Page 11 - 6-3-16 Friday's Edition

Local Event
All About You!
Gospel Festival Brought Community Closer
BY LEON B. CREWS Sentinel Staff Writer
Thanks to the vision and insight of a group of people, on Saturday, May 28th in West Tampa, a Gospel Festival suc- cessfully brought a community under siege together.
The festival, a 3-hour event, featured candidates seeking of- fice, local gospel artists, a pair of legendary DJ’s, and a youth choir performance that war- ranted a recording contract.
“It wasn’t important that hundreds turn out for this fes- tival. What was important was that it happened, and it was successful in bringing the com- munity closer,” said Dwight Bolden, founder of the West Tampa Community Activist Organization.
The faith-based community of West Tampa participated in
the festival, and thanks should be given to Pastor Clete Sut- ton, Pastor Phillip Tucker, Pastor Phileatha Johnson, the amazing youth choir of Christ of Calvary Church, and West Tampa business owners.
The stage the performers stood on was provided by the West Tampa Alliance.
Pastor Johnson said this is just the beginning of a series of events planned throughout the remainder of the year for West Tampa.
“West Tampa, especially along the Main Street corridor, has become a ghost town. It doesn’t have the vitality it once celebrated, and there are a lot of forces responsible for its de- cline.
“Rather than dwell on any of that, it’s important we all move forward and protect our assets. That means our chil-
dren, our homes, our busi- nesses, and more important, our legacy.”
The Gospel Festival also featured an important message from Democratic Black Caucus President, Robin Lockett, who encouraged people to not just vote, but study the candi- dates.
“Everything that impacts your day-to-day life was af- fected at some point by elected officials, and those are the peo- ple you count on to always have your best interest.”
CHRIST OF CALVARY YOUTH CHOIR
Happy Anniversary
GREGORY And SHELIA SOARREY
On June 7th, Gregory and Shelia will be celebrating their 29th anniversary.
Won’t He do it! God is awesome and the love we share is uncon- ditional and forever. Thank you Jesus.
FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2016 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 11-A