Florida Sentinel Bulletin

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

Earlier this week, two historic African American schools learned that they were chosen as the recipients of Events For Cause Foundation. Davin Joseph, who recently re-signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is the creator of the foundation.

The program will provide nutritional pre-game meals and hydration during training and games for the football teams of both Middleton and Blake High Schools. During the segregation era, the two schools were the only two historically African American high schools in Hillsborough County.

Kennedy’s Down Home Barbecue, of Brandon, owned by Ernest Kennedy, Sr., and Ernest Kennedy, Jr., will provide the meals. “We have been feeding Davin for 3 years. He just likes our food. We are happy to partner with his foundation.

“Davin just wants the students to have a good pre-game meal to sustain them, especially before they play. It is important that the boys eat properly to have stamina and energy.”

Joseph said, “I’m excited to work with both Blake High and Middleton High in building a stronger and more positive, influential base for their extracurricular programs that are so important to their communities.” 

Joseph further stated that he has participated in other ways of giving back in Tampa. But he wanted to do something that would make a difference in the community. “We wanted to go into an area where it felt like no one was giving much help. The schools were meeting their basic needs, but the kids need a meal before a game, recovery snacks, and sports drinks.”[private]

He also said that his organization is seeking to make the programs stronger and more attractive for the youngsters living in those communities. “We want the kids from the communities to want to come participate in the programs and make a difference. Then we can let them give back,” he said.

Joseph has been a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the past six years. He launched his foundation, Events For A Cause,” in his hometown of Hallandale Beach, Florida. This is his first initiative in Tampa.

When asked if this was a one-year initiative, Joseph said, “We’re adopting Middleton and Blake. We’re committed to them.”

He further said that while each school has different needs, other areas such as band, orchestra, and drama will benefit as well. This initiative has been in development for about a year.

Joseph is a native of Hallandale Beach, Florida and was an athlete at Hallandale High School. He said is hoping to enter partnerships with other organizations in the community to fill vital needs as well.[/private]

Death threats targeted at funeral attendees of a young man murdered at a party in Riverview a few weeks ago, prompted additional security this past weekend. Security was increased at both the wake and funeral of Craig Thompson, Jr.

Police presence was visible on Friday evening for Thompson’s wake at Aikens Funeral, as well as for his funeral on Saturday.

When contacted by the Sentinel, his father, Craig Thompson, Sr., stated that he had heard about the threats, but didn’t know who made them or why. He stated that he didn’t receive any threats himself.

“I wasn’t worried because there were threats made at Iesha’s (Washington) funeral, too. It’s really sad because we were preparing for the funeral. We are in mourning. To do something like that is ridiculous and didn’t make any sense. I think to do something like that was a cowardice act,” Thompson said.

He further said that he had gone for the family viewing earlier in the day and noticed that a K9 unit was stationed on North Bay Street near the funeral home and another unit was parked across the street. Two deputies were inside of the funeral home for the wake.

Thompson said a trust fund has already been established for his unborn grandchild and the family is in the process of establishing another.

Earlier this month, Ms. Washington and Mr. Thompson were both killed after attending a party at a clubhouse at 5020 Highway 41 South, in Riverview, owned by the Local 439 of the International Chemical Workers Union. [private]

Deputies said unidentified suspects began shooting after a fight broke out and one the attendees was ordered to leave by security. A short time later, two men allegedly began shooting into the crowd.

The body of Ms. Washington, 18, was discovered on the roadway. Thompson had been shot as well and died at Tampa General Hospital.

Detectives arrested 21-year-old Tyrell Sidney Bragg and charged him with second-degree murder in the death of Ms. Washington. Police also recovered a .380 handgun believed to be the murder weapon.

Police believe a second shooter was responsible for Thompson’s death because of shell casing from a different type weapon. However, no other suspects have been arrested. The investigation is continuing. [/private]

City Editor Iris B. Holton can be contacted at (813) 248-1921; or emailed at iholton@flsentinel.com.

Prominent mega-church leader, Rev. Dr. Zachery Tims, Jr., was found dead in a New York hotel room Friday. The father of four was 42.

The Medical Examiner is currently investigating to determine how the pastor died.

Well known in the Orlando-Apopka area, Dr. Tims started his ministry in 1996 with the help of family members. Now, the New Destiny Christian Center is a large, two-location church that has a congregation in excess of 8,000 people.

New York Police said there will be an investigation into the minister’s death, and it has been determined foul play was not a factor.[private]

Dr. Tims was scheduled to appear and speak at a conference being held at the 34th Street Church Of God this weekend.

Pastor Thomas Scott of 34th Street C.O.G. said he first met Dr. Tims two years ago.

“First, we’re all in shock over his death. And we’re praying for his church and his family.

