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2017-07-27

The Weekly Challenger : 2017 : 07 : 27

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This is brought to you for free and open access by the The Weekly Challenger at Scholar Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in Newspaper collection by an authorized administrator of Scholar Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. 1967 2017 The Weekly Challenger                     Being youth  disciples  don’t come easy

PAGE 3 COMMUNITY NEWS Politically unseen

BY ALLEN A. BUCHANAN Staff Writer

The People’s Budget Review compiled the needs of ST. PETERSBURG –Being a south St. Pete and facilitated a new plan. Christian as a young person re- quires developing true grit, spiri- tually, emotionally and intellectually. It’s not easy to stand down and walk away when people PAGE 4  make fun of the way you talk, the COMMUNITY NEWS way you dress or call you soft be- Sister Hughes BY HOLLY KESTENIS fant stage, it already agenda and The New being of our communi- cause you are a child of God. is back on Staff Writer has residents and com- Deal for St. Pete is ties. The continued bombardment munity leaders talking. where they landed. They, along with of put-downs can eventually make the radio ST. PETERSBURG – “We wanted to do Jabaar Edmond, other volunteers, can- youth turn in on themselves and The south side commu- things differently, we vice president of the vased south side neigh- or lash out at others. Playwright nity has talked for years didn’t want politics as Childs Park Neighbor- borhoods and local and director Lillian Cross from about what it will take usual,” said Bro. John hood Association events conducting sur- Orlando spent last week with the to empower change in Muhammad, who is and Muhammad both veys and spoke with youth of Friendship Missionary their neighborhoods. A one of the minds be- are volunteers with The several hundred people Baptist Church rehearsing a play group of residents are hind The New Deal. He People’s Budget Re- about what they feel that not only explored the trials taking those conversa- is also the president of view (PBR), a coalition they need, instead of re- and tribulations that youth face tions one step further the Childs Park Neigh- of community activists, lying on a few elected today, but also offered strategies by creating a plan that borhood Association local business owners, officials to decide for for facing the demon within and PAGE 8 deals in specifics and and community organ- neighborhood advo- them. around them. COMMUNITY NEWS throws away the gener- izer with Service Em- cates, union members, The four main areas The results of the workshops Keeping mother’s alities that so often ployees International and everyday people to focus on change that culminated in a two-hour drama, dream alive plague change. Union Florida (SEIU). working to ensure that came from those ef- dance and musical presentation The New Deal for He wanted to help facil- all residents have a forts are affordable as part of the 118th annual session St. Pete was created itate demands from res- voice in the decisions housing, more educa- of the West Coast Baptist Con- and although in its in- idents for a community that affect the well See gress of Christian Education last DEAL, page 6 Friday, July 21. “The play dealt with disciples, disciples ministering to disciples,”  said Cross. Unity through Reparations Movement Cross depicted disciples who knew how to do the right thing   but yielded to the temptations of holds rally peer pressure and self-gratifica-  BY RAVEN JOY been upset,” said in- tion in Scene I entitled “There Is  SHONEL terim campaign man- A Better Way.” In this section, the Staff Writer wayward antagonists are three  ager for Cainion, Gazi Kodzo referring to brothers played by Brandon ST. PETERSBURG – mayoral candidate Paul Macon, Jordon Lambert and While the restricted Jonathan Myers who decide to  Congemi telling black mayoral debate be- people to go back to make money by rolling dice.   tween the two-front Africa. On the other hand, the protag- runners took place However, the rally onists, played by Joniah Denard  Tuesday night at the was not about Con- and Nazziya Richardson, are the Palladium, in walking gemi’s racist rant last disciples who eventually talk the distance was a crowd of week; the rally was not three brothers out of gambling   more than 100 people against each other to make about Nevel not being Dr. G. Gregg Murray rallying around may- money.  able to participate in oral candidate Jesse “There’s a better way to make the mayoral debate ei- Williams Park rally. Movement support.  Nevel and City Council your money and that’s through ther, the rally was about Dr. G. Gregg Mur- “One of the greatest District 6 the book of Malachi,” said busting up the status ray, pastor of the Mt. fears that the enemy candidate Eritha Cross, as she quoted what quo and putting their Zion Primitive Baptist has…is that people like “Akile” Cainion. one of the protagonists offered as message of reparations Church, said he was myself, a Baptist pastor, “I know that this a solution, which was to “bring for black people to the there because he sup- will hook up with viral video made a lot of your offerings into the storehouse forefront. ports many of the Brother Omali with one people upset, but what and God will supply your every “The status quo causes the Interna- voice, with one energy, the media is not going need.” must go!” could be tional People’s Demo- with one mindset,” said to cover is that we’ve heard throughout the cratic Uhuru See RALLY, page 7 See DISCIPLES, page 7

