Page 4 - Florida Sentinel 11-6-15 Edition

Feature
Black Supporters Show Up At Republican Presidential Candidate Ben Carson’s Book Signing
BY KENYA WOODARD Sentinel Feature Writer
CARROLLWOOD – Black supporters of Republican presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson, who were among the throngs of people crammed inside a Barnes and Noble bookstore on Tuesday say they are hopeful he’ll be the party’s nominee.
Carson – whose stop in the Tampa Bay area is part of a swing through the Sunshine state to promote his newest book, A More Perfect Union – attracted more than 1,000 people to the Carrollwood store. Many stood in line for over an hour to meet their hero and have him sign a copy of his book.
Prior to the book signing, Dr. Carson appeared at the annual Mayor’s Prayer Break- fast in Clearwater. On Mon- day, an estimated 2,000 people attended a book sign- ing in Tallahassee. Other Florida stops include Sara-
new NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll.
Several of the African- American supporters who came to the book signing said they identify with or admire Dr. Carson’s personal story of growing up poor in a sin- gle-parent home. Others said the retired neurosurgeon’s strong Christian faith is a huge draw.
Friends Brenda Lind- say and Mamie Thomas, both of Tampa, said they are excited about Dr. Carson’s campaign and are looking forward to voting for him.
“I’m so hopeful that he will be the next president of the United States,” she said.
Ms. Thomas concurred, saying that electing Carson would bring “stability” to the country.
“I like that he stands on the principles of the constitu- tion,” she said. “He’s a calm man and a man of humility.”
Joe Craig, of Tampa, said he and Dr. Carson share similar backgrounds and that he, at one time, wanted to go into medicine.
Although previously “iffy” on supporting Carson’s run for the White House, Mr. Craig said he’s now all in.
“I like the fact that he’s genuine,” he said. “I think he’s an honest guy. I just think he’s what the country needs.”
Darby Dukes, of Tampa, said she, too, is drawn to Dr.
est.”
Tanya Omoike, Brenda Lindsey and Mamie Thomas attended the book signing at Barnes and Noble.
Dr. Ben Carson at a book signing in Carrollwood for his book, A More Perfect Union.
sota, Fort Myers, and Miami. At one time trailing fellow GOP candidate Donald Trump, Dr. Carson is now leading the field with 29 per- cent of primary voter support compared to Mr. Trump’s 23 percent, according to a
Theneshia Anderson and Joss Malcolm had their book signed by Dr. Carson.
Carson’s background.
“I admire his story,” Ms. Dukes said. “I have relatives who are from Detroit and knowing that’s where he’s from, that piqued my inter-
Cynthia Inniss joined the more than 1,000 spectators at the book signing by Dr. Ben Carson.
While she likes Dr. Car- son, Ms. Dukes said she isn’t sure if she will vote for him.
“It’s still open,” she said. “Things can change.” (Pho- tos by BRUNSON)
PAGE 4-A FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2015