BY LEON B. CREWS
Sentinel Staff Writer

Healing and Deliverance Temple II in association with MB Promotions will be presenting “Youth Blast 2011,” August 20, 2011 at the Fair Oaks Park on 34th Street and Caracas Avenue. The event will be held from 1 a. m. until 4 p. m.

Healing And Deliverance Temple Pastor, Tony Woods and Marcus Brown of MB Promotions put their heads together to create the concept for this event.[private]

“We decided to do something to help ex-offenders and reach out to the youth at the same time,” said Pastor Woods. “We want to send the youth back to school with a purpose and we’re very passionate about that.”

Pastor Woods is a lifelong resident of East Tampa and grew up on 29th Street. He said it’s been very frustrating watching the decline of the area progress over the years.

“In 2004, my spirit told me I needed to do something about what was going on along 29th Street. I’ve been at Healing and Deliverance Temple for 5 years trying to give back to my community.”

Pastor Woods said part of the problem is as a community, the people think the justice system is supposed to solve all of their problems.

“We have got to start cleaning up our own mess. Words have to become action and we have to reach further than we have in the past.”

Brown said there is a huge cloud hanging over communities and the people must ban together to take action and reestablish the old values.

“There are a lot of unsung heroes in our community and we need to recognize them and call on them to join us.”

As far as Youth Blast 2011 is concerned, the event will feature 500 to 1,500 book bags with school supplies that will be given away. There will also be free food, games and entertainment. The entertainment will consist of poetry, gospel rap, praise dancers, inspirational speakers, comedy, R&B, and bands. Auditions for the event will be held from May 16, 2011 until July 30, 2011.

Marcus Brown will be a guest on the Michelle B. Patty/King Cobra Gospel Show this Sunday, 7 a. m., on WTMP 1150AM radio.[/private]