We Value Diversity | We Value Education | We Value History www.TheWeeklyChallenger.com • 727-896-2922 2 THE WEEKLY CHALLENGER, THURSDAY, JULY 27, 2017 COMMUNITY NEWS Let’s stay focused The road to public safety is paved with Dear Editor: but not enough effective This week, thousands policies have been en- reparations and economic development of ballots will be mailed acted to produce the revi- out to voters across the talization needed to city. This election will be support the neighbor- for the black community decided within the hoods we call home. next three weeks. So that There’s been too much Dear Editor, about a car theft epidemic public health disasters, means we must step up focus on the politics and I once heard our cur- supposedly swarming such as the polluting of our efforts to educate and not enough focus on the rent mayor Rick Kriseman our neighborhoods like a our waters with 300 mil- engage voters based on people. say that a “budget is a plague of locusts, portray- lion gallons of sewage, the issues. Poverty and residen- moral document.” If that’s ing the face of a black which is exactly what hap- It’s time we end the tial segregation have dis- true, then the Kriseman teenager as the poster pened under the current political rhetoric and enfranchised African administration’s budget child of crime in St. Pe- mayor. begin focusing on creat- Americans for genera- for the upcoming fiscal tersburg. Public safety means ing quality affordable tions. According to a selves; we have to be year reveals a serious lack The failure factory protecting the homeless housing, living wage pay- study conducted by the committed to doing the of morality on the part of known as the Pinellas population from the type ing jobs and educational Economic Policy Institute work ourselves. our city government. County School Board, of violence perpetrated equity for all. A countless in 2013, nearly 45 percent Last week, a candidate I’ve looked at the which brutally mistreats upon them by the tyranni- number of unwarranted of black children live in for the highest-ranking budget. As with every black children in our pub- cal Baker administration distractions this election neighborhoods with a public office position in previous year, the biggest lic schools, is not given who infamously ordered cycle have prevented us high concentration of the City of St. Petersburg chunk of money in the the same treatment by the the St. Pete police to slash from focusing on the real poverty, but only 12 per- made a public embarrass- budget goes towards media. Neither is the the tents of homeless peo- issues plaguing our com- cent of white children live ment of our town. I’m not funding the St. Peters- Kriseman administra- ple. munities. in similar conditions. surprised by his remarks; burg Police Department. tion’s failure to promote Public safety means We have a strong It’s easy for folks who he simply exposed what Think about that. In a city any meaningful economic protecting the children of chance at winning this aren’t a part of our com- so many other racist indi- ripped in half by social development for the black south side from the mur- race for the people, but munity to look-in from the viduals only say behind and economic disparities, community. Neither are derous Pinellas County we can’t allow our focus to outside and tell us what closed doors. What baf- food deserts, starvation, the ravages of gentrifica- Sheriff’s department so be dismayed or dis- we need and how to fix fled me was the silence of homelessness, unemploy- tion, a legacy of displace- that no mother ever has to tracted. Those individuals our problems; but it takes our elected officials and ment and sewage ment kick started by the go through what Kunde focused solely on them- someone who’s been im- candidates following leaks, their top priority is architect of the “Mid- Mwamvita has had to suf- selves and their egos will mersed in the work and those comments. not economic develop- town:” black population fer, forced to bury her 16- go head-to-head fighting focused on resolving the We can’t allow such ment, but police contain- removal scheme himself, year-old child Dominique to justify the political issues to deliver tangible bigoted words to cause us ment. Rick “Box Cutter” Baker. Battle and her two agendas. In the mean- results to the hardwork- to lose focus on the cen- I have heard so many In a city where over friends, Ashaunti Butler time, we must be diligent ing residents in South St. tral theme of this election people respond with half of black teenagers and LaNiyah Miller. in our quest to fight for Pete. cycle – genuine economic shock when I tell them live in poverty, twisted no- Public safety means sustainable economic de- Our problems are development for all un- that over $100 million of tions of “public safety” are unity through repara- velopment for neighbor- broad and complex – a derdeveloped communi- the city’s $500 million used to justify the encir- tions, a progressive and hoods south of Central lack of access to quality ties within St. Petersburg. goes towards the police clement of the south side optimistic vision of a city Avenue. food, shortage of afford- We should not set the department. And that is with the police, as op- brought together for the It doesn’t take a devel- able housing and high- stage for such hate and not even including an ad- posed to an optimistic first time through right- oper or a rocket scientist wage paying jobs. Your evil. Rather, let’s gear all ditional $85 million that public policy of repara- ing the wrongs and build- to notice the blight we are vote and willingness to of our energy and atten- the administration man- tions and economic devel- ing a city of shared forced to live in on the educate yourself on these tion towards making sure aged to scare up to fund opment for the prosperity where no one south side. Small meas- core issues will be the de- that we vote in the best in- the construction of a new black community. is living at the expense of ures have been taken to termining factor in this terest our children and police station across the It is my position that anybody else. address the economic in- election. We can’t expect their future. street from the current the responsibility of the It’s time for us to re- equality within Midtown, the problems to fix them- Corey Givens, Jr. one. mayor is, indeed, public claim the term “public The justification given safety, but for all people, safety” and declare that by the city for the priori- including the black com- the greatest threat to our tizing of a public policy of munity, to feel safe from public safety is the “Two police containment is that the pangs of starvation Ricks,” Baker and Krise- Too many dying! the number one job of the and poverty. man. city government is “public Public safety for all We are tired of their BY DR. BASHA P. epidemic. Some have la- safety.” people in St. Pete requires failed policies that have JORDAN, JR. beled it an opioid epidemic, The term “public a commitment from the created divisions and dis- Hope Alive Outreach but the epidemic surpasses safety” is used by pes- mayor to ensure that no parities. just opioids. simistic and corrupt politi- human being is without a We are ready for radi- ST. PETERSBURG – Crack, alcohol, tobacco America, wake up! St. Pete, cians to provoke an place to sleep at night or cal solutions. and prescription drugs are emotional response from denied a future of genuine We are ready for a wake up! Church, wake up! all killing God’s people in There are 90 Americans voters, especially from economic development, new beginning. epidemic proportions. Un- those of us in the quality education and af- We are ready for unity dying every day from drug fortunately, there was no overdoses, according to a Addiction is a spiritual white community. The fordable housing. through reparations. epidemic declared by those government and its That is the corner- Vote Jesse Nevel for Channel 11 Alive broadcast in power until other than problem and there is a spir- in Atlanta this past Tuesday. itual solution. However, the mouthpiece, corporate stone of public safety. mayor on Aug. 29. blacks started dying in media like the Tampa Bay Public safety means pro- Vote Akile for District While attending the mid- greater numbers. St. Pete Drug & Alcohol year conference of the Task Force will be address- Times, work overtime to tecting our residents 6. But now, thank God, pound fear into our hearts from environmental and Jesse Nevel Community Anti-Drug everyone can benefit from ing the problem from a pre- Coalition of America the emphasis put on addic- vention, education and (CADCA) this week in At- tion now in America. Every treatment standpoint of lanta, Chuck Rosenberg, elected official in America view and we will need finan- Acting Administrator of the should have this as a prior- cial support from those with Drug Enforcement Agency ity if they are concerned a philanthropic spirit.  (DEA) stated the following: Finally, it was men- The Weekly Challenger about addiction because it  “Three years ago 47,000 has no respect of race, edu- tioned how youth were   people died in America playing a vital role in ad- cational level, economic sta-   from drug overdoses. Two tus or whether you live on dressing addiction through years ago 52,000 died in the north or south side of CADCA. If you are a youth  America from overdoses. any city. or know of a youth who is   Last year 60,000 Americans Our task force will have sincerely interested in died from drug overdoses. being on the task force,   its first meeting on Aug.    Americans comprise five 1 and we need the support email me at prophet- percent of the world’s popu- of the entire community, es- [email protected] or call me   at 443-250-9635. lation, but consume 90 per- pecially the church, to pray  cent of the world’s heroin for us and for those who are I was in the hotel pool consumption. It will take the suffering from the disease area one evening at the    youth to help solve this CADCA conference and of addiction. We have a few   problem.” pastors on the task force but saw a few teenage boys who Who do you know who we need all spiritual leaders were attending the confer-     have died as a direct result and churches of St. Pete to ence. My concern was why      of drugs or alcohol? Is a make this a priority on your they were interested in join-   member of your family ad- prayer list and during ing an anti- drug coalition. dicted to drugs or alcohol? prayer meetings. One was a white teen from Somebody has to do In my book “The Pipe New York and the other a P.O. Box 35130, St. Petersburg, FL 33705 something and it must be and the Pulpit,” I talk about black teen from Maryland, The Weekly Challenger Phone: (727) 896-2922 now! Wake up everybody, both were 17 years of age. is distributed in the following cities: Fax: (727) 823-2568 those in the church who St. Petersburg • Clearwater • Largo no more sleeping while our suffer in silence from the Their answers were the Email: [email protected] Tarpon Springs • Dunedin • Safety Harbor www.theweeklychallenger.com people are dying and fami- disease of addiction be- same. They both had nu- lies are being destroyed by cause of pride, guilt and merous relatives who were Ethel L. Johnson these damnable demons addicts and they had expe- All news items, advertising copy and best lead the world from racial shame as I did before God CEO/Publisher Emerita related art submitted for publication antagonism when it accords to called drugs and alcohol. rienced deaths and the dev- delivered me. The same Lyn Johnson on Thursday must be received no later every man, regardless of race, What is the solution? happens today. Last week astation that drugs had than 4 p.m. Monday. creed or color, his human and As the newly appointed brought upon their families. Publisher/General Manager Dr. John Evans, pastor of Advertising COLUMNIST’S legal rights. Hating no man, chair of the Drug and Alco- Friendship Missionary They are making a differ- DISCLAIMER fearing no man... the Black Press hol Task Force of St. Pete, ence. And a child shall lead Advertising Dept. 727-896-2922 Baptist Church had me to [email protected] The views expressed by The strives to help every man in the along with the Assistant them (Isa.11:6). Weekly Challenger columnists/ firm belief that all men are hurt speak on addiction and do a Lorrie Bellinger Chair Cliff Smile, we have book signing at his church Wake up everybody; advice columnists do not necessarily as long as anyone is held back. called together members of somebody’s got to do some- Art Director reflect the views of The Weekly to give hope to those fami- PUBLISHED WEEKLY various sectors of our com- lies and friends who suffer thing! If not now, when? If Challenger. By publishing such on Thursdays columns, The Challenger is not munity to address the drug in silence. not you, who? READERSHIP advocating the following of any 100,000 monthly advice or suggestion expressed. SUBSCRIPTION RATES SUBMISSIONS POLICY $50 for 1 year (local only) Submissions to The Weekly SINGLE COPY Challenger may be edited for   50 cents reasons of space, clarity or for ATTN. POSTMASTER: considerations of liability. All  Send all address changes to: submissions become the sole  The Weekly Challenger property of The Weekly Challenger. P.O. Box 35130 The Weekly Challenger reserves the Volume 49 • Number 49 St. Petersburg, FL 33705 right to run all or part of any Published Thursday,   submission at a later time. Some July 27, 2017 NO PAPER? 14 pages • 1 section If you have not received your submissions may take precedence due     paper during delivery, to timeliness or newsworthiness. © The Weekly Challenger call (727) 896-2922 THE BLACK PRESS All rights reserved. No portions of this periodical    DEADLINES believes that America can may be reproduced without expressed consent. THE WEEKLY CHALLENGER, THURSDAY, JULY 27, 2017 3 COMMUNITY NEWS

