Xzanthia Moving
On
As published in the Saint Petersburg Times
Xzanthia means
teacher-collector of souls; she is a leader,
connector, creator and creative dynamo who
chose the name because she is people focused
and a community builder.
Xzanthia created an enclave of creativity
and diversity in Tampa Bay at the Riverboat
Nudist Colony with an active artists colony,
festivals, parties, camaraderie and six
acres of old Florida style charm and
nature.
She wants to live more
in nature, live less complicated and focus
on her art while traveling. She “needs a
break from the massive workload” she has
been under so she is leaving Tampa Bay.
After years spent
working to connect and create community, she
departs while remaining strongly positive
about Tampa Bay. “Every city has its ups and
downs, strengths and weaknesses; it comes
down to what you will do with the talent and
space in the community. We have the talent
and resources but we need more structure and
focus.”
Her accomplishments
with the Florida Motion Picture and
Television Association, the Impotent Sea
Snakes, X-Bash Music Festival and foam
parties to name just a few, stem from her
having no fears. “I have no fear, no stops
on me, when I go in I go full speed. I have
one hundred percent faith in my ability to
do anything. That is the secret to my
success.”
Her spirit has led her
into film, video, sculpture, painting,
performing, entrepreneurship and
volunteerism. While an expert and
early-adopter of social marketing for her
business arts and community work, she has
always first and foremost been focused on
people.
Outspoken, aggressive,
a doer and a dreamer, she always has been
thrust into leadership. She has run social
and community groups since being a high
school student, “Building community is a
core value to me”.
Yet Xzanthia admits to
being something of a recluse who “could be
happy living in the woods with a teepee and
moccasins without a care in the world.” She
is an experimentalist who lives and acts for
the experience of life.
Xzanthia has been a
bridge between the diverse communities of
Tampa Bay. The arts, clubs, music, gothic,
vampire, naturists, burners and creatives of
all stripes found a common friend and
champion in Zxanthia who made the Riverboat
Nudist Club a safe mingling spot for all of
them.
She has faced
challenges. Development around the resort
means the fire pit is silenced as the smoke
bothered the neighbors. But what she has
built here will continue in her absence. The
photo events and model connection events
will go on; the resort will continue to be
run by her father. The X-Bash music festival
is scheduled again for 2011 and next month a
nude Rocky Horror Picture Show starts at the
resort.
As Xzanthia departs for
her next challenge and experience she is
leaving a positive and lasting effect in
Tampa Bay. The community she fostered and
events she created will continue and the
people she has touched and connected will
continue to contribute to our community.
True to her spirit she has no firm plan for
her destination but instead will travel till
she finds the place that needs her.
In this party you roam in the foam
As published in the Saint Petersburg Times
Take your summer partying to a new level.
You may have done wet and wild, you may have
done a foam party but here is the chance for
a naked alien foam party as the Riverboat
Resort.
These parties are held regularly at the
resort, but this one is special for being
the last party planned and attended by local
artist and ledged Xzanthia. She is kicking
up the party a notch for her official going
away celebration.
A
foam party is where music jams and the dance
floor is covered in several feet of bubbles
and suds from foam machines. Don’t worry
about the foam, it is non-toxic, will not
stain and is hypo-allergenic. It adds a
sense of mystery and adventure as people
emerge from and recede into the foam.
Live musical performances will be provided
by the goth band Ten Cent Toys, Ska reggae
and punk by CIO, Rock and alternative from
Trace of Day, and the electro industrial pop
of Benjahmin Zer0. You already know these
local bands from hot spots like Pegasus
Lounge or Gasoline Alley.
The dress code is optional, clothing
optional. Wear a bathing suit or your
birthday suit because the Riverboat Resort
allows and embraces the naturalist
lifestyle. Work that into your plans for
competing in the alien costume contest of
the night.
Party in the Florida sun and summer with
good music and a new experience and give a
fond farewell to a treasured local artist,
performer and business-woman.
11 June, Friday 8 P.M. to 1 A.M.
Riverboat Nudist Club 6901 Caliente Blvd.
Lane O Lakes Fl. 813-996-6008
Admission: Door $10 in advance $15 at the
door Camping $10 in advance $15 at the door
Riverboat@gmail.com
http://www.naturallynude.com/
The hero behind Tampa Bay's own Comic Con
As published in the Saint Petersburg Times
It had been three of four years since Tampa
hosted a comic book convention. Enter Tim
Gordon.
The science teacher at Monroe Middle School
in Tampa was just a comics aficionado, but
he knew there would be support for a show in
the area. So he turned to local shop owners,
comics companies and artists for support. An
in November 2011, Gordon hosted the first
Tampa Comic Book and Toy Convention at a
hotel in Tampa.
These days the convention is still popular.
The next event, with more then 85 tables
full of toys, comics and appearances by
authors and artists is Sunday at the Minnreg
Convention Hall in Largo.
TBT* asked Gordon, 58, about his
transformation from science teacher to comic
here.
What were the
challenges you faced at the beginning?
Getting vendors was not as easy as I
expected. There an initial group of dealers
who signed on but I still had only 1/2 the
room sold 2 weeks before the convention.
Empty spaces at a convention like this are
not good. People come to buy comics and if
there aren't comics they wont waste there
time coming back to next one. Another
challenge was 9/11. I almost cancelled the
thing but decided rather than give in to
fear now was the time to do the things that
living in this country allows us to do. Like
have comic book conventions.
Why have you kept at it all these years?
In a lot of ways I feel like the convention
has become a three times a year gathering of
good friends. Almost like a holiday of
sorts. I guess I keep it going so we can all
keep getting together.
Who helped you get started?
Starting out I went to talk to some of the
local store owners about doing a convention.
My good fortune was to know most of them and
to be considered a friend by some. So though
the idea was not universally thought of as
being a good one I still had support among
the shop owners and was able to put flyers
out. Another lucky circumstance came in that
I knew a public relations guy at CrossGen
comics a company that was becoming very
popular. Jim Brietbiel was able to get a
group of their artists to come over to the
Convention as guests...We were rolling
now!.
What were the challenges you faced keeping
it going all these years?
Time probably the biggest challenge. Having
the time to do everything I would like to
do. Really I have been very lucky. I always
seem to be able to come up with a bunch of
good guests sometimes just in the nick of
time.
Tell us about the comic book you are
planning centered on the convention.
This next one November 7 we will be selling
copies of my first published comic book:
"Tampa Comiccon Comics Presents-Santa Claus
Funnies". The plan is to donate proceeds
from the sale of the comic to some local
charities including the Dream Fund and
Hospice. Many of the Artists who did the
work will be there to sign autographs and
talk about lucky breaks Santa Claus himself
has agreed to come over (while on vacation
even!!!!) to sign autographs. This should be
fun...really it should be fun.
Is there synergy between your teaching
career and the comic convention?
