Page 4 - Florida Sentinel 12-30-16 Online Edition

Hopes For 2017
Unity, Peace Among The ‘Hopes’ For 2017
BY GWEN HAYES Sentinel Editor
As we come upon the brink of 2016, looking to em- bark upon 2017, many have thought about what they hope will come about in their lives, their communities in 2017. Most who were posed the question: ‘What do you hope for in 2017?’ answered with peace and unity, first.
Most of those who com- mented have referenced the distractions that plagued the nation and the world in 2016.
“For the
New Year, first
and foremost, I
wish for the
health and
safety of those I
care about, especially my loved ones.
“I want our NEW PRESI- DENTIAL ADMINISTRA- TION to remove the doubts that many of us have by show- ing us they plan to represent ALL THE PEOPLE, NOT JUST THE SELECT FEW.”
“In 2017, I want us all to remember the Lord’s charge and promise to Joshua as it applies to us as well:
“Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with us wherever we go.”
“He is with us in every transition, (especially in this one). Happy New Year!”
DENESE METEYE JAMES
Business- woman and community ac- tivist, Bishop Michelle B. Patty said her
hope for 2017 is “peace, good- will, prosperity for all people and most of all unity and love among the brethren. I hope everyone has a safe and Happy New Year.”
BISHOP MICHELLE B. PATTY
“I see a defi-
nite climate
change in all as-
pects of Ameri-
can History....
politics, unity,
religion, a peaceful co-exis- tence, economy and ethics. I pray that we survive 2017 and maintain our position as the #1 Nation in the world.....a Nation where people of all cultures can co-exist in mu- tual tolerance despite our dif- ferences in ideologies and/or interests.
“Above all, I pray for peace and love for all People. I feel that these two virtues will heal all the ills in our nation. Without peace and love we will continue to see the disharmony that exists. I wish we could remember that God so loved the world that He gave His Son for us and His Son lived and died for us.”
GERI KELLY Drama Ministry Director
“Thank you for another year to get things better.
“As an American citi- zen, my desire is for us is to come together in oneness of mind based on our belief in The Supreme Source of all mankind; U. S. Constitution
and The Bill of Rights.
“East Tampa Community, let's continue to focus on be- coming more knowledgeable about our history and its valu- able resources; to strive con- tinuously toward healthier lifestyles and an even stronger commitment toward working together on commu- nity issues for its betterment.
“Wishing an abundance of blessings upon each of you!
EVANGELINE R. BEST Chairwoman, East Tampa Community Revitalization Partnership (ETCRP)
Business- man Jarvis El- Amin says he would like to fulfill his per- sonal passion in
2017 – that is to write books on sales and marketing. “I hope to complete my book in 2017. And, in 2017 I’d like to finally get married to the love of my life,” he said.
Looking to the commu- nity, El-Amin said he’d love to see the leaders of African- American organizations “to
work together in unity for the common good of the commu- nity’s agenda – be it entrepre- neurship, political, empowerment and our youth. We’ve got to do something for our young people to stop the violence.”
El-Amin came to Tampa 30 years ago and said he has seen the community progress- ing. He’d like to see even more of the togetherness.
JARVIS EL-AMIN
Speaking of togetherness,
Supt. Charles
Davis, retired
County em-
ployee and Sen-
ior Pastor of College Hill Church of God in Christ, said he hopes for “so many things” in 2017.
“I hope that people of color will learn not only to re- visit our commitment to God, but start investing in our- selves. We need to stop letting the past struggles be the rea- son for our not being success- ful. We don’t have inherited wealth in our community, but we can use those with the re- sources to partner with those who have the knowledge to accomplish some goals.”
SUPT. CHARLES DAVIS
“As we make plans for the future, my prayer is that we as a people will consider the fu- tility of basing our plans on
anything other than our faith that God will bring our plans to reality, ac- cording to His
purpose.
“I know that many of us
were disappointed with the national elections results, however I think the message is clear; that depending on the devices of men is the formula for defeat, but depending on the devices of God is the for- mula for success!
“We will be successful in the New Year if we hold on to our faith in God.”
REV. DR. BARTHOLOMEW BANKS, SR. Senior Pastor, St. John Progressive M. B. Church
“My hope for 2017! I hope that the Serenity Prayer serves as a beacon of light for us all on this Holy jour-
ney so that we are able to walk in God's will for our lives! Lord help me to accept the things I cannot change, change the things I can, and grant me the wisdom to know the difference!"
PASTOR PHILETHA TUCKER-JOHNSON Christ Of Calvary Community Church
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