 What is public safety?   Politically unseen Do “progressive” political movements adequately assist in placing the experi- ences and interests of black women in the forefront of its policy changes? Do these movements support black women candi- dates—-both politically and profession- ally—- in their efforts to advance toward equality and equity? Are these move- ments welcoming to the diversity of her voice and to her unique presence at its de- cision-making tables? Do you notice her absence? Senator Nina Turner As a demographic, black women do their part to improve this country. Politi- other professional environments. These Dear Editor: onto the black commu- fend the rights of those cally, black women have high voting rates, biased beliefs that women do not bring Throughout this cam- nity, it’s really being pro- girls to embrace their cul- at times higher than any other racial or value to upper-level positions are often paign for District 6 City military occupation of the ture through wearing ethnic group nationwide. Educationally, times magnified when the women in ques- Council, I, Eritha ‘Akile’ black community, similar their head wraps and to she is making significant progress in earn- tion are black. Efforts addressing the Cainion, have heard the to what you see in Iraq demand the removal of ing collegiate degrees. Furthermore, her practice of taking her for granted, specifi- term “public safety” and Afghanistan, to fur- police officers on school presence in the workforce is undeniable, cally when it happens to black women, are thrown around time and ther this existing divide. campuses as they are un- inclusive of being business owners. Still, frequently silent. These concerns are sys- time again. Jesse and I know, how- necessary and are used to finding political representation that speaks tematic. Whether in forums ever, that public safety harass and intimidate to her specific concerns and interests Although not approached by Ohio’s from my opponents or de- comes with reparations black children (in a recent seem consistently evasive. Why is she un- state party leaders, Turner decided to run bates among the mayoral and economic develop- forum all mayoral candi- derrepresented in elected office? for Ohio Secretary of State anyway. She candidates, there’s a ment to the black commu- dates were in agreement Meet former Ohio State Senator Nina has stated that her encouragement came shared idea amongst nity. of police on school cam- Turner. Turner held the office of state from a black woman who was in the black those tied to the status No one should feel pus except for Jesse senator from September 15, 2008, legislative caucus. quo that public safety safe in a city where people Nevel). through December 31, 2014. In 2016, Many black women have been in means more police, are starving, people are Who is supposed to Turner declined Green Party presidential Turner’s shoes. Likewise, many black specifically in the black homeless, people are feel safe in this city where nominee Jill Stein’s offer to run as her women have been in the shoes of the sup- community. being attacked by police, the spokesperson for the vice-presidential running mate. Currently, portive black legislator. When black Fortunately, that is not people are drinking fecal St. Petersburg Police De- Turner is president of “Our Revolution,” women step up to run for public office like the belief of Jesse Nevel water. partment George Lofton a progressive political action organization. Turner, she will encounter “unspoken” for mayor and myself for No one should feel at and Chair of the Pinellas In 2011, “The Cleveland Plain Dealer” hurdles. She is expected to cross them District 6. ease when there’s a com- Democratic Party Susan designated Turner as “the region’s ‘it’ with ease. It is not easy. In fact, our under- munity suffering the most McGrath, both who are politician.” During that time, she fre- “You know who your friends are when standing of public safety is horrendous conditions supporters and directly quently appeared on MSNBC and was a you’re going through a struggle, and this that it is contingent upon created by this city gov- accountable to current leading Democratic voice on such issues race has been a struggle,” Turner said in social and economic jus- ernment when prosperity Mayor Kriseman, publicly as voter identification laws and collective her concession speech after losing her bid tice to the black commu- is possible for all. label a black working bargaining. Interestingly, in 2014 state for Ohio Secretary of State. nity. If public safety is really class led movement as do- party leaders seemed to overlook her For black women, proactively moving That justice comes in a huge priority for this mestic terrorists that can when they were recruiting candidates to towards advancement often times are a the form of reparations, city, it has to be defined by have serious violent impli- run in statewide races. struggle. It comes with resistance. It hence our dynamic dual justice to the black com- cations? There is no se- This disregard of women, and specifi- comes with obstacles. It comes with platforms. munity and justice looks cret about what the U.S. cally the disregard of black women, is not hurt. Ask yourself, are you her friend? The reality is this: St. like reparations. government does to those limited to the political arena. Sadly, it also Keisha Bell is an attorney, author, and Petersburg, Florida, is a There’s nothing safer labeled as threats to soci- occurs in places of employment and in public servant. www.emergingfree.com divided city, a reality that than the black community ety. no one can get around. having the ability to feed, To have such high This city’s social and clothe and house our- ranking officials label the economic system finds its selves. Uhuru Movement as inception as a result of the There’s nothing more such, which incites vio- exploitation of the black safety ensuring than lence against my commu- African American graduates of 1975 community. Black Community Control nity, to discredit the It was black people of the Police, where the campaigns of myself and plans for 60th birthday celebration that cleared the swamps black community has the Jesse, with the complicity to pave the way for St. ability to hire, fire, train of Kriseman and his ad- ST. PETERSBURG – Pete’s booming tourist in- and discipline those that ministration, makes it The year is 2017 and dustry. It was the Gas should function in our clear that public safety is the African American Grad- Plant District, a histori- community with arms as not in reference to the uates of 1975, Inc. (AAG cally black community public servants of the peo- black community. ‘75) are turning 60! Most with 800 homes and 100 ple. Those elected would For genuine public classmates were born in black-owned businesses, be members of the com- safety, it will take a peo- 1957 and have been turn- that was destroyed to munity because they have ple’s movement to go ing 60 since January. build the Tropicana Field a stake in what happens against this status quo and As an organization, we Dome for a baseball team. there. the real criminals: those will observe our class- It has always been the This also means the that function in City Hall. mates’ 60th birthday black community that has expulsion of the Pinellas A real threat to society on Aug. 5 with the birth- Davis Community African American Gradu- had to bear the brunt of County Sheriff’s Depart- is one that will dump 256 day celebration theme of Center. For additional ates of 1975. You can also gentrification, police vio- ment out of St. Pete. This million gallons of sewage “Diamonds & Denim.” AAG ‘75 information, reach us by contacting San- lence, homelessness, poor was a policy previous to into your water. The class meets at 6:30 please visit our website dra Fletcher at 727-321- education, poverty and Baker’s first mayoral term A public safety con- p.m. on the third Monday at www.theaag1975.com or 1034 or Ralph Ferguson more so that this city can and with it the city went cern is the slashing of of the month at Enoch our Facebook page at The at 727-386-6805. continue on this road of eight years without the tents containing homeless so-called “progress.” murder of a black person people. It is this relationship by the police. A danger to the people that has created the divide The city government’s is the fact that a city gov- we see today. And it’s this current understanding of ernment operates in the divide that has created the public safety through po- pockets of big money, basis for “public safety.” lice containment has re- therefore, the interests of When there’s a situa- sulted in the numerous the people become sec- tion of the south side murders of black teens ondary. starving, homeless, and from Laboriel Felton, Not the 13-year-old- without a vision for the fu- Javon Dawson, Marquell black child that the ture, there’s nothing McCullough, Jarell Tampa Bay Times has la- about that environment Walker, TyRon Lewis, beled the poster child for that is safe. Laniya Miller, Ashaunti crime. And streets down from Butler, Dominique Battle Public safety looks like that situation there is and the demoralization of power in the hands of the wealth along Central Av- black youth altogether. people, and power into the enue, throughout down- Who is supposed to hands of the black com- town, the north side and feel safe in this system? munity. the waterfront. Surely it’s not the There’s nothing safer When this reality is black community. than economic develop- the one we’re confronting, Black children do not ment, affordable housing, it’s clear that the police’s feel safe under the public reparations, and justice to function in this city is to policy of police contain- the black community. maintain this oppressive ment. There was an inci- That’s the only way to relationship, where those dent that happened at move forward in this city. who have, have it as a re- Gibbs High School last That’s the only way this sult of those who do not. year where two black divided city can ever be So when Rick Baker, teenage girls were ap- united. Rick Kriseman and any of proached by armed police No more public policy my opponents say they’re on school campus for of police containment! invested in public safety wearing African head Support Black Commu- through means of over wraps. As a result, I joined nity Control of the Police funding the police and forces with the girls on and vote Jesse and Akile! pushing the public policy that campus as part of the The primary is Aug. of police containment Uhuru Movement to de- 29.

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERSISERS 4 THE WEEKLY CHALLENGER, THURSDAY, JULY 27, 2017 COMMUNITY NEWS Sister Dianne Hughes is back on the radio ST. PETERSBURG – early 1990s. Over the years, Sister Black Power 96, is the lat- “On The Beat St. Pete” of- Gospel music lovers will “I was always aggravat- Hughes received numer- est project of the African fers relationship advice be glad to learn that Sister ing one host, Reverend ous awards for her service People’s Education and and humor on Tuesday Dianne Hughes is back on Grady Davis, by calling in to the community, includ- Defense Fund, a non-profit and Thursday evenings. the FM radio dial in St. Pe- with my music requests. ing from the Carter G. organization whose mis- “Drive Time” specializes tersburg spinning the He was a blind pastor who Woodson Museum, the sion is to “defend the in sports banter and popu- sounds of praise. really knew his gospel National Council of Negro human and civil rights of lar music on Monday, Listeners in St. Pete music. One day he asked Women, the Mighty Sons the African community Wednesday and Friday. can tune into WBPU 96.3 me to come down and help of Zion and the Gospel and address the grave dis- Comedy, live music and FM every Sunday morn- him to write down the Radio Angel award from parities in health, educa- serious news can all be ing from 6-8 a.m. to hear names and songs and pull Reverend Fleming Tarver tion and economic heard on the new station Sister Hughes’ inspira- records for him.” and the Florida Spiritu- development.” at 96.3 FM. WBPU’s stu- tional broadcast. Those She was hooked. Sister alaires. The station features a dios are located at 1245 outside St. Pete can listen Hughes spun those gospel Hughes’ show on wide variety of black 18th Avenue South. Free to “Total Praise” on the sounds for 26 years on WRXB was canceled in music and talk shows, professional broadcast free Black Power 96 app. WRXB, initially as a volun- January 2016. powered by local volun- training and internships Sister Hughes has teer and then receiving a “I heard about WBPU, teers and artists. Local are offered to all ages. Sister Dianne Hughes called St. Pete home since small stipend. the new black radio station Gibbs High School stu- Station manager Di- the age of three and grad- WRXB was the re- on the south side”, said dents produce an after- akiesse Lungisani declares, WBPU invites any uated from Gibbs High gion’s first black-owned Sister Hughes. “I called noon show called “We are so happy to provide churches or organizations School in 1968. radio station when it was Smiley (that’s what she “#NoKlass” on Mondays access to the radio airwaves who want to get the word “I was raised in the purchased by Eugene calls WBPU’s station man- and Fridays. “Good Morn- for Sister Hughes and other out about events or assis- church and sung in the Danzey in 1975. In 1996, ager Diakiesse) and asked ing Africa” delivers a lively members of our local com- tance that they are provid- choir. A love for gospel Mr. Danzey sold the sta- if I could get a show on mix weekdays with music munity. Black Power 96 is ing to the community, to music stirred in me at a tion and it is now owned WBPU and here I am. I and talk from around the not just explaining the contact WBPU at 727-914- young age.” by Polnet, a Chicago- want to get the word out to African world. world, but changing it, with 3614. To make requests Sister Hughes first got based company that spe- let people know I’m back “St. Pete Heat” fea- our own black music, our during Sister Hughes’ involved in radio broad- cializes in Polish language on air.” tures live local artists own black voices, and our show, call the studio line, casting at WRXB in the radio. WBPU, also known as every Friday night, while black stories!” 727-565-1599.

