Florida Sentinel Bulletin

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

Tuesday would have been the 19th birthday of Iesha Washington (pictured). Although the young woman was killed last summer, her mother decided to hold a “Stop The Violence” Movement in her honor.

Ms. Vanetta Scott said her pastor, Rev. Michael B. Price, of St. James AME Church allowed them to hold part of the program inside the church. After that portion of the program was over, the group moved outside to the park.

Ms. Scott said that is when the trouble began.

“We were about to feed the people when all of a sudden gunfire erupted. Someone fired about 20 gunshots. But, they can’t stop me, if they take my life, they can’t stop me.”

Ms. Scott said no one was injured and no arrests made.

“I’m not giving up. This lets me know I’m doing it for the right reason. God is good and this violence has to stop. Families are hurting. I pray that God will be with the family of the boy who killed my child because they have lost him, too. The only difference is, they can go see him, but I can’t go see my child,” Ms. Scott said.

She further said the event was an experience and she has learned a lot. She didn’t know she needed permits, but was able to get them.

Ms. Scott also said that her pastor said she can still accomplish her goal, she just has to do things differently. The church will partner with her next year.

Last July, a group of young people gathered at the International Chemical Workers Union Council, Local 439 Clubhouse for a party. Ms. Scott’s daughter and a young man died after shots were fired indiscriminately into the huge crowd.

Iesha Washington and Craig A. Thompson died after being hit by gunfire. Ms. Scott said the movement was planned as a memorial to the slain young adults.

Ms. Scott said that despite the gunfire, it was a very nice event with attendance ranging between 200 and 300 people.

“We had so much food there because of the article in the Sentinel. I had hired a DJ and he brought me the money back. He said an anonymous donor had paid him.

Ms. Scott said she will not be stopped by the incident. “Every day I think of something to add to my agenda to get the message of non-violence out to these children. They can’t stop me.”

Facunda Arenas remembers all too well her childhood. She, along with her sister, Margaret, were typical teenagers, and both of their lives could have turned out the way some of their peers did.

But, Ms. Arenas knew her life had to be different, especially after she found herself alone raising six children.

“Of my six children, five of them are boys, so my focus as a parent was strong. I saw how the other young men they grew up with were turning out, and I just couldn’t see my children going through that.

“I prayed a lot and sacrificed even more to make sure my children at least had a chance to be successful.”

Ms. Arenas is proud of all of her children, especially her son, Javier.

After a successful football career at Robinson High School, Javier went on to be a star at Alabama, where they captured a National Championship. After completing his senior year, he was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the second round of the 2010 draft.

Ms. Arenas said Javier was a very funny kid growing up and helped her out a lot at her day care business. “I remember being in the hospital with him when he was 5 or 6 and hearing the doctors say he was a special kid.

“All of my children got along great with each other. All of the boys were athletes and challenged each other to stay in top shape. They loved to fish together and just generally hang out.”

Javier said that his journey wouldn’t have been successful without the values instilled in him by his mother.

“Being where I am now, I’m just living for the moment. I enjoyed high school football, and to this date, I’ve managed to keep the fun in the game.
“I worked out more than others, because I just enjoy it. I’ve managed to be with successful programs along the way, and I’ve had great coaches.”

Javier said he occasionally works out with his older brother, Armondo, and when it comes to life after football, he’ll lean on his degree in Public Relations.
“As far as my brothers are concerned, we all feel the same for each other. We always played together, and they are also my biggest critics.

“As far as my mom is concerned, she is very special. She’s always been a hard worker, and instilled in me great values, and the need to achieve to get to where I need to be. Because of her, if I weren’t playing football, I know I’d still be successful.”

Reporter Leon B. Crews can be reached at (813) 248-0724, or e-mailed at  lcrews@flsentinel.com.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

A traffic accident early Friday morning claimed the life of a young Tampa father. The accident occurred at the intersection of N. 56th Street and Harney Road at approximately 2:30 a.m.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Terrance Price Davis, Jr., 28, was driving a 1996 Nissan Maxima northbound on N. 56th Street. As he approached the intersection of Harney Road, the vehicle left the roadway, for unknown reasons. After leaving the roadway, the front of the vehicle struck a metal utility light pole and then a concrete power pole.

Davis was transported to Tampa General Hospital, where he died of his injuries.

A Tampa native, Davis was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Terrance (Sonya Gyton) Davis, Sr. He attended the local schools of Hillsborough County. He had returned to school and was pursuing his GED at the time of his death, his wife, Mrs. Jasmine Davis, said.

He has been employed at his family’s business, Davis Masonry and Design, for several years since becoming an adult.

Mrs. Davis said they were married at the new Bethel Temple of Deliverance Apostolic Church, were they are both members. They were preparing to celebrate their 12th anniversary. They are the parents of two children, an 11-year-old son and a 9-year-old daughter.

