Vol. 28 #3 March 2022
FREE
Publishers: Tampa Bay Tammy & DJ CEO
Tampa • St. Petersburg • Clearwater • Largo • Tarpon Springs . Brandon • Bradenton • Sarasota • Lakeland Plant City
What’s inside
N
TOUCH News Attorneys Beauty & Barber Dear Girlfriend Events Fashions Insurance Agents Realtors Sports & More Distributed in: Tampa St Pete Clearwater Largo Tarpon Springs New Port Richey Brandon Bradenton Sarasota Riverview Lutz Oldsmar Odessa Plant City Lakeland Safety Harbor Wesley Chapel
To Advertise DJ CEO (813) 404-5287 Tampa Bay Tammy (813) 842-3212 P.O. Box 545 Odessa, FL 33556-0545
www.n-touchnews.com
Page 2
Outdoor Entertainment
Dear Girlfriend, I am filing for divorce I have been married for 4 and a half years before I woke up to find that I have nothing and no one. My finances are messed up, my credit is maxed out, and I have no social life. He distanced us from our families, my friends and my sorors. He always had something negative to say about them, to the point that I didn’t want to be around them. Since he relocated here, he didn’t have any friends and we did everything together. It was almost too consuming, but after having been in relationships where my man would leave me home while he went out, it was a welcome change. Somehow or another it became just him and I. Since our separation, I found out from a close friend of mine that he had lied on a good friend of ours. Once I found out the truth, I called her. She told me she accepted my apology but she did not want to be friends anymore. I am so hurt and so alone. I realize now that I let him manipulate and drive off all my friends and family. He lied, he cheated, and he spent my money. Everyday I find out he has lied about something else. Now that I have put him out, everyone is telling me they always knew he was a liar. It was obvious to everyone but me. I feel compelled to share my story in hopes of sparing some woman my pain. Why didn’t anyone say anything? Why do I always attract liars and users? Lied to in Largo Dear Lied To In Largo Some women get a man and forget about everyone they know. Couldn’t you tell he was a liar before you married him. The signs had to be there. Surely you caught him in 3 or 4 exaggerations before the wedding day. It was no one’s place to make comments about you and your husband. It was their place to wish the best for the two of you. If there was a noticeable character flaw, it should have been their hope that love would work it out. So don’t blame anyone but yourself. He was your choice. Why, you? You must like that smooth talk about what a man will do for you, whether it’s realistic or not. Didn’t you help max out those credit cards? What, he told you he could pay them off?! My father said, “you can’t get got, unless you are trying to get something for nothing.” Fast talking, lying men go fishing for gullible, greedy women. They bait the hooks with all they pretend to have. To those looking for an easy ride, it sounds good and they are hooked, only to find out it was all a farce. As far as him lying on your friends, this is not that uncommon. It’s not right, but not uncommon. When a man wants to control his woman, he gets rid of all that may get in his way. My dad also said, “Don’t let your husband pick your friends because some men don’t want their wives to have any friends. If they don’t have any friends, he won’t have to worry about her going anywhere because she will not have anyone to go anywhere with.” Furthermore he will not have to worry about anyone telling her anything about him (lol). Every marriage has its issues, and the pandemic has escalated them all. However, I still believe a marriage is supposed to be til death do you part. So, if your husband aint beating your azz, tying you up in the house, molesting children, or sleeping with men, you need to work it out! No marriage is perfect. Your man lies...welcome to the club. Most do, but all of us don’t believe everything we hear. We wives must think for ourselves. You are just mad right now. Work it out. My daddy also said, “You made your bed now lie in it!”
