Florida Sentinel Bulletin

Former Lynn Tolliver DJ and early rap artist, , won a $1.2 million judgment by a New York jury in a lawsuit over the unauthorized sampling by the Black EyedPeas of his 1983 song, “I Need A Freak.” The sample was used in the band’s hit single, “My Humps.” It sold over 2 million copies in the United States.

From his home in Tampa, Tolliver said he’s extremely happy and although the case took 10 years, God was on his side.[private]

According to a source, Tolliver recorded his song at James McCant’s Studio at Heat Records. Tolliver formed a concept band called “Sexual Harassment.” McCant then registered the song with BMI, naming Tolliver as the songwriter. Tolliver testified that McCant agreed to pay him 75% of the royalties from the use of the song. Tolliver sued McCant for copyright infringement and claimed that McCant licensed the song to the Black Eyed Peas without his permission.[/private]

BY LEON B. CREWS
Sentinel Staff Writer

When Ms. Evangeline Best took over as chair of the East Tampa Community Revitalization Partnership, her mission was to make East Tampa a community everyone would be proud of, and improve the quality of life for the residents.

Last month, the City of Tampa hosted a Citizen Recognition Award Program. During the program, it was announced that Ms. Best had been selected to be named “Citizen Of The Year.”

Ms. Best said she is appreciative and humbled by the recognition.[private]

“I want to say thanks to everyone, especially the city employees at the District III Tampa Police Headquarters for voting for me and the approval of all top officials.

“A lot of East Tampa residents have worked hard and have been cooperative with me and the ETCRP. No one accomplishes these awards alone. There are always many people working on committees and behind the scenes to make things happen.”

Ms. Best said behind the scenes, a lot of work is done by people who never get any recognition. She also said her family has always believed in giving back to the community.

“There are 24 hours in each day; 8 for sleeping. After I retired from the county in 2003, the usual 8 hours for other activities was added to me making more contacts in the East Tampa community.

“My hope is that my efforts in the past eight years have shown that we can work together in harmony. I believe the seeds of hope and determination planted will ensure a good life for us all very soon.”

Tampa Police Chief, Jane Castor, said Ms. Best’s motto of “together we can do much,” fits right in with TPD’s mission.

“Her partnership with the Tampa Police Department and her leadership in the community has been an integral part in the city’s 61% reduction in crime.”[/private]

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

Ralph Smith, founder and Executive Director of the Computer Mentors Group, Inc., said the organization is offering a free STEM 360 Summer Program. The program, which began on June 27th and will terminate on July 27th, is being held at Memorial Middle School, 4702 N. Central Avenue (next to Hillsborough High School).

For more information, call (813) 846-8651 or 813-846-8599.

***Look for full story in Friday’s Sentinel***[private]

Smith said, “We are accepting middle school students into our summer program. Enrollment will take place Tuesday through Thursday (July 5 – July 7) between the hours of 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Memorial Middle School in the cafeteria. Parents can bring students with you, complete the application, and leave them on the first day.”

He further stated that the program operates Mondays through Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Those enrolled will be taken on field trips, engage in curriculum built around science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The students will also be provided free lunch and afternoon snack will be provided to all students. Incentives will be provided to each student in the form of “Ralph Bucks” for great ideas, helping out, participating during activities, having a positive attitude, and for so much more.

Smith said at the end of the program, students can spend their “Ralph Bucks” on several fun items in our STEM Store. Students will have several opportunities to earn “Ralph Bucks.” At the end of the summer the names of three students will be drawn to win a digital camera.

“The STEM 360 staff is committed to helping all students have as much fun as possible this summer. Our mission is that everyone experience engaging fun from beginning to end!

“Students will participate in Science and Math classes during the morning hours. In these classes, students will conduct scientific experiments and play math games,” he said.

Daily activities include students interacting with Teen Space, which includes challenging their peers to table top and board games, Teen Talk, Integrated Communications, and Aerospace Dynamics. Teen Talk is a class designed for guest speakers and discussions centered issues pertaining to teenagers.

They will also take part in Integrated Communications, a class that prepares students to use Microsoft Office 2010 and the Internet appropriately. In this class they will also take photographs and video of summer events and activities for the summer newsletter and magazine.

Aerospace Dynamics is a class focused on flight, rockets, and aviation. Once students have finished with their elective, they are directed to outdoor and indoor recreational activities. Students will enjoy endurance tests, circuit training courses, and health awareness activities. Program participants will also design and enjoy STEM Career Day on July 19.[/private]

A Tampa native was one of two victims murdered in Wadley, Georgia late Thursday night.  Several agencies are participating in the investigation.

