Page 7 - Florida Sentinel 6-12-18

Local
Men Of Vision Founder To Step Into Background
Organization Says Jazz Fundraiser Was A Huge Success
Recently, Positive Image Tampa Bay, in partnership with Central Park Village Youth Services held a success- ful fundraiser to support a local school.
Marvin Knight, founder of Positive Image Tampa Bay said, “we would like to thank our supporters, sponsors, and contributors who made the Jazz’n at the Italian Club fundraiser a huge success.
Not only did our patrons enjoy a great evening of non- stop live jazz music, food, and fellowship; they helped us sur- pass our initial goal of $20,000.
“The majority of the funds will be given to St. Peter Claver Catholic School, en- abling them to provide sum- mer school for deserving students.
“The remainder of the con- tributions will be distributed to two other much needed community groups that help youths realize their dreams. Those organizations are Men of Vision and G-3 Mentoring, both will receive $1,000 each.” Knight said.
During the evening, two individuals won raffles. Those winners were, Ms. Cissy Sevelin ($150) and Joseph Ramsey ($100).
MARVIN KNIGHT
A few group members and attendees of the event shared these words of praise:
Retired Fire Chief Thomas Forward said, “The Support of Men of Vision by the Positive Image Tampa Bay Committee continues to pro- vide the necessary proceeds that afford these young men the ability to flourish both in the classroom and in life in a more positive and progressive posture.”
Ms. Vivian Heyward
said, “Our mission and vision has been to give back to our community and support iden- tified groups who help our young people in a positive manner.
Ronnie McCullough
said, “G-3 Mentoring services underserved and underprivi- leged youths. The proceeds re- ceived will assist in providing nutritional snacks for youth programs.”
MS. VIVIAN HEYWARD
THOMAS FORWARD
Joseph Capitano, Sr.,
said “Thank you for all the support received during the last three years from Marvin Knight and the Positive Image Tampa Bay team. The Central Park Village Youth Services and St. Peter Claver Catholic School are greatly ap- preciative for all the financial support to help educate the children.”
Knight said, “all are en- couraged to continue to sup- port Positive Image Tampa Bay’s effort to be a beacon of hope in the community.
“We especially want to thank our platinum sponsors: Central Park Village Youth Services and the Florida Sentinel Bulletin, as well as all other co-sponsors, per- forming artists, supporters and volunteers.
“The community wins when we all pull together and pitch in!”
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
For more than a decade, Ross Anderson has been “Men of Vision.” It was his desire to help at-risk teenagers that led him to create the organization.
Now, Anderson said he is stepping down and turn- ing over the reins to his son, James Eliassaint Ander- son. James recently gradu- ated from Florida International University, in Miami. He will take control of the day-to-day operations.
Anderson, an educator with the Hillsborough County School District said, “James is going to take over. I want him to work with the boys and meet with the parents. I’m not going anywhere. I’ll be in the back- ground trying to obtain scholarship funds for those going off to school.”
A Tampa native, Ander- son graduated from Hills- borough High School in 1984. He earned his B. A. in Business Administration from the University of South Florida. He continued his education at Columbia Southern University, where he earned his Master’s De- gree in Business Administra- tion.
Initially, Anderson, 51, joined the corporate world. However, his concern for students lured him into the classroom. While on the staff at Sligh Middle School, An- derson saw first-hand, that too many young Black male teenagers were getting into trouble and dropping out of school.
His solution to help the students was the formation of Men of Vision, Inc., a service organization that fo- cused on academic success, volunteerism, and giving back to the community.
“I started at Sligh with 20 students in 2006. Now, when school opens in the fall, we will have chapters on the campuses of 20 schools, including 1 private school and 2 charter schools.”
Anderson, a member of Jackson Heights Church of
ROSS ANDERSON Founder of Men of Vision
Christ, has set high stan- dards for the young men to follow. He insists on good behavior, academics, and has a no-nonsense attitude. He insists that they dress and act like young men of culture.
In turn, he exposes them to cultural events, college visits, and other activities. Three years ago, Anderson and a group of the young men traveled to Selma, Ala- bama for the 50th Anniver- sary of “Bloody Sunday.”
A divorcee, Anderson has no biological children. However, he legally adopted his son, James. After adopting James, Ander- son “inherited” his three younger brothers.
Pierre Eliassaint grad- uated from Hillsborough High School this year and will be leaving for Florida A & M University in a few days. Their younger brothers are Mezerson and Em- manuel Cesar.
Mezerson will begin his senior year at Brooks-Debar- tolo Collegiate High School in the fall. Emmanuel will enter the 6th grade at Legacy Preparatory Charter School.
He also obtained legal custody of Henry Tillman, Jr., when he was 14. Henry graduated high school and entered the U. S. Army. He is currently stationed in Ger- many.
Although he is stepping into the background of the organization, he will con- tinue working for the young- sters. “Now, I will be looking at everything I can to help these students pass their tests and graduate,” he said.
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