Page 13 - Florida Sentinel 6-12-20

FLORIDA SENTINEL FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2020
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Religious Denominations Join Mayor In Observance Of National Day Of Prayer
In observance of National Day of Prayer and Remembrance, several local pastors, elected officials, and Mayor Jane Castor, gathered on Monday, June 1, 2020 at Noon, for a peaceful prayer demonstration in front of Tampa Police Headquarters at Lykes Gaslight Park. The City of Tampa also rang the bells at Old City Hall and churches throughout the city at Noon.
The City of Tampa joined the U. S. Conference of Mayors in a moment of remem- brance for the victims of COVID-19 and to pray for communities during this difficult time.
Over 100,000 lives have been lost in the country due to the Coronavirus out- break. In response to this tragic milestone, the U. S. Conference of Mayors part- nered with national religious organizations of various faiths in a call for National Day of Prayer and Remembrance.
Due to recent events, the National Day of Prayer and Remembrance was also an opportunity to pray for the city, country and world in the wake of injustice and civil unrest following the death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minnesota Police Of- ficer, and for the many families who are mourning the loss of a loved one.
The event ended with those in attendance kneeling for nearly 9 minutes of si- lence, the closing prayer by Bishop Thomas Scott, and all singing the National Black Anthem (Lift Every Voice And Sing).
Pastor Larry L. Roundtree, II, (MC) of New Mt. Zion MB Church, and Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Johnson of Connections Community Church, coordinated the event. (Photographs by Julia Jackson)
Hassan Shibly, Chief Executive Direc- tor of CAIR Florida, was among members of the clergy who offered prayers.
Rep. Fentrice Driskell with Organize Florida President, Robin Lockett.
Former State Rep. Ed Narain joined the group in the park.
U. S. Congresswoman Kathy Castor kneeled with those in attendance.
Rev. Roundtree, joined by other min- isters, addressed the estimated crowd of about 500.
Rev. Bart Banks of St. John Progres- sive M. B. Church offers a prayer.
Several protesters in the park also joined the prayer event.
TPD Officers also kneeled.
Mayor Jane Castor offers greetings as Bishop Matthew Williams of Brown Memo- rial COGIC, looks on.
Among the religious leaders in attendance were those captured in front: Rev. Dr. Jeffery Johnson, Rev. Larry Roundtree, II, Rev. Gerald White, Bishop Michelle Patty, Bishop Matthew Williams, Rev. Dr. Glenn Dames, Bishop Thomas Scott, Rev. Bartholomew Banks, Rev. Moses Brown.
Elected officials who joined the Day of Prayer, from left: City Councilman Orlando Gudes, Rep. Fentrice Driskell, Rep. Dianne Hart, School Board Member Tamara Sham- burger, Rep. Wengay Newton and Senator Darryl Roouson.