Page 13 - Florida Sentinel 3-4-16 Edition

FLORIDA SENTINEL
FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 2016
Author, Actor Hill Harper Closes Out Black, Brown And College Bound Summit
BY KENYA WOODARD Sentinel Feature Writer
To move forward with a task, one must employ two types of energy: radiant energy to shine a light on the issue and kinetic energy to act on a so- lution.
What level of energy are you putting out to ac- complish your goals or make changes in your com- munity?
That’s the question actor and author Hill Harper on Sunday, Feb. 21st, put to attendees of the 10th Annual Black, Brown, and College Bound Summit brunch at the Hilton in downtown Tampa.
The summit, founded by Dr. Sylvia Marion Carley and sponsored by Hillsborough Commu- nity College, attracts hundreds of students, edu- cators, local leaders, and celebrities to discuss advocacy and solution to increase the number of Black and Latino men completing college.
Mr. Harper, author of four New York Times Bestseller books including “Letters to Young Brother” and “The Conversation,” delivered a message that was part science lesson and part mo- tivational speech that included leading the room in a rousing rendition of the gospel hymn, “This Little Light of Mine.”
A closer examination of the song shows that it’s actually about physics, Mr. Harper said.
Radiant energy – or light – is critical to bring
Author and actor Hill Harper was the closing speaker at Hillsborough Community College’s educational conference Black, Brown & College Bound Summit. The event ended Sunday at the Tampa Hilton after four days of workshops and panel discus- sions geared toward improving the number of Black and Latino males completing col- lege. (Photo provided by HCC)
attention to issues that would otherwise go unno- ticed, he said.
Kinetic energy – the most aggressive kind of energy – helps bring about a change, Mr. Harper said.
Mr. Harper, best recognized for his role as Dr. Sheldon Hawkes on the hit television show “CSI: New York,” implored the audience to arm themselves with reasoning and courage when em- barking on their plans for change and personal growth.
“When we step out to use our radiant energy... folks try to pull you back in the fold,” he said.
Expect to be challenged by peers and others, said Mr. Harper, a magna cum laude graduate of Brown University, who holds a master’s degree from Harvard University and a juris doctorate from Harvard Law School.
“When you come up with a different plan, you hold up a mirror,” he said. “When you start hold-
ing up a mirror, it makes them uncomfortable.” For those who may struggle with moving for- ward on their dreams or making a change in their communities, “I would suggest you look at your
energy level,” Mr. Harper said.
“Look at how you get up in the morning,” he
said. “Do you jump out of bed saying today is the day I’m going to raise my voice?”
Jamison Lockridge, 18, a broadcast student at Hillsborough Community College, said Mr. Harper’s “inspirational” speech has prompted him to examine how he can do more to raise awareness to issues affecting the Black commu- nity, such as police brutality.
“We need to have a voice for the people and the community as well,” he said.
Black Heritage Gala At Pepin Center
The Pepin Center was the scene of this year’s Black Heritage Gala that included a dinner, comedy, and musical concert. (PHOTOS BY JULIA JACKSON)
Heritage Committee member, Benita Maynor, and Mistress of Ceremony, Shayla Reaves, Chan- nel 13 News Anchor.
Heritage Committee co-chairs,
Comedian, Shuckey Duckey, Grammy Artist, Avery Sunshine, and Comedian, Jay Lamont.
Gudes Funeral Home co-owner, Orlando Gudes.
Ruby Jackson Sanders.
and
William
Mr. and Mrs. Fred (At- CaSandra Washington torney Barbara) Moore. and Dianne Hart.
ANDRE DAVIS
Dr. Joan Holmes and Herbert Molsey.
From left to right: Pam Welch, Della Gladdie and Yolanda Cole.
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