Filmmakers screen film to City Hall

BY JABAAR EDMOND meets a woman named special fundraising Contributor Sandy, who is also home- screening to raise aware- less, and the two form a ness and funds for veter- ST. PETERSBURG – connection. ans battling with The star of the film “Art in The film debuted at the post-traumatic stress dis- the City” Cranston Cum- Sunshine City Film Festi- order and homelessness. berbatch and director val this year, and since its “Art in the City” Jabaar Edmond along with release, it has been shown brings the arts and the other cast members at Studio@620, the Dr. struggle with trauma to screened the full-length Carter G. Woodson African the forefront while high- feature film for Mayor Rick American History Mu- lighting the city’s beauti- Kriseman and other mem- seum, the University of ful landscape. bers of city hall last Friday. Florida St. Petersburg and By being the first local With the city of St. Pe- other prominent locations. filmmakers to screen tersburg as its backdrop, Cumberbatch spoke their movie at City Hall, “Art in the City” tells the about the opportunities the these two St. Pete natives story of a homeless war Sunshine City Film Festi- have raised the bar for veteran named Danny, val have opened up for creative types all over the played by Cumberbatch, local filmmakers and his city. The next screening who suffers from post-trau- goal of having it shown at will take place Aug. 14 at matic stress disorder. other festivals. The film- the American Stage The- Along the way, Danny makers are also planning a ater Company at 7 p.m.

LIVE!AT THE TAMPA THEATRE

“MORE THAN A BROADWAY SHOW.

A celebration of music that transformed America!” — CBS Sunday Morning

WUSF Public Media proudly presents Snap Judgment Live, Story Telling With A Beat Friday, September 29, 8:00 p.m. at the Tampa Theatre. Tickets on sale Thursday, July 20 at wusf.org/snap, tampatheatre.org or at the Tampa Theatre box office. Listen to Snap Judgment on WUSF 89.7 each Saturday at 1:00 p.m.

SPONSORED BY 813.229.STAR (7827) • STRAZCENTER.ORG Group Sales (10+10+ get a discount): 813.222.1016 or 1047 Events, days, dates, times, performers and prices are subject to change without notice. Handling fees will apply.

MOTOWNMOTOWN® IS A REGISTEREDREGISTERED TRADEMARKTRADEMARK OFOF UMGUMG RECORDINGS,RECORDINGS, INCINC THE WEEKLY CHALLENGER, THURSDAY, JULY 27, 2017 5 COMMUNITY NEWS Millennials battle for charity at Extreme Mud Wars BY MOLLY HUNSINGER add the aspect of mud to fived their teammates. down to the bottom of a portunities) and Tampa mud pits used for the The Digital Bullpen it. It brings family and “Beer and a corn dog mud pit dog pile. Bay Club Sport, the games. It’s a joint effort friends together and sounds amazeballs,” said “The event is largely event’s beer sales and a between volunteers, ST. PETERSBURG – friendly competition,” An- a mud-splattered girl to centered around pride portion of registration TASCO staff and summer More than 500 con- derson said. her friend as they bopped and doing it for fun,” said fees benefited TASCO campers. tenders frolicked in the Anderson and his through the crowd toward Ian Elston, director of and two other local organ- TASCO provides value mud for charity at the team of fellow muddy the concession stand in marketing for Tampa Bay izations, Hands4Hope and based programming in eighth annual America II buddies said they prefer their matching fluores- Club Sport, noting that Secrets of the Sea Marine the areas of arts, sports Extreme Mud Wars the format of EMW to cent tank tops. some prizes were given Exploration Center and and technology including (EMW) event last Satur- other mud themed sports As the DJ pumped up including trophies and Aquarium. before school, after day at Spa Beach Park, events, such as Tough the crowd with an eclectic swag. “The neat thing EMW raised $10,000 school and summer pro- downtown St. Petersburg. Mudder, because there is list of pop, hip hop and about this is the number for partnering organiza- grams at 12 recreation It was a blazing hot af- no running involved and country music hits, chal- of partnerships that takes tions in 2016. Funds centers in Pinellas County ternoon of good, but not participants get to take lengers welcomed the re- place,” he said, referring raised for 2017 was not for middle school and so clean fun. Event staff breaks. freshing spray of a fire to the event program- yet announced. high school youth. and spectators watched Anderson said the hose, posed for muddy ming, sports and local “TASCO does such a Shawn Drouin, recre- more than 50 coed teams most fun event was the selfies and clinked their non-profit partnerships great job with actually ad- ations supervisor of of six or more adults slip obstacle course. “You go red Solo cups of beer in that are centrally themed ministering the event it- TASCO team programs and slide in the sludge in down a slide, go through celebration. around enrichment pro- self,” Elston said. “They said TASCO gives teens eight EMW events. tires, go through a tunnel, “Let’s go!” shouted the grams for underprivileged know how to make work “an opportunity to get in- “Basically it’s what you army crawl under a net, champion of a Belly kids. fun, which is the impor- volved where they know did as a kid,” said Cory jump over a wall.” Bumpers match (think Produced in partner- tant part.” they’re going to be safe Anderson, a 29-year-old Team spirit filled the sumo wrestling in a mud ship with the City of St. The event setup is a and they’re going to have Tampa resident and air as players dressed in pit wearing a giant inner Petersburg Parks and two-week process involv- a good time.” three-time EMW partici- shorts, tanks and colorful tube), beating his chest Recreation Department, ing some 80 tons of soil For more information pant. “You play tug of war, headbands cheered on, like a silverback before TASCO (Teen, Arts, and more than 4,300 sand- about TASCO, visit you play dodge ball, volley fist-bumped and high- teammates tackled him Sports, and Cultural Op- bags to build the massive stpete.org. ball, football, except you

                           6 THE WEEKLY CHALLENGER, THURSDAY, JULY 27, 2017 COMMUNITY NEWS A New Deal for St. Pete presented by the People’s Budget Review

DEAL, from front page tional opportunities, creat- programs can work in con- to ban the box across the ing a living wage for the junction with city recre- entire city. entire city and investing in ational centers. “When the box was community wealth. Another challenge is banned, we celebrated and Affordable Housing providing not only more then we went to sleep,” Ed- The New Deal calls for options for students not mond said of the lack of fol- a removal of displacement planning on attending a low-up with the program. practices through gentrifi- traditional four-year uni- “Well, they get a snap for cation. When development versity, but in setting up that,” added Muhammad takes over an area, the cur- programs that will help when discussing the rent practice usually finds certificate holders of a rumor mill that only eight homeowners and small trade find employment. people have benefited businesses becoming dis- “We’ve been moving from not having to disclose placed or priced out of them toward trade if they have been convicted their own neighborhoods. schools,” said Muham- of a crime on an city appli- “We want a plan that mad of the county’s initia- cation. doesn’t displace people tive to empower The New Deal would Bro. John Muhammad Jabaar Edmond that are in those areas employment. But, “we’re propose compiling data on right now,” said Muham- finding once they complete who has benefited and mad. their term at schools like whether the program is access to capital will help • No more displace- empowerment centers that The New Deal is also in Pinellas Technical College truly working in the best them thrive and participate ment of residents through assist residents in building the visionary stage of (PTC) and come out with interest of the majority or in programs like the CRA gentrification their wealth through finan- other options such as a their brand new HVAC if it needs to be tweaked. that require businesses to • Greatly expand af- cial literacy, credit repair, land trust, which provides certificate, they’re not find- The New Deal also ad- match gifted funds. fordable housing and land fiscal planning and provide opportunities for commu- ing work.” vocates for a universal “In our community, a trusts the opportunity through nities to build wealth and The New Deal calls for community benefits agree- lot of businesses are not fi- • Make the heart of all local financial institutions remain in their homes. working with city contrac- ment. This would pave the nancially literate,” said Ed- economic development de- for low interest micro Community land trusts are tors to set up and enhance way for negotiations with mond. “They just got into signed to bring capital into loans. Put the payday encouraged in areas domi- apprenticeship programs developers that are bid- business because their our communities, not ex- lenders out of business. nated by low-to-moderate where recent graduates ding on city contracts to mama was in business.” tract the capital that exists • Coordinate and assist income because they pro- can gain hands-on experi- agree to hire within the Both Muhammad and • Provide support for a in community and worker vide the opportunity for ence and become more south side demographic Edmond hope to discuss community led plan for owned cooperatives, begin- homeowners to build eq- employable in the indus- and pay a particular wage, their plans with the candi- economic development ning with a community uity and protects them try. or to grant a certain num- dates running for mayor and growth owned grocery co-op on from becoming over ex- City-wide Living ber of apprenticeship jobs and city council to ascer- Expand educational op- the south side. tended and cuts down on Wage to PTC certificate holders. tain who they plan to back portunity Make St. Pete a living foreclosure rates. The fight for minimum Community Wealth in upcoming elections. In • Convene a confer- wage city With the common wage to increase to $15 an Finally, developing fi- fact, Mayor Kriseman has ence between the city, light • Pass a living wage or- practice of a land trust’s hour is also on the agenda. nancial empowerment and already voiced his support. industry and manufactur- dinance with wages mov- board being composed of Although Mayor Kriseman financial literacy is a must. They also want to ing, urban agriculture pro- ing to $15 an hour over a community residents, par- passed a living wage policy The New Deal wants spe- make it clear that this is ponents, green job short period of time for ticipants find there is more that increases minimum cific programs to be imple- not just a south side creators, and unions and City contractors, tempo- input by the community in wage in increments until it mented that residents can agenda, but that the entire community groups at the rary employees and part decision-making in their reaches the $15 an hour attend and will give them city can benefit from the Pinellas Technical College timers. area. mark, it’s only for full-time knowledge in not only per- proposals being advanced to coordinate workplace • Require that develop- Education city workers. The New sonal finances, but getting in the New Deal. development, succession ers sign community bene- Early childhood educa- Deal would call for moving out of debt and how to run If you’re looking to get and apprenticeship pro- fit agreements within the tion is always a topic of toward $15 an hour with a their businesses in a way involved, check grams. Target economi- City of St Pete with com- conversation in any neigh- set timeline and to include that allows growth. out www.PBR2017.org. Th cally distressed areas of munity organizations and borhood, but Muham- part time and temporary “Financially literate e PBR holds meetings the City for recruitment. institutions where develop- mad doesn’t feel it has ever workers as well as contrac- people don’t cash their every other Wednesday • Design and imple- ment occurs, around really been presented as a tors and sub-contractors. checks at payday lenders at 449 Central Ave, St. Pe- ment early education and wages and services to be city responsibility. The Restorative justice rec- that are charging you a tersburg. The next meet- mentorship programs in provided to the community New Deal proposes that ommendations are also ridiculous price,” ing is Aug. 9 starting at 6 conjunction with City Rec in question. there be an increase in part of the deal. Although said Muhammad. p.m. centers. • Work towards early education and men- the coalition hasn’t worked And although many Recap Build community restorative justice for all by torship programs and to out all the details, they businesses south of Cen- Preserve our commu- wealth banning the box on em- also explore how those want an ordinance passed tral Avenue are surviving, nities • Develop financial ployment forms.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY                    Call TODAY for an appointment       Phone: 727-894-1734   2500 9th Street South, St. Petersburg, FL 33705 LOOK NO FURTHER  FOR CHURCH SUPPLIES Communion Items • Choir Robes Bulletins • Bibles • Sunday School books Gospel CDs / DVDs and so much more  Reader’s Choice Book & Gift Store 4341 34th St. S., St. Petersburg (Next to Skyway Mall)  (727) 867-3696   Open: Mon. - Sat. 10 am - 6:30 pm THE WEEKLY CHALLENGER, THURSDAY, JULY 27, 2017 7 COMMUNITY NEWS Learning while being entertained ‘The status quo must go!’

