BY GWEN HAYES
Sentinel Editor
The theme of the 2012 TOBA Breakfast was “The March Continues…The Right Time To Do What Is Right.” The speaker for the 6:45 a. m. event at the downtown Hyatt Hotel was Dr. Paulette C. Walker, the National First Vice President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Recently retired as the Director of Undergraduate Programs and Internship in the College of Education at the University of South Florida, Dr. Walker spoke to 600 attendees and told Tampa Bay to lock arms and mop out the dirt. She also asked everyone what is being doing to make sure those who come behind are left in better positions.
Sharing comments centered around the theme, she said, “it’s time to take our individual patches and put them on the community quilt” and work together. “We can no longer tolerate bullying and hating; you must walk with the wise to become wise.”
Continuing, she said, “service is the rent we pay for living on this earth…and we must march and continue to march….We can’t sit around and wait for a promissory check to be cashed.”
Before Dr. Walker spoke, the NAACP Youth Speaker delivered an inspiring message. Valiece Long, the NAACP Clearwater Oratorical Youth Winner – Elks Tampa representative, is a student at the University of Florida.
Awards were presented to several persons in the community by James Ransom and Atty. Clinton Paris, both of whom are TOBA Board members.
Board members surprised longtime breakfast supporter, Andrea M. White, Senior Manager, Public Affairs, Hillsborough Region, Bright House Networks, with the Golden Service Award.
The Unsung Hero Award went to Marie Tarver White, recognizing the work she has done in the community with On-Que magazine.
Also surprised to receive an award was Chloe Coney, who received the prestigious Ike Tribble Civic Leadership Award. Her work throughout the community with the CDC was recognized. Currently, she is the District Director for Congresswoman Kathy Castor’s 11th Congressional District Office.
The Corporate Leadership Award was presented to Central Park Youth Services Foundation. Radiant Oil owner, Joe Capitano accepted the award.
