Florida Sentinel Bulletin

KIMBERLY HEEMMIINGWAY

STEPHANIE OUTTEN

      The Black and Brown Book Bazaar (B4) will take place in Tampa on Saturday, June 15, 2024, from 10 a. m. to 2 p. m., at the Kurators Kafe, located at 7402 56th Street, Building 500, Suite 502, Tampa, FL 33617.  This event is filled with diverse books, author readings, book marketing strategies, a panel discussion, and a celebration of Black and Brown authors.

    This FREE event is open to the public, and attendees are encouraged to share it with others and bring their children to meet the children’s book authors who       will be represented. Register for the Black and Brown Book Bazaar (B4) on Eventbrite: https://bit.ly/B4BookBazaar or scan the QR code for your FREE tickets.

     In the bustling heart of Tampa, a remarkable new establishment is making waves. Kurators Kafe, the brainchild of Kimberly Hemmingway, is more than just a café. This beautiful, spacious venue serves as a global incubator and content production studio, where voices are heard, ideas are birthed, business partnerships are formed, and passion and purpose collide into innovative projects with a profound impact on our communities.

      Kurators Kafe is a place of evolution and growth, offering a variety of sets for photography, live shows, and podcast productions. It also offers membership opportunities, a library area, a relaxation room, and space for purposeful events.

     Hemmingway’s journey to becoming an entrepreneur was not without its trials. A devastating car wreck left her at a critical crossroads, facing a major career decision and impending surgery. It was a moment that could have broken her spirit. Instead, it propelled her to leave behind a successful corporate career and take a leap of faith into the unknown.

      Looking back on her journey, Hemmingway reflects that prayer and faith emerged as foundational pillars that have profoundly shaped her path. She credits resilience, fortified by prayer and an unwavering faith in God, as her steadfast companions through every challenge.

    With Juneteenth on the horizon, Hemmingway is excited about an upcoming event at the Kafe hosted by one of her Brewing Partners, Stephanie Outten, Founder and CEO of Cocoon to Wings Publishing (CTWP). Cocoon to Wings Publishing is based in Tampa, Florida, and works with individuals nationally and internationally to support their dreams of becoming published authors.

     The Black and Brown Book Bazaar will feature Black and Brown authors from Central and South Florida, showcasing their fiction, nonfiction, self-help, journals, and children’s books. Outten will host a writing workshop to support existing authors in developing new strategies to market and sell their books, as well as answer questions about the publishing process.

      Outten started her business eight years ago when she realized authors, most specifically Black authors, needed a safe place to conceive, nurture, and birth their “literary babies” into the marketplace.

    Outten’s belief is that as a Literary Doula®, it is her responsibility to ensure Black and Brown authors get their books published with excellence by a team that operates with integrity and from a faith-based perspective.”

     There will be giveaways, networking, treats, and more.  “I can’t wait for participants to experience this event and the power of coming together to support the black and brown literary community,” said Outten.

     To book a tour or to obtain more information about the Kafe – visit www.kuratorskafe.com.

Danielle

This week, it’s time for the camera to focus on Danielle as our Beauty Unlimited feature. Danielle is truly something special, and strives to be even more than what she’s expected to be. This young lady is especially unique in that she truly enjoys being photographed. Danielle is constantly trying to push herself so when she does achieve her goals, she’ll be able to help others reach their goals. Congratulations to Daniella as this week’s Beauty Unlimited feature.

ADAM ANDREWS

    Tampa native Adam Andrews graduated from University Of Central Florida in Orlando May 3rd through the 4th in different ceremonies and celebrations.

     Adam majored in Kinesiology. Adam is planning to get his master’s at UCF. Adam celebrated with his parents Cyril Andrews III, Sylvia Berry Andrews and brothers Blythe IV, William, and sisters Ayla and Hermione. Congratulations, Adam!

   Candidates for Hillsborough State Attorney, Suzy Lopez, Elizabeth Martinez Strauss and Andrew Warren. Public Defender candidates, Lisa McLean and Rocky Brancato.

     The three candidates for the Hillsborough County state attorney position along with the two candidates running for Hillsborough Public Defender met for a debate recently during the Tampa Tiger Bay Club political forum in Ybor City.

    Suspended Hillsborough County state attorney, Democrat Andrew Warren, current appointed state attorney, Republican Suzy Lopez, and Democrat Elizabeth Martinez Strauss faced off with a large crowd on hand.