As an educator I also can see the benefit to
reading comics for young people. It is
reading and in todays comics the stories are
often as complex as most novels. If kids can
get into reading by reading comics that is
just one more positive thing. We try to
encourage families to come to the convention
together.
How doe the convention reflect you, your
personality and values?
My philosophy for the convention has been
simple: Treat everyone the way I would want
to be treated: dealers, guests and fans. I
am a pretty easy going person. I have been
through a lot of personal turmoil the past 4
years. I have finally come to conclusion
that I should try to live the best life I
can and I am the only one really responsible
for that. I like to refer to the saw: "one
day at a time" and sometimes it’s minute to
minute. The convention has a mostly positive
vibe. I think I need that and a lot of other
people do to. I have tried to give something
back to the community even in small ways. We
have donated a little something to charities
after each convention.
How has the convention been worth the effort
to you?
Many people
have come up to me at the past conventions
and told me they just wanted say thanks for
putting on the convention. That is pretty
cool...that people look forward to it and
enjoy it.
Sunday - Tampa Comic Book and Toy Convention- 10am-4pm at the
Minnreg Convention Hall 6340 126th Ave N.,
Largo. Over 85 tables of comics, videos,
toys, action figures, animie, star wars, art
work, cards and more.
$5 www.tampacomiccon.com
Signing off
with an X
As published in the Saint Petersburg Times
Xzanthia refers to herself as a
"teacher-collector of souls".
Through festivals, parties, and an
artists-colony sense of camaraderie, the
Pasco County performance artist created an
enclacve of creativity and diversity at the
Riverboat Nudist Colony in Land O' Lakes.
Her work with the band Impotent Sea Snakes,
her Xbash Music Festival and her ledgendary
foam parties have made her a fixture of
Tampa Bay's underground art scene.
But after years spent working to connect and
create a community, she has decided to
leave. Citing a desire to de-complicate her
life and focus on her art, Xzanthia is
moving away.
She remains positive about the Tampa Bay
artistic community, but says she just "needs
a break from the massive workload."
"Every city has its ups and downs, strengths
and weaknesses," Xzanthia said. "We have the
talent and resources, but we need more
structure and focus."
Xzanthia has been a bridge between the
diverse communities of Tampa Bay. Artists,
clubgoers, Goths, vampires, naturists,
burners and creatives of all stripes saw her
as a common friend who made the
Riverboat Nudist Colony a safe mingling spot
for all.
What she helped build will continue in her
absence. The photo events and model
connection events will go on; the resort
will continue to be run bu her father. The
Xbash music festival is scheduled again for
July, and next month a nude Rocky Horror
Picture Show starts at the resort.
True to her spirit, Xzanthia has no firm
plan for her destination but instead will
travel till she finds a place that needs
her. She added she "could be happy living in
the woods with a teepee and moccasins
without a care in the world.
Help Xzanthia
Xzanthia recently had a yard sale to raise
money for her travels; but it was partially
rained out. To donate to her cause and read
about her travels, visit
www.xzanthia.com
Nico Stearly Rising Star Profile
As published in the Saint Petersburg Times
Name
Nico Stearley
Title, Company
HOK, Architecture
Education (what schools, when graduated)
USF - School of
Architecture & Community Design, March 2006
Neighborhood living in
Hyde Park
Hometown
St. Augustine
Tell us about your daily duties at the
office?
I work with other
design professionals to create the built
spaces we experience a better place to work,
live, and play.
What in your life and work gives you the
most pride?
I am proud to have the
opportunity to design a nice life for myself
and others. Through architecture I strive to
design compatible interactions with society
and our built environment. This carries over
into my social life by participation and
involvement in community activities that
enrich my life and other’s in my community.
What part of your work do you enjoy the
most?
I have a direct
connection to what is shaping our city and
get a chance to sort it out before it
happens.
What motivates you the most at work?
This may sound crazy-
but the bike ride into the office, and the
ride home.
If you could make one lasting impression or
change on Tampa bay what would it be?
Why can't Channelside
be more like a marina where local boaters
can dock and party for a while then sail
into the sunset? Just a suggestion.
What hobbies do you peruse?
I love to ride my
bike, travel, and yoga is a daily ritual. I
really enjoy being on the water and my
telescope gets pretty interesting on clear
nights- but I’m an amateur!
Which values you hold have had the most
effect on your success?
Always set a goal,
once you achieve it- set another.
What books, films, or TV shows do you find
most entertaining? Most inspiring?
I just discovered that
I am in love with Bruce Lee, this month;
enough said. Mostly, I really love to
experience new things.
What is the single coolest thing to do in
Tampa Bay?
GOOD QUESTION!!!! I
always find something to do, whether I'm
looking or not. Zoofari is coming up, the
Super Bowl and Gasparilla are sure to be a
blast. We host a lot of cool things in Tampa
Bay.
What are your five year goals for work
and/or life?
In five years I would
like to answer this question! I just became
a LEED accredited professional a month back,
so my goal of becoming a sustainably
conscious designer is achieved. WOOHOO! I’m
working towards the next goal of my career
which focuses on my state architectural
license. It’s an involved process that
allows me to call myself a registered
architect. Personally, want to see as much
of the world as possible and meet as many
interesting people as possible. I would love
to get the chance to move to London and work
on the 2012 Olympics- that would be a cool
life experience.
What was the largest adversity you have
overcome in work or life?
I really struggle with the urge to make
everyone involved happy with the conclusion
my team has decided upon. In the end, there
is always and opinion and suggestion not
heard before, whereas these voices should
really be included in the process, not after
the result. (More importantly we really need
to get involved!)
What did you want to grow up to be, as a
child?
Everything under the
sun at one time or another, but I really
want to be an architect pretty early on.
What is the one accomplishment of yours you
are most proud of?
I got to this place in
my life pretty early on, so I think I have a
lot more to look forward too. I am really
happy to be working for the largest
architecture firm in the world and I take
that for all it's worth every day.
Sharon Gwozdz Rising Star Profile
As published in the Saint Petersburg Times
Name:
Sharon Gwozdz
Title, Company:
Financial Services Representative
First Investors
Corporation
First Investors is not affiliated with
any of the groups/guilds named in this
article, nor makes any representation
on their behalf.
Education (what
schools, when graduated, type of degree and
major):
2004 - B.A. from Wells
College in Aurora, NY
Major: Performing Arts
with a concentration in Theatre and Dance.
Minor: Political
Science and Philosophy
Licenses: Series 6,
Series 63, and Life, Health, and Variable
Annuity (215)
Currently Pursuing:
Series 7 and Series 24
Age : 26 years
old
Neighborhood living
in: Seminole Heights, Tampa, FL
Hometown :
Cleveland Heights, Ohio
What do you do for
the Tampa Bay Business Guild? I am the
Program Chair for the Tampa Bay Business
Guild. The first Guild meeting I attended
was the Holiday Party in December 2007. A
few months later, in February 2008, I
sponsored a meeting on behalf of my company,
First Investors Corporation(1).
