Florida Sentinel Bulletin

BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission recently ruled in favor of several Black employees. Four employees filed claims of harassment.

Attorney J. Jacques A. Darius said, “On September 7, the EEOC found that Flatiron Tidewater Skanska (FTS) Construction Company violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act by subjecting Black employees to racial harassment and a racially hostile environment. FTS is a joint venture of Flatiron Construction Company and Skanska USA, which handled the Tampa Airport Interchanges construction between 2005 and 2010.”

The EEOC ruled that Demetrius L. Catuey alleged that not only was he a victim of racial harassment, but he was retaliated against by being terminated after filing a report.

The investigator said, “Based upon the evidence of record obtained during the investigation, there is reasonable cause to believe that violations of Title VII have occurred. The evidence establishes that Charging Party (Catuey) was subjected to racial harassment and a racially hostile environment.

Cyril M. Padgett filed a complaint alleging that during his employment that he was denied training opportunities and the opportunity to apply for an open Foreman position because of his race. He also alleged that he was terminated after filing a harassment complaint.

[private]The investigator wrote in his report that the evidence there is reasonable cause to believe violations of Title VII had occurred.

Bennie Woods stated that he, too, was terminated after filing a report of harassment.

Ms. Myra C. Johnson stated that she was discriminated against because of her race and that she was subjected to sex harassment.

The investigator said the evidence obtained was insufficient to establish a violation of Title VII in regards to the individual sexual harassment and racial harassment issues.

However, he said that “Although the evidence does not support the Charging Party’s (Johnson) allegation of racial harassment towards her, the evidence of record reveals there is cause to believe that similarly situated individuals have been subjected to harassment and a hostile work environment based on their race.”

The investigator said in his report that all four employees were referred to by derogatory, racial names. “The investigation revealed that white supervisors and white co-workers subjected Black employees to racial comments and slurs including, “monkey,” “DAN” (dumb a—ni—), and “nig–,” the investigator wrote.

The company was invited to participate in an attempt to resolve the matter with the victims.[/private]

BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

Oscar Butler is a Tampa resident who was born and raised in East Tampa. Throughout his life, he has observed the area under various changes and has never been afraid to voice his opinion.

When Butler read an article in last week’s Sentinel about two schools becoming same sex academies, it caught his attention. “I had to say something about this. I’m 73 years old and I’m concerned about what happens in my neighborhood. My neighborhood is all I have left and my grandchildren.”

Butler said he questions why the same sex schools are going to be implemented in the Black community instead of in New Tampa.  “It’s almost like segregation. It looks like they are training the boys for prison.”

[private]The father of four and grandfather of four, Butler said he doesn’t say anything when something happens that just affects him. However, he feels that this decision will affect thousands in the future.

He feels it is important for young Black males to interact with young females. They need to learn how to treat young ladies instead of calling them garden tools and female dogs.”

Butler, who has lived in his home for the past 47 years, said he doesn’t hesitate to speak his mind. “I walk through this neighborhood everyday for exercise. If I see the trash cans overflowing or the grass needing to be cut, I pick up the phone and call. Other people who are my age see things and will talk about them among themselves. But, they are afraid to say something.

“I can’t see things that need to be addressed and not say anything. I won’t be intimidated and I won’t be a victim, either.” [/private]

ZEPHYRHILLS – Last Friday, a man convicted of dealing crack cocaine was sentenced to life in federal prison.

Pasco county deputies and D. E. A. agents found 191 grams of crack cocaine when they raided the home of Ronald “Shine” Jiles, Sr., 48, in May.

The Sheriff’s Office used confidential informants to buy crack from Jiles in 2009 and 2010.

In September, Jiles pleaded guilty to possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute. A judge imposed the life sentence on Jiles because of his criminal history that includes eight prior felony drug convictions.

BY LEON B. CREWS
Sentinel Staff Writer

No matter what you may have heard or seen, Khia assures everyone that she’s been working hard, touring, and having a ball.

Khia (born Khia Chambers) is just about finished with her 6^th album, and has just returned from a tour in Greece.

“I really feel great at this point of my career. I have a live band and I’m much more involved in the finished product than in the past. I’m also doing more singing, and not as much rapping.

“My desire has always to be a singer. I’m not really a rapper.”

“I really don’t get a lot from today’s artists. I do understand that longevity is important in t his industry, and when you look at the success of the older artists, you’ll see they’re still in hot demand while the others have faded away.

Khia said the industry today isn’t as tough for women as it was in the past.

“Technology and your own motivation can make you successful. As an independent artist coming out of Tampa, I think I’ve had fun and enjoyed a lot of success.”

Khia’s new album, “Been A Bad Girl,” features material she wrote, and represents what she calls the real Khia and the kind of music she’s always intended to perform.

[private] “If there’s one constant in this industry, it’s that some women still feel the need to present themselves sexually to be successful along with their talent. I think I’m beautiful the way I am.

“I don’t respect the women that turn themselves into something they’re not just to attract an audience. I think they pressure themselves into taking that route because they just aren’t patient enough to put in the time and energy and do it the right way.”

Khia said she’ll be performing for her hometown with live shows on Channelside at the Imax and at the Improv in Orlando.

“I want everyone to come out and support the music. I just want to perform all over the world with my band and continue to associate with the real pioneers of the industry. I want to continue evolving.”

Khia said she has to give a lot of credit to Too Smooth and his promotion team.

“Too Smooth is one of the original promoters, and has done a lot to help me and my career over the years.”

On Sunday, December 5^th, Too Smooth Entertainment will be bringing you “Welcome Back Khia, Live In Concert” at Studio Inc., 3603 West Waters Avenue.

Also featured will be Jackboy from St. Petersburg and Ganksta from Tampa.

For more information about this show and upcoming events, visit the website at www.toosmoothent.com, or call (813) 244-7474.[/private]

BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

The Hillsborough County School Board recently approved changes that will affect six middle schools next year. Those changes will create two single gender middle schools in East Tampa.

Changes for the upcoming school year will transform Franklin Middle Magnet School to an All-Boys academy and Ferrell Middle Magnet School to an All-Girls Academy.

The changes for Franklin are being underwritten in part by an $11.5 million grant over the next 3 years.

The Hillsborough County School District is underwriting the changes for Ferrell Middle Magnet School.

Ms. Doretha Edgecomb, Chairman of the Hillsborough County School District said, “Research has shown that some students do better without the distractions of the opposite sex. This is just another chance for parents to decide what is right for them and their child. Parents have the option of sending their students to another area school [private]if they choose to do so. None of the students will be forced to attend the schools.”

Lockhart Elementary Magnet School and Young Middle Magnet School will become Creative Science Schools.

The students will matriculate from Lockhart to Young.

Two other middle schools who will undergo changes in the fall are Roland Park K-8 and Walker Middle School. Both of these schools will become Schools of International Studies.

Ms. Linda Cobbe, spokesperson for the Hillsborough County Public School District said the International Studies Program is a pre-requisite for the International Baccalaureate Program.[/private]