Page 2 - 4-24-15 Friday's Edition

Features
Chairman Shocked And Disappointed Over Critical ‘Riding While Black’ Policy
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Like most citizens in Tampa, few were aware that an article critical of the way Black bicyclists were treated was going to be published. The ar- ticle, which was the first in a se- ries, appeared last Sunday in the Tampa Bay Times.
City Council Chairman Frank Reddick said the first he learned of it was when Chief Jane Castor men- tioned it during the “Stop The Violence Rally” last Saturday. Since that time, other articles, complete with statistics have been printed showing that the department targeted African Americans riding bicycles, the number of arrests, and the number of citations and arrests that resulted from stops of peo- ple riding bicycles.
Earlier this week, Mayor Bob Buckhorn and Chief Castor asked the Department of Justice to investigate the program. Chairman Red- dick said he does not know how long it will take for the in- vestigation to be completed.
On Thursday, Chief Cas- tor appeared before City Council to discuss the issue and show that the program has resulted in the arrests of indi- viduals committing other crimes.
Chairman Reddick said he was “shocked and disap- pointed” when he read the ar- ticle. However, he is “very
FRANK REDDICK City Council Chairman
pleased that the Mayor and Chief decided to allow the De- partment of Justice to investi- gate the policy.
“The numbers are very alarming and the only way to find out if an individuals’ civil rights are being violated, or if people are being harassed is to have an outside agency con- duct the investigation.”
He further said that if the report demonstrates that the police are wrong, “it becomes the responsibility of the Mayor to make sure a modified policy is put into place to correct this.”
Chairman Reddick said that as more people become aware of the issued, more peo- ple become frustrated.
The policy went into effect under the Mayor Pam Iorio and was instituted during the administration of Chief Steve Hogue in 2007. Despite the controversy that has arisen since the first article was printed, the policy is still in ef- fect.
Motivational Speaker Recognized For His Work As Frederick Douglass
BY LEON B. CREWS Sentinel Staff Writer
As a motivational speaker, Donald L. Dowridge has tried to inspire people of all ages and create awareness of important issues and the need to embrace their history and culture.
Always searching for new ways to reach the public, Dowridge decided a few years ago he would participate in a Black History celebration.
“I didn’t just want to participate. I wanted to leave a message. It was after I was selected to portray Frederick Douglass on stage that I re- alized I had found the person I wanted to por- tray.
“I read every book published about Mr. Douglass, and even did some digging about some hard to find information. I also started looking at a lot of old photographs of Mr. Dou- glass, and came up with an idea.
Dowridge grew his hair a little longer, along with his beard, donned old clothing, and went into the public dressed as Frederick Douglass.
“To my surprise, when people looked at me and at Mr. Douglass’ photos at the same time, I got a lot of praise for looking a lot like the great man.
“As it turns out, that has launched an entire new career for me, and also got the attention of an artist who surprised me with a fantastic paint- ing.”
While in Savannah, Georgia in February, Dowridge met a local artist, Kolongi Brath- waite. The two men engaged in a healthy ‘get to know’ conversation, and he told Dowridge he’s seen him dressed as Frederick Douglass, and would love to do a painting.
“I asked him was he serious, and he said he respected my work and portrayal of Frederick Douglass, and it would be an honor to paint me as Mr. Douglass,” said Dowridge.
“I asked him how much it would cost, and he told me nothing. I just told him I was humbled and honored. He valued the painting at $3,500 when it was completed.”
Dowridge said he was astonished how beautiful the painting turned out after only a
Donald Dowridge and artist, Kolongi Brath- waite.
month.
“It is a true blessing for this to happen to me.
Since changing my life and beginning DLD En- terprises in 1992, there have been special mo- ments that will always be cherished. This painting is right at the top of those special mo- ments in my life.
“My great-grandmother, Ms. Mary Rogers, said there would be days like this. I’m happy for taking her advice and I know God and I will con- tinue to try and inspire as many as I can as I walk through this life.”
Dowridge said the key to success is not how much money is made, how large your home is or how much your auto costs.
“It’s how much one gives to inspire and mo- tivate others. Those who help and assist another form their heart will be paid back in so many blessings.”
PAGE 2-A FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015