Mrs. Davis said her husband enjoyed spending time with his children and family, fishing, and basketball. She also said he always read his bible. She last spoke with him shortly before the accident and he told her he was on his way home.

“He was a wonderful person. He had a very good heart and he was always doing something for other people. He was a wonderful, wonderful man,” Mrs. Davis said.

Funeral services for Davis were incomplete at press time. Harmon’s Funeral Home is in charge of handling arrangements.

Inaugural Walk Aims to Raise $65,000 to Send Students to College

The Bay Area Leadership Council of UNCF – the United Negro College Fund – the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization, announced that it is hosting its inaugural Walk for Education on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012, in Tampa at Al Lopez Park. Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn will serve as Honorary Chair.

Members of the community and friends of UNCF are invited to form a team, join a team or register as an individual to help children get the education they need and our nation needs them to have.

Visit www.uncf.org/tampabaywalk for more information and to pre-register.

“I am honored to serve as the honorary chair for the UNCF Walk for Education in Tampa,” said Mayor Bob Buckhorn. “This event will help fund the education of more than 60,000 students across the nation annually; that fact is more than enough incentive to rally together as a community to support this effort. UNCF is an outstanding organization that has helped ensure a positive future by providing opportunities for our students get the education they deserve.”

Walk on-site registration begins at 7 a. m. and the Walk begins at 8 a. m. The registration entry fee required before the day of the event is $20 for adults 19 and older and $10 for individuals between the ages of 12 and 18. Registration is free for children 11 and under.

Sponsorship packages are available. Sponsors for this year’s walk include Citi, Fifth Third Bank, Florida Blue, Serenity Village, State Farm, Tampa Chapter of the Links, Tech Data, and Wells Fargo. Additionally, volunteers will be needed to help with set-up and operations, including maintaining Walk stations and clean-up.

“We want the Central Florida Community to Walk for Education and help build a more diverse workforce and strengthen the community,” said Curtis Stokes, chair of the Bay Area Leadership Council. “Everyone who believes that ‘A Mind Is a Terrible Thing to Waste’® should come out, and inspire and empower our young people to secure their passports to opportunity, college degrees.”

For more information on our Walk for Education or for sponsorship packages, please contact Tampa Walk Chair Felicia Harvey at tampabayareauncfwalk@gmail.com.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

On Monday, the Florida A & M University Board of Directors held a meeting at 9 a.m. During the meeting, they unanimously accepted a modified letter of resignation from President James Ammons. They also appointed Dr. Larry Robinson, who served as the Provost, as the Interim President of the University.

Mrs. Carolyn Collins, former Florida A & M University National Alumni Association (FAMU NAA) President said Board Chairman Solomon Badger, III, made the motion to accept the modified letter and it was second. The motion allowed Dr. Ammons’ resignation to take effect immediately, instead of the required 90-day notice.

“The decisions were made quickly because the university’s need for stability, transition, and they decided to make the decision to appoint Dr. Robinson today and not to leave this lingering. He has also served in that capacity before,” Mrs. Collins said.

She further stated that alumni members should make plans to attend the next meeting tentatively planned for August 22nd and 23rd. It will take place at FAMU in the Lawson Gym.

“Folks who want to make sure that there are no external influences should make plans to attend this meeting. We are encouraging all graduates to contact their local alumni presidents. In Tampa, contact Jackie Hearns, or attend the July meeting,” she said.

Dr. Robinson was serving as the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. His responsibilities included the academic operation of thirteen schools and colleges within the University. The school has more than 13,000 students and more than 700 faculty members.

Dr. Robinson had joined the University in 2003.

In May 2010, Dr. Robinson took a leave of absence from the University to serve as Assistant Secretary for Commerce for Conservation and Management at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. He supported and managed NOAA’s coastal and marine programs.

Dr. Robinson also supported NOAA’s participation in the BP oil spill crisis and President Barack Obama’s Ocean policy Task Force.

Dr. Robinson returned to FAMU in November 2011.

A federal jury found a 26-year-old Tampa man guilty of trying to have another man killed. The two men were defendants in a drug case.

According to court documents and testimony, Asieba Imadjami Thomas was in jail on May 3, of last year, on charges of possession of crack cocaine with the intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a public school.

He was sentenced to 17 years and 8 months in federal prison for the federal drug violations stemming from this arrest.

While in jail, Thomas allegedly approached another defendant and offered to murder that person’s co-defendant to prevent him from testifying in court.

Thomas was released from jail after posting bond on June 3, 2011. After being released from jail, Thomas met with the individual and discussed committing the murder in detail.

Thomas allegedly wanted a $40,000 payment, in part with cocaine and $20,000 in cash after the crime was committed. He also asked the other man to provide the gun to commit the murder.

According to court documents, Thomas told the man that he would bury the body in the countryside and then he would disappear after the crime was committed.

