Page 2 - Florida Sentinel 1-3-20

Feature
Readers Look Back Over 2 Decades To Share Their Likes And Dislikes
BY GWEN HAYES Sentinel Editor
With 2020, the nation and world are embarking on a new decade, one with hopes and aspirations. As we move for- ward, there are thoughts among Sentinel readers about likes and dislikes about occur- rences for the past 20 years.
Here is a sampling of what some thought when ques- tioned about the past 2 decades.
TONJA JOHNSON Founder/Support Group Leader Beautifully Unblemished Vitiligo Support Group, Inc.
“I love that over the past 20 years that self-love is the best love and even though I am still on my journey to self- love, I have found that finding love in myself was the best. I am learning fulfillment, au- thenticity, respect, self-confi- dence, simplicity, and most of all my own VIBE in life.
“I have a strong dislike
that over the past 20 years, racism still exists, prevalently. I wished we were better at ac- cepting that the color of our skin is just that - skin color. No matter your culture, iden- tity or race, our blood flows all the same.”
DR. SHANDALE TERRELL Lakeland, Florida
The things I love about the last twenty years. “I have seen great growth and success of African-American males and females being promoted in leadership posi- tions, regarding K-12 Schools, locally and throughout the state of Florida. I have seen progressive progress of African American lawmakers being elected in local, state and the United States Federal Political Offices. We have made great strives.
“Both departments are very political and imperative in our everyday lives. Finding ways to provide better fund- ing for K-12 Schools, in order for educators to better edu-
cate our students for the fu- ture workforce is always a pri- ority. Lawmakers serving in political office, providing local, state and United States public policy, creating equal economic opportunities for all cultures and citizens is a must, and is what I love about the last twenty years.”
Things I dislike about the last twenty years. “When the year 2000 entered the United States of America, a new era of diver- sity and economic empower- ment was developing across the board among the African American culture. But, there was a strategic plan that was taking place behind closed doors by the conservative party. Not all, but the major- ity of the conservative group wanted to keep the lower class and the middle class op- pressed while they receive their growth in wealth.
“I saw the political shift in 2001 and I was in disbelief of the racist shift that was devel- oping right before my eyes.
“Before entering the 2000 era, I believe, there was al- ways a common ground when Democrats and Republicans had to make decisions for the betterment of men and women kind in: local, state and the United States Federal Political Offices.
“Now, at the present time in 2019, entering the 2020 era, we have racism in politi- cal public offices and voter suppression that is occurring in our cities, counties, in the state of Florida, and the United States of America. What more needs to be done to bring positive change and healing in our local, state and national communities.”
“These are the things I LOVED over the past 2
DR. DAVINA JONES
decades:
1. Seeing family and
friends overcome and grow. 2. President Barack and First Lady Michelle Obama leading the country
with grace and dignity.
3. My Spiritual Awaken-
ings that as the images of God, it is WE who are respon- sible to express and establish Goodness, Justice and Har- mony in the earth. Thy King- dom come...through us!”
Speaking of HATE:
“I choose in this moment to define hate as an energy of strong displeasure that WE ALLOW to motivate our high- est good (justice, righteous- ness, dignity) or our lowest ability (divide, kill, steal). With that said, I have strong displeasure that we often choose our lowest ability and not our highest good.”
Dr. Jones is a Professor at Pasco-Hernando State Col- lege; An Elder at Today’s Church Tampa Bay; an all-accepting, Bible-Based, Christ-Centered Church.
“Things I’ve loved about the last 20 years: the joy of seeing the first African American elected President of the United States of America. This brings hope for others who have been lim- ited by gender and ethnicity.
“Things I’ve disliked: the growing num- ber of pastors committing sui-
DR. JEFFERY A. J. JOHNSON
cide. For years, many have lived in suffering silence due to their personal levels of frustration, insecurity, and a lack of appreciation. It’s sad that the preacher who holds the confidences of so many doesn’t have many outlets to share their own confidences.”
LINDA WASHINGTON ...Columnist, Progress Village News
“I loved the time I was able to share with family and friends, celebrating mile- stones such as 25 years of marriage, 30th birthday, births of grandchildren (9) and great-grands (2), college graduations and retirements.
“Being able to take many cruises and trips to places like Caribbean, Hawaii, Alaska.
“My dislike is the instabil- ity of employment over the last 20 years. Having a career that is enjoyable and sustain- able, that one day you hope to be able to retire from, only to have it come to an end due to outsourcing or reorganiza- tion.
“Most of all during these past 20 years I have experi- enced the loss my dad and other family members and friends and had to live with the devastating effect of de- mentia and Alzheimer. With all that I disliked there was good to behold, the memories of my loved ones past and the memories still to be made. Looking forward to the bless- ings of 2020.”
PAGE 2-A FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020