DISCIPLES , from front page RALLY , from front page

Scene II introduced never get it. cruel verbal abuse with Murray. side; they still cannot con- that was given to him by the audience to a Chris- Unfortunately, there unconditional love. The Omali Yeshitela, chair- tend with the movement,” former city councilmem- tian played by Zydrianna are too many children in adopted daughter was man of the African Peo- she said. ber and mayoral candi- Richardson-Amos who our school, be they pub- played by Jaela Dennis. ple’s Socialist Party, Nevel revealed that date Kathleen Ford. becomes concerned lic, private or charter, Music for the event expressed his apprecia- he’s met many white peo- “Kathleen Ford is about a fortune teller’s who has locked in on be- was supplied by the tion to Nevel and Cainion ple that have admitted coming out of the closet,” prediction until two disci- lieving they’ll never get it. Friendship’s Youth Choir, for “destroying the priva- they support and will vote Nevel boomed. “She said ples, Trae Howard and Then, her mom came and the Dance Ministry tized election that they are for him but are too afraid she’s voting Jesse Nevel Genena Denard, helped along as the disciple to team of Maddyson trying to have here in the to say it publically. He [for mayor] and Akile for her come to the realiza- encourage her and said Campbell, Koriawah city of St. Petersburg,” he urged those Democrats District 6.” tion that only God truly “yes” she could do it. The Crist, Jonathan White, said, calling the forum at who are breaking ties knows what tomorrow daughter had to learn Kyra Alston and Imani the Palladium a “Jim with the Democratic will bring in anyone’s life. that through God all Jenkins delivered a pow- Crow meeting.” Party to come out of the Amiya Lloyd played the things are possible. The erful performance in The crowd went wild closet. role as the palm reader. mother was played by their Liturgical Dance to when Cainion said Con- “Are we going to have Scene III is a conflict Carla Austin. “You Made A Way.” gemi’s statements repre- a city full of white people played out every day The finale revealed The performances for sent a symptom of the who support reparations somewhere in this na- the most ruthless hater the evening by the young status quo. but don’t want to say it tion. It dealt with a girl of them all- the demonic people echoed the mis- “The status quo, those publically? If you don’t student, played by person who tells a young sion statement of the days are numbered. They want to say it publically Vanessa Adams, who person that he or she 118th annual session: To cannot win this election then you are aiding and struggled with math to “ain’t gonna be nothing… promote the growth and with all the money that abetting the enemy,” he the point that even her yo’ mamma ain’t nothing, development of ministry they have, with all the cor- said while holding up a teachers gave up on her ya’ daddy ain’t nothing in churches through porate media on their basket of Tootsie Rolls and the constant repeti- and you ain’t gonna be Christian education. tion of “you’ll never get anything!” The child To reach Allen Buchanan, it” stuck with her to the caught in this vicious sce- email abuchanan@theweekly- point that she affixed it in nario was adopted by fos- challenger.com her mind to believe she’d ter parents who replaced

