Page 13 - Florida Sentinel 9-14-18

FLORIDA SENTINEL
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2018
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Black Business Month Observed
Rev. Larry L. Roundtree, II, New Mt. Zion M. B. Church, Senior Pastor, and Ms. Sherri Brown, Visit Tampa Bay, Director of Multi-Cultural Business Devel- opment, are shown with Sherryl Cusseaux and Darryl Johnson.
This year marked the 15th National Black Business Month Anniversary (NBBM) of the crusade launched by Frederick E. Jordan and John William Tem- pleton in California, 2004. Both Jordan and Tem- pleton’s goal was to draw attention to the needs of Black entrepreneurs, and for 31 days of August by chal- lenging local officials, community leaders, venture cap- italists to focus efforts on creating a more hospitable environment in which Black-owned business can grow.
Currently, there are over 20 states, from Maryland, Michigan and our state of Florida, that have estab- lished programs recognizing Black Business Month. Additionally, over 300 libraries across the country rec-
Albert Lee, President, Tampa Bay Black Business Investment Corporation, is shown with the 2018 part- ners.
ognize Black Business Month.
This year, DSI Black Pages partnered with N-Touch
News and N-Touch Radio in launching Black Business Month celebrations. Using their multi-facet media outlet, Sherryl Cusseaux and Darryl John- son showcased Black business owners, executives, community leaders and others during the month.
Some of the guests during the month were: Ms. Stephanie Pollard, Health Workshops R US, Dayle Green, News Anchor and Radio Host, Rev. Greg Gay, Sr., Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church, Pastor; Ms. Robyn Donaldson, Owner, Renew Construction Services, LLC, and Ms. Katina McClinton, Owner, Fresh Start Development; Ricky Williams, Owner,
Bob Conigliaro, VP Caspers Company/McDonald's and Derrick Blue, Interim CEO, The THAP Group, with Sherryl Cusseaux and Mr. and Mrs. Darryl (Tammy) Johnson.
Call Ricky Ask Ricky; Mrs. Chairsea Thicklin, Owner, 360 FFLOW; Ms. Raymiya Thicklin; James Ransom, Tampa Organization of Black Affairs (TOBA), Board Member and Saturday Morning Breakfast Group, President.
Authors, Mrs. Pamala Lofton McCoy, BONA5D Credit Consultants; Ms. Veronica Blakely, V's Voice; Mrs. Princess Ousley, CEO, Elite Office and Business Solutions; Mrs. Jeanette Hordge-Smith, CEO, DASH Coordinating and Marketing, LLC; Dr. Shani Davis, Owner, Your Best You Clinic; Ms. ShawnTa Wilson, author, Survival by Faith; Ms. Ersula Odom, Legacy Writer and Historian; and Lesley "Les" Miller, Jr., Hillsborough County Com- missioner, District 3.
14th Annual Heritage Classic Football Rivalry Pits Middleton Vs Blake
The 14th Annual Heritage Classic football game will be held Friday, Octo- ber 5th at Blake High School. The Blake High Athletic Booster Club will host the game and a week of activities celebrat- ing the rich history of the two schools that were once the only two high schools in Tampa serving Black students.
The relationship between George S. Middleton High School and Howard W. Blake High School (originally named Don Thompson) was established in 1945 during a pivotal time in our nation’s his- tory. Families were often divided, as brothers and sisters made the choice to attend opposing schools.
This original rivalry lasted until 1971, when integration was instituted and both schools were converted into Junior High Schools. However, due to the strong legacy and advocacy of their Alumni bases, both were reopened as High Schools (Blake-1997; Middleton- 2002). Since then, the annual football rivalry has been renewed with some games played in Tampa Stadium and others at the respective schools. GO YELLOW JACKETS!! GO TIGERS!!
This year’s Game Day Title Sponsor is Dr. and Mrs. H. Earl Cotman of St. Petersburg. Mrs. Jacqueline Nick- son Cotman is a 1964 graduate of Blake High and Miss Blake High.
The Heritage Classic Black and Gold
FRANCES CHEEKS JENNINGS ...Chair, Heritage Classic
Sponsor is Michelle Brooks Patty, a graduate of Blake. The Yellow Jackets Sponsor is Frances Cheeks Jen- nings and Family. Frances Jen- nings, Blake Class of ’59, is Chair of the Heritage Classic.
According to Jesse Salters, Princi- pal of Blake High School, “Not only is this a football contest on the field be- tween the two schools, but we also are treated to a spectacular showdown per- formance between the Tigers Marching Band and the high stepping, often imi- tated, but never duplicated Yellow Jack-
JESSE SALTERS ...Principal, Howard W. Blake High School
ets marching band.” BK Jackson, an internationally known Jazz Artist and Blake High graduate who performed with the Blake Yellow Jackets, will per- form with the band at halftime.
Activities leading up to the game in- clude:
Monday, September 17th – October 4th: Tickets, T-shirts, Ball Caps, Seat Cushions and Game Day Souvenir Book SALES.
Monday – Thursday: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. for Students in the SGA Room; Monday - Thursday 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
for parents and adults in the ticket booth.
Sunday, September 30th, 9 a. m., Worship Service, Exciting Central Tampa Baptist Church, 2923 Tampa St.
Monday, October 1st, 10 a. m. – 1 p. m., Alumni Visitation Day; current stu- dents welcome former Blake and Don Thompson students.
Tuesday, October 2nd, 6 a. m. – 2 a. m., Blake Day at the Tampa Dale Mabry Village Inn ONLY, 215 N. Dale Mabry Highway. A portion of your bill will be donated to the Athletic Booster Club. When paying your bill, tell the HOST that you are there to sup- port Blake High.
Wednesday, October 3rd, Spirit Day. Wear your Blake tee-shirt to school.
Thursday, Oct. 4th, celebrate Blake and Middleton in your own special way. Friday, Oct. 5th, Pep Rally at 2 p. m., Middleton/Blake. Heritage Classic Foot- ball Game: Pre-Game, 6:30 p. m. Game
kick-off, 7 p. m.
The Howard W. Blake Athletic
Booster Club encourages all to come out and support the Heritage Classic. “We look forward to partnering with you to continue enriching the lives of our stu- dents, and we are honored to be a part of this legacy,” says Frances Jen- nings. Preserving the Past, Promoting the Future, Ready to Amaze!