After attending two more meetings, I was
voted onto the Board in April 2008. Soon
thereafter, I created a new social event
called “social gatherings.” Every month
members get together at a different
restaurant/bar within The Guild to socialize
and network. In January 2009, I became the
Program Chair and am now responsible for
organizing the programs for the monthly
meetings. This is a very important position
in The Guild considering our monthly
meetings are the cornerstone of our
organization and we have anywhere from 30 to
70 members in attendance.
What does the Tampa
Bay Business Guild do for you, the LGBT
community and for Tampa Bay? I like to
refer to The Guild as the hub for all the
organizations in the LGBT community. We
are the Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
that began over 20 years ago to provide an
environment for LGBT business owners and
local organizations on both sides of Tampa
Bay. We build an alternative community based
on shared goals, friendship, and trust. We
have our own website,
www.tbbg.org,
an annual directory book, and we have a
Business Expo every year. Our monthly
meetings have a range of topics that educate
and entertain our members. More importantly,
we pride ourselves on being a networking
organization for LGBT business owners to
utilize members of our community. We also
have “social members,” which are individuals
that do not own a business but attend our
meetings in order to know what is going on
in the community. We have announcements at
every meeting so our members are up to date
on everything that is going on within our
community.
Where do you
envision the Guild leading the LGBT
community? I envision The Guild bringing
together a stronger and more united front to
deal with the issues that LGBT individuals
face. We are involved in many of the events
that are held on both sides of the bay, such
as, St. Pete Pride and CLIP Film Festival to
name a few. We also endorse many of the LGBT
magazines; Watermark, and Women’s Words, for
example. My personal goal, being a
young professional, is to bring together the
established members of the community and the
younger generation that will be the next
leaders of the Tampa Bay Business Guild.
What social and
business opportunities does the LGBT
Community provide you?
I recently attended a meeting in Orlando
for LGBT organizations throughout the state
of Florida. I realized that Tampa/St. Pete
has the largest and most influential LGBT
organizations in the state. We have many
meetings throughout Pinellas and
Hillsborough that deal with networking and
celebrating our community as well as
meetings to help deal with the issues LGBT
individuals face. Through my work at First
Investors, I have seen my business grow from
the exposure the Guild has given me. As a
financial professional, I have had the
opportunity to help many LGBT couples
address their financial concerns. Same sex
couples have many more hurdles to face when
preparing for their future considering the
laws that are in place to hinder our rights.
Is the business
community supportive of LGBT workers?
Personally, I feel we have the support of
the business community. We have many
corporate sponsors in the Guild that are
very large corporations. We have members
that have fought for domestic rights within
their company and won! St. Pete Pride had
well over 70,000 people in attendance. We
had many vendors, straight and gay, that
support our community. There are businesses
that promote themselves as gay friendly in
order to show their support.
Are you out at Work?
What was coming out like at work? Yes, I
am out at work. I came out to my manager
about a month after I was hired. Slowly I
began to tell certain individuals that I
felt comfortable with. Once I realized how
accepting my office was, I came out during
one of our office meetings. I am very lucky
to have a supportive group of coworkers as
well as the support from my corporation. Our
life insurance policies even have a spousal
rider that includes the partner of a same
sex couple. One of my goals is to help
create a seminar for the company which
discusses issues that the LGBT community
faces in retirement. Its great to a part of
an organization that values the employees
for who they are and their work ethic, not
their sexual preference.
What advice do you
have for LGBT professionals in Tampa Bay?
My advice is to just be yourself. I do
not say to a client the first time I meet
them, “Hi, I’m Sharon Gwozdz and I am a
lesbian!” But I prefer for my clients to
know. I may have a client or two that will
find out when they read this article. I have
always been a person that accepts people for
who they are, not what they are, and I
expect the same courtesy in return. You have
to be comfortable in your skin and you have
to accept yourself before you can expect
acceptance from others.
How would you
suggest Tampa Bay work best with and
alongside the LGBT workforce? I am very
proud of Tampa Bay for being supportive of
our community. I’m not saying there are not
problems and discrimination but considering
how many people attend our events, I think
we have support. My one suggestion would be
to treat members of our community with the
same respect you give every other
individual. I always say to people who
condemn homosexuality that you do not have
to agree with my lifestyle but you do have
to accept me as a human being. It’s not
about being right or wrong. It’s about
respecting an opinion that is different from
your own.
Are there unique
opportunities and challenges to LGBT workers
in Tampa Bay? Absolutely! I think one of
the biggest challenges are the benefits that
companies offer and whether or not it covers
same sex couples. I think one of the
opportunities we have is to make a
difference. I feel I have made a difference
in my company by educating my fellow
coworkers about the issues LGBT individuals
face. I have coworkers from all over the
country call me for advice when they meet
with a same sex couple. Whether it be using
the correct terminology so as not to offend
someone or just understand what issues we
face.
Have you encountered
discrimination? How did you deal with it?
I don’t think there is a single LGBT
individual that has not experienced some
form of discrimination. Whether it be
harassment, a comment, or even a funny look
we all have to deal with the uneducated and
ignorant people that see us as “different”
just because we love a person of the same
sex. I wear a business suit, heels, and
make-up every day. Many tell me I do not
“look gay” and are surprised when I come out
to them. I like to educate people and answer
their questions so they are more
understanding of my lifestyle. I have never
had a client refuse to do business with me
just because I am gay.
When did you realize
you were gay? My mother and father
divorced when I was in fourth grade. In
fifth grade, my mother sat down and told me
and four siblings that she was dating
someone and it was a woman. My brother is
the oldest and was out of the house when I
was in first grade. I was raised with two
moms and three sisters and I dated men until
college. When I was a sophomore in college I
started dating a woman and we were together
for 6 years. All of my siblings are married
and have children but we are a very open and
accepting family.
What are you most
proud of? I am most proud of being an
honest person who wants to help everyone in
need. All of my life I have volunteered and
have been involved in various organizations
to make a difference in society. My career
revolves around helping people plan and save
for their goals in life. In this economy
many people are hurt and struggling. I pride
myself on being a person that can help you
make financially sound decisions but I also
care about my clients. I tell each of
clients, “When you become a client, I become
part of the family.” I take a personal
approach with my clients because money is an
emotional topic and I want my clients to
have full faith in the person helping them
manage it.
Who has been your
greatest hero-teacher? My mother and
father of course! They could not be more
opposite from each other and each of them
has made an impact on my life. When my
parents divorced, my mother had to go out
and get two jobs after being a stay at home
mom with a high school degree. She was
always open about being a lesbian and raised
us to be honest and caring people. My father
was always there for us and, being a very
religious man, he struggled when I came out
to him. He still loves me for who I am and
even though he does not agree with my
lifestyle, he accepts me.
