Page 10 - Florida Sentinel 4-25-17

Local
DACCO Rep. Is Guest Speaker At Health Forum
Justices Approve Ballot Language For Rights Restoration Initiative
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
On Friday, a representa- tive from DAACO, (Drug Abuse Comprehensive Coor- dinating Office), will serve as the guest speaker for the monthly Men and Women’s Health Forum. The event will be held at 11 a.m., at the Col- lege Hill Church Of God In Christ, 6414 N. 30th Street, where Superintendent Charles Davis is the Senior Pastor.
Rev. L. C. Lepard will discuss several health issues, including Hepatitis. Rev. Lepard currently serves as liaison between the DACCO Outreach Department and the community. His role is to educate and motivate mem- bers of the community about the importance of testing for HIV and HCV status.
His goal is to connect the person with the illness with obtaining the services they are in need of receiving.
DACCO is one of Florida’s largest community-based providers for Behavioral Health Services. Through its programs, DACCO addresses
REV. L. C. LEPARD
substance abuse and mental health issues. Their mission is to work for a drug-free community, one person, one family at a time.
A Tampa native, Rev. Lepard attended the public schools of Hillsborough County. He earned his B. A. Degree from the University of Tampa, and was awarded his Master of Theology Degree from Christian Faith College.
The forum is free and open to the public. For addi- tional information about the forum contact, Coach Billy Reed, at (813) 744-4923, or Chester White, Jr., at (813) 327-2804.
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Last week, the Florida Supreme Court unanimously approved the language for the possible ballot initiative to automatically restore vot- ing rights of convicted felons. This decision means that the initiative could be on the election ballot as early as next year.
The decision came about after the Justices received a petition from Pam Bondi, Attorney General of Florida, requesting an advisory opin- ion to the validity of a peti- tion to place the rights restoration issue on the bal- lot.
The request was in re- sponse to a petition by Floridians for a Fair Democ- racy. The ballot title for the amendment is “Voter Restoration Amendment.”
The current law states that no person convicted of a felony or deemed to be men- tally incompetent can qualify to vote or hold office until that person’s civil rights have been restored or removal of disability.
ARTHENIA JOYNER
When contacted by the Sentinel, former State Sen- ator Arthenia Joyner said, “I am very pleased with the Court's decision. The abrupt decision by Republi- can Governor Rick Scott soon after taking office to yank Florida back to the 20th century by reversing auto- matic restoration of these rights was by design. Many of these individuals are African American. And many of them lean Democratic. His move, sanctioned by his Republican Cabinet, was yet another at- tempt to suppress the Demo- cratic vote in Florida. This ballot initiative approval is
the first step in giving the cit- izens the opportunity to right that wrong."
The ballot language cleared by the justices allows backers of the proposal to begin the signature collection process. The proposal, which would apply to all ex-felons with the exception of those convicted of murder or felony sexual offenses, al- ready has almost 72,000 vot- ers' signatures, but needs roughly 760,000 more to get on the November 2018 bal- lot. If more than 60% of vot- ers approve it, the initiative becomes law and voting rights will be restored.
Senator Joyner further said, “Many of the people still denied their rights were ca- sualties of the "War on Drugs" and other non-violent offenses, hardly justifying their perpetual banishment from participating in our democracy.
“If the governor won't lis- ten to the people clamoring for a return of their rights, it's up to the people to make it happen. It's up to us to do what's right for those who have atoned for their sins."
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
As the final week of April comes into view, members of the Positive Images Commit- tee are making final prepara- tions for their upcoming event.
The event is just five days away. On Sunday, April 30th, the organization will present its “Jazz’n At The Ritz” event. It will be held at The Ritz Ybor, 1503 E. 7th Av- enue, from 5:30 p.m. until 9 p.m.
This is the second time the organization has pro- vided financial assistance to St. Peter Claver Catholic School while providing the community with an evening of enjoyment. They are bringing the event, “Jazz’n At The Ritz,” back by pop- ular demand. The first event was held in 2015.
All proceeds from the event will directly benefit St. Peter Claver Catholic School.
Marvin Knight,
founder of the organization said, “We are really excited
MS. DARLENE JOHNSON
... Member of the Positive
Images Committee
as time draws near. It is a blessing to have people come together to help make a dif- ference in the community by stepping into the gap.
“This is going to be a great event with good enter- tainment and everything is going to directly benefit the school. We appreciate the way the community is com- ing together to help the school.”
Ms. Darlene Johnson,
who is also a longtime mem- ber of the organization said,
“My role as a member of the Planning Committee is to keep the records for ticket sales, sponsorships and ven- dor donations. I feel so hon- ored to work with such a diverse group of committee members, who collectively combine their resources, in- dividual expertise, and share their experiences for the common goal of investing in the future of our youth.
“I strongly believe by in- vesting in our youth, we are helping to make the Tampa Bay community a better place to live and work. This event is one you don’t want to miss. I am inviting the Tampa Bay community to come out and support a great cause.”
St. Peter Claver Catholic School was established more than 123 years ago and has provided quality education to impoverished elementary school students since its in- ception.
In 2015, the “Jazz’n At The Ritz” raised more than $60,000, to help the school. Those funds were used to
MARVIN KNIGHT
... Founder of the Positive Images Committee
provide a School Psycholo- gist, a pavilion play court, and to build the digital infra- structure.
The Positive Images Committee is inviting alumni for the school to get involved in the fundraiser. They are also seeking sponsors or those wishing to donate in- kind services.
The tickets are being sold at Oriental Fish Market, cor- ner of N. 15th Street and E. Lake Avenue, contact Mar- vin Knight (813) 453-5690;
Classica Hair Salon, 3431 N. 22nd Street, contact Gloria at (813) 241-0115; and An- drews Sisters Salon, contact Brenda, at (813) 241-2316; and Total Image Salon on N. 40th Street. Tickets can also be obtained by visiting the website at www.CPVYS.org.
For more information about the event contact Marvin Knight at (813) 453-5690; Tom Forward at (813) 334-5705; Ms. Sonya Williams at (813) 412-0090; or Joseph Capi- tano, Sr., at (813) 267- 3895.
FYI
Fellowship With The National Council Of Negro Women
The National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) in- vites the community to come fellowship with them on Sun- day, April 30, 2017, 10 a. m. at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church, 1203 N. Nebraska Avenue, Tampa, FL 33602. Father Hugh Chikawe is the Pastor and Mrs. Rosa Cambridge, President.
PAGE 10 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY TUESDAY, APRIL 25, 2017