City Of Tampa Black History Committee Celebrates 20 Years
BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel Staff Writer

     The City of Tampa's Black History Committee will host its 20th Annual Black History Celebration on Friday, February 1st, at 11 a.m., at the Tampa Convention Center, Ballroom D. This year, the theme for the event is "Reaching Back, Moving Forward, Holding Up The Light."
     The City of Tampa's Black History Committee came into existence in 1988 with the mission of giving bay area residents the opportunity to explore the rich history of the African American community.
     The late Mrs. Janett Martin succeeded Bobby Bowden as Chairperson of the program. She passed the gauntlet to Mrs. Bettye Johnson in 2003. 
     This year, the Committee will pay tribute to 20 average men and women who have provided an extraordinary service to their respective communities. The honorees are being called "Points of Light" and will be recognized during the organization's Scholarship Gala on February 29th. The gala, which is a paid event, will support the scholarship program.
     The Committee members are currently completing a list of finalists for the special recognition. Some of those who have been nominated are still living and working in the community. Other nominees, if chosen, will be honored posthumously.
     Among those participating in the program are Mayor Pam Iorio, City Council Chairwoman Gwen Miller, and retired city employee and organization founder, Bobby L. Bowden. 
     "This is an exciting year for us because it is our 20th anniversary and we anticipate doing great things in 2008. We are also honoring Bobby Bowden as the founder of the committee," Ms. Betty Johnson, President of the City of Tampa Black History Committee, Inc., said. 
     Ms. Erica Riggins, Bay News 9 Anchor, will serve as the Mistress of Ceremony. Among those scheduled to perform are musician Maurice Jackson and poet and performance artist Venus Jones. 
     Dr. Keith Berry, professor at Hillsborough Community College and "Florida This Week" political pundit, will deliver the keynote address. 
     Prior to the beginning of the program, a group of fourth grade students from Thomas Edison Elementary School will present exhibits at the Black History Fair. 
     The projects are based on individuals, places or events related to African American history within the State of Florida. The fair will take place in Ballroom D at 10 a.m. prior to the celebration. 
     Under the guidance of Mrs. Johnson, the Committee became incorporated as a 503(c )(3) not-for-profit organization. 
     Mrs. Johnson said the purpose of becoming incorporated is because although the program is sponsored by the city, the committee must rely on outside sponsors to provide scholarships to African American students.
     "The scholarship program started in 1999 and we want to increase the number of scholarships that we are giving. Each year, we try to give more," Mrs. Johnson said.
     Anyone wishing to obtain more information about the City of Tampa Black History Committee or the Black History Celebration can call (813) 814-3031.