Page 8 - Florida Sentinel 3-4-16 Edition

Local
New Book Chronicles Life Of Tampa Pioneer
Benefit Program For Gospel Singer With Cancer
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
There are several African Americans in Hillsborough County who have achieved great accomplishments dur- ing their lifetime. And, many of those individuals are women.
One such individual is
Mrs. Doris Ross Reddick,
the first African American woman to serve on the Hills- borough County School Board. Recently, a new book entitled, “The Doris Ross Reddick Story,” was re- leased. The book, co-written by Mrs. Ersula Knox Odom, chronicles the life and family history of Mrs. Ross Reddick.
The creation of the book was not a planned event. In- stead, it is the result of a bud- ding friendship between two women. A local author, Mrs. Knox Odom was working on a project that put her in contact with Mrs. Ross Reddick.
“I went to see her and we began to talk, and from that
ERSULA KNOX ODOM ... Author
first visit grew a great friend- ship and a wonderful experi- ence. Listening to her and being around her is like a cel- ebration. I told her that she needed to write about her life and she said, ‘I don’t know how.’ So, the book came from that friendship.
“She wanted to focus on her total story and not just her time on the School Board. She didn’t want to focus on what she did, but how she came to be. Her life is a fascinating story,” Mrs. Knox Odom said.
DORIS ROSS REDDICK ... Tampa Pioneer
The book focuses on Mrs. Ross Reddick’s family his- tory and other significant is- sues that took place in her life.
The two women met weekly for a period of time and Mrs. Knox Odom gathered the information. The end result is a collabora- tion of their efforts.
Mrs. Ross Reddick,
who will celebrate her 89th birthday on March 13th said, “I had been thinking about writing a book since 1960, but I never got the chance so I just put it aside. I’m glad that I didn’t because it would have been a different book.”
Through the years, many people had suggested that she write the book, including her daughter, but the timing still was not right.
However, after meeting Mrs. Knox Odom, they both realized that the timing was perfect. Mrs. Ross Reddick said this book is one that both of them are pleased with.
By revisiting her story for the book, Mrs. Ross Red- dick had an opportunity to reflect on many aspects of her life.
“I’m just an ordinary per- son and I don’t talk about the things I have done. But, I re- ally have had a good ride. I thank God for allowing me to have this ride.”
This is the third book Mrs. Knox Odom has writ- ten and published.
A benefit program is being planned for Dwayne S. Bryant, Sr., a well-known gospel singer in the Tampa Bay community. Bryant, 57, is suffering from cancer.
The benefit program for Bryant, also known as “Danny,” will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2016, 6 p. m. at The Rising Star M. B. Church, 1509 E. North Bay, Rev. Otis Cooper, III, pas- tor.
Ms. Emma Hearn, one of the organizers of the pro- gram, says, “we just want to show love to our brother and give him his flowers now.”
A native of Tallahassee, Bryant has spent most of his life in the Tampa community. He discovered his talent of singing at the age of 5 and has used this gift for praising and uplifting the Lord.
“Danny” was a member of Mt. Olive M. B. Church and sang in the choir for about 25 years. He joined several dif- ferent gospel groups to share his blessing from the Lord.
The first group he joined was “The Overcomers” and then the “Gospel Sensations.” When Bobby Hughes and Eddie Huffman founded the “Soul Savers,” Danny be- came one of its lead singers and manager. The group re- organized on more than one occasion. Among members were: Mitchell Anderson, Eddie Huffman, Dwayne Bryant and Johnny Jenk-
DWAYNE ‘DANNY’ BRYANT
ins. The group traveled to various cities in the United States.
With “Danny” as the lead singer, the group re- leased 2 albums – “Long Time Coming” and “Testi- mony.”
Again the group reorgan- ized. This time the members were: Eddie Huffman, Mitchell Anderson, Dwayne Bryant, Reginald “Reggie” Hearn, Russell Conley, Emma J. Hearn, Gloria J. Robertson, Den- nis Blake, and Nathaniel House.
Currently, Bryant is a member of Shiloh M. B. Church, Mulberry, Rev. Al- fonso Lewis, pastor.
The program organizers are asking the public to come to the benefit program, which will feature various groups, choirs, and soloists of the Bay area.
His Sexuality
Lord, take way anyone or anything from my hus- band’s life that would inspire temptation to infidelity. Help him to abstain from sexual immorality so that he will know how to posses his own vessel in sanctifica- tion and honor (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4).
I pray that we will desire each other and no one else. Show me how to make myself attractive and de- sirable to him and be the kind of partner he needs. I pray that neither of us will ever be tempted to think about seeking fulfillment elsewhere. I realize that an important part of my ministry to my husband is sex- ual. Help me to never use it as a weapon or a means of manipulation by giving and withholding it for selfish reasons. I commit this area of our lives to You, Lord. May it be continually new and alive. Make it all that You created it to be.
The body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord and the Lord for the body. 1 CORINTHIANS 6:13
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