BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor
On Sunday afternoon, members of the community will gather at the Al Barnes Park, (formerly 18th Avenue Park) for a Voter Registration and Primary Election Rally. The Hillsborough County Coalition for Concerned Citizens will host the event. It will take place from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Marvin Knight said several organizations and concerned citizens have come together to make the event possible. He further stated that there will be a representative from the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Office at the event to answer questions and explain the process of registering.
“We are trying to register people for the November Election and we want everyone to come out and have a good time. This is our way of coming back to give back. We are trying to pick up another brother or sister. There will be free food, activities for the entire family, and live entertainment.
“We realize that other organizations are registering people as well. This is a collaboration to celebrate the hard work that has already been done and to realize that we still have a long way to go,” he said.
Tampa Fire Chief Tom Forward said, “We are encouraging the community to come out and participate in this healthy election season forum to gain an increased understanding of the discussions, the candidates, and the voting process.
“In this upcoming election season, you’re either in the game or you’re a spectator; the decision is yours. Let’s get out and VOTE!”
Ms. Donna Douglas said, “It’s important to exercise something so precious as our right to vote. We must focus on unity of our community. We are facing so many obstacles. So we must educate our community with the statistics and the relevance of voting.”
Scott A. Hardy said, “Now is the time to exercise our right to vote, which was fought for by our ancestors many years ago. This is not a time to sit back and see what will happen rather than be a significant part of the process to aid in making a difference locally as well as nationally.”
City Councilman Frank Reddick said, “We’re having this event to encourage members of the community to come out and register if they haven’t already, as well as a reminder that the Early Voting will begin on July 30th, and the Primary Election will take place on August 14th.
“But, it is also for those who are already registered. We want everyone to come out to this family-oriented event, bring the family, and just have a good time.”
Some of those providing entertainment at the event are: Shawn Brown Entertainment, Nate Mitchell, jazz artist Henry Ashwood, of St. Petersburg, Theo Valentin, Mike McCarthur, the Military-Rap Group, and the
St. John Progressive Missionary Baptist Praise Team, among others. Some representatives from City and County government are also expected to attend.
