Page 13 - Florida Sentinel 2-16-18

FLORIDA SENTINEL
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2018
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UNCF To Host 12th Annual Black History Month Luncheon
Andrew Young, former Ambassador of the U. N. serves as keynote speaker
United Negro College Fund (UNCF) will host the 12th annual Tampa Bay Black History Month lunch- eon on Tuesday, February 20 at Marriott Tampa West- shore Hotel beginning at 11 a. m. More than 300 will at- tend the luncheon, including mistress of ceremonies, Deiah Riley, news anchor at ABC Action News/WFTS- TV; keynote speaker, former Ambassador Andrew Young; 2018 Champion of Education, Derrick Brooks of Derrick Brooks Charities, Inc., and Tampa Bay’s business, civic and ed- ucation leaders that support UNCF’s work in getting stu- dents to and through college, thus showing the positive impact of HBCUs on the economy.
Benefiting Historically Black Colleges and Universi- ties (HBCUs), UNCF aims to
ANDREW YOUNG ...Keynote Speaker
change the narrative of HBCUs across the nation by equipping minority students with the resources necessary to transition into college and ultimately the workforce.
“We invite all members of the Tampa Bay community to join us as we raise money to send deserving young peo- ple to college,” said Felicia Harvey, UNCF Tampa Bay Leadership Council chair. “Everyone who believes that
DEIAH RILEY ...Mistress Of Ceremony
‘A mind is a terrible thing to waste ®’ should attend, as we inspire and empower our young people to secure pass- ports to opportunity by way of obtaining a college de- gree.”
With the help of the Tampa Bay community, over $200,000 was awarded to Hillsborough County stu- dents last year. And now with the release of UNCF’s new publication, HBCUs
DERRICK BROOKS ...2018 Champion Of Education
Make America Strong: The Positive Economic Impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, we know graduates from HBCU and UNCF member institutions such as Edward Waters Col- lege, Florida Memorial Uni- versity and Bethune- Cookman University con- tributed $833 million to the total economic impact and over 7,817 jobs in total em- ployment impact to the state
of Florida.
“HBCUs not only provide
a college education for 300,000 students every year, but they are a powerful eco- nomic engine: locally, through the jobs they create and the expenditures they make in the cities where they are located, and nationally, through the students they ed- ucate and prepare for an in- formation-age workforce,” said Michael L. Lomax, president and CEO, UNCF.
The luncheon is chaired by Andrew Hall, regional director, External Affairs AT&T - Florida. Sponsored by the SunCoast Credit Union, AT&T, Publix and Wells Fargo, The Debartolo Foundation and many others.
For more information, please call Gwen Hewitt at 407.896.6940. or visit UNCF.org/TampaLuncheon.
Unable to attend, but want to make a difference in a student’s life, text UNC- FORL to 50555 or donate at the link.
Tampa Native Plans To Stay Positive As He Moves Forward
DJ Shares His Gift Of Music With Tampa Community
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Josh “DJ” Acoff feels his introduc- tion into the music industry was pure luck. It was a twist of fate that caused him to change the direction his life was trav- eling.
The 23-year-old Birmingham, Ala- bama native was a student at Alabama State University five years ago. Acoff said he accidentally received a $5,000 check for school.
The young man took the money and purchased equipment to become a DJ. Of course, when the error was discovered, he had to repay the money. If he didn’t he couldn’t return to school.
But, by that time, he had started hav- ing parties and was raising the money. “I was doing as many jobs as possible. I saved up and rented a building. I made $10,000 and was able to return to school.”
Acoff said that experience launched his career and set the stage for his future. A business management major, the young man returned to school, but continued in the music industry.
He transferred to Clark-Atlanta Uni- versity and became acquainted with the music industry in Atlanta. After touring with some shows, he dropped out in his junior year and began pursuing music full time.
The son of Ms. Matalie Acoff, Acoff
JOSH “DJ” ACOFF
said he learned the production trade and created the “Riche Posse” label. Now, he has relocated to Tampa and hopes to ele- vate some of the local talent.
“My goal is to produce artists for Bill- board this year.” Acoff said in his role as an Executive Producer, he has people to make the music and people to make the beats. He is now waiting on the talent.
“I feel Tampa is a hidden treasure. It is a gold mine. People have goals, but goals are not dreams. I believe you can make goals happen.”
The young man also plays the piano, guitar and trumpet. “I have an ear for music. That’s really my gift,” he said.
DJ Acoff can be reached on Insta- gram at DJ_Acoff.
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Matthew Thornton left Tampa nearly 4 years ago. He said his move to New York was in part related to the death of his younger brother.
Thornton said he also needed a change and found help with a scholarship from the Foun- tain House. Since his relocation, Thornton has spent his time wisely improving himself and helping others at the same time.
He is currently enrolled at the Brick Media Consulting Group, learning the film trade. Brick Media is an eclectic group of artists, storytellers, marketers, strategists, and branding experts who help bring ideas to life.
Thornton said he has already completed training to become a truck driver, barber, and chef.
Now, he is working on obtain- ing certification to become a Counselor. Thornton said he promotes being positive whether he is working with teenagers or volunteering with the homeless shelters.
“I had been in trouble all of my life. Now I have become more ver-
satile and I am able to account for and continue to grow emotionally, financially and physically.
“I broke the cycle and I’m not going to be a victim. I am going to continue to reach out and better myself,” the 42-year-old father and grandfather said.
One of 9 children, Thornton said he lost two brothers to the streets. That was his inspiration to change his life and deliver a positive message to others.
He believes by having training in more than one area, a person can be successful. His future plans are to own his business.
MATTHEW THORNTON