Florida Sentinel Bulletin

The Group of Artists and Producers Say They Support Non-violence and Want to Spread That Message to Others

O. T. was a popular artist with the widely-recognized recording label, College Hill Music Group (C.H.M.G).  His untimely death happened on March 24, 2013 when he was shot down at a Nuccio corner store on 50th Street and Sligh Ave.

O. T. (Osh Totter Williams) was only 20 years old, but was on his way to making great things happen in his life.  His family, friends and label mates will celebrate his life; and want the community to realize what is happening.

“We don’t need other organizations like hate or supremacy groups.  They’ve got us where they want us – we are killing each other.  We can’t keep destroying ourselves. We have to change,” says T-Raw, CHMG C.E.O.

Tampa’s inner city communities have been plagued with numerous senseless murders in the past months.  T-Raw recognizes the strength and importance of unity.  He says he learned

that from living in College Hill.  “College Hill is a place where we learned to stick together, be loyal and have each other’s back.”  He and his artists are a group of talented individuals that are focused on using entertainment as a tool to make a difference.

CHMG will kick off their non-violence campaign with the release of O. T.’s last mixtape, “Young, Wild and Free.”  The mixtape cover, designed by DJ Ripper, shows the artist’s sunrise and sunset date and displays two quotes: “Only in the darkness can you see the stars” (Dr. Martin L. King) and “From the Hill to the Skyz” (CHMG original).

The mixtape, which is promoted by J Hype, can be purchased at various locations including: Crunkman (22nd St. and MLK), Bugatti Jewelry (University Mall), Boys II Men Barbershops by Peaches, and Bass Style Mixtapes (Tampa Fashion Flea Market).

Other artists on CHMG include T-Raw, Roni Red, Pimp City, Zay, Roco, Allah and new R & B sensation, Nooni.  Learn more about O. T. and these artists at www.CHMGworld.com.

For more information, call (813) 471-8320.

On Wednesday, Hillsborough County School officials instituted a lockdown at a high school because of several fights. Twenty students were suspended as a result of the fighting.

According to a spokesperson for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, school officials handled the fights at Wharton High School, 20150 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. One individual, who is a student at the school, but who was suspended, was taken into custody for trespassing.

It is unclear why the student was involved in the dispute or why he came on campus, the spokesperson said.

She further said the fights were over a girl and began off campus, but carried over to the school. The students were fighting during the periods in which they changed classes.

Steve Hegarty, spokesman for the Hillsborough County School District said there were several students, divided into two groups, who were fighting during class changes.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office reports that on April 28^th at 4:15 p. m., Sierra McMillan, 22, put her 7-month-old infant, Jewond Elder, Jr., inside a bath tub and started the water for a bath. McMillan left the infant in the tub with the water running to answer the door to a cable salesman, deputies said.

While inside the apartment, deputies said the salesman could hear the water running and a child crying. He told deputies after a few minutes, the infant stopped crying.

The salesman told deputies that after 15 to 20 minutes, McMillan went into the bathroom and turned off the water. When she returned, he noticed her arms and the front of her shirt was wet, deputies said. The salesman stayed in the apartment a few more minutes until McMillan asked him to return another time.

After leaving the apartment, deputies said the salesman saw deputies and emergency personnel arriving to the apartment. He also saw EMS personnel leaving the scene with a baby and decided to tell deputies what he had observed.

An autopsy of infant was done, and the manner of death was listed as accidental, and the cause of death was listed as drowning of an unattended child. The infant died of drowning caused by being left alone in the tub while the water was running, deputies said.

Deputies reported that McMillan told them she was giving the baby a bath, knelt down to get the baby soap from under the sink, and passed out. She said she woke up and found the baby face down in the tub with the water level halfway to the top, according to the report.

On April 29^th, McMillan was arrested and charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child. She is being held without bond.

Family members gathered in support of McMillan, saying she is a loving mother, and this was a tragic accident.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

On Tuesday, (today), beginning at 1 p. m., members of the Hillsborough County School District will hold a workshop. Its purpose is to address and discuss the high number of African American and Hispanic male students receiving out-of-school suspensions.

The workshop will take place at the Hillsborough County School Administration Building, 900 E. Kennedy Blvd., 2^nd Floor Conference Room. It is open to the public, however, those attending will not be allowed to speak or ask questions.

Ms. Doretha Edgecomb, member of the Hillsborough County School District said, she learned of the high rate of suspensions of Black and Hispanic male students at a presentation by Lewis Brinson, Superintendent for Administration for Hillsborough County School District.

“I requested a workshop at that time. During the workshop, we will address the issue and find ways to reduce the out-of-school suspensions of these young men,” Ms. Edgecomb said.

Brinson said, “Our plans are to review the data and develop strategies to reduce the numbers. Basically, when compared to other ethnicities, the numbers are just too high.”

