Page 13 - Florida Sentinel 7-8-16 Online Edition

FLORIDA SENTINEL FRIDAY, JULY 8, 2016
Annual Men’s Conference Attracts More Than 300 Men
These men represented “Get It Straight Foundation.” The founder, Rechi Butler is standing in the center.
The Seventh Annual Men’s Breakfast and Conference was held on Saturday, June 25, 2016 at the College Hill Con- ference Center. More than 300 men gathered and were encouraged to focus on their families.
Men were reminded of the need for them to take an active role in the lives of their own children as well as those within our community who may not have a father in the home.
Commissioner Ken- neth Welch, District 7 Pinel- las County, the featured speaker, called upon all fathers to “do better and be better.” He stressed that the media also needs to be active in portray- ing positive, capable fathers who love and guide their fami- lies. Commissioner Welch said that one of the best exam- ples that men can offer to their children as well as those in the community who may not have a father in the home is the ex- pression of love and respect for the mothers of their children.
Michael D. Thomas, Sr., Coordinator for 24/7 Dads, Reach Up, shared re- search data on the impact that involved fathers have on the success of their children in school and in all areas of their lives.
Coach Billy Reed was recognized for his extraordi- nary commitment to young men in this community. Coach Reed mentored and assisted many in reaching their dreams through sports and ac- tive community involvement.
The conference began in 2009 as the brainchild of Elder Freddie Flucker and Superintendent Charles Davis, Pastor of the College Hill Church Of God In Christ. Through their effort and the men of the church, help and support has been offered to a diverse group of men encour- aging them to play a meaning- ful role in the lives of their children as well as those within the community. (Photos by BRUNSON)
These men in attendance are: seated, Bobby Wilds; standing, John Wilds, Elder B. Aron Wilds, Josiah V. Valentin, Johnny Williams, Louis Bostick, Jr. and Jim Wilson.
These men enjoyed the conference: Bob Clayton, Lonnie Gardener, Dwayne Gardener and Michael Sheppard.
Program participants included: Bishop W. J. Matheney, Supt. Charles Davis, Pinellas County Commissioner Kenneth Welch, keynote speaker; and Robert Davis, member of College Hill COGIC.
Rev. Willie Dixon, Kerman and Coach Billy Reed.
Eddie Mathis and Curtis Dexter.
H. L. Allen assisted with the program.
City Councilman Frank Reddick and Rechi Butler, busi- ness owner and founder of Get It Straight Foundation.
Ladies were also in attendance at the conference: MiShondra Key and Kathy Griffin join Joseph W. J. Robinson, center.
The Men’s Conference also included Josiah Bonafe’, Phillip Row- land, Daryl Richardson and Ralph Moore.
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