Page 4 - Florida Sentinel 12-22-15 Edition

Local & State
Elected Officials File Bill To Reduce Unplanned Pregnancies
SENAOR ARTHENIA JOYNER
TALLAHASSEE – Even as the number of unintended pregnancies continues to drop nationwide, a large percentage of young women aged 15 to 19 in Florida continue to confront the high emotional and eco- nomic costs of a pregnancy for which they were ill prepared.
To bring down those num- bers, state Senator Arthenia Joyner (D-Tampa) and Rep. Lori Berman (D-Lantana) have filed legislation (SB 1116/HB 947) which would launch a pilot project similar to one in Colorado that has re- sulted in plunging birth and abortion rates among young women.
“This legislature can con- tinue to aim its efforts and
REP. LORI BERMAN
commit countless taxpayer dol- lars to banning safe and legal abortion, or we can save both time and money by preventing unwanted pregnancies in the first place,” said Senator Joyner. “We’re offering an option that works for every- one.”
Rep. Berman agreed. “By mirroring Colorado’s program, we can spare more young women from difficult choices and the long-term conse- quences of those decisions,” she said. “This project would allow them to continue their education and begin their ca- reers before embarking on par- enthood. It makes sense for women, for families, and for our state.”
16th Annual Black Heritage Festival Has Variety Of Family-Friendly Events
The committee of the Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival has spent the past year preparing for the 16th annual event. The Heritage Festival will be held January 14-23, 2016. Many of the events are free to the public, but require pre-registration on the festi- val’s website, www.tam- pablackheritage.org.
The Tampa Bay Black Her- itage Festival is a ten-day event that features cultural enrich- ment activities including local and national speakers, musi- cians, poets, artists, and crafts- men. The Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival offers the community of Tampa Bay a unique blend of African and African American art, culture and history.
The highlight of the festival is the 2-day music festival Sat- urday and Sunday, January 16, 17, 2016 at the Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. The Music Fest will feature Grammy- nominated, Jonathan But- ler with his songs, “Lies” and “Sarah, Sarah,” along with national recording artist, Angie Stone, bringing her songs, “Wish I Didn’t Miss You,” “Dream,” and “No More Rain.”
Other highlights of the fes- tival are:
JONATHAN BUTLER ...Featured Artist, Music Fest
*January 14th – Kickoff Event - Financial Seminar, 6 p. m. – Entrepreneur Collabora- tive Center (free professional small business seminars)
*January 16th – 5KWalk/Run for Health – Led by Black Girls Run in memory of Felecia Ann Winton – Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 7:30 a. m.
*January 18th – 10th An- nual Heritage Golf Classic, Rogers Park Golf Course – 12 p. m. Shotgun
*January 20th – Heritage Leadership Luncheon with co- median/activist Dick Gregory – University Area Community Development Center – 11:30 a. m.-1:30 p. m.
*January 20th – Heritage Youth Night with Ric Mathis
ANGIE STONE ...Featured Artist, Music Fest
– Howard W. Blake High School, 6:30 p. m.
*January 21st – Heritage Gala with recording artist Avery Sunshine, comedians Jay Lamont, Cecil “Shuckey Duckey” Arm- strong and Laughin Lenny – T Pepin Hospitality Centre – 6:30 p. m. An evening to rec- ognize sponsors and support- ers. Formal to semi-formal attire
*January 22nd – Heritage Gospel Night with Studio 28 – Celebration of Gospel music by local, regional, and national talents. HCC Ybor Campus
For a full list of events, more information and regis- tration, visit www.tampablack- heritage.org or call 1-888-224-1733, ext. 2143.
St. Pete Commemorates The Legacy Of Dr. King With Banquet And Parade
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday and Legacy Associa- tion, Inc. will be sponsoring its 31st Annual America’s Martin Luther King, Jr. National Drum Major for Justice Parade and Banquet. Sevell C. Brown, III, and Darryl L. Brown, Sr. are founders of this event. Sevell Brown, III is the National Coordinator.
The Drum Major for Justice Awards Banquet will be held on Friday, January 15, 2016, 7 p. m. at the Downtown Hilton Bayfront, 333 1st Ave. South, St. Petersburg. The keynote speaker will be announced later.
On Monday, January 18, 2016, the 30th Anniversary of America’s MLK National Drum
Major for Justice Parade will be held, starting at 11:30 a.m. The nationally recognized pa- rade will begin at Dr. MLK St. and 3rd Ave. So.
For additional information, please call (727) 388-9494.
SEVELL C. BROWN, III
PAGE 4 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2015