BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

In the fall, members of the community were asked to cast votes for the 2012 Florida State Fair Wall Of Fame nominees. The votes have been tallied and the winners chosen.

On February 9, opening day of the Florida State Fair, two more names will be added to the Wall of Fame. This year, James Tokley, Sr., Poet Laureate for the City of Tampa, was chosen as the African American honoree. Ms. Carmen Santana Telesca was chosen for the Hispanic Wall of Fame. The will be honored at the 108th Annual Florida State Fair.

“I feel blessed to have so many friends and family members who believe in me and my talent, and to vote for me. I shall continue to strive for excellence in everything I do,” Tokley said.

James Tokley became the city’s first official Poet Laureate in 1996. Since that time, he has become a regular contributor to the arts scene locally and nationally.

Tokley has served as English professor at Everest University, and is a Human Resource Trainer and Curriculum Specialist for Tokley and Associates.

Married to Mrs. Joanna Tokley, he is a member of Trinity C. M. E. Church and its auxiliaries. He is the father of seven and grandfather of 25.

The first honorees were the late C. Blythe Andrews, Jr.; the late Rev. Dr.  Alfonso Leon Lowry, Sr.; and the late Mrs. Felecia Ann Wintons Taylor were honoree the first year. Last year, the late Rev. Abraham Brown was chosen as the African American recipient.