Vol. 26 #9 September 2020
Tampa • St. Petersburg • Clearwater • Largo • Tarpon Springs . Brandon • Bradenton • Sarasota • Lakeland Plant City
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Dear Girlfriend, My best friend has an obsession with a guy she has not seen in 25 years. She is a divorced, 45 year old, single mother and she has no man in her life. He was her first love, her first kiss, the whole nine yards. Immediately out of high school, he left for the military and we later heard he had married. Well, I attended our ten year reunion, but my friend did not. He was there and he asked me about her and I told him she too was married and was presently with child. When we attended our 20 year reunion, she went, but he did not. We heard through the grapevine then he was going through a divorce. About eight months ago while cleaning my deceased mom’s house, I found pictures of them and gave them to her. It’s like I opened a can of worms. Even though she has still not seen nor talk to this man, she talks about him as if it was yesterday. I’m getting worried, It’s almost obsessive. It’s like having the pictures has made it worst. He was a real good looker back then and so was she. She has since gained quite a bit of weight. She recently told me, she was trying to find him. I am afraid she is going to be very hurt if his feelings are not reciprocated. Any suggestions on how I can help her. I think she needs a reality check. Reality Check Dear Reality Check, Be a friend and let her have her dreams. Reminisce and laugh with her. It gives some of us something to live for, until something better comes along. Help her remember the good times and the bad times, so she does not get stuck on stupid. But be careful on how you bring up the bad ones, you do not want to come off negative. If she wants to find her old boyfriend, help her. The thought of seeing him may be the catalyst to her losing weight. So run with it. After the weight comes off and she has a new sense of self, the new attention she will receive, may help her forget her past love and change her focus on what’s new in her life. For all you know, he may be her soul mate. My sister found her first kiss and they were married in a year. My friend from college asked a lady at work how she was getting married a second time and she had not been married a first. The lady replied, “I found my old high school sweetheart.” My friend shared the story of her prom date and I helped her contact him. She had not spoken to the guy in 10 years because they had both left the small town they were raised in on college scholarships. We called him on 3 way and they were married within a year and are still married now. It seems like the young men that you knew when you were growing up, have a tendency to treat you with more respect. I guess it’s because they don’t see you as just a hot piece of azz. They have a tendency to see you as a person with feelings, because they know your parents, sisters or brothers. I believe they remember you from back when, before life’s mistake had damaged their optimism. I also believe that even though one may have changed a little, gained weight, and maybe even gone bald, the person from your past still sees you just the same. You ever noticed how your old friends will say, “you haven’t changed a bit.” That’s their fondness for you, seeing you as you were, because when you look back at the pictures, the change is so evident. I have heard that divorce is like death for a lot of people and the grieving process can be long and lonely. Let her past memories pacify her, until she is strong enough to face her future.
Need Advice? Write to Dear Girlfriend at Tampabaytammy@hotmail.com Page 3
We’re here for you. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed long-standing disparities in health care along income and racial lines. Blacks/African Americans in some states have been stricken disproportionately by the novel coronavirus. “Just as prevention is the key to lower cancer risk, the same holds true for lowering the risk of COVID-19—understanding how to prevent it. We have to ensure these populations are getting the necessary information to help lower their risk of the virus.” -Dr. B. Lee Green, Vice President, Diversity, Public Relations & Strategic Communications at Moffitt Moffitt is here for the health of our patients and our community. To learn more about how Moffitt has adapted to the pandemic to keep everyone safe, call 1-888-456-2839 or visit Moffitt.org/HereForYou.