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TOTO FINDFIND BREAKSPOTBREAKBREAKSSPOPOT SITESSITESITES FOR FORFOR FREE FREEFREEFREE SUMMER SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER MEALS MEAL MEALMMEALEALS NEAR NEARNEA RYOU YYOUOU 8 THE WEEKLY CHALLENGER, THURSDAY, JULY 27, 2017 COMMUNITY NEWS Daughters keep their mother’s The St. Pete New Deal: Community dream alive based economic development plan BY DEXTER L. MCCREE “We are thankful to Dear Editor: Feature Writer Emma’s family for their con- For most of the last tinual support of AKPSG,” 40 years, community ST. PETERSBURG – In said Starling-Williams. activists have waited on honor of their mother and The AKPSG program new administrations to her love for the community, teaches patients to live a come in and announce the late Emma Walker’s quality life, share their life their economic devel- three daughters, Antionette experiences, bring aware- opment plans for Mid- L. Wiggins, Janice L. Grant ness to the community and town. Sadly, most times and Kimberly A. Swain, will to advocate for all chronic there was no plan or continue her work with All kidney disease and end weak and ineffective Kidney Patients Support stage renal disease patients. plans. Janice Group (AKPSG) by provid- Their primary goal is to A few years ago, a ing scholarships for those educate, help patients finan- Starling-Williams former city official told with renal failure. cially with transportation, skills, health outcomes and me that the then mayor Becoming a dialysis pa- food, caregiving, pre and told him that the Mid- tient in 2006 after complica- by educating and empower- post-transplant needs and ing them and their family town community did commits $200 million A new paradigm of tions from heart surgery, any other needs dialysis pa- not know what they over 10 years. We antici- risk sharing needs to be Mrs. Walker did not let her members to take control of tients face day to day. the course and manage- wanted, as an excuse for pate that the plan would developed to give busi- weekly dialysis treatments AKPSG also provide respite not doing anything of any be developed by utilizing nesses confidence that if slow her down. She loved ment of the disease. care when the caregiver re- Walker’s daughters significance. While I top-notch talent with ex- they invest in the Renais- to travel, visit family and quest some needed rest. would disagree with the perience developing sance Area, there will be friends but most impor- have committed to donating Caregiver fees are not cov- $1,000 to the support group notion that the commu- community plans with assistance both in mar- tantly she loved to give back ered by home health care. nity did not know what it input from the Sunshine keting to prospective cus- to her community. In 2009, each year. AKPSG will then AKPSG is a not for award two $500 scholar- wanted, I would agree City Renaissance Area tomers as well as Janice Starling-Williams and profit, patient-centered, peer that those desires were community, the busi- providing assistance in Mrs. Walker founded the ships each school year be- organization that provides ginning this year. The not articulated and put nesses within the Renais- training their employees. AKPSG for local patients. non-medical support to forth in a manner that sance Area and the city They need to know that Mrs. Walker unexpect- scholarship gives another those affected by chronic person hope and encour- was clear. administration and staff. there are business reten- edly passed away on May kidney disease. They strive Recently a group of The Community tion programs that can 30 from end stage renal dis- agement to keep striving. to help patients develop To make a donation, concerned citizens Based Economic Devel- assist while they are nav- ease and other causes. On their voice to be better in- started meeting to de- opment Plan for the Sun- igating new market con- Tuesday, the foundation re- please contact Janice Starling- volved with their doctors, Williams: 727-510-3766 or velop a community based shine City Renaissance ditions that are quite ceived the first $1,000 check dialysis centers and care- economic development Area is one of the corner- frankly unknown to most in support of its efforts in email [email protected] givers with the information To reach Dexter McCree, plan. This plan would en- stone components of the of them. the community in her and education they need to capsulate the desires of New Deal for St. Pete. Education and train- honor. email dmccree@theweekly- improve personal coping challenger.com the community, first as a Affordable housing ing is going to be one of vision, and then a con- has been a major issue the most vital pieces of crete plan for improve- for the Renaissance Area any transformative plan. ment and change in for many years. While The most important Actions speak louder than words Midtown. administrations have training and education This vision would be dealt with the issue on a piece will be getting the Dear Editor, the black community when discussed within the piecemeal basis, it is now community engaged with I’m sure we are all famil- denouncing Congemi. If he community, and after suf- time for a comprehensive the businesses that oper- iar with the infamous video was found saying nothing on ficient input from the strategy that develops ate in Renaissance Area. of mayoral candidate Paul the topic, it would look like community was ob- new housing, and not a Currently, the resi- Congemi giving the audi- he cannot handle the “hot tained, a broader discus- few units per year, but dents of the Renaissance ence a true vision of the seat” or he can’t think off the sion would take place 500 to 1000 units over the Area do not support the views of a white nationalist. cuff. with city officials. It is next 10 years. businesses, in a meaning- With him making state- He saw an opportunity to first necessary to gather There are clearly ful way, that are located ments such as Africans ob- kiss up to the black commu- input and approval from ways and means to pro- there. Until the city and taining their reparations in nity because he already the community before vide such housing. What the community recognize the form of Barack Obama, knew that his name is not approval from the city ad- has been lacking is the and accepts this as a key and informing us all on plane something positive in that ministration because, at desire to do so. If a plan issue, virtually nothing schedules to Africa if we do community. The truth is that the end of the day, it is were devised to create else is going to be solved. not want to deal with the Baker is walking what Con- community support for that many new housing There may be many crimes and injustices im- gemi is talking. Congemi the vision that is going to units, it would create an reasons for the current posed on the south side of may have said we can go either make it successful economic boom in the situation. We have to un- this town, he and Jesse back to Africa if we don’t or not. Renaissance Area that derstand what those rea- Nevel certainly has taken unite with how the law is The group adopted could be used to assist sons are and take steps to the City of St. Petersburg’s being handled, but Baker cation stance and has contin- the area within the many existing as well as mitigate them if any plan mayoral election global. has actually done the orches- ued the stance of pushing boundaries of the CRA new businesses. is going to be successful. One thing that was the trating of gentrification in Africans out of their homes and renamed it the Sun- Just think about the We are going to have to question on everyone’s south St. Petersburg. and expanding the popula- shine City Renaissance housing upgrades that scour the country and mind after the July 18 debate African families have tion of the homeless (just Area. This change was would provide for the find best practices for was regarding what other been pushed and forced out like Baker). So now we’re at made because this area community. This would programs and processes candidates had to say about of their homes in huge num- a point where both Ricks is broader than the old break the grip of the nu- that can be used to miti- Congemi’s statements to- bers ever since the election have verbally denounced Midtown area. This merous investors in Ren- gate this problem. wards Africans and receiving of Baker, which increases Congemi but are united with change was also made aissance Area that In addition, training reparations, so should we the homeless population by him in action. because a key funding in- provide marginal hous- and education in the start with candidate Rick hundreds. So not only is In closing, both Ricks strument would be the ing at outrageous prices. areas of childcare, busi- Baker? Congemi a vocal threat to have united with Congemi CRA. It could dramatically in- ness development, em- Baker began saying im- the black community, but and Congemi has exposed The vision created is crease home ownership. ployee training, et al. are mediately after Congemi’s Baker has been the reality of the internal opinions of white for a plan that will be Other than the small critical to giving the hous- statements that what Con- a threat to the black commu- nationalists throughout the transformative, rather grants that are offered by ing and business develop- gemi said wasn’t acceptable nity. city of St. Petersburg. We than incremental. We the CRA, there are no ment components a in 2017 and he doesn’t con- Rick Kriseman chose not cannot as a city have these have had small incre- significant programs for chance to be successful. done what he said. Now, this to say anything at the debate, candidates represent what it mental plans for the last business development in We can’t just build build- confuses me because if but he spoke up afterward. means to hold a position of 40 years that have been, the Renaissance Area. ings and hope that every- Baker doesn’t condone what He said that he wishes he’d power in a city government. by and large, ineffective. There are only small pro- thing else will take care Congemi said, then why spoke at that moment, but So, what will we do about These plans have not grams that have been of itself. does he tolerate gentrifica- did not. The reason he these three candidates? taken any kind of holistic tried on other occasions This is a unique time tion? wishes he did was because, Well, Congemis state- approach where several but have created no last- for the Sunshine City Congemi’s statement just like Baker, it would have ments were against Nevel issues are addressed si- ing benefit over the last Renaissance Area. If we was a response to Nevel’s been his chance to pander and his platform, and if you multaneously but instead 40 years. can come together and platform, which he is clearly and kiss up to the black com- are against what he said, vot- were piecemeal. What is needed is a demand a new transfor- against, but if Baker said that munity. ing for Nevel on Aug. 29 is We believe that the robust program that will mative plan and support he will not condone what So if Kriseman wishes the natural solution to these community needs and send a signal to busi- that plan through its Congemi said, does that he’d spoken up against what parasitic options to represent deserves a transforma- nesses that more than completion, the Renais- mean he unites with Nevel Congemi said, does this you, the people, in this elec- tive plan that deals with “business as usual” is sance Area can be trans- and supports the platform of mean that he unites with tion season. affordable housing, busi- going on in the Renais- formed forever into an Unity through Reparations Nevel’s platform of Unity Vote Jesse Nevel to be ness development and sance Area. Operating a integral part of this city. and genuine economic de- through Reparations and your mayor for the City of St. retention and education business in the Renais- If not, we can continue to velopment for the black genuine economic develop- Petersburg and vote for and training together. sance Area is a high-risk be the poor, dysfunc- community? ment for the black commu- Eritha ¨Akilé” Cainion to We don’t need a plan that proposition. Businesses tional part of the city that Unfortunately no. You nity? Once again, no. truly bring change to this commits $130 million know this and show a we have traditionally see, Baker was doing some- Kriseman actually is unit- city! over 30 years. great reluctance to take been. thing called “pandering” to ing with Baker’s pro-gentrifi- Iniko Kitemoma We need a plan that that risk. Larry Newsome

The Isley Brothers bring soul & classic R&B to St. Pete

ST. PETERSBURG – (known as Mr. Biggs) and their fame, shooting to #1 its repertoire as the 1970s For more than 50 years, guitarist extraordinaire on the Billboard R&B dawned, and scored hits The Isley Brothers have Ernie Isley. Their con- chart and ultimately sell- with covers of Stephen received acclaim as “the certs transcend genera- ing more than five million Stills’ “Love the One rocking soulful legends tions. copies. You’re With,” Eric Bur- that started it all.” The After The Isley Broth- The song also earned don & War’s “Spill the iconic Rock & Roll Hall of ers left their initial mark a Grammy Award for Best Wine,” and Bob Dylan’s Fame inductees and on R&B charts in 1959 R&B Vocal Performance. “Lay Lady Lay.” Grammy award-winning with “Shout” – which “This Old Heart of Mine” Tickets, $59.50, artists will bring inspiring would sell a million copies was their only hit on Mo- $69.50, $79.50 and $94.50 sounds of soul and classic and become a standard – town, funky “It’s Your may be purchased online R&B to the Duke Energy they scored the #1 R&B Thing,” hit number two at themahaffey.com, Center for the Arts – Ma- hit “Twist And Shout” on the U.S. charts in 1969, charge by phone haffey Theater on Sunday, (both songs were subse- and became their most at 727.893.7832 or in per- Aug. 6 at 7 p.m. quently covered by The successful record. son at The Mahaffey The- The concert features Beatles), in 1962. But it The group began in- ater Box Office. award-winning soul was 1969’s “It’s Your corporating more and singer Ronald Isley Thing” that cemented more rock material into THE WEEKLY CHALLENGER, THURSDAY, JULY 27, 2017 9

