Page 10 - Florida Sentinel 7-21-17

Local
Promoter Makes Dream Shared With Wife A Reality
Organization To Host Monthly ‘Book & Breakfast’ Event
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Starting a local gospel pro- duction company had been something Johnnie Jenkins and his wife, the late Mrs. Lil- lian Jenkins, had talked about. It had been a dream that they shared and planned to make a reality. However, Mrs. Jenkins passed before the dream became a reality.
Instead of abandoning the dream, Jenkins decided to pur- sue it for both of them.
Jenkins launched L & J Gospel Productions earlier this year. He is currently preparing to hold his first major gospel program on September 30th. It will feature a slate of local and nationally known names known in the world of gospel music. They include such groups as Lee Williams, of Tupelo, Missis- sippi, the Spiritual Uplifters, the Sons of Zion, Sons of Solomon, Sensational Voices, and Pooh & the In- spirations, who are celebrating their 18th Anniversary.
Leading up to the signature program, Deacon Jenkins is hosting several fundraisers for
She inspired me to start the pro- duction company and I honor her memory.”
He has a goal he hopes to ac- complish through the produc- tion company. “I am hoping that I can bring gospel singing back to Tampa like it used to be. And, I’m hoping someone will want to change his or her life for the Lord.”
A Tampa native, Jenkins has been involved in gospel music his entire life. For many years, he was a member of the Male Chorus at Zion Temple. Several members in the Chorus were in the same family and eventually formed the Florida Souther- naires.
Over the years, he learned the business from the inside and now he is moving on to the next phase as a producer.
He is the Head Deacon at Holy Outreach for Christ and loves going to church and serv- ing God. The father of one daughter, Jenkins enjoys spending time with his grand- children playing pool, and fish- ing.
For additional information about the concert call (813) 516- 7780.
The ladies preparing the breakfast last month were Queen Tarra Gray, Queen Katrina Bryer, and Queen Robin Wynn, Chief of Staff.
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
It has often been said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. In keeping with this theory, last month a local or- ganization launched its signature Book & Breakfast Program.
Ali Muhammad, of the Van- guard Black Panther Party said, “This is a program that the origi- nal Black Panthers created. We have just brought it back.
“The Tampa Housing Author- ity was kind enough to allow us to use the Residents Council Of- fice, 3518 N. Avon Ave., in Robles Pond and we are very thankful to them for that.
“We served between 75 and 100 children last month. And, we gave each one a book to take with them. We plan to hold the event every 4th Saturday and we hope to spread out into other areas.”
Those in attendance feasted on
grits, eggs, sausage, biscuits, milk, orange juice, and fruit, among other breakfast foods.
Muhammad said the feed- ing program begins at 10 a.m. The program is designed to make sure children are not hungry and the organization plans to con- tinue it year-round.
However, he said, “This pro- gram is for the children, but no one will be turned away. Last month, we fed the children, their parents, and anyone else who wanted to eat.”
Muhammad said as the pro- gram grows, it needs volunteers to help continue it and to expand it to other areas.
The next Book & Breakfast will take place on Saturday, July 22nd, in Robles Pond. The next Book & Breakfast will take place on Saturday, July 22nd, in Rob- les Pond. Anyone interested in volunteering can reach him at (813) 451-0806.
Johnnie Jenkins and his wife, the late Mrs. Lillian Jenk- ins
the show. His upcoming gospel program will take place at Faith Temple Church Of God, Friday, July 28th, at 7:30 p.m. This con- cert features Lil Blair and the Fantastik Volinairs, the Tampa Boyz, Pooh & The In- spirations, the Gospel Temptations, and others.
“This is something that I have always wanted to do. I dedicate each show to my wife. This was something we were going to do together, but the Lord took her before we could get organized.
PAGE 10-A FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, JULY 21, 2017