Page 10 - 2-20-15 Friday's Edition

Local
Tampa Reality Television Star Working With Area Youth
BY LEON B. CREWS Sentinel Staff Writer
Tampa’s first reality tele- vision star, Patrick “Tango” Hunter, has been very busy, but not so busy that he can’t come back to Tampa and get involved in what’s going on.
Tango has been meeting with a lot of people, one of
them Coach Kenneth Muldrow who he considers to be a great spiritual ad- viser.
“Coach Muldrow has so much going on right now, and his plate is pretty full. But, he never says no, espe- cially when it has something to do with the young people.
“We’ve talked about find- ing a way to get the young
PATRICK HUNTER “Tango”
guys into school and being taught some kind of voca- tional skill.”
Tango said he’s going to go public in the future about his overall agenda, and he understands in addressing young people, you have to do it on a level they’ll under- stand.
“I’d like to be the voice of people in the community who are frightened by what’s been going on.
“I’m seeking to form a partnership with the NAACP, and I’m planning a music festival to help the Children’s Home. I want all of the city’s big leaders to come out and show their support.”
Tango said he wants the people to know he’s very con- cerned about what’s happen- ing in Tampa, and the time for action is now.
“We have to make sure the people with the responsi- bility are doing their job, and we have to address the lack of leadership in our commu- nities. They all can’t be ath- letes or celebrities.”
Tango said today’s celebrities and athletes work on an agenda and aren’t as dedicated as the ones during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s.
“There’s no respect be- tween the police force and the community. That is not an issue of race. This needs
to be addressed. I’d love to see the police get more in- volved in activities in the community when they’re off duty.
“My plan is to contact the police chief and others to en- courage them to take a stand and openly meet with the people.”
Tango said he’s taken an aggressive position on these issues, because they are that important. He also said he’s not a politician.
“I grew up in Nuccio Park, and everything I do is to make my community and my city a safe and enjoyable place. I need people to be committed and prepared to take criticism for doing the right thing.
“I also want them to be encouraged by the good things and the progress being made.”
Tango said the mentors who were a part of his life are gone now, and there’s a des- perate need for others.
“The successful people can no longer separate them- selves from the community they grew up in.
“If those areas were safe and a great place to be when you were growing up, it’s up to us to make sure they stay that way for generations to come.”
West Tampa Organization To Host African American History Celebration
Black history has long been recognized and cele- brated throughout the coun- try for decades. Community groups and leaders look at this time of year as an oppor- tunity reflect and show ap- preciation for Black trailblazers and leaders that paved a way toward freedom and equality.
The West Tampa Alliance has developed a twist to the usual ceremonies, banquets, and seminars that tradition- ally celebrate the courageous forefathers and black women who made a difference from where we were as slaves, to- ward freedom and independ- ence.
The African American History Celebration will focus on the accomplishments of modern-day leaders that live in our community.
“It’s time for elders and experienced business leaders to reach out and support the efforts of our young leaders in
the community,” said Dee Jackson.
“In order for the torch to be passed down to our younger generation, we must encourage and invest in the visions, passions, and inter- ests that exist in the minds and hearts of our future gen- erations. This will be key for our community to improve and prosper.”
The West Tampa Alliance has collaborated with two passionate and talented indi- viduals in West Tampa, DJ Pun and Dee Jackson, co- founder of WURK 96.3FM. The celebration will be broad- cast live on www.thebossoft- hebay.com.
Participants include guest speakers, NAACP President Bennie Small, Dwight Bolden, Brother Michael Muhammad and Rev. Charles McKenzie, Re- gional Director of Rainbow- PUSH Coalition.
PAGE 10-A FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015