According to information in the Augusta Chronicle on Friday, Melanie Troupe, 22, formerly of Tampa, and Corey Kemp are the victims.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) arrested 30-year-old Willie James Kitchen Friday afternoon in Wadley and charged him with 2 counts of malice murder in connection with the 2 deaths. He may face additional charges.[private]

Officials are releasing limited details about the deaths.

According to news accounts, the 2 bodies were found in a house about midnight Thursday that had been set afire. The house belongs to Ms. Frankie May Oglesby, grandmother of Ms. Troupe. Kitchens was taken into custody from a home on the same street where the fire occurred (Barbara Street).

The daughter of Cedrick Troupe and Stephanie Staples, Melanie graduated from Jefferson High School and moved to Wadley to live with her grandmother, family members in Tampa said. Ms. Troupe is the mother of a 2-year-old son, Malachi.

Funeral services in Tampa are planned for later this week with Ray Williams Funeral Home handling services.[/private]

BY GWEN HAYES
Sentinel Editor

Excitement is building in Charmaine Jackson as she prepares to host the grand opening of the beauty supply business she is opening in her old neighborhood.

“I grew up in the neighborhood known as Nuccio. I know the area and the people there know me. So in my quest to become a successful African American entrepreneur, I wanted, in some way to give back to my community,” she said.

Kouture Beauty Supply had its grand opening on Sunday, June 26, 2011, 10 a. m. – 6 p. m. There was free food, giveaways, music and kid activities. The business is located at 6014 N. 40th St., Suite ‘B.’[private]

“All hair care stores have hair products, but not all hair products are able to appeal and relate to the African American community and be economical at the same time,” she said.

The daughter of Charles and Lynda Jackson, Charmaine worked in Corporate America for 10 years before stepping out on faith to accomplish her dream. She learned self-motivation and determination from her mother, who worked 2 jobs to provide for her family.

“The journey getting to that point of realizing my dream was not easy,” the mother of 5 says. “Competitors did not want to disclose their manufacturers, or even how to obtain what’s in the buyer’s market. They only wanted me to purchase from them, which was not part of my vision to get the products to the community at an affordable price.

“There were a limited few that God placed in my path who provided me with the right information needed to gain access to the door.”

With the information and guidance she received to sustain that business, Charmaine is able to open a second business, all while holding down a fulltime position in the healthcare industry. She recently launched Best Jumpers in Tampa Bay, LLC. “I found myself always renting them for my kids’ birthdays and other holidays, so I decided to dabble in the business myself.”

Charmaine enjoys spending time with her children and reading new and unique novels.[/private]

Ms. Carrie White, one of the state’s oldest living residents and arguably the state’s oldest living African American woman, passed away last week from natural causes. She was 108.

Ms. White is a native of Coosawhatchee, South Carolina, and remained there until moving to Haines City, Florida in 1940. In 1956, she left Haines City and moved to Tampa.

According to her son, Benjamin Washington, Ms. White was a cook at a restaurant in Haines City for 10 years before moving to Tampa where she cared for children whose parents had to work.

Funeral services for Ms. White will be held this weekend with Ray Williams Funeral Home handling arrangements.[private]

“Everyone who lived in West Tampa and walked down Willow Street south of Cypress Street knew my mother as the candy and frozen cup lady.”

Mr. Washington said his mother loved to knit and sew, but her real passion was spending time with her grandchildren and attending Mt. Tabor M. B. Church, where she was a faithful member until she passed.

“My mother’s health was pretty good,” said Mr. Washington.

“For the past 30 years, I took care of her and I would spend every spare minute with her. I didn’t miss a day seeing her over that 30 year span. I’m going to miss our visits.

“I’ll also miss her sharing her upbringing with me. She often talked about how as a child she had to work in the fields all day and how tough it was.”

Mr. Washington said his mother loved celebrating her birthdays at Red Lobster. She was also proud of two letters she received in recognition of her 108th birthday; one from President Barack Obama and the other from Congresswoman Kathy Castor.

“That was her favorite place to eat. She really loved their seafood.”

Mr. Washington is the lone survivor of Ms. White’s 12 children.[/private]

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has issued an update on a fatal hit-and-run crash.

On June 12th at 12:01 a. m., a fatal hit and run traffic crash occurred at 78th Street and 50th Avenue in Palm River. The crash occurred as a result of a

Cadillac making a left turn in front of a motorcycle. The rider of the motorcycle was James Beaupierre, who was pronounced dead at the scene. During the investigation, police were able to develop a possible suspect vehicle and driver.