Courageous Page 4
Rev. John “Smoke” Warren Takes his Ministry to the Next Level By: Daryl Johnson
Rev John Warren is an Alpha man in every sense of the word. Standing 6ft 7inches, he is tall dark and strong with a deep powerful voice that can bring life to any room. Originally from Montgomery, Alabama, he has been a Tampa resident
since 1990. John is a graduate of Troy University with a BS in Criminal Law and a minor in Computer Information Systems and Business Administration. Furthermore, he attained a Bachelors of Science in Theology from Grace &Truth Christian University John Warren is stepping out on faith at one of the most trying times in our history. Nick named “Smoke” amongst is own, Rev Warren understands that a Black man’s life in America is a daily struggle. Standing on Isiah 6:8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying who shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, here am I, send me. “I have made my share of mistakes and bad decisions and I know the pains and challenges of divorce. Thus when it comes to life I believe I am equipped to minister to you on real life struggles.” All while providing for his family, John served in ministry for 28 plus years. He has served on the ministerial Leadership team of Bible Based Fellowship Church as a part of Pas-
toral Care, Outreach, Global Missions, Finance Team, Visitation and Caring, Men’s Ministry, Married Couples, Salvation Army Outreach Initiative, Homeless Coalition and Feeding America. In addition to his work at Bible Based Fellowship Church, Rev. Warren is active in the community and has served on community and corporate boards. John has served and Chaired several community civic boards, as well as the Subcommittee Chair for the NFL Super Bowl Taskforce XXXV in Tampa, Fl. John is also an Army Veteran with an Associate Science degree in Military History from Auburn University and was commissioned in the United States Army as an Officer in Field Artillery. Captain John Warren is also a member of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Clergy Group. As a business professional his career spans 29 plus years serving in Senior Executive roles with Ingram Micro, Tech Data, Microsoft, Accenture, Oracle, KPMG, and Motor-
ola. John was awarded the Emerging Leaders award in Technology by the Tampa Bay Business Journal. Brother Rev John Warren has been a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. for 38 plus years. He has served in several leadership positions within his fraternity and is currently the Chaplain for the Southern Region presiding over 7 states. Rev. John Warren is married with two children. He enjoys playing golf, reading sports, volunteering and mentoring. Tune in daily to ntouchnews.com for his ministerial minutes.
At N-Touch News, We Support Those Who Support Us!
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Fashion: Aspiring Fashion Designer Lavette Jones
Sixteen year old, Lavette Jones is an aspiring fashion designer with a desire to give back to the community. Lavette is part of the Designer Kids Project spearheaded by Nicole Butler. This young fashion designer decided to create a beautiful couture level, custom made dream dress for a teen girl. It is believed that it would make her feel special and help build self esteem and it did just that. Lavette met with the teen girl and began creating the dream
dress. Hours of work, meeting with Butler, and raising the money to buy supplies consumed the designer and then Covid-19 almost brought the dream to an abrupt end. Proms were cancelled across the country, but the designer continually worked to get the dress to the teen for an impromptu photo shoot which gave the teen a reason to celebrate and brought satisfying closure to the project. Covid 19 stopped the event but not the process of giving back.
