Page 4 - Florida Sentinel 12-13-16 Online Edition

Local Letter To The Editor
Activist Remembers Victims Of Violence With Candlelight Vigil
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
On Sunday, December 18th, members of the com- munity will gather at 2905 E. Hillsborough Avenue (old post office parking lot), for a Candlelight Vigil. The vigil, (which will take place from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m.) is de- signed as a tribute to indi- viduals who have lost their lives violently.
Ms. Vivian Heyward
has hosted the event for sev- eral years. In the past, the event paid tribute to those who died violently and whose cases remain open. However, Ms. Heyward said the vigil is for anyone who died violently and she is asking the community to come out for the event.
“This is a community- based initiative. Enough is enough of losing our loved ones to gun violence. There are so many unsolved homi- cides and the number con- tinues to grow.
“These deaths are sense- less and no one seems to know who has committed
MRS. VIVIAN HEYWARD Community Activist
the crimes, or they’re just not talking. It is past time to step up and not remain silent. It could be your fam- ily member next. And you would want someone to come forward for you.
“The purpose of this vigil is to remember the victims while stressing the need to eliminate violence. We must form support groups to em- power the families and to support each other during periods of greif and loneli- ness.”
Ms. Heyward also sug-
gested protecting the next generation of children by changing our lifestyles. We must spend more time with our children, plan family time, discuss school work, take them to church, and we must know their friends.”
Some of the victims who will be remembered this weekend include: Lyfe Coleman, Latoya Smith- Carson, Christopher Dexter, Jr., Levi Dixon, Jr., Levonia Riggins, III, Eldred Martin, John Singleton, Jr., Jamarie Hodges, and Rickey Ligons, to name a few.
“The holidays are a time when family and friends come together. But, for those who have lost a loved one to violence, the holidays are es- pecially difficult for them.
“We encourage these people to come out and re- member their loved ones.”
Anyone interested in contacting Ms. Heyward can reach her at (813) 270- 1959; or contact Ms. Zelma Culpepper at (813) 359- 3977 for additional informa- tion.
It’s Christmas Time!!!
Christmas is a great time for good cheer, cre- ative gifts, strengthening family relationships and eating tasty food. I can remember during my early childhood and teenage years Christmas meant spending time with my family at my grandmother's or my aunties’ house. We would open up special gifts, crack lots of jokes, listen to wonderful music, and watch great football games. When I was growing up this was my favorite time of the year.
Now for the Christmas Holiday, especially on Christmas Eve or Day, you may find me feeding the homeless instead of unwrapping gifts. Why, you might ask yourself.
I understand the true meaning of Christmas is wrapped up in helping my fellow man or woman that is in need. My family has extended to my com- munity helping people. I’ve grown up to now enjoy spending time
helping people smile and for children to have a reason to smile and play on Christmas Day.
Wrapped gifts are im- portant and giving intan- gible gifts are as well, but the true meaning of Christmas is giving your heart and time everyday of the year to all people and children that are in need.
This year I am looking forward to giving the gift of time to the Upsilon Xi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., 2016 John Belk - Christmas Toy Drive. For this Christmas Toy Drive, we provide a number of toys for young, special needs children from the ages of 6 to 15 years of age. This is what my Christmas is all about now. It’s about helping our community, my extended family and other children enjoy Christmas just like I did as a child.
DR. SHANDALE TERRELL Lakeland, Florida
PAGE 4 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016