“Dr. Tims was in charge of a huge congregation and had made several television appearances. I’ve heard him speak and he’s very good and nationally known. He was very highly respected and ran a vibrant ministry.”[/private]

***Look for full story in Tuesday’s Sentinel***

The College Hill Church of God in Christ in partnership with the non-profit Sisters Empowering Women (SEW), Inc. will sponsor its annual School Clothes Giveaway.

The groups provide school clothes at no cost for children K-12.

“This is our fourth year and we get more and more people coming in for assistance each time,” said Elder Charles Davis, Pastor of College Hill. “This is a small way to bless the community and let them know our church is praying for them during these tough economic times.”

People can donate shoes, uniform clothing and non-uniform clothing. He said the items can be gently used or new and in any size. If someone wants to donate underwear or socks however, he asks that those items be brand new.

Donations can be dropped off at the College Hill Conference Center, 1002 East Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. in Tampa, Monday-Friday from 7 a. m. to 5 p. m. There is a change in the giveaway this year. The event will take place Friday night, August 19, immediately following the 7 p. m. Friday service. The church is located at 6414 N. 30th St.

Pastor Davis said the hope is people will attend service and be encouraged by hearing that God still cares for them even in this tough economy.

“We know times are tough, but people have to know that God is in control,” Pastor Davis said.

Karin Davis-Thompson, event organizer, said in order to make sure there is enough to serve as many people as possible, those interested in assistance can e-mail sisterssew@yahoo.com or call (813) 300-2208 to register.

“While it isn’t required that you register, it would be helpful for us to have a count,” she said.

An alleged molestation victim told authorities she didn’t leave home for four days after she was molested by her personal trainer, identified as James Williams, 30.

Authorities said that woman is one of at least 30 who have said they were manipulated, scammed and occasionally sexually battered by their fitness instructor. Williams allegedly preyed on the women for more than five years.

A detective told a judge that at least five women are considered victims and one of them reported that Williams dragged her into a restroom and raped her.

Williams is being held without bail on four sexual assault charges.

BY LEON B. CREWS
Sentinel Staff Writer

Like many young men who graduated from high school during the 1960s or early 1970s, Teddy Ricks, Jr., served in Vietnam.

He returned home 100% disabled from the conflict, and managed to build a career for himself and start a family.

Ricks said he thought surviving Vietnam was great until a couple of months ago.

Ricks and his wife had gone out to dinner, and brought some of the food home. At home, he ate the remainder of the food, then went to bed. “The next morning, I woke up sick and couldn’t keep anything down. My wife decided to take me to the emergency room and it was determined I had food poisoning.”

Ricks said they also ran a CAT Scan on him, and gave him some frightening news.[private]

“The doctors told me they found a huge mass on one of my kidneys. I was scheduled for surgery, and after 4-1/2 hours, I was told the surgery was successful. I also spent 8 days in intensive care. If I hadn’t gone to the hospital for the food poisoning, the cancer on my kidney would have spread. Doctors told me I wouldn’t have had any symptoms that warned me there was a problem until it was too late.

“In hindsight, I owe the restaurant a debt of gratitude. If it weren’t for the food poisoning, the cancer wouldn’t have been discovered. It’s amazing how things turn out sometimes.”

Ricks said he’s at home recuperating and on strong medication for pain.[/private]

***Look for full story in Friday’s Sentinel***

Ms. Demetria Styles said her son was arrested by Tampa Police early Monday. Ms. Styles said her son, Keith George, III, was arrested for violation of probation, but she wants to know why he was allegedly beaten, kicked, and tasered several times during the arrest.

Ms. Styles said George and two friends had left a club around 1:30 a.m., when the vehicle they were riding in was stopped by police at the intersection of N. 15th Street and E. 26th Avenue.

“He did try to run because he knew he was wanted for violating his probation. But when he called me, he could hardly talk. He said they kicked him and punched him in his face several times. His friends said the police just kept tasering him and laughing. They (police) kept telling him to “say you’re sorry” as they repeatedly tasered him for about 10 minutes. They also told him, ‘you got you’re a** whipped and now you’re going to jail.’”

Ms. Styles said the police never said why they stopped the car, but eventually let her son’s two friends leave without being arrested.

Ms. Styles said police had gone to her mother’s home to arrest her son the weekend before the encounter. “I was told that the police report said there were no bruises, but when you look at my son’s face, you can see he was beaten.”

She stated that she is particularly concerned about the tasering because her son has a heart murmur. [private]

George, 18, was charged with possession of cannabis (less than 20 grams), grand theft of a motor vehicle, and obstructing or opposing an officer without violence.

Ms. Styles has filed a complaint with the Tampa Police Department’s Internal Affairs Bureau.

Ms. Janelle McGregor, spokesperson for the Tampa Police Department said, “We take complaints very seriously and that is why we have an Internal Affairs Bureau to sort out these matters.