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You Heard It From ME Judge Ruth Bader Ginsberg died. It was my fervent prayer that she live beyond January 21st 2021. Her death increased the likelihood that our country could go back to the overt discrimination of the 21st century, oops, I mean the 1950’s. Her death could mean that the 1950’s could be with us through three generations. Her death could mean that so many people will live a life that they could believe is normal but it is in fact subservient. They could grow up believing that to take a Black life is just fine because the Supreme Court allows it without recourse. They could grow up believing that White is right and Black has to get back. They could believe being White means never having to say you’re sorry. Whatever happens in the upcoming election won’t be the test of how America handles the racism pandemic. What should be most important to all Americans is how can we change our hearts and minds to follow the ten commandments. How do we learn to love each other as human beings. As for me, I want to see REAL LEGISLATIVE CHANGE that is
fair. I want to see our Democracy continue even in it’s flawed way, for us to become, a more perfect union. I want to see Hate in the rear view mirror. So tell me, what do you want to see? In our world today here in the USA, we find ourselves in a bit of a conundrum. A small portion of our society wants to go back to the 1950’s or earlier. Well I was born in 1956 and back then many Black Americans experienced racism on a daily basis. At a young age, many of us didn’t recognize it because it was such a part of our daily lives. I can remember like it was yesterday, going to get ice cream at a place called Two Bears which was located on a main thoroughfare in Memphis Tennessee which is now Elvis Presley Blvd. When I ordered the ice cream, the white man behind the window asked me why was I ordering from the front window. Well “that’s where I saw the other people order.” He told me Nooo, that I had to order from the back, but this time he would take my order but I must pick it up from the back window. As a child, all I could think about was getting my ice cream cone. I can still hear the screen door open up as he gave me my chocolate ice cream cone from the back of his business. I didn’t realize at the age of about 9
or 10 that I was being discriminated against. I didn’t realize that the color of my skin meant that I was being treated differently. It wasn’t until I was almost out of high school that I realized that the ice cream incident was racist. So many Black Americans have experienced racism and not even known it, because the norm for White America is not the norm for Black America. The Malcolm X’s and the Martin Luther Kings of the world helped us to know, reject, and rise up against the unfair treatment we were subjected to being Black in America. Some of us decided to show White America that we are just as American as they are. Our attempt to integrate into the mainstream meant giving up some of our cultural norms and adopting or trying to live in a White culture. By doing this, White America could see that we were just like them. Our blood was red too. All in all we just wanted an equal opportunity at living the American dream. We were believing the creed that all men are created equal, that we ....have ...unalienable rights as written in the constitution some of which are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. So now at age 63, I hear my friends say they are tired of believing that justice will prevail. And then, the
Grand Jury for the Breonna Taylor case spoke. Not one person charged for ‘her death.’ I too am tired of trying to show white folks that we belong in this country. I too am tired of all the images of Black people continually dying in the hands of police. I too am tired of turning the other cheek. Now when something bad happens to a white police officer and Black folks are cheering, its because so little justice has been done or is being done, that it is as close to justice that we can get. It’s because until we see real legislative change we will continue to push the same human rights agenda that we’ve been pushing for 50 years and find a bit of joy when a brother strikes back at a White officer for his little piece of justice. For me, I don’t know what kind of person I am for feeling like I do but I know that if you ask my neighbors, church members, school mates or friends I grew up with, they will tell you that I am a good man, a family man with a good heart that does good for ALL people not just Black people. They will say, he doesn’t have a mean bone in his body. Well, I too am tired! RU? Black Lives Matter!
The Official Limousine of Tampa Bay Tammy Page 7
Tampa Bay Tammy’s Social Distancing & Zoom Birthday Celebration
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Local Artist gains National Attention
The Urban League Needs You The Urban League of Hillsborough County (ULHC) is in the midst of a Membership Drive. While the goal of 300 Members (Student, Individual, Family, and Corporate) has not yet been achieved, we are proud of the amount members we have thus far. And while each Membership is important as an indication of Community Support, we are especially proud of the African American owned and operated businesses that
Tampa native artist and Jefferson High graduate Lonnie (Mo) Favors is gaining national attention for this insightful painting and signs his paintings as LoMo. The painting is raising a lot of attention and one of those people is movie producer,
have joined our ranks as Corporate Members. Brian Butler of Vistra Communications, Jeffrey Rhodes of Ray Williams Funeral Home and Cedric Powell of Powell Wealth and Insurance we thank you for your trend setting leadership. And even more so for, your commitment to being a part of the solution toward the goal of Economic Equity for Hillsborough County’s African American Community.