N-Touch News N-
Page 3
N-Touch News N-
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT New Health and Wellness Boutique in Tampa Bay Owned and operated by Darrin and Tracy Person of Brooklyn New York, this Power Couple relocated to Tampa Bay during the pandemic to open Southern Alchemy Wellness LLC. Tracy shared that her Tampa roots run deep, at least three generations, so it was really like coming home. Tracy was a Columbia University professor, a lecturer and published poet and plans to utilize all her talents at the wellness boutique. Come experience a holistic relationship with health and wellness! Conveniently located at 4819 Busch Blvd. Suite 104 in Tampa near Busch Gardens, the Southern Alchemy Wellness boutique carries just about anything needed to detoxify your body naturally with a spiritual twist. The Southern Alchemy Wellness boutique is designed to immerse you in a holistic environment, where you can expand your knowledge of herbs and healing. Learn to make tinctures, salves and healing balms. Join in workshops on crystal healing and jewelry making as you become more aware of your nutritional needs. Come RELAX, enjoy a cup of tea,
Let the change you need in health begin today. Stop by Wednesday through Saturday 11am - 6pm and Sundays from 12noon to 4:30pm for a cup of tea to learn what you need for your body and soul. Join us for
Kitchen Wellness Workshop Monday online at 2 in person at 6pm Spring Detox Class Monday at 7pm All classes and workshops are by appointment only, Monday & Tuesday between the hours of 1pm to 4pm
hang out, browse their library, read their books on Florida Medicinal Plants and learn more about dried and foraged herbs Tracy was proud to interject “Southern Alchemy Wellness Boutique herbs are sourced from ethical, humane and reputable companies. We provide you an opportunity to purchase tinctures that are made mostly of home grown, foraged and local herbs for more potent healing power. You may even learn how to pot and grow your own herbs at home.” Good health is essential! Come and learn more and place the knowledge of healing in your own hands. Southern Alchemy Wellness has a complete line of women’s hygiene products such as breast massage oils, vaginal washes and is one of the few places in Tampa Bay where you can indulge in a refreshing Yoni Steam.
Tracey Person is a Folk Herbalist and member of American Herbalist Guild
AUTO INJURY REHABILITATION ACUPUNCTURE CHIROPRACTIC
www.tampaspineandwellness.com doctor@tswchiro.com
(813) 331-5753 205 W. MLK Blvd Suite 102 Tampa, FL 33603 Page 5
Saint Petersburg Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Welcomes New Members -The St Petersburg chapter of the Zeta Upsilon Omega of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated are pleased to announce the newest members of their organization. The 2022 members are Alexandra Givins, A’Rielle Snead, Allicia G. Miller, Beverly Mitchell-Brown, Cheyenne Anderson Williams, Desha Lovett, Eboni Evans, Eriana Redix, Erica McCallister, Evan Ligon, Gabriela Lopez, Kyandra Darling, LaTonya Poole, Lucy Williams, Lynn Johnson, Nicole Holcombe, Serita Evans, Shana Swain, Shannon Ligon, Tameka Rodney, and Tyeisha James. During a private ceremony, Chapter President Attorney Lisa Brody officially welcomed the new members with a reaffirmation of the sorority’s purpose of “Service to All Mankind.” “We are honored to welcome these ladies into the illustrious sisterhood of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the premier chapter of Zeta Upsilon Omega. We are very excited for the amazing things each of these ladies will do to uplift and support the community of St. Petersburg.” To underscore Alpha Kappa Alpha’s commitment to the communi-
Page 6
ty, the new members participated in a community service project February 13-18, 2022, “Fill the Bag, Fill the Void.” The project aimed to promote awareness about poverty in Pinellas County. The 22 new members organized an online campaign to collect feminine hygiene products and raise funds using online systems and tools. The initiates also used traditional brickand-mortar drop-off locations, hu-
man manpower, and sisterly love to sort and transport items to the recipients. Serving this need is aligned with the sorority’s national program theme of Exemplifying Excellence. The Zeta Upsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority was established in 1955 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Locally, sorority members actively participate in and sponsor the Exquisite Gem and Pathfinder program, Read-A-Loud Program,
Money Sense, Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds, College Prep Tutorial Program. In addition, provide financial support to community organizations such as the American Heart Association, Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, the NAACP and CASA. For more information on Zeta Upsilon Omega, visit www.zuochapter.org and follow @zuochapter on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Look Who is Running for Tampa Commissioner, Angela Birdsong! Signatures are Needed, Donations are greatly appreciated
Family and friends gathered at M.O.S.I. for the announcement that Angela Birdsong is running for County Commissioner District 2. Birdsong shared her qualifications and asked for our signatures, donations and support in any way possible. Angela Birdsong, an Ithaca College graduate has become the go-to person for sharing social security information and Medicare choices as a sales representative for Bankers Life, a subsidiary of Colonial Penn. Angela Birdsong hosts a weekly podcast called Tampa Bay Politics on Wednesdays at 11:am @NTouchNews.com. Tune in!
