Page 12 - Florida Sentinel 9-2-16 Online Edition

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Community Activist No Longer Leader Of New Black Panther Organization
Beauty Unlimited
STACI
This week’s Spotlight feature, Staci, is full of confidence and ready to make her mark on the world. She has no prob- lem working with the right people, and she enjoys being in front of the camera. Staci only asks that those who have supported her, to stay aboard and enjoy the ride. Congrat- ulations to Staci as this week’s Spotlight feature.
BY LEON B. CREWS Sentinel Staff Writer
Ever since he was a stu- dent at Howard W. Blake High School, Ali Muham- mad (Clarence Jones) has been interested in issues of oppression, injustice, and empowerment.
“After I graduated, I wanted to immediately begin working with organizations that I felt could best use what I was bringing to the table.
“I knew I was tenacious and cared about the welfare of others, so I envisioned using those talents to be an advo- cate for African Americans all over the city.”
Ali Muhammad first was a single voice, occasion- ally joining protests and ral- lies others had initiated. He even tried founding his own advocacy group at one point, but when he heard about the New Black Panther organiza- tion, he thought it was a per- fect fit.
“Not only did I want to join the New Black Panthers, I wanted to be a strong voice in that organization, and re- cruit more people to join their movement.
ALI MUHAMMAD (Clarence Jones)
“I’d often go out into the community and meet with families who’ve been devas- tated by acts of violence and I’d also sit down with law en- forcement leaders to come up with a solution to all the vio- lence.”
Eventually Ali Muham- mad was designated as Pres- ident of the Tampa Chapter of the New Black Panthers, and he hit the ground running.
“First, I did a lot of re- search on the original Black Panthers and the leaders that put that organization to- gether.
“From that, I learned you have to be relentless, and at the same time, listen to others who have the wisdom and
know what you’re getting into.”
Ali Muhammad said he thought he was following the directives of the organization, until he was asked to step down two weeks ago.
“I felt a change was com- ing, because others in the or- ganization weren’t happy with the way I did things.
“I leave the organization with no anger or disrespect. I applaud what the New Black Panthers stand for, and I will always feel I’m with them. But I feel it would be in my best interest, and the best interest of the organization, that I move on.”
Ali Muhammad said by no means does this mean he will stop fighting for the rights of African Americans, and continuing his campaign to put an end to Black-on- Black crime.
“Black Lives Matter is a great cause, and a lot of peo- ple don’t believe they are just as concerned about Black-on- Black violence as they are about police killing citizens who aren’t armed, or posing any threat to them doing their jobs.
“My voice will be heard, and I will work alongside the New Black Panther Party, be- cause I still believe we are on the same page.”
Former Tampa Resident Starts Program To Recognize Dedicated Citizens
BY GWEN HAYES Sentinel Editor
Herbert Carroll is not only a talker, but he’s also a doer. He’d like to share what he’s doing with the Tampa com- munity.
Carroll, a former resident of Tampa, has started a pro- gram that is a spinoff of the Good Neighbor Program he was involved with in Titusville. The program, “The Master Minis- ters With A Message,” allows him to host programs at churches in the Titusville com- munity every 3-4 months.
He founded the program in January 2015. He first visited a nursing home resident during Labor Day 2015 and presented her with a fruit basket and En- sure.
He looks around the com- munity and sees who is doing something worthy of recogni- tion and recognizes their efforts with a certificate and in some instances, gifts.
Those recognized are often surprised by his actions. They never know they have been cho- sen.
“It doesn’t take much to show people they are appreci- ated,” he said. “I get the certifi- cates printed, have someone imprint the name and date,
Herbert Carroll, left, with Shante’ Golden, apartment complex manager, who received a certificate, and Minister Gail Williams, who received a coffee cup with other gifts.
show up one day and hand it to them, or present it at a pro- gram,” he explained.
The gifts he shares are noth- ing extravagant. Maybe a coffee cup for a particular occasion with an inscription, special pens or medallions are given along with the certificate.
“Even though they’re not big items, folks seem to appre- ciate them.”
A few weeks ago, he was in Tampa to recognize a resident for her dedicated service to the community.
A former school instructor, Carroll is embarking on an- other program, specifically for young people 16 years old and younger – “We Are, We Will.” He plans to teach topics on ‘We Are’...Children Of God, Gifted,
Important; and ‘We Will’...Learn, Do Good and Be Leaders.
PAGE 12-A FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016