Page 2 - Florida Sentinel 10-2-15 Edition

Features
Local ‘Black Lives Matter’ Cofounder Wants To Empower Communities
BY LEON B. CREWS Sentinel Staff Writer
Crystal Wilson, a Sara- sota native, says she’s always had an interest in being a community organizer.
After meeting with the na- tional “Black Lives Matter” founders, Wilson decided to open the campaign in Tampa.
“Once I saw the mission of the campaign, I got involved immediately. It helped that it was part of something I was already working on.”
Wilson said the “Black Lives Matter” campaign wants to instill values in Black lives, because they do have value and they do mat- ter.
“Through my own per- sonal experiences, I began to realize that things were being done without any thought or consideration as to who was being impacted.
“I’m attending the Univer- sity of South Florida studying the Classics. I’ve already ac- quired a degree in African American studies. I’ve also talked to a lot of older adults about the history of Black people in Tampa.”
Wilson said the cam- paign wants to empower peo- ple to be more proactive in their community.
“We are looking for all people, but my focus is specif- ically on young Black females.
CRYSTAL WILSON
“I talk to them about is- sues of sexual assaults and why they are having so many problems at home and in school.
“I’ve made it my mission to travel to each community to empower people to solve their own problems.”
Wilson said the “Black Lives Matter” campaign is not militant, and it doesn’t advo- cate hate in any form.
“What we talk about is change. It’s obvious what we have now isn’t working, so it’s time for change.
“To make that change possible is a feat, and not one for the weak of heart. It will take a determined warrior to deal with all of the agencies and individuals responsible for what’s going on in Black communities.”
Barbers & Fathers Inaugural Unity Breakfast Planned
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
On Monday, members of the community are asked to gather for the Barbers & Fa- thers Inaugural Breakfast.
The event will take place from 8:30 a.m. until 10 a.m., in the Board Room at the Chil- dren’s Board of Hillsbor- ough County, 1002 E. Palm Avenue.
Dr. Lewis Brinson, As- sistant Superintendent of Student Services of the Hills- borough County School Dis- trict said, “Our goal is to save lives and help these young men in the community keep out of prison, get an educa- tion, and reach their full po- tential. We feel that barbers can have a great impact on these youngsters.
“We are hoping to attract 100 fathers and barbers to attend the breakfast. We think if we change the con- versations in the shops to
DR. LEWIS BRINSON Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Hillsborough County
School District
things that are important in the lives of young boys. The boys trust them, or they wouldn’t allow them to cut their hair.”
Dr. Brinson further said that the barbershop is the ap- propriate place to reach youngsters because profes- sionals visit the shops as well. He said most times, a
person can expect to spend 30 minutes to an hour wait- ing for a haircut. He suggests students can take their book bags and if they need help with homework, chances are someone in the shop can help. Or, he feels that the barbers can talk to the kids about making the right deci- sions so they will avoid get- ting caught up in the streets.
Some members of the community slated to attend the inaugural breakfast in- clude: Hillsborough County School Superintendent Jeff Eakins, State Rep. Ed Narain, and City Council Chairman Frank Red- dick among others.
Dr. Brinson said the meeting will include break- fast and a meet and greet. For more information con- tact Dr. Brinson or Ms. Alva Simmons, Ed.S., at 813) 272-4365,
The event is being spon- sored by Educators For Change.
Nominations Now Open For 2016 Hillsborough County Women’s Hall Of Fame
The Hillsborough County Commission on the Status of Women is now accepting nominations for the 2016 Hillsborough County Women’s Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame was created in 2011 to honor and celebrate the achievements of Hillsborough County women who have made significant contri- butions in areas such as business, education, philanthropy, the military, and public service to improve the lives of residents of Hillsborough County.
Since its inception, the Commission on the Status of Women has recognized and honored 22 no- table women through induction into the Women’s Hall of Fame. All Women’s Hall of Fame inductees are permanently recognized with a plaque displayed at the Tampa Convention Center.
Nomination forms are available at www.Hillsboroughcounty.org/COSW or by calling Renee Warmack at (813) 276-2640. Nominations will be accepted until 5 p. m. on October 30th. The Hills- borough County Women’s Hall of Fame Luncheon and Induction Ceremony is scheduled for May 6, 2016 at the Tampa Convention Center.
PAGE 2-A FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015