Serving Tampa Bay for over 30 Years
Mask & Sports Paraphenalia, Caps, Sneakers, Men & Women’s Wear, Stretch Jeans, Belts, Buckles, Socks, Thermal Wear, Novelties, Oils
At N-Touch News, We Support Those Who Support Us! N-Touch News N-
Danny McIntyre’s Birthday Gathering: Cigar and Bourbon Taste
If it’s not in N-Touch News it’s NOT really happpening. Page 8
Emmitt Smith Keynote Speaker @ Black Brown College Bound Luncheon
N-Touch News N-
TOBA Leadership Institute Selects Leaders for 2022 The Tampa Organization of Black Affairs (TOBA) is solving social injustice through leadership development. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit was founded in 1979 to address the Black community’s special interests in the areas of the political process, education, social matters, and economic empowerment. Forty-three years later, it is adding corporate leadership to that list. ”Attracting young, talented professionals and holding focus groups are only part of the solution,” said TOBA Board Member and Chair of the Leadership Institute, Gary Hartfield. “We have to prepare our employees to intentionally identify and solve various issues facing the black community in a meaningful manner.” TOBA implemented a leadership development program to help address these needs: the TOBA
James Bell
Ashli Doss
Whitney Jean-Pierre,
Rebecca Washington
Kymbriell Finch
Nhari Fitzgerald
Adrienne Wilson
Page 10
Leadership Institute (TLI). Launched in Spring 2020, the TOBA Leadership Institute exists to inspire, empower, and prepare a new generation of leaders who can improve black communities. Twenty three candidates between the ages of 21-
50 attended the Leadership Institute, where they are privy to professional development, leadership training, community engagement, networking opportunities and historical insight on the Black communities of Tampa. (http://tobanetwork.org)
PHOTOS BY KERRICK WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY
Katia Saintfort-Russ
Rashada Timkee
Armani Madison
Latonyia Sumpter
Octavia Jarnegan
Sunny Royal-Boyd
Earlishia Oates
LeNisha Watson
Shalon Barnett
Kiva Williams
Joseph Mitchell
Jasmine Felder
Tamika Powe
Karina Streeter
Will Douglas lll
Tareka Coney
94TH Academy Awards Nomination Announced Live From Thaddeus M. Bullard Academy on Good Morning America WWE Global Ambassador Titus O’Neil and the Thaddeus M. Bullard Academy at Sligh Middle Magnet School made history during ABC’s Good Morning America as the Oscar nominations were announced. For the first time in its 94-year-history, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced an Academy Award nomination from a middle school. Titus O’Neil, whose real name is Thaddeus Bullard, and the Bullard Family Foundation, have focused much of their work at the school in the Tampa Bay area. Alongside O’Neil, 14-year-old track sensation and rising star Kourtney Anderson, an 8th grade high honor roll student tagged teamed and announced the nomination for best-animated feature live from the school gym this morning. “Kourtney is a rose that continues to grow through concrete,” Bullard said. “We selected Kourtney for a myriad of reasons, but the number one reason is because of her heart and smile that will both one day
change the world for good.” Good Morning America broadcasted the nomination live from Los Angeles with Emmy-winning actor-comedian Leslie Jordan (Will & Grace, The Help) and Emmy-nominated actor-CEO-producer Tracee Ellis Ross (black-ish, The High Note). From LA, the cameras moved to Tampa where Kourtney was accompanied by Bullard, her great grandmother, who is the matriarch of their
family, classmates, and foundation supporters. The live feeds from various locations were something new for the Oscars this year and inspired by Emmy-nominated producer and FAMU graduate Will Packer, the first African American tapped to produce the Academy Awards in its 94-year history. The awards will be held on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.