What is your
favorite quote or saying?
Albert
Einstein had a sign hanging in his office at
Princeton that read, “"Not everything that
counts can be counted, and not everything
that can be counted counts."
Pye N. Young
Rising Star Profile
As published in the Saint Petersburg Times
Name: Pye N. Young, Esq.
Titles,
Company/Association:
President, Pinellas County Urban League Young Professionals
Education (what
schools, degree, when graduated:
Florida State University- 2001
Stetson University College of Law- 2005
Age with birth date: 28
Neighborhood living
in: St. Petersburg, Florida
Hometown (neighborhood
if you are a local):
St. Petersburg, FL
How did you get
involved with the Pinellas County Urban
League?
In high school, I was a member of the NULITES (the teen auxiliary
of the Urban League). After attending
college in Tallahassee and completing law
school, I was invited to join Urban League
Guild by the President, Dr. Yvonne Williams.
The Guild is the fundraising auxiliary of
the Urban League. Through my participation
in the Guild, I met Greg Johnson, the new
President and CEO of the Pinellas County
Urban League.
How were you picked as
the leader for the Urban League Young
Professional group?
Pres. Johnson, contacted me, along with Mr. Chris Brown, Vice
President, to start the Pinellas County
Urban League Young Professionals (PCUL~YP).
Based on the number of Young Professionals
he came into contact with and his work with
the Urban League in Ohio, he saw a great
need for Young Professional Organization in
Pinellas County. I was nominated and elected
to the Presidential post by the general body
of the Young Professionals.
What will you do for
the Urban League Young Professionals?
My goal as president of the PCUL ~ YP is multifaceted. I want
promote the goals and programs offered by
the Urban League, its partners and
affiliates. My goal is also to expand the
PCUL~YP's by encouraging a cross-section of
our community to join and learn from each
other. Finally, I want to break down the
"barriers to entry" to a group such as this
and encourage everyone from any background
and profession to join if they desire to do
so.
What will the Urban
League Young Professionals do for the
community?
The YP's seek to impact Pinellas County by
supporting underrepresented groups in our
community. This goal is achieved by meeting
with directors of for and not-for profit
organizations to evaluate how we can
collaborate and work together. As a group,
we also provide an opportunity for young
professionals to network with one another,
as well as market and advertise their
businesses. Finally, our mission is to
educate the community about various
beneficial opportunities and programs the
Urban League and the county has to offer.
Members of this organization will respect
the concept of giving back to our community
and recognize that no great achievement is
accomplished alone. In this way, we will
grow as an organization and community.
Who will benefit from
the Urban League Young Professional?
Everyone who lives or works in Pinellas county can benefit from
PCUL~YP's. This organization is not degree
or profession specific. Anyone who cares
about the community they live in is welcome
and encouraged to join. Our "Young
Professionals” range in age from 21 through
45.
How will you support
and work with the Pinellas County Urban
League?
I plan to support the YP's by giving members a series of diverse
meetings and topics to be discussed, and
presented. We also give our members an
opportunity to advertise their business and
share their knowledge and expertise in a
variety of areas with other members of the
group. We are a group that is open to
learning and accepting of new members.
Who are your hero’s?
Who inspires you?
I have several heroes. I am inspired by my parents Keith and
Florette Young and a host of community
leaders, too many to name. I am also
inspired by my peers. Generation "Nexters"
are a powerful and creative group of people
who have a lot of potential. At each YP
meeting I am amazed at the professions that
are represented. We recognize that we are
the next leaders of our community. We see
the strengths and weakness of our
government, business, and the educational
system in our community and we know that we
have to be unified and organized in order to
make a difference. That passion for change,
the energy we generate as a young and
unified body of people... now that is
inspirational.
When will the Urban
League Young Professionals meet?
The PCUL~YP meets once per month, usually on the 4th Thursday, at
6:30 p.m. The location changes each month to
keep things interesting! We encourage
members to check their e mail for all
relevant and up-to-date information.
Lori Ballard
Rising Star Profile
As published in the Saint Petersburg Times
Title, Company Lori Ballard
Photography-Photographer of course! And
Gallery Director at Blake High School.
Education (what schools, when graduated)
Hillsborough Community College, graduated
circa 1997.
School
of Life, Still studying.
Age with birth date 38 yrs young.
Neighborhood living in Lowry Park
Hometown Tampa Native
Have you lived anywhere else besides Tampa
Bay, if so when and where?
I've always
lived in Tampa. It is a great home base.
What counties have you traveled to?
UK, Bermuda, Turkey, France, Spain, Morocco,
Ireland, Vietnam
Tell us about your daily duties at work?
The great thing about life as a professional
photographer, an artist, is that my days are
varied. Some days are filled with capturing
images for a client or creating art work for
a show and others days slog by with editing
and scheduling. Each day I try to find a
balance between tasks I truly enjoy and
duties that need to be completed. There are
also days that I can afford the time to just
enjoy the weather! I'd rather stay up late
editing to make up for it.
What in your life and work gives you the
most pride?
My Freedom! I
have made a life for myself where I am truly
in charge of creating of my destiny. I am
not tethered to a desk or schedule.
What part of your work do you enjoy the
most?
Photography
has been a passport to some really great
experiences and the entry into people's
lives. I love hearing people's stories and
being able to gain access to things and
places that I might not otherwise be able
to. I love to explore.
What was the largest adversity you have
overcome in work or life?
Learning to
believe in myself and overcoming shyness. I
have certainly been my own worst enemy over
the years.
What did you want to grow up to be, as a
child?
My Grandfather, A Race Car Driver, A
Horse Jockey, A Stunt Woman, A Veterinarian
What motivates you the most at work?
Maintaining my
freedom! I am solely responsible for my own
survival as an artist and entrepreneur.
What is the
one accomplishment of yours you are most
proud of?
Being referred to as a national artist.
If you could make one lasting impression or
change on Tampa Bay what would it be?
Don't wait for
the perfect circumstances or for permission
to move forward. The world is full of
opportunities. There is enough for everyone.
There are enough creative ideas. Artists
should be each others' strongest allies.
What hobbies do you peruse?
I pursue
photography as my profession and as my
hobby. I also enjoy cooking, traveling, and
I am starting to really enjoy Yoga.
Which values you hold have had the most
effect on your success?
Tenacity,
self-reliance and a genuine care for other
people. I truly believe that so many of my
opportunities have come from people who
really care about my success because they
have come to think of me as a friend. I am
so grateful to all the helpful people in my
life and I value every one of them.
What books, films, or TV shows do you find
most entertaining? Most inspiring?
The books,
films and TV that I enjoy most are the ones
that inspire my own new personal journeys.
