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By Publisher Daryl Johnson

every day I dress like I would like to be received because I often may find myself somewhere I didn’t even plan to be, interacting with new people.

I was always taught by my father Theodore Roosevelt that a first impression is a lasting impression and you never get a second chance to make a first impression. He dressed in a suit daily. So I don’t mind being overdressed but I do particularly hate to be caught under dressed. As a Black man in America, perception is everything in how we are treated. It shouldn’t be, but the harsh reality is, it is. Thus a suit coat is standard for me. It opens more doors even if they are worn with jeans. Make sure you have a few in your closet and carry one with you in the car. If you are a father of young men, make sure they have a couple too.

Now back to What’s Next for the Bay Area. Well the lightning is host- ing a Black Heritage night at the Amalie Arena. Feb 21st and asking the Divine Nine to come out in full gear. Then March 2nd is the Black Brown College Bound luncheon hosted by HCC, Hillsborough Community College in Tampa at the convention center. Oprah’s boyfriend Attorney Stedman Graham and actor Jay Ellis of the BET Series, “The Game” are the keynote speakers. Go to BBCBSummitt.org for more information. Consider hosting a table to invite colleagues and friends to join you. .Wouldn’t it be a nice surprise if Oprah showed up with Stedman. Are they still together? I hope so, especially after all the years they have invested in each other.

On March 4th, there’s the Urban League Gala at Union Station. Yes. my wife Tampa Bay Tammy and I will be there because dinner and dancing is our thing.

However the most important question of all is “What’s next for the state of Florida?” With Governor Desantis’ hateful attacks on Black history and the censoring of books, we have to stand up for ourselves and vote Desantis out of office. With as much gerrymandering that took place around the state it may be difficult, and so many covert racist, we have a big fight ahead of us. However I believe good will prevail. We can turn the state back to purple. We start by focusing on our local politicians. In Tampa, the City Council has open positions scheduled for March 7th so remember to vote and to take someone to the polls. Stay N-TOUCH!!!

Happy wife, happy life. Happy momma, no drama.