Page 11 - Florida Sentinel 10-7-16 Online Edition

Local
Library Foundation To Honor High School Alumni And Musical Group
Sandbags Available For Residents
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
On Monday, October 10th, the members of the Robert W. Saunders Public Library Foun- dation will pay tribute to two organizations. Both will be pre- sented the “Lamp Of Knowl- edge” Award as part of the Black History Experience Se- ries.
The event will take place at the Robert W. Saunders Public Library, 1505 N. Nebraska Av- enue, beginning at 5:30 p.m. The Awards will be presented to members of the Howard W. Blake High School Alumni and to the music group, Faith, Hope & Charity.
The award is sponsored by the Robert W. Saunders Li- brary Foundation, in conjunc- tion with the Robert W. Saunders Public Library.
Howard W. Blake Compre- hensive High School came into existence in 1956 to educate African American students. It followed the educational tradi- tion of its Tampa Heights pred- ecessor, Don Thompson Vocational High School.
Howard Blake was a Tampa native and educator. Throughout his life, Blake guided students to reach their potential in education and vo- cational trades.
For more than a decade, the school was one of two Black high schools designed to edu- cate Black students of Hillsbor- ough County. In 1971, as a result of integration, Blake High School was converted into a seventh grade center. Parents, students, educators, and members of the commu- nity were in opposition of the change.
In 1997, a new high school was built and at the request of the community, it was named Blake High School of the Arts. The school continues to serve as a catalyst to prepare its stu- dents to enter the Arts.
Three of the students edu- cated at Blake High School are the late Zulema Cusseaux,
Brenda Hilliard, and Al- bert Bailey.
After graduating from high school, the trio went on to be- come the most successful mu- sical group to represent Tampa. As members of Faith, Hope, & Charity, they recorded three number one hits, they appeared on the television hit “Soul Train,” with Don Cornelius, and visited several cities throughout the world.
The group performed with Bill Withers at Carnegie Hall, Aretha Franklin, and Sam & Dave, who gave them their first big break. The group also went on to win a Gold Record for singing background for legendary artist David Ruffin. They were featured on his award-winning solo “Walk Away From Love,” which became Ruffin’s great- est hit.
Zulema Cusseaux wrote most of the group’s music. She also launched a successful solo career.
Fred Hearns said, “The Black History Experience (BHE) Series was created to honor those in our community who helped to preserve the his- tory and accomplishments of Blacks in Hillsborough County. We seek to recognize those who keep Black History Alive.”
Family members, friends, and members of the commu- nity are invited to attend the program, which is free and open to the public. Community members are also encouraged to spend time in the library which is one of the few African American Public Libraries and Cultural Arts Centers in the Southeastern United States.
Hearns is the foundation’s President Emeritus. Ms. Car- rie Hurst is the Principal Li- brarian at the Robert W. Saunders Public Library.
Officials are making sand- bags available for residents in anticipation of heavy rain from Hurricane Matthew.
In the City of Tampa, resi- dents can obtain sandbags until further notice between the hours of 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.
City Sandbag Distribution
Sandbags will be available to city residents at three loca- tions: Bobby Hicks Pool, 4201 W. Mango Avenue; Barksdale Active Adult Center, 1801 N. Lincoln; and Jackson Heights Play- ground, 3310 E. Lake Av- enue.
The hours of operation are daily beginning Wednesday, October 5th, from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. until further notice.
Tampa residents interested in receiving sandbags must show identification verifying residence within the city lim- its. A valid driver's license, utility bill, or electric bill will
serve as appropriate identifi- cation. There is a ten bag limit.
In addition, the City of Tampa requests that residents with a storm drain on their property check to ensure that the drain is clear of all debris including leaves and trash.
Residents should report flooding issues by calling (813) 274-3101.
Tips For Remaining Safe During Storm Conditions Don’t drive through mov-
ing or standing water. It is ad- vised not to drive at all unless necessary.
Treat non-functioning traf- fic signals as a four-way stop.
If a road is closed, follow the detour signs.
Avoid any downed or hanging power lines.
Residents should stay tuned to local television and radio stations for more infor- mation as severe weather ap- proaches.
Members of the popular group Faith, Hope & Charity were the late Zulema Cusseaux, Albert Bailey, and Brenda Hilliard.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2016 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 11-A