Stories that cause me to think and reflect
upon myself and the stories that inspire
personal growth. I am always striving to be
better- mentally stronger.
What is the single coolest thing about
living in Tampa Bay?
The
familiarity that comes from having roots
that extend deep into the aquifers of
Florida. On my frequent trips out of town, I
always look forward to a new place to
explore, but I always return to find that
the old friends and familiar places are the
warmest of welcomes back home to some of the
greatest weather on earth.
What are your five year goals for work and
life?
To become a
Zen master of all things in my life. To be
so secure in what I am doing and what I
believe that no outside influences can cause
me to waver and to take bigger chances when
it comes to advancing my art career. In five
years, I want to be referred to as an
international artist.
What honors
or awards have you received in any?
Thanks to the
encouragement, early on, from my photo
instructor Suzanne Camp-Crosby, I have
entered many shows and won quite a few
awards a long the way that really helped to
keep my motivation up as an artist. I have
received two grants from the Arts Council of
Hillsborough County to help further my body
of work and ultimately my art career. I was
once chosen as an emerging artist for the
Gasparilla Festival of the Arts.
He
Has Passion For Fashion
As published in the Saint Petersburg Times
Lacey B. Smith is the founder and executive
produce of the Fashion Movement (thefashionmovemement.com),
a site designed to promote and market local
fashion designers, models, stylists,
photographers and more.
The Jamaican-born Smith (an analyst by day)
wants to make his movement "the fashion
events production company of choice for
fashion designers and other creative fashion
talents."
How did you
find your passion for fashion?
My mom inspired me
actually, growing up in Jamaica I watched
her cut endless patterns and construct
numerous garments for her clients. She was
good, not because she is my mom but I watch
some designers today and they don’t pay much
attention to details. The stitching, the
hemming, loose threads; there is nothing
like the perfectly made dress. My mom did
that with a manual Singer sewing machine.
That’s talent! She inspired me wanting to be
a designer but I soon changed that thought
upon arriving in New York. I realize
designers needed a platform and watched many
struggle to provide it for themselves so I
decided that was my mission. I enjoy it
tremendously, from the initial planning to
the unfolding of the presentation; I get my
adrenaline rush and satisfaction.
What made you think
Tampa was the right place for the Fashion
Movement?
You know I see growth
here, not just in Tampa Bay but in the
surrounding areas. I won’t limit The Fashion
Movement to just Tampa Bay, we are a company
that intend to positively affect the fashion
landscape in other growing and established
cities. The Fashion Movement wants to take
designers and the other creative talents
within the organization to Tampa Bay and
beyond, thus exposing talents to varied
clientele bases. We want to form alliances,
partnerships in other cities and provide a
platform for designers in those cities also.
That’s why in July The Fashion Movement will
be staging our event The RACQUE (a boutique
shopping event) in Clermont, Florida.
What Fashion tips do
you have for Tampa Bay?
Develop, nurture and
keep the tremendous talents we have here.
Creative talents continue to depart the bay
area because they do not see a future here.
They leave for Miami, New York, LA, Atlanta,
and Washington DC. I personally know quite a
few individuals who have left. I try to
preach patience, however when creative folks
want to grow and expand their horizons it’s
difficult convincing them to sacrifice the
growth and development of their talents for
the potential growth of the region.
What keeps you here?
My job keeps me here
for sure, however it’s the creative
challenges and the room for growth that
keeps me going with The Fashion Movement. I
am always thinking of ways The Fashion
Movement can positively affect the fashion
landscape here in the bay area and beyond. I
really would love to see a true fashion
industry develop here, a fashion district, a
fashion scene. Every major metropolis needs
and has that; why not Tampa Bay. St.Pete
seems to be ahead on that curve; maybe it’s
the division or separation of these regions
within the Tampa Bay Area that is holding
the growth back. Look at downtown Tampa
compared to downtown St.Pete, the activity,
and the fashion presence. I would love to
see downtown Tampa explode with some fashion
presence.
What brought you to
Tampa Bay?
My job relocated four
years ago and I decided to make the move to
Tampa. It’s been a positive experience so
far, initially there were challenges with
the slower pace compared to New York but
I’ve gotten used to it.
Who are your heros/idols?
My idols are really my
parents honestly, I’ve always admired the
way my parents conducted themselves. My mom
being a seamstress and was always home for
us. My father worked and at the same time
managed his own farm, working to make sure
the family was taken care of. So yes those
are my true idols.
Funny, my son also says
I am his idol; he recently launched his
clothing line in New York. I am so proud of
him and am happy to have guided him through
the process.
What is next for the
Fashion Movement?
The Fashion Movement
will continue to grow gradually, I like
growth. The goal is to expand our platform
to different Florida cities, then nationally
and ultimately on an international level.
However, that takes tremendous work,
patience and planning. With the right
logistics in place it’s possible. We are
currently hosting a weekly fashion industry
mixer – The SEEN, every Thursdays at the
Cozmopolitan Lounge in Ybor City. Also, on
May 28 we host Get Cocky – a menswear
presentation at the same venue.
Kate
Whatley
Rising Star Profile
As published in the Saint Petersburg Times
Title, Company:
Art Director,
PeakBiety branding + advertising and
President, Ad 2 Tampa Bay
Education (what schools, when graduated):
International Academy
of Design Tampa, 2002
Age with birth date:
25.
Neighborhood living in:
Palma Ceia
Hometown:
East Haddam,
Connecticut
Tell us about your daily duties at the
office?
As Art Director, I
collaborate with the rest of the PeakBiety
creative team to concept advertising
campaigns for our clients. I've had the
privilege and fortune to have art directed
numerous projects for local and national
clients.
What in your life and work gives you the
most pride?
I'm extremely proud to
be leading
Ad 2 Tampa Bay (www.ad2tampabay.org),
the unified voice of Tampa Bay's emerging
advertising professionals, as CEO and
President in our efforts to elevate our
advertising community through education,
legislation and public service initiatives.
This year it is our organization's new
mission to make Tampa Bay a better community
for young advertising professionals.
What was the largest adversity you have
overcome in work or life?
I've had to overcome
being a shy, introverted creative in order
to fast track my career in the
ultra-competitive field of advertising and
become a leader among my peers.
What did you want to grow up to be, as a
child?
An Olympic show
jumping equestrian.
What motivates you the most at work?
Big ideas and big
challenges. I get consumed in these. I fully
welcome conversations with big thinkers of
all ages and professions, and invite them to
visit me online at
www.katewhatley.com.
What is the one accomplishment of yours you
are most proud of?
This keeps changing
which I suppose is a good thing. Earlier
this year I gave the first alumni
commencement speech to my college alma
mater's graduating class of 2008.
If you could make one lasting impression or
change on Tampa bay what would it be?
I would like to be
part of a new wave of national recognized
creative talent in Tampa Bay so I'm
supporting our creative class from the
ground up.