“Our Internal Affairs Bureau will conduct a thorough investigation into the mother’s complaint and determine exactly what happened.”

Anyone wishing to contact Iris B. Holton, City Editor, can call (813) 248-1921; or email iholton@flsentinel.com. [/private]

***Look for full story in Friday’s Sentinel***

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

Mrs. Georgette Williams was out of town when she learned through a telephone call that Mrs. April Daniels Sanders was being transported to the hospital from her job at DAACO. Within an hour of receiving the call, she learned that Ms. Sanders had died.

Mrs. Williams said Mrs. Daniels Sanders has been married to her son, Terrol Sanders, for nearly 3 years. “I have driven a bus for Greyhound for the past 15 years and I was on my route in Tallahassee when her supervisor called me.”

“I contacted my grandson and he was with her son, Travis George and they went to the hospital. The next thing I knew they called me back around 1 p.m., and said she had died.

“We talked everyday and she was like one of my own daughters. To my knowledge, she had aches and pains like everyone else, but nothing terminal. She had asthma and high blood pressure, but she wasn’t having any major problems that I knew about.” Mrs. Williams said that after her daughter-in-law passed, she contacted the Lake Butler Prison where her son is incarcerated and he gave her power of attorney and guardianship to handle funeral arrangements.

However, she said the insurance company has not paid the claim because the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner has not determined a cause of death.

“I thought I had not understood the coroner, because I was grief-stricken, so I called him back. I was told that it would be 8 to 12 weeks before a cause of death would be known.”

Because of this unexpected turn of events, Mrs. Williams said the family needs help with funeral expenses.

Anyone wishing to contact Mrs. Williams can reach her at (813) 689-1879. Funeral services for Mrs. Daniels Sanders are incomplete. Harmon’s Funeral Home is in charge of handling arrangements.

Ms. Mary Lynn Ulrey, CEO of the Drug Abuse Comprehensive Coordinating Office, Inc., (DACCO), said DAACO has established a fund for Ms. Daniels Sanders’ children and donated the first $500 contribution.

“If someone wants to send a contribution for the children to the memorial fund, make checks payable to: DACCO c/o Lisa Carrier, Human Resources, April Daniels Memorial Fund, 4422 E. Columbus Drive, Tampa, FL 33605.” [private]

Mrs. Williams further stated that Mrs. Daniels Sanders was a native of Queens, New York and she met her son, Terrol, when she was 15. She stated that the two dated and Mrs. Williams and her family moved to Tampa in 1983, and her son and Ms. Daniels Sanders went their separate ways.

Mrs. Williams said Mrs. Daniels Sanders later met and married the father of her three children. She said the two reconnected after several years and began to communicate.

Mrs. Williams said Mrs. Daniels Sanders and her son would have celebrated their 3rd anniversary on August 17th. “It was like their relationship picked right up from where it left off when they were teenagers, and they talked every day.”

She also said her daughter-in-law was working to help with her husband’s appeals.

Mrs. Williams said in addition to her husband, Mrs. Daniels Sanders is survived by two sons, Travis, 22, and Tarron, 7, and 1 daughter, Amaya, 15. She also has one sister, Mrs. Alecia Coleman, of Glen Cove, New York, other relatives and friends. [/private]

There is great excitement in the air of local church 34th Street Church of God and the Florida State Association of the Church of God.

The “Family Fest” Conference, led by Dr. Thomas Scott, Senior Pastor of 34th Street Church of God, has endeavored and succeeded over the last few years to give away thousands of book bags and school supplies to the local community, provide haircuts and hair braiding, health screenings  and physicals, free food and so much more. This year is no exception.

Even in the midst of a recession, 34th Street Church of God remains committed to serving the community. 34th Street Church has combined kingdom alignment with the state conference of the Florida State Association of the Church of God to make a larger imprint on the city of Tampa and the state of Florida.

The conference will begin on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at 7 p. m. with noted preacher and Grammy award winning singer, Evangelist Beverly Crawford. On Thursday Night, August 18, 2011, the guest speaker will be the youthful and dynamic, Pastor D. H. Dawkins, Ft. Lauderdale. Friday, August 19, 2011 will be Dr. Zachary Tims of the New Destiny Christian Center, Orlando.

Saturday, August 20, 2011 at 9 a. m., the church will host its annual “Community Survival Day” at the 18th St. Park in East Tampa. Families will be blessed to receive free book bags and school supplies, haircuts and hair braiding, health physicals, HIV-AIDS Test, dental screenings, food, games, music and so much more.

For more information about the conference, visit online at www.34thstreetcog.org or  www.lifeimpactconference.com, or call 813-248-6548, ext. 223. Vending and sponsorship opportunities are available. See advertisement for additional information.

Nightly services are free. Dr. Jeffery A. J. Johnson, is Conference Coordinator.