In addition to school board members and officials, the workshop will be attended by Principals Owen Young, of Middleton High School, Marcus, Murrillo, of Webb Middle School, Dallas Jackson, of Martinez Middle School and Victor Fernandez, of Leto High School.

Assistant Principal Keith Jacobs, of Williams I. B. Middle School, and Ross Anderson, founder of Men of Vision will also be in attendance.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

The Corporation to Develop Communities of Tampa, Inc., (CDC) recently received a $60,120 grant to provide foreclosure prevention. The grant was the second largest awarded in the state awarded by the National Foreclosure Mitigation Counseling Program.

Marquaz McGhee, Housing Manager for the CDC of Tampa, Inc., said, “The grant will enable the CDC to provide assistant to about 175 homeowners. The competitive grant was processed by Neighborhood Works.

“It will allow us to reach and assist more clients and help homeowners to understand the home retention programs. Studies show that working with a certified housing counseling agency, homeowners are eleven times more likely to receive a workout from their servicer.”

McGhee further stated that for the past four years, the CDC has offered classes where homeowners can learn about all options and programs available to them.

The CDC is in the planning stages of hosting two foreclosure prevention programs. One will take place in May in Tampa and the second will take place in Polk County in July. However, the programs have not been finalized, he said.

The classes are held every Tuesday at 1907 E. Hillsborough Avenue, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The classes are free and open to the public.

McGhee said that those wishing to attend the classes are asked to pre-register. However, they can register the same day of the class.

Those wishing to register can call (813) 231-4362, extension 308. For more information about the grant, visit the website at  HYPERLINK “http://www.cdcoftampa.org” www.cdcoftampa.org.

On Friday evening, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a woman who said she had found the bodies of her son, Jason Allen, 37, and his estranged wife, Pamela Allen, 38, inside her Clair-Mel City home. Both were dead.

When deputies arrived, they reported that based on the evidence at the scene, Jason had shot and killed Pamela, then killed himself.

Wanda Baker, sister of Jason Allen, said this tragedy has hit both families very hard, and unexpectedly.

“Jason lived with our parents and was taking care of them. They depended on him a lot, and he was always there for them.

“Jason was also the devoted father of five children, and loved them very much.”

Ms. Baker said her brother and Pamela had a volatile relationship, and they separated some time ago and were seeing other people.

“They both had found other people, and moved on with their lives, although they were legally still married.

“They had known each other for 12 years, and were married for 8 years. No one believes their arguments would lead to this.”

Ms. Baker said her family offers condolences to Pamela’s family, and she wishes things had ended differently.

“Right after this happened, our families weren’t happy with each other. I hope that will get better, because we both have lost someone very dear to us.”

Ms. Baker said she thinks Jason and Pamela were angry with each other over things that had happened in their relationship, but no one ever thought it would lead to this.

“The shooting happened at his house. Pamela was there, because she would come over from time to time just to talk to our parents and to Jason.

Jason Allen’s family is still making arrangements for a service. Pamela’s family has asked Young’s Funeral Home to assist them with arrangements.

According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, deputies had been called to the home on three occasions last year, and once this year on domestic related problems.

Demetrius Morris, 27, now has the charge of solicitation to commit first-degree murder added to the list of charges he’s been held on.

Investigators said between April 12, 2013 and April 21, 2013, Morris, communicated through notes that he wanted to have a hit placed on the victim and her daughter in a pending case.

In that case, Morris was arrested in October 2012 on charges of sexual battery, kidnapping, lewd and lascivious battery on an elderly person, and lewd and lascivious molestation on an elderly person.

Investigators said Morris tried to get both the victim and her daughter killed before his court date on May 8, 2013. He allegedly would pay for the hit with social security funds he was scheduled to receive.

BY GWEN HAYES

Sentinel Editor

Tuesday’s weather with a bright sunshine and a frequent breeze provided the perfect atmosphere for the Friends of the Riverwalk, Inc. to present 6 new inductees for the Historical Monument Trail. Three of the 6 are of African-American descent.

Jack Harris served as Master of Ceremonies 3 p. m. event. Steve Anderson, Historical Monument Trail Committee Chair, introduced the volunteers and members of the Honoree Selection Committee.

City of Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn talked about the 5 mayors this project has gone through to come to fruition. He recognized the families that represented the honorees, while paying homage to the diversity of the 6 people selected. “This is what makes us different,” he said. “This is a great day for Tampa as we honor the forefathers of these families. We should never forget where we came from.”

The 2013 honorees are: Cyril (C.) Blythe Andrews (1901-1977), (pictured), remembered as a trailblazing newspaper man, businessman, philanthropist and civic leader.

