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Feature
Annual Gospel Explosion To Be Held In The Park
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
For more than 13 years, the East Tampa Business & Civic Association has hosted Annual Martin Luther King, Jr., Com- munity Festival. This year, the event will take place at the Bel- mont Heights Little League Park, 2101 E. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Boulevard, beginning at 10 a.m.
Beginning prior to the pa- rade, the festival will be hosted by Jorad Holmes, CEO and founder of the Tampa Bay Gospel Awards and P.U.S.H., a Live Connecivity to display and promote an unlimited number of gospel artists and those of all genres of music.
Some of the artists to be fea- tured includes: Iris Collins, Phyllis Wong, Just Aaron, Crossover, Da G.OA.T.,
JORAD HOLMES Host
Samantha Rosario, Isaac Ruffin, and many more.
In addition, the festival will include dancing, singing, rap- ping, vendors, live DJs, and food. The festival is family friendly and offers something for all ages including face paint- ing, bounce houses, and other child-geared activities. There
MS. DIANNE HART East Tampa Business & Civic Association
will also be free prizes and give- a-ways.
The festival expanded to in- clude the Shelia Upshaw Gosel Explosion after Mrs. Up- shaw’s death. Mrs. Upshaw was a gospel singer who was well known throughout the Tampa Bay Area and other
MRS. SHELIA UPSHAW
areas of the United States. She passed at the age of 48, leaving 4 children and 6 grandchildren to carry on her vision.
Her sister, Mrs. Paulette Upshaw-Wells, along with Jorad Holmes and Derick Levy have worked collabora- tively to make sure the Shelia Upshaw Gospel Explosion is re-
flective of Mrs. Upshaw and a great success. Their goal is to use Mrs. Upshaw’s life, love and legacy to rebuild and rekin- dle the city with love.
Ms. Dianne Hart, of the East Tampa Business & Civic Association said, “Her dedica- tion to her community im- pacted the lives of many. Even up to her passing, Shelia was committed and had a heart for people.”
Ms. Hart further stated that each year brings about more community support, in- volvement and encouragement for the City of Tampa. She is inviting all members of the community to attend the festi- val.
Anyone interested in ob- taining additional information is encouraged to call (813) 732- 9949 or (941) 812-1135.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2020 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDA PAGE 3-A