The suspect vehicle is described as an early 1990s gray or silver Cadillac Sedan Deville or Coupe Deville. It will have fairly severe damage to the front passenger door area and possibly the right front quarter panel.

The driver is described as a Black male with a heavy build.

Anyone who may have information or may have seen anything is asked to call (813) 247-8200.

Veronica York, Kendra Revear and other family members of Walter “JJ” Revear are still trying to deal with his death. Revear was gunned down outside the Interstate Lounge on May 18th. He reportedly fell into the arms of his sister, Kendra, immediately after he was shot. Police have charged Jimmy Cruz in the shooting.

“We’re still trying to get over JJ not being around anymore,” said Kendra. “He was so upbeat and positive about his future, and now he’s gone. It’s tough to move on after that.”

On Father’s Day, the family tried to ease their sorrow with a Father’s day bash at Kendra’s home on Columbus Drive. Her uncle, Benjamin York, was there along with other family members.

An incident started during the party, and York went outside to calm one of the people down who had been involved.

Tampa Police reported that York had approached the car of a man who was leaving, trying to calm him down. As a result, York was hit and dragged 420 feet by the driver. Police have not made any arrests in the case.

According to Kendra, her uncle suffered severe burns, lost an ear, and has several broken ribs.[private]

“But, he’s alive, and that’s the important thing. It’s hard trying to deal with the death of someone close to you when you almost have to deal with it happening to another relative. The entire incident shook us all.”

Kendra said her uncle is recovering in the hospital, but the family is weary and trying to draw strength from the older members.

“We really need the guidance of our elders right now. This is the time when their wisdom will come in handy, and help us get through this near tragedy and the lost of JJ.”

Kendra said she and other family members plan on attending every hearing involving JJ’s shooter.[/private]

BY LEON B. CREWS
Sentinel Staff Writer

No one was happier than the East Tampa neighborhood leaders when the 40th Street project was completed. More lanes were constructed, and a new bridge now crosses the river.

However, three items along 40th Street heading north are the cause of great concern to citizens and drivers. Those items are the 3 roundabouts, one at 40th Street and Hanna, one at 40th Street and Riverhills, and another at 40th Street near Yukon.

The question raised recently is who came up with the idea for the roundabouts in the first place?

According to City of Tampa Transportation Manager, Jean Dorzback, a project development and environmental study was done in the 1990s, and that outlined what direction to go with the design concept for 40th Street.

Dorzback said over the past eight years, they’ve had a task force of neighborhood leaders attending all the meetings and bringing the information back to their communities.

“Those meetings were held monthly and numerous presentations were made, including a video presentation. Every effort was made to get the word out to the community and get their feedback on the project.”

Dorzback said the Federal Highway Administration approved the study and that cleared the way for the funding of the 40th street project.[private]

“We actually had an instructional video that was seen by citizens so they would know how to navigate through the roundabouts.

“I admit, we were apprehensive at first, but we believe there are great benefits in having the roundabouts.”

Dorzback said the benefits of the roundabouts are they improve safety, reduces speed, lowers accident statistics, control the flow of traffic better, alleviate congestion on the roadways, and aid in fuel savings as well as causing less emissions from cars idling at stop lights.

Former Tampa City Councilman, Thomas Scott (pictured), said he was concerned about the concept when it was first raised. “I felt it was not a good idea, and it would cause a lot of accidents. I addressed that concern from the beginning.

“It was under the Pam Iorio administration when the design concepts were made.”

Councilman Frank Reddick said he doesn’t like the roundabouts, and feels they are confusing. “Whoever came up with the idea, it was not a good one. I fear there will be an increase in accidents due to the roundabouts. I don’t want it on 22nd Street, and I’d like to meet with Ed Johnson (East Tampa Development Manager) and find a way to exclude them.”

What Councilman Reddick was referring to are plans for a roundabout at the junction of 22nd Street and 21st Street as part of Phase II in the 22nd Street Enhancement Project.

Johnson said consultants did the design work and came up with the idea for the roundabout.

“The engineering consulting firm of Wade/Trimm was used and the actual study/design for the roundabout cost $294,000.

“In 2003, the Wilson Miller Firm prepared a concept that included what’s happening on 22nd Street right now. All of the meetings that went on during the adaption of the CRA Plan involved discussions of the 22nd Street project. The project was also brought to the public’s attention through mailings, community meetings, and during meetings of the East Tampa Community Revitalization Partnership.”

Johnson said because the roads go off into one-way pairs, it was felt that could be a gateway into East Tampa.

Johnson also said when the concept was presented to the public, there were no complaints initially. He also said there was no opposition to the plan at the time it was submitted.[/private]