I've made it my
personal mission to retain outstanding
creative talent in this market by starting
at the collegiate level. My efforts took an
exponential leap during my tenure last year
as Ad 2 Tampa Bay's Education Director. My
initiatives included speaking at our local
colleges, a city-wide bus tour of
advertising businesses for students,
mentorships and portfolio reviews. I also
had the fortune of personally helping place
several outstanding graduates into
advertising jobs and internships (the most
direct way of retaining superior creative
talent in our market) by creating networking
opportunities and leveraging the
relationships I've built to help launching
careers for people I believe in.
These efforts were
recognized on a national level with the
American Advertising Federation's Excellence
in Advertising Education award presented by
Saatchi & Saatchi, one of the most
prestigious advertising agencies in the
world but most importantly they're making a
tangible difference right here in our
community.
What hobbies do you peruse?
I'm a runner. It's my
muse. I'm also a fine artist, a commissioned
painter,
member of Tampa Bay's
growing emerging artist community and a
volunteer for "The Exhibitionists," the
Tampa Museum of Arts' young member group.
Which values you hold have had the most
effect on your success?
Give and you will
receive. Throughout my career, the things
I've done as a volunteer have paid back
tenfold.
What part of your work do you enjoy the
most?
I’m ceaselessly
thrilled to be one of those lucky people who
truly loves what they do for a living. And
not only do I love it, but I'm cut out for
it.
Have you lived anywhere else besides Tampa
Bay, if so when and where?
I grew up in small
town East Haddam, Connecticut and spent my
high school years in Enfield, Connecticut.
Most of my family still lives in New
England, so I visit often.
What are your five year goals for work and
life?
I fully plan on having
a lifelong career bursting the seams with
exiting new opportunities and collaborations
with the best minds in the business, while
still making time for my personal creative
pursuits.
What charities do you support, how and why?
Ad 2 Tampa Bay has
chosen One Here One There, an organization
that empowers college students in the United
States to help fund education for students
in Africa, as our 2008-09 pro-bono public
service client.
My reasons for
supporting this charity are two fold: I
believe fostering opportunities for young
leaders to grow is one of the best things we
can do for the future of our country.
Economically speaking, supporting education
efforts in third world countries is where
the smallest investment can make the biggest
change in our world.
www.onehereonethere.org
What honors or awards have you received in
any?
Awards:
Multiple Gold and Silver ADDY Awards from
Tampa Bay Advertising Federation and the
American Advertising Federation 4th
District, 2005-2008.
Saatchi & Saatchi Excellence in
Advertising Education Award, 2008.
Community Partner of the Year award from
the International Academy of Design and
Technology, 2008.
Gold and Silver Create Awards, 2007.
Accomplishments/Honors:
Currently judging Artistik Envy, a student
competition searching for creative genius.
www.envy.artistikmagazine.com
Presented the
commencement address to college alma mater's
(IADT, Tampa), graduating class of 2008.
Significantly contributed to Ad 2 Tampa
Bay's National Ad 2 Club of the Year pursuit
and award for the 2007-2008 club year.
Conceived and coordinated "Clair de Lune,"
an art show bringing over 1,000 attendees to
peruse and purchase the work of 32 local
artists on a single night in August 2005.
Kari Goetz
Rising Star Profile
As published in the Saint Petersburg Times
Titles,
Company/Association: Audience Development
Manager, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center
Education (what schools, degree, when
graduated): BFA Theater Performance,
University of Florida, 1997
Age: 34
Neighborhood living in:
South Tampa
Hometown (neighborhood if you are a local):
Fort Myers
How has your work in theatre advanced and
helped your work in marketing and vice
versa?
I consider them to be inseparable. All
performers need to know how to market
themselves effectively and all arts
marketers need to know how to effectively
convey the performing arts. When you come
from a performance background I think you
naturally have an advantage in marketing
live performance. Then again, that’s true of
channeling any passion into a successful
business model. If you love what you’re
promoting, you’ll promote it with everything
you’ve got.
You are an
accomplished actress, business connector and
trainer, marketer and tech savy communicator
– how did you acquire and maintain such
multifaceted talents?
Because I
wasn’t a very good waitress! Honestly. When
I moved to LA after graduating with my
theater degree from UF I started waiting
tables (like you do). I hated it. I started
trying to find flexible day jobs and found
that the creative industries were more than
happy to utilize my imagination and offer me
the flexibility to still audition. As a
result I had the opportunity to be a content
writer for a website, a marketer for a
famous comedy club, a corporate trainer for
an improvisational theater, and an actor –
all at the same time. Maintaining all of
that today is fairly easy. I just show up
for work at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts
Center and afterwards rehearse in the
Shimberg Playhouse with Jobsite Theater. I
find those two things (which result in doing
about two-hundred things) keep me sharp. I
also love to meet new people and find out
what makes them happy. That naturally leads
to building connections. It’s my curious
nature and I use it for the forces of good.
Where do you
see technology changing/impacting your job
at TBPAC in the next few years?
Technology
changes and impacts my job every day. Social
networking platforms and protocol can
literally change week by week. Finding new
ways to penetrate the market, connect to the
base, expand influence and build brand
recognition and trust is a constantly
evolving process. There are so many aspects
of my job that I enjoy, and finding news
ways technology can facilitate our
relationship with our patrons is one of the
things I enjoy the most.
Do you see
technology impacting the theatre?
I read and article not that long ago that
said “Theater is ten years behind in social
networking.” All I could think was, “Really?
That’s interesting, social networking isn’t
ten years old yet.” TBPAC’s blog, Culture
Shock, will be five years old this fall.
We’ve had a MySpace page since their
inception plus our presence and advertising
on Facebook is constantly evolving with the
platform. We utilize SMS texting services,
sharing services, Twitter, bit.ly, etc. etc.
Technology already impacts theater. I really
don’t know what technology exists that we
haven’t embraced. We continue to be open to
new concepts and services that keep our
patrons engaged in what is happening both at
the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center and in
the theater scene nationally. Anecdotally, I
spent a very cold and rainy day in May in
Times Square waiting for the Tony®
Nominations to be announced. I was
surrounded by arts marketers who were
responsible for promoting Broadway shows. We
were all on Twitter doing real time updates.
We were ahead of the CBS feed. That right
there speaks volumes. Technology is already
deeply impacting theater. Now if I could get
that flying car to take me to the
theater…
What keeps
you in Tampa Bay?
The longest
contiguous sidewalk in the world is a big
draw. Honestly, I’m a Floridian in my soul.
I can’t help it. I need sand and grouper
sandwiches and 99% humidity to be happy.
Plus, and I’ve said this many times, Tampa
Bay has been very kind to me. I have found
it incredibly easy to build relationships
and friendships in this area. I don’t think
my career could have grown this quickly in
any other market.