Spike Lee, who now has the painting in his office in New York. ”I painted it because of all the cop killing of unarmed Black Americans that is going on today.” state Lonnie. You can check out more of his art work at... www.artistlomo.com
Mr. Nathaniel & VIRGINIA CRAWFORD Celebrates 73rd ANNIVERSARY Happy Anniversary Mr. and Mrs Crawford. The Crawfords were married on September 16, 1947 In Tavares Florida. They moved to Tarpon Springs in 1949 To this Union 5 children were born. Dr. Nathaniel Crawford Jr, Pastor Earnest Crawford Sr, Geraldine Crawford Merricks, Georgia Crawford Jefferson And Pastor Richard Crawford. Due to a sinkhole 2011. They left their beloved home of many years at 709 S. Disston Avenue in Tarpon Springs and relocate to Holiday, Florida.
1409 W. Thonotosassa Rd. Plant City, Fl. 33566
(813) 719-6605
One on One Consultation From Start to Successful Conclusion
Mr. and Mrs. Crawford have 25 Grandchildren, 42 Great Grand Children and 11 Great great grand children. They now reside in Holiday Florida with their children.
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 • • • •
Williams
Moore
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 us to send you FREE written information about our qualifications and experience.
Accidental Death Auto/Motorcycle Accidents Permanent Disabilities Nursing Home Negligence Slip & Falls
www.williamsandmoorelaw.com
The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisement. Before you decide, ask us to send you written information about our qualifications and experience.
The Law Office of Patricia Dawson, P.A. Former Hillsborough County Prosecutor-Deputy Chief
• Criminal (813) Defense • 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 us to send you written information about our qualifications and experience.
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Naaman Johnson Jr is With LoKey Mercedes To All of my friends, colleagues, clients and family members. I am no longer with the Dimitt Cadillac and Land Rover Organization. I have been accepted with open arms to the wonderful family owned organization of LOKEY Mercedes Benz and Infiniti of Clearwater Florida!!
If you have any of vehicle needs Please don’t hesitate to contact me. I would love to continue to be your go to person. Also continue to allow me to assist with your friends and family members as well! See you soon at Lokey Mercedes! Naaman Johnson Jr. 813 244-9127
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Go Ahead and Get your Laugh On Life Challenges
You are on a horse, galloping at a constant speed. On your right side is a sharp drop off, and on your left side is an elephant traveling at the same speed as you. Directly in front of you is another galloping horse but your horse is unable to overtake it. Behind you is a lion running at the same speed as you and the horse in front of you. What must you do to safely get out of this highly dangerous situation? Get your drunk ass off the merry-goround!
The Diagnosis
A man rushes his limp dog to the veterinarian. The doctor pronounces the dog dead. The agitated man demands a second opinion. The vet goes into the back room and comes out with a cat. The cat sniffs the body and meows. The vet says, “I’m sorry, but the cat thinks that your dog is dead, too.” The man is still unwilling to accept that his dog is dead. The vet brings in a black Labrador. The lab sniffs the body and barks. The vet says, “I’m sorry, but the lab thinks your dog is dead, too.” The man finally resigns to the diagnosis and asks how much he owes. The vet answers, “$650.” “$650 to tell me my dog is dead?” exclaims the man. “Well,” the vet replies, “I would only have charged you $50 for my initial diagnosis. The additional $600 is for the cat scan and lab tests.”
3 Drunk Men
Three drunk men entered a taxi. The taxi driver noticed that they were intoxicated, so he started the engine and turned it off again, without actually moving the car at all. Then, he said “We have reached your destination.”. The first guy handed him the money, while the second guy said “Thank you.”. The third guy slapped the taxi driver. The driver, worried that he had realied that he had tricked them, asked “What was that for?”. The third guy replied “Control your damn speed next time, you nearly killed us!”.