“Today we not only got to celebrate the best in cinema, but we got to celebrate diversity and the first Black producer in Oscar history,” Bullard said. “Our foundation is about providing opportunities to youth in our most struggling neighborhoods to inspire them and to show them that anything is possible. We continue to try to bring opportunities to these kids to level the playing field and expand their minds far beyond their circumstances. I can’t thank Will Packer and the Academy enough for this amazing opportunity for exposure which will surely lead to expansion for so many of these kids and families.” The Bullard Family Foundation was started in 2018 by Thaddeus Bullard aka WWE Global Ambassador Titus O’Neil. Its mission is to provide families and children everywhere with moments, programs, and resources to help build character and improve outcomes in communities. The foundation is headquartered in Tampa, Florida. For more information, visit bullardfamilyfoundation.org.
To be Visible in Tampa Bay and Heard on the Radio Internationally, Advertise with N-Touch News, Call Daryl (813) 404-5287 or Tampa Bay Tammy (813) 842-3212 Page 11
Florida Rising Organization Pushing to Stabilize Rents An average of $300 a month rent increase is now being placed upon citizens on fixed incomes and low salaries due to the demand of properties in the Tampa Bay area. The housing market has increased nearly $80,000 per single family home, making property owners eager to sell or to increase the rent price. Members of the Florida Rising organization and the community met at the steps of City Hall to discuss rent stabilization in Tampa. Several complaints from citizens facing eviction or have been evicted based on recent astronomical increases in rent payments. Since the pandemic, real estate across the country has seen a 10 to 30% shift in values of residential real estate. In urban areas where home ownership is dwindling, families are being forced out of the place they once called home. Robin Lockett, Regional Director of Florida Rising, spearheaded the press conference to follow the City Council meeting led by Orlando Gudes, Council Chair. As a matter of order, the Chair allowed the 8 to 10 speakers to discuss the affordable housing and rent stabilization crisis in the city because the councils agenda was filled. Rodesha Floyd said “due to a $200 rent increase a couple of months ago, I was forced to move in the outskirts of Tampa. I could not afford rent anywhere else in Tampa, not in the usual places I grew up in,,,. My mom said they are moving all the Black folks out of Tampa.....In the midst of the housing crisis where rent has increased by 24% , where people spend on average 42% of their in-
come on rent, the city of Tampa is closing down housing projects....” She ended with, “the City Council should declare a housing emergency!” Cathleen Ruby of New Tampa said, “For 8 solid years I Have been a faithful and devoted resident. I’ve never paid my rent late, I cooperate with the noise ordinance. This is what I am paying now, $1,245 and when I came home a few weeks ago to a notice renewal to up over $500. In the New Tampa area, I enjoy my community, enjoy my side of town but I have no where to go. I’m just shouting out for help.” As a solution, Ernest Coney of the CDC (Corporation to Develop Communities) said this, “so I think part of the solutions are to again review some policies to see if we can have it as a crisis and control the amount of the increases year over year.” It appears, Mayor Jane Castor and the city council have their work cut out for them balancing the needs and will of the people over the profits of property owners. What’s your Solution?
