Page 13 - Florida Sentinel 11-9-18

FLORIDA SENTINEL
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2018
B
Deadline Nears To Add Names To Bronze Plaque
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
A group of local support- ers and Middletonians want to pay special tribute to a local legend and Olympian. They hope to accomplish this goal by honoring her with a bronze plaque.
Ms. Theresa Manuel, a popular retired educator who became a part of United States history, died in No- vember 2016. She was 90 years old.
The deadline for those wishing to add their names to the bronze plaque honoring Ms. Manuel is quickly ap- proaching. Individuals who would like to partic- ipate in the endeavor must contact committee members by November 16, 2018.
Members of the commit- tee are: Alphonso Ball, Ms. Cynthia Flowers, Ms. Ursula Odom, and Ralph Smith. Anyone wishing to find out more information can contact Ball at (813) 293-2866; or Ms. Flowers at (813) 545-0707.
There had been a sign, honoring Ms. Manuel, but it has been torn down. The committee members want to erect something that would withstand the weather, so they decided on the bronze plague.
Ball further said the plague would be erected at Middleton High School near the track as a historical marker.
A native of Port Tampa, Ms. Manuel attended the public schools of Hillsbor- ough County. When she en- rolled at Middleton High
MS. THERESA MANUEL January 7, 1926 to November 21, 2016
School, she joined the basket- ball team. After graduating from Middleton High School, Ms. Manuel continued her education at Tuskegee Insti- tute, where she continued to play basketball.
She went on to lead the school to four straight con-
ference championships. But, it was also at Tuskegee where Ms. Manuel was encour- aged to run track.
Ms. Manuel became the first African American woman from Florida to par- ticipate in the 1948 Olympics in London, breaking the color barrier. She competed in the Women’s 80 meter hurdles and served as the third leg in the Women 4 x 100 yard relay.
Ms. Manuel graduated college in 1949, and returned to Hillsborough County to embark upon a teaching ca- reer at her alma mater, Mid- dleton High School. She also served as the Girls Basketball Coach.
During her 38-year ca- reer, Ms. Manuel was voted Coach of the Year on the county level and once on the state level.
She has been honored on several occasions with special tributes as being a hometown legend.
In 1994, Ms. Manuel once again became “the first African American woman” to be inducted into the Tampa Sports Hall of Fame. The Manuel-Griffin Relays, one of the largest high school track events, is also named in her honor. In 2004, the high school track at Middleton High School, from which she retired, was named in her honor.
In December 2015, Ms. Manuel visited Middleton High School and met with Art Teacher David Kramer and the students enrolled in the Art Class. The students included Ms. Manuel’s likeness in a mural. The mural was unveiled May 16, 2016.
Book Signing Of Former Police Captain Rescheduled
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
The book signing of first time author Marion Lewis has been rescheduled because his books did not arrive in time. The new date for the book signing is Saturday, November 10th. It will take place at Saddlebrook Resort, Board B, 5700 Saddlebrook Way, Wesley Chapel, FL 33543.
Lewis, a former Tampa Police Captain, recently re- leased his first book, entitled, “If You Don’t Stand Up For What You Believe In, You Will Fall For Any- thing.” The book chronicles his arduous journey with the Tampa Police Department when he decided to run for Mayor eleven years ago.
For 27 years, Lewis served as a law enforcement officer, rising to the rank of Captain. However, after an- nouncing his plans to chal- lenge then Mayor Pam Iorio, Lewis was told that he would have to resign his posi- tion in order to seek the office. When he refused, he was ter- minated .
After his dismissal, Lewis filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against the City of Tampa. The lawsuit wound
MARION S. LEWIS First-time author to host book signing
through the courts for several years before it was settled in his favor.
He feels his journey “trav- elled all the way to the Supreme Court of Florida with an outcome that changed the political landscape for law en- forcement officers in Florida who wanted to seek political office.”
Lewis said, “I want this book to encourage others to stand up for righteous beliefs, even against all odds. So many people look the other way when they experience or see an injustice because they don’t want to deal with the adver- sity. Just remember, “If You Don’t Stand Up For What You Believe In, You Will Fall For Anything.”
’70s 2018 Dance Will Be A Party With A Purpose
BY GWEN HAYES Sentinel Editor
It’s been 3 years now that the ’70s Dance Committee has hosted the ’70 Dance. It was an idea of Sharon Harris Franklin for the group to get together, that turned into the dance.
As word spread about the grand time the group had, the second dance was larger than the first, and this year is ex- pected to be even larger and better.
That’s according to
Sharon Maps-Gordon,
who was born and raised in Tampa’s North Boulevard Homes and now resides in Los Angeles, CA.
“This year we are going to party with a purpose. The Committee will be helping Patricia Wingo with her fight against homelessness. We’re asking guests to bring one item for male or female to the dance; example, tooth brush, tooth paste, socks, comb, brush, hand sanitizer, many other items,” she said.
“Our second purpose is to bring awareness to Ataxia, which is a nervous system condition that affects move- ment of arms, legs, hands, eyes and balance. Over 150,000 people in this coun- try are affected by this dis-
SHARON MAPS-GORDON ...Will be in town for the ’70s Dance
ease.
“One of our own, who suf-
fers with the disease, Dar- lene Harris, will be handing out pamphlets about Ataxia awareness. She’s also going to raffle 2 tickets for the 2019 dance,” Ms. Gordon ex- plained.
This year’s ’70s Dance, “Denim and Diamonds,” will be held on November 24, 2018, at the Sons of Italy Hall, 3315 W. Lemon St., Tampa (33609), 7 p. m. – midnight. It’s a ‘Cool and Classy With a Touch of White’ event.
Members of the commit- tee who represent several schools are: Beverly Wright Brinson, June Campbell Williams, Darlene Har- ris, Gail Napper, Carol
Miller Pirant, Wanda Wright Walker and Va- lerie Greene, Jefferson High alumni; Carolyn Cliatt Williams, Leto High School; Ollie Maddox Carter and Sharon Maps-Gordon, Plant High School.
Several other schools, in- cluding old Middleton and Blake alumni (’70s) were among those in attendance.
Last year’s event was spe- cial to the committee. They honored Mr. and Mrs. Dayle (Patsy) Greene, had a candlelight ceremony for 13 deceased classmates; enjoyed a delicious meal served by Linda Williams and the young men of Iota Phi Psi Music Fraternity, Inc.; along with entertainment by DJs Eric Myers and Jeffery Taylor (Dancing DJ) and Floyd Joy Rivers.
A hit of the evening was developed by Beverly Wright Brinson. “She found old tapings of Gay Papa’s summer dance talent shows, and some of our guests saw themselves on the big screen,” Gordon said.
“We’re especially grateful to those who have supported our event the past 2 years. Please join us at the Sons of Italy Hall on November 24th,” she concluded. A small dona- tion is asked.