Page 24 - Florida Sentinel 3-4-16 Edition

Polk County News
Polk County’s Black History Nugget
LAWRENCE BERNARD BROWN
During the final years of slavery in Wacahoota, Florida, Lawrence Bernard Brown was born to Peter and Catherine Brown on Septem- ber 12, 1856. He was the sixth of eleven children. In 1865, the Brown family migrated to Spring Garden, Florida.
Lawrence Bernard Brown re- ceived ownership in a large amount of real estate when he married Eliza- beth Washington in 1881. He built homes on the property, then sold or rented them. In his honor, a street in Spring Garden was named Lawrence Street.
In later years, Brown moved to Bartow, Florida. As a self-taught mas- ter carpenter, he continued to build elegant homes. He became a skilled entrepreneur and community icon who led by example. His resume’ also included, but was not limited to: Bible salesman, cabinet-maker, umbrella- maker, and furniture repairman.
On June 16, 1941, at the age of 84, Brown passed away, leaving a large amount of real estate and cash to his eleven children. The headstone at his gravesite bears a very befitting in- scription that reads, ‘From slavery to
community builder’. Brown’s life story is an excellent example of how a person can overcome adversity.
Though born during slavery time, Brown refused to let that factor place boundaries on his destiny. In Bartow, the L. B. Brown House is named in memory of Brown and is listed in the National Register of His- toric Places. This house is believed to be the only one of its kind, still in ex- istence in the State of Florida that was built and owned by a former slave.
Women’s Health Fair To Be Held
The Dream Center of Lakeland will serve as host site for a women’s health fair on Wednesday, March 2, 2016, from 4 p. m. until 7 p. m. The event is being sponsored by Options for Women Pregnancy Help Center. Screenings for diabetes, cholesterol, blood pressure, HIV, STD and preg- nancy will be available.
For further information, contact Carole Noble at rnoble3@tam- pabay.rr.com or call Julie Davis at (863) 519-7900 Ext. 11075.
Polk State College News
For the first time, Polk State Col- lege’s Speech and Debate Team com- peted at the FCSAA State Championship. And the team did bring home a number of FCSAA State Championship honors.
Polk State College awardees were as follows: Toby Pelland placed fifth in Informative Speaking and was chosen by his peers to receive the Shira Brownstein Award, an award that recognizes an individual’s humil- ity, generosity, fellowship and overall
service; Jinming Chen – 5th place – Lincoln Douglass Debate; Pelland and Chen – 6th place – Parliamen- tary Debate; and Jawan McClinton was a member of the team that placed 6th in the Overall Team Sweeps Award. Congratulations Toby, Jin- ming, and Jawan! And congratula- tions to Professor of Speech Communication, Coach Christina Gesmundo, who received the 2016 Forensics Coach of the Year Award. Congratulations, Polk State College!
Happy Anniversary!
Shaw-Nuf Talk extends belated Happy Anniversary! to Mr. and Mrs. Leroy J. (Toni) Tucker. The cou- ple celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary on February 23rd. Con- gratulations, Leroy and Toni! May the blessings of the Lord continue to be upon this union.
Happy Birthday!
RITA JENKINS
Shaw-Nuf Talk Happy Birthday wishes to Lakeland Lady Rita Jenk- ins who celebrated another year of life on February 19th. Hope you had a great natal day! May the Lord bless you with many, many more! Much love to you, Ms. Rita! Stay encour- aged and keep smiling!
Shaw-Nuf Shout-Out
This week’s Shaw-Nuf Shout-out goes out to Mr. Robert 'Que Ball'
Mathis, Sr. of Winter Haven, Florida. He is the husband of Mother Mattie 'Momma Lee' Mathis, the father of Pat, Mary, Robert 'Mucho' Jr., Rev. Howard, Regina, and the late Reginald Mathis.
A former avid golfer and Profes- sional Golf Caddy, while in the Army, Sergeant Mathis was instrumental in integrating the military golf ranks, as he was the first African American to win a major Army Golf Tourna- ment. He is the longest tenured active male member of First Missionary Baptist Church, Rev. Clifton Dolli- son, Pastor, and the oldest active worker employed with the State of Florida. His co-workers recently hon- ored him on his birthday. We salute Mr. Robert 'Que Ball' Mathis, and thank God for blessing him to celebrate his 88th birthday.
Polk County Advertisers/ Distributors Sought
The Florida Sentinel Bulletin is in search of advertisers and distributors in the Polk County area. Are you in- terested in advertising your business, church, organization, community events, employment opportunities, etc., in the Sentinel or having the Sen- tinel available for purchase at your church, agency or place of business? Yes!..then contact me (Cynthia Zorn-Shaw) at (863) 513-8437 or Darlene Thomas at (863) 513- 2178.
Talk To Shaw-Nuf
Shaw-Nuf Talk wants to hear from you. Share your exciting news and/or photos of your celebrations, special events, birthdays, anniver- saries, weddings, family reunions, church or community events, etc., with the readership of the Florida Sentinel Bulletin and Shaw-Nuf Talk by sending an e-mail to: shawnuftalk@yahoo.com or calling (863) 513-8437.
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