By Times staff writer
© St. Petersburg Times, published June 4, 2000
The St. Petersburg branch of the NAACP held its 67th annual awards banquet Saturday evening, honoring individuals for contributions to the organization and the community.
About 400 people attended the event at the St. Petersburg Bayfront Hilton.
The awards were presented by chapter president Garnelle Jenkins, who received a standing ovation for her 21 years at the helm of the local group.
“It’s uneconomical,” she said, “for bigotry and hatred to exist. We will continue the struggle to eradicate such obstacles from our community.”
Honorary co-chairman for the event Rick Dodge, who was praised for being instrumental in bringing Major League Baseball to the city, said jobs are more significant than a sports franchise.
“A job turns a renter into a buyer and a transient into someone who makes a community commitment,” said Dodge.
Among the award winners were Raymond Tampa and Doris Newton of Lakewood Elementary School for education; the fair housing award to Poul Hornsleth of Caldwell Realty; community service awards to the Rev. Alvin Miles, Barbara Oguntade, Thomas “Jet” Jackson, Rick Dodge, Joe Johnson and the keynote speaker Dr. William Jackson; and distinguished service awards to Faith Van and Marsha Carter.
