Page 3 - Florida Sentinel 1-1-21

Feature
Residents, Elected Officials Offer Projections, Desires For 2021
BY GWEN HAYES Sentinel Editor
Just like the rest of the world, Tampa and Hillsbor- ough County have seen some turbulent times, not only with the weather, but in all areas.
When we speak of having 20/20 vision, we think our eyesight as being nearly per- fect. This past year, 2020 did not give any indications of per- fection.
As we look back, hindsight being 20/20, when the year began, we may have already been experiencing COVID-19, and those who passed away suddenly, or without any symptoms, may have been vic- tims of COVID-19.
As we prepare to enter 2021, we reached out to sev- eral community residents, elected officials and others to find out what are their hopes or desires, wishes or projec- tions for 2021. Here are their comments:
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO GUDES DISTRICT 5
“We have experienced an unprecedented year in 2020. We have seen our loved ones become ill, some have recov- ered and some have transi- tioned. This has taught us to appreciate life and cherish every precious moment.
My hope for 2021 is that we carry that same spirit with us. Appreciate your loved ones, live in the moment, and experience life to the fullest. Let us come out of this better than we were before, more united and creating a stronger Tampa community together. Abundant blessings to every- one for the 2021 year.”
CONNIE BURTON ...Community Activist, Chair CRA Board
“I have hope beyond hope and that hope is manifested by making big demands. We can- not go into 2021 being denied prosperity and opportunities so we can transfer that back to
a younger generation that is feeling hopeless.”
STATE REPRESENTATIVE DIANNE HART District 61
“My first hope and desire for our community in 2021 is to stop the senseless killings that are plaguing our communities. That all of us as elected officials will work to- gether to help create entrepre- neurs, job opportunities, and affordable home ownership. We must create affordable rental housing. As your State Representative I will continue to fight for the Sadowski trust fund to provide the dollars needed to help with housing developments.”
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY BRANCH NAACP PRESIDENT YVETTE LEWIS
“For the year 2021, I hope to see the City of Tampa be- come more respectful towards African Americans. I hope to see the City of Tampa respect- ing the African American’s voice, respecting the African American’s history, respecting the African American’s mind- set to want more, respecting the African American’s thoughts by listening and not telling, respecting the African American’s village, respecting that African Americans are a part of this city. For the year 2021 RESPECT is due.
DR. JEFFERY JOHNSON ...Pastor
“My hope for 2021 is not an impossible hope, but a seemingly daunting task. It’s my desire to see more connec- tivity and togetherness for our
community. It is known that the Black dollar only circulates twice in the African American community, compared to dou- ble digits in others. This isn’t because other cultures are su- perior, but rather they take the time to initially invest in one another.
“I would like our 501c3 and places of worship to collabo- rate and not see each other as competition. Our next genera- tions are watching the way that we conduct business, re- spect/disrecpect one another, and educate ourselves.
“In the infamous words of the lyrical genius Tupac, he writes, “all eyes on me!” All eyes are on us. But what type of view are we displaying??? 2020 has been a struggle for all of us in one way or another. But 2020 is just that... it’s a year. Our mindset today can begin to change how we see to- morrow. Tomorrow, I see more younger men and women in public service. To- morrow, I see more Black cu- tentreprenuers. Tomorrow, I see the housing value increase in the inner city communities. Tomorrow, I see 95% gradua- tion rates at our inner city schools. I can see it. Can you?”
ATTY. SEAN SHAW
“I hope that we can turn the temperature down in the country and start to tackle some of the major problems in this country as a country - not as divided political parties. I also hope that we all can rec- ognize the simple, yet power- ful, axiom that BLACK LIVES MATTER.
SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER HENRY ‘SHAKE’ WASHINGTON District 5
“People helping people, the young adults taking the lead;
health care heroes going above and beyond, the elderly shar- ing their lessons, and the com- munity realizing we are stronger together. I enjoy giv- ing back to the community.
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY COMMISSIONER GWEN MYERS District 3
“My desire/hope is that our community will stop talk- ing about each other, come to- gether and work as a team to accomplish community im- provements in areas of jobs, affordable housing, street lights, sidewalks, paved roads, educational facilities and learn how to invest money to begin to build generational wealth.
“My desire/hope is for our community to be tested for COVID-19, if you trust your doctor(s) to consider taking the vaccine to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
My desire/hope is that indi- viduals or families who are ex- periencing financial challenges will look to their local government for financial assistance immediately.
“My desire/hope is for our community to own a Black bank again and a large facility to accommodate at least 2,000 people for community event(s).”
CAROLYN HEPBURN COLLINS ...Community Activist, Retired Nutritionist
“My 2021 projections are
predicated on GOD and Faith; COVID-19 Realities; and Leadership with Execution.
“The devastations of 2020 have allowed many of us to reach today and praying to greet 2021 because of our be- lief in a greater being and faith in the Words of GOD. If we learn to love and care for our- selves, we will care for others and obey science, thus doing better in this community with healthcare, minimizing deaths, economic develop- ment, employment, and im- proving the education and knowledge acquistion and maintenance
of our school-aged children and young adults in post-sec- ondary academic institutions.
“Finally, elected and app- pointed leadership must come together and "build back bet- ter" with BIDEN & HARRIS, a positive change from DC to FL
"Tampa/Hillsborough County". We have work to do - TOGETHER!”
PASTOR KAREN JACKSON SIMS
“While glad to change to the chapter of 2021, I hope and pray that God’s people, all of God’s people, come to un- derstand that clearly He has been calling us back to Him in 2020. I hope, I pray that as we enter in to a New Year that we return to Him, we remember to put Him first and to live ac- cording to His Holy Word. My heart’s desire is to see our younger generation truly come to know Him and the power of purpose in their living. I be- lieve that while 2021 will pres- ent us greater opportunities for our communities, it will also require greater responsi- bility from us to maintain our communities through our liv-
ing.“We must continue to stand up against injustice, we must continue to speak truth to powers that be and we must continue to use the power of our voice and vote to elect per- sons who represent our best interest.
“We can never afford to be asleep on our responsibilities anymore. I pray God’s bless- ings upon us all as we enter this New Year by faith.”
FRIDAY, JANUARY 1, 2021 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY PAGE 3-A