1241 E Fowler Ave. Tampa, Fl 33612
Bay Area Black Owned Restaurants Al’s Finger Licking Bar-B-Que 1609 Angel Oliva Senior St Tampa, Burnz Restaurant & Cigar Bar 1704 N Howard Ave, Tampa, Big John’s Alabama BBQ 5707 N 40th St, Tampa, Chief’s Creole Cafe 901 22nd St S, St. Petersburg, COPA 1047 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, Daddy’Os Patio 1822 E. 7th Ave Tampa Duality Vegan Cafe 10865 Cross Creek Tampa
Fazoli’s 4011 E Busch Blvd. Tampa, Flavaz Jamaican Grille 6467 US-301, Riverview, Grant’s Crabs and Seafood 13030 Starkey Rd. Largo Jerk Hut Island Grille 1241 E Fowler Ave. Tampa Loaded 1901 Drew St
Clearwater,
Mama’s Southern Soul Food 3701 E Dr M L King Jr Blvd, Tampa,
7th and Grove 1930 E 7th Ave, Ybor City Tampa
Tfk African Restaurant 5100 N. Nebraska Ave. Tampa
Ti Bamboo Dr M.L.K. Jr St N, St. Petersburg,
Pop Goes The Waffle 5004 Tangerine Ave. S, Gulfport
22 South Food Hall 642 22nd St S, St. Petersburg,
Queen of Sheba Ethiopian Restaurant 11001 N 56th St Temple Terrace,
Lorene’s Fish House 927 22nd St S. St. Petersburg,
Ray’s Vegan Soul 953 Central Ave, St. Petersburg,
Main Course 4205 S MacDill Ave Suite H Tampa
Rose Bar 122 S Howard Ave. Tampa,
Thee Burger Spot 3917 N Tampa St, Tampa, Yah Mon 301 W Platt St Unit C Tampa Yuppi 1821 E 7th Ave. Tampa, Zin’s House of Flavors 1916 N Nebraska Ave. Tampa,
Join the Hoodie Award Winning Crew
Big Al’s Precious Hair & Barber Shop 5617 E. Adamo Drive Unit 2 Tampa, Florida 33619
Register today for an upcoming class 4 hour course for initial HIV/AIDS
(813) 376-0503 Booth Rental Available *Barbers *Braider *Locktitian
Florida & Waters Location Text Peaches (813) 323-6252
Designs By EVE Now Hiring: Barbers Braiders & Stylist
Alvin Walker Owner/Stylist 813 376-0503
Notary Pubic Toastmasters Breast Cancer Survivor Servant Leader
Life insurance can be life-changing Life won’t always go as planned. That’s why there’s life insurance. It can help you protect your family’s future, no matter what happens. Call me today. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.®
Herma White, Agent 14940 N Florida Avenue Tampa, FL 33613 Bus: 813-961-6661 herma.white.bxgh@statefarm.com Se habla Español State Farm Life Insurance Company (Not licensed in MA, NY or WI) State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company (Licensed in NY and WI) Bloomington, IL 2001575
Page 13
Attorneys Consciously Representing the Black Community
1409 W. Thonotosassa Rd. Plant City, Fl. 33566
(813) 719-6605
Williams
Moore
One on One Consultation From Start to Successful Conclusion
www.williamsandmoorelaw.com
Accidental Death Auto/Motorcycle Accidents Permanent Disabilities Nursing Home Negligence Slip & Falls The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisement. Before you decide, ask for FREE written information about our qualifications and experience.
The Law Office of Patricia Dawson, P.A. Former Hillsborough County Prosecutor-Deputy Chief
• Criminal Defense (813) • Family Law • Personal Injury
386-5730
1211 N. WestshoreBlvd. Suite 307 Tampa, Florida 33607 The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisement. Before you decide, ask for FREE written information about our qualifications and experience.
Barbara J. Pittman
Law Offices of Barbara J. Pittman, P.A.
(813)269-9706 Fax (813)960-0601
Cypress Point Office Park 10012 N. Dale Mabry Suite 211 Tampa, Florida 33618 • Criminal Defense • Family Law • Personal Injury • Sports Law The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisement. Before you decide, ask for FREE written information about our qualifications and experience.
CROWN MERCEDES You never get a second chance to make a first impression Page 14
N-Touch News
N-Touch News