10 THE WEEKLY CHALLENGER, THURSDAY, JULY 27, 2017 COMMUNITY NEWS 
     What have you done for us lately?

    BY FRANK DROUZAS fund two memorials to the Over 37 Years in Tampa Bay Staff Writer deceased. One will be built on the property of the ST. PETERSBURG – school, which closed in Senator Darryl Rouson 2011, and another memo- spoke optimistically about rial will be built in Tallahas- his recent accomplish- see. At the Capital, it will ments at the Community stand alongside other me- Town Hall 2017 Session re- morials to deceased fire- view at the Enoch Davis fighters, Holocaust Center Tuesday, July 11. survivors and police offi- He represents the 19th cers killed in the line of District—which straddles duty. Pinellas and Hillsborough Fifty-five bodies have Specializing In: Counties—and “runs the been found on the prop- Sen. Darryl Rouson gamut from low-income erty, Rouson said, 25 more Painting • Drywall • Flooring • Plumbing • Windows urban cores to affluent than what was initially re- transportation issues,” areas.” ported. Rouson asserted. “Those Roofing • Soffit & Fascia Cabinets • Kitchen & Bath Rouson is the only “These 25 have re- of us who here live in St. Garage & Porch Rehabilitation • Custom Home Remodeling African-American senator mained unidentified and Pete and work in Tampa that’s on a K-12 education unclaimed,” he said, know it all too well.” Approved Rehabilitation Contractor for: City of Tampa, Hillsborough County, appropriations committee adding that they will be Rouson pointed out City of St. Petersburg, Pinellas County and Polk County and is also the vice chair of given a decent burial as that he started the session the Senate’s transportation part of the appropriations. with 30 bills to file, and the Call MICHAEL REEVES - Phone/Fax 813-238-6197 committee. The Another bill of Rou- ones that he has not gotten senator has had three bills son’s will rename a seg- passed or co-introduced Email: [email protected] • www.ReevesBuilding.com passed in the last session. ment of Interstate 375 in are the bills that he will Licenses: CFC025588 CCC1326860 CBC1251478 “I’ve passed bills every St. Pete after the late Vice start with for the next ses- session since my first ses- Mayor C. Bette Wimbish. sion. One such bill that sion,” he stated. A public housing au- passed in the House but One is the Assistive thority bill was the most re- didn’t see the light of day Technology Devices Bill, cent piece of legislation in the Senate is a Florida which now enables those that he got passed. All slavery memorial bill. students who can only across this country, Rou- “That’s a fight we’re communicate through son noted, the Department going to have to come technological devices to of Housing and Urban De- back and fight,” he said. take those devices home velopment was cutting “The Florida slavery me- with them at the end of the back on funds for rehab- morial will get filed again.” school day. Before the bill, bing and renovating aging With the help of Rou- they were not permitted to public housing structures. son, St. Pete College con- take them home or even Profit and non-profit corpo- tinues to receive funds take the devices with them rations were created to ob- from the Florida Legisla- if they transferred to an- tain revenue to use for ture for the St. Petersburg other school. renovations of public hous- MLK Day of Service, “A very simple bill, but ing, and these agencies which is growing every with a large impact,” Rou- had to purchase insurance year. This past holiday saw son stated. on private markets. over 8,000 people engaged Another bill that he This bill will allow pub- in public service. passed was the Arthur G. lic housing authorities to Though initially Dozier School for Boys self- insure, to create their against a medical mari- Bill, in reference to the no- own insurance pool. juana bill, Rouson co-intro- torious state-run institution Rouson had a hand in duced a bill that would in the Florida panhandle co-introducing other bills create a “wider access to that opened in 1900 and with other senators, includ- patients” and an opening was known for its harsh ing one that officially ac- for African Americans to conditions and brutal treat- knowledged and be retailers of medical ment of boys of various apologized for the grave in- marijuana. ages, which even resulted justice perpetrated against “But that didn’t pass,” in deaths. a group of black men who he explained. ‘What “This was the first time came to be known as the passed was Senator in the history of the Groveland Four. They Bradley’s bill that created a Florida Senate and the were beaten and jailed in tier system. The seven li- House of Representatives 1948 after being falsely ac- censees that were origi- that they apologized to the cused of raping a white nally licensed, we added 10 grown men of Dozier,” he woman in Lake County. more licenses to it. Of the said. “Men who were boys Another bill will help 10 more licenses, one is set and were sentenced there healthcare practitioners aside to go to a black for such heinous crimes as who have had addiction is- pharma. And they have to incorrigibility, truancy. sues but can demonstrate fight amongst themselves And they lived through the rehabilitation to continue to see which one gets it.” beatings, the killings that in their practice in Florida. The senator did, how- occurred there. And this The senator also co-in- ever, add an amendment to was the first time the troduced the TBARTA bill, the bill that provides for a Florida Senate issued an for Tampa Bay Area Re- portion of a patient’s regis- apology that these types of gional Transit Authority, tration and identification tragedies and atrocities which aims to improve and card fees to go to Florida A happened in the care and streamline the transit sys- & M University for the custody of state workers.” tem in the metropolitan purpose of studying the In addition to the apol- area. impact of the unlawful use ogy, Rouson said, “As you know, Tampa of marijuana in African- there was also a $1.4 mil- Bay is suffering from American communities. lion appropriation that will THE WEEKLY CHALLENGER, THURSDAY, JULY 27, 2017 11 HEALTH & BEAUTY The face of the uninsured, part 2 Saving our culture: A Nutritional

BY JOYCE NANETTE sues such as the hunt for JOHNSON affordable housing and overview series, part 2 of 3 Staff Writer jobs. Some had ankle mon- ST. PETERSBURG — difficult to encourage the amount of desserts to itors. Then there was the This is the continuation Summer is here, tempera- African Americans to eat once a week are steps to frail, skinny woman who tures are rising and there healthier. On average a eating healthier while not of my daughter’s journey to said she could not go on obtain medical assistance for are so many things to be person should consume losing our culture. any further in life and felt grateful for; not to mention three meals per day and To African Americans, a life-threatening condition that suicide was the only and how the dwindling of the three “Fs” family, fun two snacks. Being healthy food is about preserving avenue left for her. Police and especially food. does not mean eliminating tradition and fostering health insurance options for were summoned and the poor and disenfranchised In the African-Ameri- all the foods you love, but strong family ties. There- whisked her away. Tracey J. can culture, food has been the key is proportioning fore, we want to encourage have impacted that care. After six hours of wait- She has become a face of the the center of social interac- your servings. healthier eating habits and ing, Tracey was sum- not received them and was tion, making it challenging An example plate options on how to cook medically uninsured. Diag- moned to the examination embarrassingly explaining nosed with an unknown to maintain a proper diet should consist of one serv- soul food in healthier ways. room. The rooms were how a fax worked.” during summer family re- ing of a meat the size of a As your neighborhood mass and cyst, on June 1 at clean and the staff seemed My daughter was in- Bayfront Emergency room, unions and special occa- deck of cards, one serving pharmacists, we hope that efficient. My daughter’s formed that once they re- sions. The of cooked vegetables the you take away three tips she then went to Pinellas vital signs were recorded ceived the authorization County Human Services on African-American culture size of a tennis ball, one from this article: first is the by a medical assistant and they would call to set up an is known for its soul food, serving of raw vegetables history of “Soul Food,” sec- First Avenue North, enrolled then she was seen by a appointment. She called in the Public Health Pro- which contains large comparable to a light bulb ond is the “Black Plate” nurse practitioner who re- Bayside to request the ap- amounts of meat, fat, salt and one serving of a starch and lastly healthier cook- gram and became a patient viewed the paperwork proval to be faxed over at Bayside Health Clinic. and sugar. the size of a computer ing options. In order for from the hospital and again. This diet originated mouse. our culture to stay alive we ST. PETERSBURG — never examined her. After waiting until June Bayside Health Clinic is lo- during slavery, in which The typical diet accord- must begin with cooking She explained that 27, she called to check on slaves received the leftover ing to the traditional FDA healthy. cated at 14808 49th St. N in Tracey needed to be seen the status of the appoint- Clearwater. It is a nonde- scraps of animals from food pyramid is not tai- Writing By: by a gynecology specialist ment and was told that the their slave owners. The lored to African Ameri- Jasmine LaVine, script building that sits be- and that she would need to records still had not been tween the Pinellas County African slaves learned and cans. Therefore, we have PharmD Candidate request an approval and received. Tracey stub- incorporated different provided a “Black Plate” Joshua Peterside, Jail and the Pinellas Safe that she would mark her bornly remained on hold Harbor Homeless Shelter. styles of cooking from guide catering towards the PharmD Candidate condition as urgent. The for 20 minutes while they their slave owners who African- American diet. Florida A & M Univer- On June 6, we arrived at 9 gynecologists would be finally confirmed that the a.m. and would not be leav- were British, French, Instead of fried meats, sity, College of Pharmacy, the ones to order exten- information was indeed American and Spanish. a healthier option would be Tampa Bay Division ing until 4 p.m. sive tests, confirm the di- there. However, she did We opened the door These styles included fry- to oven-fry, bake, boil, Charlie W. Colquitt, agnosis and recommend a not have a doctor assigned ing, boiling and roasting roast, or grill meats. We en- PharmD, CPh and immediately smelled course of action. I was to her yet and no one had foul body odors permeat- dishes using pork, pork fat, courage the African-Amer- Associate Professor of elated, but my elation was reviewed her records. corn, sweet potatoes and ican community to eat less Pharmacy of Pharmacy ing through the air. My short-lived. On July 3, after not daughter went to the re- local green leafy vegeta- meat and put the emphasis Practice “On June 12, I called to hearing from them she bles. The slaves brought on vegetables and fruits. Florida A & M Univer- ception desk, briefly ex- check the status of my gy- called back to check the plained her situation and other vegetables such as Simple substitutions such sity, College of Pharmacy, necological referral,” ex- status and was informed black-eyed peas, rice, as using 1% milk instead of Tampa Bay Division was given paperwork for plained Tracey. “I was told that an appointment had the mentally disabled. She yams, okra, and water- whole milk, eating wheat Clinical Pharmacist that the authorization had already been set up for melon from their origin bread instead of white Community Health explained that this was not not been marked as urgent July 10, but no one had for a mental health issue, country. bread, using reduced fat Centers of Pinellas, Inc. and that normal approvals ever contacted her with For years, it has been margarine, and limiting but she was still instructed can take up to two weeks. the appointment date. to fill out the form. “On June 20, I called That night my daugh- Example Based Off of One Serving Per Meal The small waiting Bayside and the reception- ter cried. I hugged her Amount Foods room was packed with pa- ist claimed the referral tight and told her God was tients. There was the was finally approved and on the mainline until her ¼ of a plate Beef, chicken, fish, seafood, ham, pork, beans woman with scars on her had been faxed over to tears ceased. I left with a ¼ of a plate Sweet potatoes, yams, brown or wild rice, oat- bare head with her posses- Bayfront Medical big smile plastered on my ¼ meal, mac and cheese, potatoes, cornbread sions of used paper plates, OB/GYN on Sixth Street face, went to my room, discarded food wrappers South,” Tracey said. “I locked the door and sobs ½ ½ of a plate Green beans, broccoli, cabbage, greens, and other assorted trash in contacted the gynecologist wracked my body as I held onions, peppers a garbage bag. Children ¼ office to confirm the re- my hand to my mouth to Other Servings ½ cup of fruit, grapefruit, grapes, melons, or- roamed freely through the ceipt of the paperwork. muffle my cries. We will anges, pineapples, oranges, strawberries.8oz room while adults dis- They stated they still had fight on. cussed their current is- of juice or sweet tea (reduced sugar)

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                       Sunday School 9:30 a.m.  Praise Time 10:45 a.m.   Morning Worship 10:45 a.m.  Tuesday Night Live -   Prayer Service & Bible Study 7 p.m.        Come Worship With the First Baptist Family  

        

                         

Queen Street Church of God in Christ Elder Willie Williamson, Pastor First Lady, Patricia Williamson 1732 9th Avenue South St. Petersburg, FL 33712 727-896-4356 SERVICES Sunday Sunday School – 9:30 a.m. A. M. Service – 11 a.m. Tuesday Morning Prayer – 9 to 10 a.m. Wednesday YPWW Bible Study – 7:30 p.m.