He became secretary/treasurer of Central Life Insurance Co., a real estate developer and led the Grand Assembly of Lily White Security Benefit Association, Inc., which built 3 temples, the Lily White Hospital, the Lily White Rest Haven and created an ambulance service.

In 1945, he re-started the Florida Sentinel and bought the Tampa Bulletin in 1959, merging the two papers to become the Florida Sentinel-Bulletin. As a publisher, his endorsement was coveted by office seekers.

A Mason and an Elk, he served on numerous boards and committees.

Cody Fowler (1892-1978) came to Tampa in 1924 to practice law. His mother, Maud Fowler was one of the founders of Temple Terrace. He drafted the charter for Temple Terrace, served as its first attorney and first mayor.

Although it was unpopular, Fowler distinguished himself by defending African Americans in Tampa’s courts. In 1943 he joined with Morris White to form Fowler and White law firm.

In 1959, he was appointed chairman of Florida’s and Tampa’s Bi-Racial Commissions. His leadership along with African-American leaders helped guide the peaceful integration of Tampa’s lunch counters in 1960.

Kate Victoria Jackson (1857-1940) was born in Tampa to Irish immigrant parents. She founded and led the all-female Tampa Civic Association in 1910.

An astute businesswoman, philanthropist and environmentalist, Jackson was instrumental in establishing and funding the Academy of Holy Names; in starting and leading the nation’s second Girl Scouts of America troop; and in advocating and contributing to the purchase and preservation of the initial acreage for what became Everglades National Park.

Peter Oliphant Knight (1865-1946) was an influential member of Tampa’s business institutions. When he moved to Tampa in 1889, there were fewer than 1,000 residents. He served as a City Councilman, County Solicitor and was prominent in the development of Davis Island. Knight and others organized the Exchange National Bank, Tampa Gas Company and the City’s electric street car and lighting system.

He was the founding partner in what is today the national law firm of Holland & Knight.

Paulina Pedroso

Paulina Pedrosa (1845-1925) was born and died in Cuba, but she was one of Tampa’s most influential Black women. She moved to Tampa in the 1880s and worked as a cigar maker. She and her husband, Ruberto, who was white worked to end racial segregation in Tampa. She led other Black Cubans in organizing La Sociedad Libres, or Society for Liberty. The Pedrosos returned to Cuba in 1910 and the Cuban government allowed them to live rent-free the rest of their lives. She died in 1923.

Pedroso was inducted into the Florida Women’s Hall of Fame in 1993.

Garfield Devoe (G. D.) Rogers (1885-1951 is said to have made his trek from Georgia to central Florida by walking along railroad tracks and selling railroad tires to buy food.

He worked as a tailor and dry cleaner in Bradenton and later obtained licenses in real estate and mortuary science. He and his wife opened Rogers Funeral Home.

In 1922, Rogers helped create Tampa’s Central Industrial (Life) Company, an agency that sold policies to Blacks. He also opened Rogers Hotel and Rogers Dining Room on Central Ave. Rogers invested in a beach resort for Blacks, established the Negro Business League and worked to register Black voters.

Garfield Devoe Rogers

Also known as a philanthropist, his most noteworthy gift was of land for a Tampa park to be used by Blacks. Today, that park which bears his name is the historical Rogers Park Golf Course.

The completed busts of each individual will be available for public viewing in December 2013.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

Backyard gardens are becoming popular all over the country. However, one garden is so special the owner hopes it will land him in the record books.

After retiring from the hotel industry as a caterer nearly ten years ago, Marion McCrea suddenly found himself with a lot of time on his hands.

He decided to start a garden, but he only wanted to grow one type of plant. Mr. McCrea began his garden by setting out collard greens in buckets. When the plants reach a certain size, he plants them in the ground.

Mr. McCrea, who is 77 years old, said when he gets ready to start a new plant, he crops a portion of an existing plant. Today, he has plants that have reached the height of more than 12 feet high.

As the plants grow, he supports the stalks with sticks to prevent them from breaking. But, he doesn’t have to cover the taller plants to protect them from the cold.

Each morning he goes outside and spends time with his plants. “I talk to them just like people talk to other plants. I like being outside so I spend a lot of time with them.

A native of Cane Tree, South Carolina, Mr. McCrea moved to Clearwater in 1955 and then to Tampa 4 years later. He obtained employment in the hotel industry catering banquets, conferences, meetings, family reunions, and other large gatherings. He retired after 38 years of service.

Mr. McCrea said he doesn’t sell the greens, but gives them away from time to time. On other occasions, he may cook some of the greens.

When asked what other types of vegetables are in his garden, Mr. McCrea said, “Just collard greens.” He attempted other plants on different occasions, but did not have the same results.

“Since I retired, I had nothing to do so I started a garden. Now, I have been told I have the tallest stalks in Florida. I would like for people to see what I do,” Mr. McCrea said.