Page 3 - Florida Sentinel 4-29-16 Bookstore Edition

Feature
Senator Joyner Honored As Lightning Community Hero
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Last week, the Tampa Bay Light- ning Foundation presented its 44th Lightning Community Hero of the 2015-16 season. The presentation took place during the first period of the game in which the Lightning vs. the Detroit Red Wings.
Jeff Vinik, owner of the Tampa Bay Lightning, presented the Commu- nity Hero Award to State Senator Arthenia Joyner.
Senator Joyner said, “I was deeply touched by the honor of being named the 44th Lightning Community Hero. Not only did the recognition represent the ability to help several important organizations through the generous donation by the Lightning Foundation and the Lightning Com- munity Heroes program, but it show- cased the wonderful community spirit this team and their fans bring to the Tampa Bay area.”
She selected five organizations as recipients of the $50,000 donation from the Lightning Foundation and the Lightning Community Heroes pro- gram.
The Links Foundation, Delta En-
Lightning owner, Jeff Vinik is shown with Link, Sen. Arthenia Joyner, at the presentation .
riches Life Through Training & Aware- ness (DELTA), the Tampa Heights Civic Association, the Florida A & M University Foundation, and the Uni- versity of South Florida Foundation each received a $10,000 donation.
A Tampa native, Senator Joyner launched a career that focused on the concerns of others while a student at
Links President, Kay Andrews and Vice President Renee Lee (right) pose with Link, Senator Arthenia Joyner who presented the Tampa Chapter of The Links, Inc. a check for $10,000, as the Lightning Community Hero recipi- ent.
Florida A & M University. She was ar- rested while a participant in the fight for equal rights.
Her activism continued after she graduated from Florida A & Univer- sity, School of Law, and returned to
Hillsborough County as its first African American female attorney. She has been in private practice for the past 45 years.
Vinik said during the presentation that Senator Joyner, “Pioneered change for all minorities who were wrongfully arrested and those who were being illegitimately targeted. Since being wrongfully incarcerated herself, she’s been a leading advocate for individuals that have been unlaw- fully imprisoned.
“Furthermore, her relentless desire for justice led to her appointment as the first Black female lawyer to the Hillsborough County Bar Association while serving on the Board of Direc- tors. Joyner has passed legislation to provide compensation to those who’ve been wrongfully incarcerated. To this day, Joyner continues to guide young professionals who are beginning their career in law and public service,” he said.
Senator Joyner is the 223rd re- cipient of the Lightning Community Hero Award. Jeff and Penny Vinik introduced the program in during the 2011-12 season, with a $10 million, five-season commitment to the Tampa Bay community.
Tampa Businessman To Seek School Board Post
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Tampa businessman Joe Robinson has filed with the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elec- tions Office as a candidate for District 5 of the Hills- borough County School District. The seat is currently held by Mrs. Doreatha Edgecomb.
JOE ROBINSON
His platform focuses on student learning, talent
management, culture and relationships, and processes and financials. Robinson has chosen “Preparing Students for Life” as his cam- paign slogan.
Robinson is currently the President and CEO of RHC and Asso- ciates, Inc., a Consulting Engineers firm. He has been registered as a Professional Engineer with the State of Florida since 1982.
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