What do you
feel has been your greatest accomplishment
to date?
I’m
extraordinarily proud of managing to get to
this point in my life and not be a jaded and
bitter artist. I’ve been performing
professionally since I was 8 years old. This
is a tough business and you sacrifice a lot
and you become very familiar with rejection.
I think my greatest accomplishment is
accepting the disappointments in stride, the
successes in perspective, my feet on the
ground and my head in the clouds.
What
accomplishments do you hope to achieve soon?
Global domination of course.
How do you maintain your energy and
enthusiasm?
Everybody
asks me this question! I come from a rather
energetic family, so I guess it is just
naturally caffeinated DNA. I do work out and
eat well. I also try to sleep at least 8
hours a night, and if I could, it would be
closer to 10. I may act like the Energizer
Bunny, but I do have to recharge nightly.
Where do you
find inspiration?
I find inspiration in everything. Absolutely
everything. One of my greatest teachers,
Martin de Maat, used to say that everything
in life was a gift - sometimes it just comes
in lousy wrapping paper. He was absolutely
right, all things in this world, good or bad
can be used to facilitate change, make a
difference and bring goodness into the
world.
I also find
inspiration while wearing fuzzy socks. I try
not to analyze that too much for fear of
angering the fuzzy sock gods.
What in your life and work gives you the
most pride?
Directing. I
love conceiving and birthing a whole world.
I love to play midwife for my actors as they
bring their characters to life. I love the
details, the broad strokes, the organic
discoveries and the manufactured solutions.
The whole process is rewarding. I don’t have
children of my own, but I see each of my
shows as a child and I am so proud of each
and every one of them.
Which values
you hold have had the most effect on your
success?
I have to
credit the values of improvisation they have
never let me down: Make your partner look
good. Say Yes, and build off of other’s
ideas. Come from a place of love. Play at
the top of your intelligence. Your third
idea is usually the most creative. Believe
in your world. Remember the details. Less is
more. There is a difference between simple
and easy. Leave them laughing.
What honors
or awards have you received in any?
I was named
a Creative Catalyst by Creative Tampa Bay, a
Tampa Bay Business Journal Up and Comer, and
I’ve proudly won 2 Jobbys® for Best
Supporting Actress and Best Actress by my
beloved theater company Jobsite Theater.
Those Jobbys are voted on by other actors –
and actors are a catty bunch – so I’m very
flattered!
What are the
strengths of the Tampa Bay arts community?
Versatility.
We are a very adaptable bunch. With creative
people come creative solutions. The belief
that we can accomplish anything makes for
vital and innovative artistic contributions.
We also are fortunate to have a steadily
growing audience base. “Buy locally,” has
translated to the art community and it’s
nice to see our residents spending their
creative dollar with local artist
What is the
core identity of the arts in Tampa, do we
have our own style or school?
Not yet. I think there is something, just
under the surface that is beginning to form.
There are some voices that are getting
stronger and I think their influence will
begin to shape our sensibilities in the
years to come. I’ve seen some artists and
watched some original works that have made
me think, “If we can keep ___________ in
Tampa, he/she will have considerable
influence in the next ten years.”
Unfortunately, we often lose those people to
New York, Chicago and LA. If we can retain
our talent, our style will be easier to
identify
Jenna Anne
Becker
Rising Star
Profile
As published in the Saint Petersburg Times
Full Name
Jennifer Ann
Becker - I go by 'Jenna'
Company and
Title
Keller Williams Tampa Central
- Realtor
Age with
Birthday
35
Hometown
Garden Grove, California
Neighborhood
living in now
Ybor CitySchooling
California State University Long
Beach, Bachelors Degree in Business
Communication
Charity and
community groups you work with and support? Gaybor
Coalition, HYNCA (Historical Ybor
Neighborhood Civic Association), Boards for
Bros
What is Gaybor?
What has
Gaybor done for the community? What is your
role with them? Gaybor is a district in Ybor City that
has become the epicenter of Tampa's
Gay and Lesbian community. In just a little
over a year it has become world known. I am
so proud to be a charter member of the
Gaybor Coalition. Gaybor has created a voice
for the residents and business owners. The
Gaybor Coalition was a main player in having
the parking meters removed, holiday
decorations put up, crime watch, and events
that bring people here from all over the
country. In just the few years I have been
here I have seen some amazing improvements!
What
attracted you to Ybor?
What keeps you there? It was a very big
concern for me when I decided to leave California and
move to Florida that
I would find a place I could call 'home'.
Something about Ybor was really calling me.
I was really drawn to the night life and the
ease of living so close to everything. When
I first moved here I had the mindset that it
would be fun for a year or so. Three years
later I am here and even more in love with
it. Now one of my goals is to find a nice
lot in the neighborhood and build my dream
house (with the historical bungalow charm of
course!)
What is the
coolest thing in or about Ybor?
Many people
do not realize what a great community we
have here. The people who live here are
extended family. We all look out for each
other and we all appreciate the style and
history of Ybor City.
What do
you recommend to keep Ybor keep growing and
improving?
I highly recommend that people get involved
and come see what we have to offer.
If you could
meet anyone who would it be? Why? Maya
Angelou. As a child she endured the
unspeakable. She over came it with power,
grace, and her heart is full of love. When I
hear her speak I get the chills. I hope I
have that impact on someone someway,
somehow.
What inspires you?
knowing some
how I can make a difference. How so? I know
that I can not save the world but each
person is special in their own way and I
accept that about everyone I meet.
What hobbies do you peruse?
I am the most domestic tomboy you will ever
meet. I LOVE to cook and work on crafty
things. In California I
used to make scarves, aprons, and beanies to
sell them for extra money. Otherwise, I
enjoy contact sports. Martial arts helped me
get through a very hard time in my life.
Most recently I have caught the travel bug.
I got my first passport just 2 years ago and
want to have it filled with stamps within
the next 5 years.
What has been
your greatest accomplishment, why?
Earning my
Bachelors Degree. It took longer than most
and I fell off my path a few times. I had to
realize that I was better than that and make
it happen for myself. It was the proudest
moment of my life when I took a photo after
the ceremony with my dad and grandfather.
They are both standing so tall and with out
them saying it, I knew they were proud of
me.
Which
values contribute to your success and how?
I have been
working since I was in Jr. High and from
there the longest time I have gone with out
being employed was the 2 months I took off
to move to Florida.
I have always known that hard work pays off.
It was a great feeling for me growing up to
never have to ask for gas money. I do not
think I ever once received a card from my
Grandfather that did not have the words,
"Save your money" written on it.
What are
your five year goals?
I have goals
set for myself. In 5 years I will have a
Real Estate Team of 5 or more, a family of
my own, living in Tampa,
and have an English Bulldog named Kitty.
What is
your dream job? I
have always dreamed of being an ER Nurse.
