Florida Sentinel Bulletin

BY MONIQUE STAMPS

Sentinel Staff Writer

    This summer, Hillsborough County Public Schools is offering programs in multiple areas, including reading camps, outdoor water adventure camps, algebra boosters, STEM, cyber security and performing arts, among many others to the students of Hillsborough county.

     Although the summer school session has started, students can still enroll this week from June 10, 2024, until June 14, 2024, according to Ross Anderson, Community & Educational Advocate for the Hillsborough County School District.

     “We have the facilities and bandwidth to help many, many children this summer. This is crucial to ensure that our kids have any chance for success.”

         In addition to the above opportunities, there is also an opportunity for students who completed high school but did not receive a diploma.

      Anderson says that students that received a certificate of completion (COC) will have the opportunity to take the tests that prevented them from getting their diploma.

    COC is awarded to students who have completed all requirements for the standard high school diploma, including a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale, except for passage of the state approved graduation test or concordant and/or comparative score.

    Because COCs aren’t official diplomas, they don’t carry the same credentials that a regular diploma or GED does.

     “They can call their school counselor or Hillsborough School’s Adult education department. There are offerings for test prep and opportunities for those students to take the test again, and get their diplomas,” Anderson emphasized.

   “We are all working hard for the young people of Hillsborough County, and we want them to be successful,” Anderson stated.

BERNARD LAFAYETTE, JR.

June 24 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm – FREE

     The Black History Book Club invites Tampa Bay residents to join its sessions, emphasizing an inclusive approach to learning and discussion. Participation is free, and the initiative serves as a platform for individuals to deepen their understanding of Black history and culture through literature.

     The club will explore significant works reflecting the African American journey, from historical accounts to personal memoirs and critical essays.

     Upcoming readings include:

• June 24:“In Peace and Freedom: My Journey in Selma,” by Tampa native, Bernard LaFayette, Jr.
• 26:“Open Season: Legalized Genocide of Colored People” by Atty. Ben Crump

AMIR WILLIAMS

      A St. Petersburg teen, 14 years old, has been charged with manslaughter after he accidentally shot his 11-year-old brother while playing with a gun in their home. The child, identified as Amir Williams, was found with a gunshot wound. He later died from his injuries while inside the home.

In addition to second-degree manslaughter, the teen is also charged with second-degree delinquent in possession of a firearm, after an earlier offense of grand theft motor vehicle.

     According to reports, the child’s two siblings, his sister, 13, and brother, 14, were present in the house when the 14-year-old, who was playing with the gun, accidentally shot the boy, on April 26, 2024.

     The weapon, which the teen found in an alley, had been reported stolen on April 24^th. However, the parents had no knowledge of the weapon being in the home.

     About 100 people gathered outside Lakeland Police headquarters on Saturday to protest the beating of 16-year-old Jahmal Hudson. | Kimberly C. Moore, LkldNow

About 100 protestors gathered in front of Lakeland Police Department headquarters Saturday evening to demand that two officers seen punching and tasing a Black teenager in a widely shared bystander video be arrested and that Police Chief Sam Taylor resign.

      The speakers were angry that two Lakeland Police officers — Christopher McKee and Jose Diaz-Acosta — repeatedly punched, pulled the hair of and tased 16-year-old Jahmal Hudson during a videotaped arrest. The video also shows Hudson fighting back against the officers.

     According to published reports, the incident began when Hudson and three friends met a resident of The Caroline Apartments to swim in the complex’s pool on Memorial Day. One of the teens posted to social media that they had been playing volleyball and relaxing, but also admittedly using profanity in the pool.

     According to the report, a woman arrived with her children and asked the group to tone down their language.  Chief Taylor said the teens cursed at her, so she called 9-1-1. The arrest affidavit says an apartment manager asked arriving officers to trespass the teens from the pool.

     McKee wrote in the affidavit that Hudson repeatedly refused to cooperate, would not give his name or address and said he didn’t have to talk to McKee.

      A social media post said the 6-foot-1, 347-pound teenager was gathering his belongings, but became angry and defiant when McKeetold him he should go to the gym instead of the pool.

     The incident escalated when McKee, who had repeatedly told Hudson to leave, moved to arrest him.

     State Rep. Dianne Hart, D-Tampa, attended Saturday’s protest and vowed to make sure police are held accountable.

     Rev. Clayton Cowart of the Poor And Minority Justice Association, and Carlos Sotos of Black Lives Matter Restoration Polk organized Saturday’s event. The men have fought for the Civil Rights of several local Black men and women who have been arrested.

      The protesters plan to come back the first Saturday of every month to protest the Lakeland Police Department, saying the department is full of racists.

      NAACP Lakeland Branch President Terry Coney told LkldNow on Thursday that he had already been in talks with Lakeland Police about hosting an event to teach area teenagers how to interact with police. Coney did not attend the protest.

     Hudson’s mother, Ja’Tae Lewis, was pleased with the support her son received.

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.