Florida Sentinel Bulletin

CHERYL HOLDER, MD

      Florida Clinicians for Climate Action, the leading organization for climate and health advocacy and education in Florida, received a $30,000 unrestricted operating grant from Solutions Project!

     “We are grateful for the support of the Solutions Project this year, especially in this dynamic fundraising environment,” said FCCA Executive Director Cheryl Holder, MD. “This unrestricted grant will advance our cause to educate and engage clinicians across Florida so that they can effectively address the health impacts of climate change.”

      The Solutions Project funds and amplifies climate justice solutions created by Black, Indigenous, immigrant, women and communities of color building an equitable world. They are working to accelerate a just transition to a regenerative economy.

     Florida is poised to endure the hottest summer ever making the grant’s timing even more urgent. In Miami-Dade County, officials are using the start of Heat Season, which runs from May 1st to October 31st, to urge residents to prepare for sustained stretches of extremely hot days by preparing cooling strategies, storing medication differently, and learning the early warning signs of heat illness.

     “Knowledge is safety,” Dr. Holder said, “the more you know about the dangers we face in extreme heat and weather, and the more prepared you are to take action, the safer and healthier we’ll all be.”

      Florida Clinicians for Climate Action was formed in January of 2018 at the Florida Climate & Health Equity Symposium, which was a collaboration between the National Medical Association, the W. Montague Cobb/NMA Health Institute, the Florida state chapter of the National Medical Association and The Medical Society Consortium on Climate & Health. The organization is operated by clinicians and exists as a first stop for anyone seeking to work at the intersection of climate and health in Florida.

JEFFERY ALEX JAMES JOHNSON, Ph.D.

United States Navy

Lt. Johnson shared this information with his social media friends.

     “The last two months I’ve been seemingly silent as I’ve walked through many Godly ordained transitions.

     “In October 2001, I began my pastoral ministry at the Greater Grace Outreach Church of God followed by the Thirty-Fourth Street Church of God from 2004-2016; and then served as the founding pastor of Connections Community Church in 2011.

      “After 22 years of pastoring, on February 25, 2024 I concluded this season of pastoral ministry.  With providential divine guiding I transitioned my ministry from local to Global.

    “With the help of the Lord, my wife, children, and so many dear friends, I achieved one of the biggest victories of my life and ministry. I graduated from Naval Officer Development School in Newport, RI.

      “As I move forward as a Bishop in the Lord’s church I am excited to share my time with the ministries in which I cover, spend time more with my wife and sons, and serve my country until next pastoral assignment.

     “Winning In Every Season of my Life!”

President Joe Biden takes campaign photos before an event at Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, Florida, April 23, 2024. (David Lienemann/Biden For President)

Trevor Mallory, President, Florida Democratic Black Caucus, with President Joe Biden and Angela Birdsong, President, Hillsborough Democratic Black Caucus; and appointed to Commission of the Status of Women.

     Angela Birdsong and Nikki Fried, Chair, Florida Democratic Party.

      Since the Florida Supreme Court decided that a six-week abortion bill would go into effect on May 1 and Reproductive Rights would be on the ballot this November, Florida is now considered to be in play by the Biden/Harris Administration. Every state where Abortion has appeared on the ballot so far has won! Including the ruby Red State of Kansas.

     Shortly thereafter, Wheels up on Air Force One and President Biden arrived in Tampa. He made a special visit to the Hillsborough NAACP office before his address at Hillsborough Community College.

     He personally met the State President of the Florida Democratic Black Caucus and the President of the Hillsborough Democratic Black Caucus. He also opened his first field office in Temple Terrace.

     On May 1, Vice President Kamala Harris visited Jacksonville to remind Floridians that over 11 million women will be effected by the new law stripping away their reproductive rights.

     Despite what some may say, Black Voters are still the Heart and Soul of the Democratic Party and intend to vote for their issues in November. The issues include Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Stopping Book Banning, Teaching of African American History and fighting Voting Suppression. Black people have no intention of going backwards on civil rights!

     The Governor of Florida has changed the voting laws and has canceled all Vote by Mail Ballot REQUESTS and has over 24,000 Black voters in Hillsborough County marked as inactive if they did not vote in 2022.

     Voting suppression tactics that Nikki Fried, Chair of the Florida Democratic Party is determined to fight against. She has already flipped the Jacksonville Mayor and State House 35 seats from RED to BLUE and she is just getting started.

     Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer sent out letters to voters who have not renewed their vote by mail ballots. The Republicans on the County Commission then voted to decrease his budget by $200,000. Former State House Representative Sean Shaw and Afro Latina Patricia Alonzo have both filed to run for Hillsborough County Commission to flip it back BLUE.