     Candidates Warren and the governor’s appointee to the job, Suzy Lopez took the gloves off during the debate. It didn’t take long for Lopez to throw the first punch.

    Just a few minutes into the Tampa Tiger Bay Club debate in Ybor City, she said she took an oath to defend the Constitution and alleged that the State Attorney’s office was dysfunctional prior to her taking over.

      Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended Warren in 2022 after he pledged not to prosecute new state laws on abortion and transgender health care. Federal courts have since found that DeSantis violated the constitution by removing Warren from office.

     Warren, early on said he would not run again for the office; however, said he changed his mind after a federal appeals court ruled that a federal judge could reinstate him to office. A decision from that judge has not yet been issued.

     Warren introduced himself to cheers from the audience at the Hotel Haya as “still the duly-elected state attorney.”

    “I wasn’t illegally appointed because of my politics and I was reelected with support from Democrats, Independents and Republicans because we had tremendous success,” he said.

     “We’ve had tremendous success working with law enforcement and no controversy until the governor’s political stunt threw out your votes, broke the law and jeopardized our democracy.”

      Warren will face Tampa lawyer Elizabeth Martinez Strauss in the Democratic primary in August. Lopez, a Republican, is unopposed.

    The two candidates for Hillsborough public defender: Lisa McLean and Rocky Brancato are vying to replace the retiring Public Defender, Julianne Holt. Both are Democrats.

 Rome Yard

    The Miami-based Related Urban Development Group and the Tampa Housing Authority broke ground on the Rome Yards, a prime 18-acre piece of city-owned property on Tuesday (May 21).

   The first phase of the project will include a workforce training center as well as the 11-story, 234-unit Gallery at Rome Yards.

       According to the plan, 80% of the units (roughly 180+ apts.),  will be reserved for households at or below 80% of the area median income, and the remaining 20% will be reserved for workforce housing. Rome Yards is a former city maintenance yard south of Columbus Drive between Rome Avenue and the Hillsborough River.

    At completion, Rome Yards will include 954 units of mixed-income housing and 33,605 square feet of commercial space. Gallery at Rome Yards is a $94 million project; the total development costs of Rome Yards is around $300 million.

   Gallery at Rome Yards will also include live-work units for artists and entrepreneurs.

Photo in 5-24

     Rendering of Rome Yards.

PAUL S. SNOW

     Congratulations to Paul S. Snow, who recently earned his Bachelor’s degree. Paul earned his BS degree in Religion from Liberty University School of Divinity.

     Paul is the son of Paula Sheehy Snow and David Snow.

PRESIDENT LARRY ROBINSON, Ph.D.

KRISTIN HARPER

…Chairman, FAMU Board of Trustees

      Just days after the announcement of FAMU receiving the largest donation in school history, FAMU President Larry Robinson announced Thursday (May 9) that the university would “pause” a historic $237 million donation.

      “With regards to the gift and the processing of it … We’ve already decided that it is in our best interest to put that on pause,” Robinson said, the Tallahassee Democrat reports.

     We reported earlier that Florida A&M University (FAMU) received a staggering $237.75 million contribution from the Issac Batterson 7th Family Trust. Gregory Gerami, CEO of Batterson Farms Corp, presented the generous donation to FAMU during Saturday’s (May 4^th) commencement ceremony at the Al Lawson Center.

      This record-breaking donation is earmarked to bolster student success programs and enhance athletics at the esteemed institution.

      However, following an emergency FAMU Foundation Board meeting on Thursday, Robinson stated that the university would pause any further action until it could assess the value of the stock options contributed by Gerami, a trustee of the Isaac Batterson Family 7th Trust.

     FAMU Board of Trustees Chair, Kristin Harper, issued a statement on Friday.

     “…Serious concerns have been raised regarding the validity of the gift, the adequacy of the due diligence process and whether the Foundatio0n Board and Board of Trustees have been provided ample oversight opportunity.

     “As a result, the following actions have been taken:

*The administration was directed to conduct briefings with each Trustee

*A special Board of Trustees meeting will be convened on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at 3 p. m. …to seek truth and recommend any corrective actions necessary…”

     Chairman Harper asks for “patience and grace” while they work to “gather information, take action, and build a stronger Florida A&M University.”

     The donation to the university has elicited praise and skepticism from FAMU staffers and alumni. Some expressed concern about Gerami’s background and financial history, which cast doubt on his portrayal as a wealthy hemp farmer and entrepreneur.