Page 9 - Florida Sentinel 3-23-18

Local
Educator, History Buff, Herman Monroe Dies In Sleep
BY GWEN HAYES Sentinel Editor
Retired educator and his- tory buff, Mr. Herman Monroe died Tuesday. He was 84 years old.
Ms. Georgette Gard- ner Johnson, his niece, said Mr. Monroe died overnight in his sleep. He suffered with congestive heart failure.
A native of Ybor City, Mr. Monroe graduated from Middleton High School with the Class of 1951. He matric- ulated to Florida A&M Uni- versity, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish, and earned a Master’s degree from Rollins College.
Mr. Monroe spent 4 years in the military, serving in the U. S. Air Force. He taught school for 27 years in Polk County, Lake Wales
HERMAN MONROE
specifically, teaching Span- ish to adults.
He loved history and re- search, Ms. Johnson said. “He was passionate about his church history,” she said. He was a member of several or- ganizations, including Union of Black Episcopalians, Ada T. Payne Friends of Urban
Libraries, and ASALH (The Association for the Study of African American Life and History).
Although he attended St. Chad Episcopal Church, Mr. Monroe had strong ties with St. James House of Prayer Episcopal Church.
Mr. Monroe also had a passion for politics and prided himself in working on numerous political cam- paigns, including that of President Barack Obama.
In addition to Ms. John- son, whom Mr. Monroe treated as a daughter, he is survived by a daughter, 2 grandchildren and 4 great- grandchildren.
Funeral services for Mr. Monroe are incomplete at this time. Wilson Funeral Home is handling the serv- ices.
‘Passion Of Jesus Christ’ Stage Production Set
For Good Friday
MRS. SAMEYA ROUNDTREE
BY GWEN HAYES Sentinel Editor
For many years, residents of Tampa and surrounding areas traveled to Kissimmee for the outdoor dramatization of “The Passion Play.” The de- piction leading up to the cru- cifixion and resurrection was set in an outdoor arena to give the effects of what those in the crowd following Jesus wit- nessed.
On Good Friday, March 30, 2018, “The Passion of Jesus Christ” will be pre- sented on stage in the audito- rium of Riverview High School, 11311 Boyette Rd., Riverview.
The production is being di- rected by its writer, Mrs. Sameya Roundtree.
“This dramatization will give those in the audience an opportunity to hear from the people who encountered Jesus as He was on his way to His crucifixion. We’ll examine what they were feeling at the time as they went on that journey walking and talking with Jesus,” Mrs. Roundtree said.
As the idea for the produc- tion came to her mind from the Lord, Mrs. Roundtree said, “I tried to come up with an idea that would work for the members of the cast as well as the church.”
Last year, she spent about 6 months pulling the produc- tion together and another 2 months in rehearsals.
In addition to the acting, there will be music, dance, and mime.
Last year, Acting Coach
Rory Lawrence of the Tampa Bay Theater Festival, worked with the cast. This year, an acting workshop is being held to enhance the pro- duction.
“The Passion of Jesus Christ,” a realistic account of Christ’s ascent from the Gar- den of Gethsemane to Cal- vary, is being presented by New Mt. Zion M. B. Church, Rev. Larry L. Roundtree, II, Pastor. The cast is made up of members of various churches in the community.
Kandace Nunn John- son of Kan Dance Studio is the choreographer of the pro- duction, and Aaron Adderly is the Music Director.
Ticket prices are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Tickets are available online at https://thepassionplaynmz- tampa.eventbrite.com, or at New Mt. Zion MB Church Of- fice, 2511 E. Columbus Dr. Tampa, FL 33605; or call 813- 248-8101.
FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 9-A