On September 7, 2011, Thomas met with the individuals twice. During the second meeting, Thomas accepted three quarters of a kilogram of cocaine and a gun. He was arrested immediately after the transaction was completed.

Thomas was indicted on the murder for hire charge on October 27, 2011.

He was convicted of murder for hire, possession and attempted possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, being a felon in possession of a handgun, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and a crime of violence. He will be sentenced on October 4, 2012.

A 52-year-old man is being held without bond for allegedly raping his girlfriend’s 12-year-old daughter.

On Wednesday, Tampa Police arrested Nacenure Neloms on charges of sexual battery and lewd and lascivious molestation.

Police said after 11 p. m. Tuesday, Neloms entered into the victim’s bedroom and fondled her, then sexually battered her.

The victim told investigators that Neloms had touched her inappropriately three times before, according to the arrest report.

On one occasion, police said the victim told her mother, who confronted Neloms. At that time, he reportedly admitted touching the girl and swore to not do it again.

In all of the incidents, police said Neloms waited for the family and the girl to fall asleep.

BY GWEN HAYES
Sentinel Editor

We always hear the adage, ‘what goes around, comes around,’ and in many instances proves to be true.

So it is with one of Tampa’s native sons, whose spiritual elevations took him away from the area and is now bringing him back.

It was in 2002, here in Tampa, also in June, when Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr. was elevated to lead 2.5 million in the African Methodist Episcopal Church as President of the Bishops Council. At the time he was one of 19 bishops.

For the past 8 years, he has been the Presiding Prelate of the Second Episcopal District (Washington, D. C./Maryland area).

It was again in June, 10 years later, this time in Nashville, Tennessee, during the General Conference when Bishop Richardson received a new assignment. This time he will oversee the Eleventh Episcopal District for the next 8 years, which includes all the AME Churches in Florida and the Bahamas.

Bishop McKinley Young, who served the 11th Episcopal District, has been assigned to the 3rd Episcopal District, serving Ohio, West Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

Bishop William Phillips DeVeaux, Sr. has been sent to the 2nd Episcopal District.

Bishop Richardson, who still has several family members in the Tampa community, quickly shared the news with local family. Sharing in the good news are aunts and uncles – Curtiss Wilson, Mary Scott, Mordecai and Charles Walker. He also has several cousins in the area.

He is the son of the late Rev. A. J. Richardson, Sr. and Inez Walker Richardson. He and his wife, Mrs. Connie Speights Richardson, are the parents of 2 adult children – Monique and Trey.

A graduate of Middleton High School and a former drum major, Bishop Richardson matriculated to Florida A&M University, where he was also a drum major, during the era when the drum majors at FAMU were referred to as the ‘8 Wonders of the World.’

Bishop Richardson served as pastor of Bethel AME Church in Tallahassee for 18 years before elevating to episcopacy in 1996.

Bishop Richardson spent several years in Africa preparing for his elevation.

An aunt here in Tampa, Mrs. Curtiss Wilson, says, “we are so very proud of him.”

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

Earlier This week, the State of Florida released grades for elementary and middle schools. The grades for high schools will be released later.

Several of the traditional schools improved their grades over last year. However, some school grades declined.

Several schools improved their grades over last year despite changes that took place in the way tests were scored.

Hillsborough County School Superintendent MaryEllen Elia said in a press release, “Many of our schools are celebrating. We knew that the raised standards would have an impact. Despite the fact that we are in a transition year, most of our schools earned A or B, half of our schools maintained their grade, and several improved their grade. That’s a direct result of the hard work of our students and teachers.”

The grading system of the charter schools showed that two improved in Hillsborough County. Both Mount Pleasant Standard Base Middle School and Walton Academy received As.

Last year, Lomax Elementary Magnet School received a “C.” However, this year, Lomax was awarded an “A.”

Ms. Connie Chisholm, principal of Lomax Elementary School attributes  the improvement to the focus of her teachers, the extended learning day program, and the Saturday tutoring offered to the students.

Sligh Middle Magnet School received a “D” last year, but fell to an “F” grade this year. Ferrell Academy for Girls and Franklin Academy for Boys, the two newly configured schools, received their first grades this year. Franklin received an “F” and Ferrell received a “C.”

Mrs. Doretha Edgecomb (pictured), school board member said that Superintendent Elia discusses the grades with her and shares plans about ways to improve the grades.

“She goes over the grades with me and the discusses strategies that are in place. We already have a team that has ongoing conversations on how to improve schools.

“One of the misconceptions is that we don’t start doing anything until a school gets a bad grade. That is not true because we have people who work very hard all year. But sometimes, for whatever reason, all of the factors just don’t come together at the same time.”

State Education Commissioner Gerard Robins0n recorded a telephone message to Hillsborough County parents that put the new standards and grades in perspective.