Page 8 - Florida Sentinel 3-9-18

Local
Police Hosts ‘Chat & Chew’ With Retired Officers
Bicyclist Killed In Traffic Accident Identified
Police have identified a bi- cyclist killed in a traffic acci- dent last week. as Tyler James Husseman, 23, of Valrico. The accident took place at the northbound en- trance ramp to Interstate 75 and State Road 60.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Ms. Brandi West, 23, of Tampa, was en-
tering the ramp to Interstate 75 when the unidentified bi- cyclist crossed the entrance ramp in a marked crosswalk.
Ms. West failed to yield and struck the bicycle, eject- ing Husseman, who died at the scene.
The investigation is con- tinuing and charges are pend- ing.
Recently, Tampa Police Chief Brian Dugan hosted a “Chat & Chew” for retired African American officers who made significant contributions toward advancing the department, and the Tampa com- munity. During the friendly and informal discussion, Chief Dugan’s special invited guests shared their career experiences and provided advice on moving the department forward.
Among those in attendance at the event were from left to right: Ret. Colonel Curtis Lane, Ret. Ser- geant Bob Wright, Ret. Lieutenant Clarence Nathan, Ret. Chief Bennie Holder, Ret. Lieutenant Ricky Smith, Ret. Officer James Dukes, Ret. Assistant Chief Tina Wright, Ret. Officer Rufus Lewis, Chief Brian Dugan, Ret. Corporal Frank Gray and Ret. Officer Willie Monroe.
Women’s History Month
The true strength of a woman is not limited to her physical strength to pull, push or lift, rather it’s found in the crown of her spirit, heart, mental, personal, and professional strength to push through adversity and overcome barriers.
A woman is often faced with relentless master gate- keepers telling her no, not now, you are not qualified, you lack the capacity to do the job, or it’s just not your time.
Today, I challenge the old guard by taking this op- portunity to celebrate Women’s History Week and offering a token of my appre- ciation and congratulations to all of the women in the world for achieving their ob- jectives in the midst of ad- versity, visible and sometimes invisible barri- ers.
Historically speaking, the importance of taking a special moment to celebrate
women nationally was not considered a necessity until the late 1900s. The Educa- tion Task Force of the Sonoma County (California) Commission led the way by starting the Sonoma County’s Women’s History Week initiative in 1978. Molly MacGregor, a member of the National Women’s History Project, saw this vic- tory as an opportunity to ini- tiate celebrations in other communities and through- out school districts.
Celebrating the impor- tance of recognizing the strength and contributions to every area of life became a national priority. This na- tional initiative earned Con- gressional and Presidential support. United States Rep- resentative, Ms. Barbara Mikulski and United States Senator Orrin Hatch co-sponsored a Congres- sional Resolution for Na- tional Women’s History Week in 1980. In the same
year, President Jimmy Carter, Jr., provided a Presi- dential Proclamation, declar- ing the Week of March 8th National Women’s History Week, which has grown to National Women’s History Month.
I personally share my gratitude for the women in my life, in our community, around the nation for their determination, contribu- tions, and achievements. This is a great time to salute women in leadership posi- tions in: Education, Corpo- rate America, Law Enforcement, the Military, Politics, Media, Religion, Lawyers, Judges, and count- less organizations around the country.
You are all celebrated and appreciated not just dur- ing this special occasion, but ALWAYS.
[Dr. Shandale Terrell is a Community Activist, Leader, Educator and a Member of the Lakeland Branch NAACP]
PAGE 8-A FLORIDA SENTINEL-BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2018