Page 2 - Florida Sentinel 4-14-17

Features
Men Join Forces To Create Comedy Routine
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Two young men met under the most unlikely circum- stances. But that meeting has resulting in not only creating a business venture, but provid- ing an outlet for the commu- nity as well.
Rico Valdez and Kraig Davis met nearly three years ago in federal prison. At the time, neither thought their lives would be changed by their circumstances. But, Valdez was thinking about the future and Davis was a standup-comedian-in-the- making. Davis has a natural ability to make people laugh, and to make things happen.
On Saturday, April 29th, with Valdez in the role of manager, and Davis, a.k.a. Toni Fatz, will present their signature “Smoke & Jokes” Comedy event at the OTL Lounge, 4109 Henderson Blvd.
Valdez (IG name @Lav-
KRAIG DAVIS AND RICO VALDEZ
ish_life007) said, “I knew Kraig had a God-given gift when I would see him doing standup comedy skits in the hallway during lock down. He would have everybody on C- floor dying laughing.
“Kraig could easily turn a simple conversation into a standup comedy show that would have anybody around
who was listening in tears laughing. I knew his determi- nation and passion was well worth investing time, effort, and money into.”
Davis (IG name @Toni- fatz) said “When I first met Rico I thought he was kind of weird and up-tight. All he did 24/7 was workout, spend time building a business plan, or be somewhere trying to motivate and inspire somebody. He was always trying to convince me to stay prayed up and fuel my spirit with positive energy.”
Davis was released about 7 months before Valdez, but before he left, they re-affirmed their commitment to going into business and entering the comedy arena.
Once Valdez was released, he immediately began to make things happen. And the end re- sult is the partners held their first comedy show.
Their first Smoke & Jokes comedy event was a huge suc- cess. And, now they are look- ing forward to the next phase of success.
Comedian Toni Fatz was recently invited on stage to close for the world famous co- median Lil Duval at the Im- prov.
Both men credit God for their success so far. They agreed they never would have made it through their circum- stances if it wasn't for God’s unwavering grace, mercy, and favor.
Computer Organization To Celebrate 20 Years Of Service
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Several years ago, Ralph Smith was employed in the corporate world as an Assistant Vice President at City Bank. One day, during a conversa- tion, Smith was asked what he would do if he were to win the lottery.
Without hesitation, he an- swered that he would create a company to bring the digital di- vide for inner city children. The person asked how much would it cost to do this and Smith an- swered $7,000.
In August, the organization will celebrate its 20th Anniver- sary. The organization will host a special celebration pro- gram featuring Garrett John- son as its keynote speaker.
A former student, John- son is the co-founder of Lin- coln Network, a company that focuses on brining civic organ- izations and government insti- tutions into the 21st Century. An entrepreneur, Johnson is also the co-founder of Send- Hub, which has been acquired by Cameo Global, a Y Combi- nator backed startup launched in 2011.
Although Smith has not of- ficially struck it rich by pur- chasing a ticket, he said, “I really feel lucky. For the last 20 years, I have gotten to do ex- actly what I said I would do without hitting the lottery.”
Smith began his venture with 5 students. They met once a week at the then Ybor City Public Library (Robert Saun- ders, Sr., Public Library), 1505 N. Nebraska Avenue.
“I told them that if they stayed with the program for 1 year, then I would give them their computer. All of them stayed with the program and each received a nearly brand new computer.
“People began hearing about the program and donat- ing computers and that is how we have survived. We had no
RALPH SMITH Founder and Executive Director of the Computer Mentors Group
idea at that time that we would be able to continue for 20 years,” he said.
Since its inception, the pro- gram has provided computer training for hundreds of stu- dents in Hillsborough County. Its signature program focuses on training teenagers between the ages of 14 and 18. Once they complete the program, they each receive his or her own computer and computer train- ing certification. Nearly 1,500 students have graduated from this program.
Within the last few years, the organization has also launched its KidsCode program for students between the ages of 10 and 13. Nearly 700 stu- dents have graduated from this program within the last 2 years.
Smith said, “We see a great need in the community to ed- ucate youth and provide them with hands-on skills and real world experience in the IT in- dustry.”
The organization will host their celebratory luncheon on August 3, 2017, from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., at the TPepin Hospitality Centre, 4121 N. 50th Street. For more information about the luncheon contact Computer Mentors at (813) 236-1191, or www.computer- mentors.org.
PAGE 2-A FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, APRIL 14, 2017