     With Andrew Warren running again for State Attorney, the Democratic Party ticket is running to win!

     If you want to call Black Voters, attend Democratic Black Caucus meetings or volunteer, please call 813-476-4837 or HCDBC.org for membership and donations.

      The Democratic Party supports Unions and all the Building trades are hiring paid apprentices, job for life, benefits and a pension. 

       FAMU National Alumni Association will host its 2024 Convention: “One FAMU: Stronger Together In Tampa, Florida. 

      The excitement is building as the Florida A&M University National Alumni Association (FAMU NAA) gears up for its highly anticipated 2024 Convention, scheduled to take place from May 30 to June 2, 2024, in vibrant Tampa, Florida.

      With the theme, “One FAMU: Stronger Together,” the four-day convention promises to be an immersive experience designed to reinforce our commitment to our beloved alma mater. The Convention Committee has been hard at work crafting an exceptional convention that blends informative workshops with engaging activities, all aimed at reigniting pride amongst alumni.

     From thought-provoking discussions to interactive sessions, attendees can expect to leave inspired and empowered to make a difference in the FAMU community.

      “This convention is more than just a gathering of alumni – it’s a celebration of our shared heritage and a call to action,” said President Curtis Johnson. “We’re excited to bring alumni together in Tampa to strengthen our bonds and reaffirm our dedication to Florida A&M University.”

      In addition to educational sessions, the convention will provide ample opportunities for participants to engage with key figures within the FAMU community, including the FAMU NAA Executive Board, FAMU Senior Leadership and Administrators, the FAMU Foundation Board, and current and prospective FAMU students. This interaction will foster connections and pave the way for collaboration on future initiatives.

      “We’re thrilled to welcome alumni from across the country to Tampa for this special occasion,” says Paula Goodman, President of the FAMU NAA. “This convention is a chance for us to come together, share ideas, and chart the course for the future of our alma mater.”

       The FAMU NAA Florida Region and the Tampa Alumni Chapter are proud to serve as hosts for this prestigious event. While attendees will be immersed in convention activities, they are also encouraged to explore all that Tampa and the surrounding areas have to offer.

       For more information and to register for the convention, please visit: FAMUnationalconvention.com.

About FAMU NAA:

      The Florida A&M University National Alumni Association is dedicated to fostering lifelong connections among alumni, students, and friends of the university. Through advocacy, engagement, and philanthropy, the FAMU NAA works to support the mission and vision of Florida A&M University.

bokeh interior of modern lutheran, christian church

REV. DR. ZACHERY S. HUDSON

      The Reverend Dr. Zachery S. Hudson, a leader, pastor, and community activist, passed away into eternal life on Wednesday, May 1, 2024. He was 74 years old.

      He was born Monday, March 6, 1950 in Columbus, GA to a strong single mother, Mary Hudson, who later married the Reverend Willie Thompson, who became a father figure to young Zachery. He was the only child to his nurturing parents.

      In June 1960, he was baptized at the Greater Beulah Missionary Baptist Church in Columbus, GA by Reverend G. W. Mitchell.

      Reverend Dr. Hudson was educated in the public schools of Columbus/Muskogee County and graduated in 1968 from Spencer High School in Columbus, where he played football and was a very good student. Upon graduating, he entered Albany State University on a full scholarship. After one year he enrolled into Columbus College, now known as Columbus University in Columbus, GA.

      His college career was interrupted by being drafted into the United States Army, where he served in the Vietnam War. After his tour of duty in the War, he returned to Columbus and completed his studies at Columbus College where he attained a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Later, he received the Masters of Divinity from Morehouse School of Religion Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC). Finally, he earned the Doctor of Divinity from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio.

     Reverend Dr. Hudson was licensed to preach the Gospel on December 24, 1978, and ordained on May 5, 1979 in Columbus, GA at the Greater Beulah Missionary Baptist Church. His pastoral experience began at Bethel #1 Missionary Baptist Church in Opelika, AL, from 1980 until 1988 when he received “The Call” to pastor New Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Tampa, FL.

     While at New Mount Zion, he focused on Christian Education, Leadership Development, Youth Nurturing, and empowering men to engage in ministry and leadership. Under his leadership the church grew. Phase I and Phase II of the interior renovations were completed. Also, while at New Mount Zion he was active in the First South Florida Baptist Association, the Progressive M&E Baptist State Convention under the leadership of the Reverend Ned Sanders, and the National Baptist Convention of America.

