Page 7 - Florida Sentinel 1-17-17 Edition

Local Events
Booker T. Washington, Jr. High Alumni Planning Introductory Event During King Weekend
First row: left to right, Darlene Hopkins, Sharon Thompson, San- dra Jackson Mainer, Donna Gail Green, Darlene Tyson, and Gayle Hayes. Second row: Duane Gibbons, Angilen Adkins, Allen Judge, Barbara Curry, and Delores Swain.
"Now this is where I learned that change only happens when ordinary people get involved, and they get engaged, and they come together to demand it."
President Barack Obama
President Obama in his farewell message on Tuesday evening was talking about Chicago, the ordinary people of Chicago and how change did make a differ- ence. The way to change things in life is by changing hearts and to do that people must see that you care......continuously.
This is what the Booker T. Washington, Jr. High Alumni is all about...making change to make a difference.
The first community fundraiser and introduction of the group to the commu- nity will take place on Mon- day, Jan. 16th at the Cuscaden Park after the MLK Parade. All former BTW HORNETS are invited to come out, get involved and join in to make a difference toward change.
Most of the members grew up in Central Park Vil- lage, Ybor City, and close surrounding areas. And what they have come to notice and realize that the tapestry of neighborhood, family, car- ing, supporting one another has become a thing of the past as with many of our neighborhoods.
A question that has pon- dered the hearts of many...."how did we let the demise of our communities become so widespread?” It's like having a "lost his- tory".....all over again!
The main objective of the group is to give back to the small piece of community
that is left; to partnership with the faculty and students of Booker T. Washington, which is now an elementary school.....to help make a dif- ference in the lives of its stu- dents, to promote and produce hard-working citi- zens that will care about community and to keep a legacy alive.
Booker T. Washington, Jr. High, Meacham and Harlem Elementary Schools were among the educational institutions for many during the ’50s, 60s and 70s. How- ever, reading, writing and arithmetic were not the only lessons they learned....honest love and respect for each other and the fellow man was not only taught, but de- manded..... something they recall having lost in the midst of integration.
Their goal is to provide a different outlook and an ele- ment of hope for youth ......"there is more to life than what you see."
The president of the group, Walter "Duane" Gibbons, the son of a pro- found legacy, Walter “Dirk” Gibbons, profes- sional baseball player, and other former students of BTW have worked tirelessly to help bring this alumni or- ganization into existence and to focus on making a unique difference.
They are focusing on be- coming a non-profit organi- zation and invite all, especially former students and staff to join. Most impor- tantly, they encourage par- ents to become involved.
There is a quote by Socrates that states...."The secret of change is to focus all of your energies not on fight- ing the old, but building the new!"
Heritage Leadership Luncheon, Youth Night On Wednesday
EBONE CRUZ ...Hostess for Youth Night
BISHOP VASHTI MURPHY MCKENZIE ...Heritage Leadership Luncheon Speaker
ALEX HIBBERT, TANISHA CIDEL and JADEN PINER
The Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival kicked off its 2017 celebration with the Heritage Gala on Thursday evening, followed by Gospel Night on Sunday and a Golf Tournament on Monday morning.
The celebrations continue with the Heritage Leadership Luncheon and Youth Night, both on Wednesday, January 18th.
The Heritage Luncheon is at 11:30 a. m.-1 p. m. at the University Area Community Development Center Com- plex, 14035 N. 22nd St. The guest speaker is Bishop Vashti Murphy McKen- zie.
Bishop McKenzie
serves as the 117th elected and consecrated bishop of the African Methodist Epis- copal (AME) Church. Her historic election in the year 2000 represents the first time in the over 200-year his- tory of the AME Church, a woman had obtained the level of Episcopal office.
The firsts continue as she served as the President of the Council of Bishops, Chair of the General Conference Com- mission and was the Host Bishop for the 49th Session of the General Conference of the AME Church in June
2012 with more than 30,000 in attendance.
Currently, she is honored to serve as the presiding prelate of the 10th Episcopal District, which is the entire state of Texas. Bishop McKenzie serves as the Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees of Paul Quinn Col- lege. She is also a member of the Board of Trustees of the International Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia.
Bishop McKenzie was appointed by President Barack Obama to serve on the inaugural President’s Ad- visory Council of the White House Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. She recently was invited to preach at the annual White House Easter Prayer Break- fast at the invitation of Pres- ident Obama.
Heritage Festival Youth Night
Tampa Bay Black Her- itage Festival Youth Night fo- cuses on today’s youth and how to transition them into tomorrow’s leaders. Young people from around the bay area and beyond, aged 12-25, get involved in Youth Night each year.
Tying in with this year's theme of "Mentorship,” the TBHF 2017 youth night will
feature Tanisha Cidel, di- rector of the award-winning program, Ailey Camp Miami, held and sponsored by the Adrienne Arsht Center in conjunction with the Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation. Ailey Camp Miami was awarded the 2016 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program award given by First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House.
Now, Mrs. Cidel can be seen in the new highly ac- claimed and recent Golden Globe recipient film, "Moon- light" as Principal Williams. Youth mentors Alex Hibbert and Jaden Piner will hit the stage pre- senting youth with valuable information promoting suc- cess no matter what age you are. The night of events is hosted by Hat-Attitude, Inc., female mentor and residen- tial supported living coach, Ebone Cruz.
This is a fantastic oppor- tunity for kids to learn the importance of mentorship in a friendly and encouraging setting, and to enjoy a great evening with their peers.
Doors open at 5 p. m. and the show begins at 6 p. m. at the Hillsborough Community College Ybor Campus, Ybor Room, 2001 N. 14th Street, Tampa, 33605, 1st floor.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2017 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 7