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2015 Griot Drum Awards Rules And Categories
Lorraine Mcbride, President, Tampa Bay Association of Black Journalists, is shown with Rod Carter, Vice President of the or- ganization.
The Tampa Bay Association of Black Journalists’ Griot Drum Awards honors the best journalism on issues related to people of color in Tampa Bay and surrounding areas. The or- ganization is currently accept- ing submissions for their annual Griot Drum Awards. The deadline for submissions is midnight on Friday, August 28, 2015.
Entries must involve issues or concerns related to people of color, especially African Amer- icans. Only one category is al- lowed per entry. The contest is open to journalists of all eth- nicities. Entrants do not have to be a member of TBABJ. Awards will be presented to in- dividuals, groups or organiza- tions. However, only one first-place trophy will be pre- sented to winners if submitted in a category as a group.
Each entry must be accom- panied by a non-refundable entry fee. Entries will be ac- cepted online only. For more information about uploading a
PDF or link to a story online, go to www.tbabj.com for instruc- tions. You also will be able to submit your entry form online.
Finalists will be announced before the Griot Drum Awards & Scholarship Banquet but winners will not be announced until the night of the ceremony, which will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, at the Tampa Marriott Westshore Tampa, 1001 N. Westshore Blvd., Tampa.
Rules and Eligibility
Entries must have been published within Citrus, Her- nando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Sara- sota counties. Entries must have been published be- tween Jan. 1, 2014 and Dec. 31, 2014.
For more information about requirements and other information contact Kristal Roberts, Griot Drum Awards Coordinator, at 813-419-2490 or via e-mail at tam- pabayabj@gmail.com.
Advocates For Smarter Sentencing Guidelines Need Support
BY LEON B. CREWS Sentinel Staff Writer
Shirley Copeland and Brunette McCray founded a group called “Families Fighting Against Unjust Laws” (FFAUL).
Years ago, both ladies joined a national group called “Fami- lies Against Mandatory Mini- mum Sentencing (FAMM)” to bring attention to the disparate sentencing guidelines used against non-violent offenders.
“Right now, there are a pair of bills on the Congressional floor that will help many prison- ers that have been wrongly sen- tenced and given ridiculous sentences for the crimes they’ve committed,” said Ms. McCray.
“Now is the time for all of us to unite to help right these wrongs, especially those with loved ones in prison.”
One of the two bills, the “Smarter Sentencing Act,” is still being discussed by legisla- tors. The other bill, the “SAFE Justice Act, will do a lot more than tinker around the edges of sentencing reform on the fed- eral level.
“We need people to join FFAUL , and with FAMM we feel we can have a voice elected officials and judges will listen to,” said Ms. Copeland.
“The current sentencing
SHIRLEY COPELAND AND BRUNETTE MCCRAY
guidelines result in inmates get- ting too much time, and more than violent offenders. We feel if we can build a large enough organization, we will be able to get a lot of the cases reviewed, and more men will be able to re- turn home to their families.”
FFAUL is looking for help in setting up a Facebook page, and they also want to get a petition put on the FAMM website so more people will see it and with their signatures, can help get these new bills passed.
“President Obama has freed 46 inmates, but there are hundreds more that should be released, especially those who have already been incarcerated for 20 years or more on drug of- fenses,” said Ms. McCray.
“We believe long sentencing guidelines have proven to be a waste, and has done nothing to reduce prison populations,” said Ms. Copeland.
“When these young men are locked away, it puts a strain on their families, and makes it even more difficult for them to get jobs when they’re released.”
Both ladies invited people to go online and visit the website, FAMM.org to read about the latest laws dealing with manda- tory sentencing. Find the “Smarter Sentencing Act” and the SAFE Justice Act bills, and sign the petition that you’re in favor of thee two bills.
For more information about FFAUL, call Ms. Copeland at (813) 562-2861.
Mosquito-Borne Disease Advisory Issued For
Hillsborough County
The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County has issued a mosquito-borne dis- ease advisory for Hillsborough County. This advisory is being is- sued due to an increase in West Nile virus activity being detected in our sentinel chicken flocks around the county.
The last confirmed case of West Nile virus in a human in Hillsborough County was in 2012. The department is issuing this advisory to the community to take precautions to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes.
"West Nile virus is just one of several mosquito borne diseases seen in Florida that pose a risk to the public," said Dr. Douglas Holt, M. D., Director Florida Department of Health in Hills- borough County.
Due to the excessive rain the area has experienced recently, the department advises the pub- lic to take precautions to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes and preventing the spread of mos- quito borne disease in our com- munity.
Symptoms of West Nile virus may include headache, fever, fa-
tigue, dizziness, weakness and confusion. Physicians should contact their county health de- partment if they suspect an indi- vidual may be ill with a mosquito-borne illness.
Tips To Stay Safe
The public is advised to DRAIN and COVER. Stop mos- quitoes from living and multiply- ing around your home or business.
Protect yourself from mos- quito bites and the diseases they carry. Drain standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiply- ing.
CLOTHING: If you must be outside when mosquitoes are ac- tive, cover up. Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long sleeves.
REPELLENT: Apply mos- quito repellent to bare skin and clothing. Always use repellents according to the label. Keep mos- quitoes out of your house. Repair broken screens on windows, doors, porches, and patios.
For more information, visit:
http://www.floridashealth.co
m/Environment/medicine/ar- boviral/Prevention.html
FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 7-A