     His tenure at New Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church ended in 1992.

      In 1994, he became the Founder/Senior Pastor of the Re-Birth Missionary Baptist Church. The church was affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention.

      His vision for Re-Birth was for her to lay a foundation for future generations spiritually, socially, and educationally.

     The Church matured and prospered through strong Christian education and sincere commitment, under his leadership and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. For thirty years as Pastor of Re-Birth Missionary Baptist Church, he established numerous ministries, property purchased, a charter school from K to 5th grade was started and a certified day care was opened.

      As a result of his work in the Kingdom, he was highly recognized with countless awards and recognitions. He was once active with the Masonic Lodge in Georgia. While living in Tampa, he was involved with many community and religious organizations. He has served with the NAACP, a member of the Gamma Theta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, taught the pastoral class at the Tampa Baptist Seminary and the State Baptist Congress, bestowed the honor of a Samuel DeWitt Proctor Fellow at the School of Theology of Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia, and the Tampa Bay Clergy Association under leader Bishop Thomas Scott.

    He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great- grandfather, pastor, preacher and friend. His hobbies were sports and reading.

      Tentative funeral arrangements are scheduled for Friday, May 17th and Saturday, May 18^th. Aikens Funeral Home is handling arrangements for the family.

Hillsborough County Commissioner Gwen Myers

Rendering of new African American Arts and Cultural Center

By MONIQUE STAMPS

Sentinel Staff Writer

          Hillsborough County Commissioner Gwen Myers wants to hear from the Black community.

    Residents are invited to provide feedback on the plans showing the layout of Hillsborough County’s new African American Arts and Cultural Center (AAACC) located at 2103 N. Rome Ave., Tampa, FL 33607.

     Residents will have the opportunity to participate in three public meetings starting on May 6, 2024.

      The AAACC features permanent and temporary exhibitions, dedicated studios for performing and literary arts, and areas for events and festivals. There will be community spaces providing a home for clubs and social activities that promote creativity and engage the Tampa metro area’s 350,000+ African American community members and school children.

   Many in the Black community are pleased and excited that the future and past of our communities in a way that displays the many talents of the rich history in Hillsborough county.

       “The AAACC will focus on the importance of creating community outreach programs and building networks and strategic partnerships with regional groups such as County School Board, Library Services, Children Services, Head Start, Children’s Board and other non-profits to co-host events,” says Commissioner Myers.

    The three meetings will be held in convenient locations for community members.

• On Monday, May 6, 2024, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM at the C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library, 2607 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Tampa
• On Thursday, May 16, 2024, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM at the Emanuel P. Johnson Recreation Center, 5855 S. 78th St., Tampa
• On Monday, May 20, 2024, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM at the West Tampa Community Resource Center, 2103 N. Rome Ave, Tampa.

        Residents can also see the progress of the cultural center by visiting the county’s engagement and education hub, at https://HCFLGov.net/HCEngage. 

     The Tampa Bay History Center is set to host two significant events in May to mark the historical impact of the Emancipation Proclamation in Florida, starting with Tampa Emancipation Day on Monday, May 6, 2024.

      Scheduled from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at St. James at ENCORE^®, located at 1202 North Governor Street, Tampa, this free community event promises an engaging program filled with music, food, and insightful research from the University of South Florida (USF).

     Keynote speakers for the evening include Dr. Elizabeth Horge-Freeman, Dr. Cheryl Rodriguez, and Dr. Tomaro Taylorfrom USF, alongside Fred Hearns, Curator of Black History at the Tampa Bay History Center.

      A highlight of the event will be a special reading of the Emancipation Proclamation by several local dignitaries, aiming to foster a deeper connection to this pivotal moment in history. The list of readers includes Tampa City Council District 5 Council MemberGwendolyn Henderson, Tampa Housing Authority Board of Commissioners Commissioner Robert P. Edwards, Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners District 3 Commissioner Gwen Myers, District 63 State Rep. Dianne Hart, Hillsborough County Public Schools District 5 Board Member Henry “Shake” Washington, Natajha Tompkins representing the University of South Florida Black Student Union, and Malachi Brown from the Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO).

      The program also features performances by local artists and speakers, supported by partnerships with the Tampa Housing Authority, USF Racial Justice Initiative, and WEDU PBS.

      Continuing the celebration, Florida Emancipation Day will take place at the Chinsegut Hill Historic Site located at 22495 Chinsegut Hill Road, Brooksville, FL, on Saturday, May 18, starting at 10 a. m., with discussions on the historical significance of the location by Dr. Gary Ellis and Rodney Kite-Powell, and commentary on local archaeological findings by Dr. Michael Jones. Dr. Jesse Pisors, President of Pasco-Hernando State College, will welcome guests to free hourly tours of the historic house, courtesy of the college, starting at 11 a.m.