Community Service
One day a florist goes to a barber for a haircut. After the cut he asked about his bill and the barber replies, ‘I cannot accept money from you. I’m doing community service this week.’ The florist was pleased and left the shop. When the barber goes to open his shop the next morning there is a ‘thank you’ card and a dozen roses waiting for him at his door. Later, a cop comes in for a haircut, and when he tries to pay his bill, the barber again replies, ‘I cannot accept money from you. I’m doing community service this week.’ The cop is happy and leaves the shop. The next morning when the barber goes to open up there is a ‘thank you’ card and a dozen donuts waiting for him at his door. Later that day, a college professor comes in for a haircut, and when he tries to pay his bill, the barber again replies, ‘I cannot accept money from you. I’m doing community service this week.’ The professor is veryhappy and leaves the shop. The next morning when the barber opens his shop, there is a ‘thank you’ card and a dozen different books, such as ‘How to Improve Your Business’ and ‘Becoming More Successful’. Then, a Congressman comes in for a haircut, and when he goes to pay his bill the barber again replies, ‘I cannot accept money from you. I’m doing community service this week.’ The Congressman is very happy and leaves the shop. The next morning when the barber goes to open up, there are a dozen Congressmen lined up waiting for a free haircut. And that, my friends, illustrates the fundamental difference between the citizens of our country and the members of our Congress.
True Fact
The early bird might get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese
The Safari
A wealthy old lady decides to go on a photo safari in Africa, taking her poodle along for company. One day the poodle starts chasing butterflies and before long, discovers that he’s lost. Wandering about, he notices a hungry-looking leopard heading rapidly in his direction. The poodle thinks, “Uh, oh!” Noticing some bones on the ground close by, he immediately settles down to chew on the bones with his back to the approaching cat. Just as the leopard is about to leap, the poodle exclaims loudly, “Boy, that was one delicious leopard! I wonder if there are any more around here?” Hearing this, the leopard halts his attack in mid-strike, a look of terror comes over him and he slinks away into the trees. “Whew!” says the leopard. “That was close! That poodle nearly had me!” Meanwhile, a monkey who had been watching the whole scene from a nearby tree, figures he can put this knowledge to good use and trade it for protection from the leopard. So off he goes, but the poodle sees him heading after the leopard with great speed, and figures that something must be up. The monkey soon catches up with the leopard, spills the beans and strikes a deal for himself with the leopard. The leopard is furious at being made a fool of and says, “Here, monkey, hop on my back so you can watch me chew that poodle to bits!” Now, the poodle sees the leopard coming with the monkey on his back and thinks, “What am I going to do now?” but instead of running, the dog sits down with his back to his attackers, pretending he hasn’t seen them yet, and waits until they get just close enough to hear. “Where’s that damn monkey?” the poodle says. “I sent him off an hour ago to bring me another leopard!” The leopard ran away and ate the monkey
Keep On Laughing... Laughter Heals! Page 14
The Golfer
A man goes into confession on his way home from the golf course Forgive me Father I have sinned. *Tell me what happened son* Well, I used the Lords name in vain. I was out golfing this morning and hit the most beautiful drive of my life, straight as an arrow, it must’ve carried 300 yards, right down the middle of the fairway. *So you got a little too excited and cursed?* No, that’s not all of it. Right after the ball stopped, a squirrel ran out, grabbed my ball and bolted back for the trees. *Ah, I see. So you got angry at the squirrel* No, there’s more. Before the squirrel could get to the trees, a huge hawk swooped down, picked up the squirrel and flew off with it. *Ok, that has to be it right? You got angry at the hawk?* Nope... right as the hawk got over the green, the squirrel shook itself loose. When it hit the ground, it dropped the ball which rolled across the green and stopped 10 inches from the cup. *You missed the damn putt didn’t you?*
Jesus
Late one night a burglar broke into a house and while he was sneaking around he heard a voice say, “Jesús is watching you.” He looked around and saw nothing. He kept on creeping and again heard, “Jesús is watching you.” In a dark corner, he saw a cage with a parrot inside. The burglar asked the parrot, “Was it you who said Jesús is watching me” The parrot replied, “Yes.” Relieved, the burglar asked, “What is your name?” The parrot said, “Clarence.” The burglar said, “That’s a stupid name for a parrot. What idiot named you Clarence?” The parrot answered, “The same idiot that named the rottweiler Jesús.”
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