Page 6 - Florida Sentinel 7-24-20

Feature
Pastors Urge Others To Get Members To Vote
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
In 2016, when election time came, members of the community rallied to get voters to take part in the election. Voters could vote early, vote-by-mail, or vote in person on Election Day.
However, nothing is as it was four years ago. The COVID-19 Virus has called for drastic and creative actions and a “new normal.” We now practice social distancing, wearing masks, and other safety precautions as the Coronavirus numbers continue to rise.
Supt. Charles Davis,
Senior Pastor of College Hill Church of God in Christ, realizes that people are skeptical about leaving the safety of their homes.
SUPERINTENDENT CHARLES DAVIS, Pastor of College Hill Church Of God In Christ
However, he also realizes the importance of voting and electing candidates who will work for the community.
He said, “Several years ago during the 1960s, Bob Gilder was the president of the local NAACP. He drew together groups of pastors,
REV. CLARENCE NATHAN President, Pastors On Patrol, Inc., Pastor of New Victory Baptist Church
organizations and community leaders.
“They focused on Voter Education, Voter Registra- tion, Voter Transportation, and Community Organiza- tion. And as a result, the people went to the poll and voted. That is what we must do
now. We can’t wait until the last minute. We need to prepare now.
“We have until August 8th to request a vote-by-mail ballot. Once it is completed in your own home, it can be mailed to the Supervisor of Elections Office or dropped off during business hours. It must be returned by 7 p.m., on August 18th, which is Election Day.”
Pastor Clarence Nathan, Pastor of New Victory Baptist Church said, “I have been pushing this issue since July 1st. I’ve spoken to members of Pastors on Patrol, Inc., and asked them to push it right up to Election Day.”
He further said that instead of mailing the forms, he is asking that all ballots be returned back to the church. “We will hand carry them to
the Supervisor of Elections Office and get a receipt for each one. That way, no one can say the ballot wasn’t received,” Pastor Nathan said.
Supt. Davis further said, “I’m calling on all pastors from all denominations to encourage their congregations to vote. It doesn’t matter if you have 10 members or 200 members. If they can vote, then you should encourage them to do so. It is too late for residents to register for this election. But they can register now to be ready for the General Election in November.”
Anyone wishing to obtain a vote-by-mail ballot can call (813) 744- 5900, or visit the website at www.VoteHillsbo- rough.org.
Meeting
Young Lions Youth Organization To Host Drive-Thru Book Bag Giveaway
The Young Lions Youth Organization, founded by Dexter Bryant, is preparing for its Drive-Thru Book Bag Giveaway. The event will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2020, 10 a. m. – 2 p. m., at Middleton High School, 4801 N. 22nd St., Tampa 33610.
Kids ages 5-18 years old will receive a book bag filled with sup- plies. Kids must be in vehicle to receive book bag.
For additional information or to donate, contact Coach Dex- ter at (813) 368-9640.
PAGE 6-A FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2020