These events are part of the Center’s ongoing efforts to educate and inspire the public about Florida’s rich history, particularly the liberation of its enslaved population on May 20, 1865, when Union General Edward McCook read Abraham Lincoln’sEmancipation Proclamation in Tallahassee.

     For more details, visit www.tampabayhistorycenter.org. The Tampa Bay History Center, located on Tampa’s Water Street, offers a comprehensive look at Florida’s 12,000-year history through interactive exhibits and educational programs.

Photo in 5-3

     Tampa’s Emancipation Day to be celebrated May 6, 2024.

MORRIS LEE WILLIAMS, SR.

BY GWEN HAYES

Sentinel Editor

     A longtime educator, who was also very popular with his fraternity, passed away last Saturday, April 27, 2024. Born and raised in Port Tampa City, Morris Lee Williams, Sr. was 88 years old. His twin sister, Dr. Doris Williams Campbell, preceded him in death by 8 years.

     Williams’ son, Myron, spent several hours interviewing his dad, gathering a wealth of information. Some of it is shared here.

      The twins’ elementary school years were spent at Frederick Douglass Grade School. Following in the footsteps of older siblings, the twins went on to G. W. Carver Jr. High School, where they were at the top of the class, with the highest GPA, and awarded valedictorian and salutatorian honors.

      It was on to high school (10^th grade) at George S. Middleton High School in the Tampa neighborhood of Belmont Heights. Students from Port Tampa City were bused to G. S. Middleton High School.

      Morris Williams played guard on the football team playing offense and defense. Williams graduated from Middleton in 1953 with honors.

     In the fall of 1953, Morris and Doris headed to Atlanta, Georgia to attend college. Doris attending Clark College and Morrisattending Morehouse College. Their older sister, Marjorie and older brother, Kelly attended Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida.

     Williams transferred from Morehouse College to Florida A&M University for the 1954-55 school term.  At FAMU he majored in Biology, minored in Chemistry. He also joined the ROTC Program.

     While attending FAMU, he pledged Omega Psi Phi Fraternity – Upsilon Psi Chapter, completing the process in 1955. He has been an active member of Omega for nearly 70 years. He has held all offices of the fraternity and has headed most committees. He has received many awards and honors from the fraternity, becoming a Life Member.

      Williams graduated from FAMU in 1957, married Ernestine White of Winter Haven, Florida and began teaching at Ochlocknee Colored School in Ochlocknee, Georgia. His union with Ernestine White lasted some 25 years and produced four children: Morris, Jr., Myron, Gina, and Marcus. After one year, his teaching career continued at Magnolia Colored High School, before he transferred to Middleton High School in 1960.

      At Middleton, he taught Biology, Chemistry and Physiology. When schools began to integrate in 1962, he transferred to East Bay High School in Gibsonton, Florida. During this time, the integration of schools was not off to the best start. So Hillsborough County Schools recruited Black educators to become Human Relations Specialists.

      During the civil rights era, he and other students were involved in the downtown lunch counter sit-ins, etc.

     Also while working at East Bay High School as a Human Relations Specialist, he began to pursue his Masters of High School and Administration Degree at the University of South Florida. After completing his master’s degree in the mid-seventies, he was transferred to Horace Mann Jr. High School as Dean of Students, Assistant Principal of Administration and Assistant Principal of Curriculum. He spent the last 3 years of his 40-year career serving as Assistant Principal of Franklin Jr. High School, Tampa. He also taught in the Night School Program for Adult learners at Middleton High School for 25 years.

     His years of hard, dedicated work also led him in another direction.

      In 1982 he married Christine Dillard Beasley of Greenville, South Carolina. Christine had two daughters, Audra and Stephanie, who immediately began calling him ‘Pops.’ They have been married for 36 years.

       The unions produced 6 successful children as well as grandchildren and great grandchildren.

       His childhood church was Mount Zion AME Church, Port Tampa City, Florida. He later worshiped at a Methodist Church in Thomasville, Georgia, St. James AME Church (Progress Village), and Harris Temple United Methodist Church, in Progress Village. Williams and his wife, Christine became faithful members of Keeney Chapel which was located in Clair Mel City.

      Funeral services for Williams are Saturday, May 4, 2024, 10 a.  m. at New Hope Church, 213 N. Knight Ave., Brandon 33510. (See Funeral Notice for additional information)