Victory Christian Center Church             Sunday Worship* 10:30 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study* -7:00 p.m.  Friday Prayer -7:00 p.m.   Intercessory Prayer - 9:00 a.m. 1601 49th Street South   Gulfport, FL 33707 Victory Christian Center is a Word of Faith Church. 727.898.5571 For more information about the other services and   Sunday Worship  ministries at Victory Christian Center, please call (727) 321-0911. 10:30 a.m.     

BETHEL COMMUNITY  BAPTIST CHURCH  2901 - 54th Avenue South    St. Petersburg, FL. 33712  (727) 866-2567    SERVICES Sunday School:       8:30 a.m.   Sunday Worship Service:   9:30 a.m.   Bible Study: Wednesdays      at 6:30 p.m. 

 Contact: 727-896-2922 THE WEEKLY CHALLENGER, THURSDAY, JULY 27, 2017 13 CHURCH DIRECTORY

        SUNDAY SERVICES/WEEKLY ACTIVITIES                                       Van service is available by calling: (727) 327-0015    THE ROCK OF JESUS IS LOCATED AT: 3940 – 18th AVE. S., St. Petersburg, Florida  Telephone: 727-327-0015 • Fax: 727-327-0021   Email: [email protected]  Office Hours: Tues. & Thurs. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

                      Call: 727-896-2922    CHURCH NEWS Friendship MBC St. Mark MBC THIS IS YOUR INVITA- Wednesday, August 9, istry and Ushers. Thank you The St. Mark Missionary from 7pm-8:15pm ice. Theme: “A Committed TION TO THE CHURCH 2017 at 7:00 pm – “WEDNES- for your labor of love. Mod- Baptist Church, its pastor, Friday, July 28, No re- People Serving a Faithful WHERE WE KNOW “IT'S DAY NIGHT LIVE” THE erator Dr. John A. Evans, Sr., the Reverend Brian K. freshments. Instructional Pe- God” – Psalms 90: 1-2 JUST NICE TO BE NICE” - TRIBE OF LEVI (AUGUST) and Dean Minister Sharon P. Brown, its official staff of riod 7pm-8pm and Dinner Sunday school held for COME TO THE SHIP AND WILL BE IN CHARGE OF Saulsby Deacons and Trustees, and and Business Meeting at both children and adults of SEE FOR YOURSELF - THE LOVE FELLOWSHIP NATIONAL BAPTIST the entire congregation, ex- 8:05pm. all ages. Sunday school August at the Ship DINNER. CONVENTION, USA, INC. tends to the community at Jul 30 - Mission Empha- starts each Sunday morning Join US at “The Ship” at Wednesday, August 16, 137TH ANNUAL SES- large, its wish that there sis during Morning Worship at 9:30 a.m. All are invited to the 7:45 am or 10:45 am Wor- 2017 at 7:00 pm – Fellowship- SION HELD WITH THE would be an overflowing of Operation Love/Visitations come out and join us. ship Service, a Real place to ping with Mt. Zion Primitive CHURCHES IN CINCIN- God’s blessings upon their at conclusion of Worship Young Adult Ministry be for these Real time. Baptist Church, Rev. Greg NATI, OHIO, SEPTEMBER lives. St. Mark is grounded Services (YAMS) Every Sunday: 9:30 Sunday, July 30, 2017 - Murray, Pastor, 3700 22nd 4-8, 2017 AT THE DUKE EN- in a Christ-centered doctrine Coming in August… a.m. Our service times are 8:00 Avenue South, Second Sun- ERGY CENTER that has as its central core, Aug 2 - Annual Back to Children and Youth Min- am - Sunday Church School day Ushers, the Adult Choir “THE SHIP” won't sail the belief that we are a haven School Bash and Health Fair istry Meetings are held and 8:45 am - Morning Wor- and Male Chorus to serve. without YOU! For additional of hope, help, and healing for for the Childs Park Commu- every Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. ship. Please note Fifth Sun- Please plan now to attend. information on any of the an- a lost world hungry and nity. Time: 6-8:00 p.m. at the Children in the community day “One Worship WEST COAST BAPTIST nouncements, please contact thirsty for the word of God. Childs Park Recreation Cen- are welcomed to join us. Experience.” Please plan now DISTRICT ASSOCIATION us by the following methods: At St. Mark, we as a body of ter. Backpacks and school Mime/Praise Dance Re- to attend. We “The SHIP- FMBC” Friendship Missionary Bap- believers are Christians will- supplies will be provided for hearsal on Sundays: 2:00- SATURDAY, AUGUST 5, Had the honor to host West tist Church, 3300 31st St. S, ing to work and partner in children as well as blood 4:00 p.m. 2017 – 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Coast Baptist Association St. Petersburg, FL 33712 unity, praising God for the pressure screenings, healthy Sunday School Teachers’ BACK TO SCHOOL Congress of Christian Educa- Church Office: 727-906-8300 awesome gift of His son, food information and infor- Meeting is held every Tues- COMMUNITY FREE tion…Hats off to each and E-Mail: [email protected] Jesus Christ. mation on HIV and more. day: 7:00 p.m. EVENT every One who gave of your Now “Live Streaming”: Events for July Entertainment, food, music Senior Hour of Power HOSTED BY THE MA- time, talents and tremendous Visit Our Website: www.fm- Jul 26-28 - Congress No. giveaways will be in Bible Study is held every TRON'S MINISTRY OF THE support. Words are not really bctheship.net Visit Our Face- 2 – Host Church: First Bap- abundance. Wednesday: 9:30 a.m. SHIP adequate enough to really book page Visit West Coast tist Sun City. Wednesday, Aug 13 - St. Mark Mis- Prayer Meeting and CHILD: Health and well- share my heart. Therefore, Baptist District Association July 26 and Thursday 27: Re- sionary Baptist Church 86th Bible Study every Wednes- ness, oral health, nutrition to our Host Committee lead Website: www.experi- freshments from 6pm-7pm, Anniversary Kickoff during day evening: 7:00 p.m. and exercise, table of chil- by Minister Sharon P. cencethecoast.com with Instructional Period the 10:45 am Worship Serv- dren's books... BACKPACK Saulsby our West Coast Con- Need a ride to church? GIVEAWAY and FREE Hair- gress Dean, our Laymen, our Call our Transportation Min- cuts!!! - Food (Hotdogs, chips Oratorical Coach Team, lead istry – (727) 906-8300 – Mon. & drinks) Games, face paint- by First Lady Sis. Teresa L. – Fri. from 9 am - 3 pm. ing, a coloring station and Evans, Our Culinary Min- “Remember and pray for Bethel Metropolitan Baptist Church more. We Invite all of the istry, Our Support Team, our men and women in uni- Ship to get involved, see any Hostesses, Our Youth were form as well as our veterans Please Join Us! LeZaire Reese, Minister School Supplies Give- member of the Matron's Min- simply awesome. Pastor’s this new year!” Bethel Metropolitan Jason Macon, Jr. and Minis- away: Friday night following istry Armor Bearers, Music Min- Baptist Church Back to ter Grant McCray, IV will be service. School Youth Revival! bringing the life transform- You won’t want to miss August 2-4, 2017 ing, saving and healing Word this!!! 7:00pm Nightly of our Lord and Savior Jesus Pastor’s Corner Revivalists: Minister Christ. BY REV. DR. DORAL R. PULLEY, SPIRITUAL LEADER Unity Temple of Truth Church A compassionate Jesus

Matthew 9:36, Matthew 14:14 finally found him, he was asking and answer- Compassion is the ability to identify with ing questions. A part of him must have felt the emotions of others. Although we may lost when he didn’t know where his parents not have had the exact same experience that were. Jesus Christ had to know something a person has had, we can identify with the about being lost because he taught about emotions resulting from the experience. the lost sheep, the lost coin and the lost son When allow ourselves to relate to the expe- (Luke 15). riences of others and resonate with the emo- Jesus Christ was also noted for his com- tions of others, we are being compassionate. passion for the sick. In fact, a major part of In addition to being a man of passion his ministry was spent in healing, even (deep emotions), Jesus Christ was also a those with seemingly incurable diseases. man of compassion. Two specific examples No specific chapter and verse describes him in scripture dramatically illustrate Jesus as being physically sick, but he must have Christ’s capacity for compassion. The first experienced a physical challenge because is compassion for the lost and the second is he was able to identify it and relate to it in compassion for the sick. others. We can only see the things in others When Jesus Christ looked at the multi- that we have experienced. tudes and saw them as lost, he felt compas- Reflection Question: How can you be sion. Mary and Joseph considered more compassionate? twelve-year-old Jesus to be lost when they Succeeds competence could not find him in the temple. When they 14 THE WEEKLY CHALLENGER, THURSDAY, JULY 27, 2017

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