Page 4 - Florida Sentinel 2-7-17

Features
Tampa Police To Host Community Conversations
Former State Senator Receives Prestigious Supreme Court Appointment
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Once again, Chief Eric Ward and members of the Tampa Police Department will host a series of Commu- nity Conversations. The meetings will take place in different locations through- out the city. All three meet- ings will begin at 6:30 p.m. and end at 8 p.m.
The first meeting will take place on Wednesday, Feb- ruary 8th, in District Three. It will be held at the 34th Street Church Of God, Rev. Dr. Thomas Scott, pastor, 3000 N. 34th Street.
The second meeting will take place on Thursday, Feb- ruary 16th, in Uniform District One. It will be held at the Gandy Civic Center, 4207 W. Oklahoma Avenue.
The third meeting will take place on Thursday, Feb- ruary 23rd, in Uniform Dis- trict Two. It will be held at the Copeland Park Center, 11001 N. 15th Street.
Chief Ward said, “Last year, we hosted nine Com- munity Conversations throughout the city. They
ERIC WARD Tampa Police Chief
were very effective in terms of addressing and solving specific crime issues, in addi- tion to bringing residents and police officers together to strengthen community ties.
“We are excited about the next round of discussions that will take place this month and we are looking forward to hearing from community members that we may not have heard from be- fore. In order for these con- versations to truly be impactful we need everyone to participate. We want to interact with all age groups and demographics so we can be in tune with the diverse voice of the community we serve.”
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Florida Chief Judge Jorge Labarga announced Monday the State Supreme Court choices to serve on the 2017 Florida Constitution Re- vision Commission (CRC). The Commission is created every 20 years to review the Florida Constitution and make proposals directly to voters.
The CRC consists of 37 members, of which the Florida Supreme Court Jus- tices selects three. This year, Justice Labarga said their appointees are: Hank Coxe, of Jacksonville, Roberto Martinez, of Coral Gables, and Arthenia Joyner, a for- mer State Senator and prac- ticing attorney, of Tampa. She was the only African Ameri- can chosen by Justice Labarga.
Justice Labarga said, “I looked not only for people skilled in the law, but also for those who have a breadth of
ARTHENIA JOYNER ... To serve on the 2017 Florida Constitution Revision Commission
knowledge about all the func- tions of government and its impact upon the everyday lives of everyday people.”
More than 70 people con- tact the Court to request ap- pointment to the CRC. Justice Labarga made his appointments with the advice of the other six members of the Supreme Court.
Attorney Arthenia Joyner said, “The fight for equal justice and equal stand-
ing has been at the forefront of everything I’ve done and worked for throughout my entire life.
“I am truly honored and deeply grateful for the trust Chief Justice Labarga has placed in me to continue that mission as we work to review our state constitution.
“The compact between the people and our government is sacred, and meant to grow to embrace the changes our so- ciety demands. But it can never lose the basic funda- mentals on which our nation and our state were founded, and it can never waiver from defending those rights when confronted by powerful oppo- sition.
“As we see in real time today, the checks and bal- ances encased in both our federal and state constitu- tions continue to be the lone guardian when rights are threatened or limits to power are trampled. I am proud to be part of the CRC as we work to maintain that integrity.”
Recognized As A ‘Community Hero’
BY GWEN HAYES Sentinel Editor
The honoree has spent more than 40 years working with at-risk children.
Mrs. Linda Curtis White has spent the major- ity of her adult life working with children. She spent 36 years with the Juvenile Jus- tice System; a senior supervi- sor at a group home for boys, where she worked many weekends and various shifts, teaching young people life skills among other duties; with Michelle Walker at Miracles Outreach; and for the past three years, she has been a foster grandparent at Foster Elementary School for Seniors in Service. And, has begun training to become a Guardian Ad Litem.
For all she has done and the love she has shown at- risk children over the years, Seniors in Service honored Mrs. White as their “Com- munity Hero.”
Those who sent in letters of recommendation for Mrs. White shared how she made a difference in the lives of so many children. One writer said, “She has a special gift
MRS. LINDA CURTIS WHITE
when it comes to communi- cating with a very challeng- ing and sometimes aggressive population.”
Mrs. White insisted that those under her care stay in school – family and educa- tion were very important to her. If a student was sus- pended for 10 days, she’d go to the school and negotiate another form of punishment, going above and beyond her duties.
Mrs. White can share a number of stories from the kids she has worked with, but says she loved it. “I just believe every kid deserves a second chance,” she said. Many of the kids who re- ceived another chance have shared their success stories
with her as well. “I see so many of them
who thank me for what I did with and for them when they were younger,” she said.
She expresses gratitude to the Lord for giving her “the knowledge and wisdom to touch each child that came across my path.” She’s also grateful to the Foster staff, Seniors in Service; her fam- ily: David C; children, James and Myra; sister and brother-in-law, Angilen and Leon; niece, Niya (Larry); grandchildren, LaRissa (HCC), Ceddrick (HCC), DaShawan (middle school), and Donteye. Her pastor is Rev. Dr. James L. Gallon.
A member of the Eastern Stars, she received an award from the Governor for 36 years of service with Juvenile Justice, where she was once named an “Outstanding Em- ployee” and “Most Depend- able Employee;” and received a “Loving Person Award” from Miracles Out- reach.
“I’ve worked with so many people during my years and I thank them all, but it has always been about the children.”
PAGE 4 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2017