Page 20 - Florida Sentinel 8-19-16 Online Edition

Local
West Tampa Group Putting Together Training Program
Family From
BY LEON B. CREWS Sentinel Staff Writer
West Tampa Alliance Pres- ident and Vice-President, Heem Baisden and Dee Jackson, have been working hard putting together a train- ing program for youth and young adults.
The goal of the training pro- gram is to prepare the young people for the changes ahead in West Tampa, and groom them to become future busi- ness owners and leaders.
“The face of the community is changing, and it’s up to us who are still here to hold things together,” said Bais- den.
“What we’re putting to- gether is a training program where we will have profes- sionals volunteering their time and expertise to instruct our young people and teach them self reliance.”
Baisden and Jackson came up with the idea after noticing that education and training is lacking in West Tampa among a long of young people, and most of them have been left to fend for them- selves.
“There’s too much going on to not include the young peo-
Family Reunion
HEEM BAISDEN
ple of this community,” said
Jackson.
“If there are to be future African American leaders in West Tampa, the time to start preparing them is now.”
With the teenagers back in school, Baisden and Jack- son want to establish an evening after school training program that will prepare them for the challenges that lie ahead. For the young adults, a group of professional volunteers will train them on future technologies, and on how to deal with the basics.
“We are still making contact with some professionals to get
DEE JACKSON
commitments from them, and we welcome any who want to stop by our studio/office and tell us when they will be avail- able,” said Jackson.
“We think the critical areas right now are new technology, and the basics of computer technology. With my area of expertise being graphic design and music production, I will be sharing my knowledge with whoever is interested.”
Anyone interested in taking part in this program and vol- unteering their time as in- structors, can stop by the studio/office at 1611 North Al- bany, or call (813) 516-9333.
Valeria Cox Gray, a Tampa native now living in Detroit, Michi- gan, had a vision for getting her family together. Her prayers were answered and she spoke during a big banquet and family reunion. (PHOTOS BY JULIA JACKSON)
In this photo (standing) are: Mrs. Oscar Cox, Gregory Cox Samuel Cox, Jr., Kambler Cox, Kalb Cox, and Samuel Cox, Sr. Sit- ting: Juanita Cox Bryant Valeria Cox Gray (hostess) and Barbara Cox-Roach.
First winner of a compact computer was Christopher Mann from Daytona Beach, who is seen here with host, Jeffery Gray from Detroit.
Host family from Detroit, Michigan were: (standing) Darious Poitier, his sister, Savahan Gray, Isabella Styles, grandson Bream Poitier and Valeria and Jeffery Gray.
In this photo are: Mr. and Mrs. Clarence (Maxine) Mann of Day- tona Beach, adopted stepson of Lewis Bingham, Sr. (deceased) his brothers, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Bingham, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis (BeBe) (Melody) Bingham, and Darryl Bingham.
Hosting the reunion were Mr. and Mrs. Jeffery (Valeria Cox) Gray.
Detroit Hosts Tampa
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