What are
you most passionate about in your personal
or professional life?
My personal life comes first and foremost. I
have learned the hard way that what I can
not get done in 8 hours, I can not get done
in 14. It is very important to me that I
have dinners at home and we talk about our
day. Home is where the heart is for sure!
Our home has become a place that people know
they can be themselves, have a great meal,
and a shoulder to lean on. Christmas day we
had about 20 people over and it was the best
day ever. In my professional life I do
everything I can to make sure that when
someone says my name that only great words
follow. I can keep that going then I am
truly successful.
Jobs Defining The Tampa Bay
Economy
The effects of our
long and deep recession has not yet played
itself out in Tampa Bay according to Sean
Snaith, director of the University of
Central Florida's Institute for Economic
Competitiveness.
“The jobs market is a
no-show, the key to recovery is the jobs
market, and the housing market can not
advance without the labor market which will
not see real motion until 2012. You cannot
spin the hole Tampa Bay is in. The days of
population driven growth are gone, Tampa Bay
and Florida needs other sources of growth,
other economic drivers to succeed.”
High unemployment,
currently at 12.6% with underemployment
estimated at near 20%, pressures the housing
market by increasing inventory and lowering
prices via foreclosures and short sales.
Unemployment also creates uncertainty on new
household relocation to the area.
Other market sectors
are not strong enough to lead a recovery due
to the lack of diversification in the Tampa
Bay Economy. Snaith theorizes
diversification could come from long term
investments in education and retraining to
retool the local economy by government
action “But the more local the government
entity the less tools there are to act with.
The federal government with trillions of
dollars in deficit spending can’t fix the
issue, how can one city alone?”
Snaith suggests
optimizing the culture and bureaucracy of
local government and institutions for
business in multiple sectors. This would
allow for more rapid relocation, expansion
and creation of local employers.
The Tampa Hillsborough
Economic Development Corporation 2011
Contract with the City of Tampa identifies
their objective as bringing in 35 new
companies that fall within the EDC’s cluster
of core businesses over the next three years
or create 6,000 new jobs with average pay at
least 15 percent above Florida’s average.
The THEDC sponsored
Locational Assessment and Recommended
Strategic Plan for Economic Growth study has
recommended establishing “cowork” space as a
way to foster entrepreneurship within
emerging clusters.
Second U.S.
Colored Infantry Regiment and Tampa
We must always keep in mind that history is
a living and changing reflection of our
culture. The past does change as our
viewpoint and or knowledge of it changes. We
can lose lessons and experiences our culture
earned when this happens. The history of
African-Americans fighting in the Civil War
and in Tampa is part of the forgotten past.
During the Civil War
African-Americans proved themselves in
battle, just as they had during the
revolution. Yet still decades later in World
War Two there were fears and bans on
African-American combat troops.
Why did the
African-American soldier prove himself time
and time again, generation after generation
for over 170 years before being granted
basic respect and equality? It happened
because we chose to forget. We edited our
knowledge of history and omitted their valor
and sacrifice from our general knowledge of
history, and we lost the lessons they taught
us.
We in Tampa have
overlooked almost erasing this from our
history which changes who we are today. In
May of 1864 Union forces landed and captured
Tampa and Fort Brooke. What is forgotten and
often omitted from mention is that these
were troops from the
Second U.S. Colored Infantry Regiment.
For two days the 2nd
U.S. Colored Infantry
Regiment occupied our city. They
captured artillery, prisoners and
Confederate government property such as mail
and money.
In a war marred with
wrongs and atrocities, the 2nd
U.S. Colored Infantry Regiment conducted
itself in Tampa with stringent discipline to
be respected. There were no accusations of
looting, theft or any unmilitary behavior
made. The good conduct of the troops was
specifically mentioned in the reports made
by commanding General Daniel Woodbury.
During the war the 2nd
U.S. Colored Infantry Regiment lost 3
officers and 24 enlisted killed in action,
with a further 11 officers and 125 enlisted
men to disease. There were no casualties in
Tampa.
The regiment formed
from June to November 1863 at Arlington
Virginia. After this training it was
dispatched to the Department of the Gulf.
They saw duty in New Orleans and Ships
Island Mississippi before Tampa, as well as
several operations along Florida’s west
coast including raids from Fort Myers to
Bayport, and Cedar Key to Saint Andrews Bay.
In 1865 they fought in the defense of Fort
Myers. The regiment served occupation duties
after the war till mustering out of the
Union army in January of 1866.
The US War Department
established the “Bureau of Colored Troops”
in May of 1863 to facilitate the recruitment
of African-Americans in the Union forces.
Approximately 170 regiments of infantry,
cavalry, and artillery were formed
constituting about 182,000 men. At the
conclusion of the war the U.S. Colored
Troops were one-tenth of all Union Army
Troops.
The U.S. Colored Troops
gave 68,178 lives from all cause to the war
effort. They fought in every theater of the
war expect for Sherman’s march to the sea,
and in the occupation of the south. Troops
such as Sergeant Major Christian Fleetwood
were highly decorated, he was awarded the
Medal of Honor for actions at the battle of
Chaffin’s Farm in Virginia. In fact pver
93,000 African-American served in the
Confederate forces as well.
Union Soldiers were
initially paid $13 a month but the US
Colored Troops were paid only $10. Union
Soldiers were given an additional $3.5
clothing allowance not given to
African-Americans. Equal pay was mandated by
Congress in June of 1864. The Union Navy at
wars end was 16% African-American. The Navy
always paid equal wages.
Within the US Colored
Troops there were limited opportunities for
advancement to African-Americans. Only over
one hundred African-Americans were
commissioned officers in the Bureau. The
Navy would not commission its first
African-American officer until 1944.
Robert Blake was the
first African-American to win the
Congressional Medal of Honor, doing so with
the Union Navy in 1864. Over 50 more
African-Americans have since been awarded
this, the nations’ highest honor.
After the Civil War the
value, courage and contribution of the U.S.
Colored Troops faded from history. We as a
nation did not retain the lesson proven to
us. Segregation and discrimination continued
within the US military till past World War
Two. The military continued to openly
question the patriotism and fighting powers
of African-Americans. The same arguments and
discrimination continued for generations
because history was edited.
With the rise of Jim
Crow segregation laws in the south, the
valuable contributions of the US Colored
Troops and Freedmen were disavowed. In was a
truth not politically palatable so ignored
and forgotten. Here in Tampa the Knowledge
of the 2nd U.S. Colored Infantry
Regiment occupying our city is rare, yet we
celebrate the camping of the Roughriders
here.
As we honor our living
veterans let us also honor the previous
generations who’s sacrifice and service
built the future we live in. Here in Tampa
let us celebrate the Second Colored Infantry
Regiment as a proud part of our City’s
history as we do the Roughriders and Buffalo
Soldiers.
