williams, Brandi Boyer and Sunny Royal. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

RADIO STATION LAUNCH PARTY HELD IN ST. PETE 

       Radio Station, “101.5 The Vibe” held its Launch Party Tuesday evening in St. Petersburg. Several Tampa residents attended the event. Shown from left, Garrett Sheffield, Pastor Carl Jenkins and his wife, Dr. Tara Rawls Jenkins, Mrs. Deleon Sheffield and her husband, baseball great, Gary Sheffield. (Photograph by Tonya M. Lewis)

CONGRATULATIONS TO JALESA AND MICHAEL

       Congratulations to Jalesa Lara and Michael Mansour. They became husband and wife last Saturday, September 23, 2023. The 6 p. m. ceremony and reception were held at Levenue’ in Brandon. The lovely bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jose’ (Melissa) Lara. The groom’s parents are Michael Mansour, Sr., and Mrs. Alecia Chin-Wood (Stenneth Wood). The couple will make their home in Tampa. (Photo courtesy of Mallary Denson)

MRS. ANGELA FULLWOOD RETIRES AFTER 35 YEARS WITH SCHOOL SYSTEM

       Mrs. Angela Fullwood retired from the Hillsborough County Public School System after 35 years. She has taught at various schools and grade levels. A retirement celebration in her honor was held          on Friday, September 15^th, at Bayanihan Arts and Events Center. Among those who joined her are: seated, Sharon Poitier, Miki Jones, Doretha Edgecomb, honoree Angela Fullwood, Allison Edgecomb, and Cherie Bethune. Standing, from left, Amber Fullwood, Darrick Fullwood, Frank Poitier, Alvin Pimento, Brian Bethune, and Niecy Jones. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

THE PIERIANS, INC., CHARTER THE CHAPTER

The Pierians, Incorporated, a national arts organization for Black women, chartered the Tampa chapter on Saturday. September 9, 2023. National Officers and members attended the private ceremony. The officers of the chapter were also installed. From left to right – Recording Secretary, Col (US Air Force Ret.) Tonja Brickhouse PhD, Vice President Brig General Tara McKennie, National President Dr. Sylvia Hollifield, Chapter President Casey Curry, Corresponding Secretary, Dr. Patricia Montgomery, and Treasurer, Col. (Army Ret.) Lynn Doeman.

COLLEGE HILL COGIC HOSTS GREATER TAMPA DISTRICT MEETING

       The College Hill Church of God In Christ, Tampa, was the site of the Greater Tampa District Meeting, August 2-5, 2023. Superintendent Charles Davis is the host pastor. Several workshops were held during the session. Ministers who participated in the meeting were: front row, left to right:  Elder Parrish Hill, Elder Nat Partin, Elder Eddie Mathis, Elder Johnny Smiley, Bishop Anthony Gilyard (Jurisdictional Prelate, Southwestern Florida Jurisdiction), Superintendent Charles Davis, Elder Freddie Flucker, Elder Donnell Williams, Elder Donald Taylor, and Elder Donald Jorden. Second row: Elder Isiah Williams, Elder Tommie Jones, Elder Sanderson Lockhart, Elder C. J. Fowler, and Elder Eddie Thurman. (Photograph by Streets & Streets Photography)