Neighborhood News Bureau

Category: History

County launches new program for struggling schools

BY ANNA STEBBINS, IVY CEBALLO, DAVID STONER, JADE ISAACS AND KATIE CALLIHAN
NNB Reporters

MIDTOWN- Midtown schools are still undergoing the process of bringing in money for teacher training, in hopes for a better classroom atmosphere, but could the most important part be the passion of the teachers?

After being deemed “Failure Factories” in 2015, Midtown schools continue to attempt to increase classroom success and teacher longevity, but the cure to the academic disease might lie in the educator’s passion to teach.

In January of last year, Pinellas County school officials pledged to spend $1 million and partner with the New Teacher Project, based out of Brooklyn, New York. The program, Scale Up for Success, could live up to its name for Pinellas County schools by offering teacher training, teacher’s assistance and mental health experts on hand.

The program includes five St. Petersburg schools: Campbell Park Elementary, Melrose Elementary, Fairmount Park, Lakewood and Maximo.

The partnership has had its start at Campbell Park Elementary, where turnaround efforts are a focus.

Third-year principal at Campbell Park, Robert Ovalle, says that he is dedicated to the concentration of teacher training and support from all faculty and staff.

“Our ultimate goal is to support classroom teachers. They are the teachers working hard on the front line,” said Ovalle.

Ovalle is dedicated to use this ongoing opportunity of additional funding to not only train his teachers, but also give him the reinforcement to add further support as an entire school unit.

“There are certain obstacles here that come up but that’s what my job is, to prepare teachers to have those skill sets,” said Ovalle.

As for the Scale Up For Success program, which is expected to provide more advantages and will continue to provide stability in the classroom environment, according to Ovalle, it will only be successful if teachers are passionate about what they do.

“Teachers stay at schools like this because they have that deep passion to give kids a quality education,” said Ovalle.

Campbell Park Elementary third-grade teacher, Jordan Blakeney, conducts daily morale and welfare checks with her students on her classroom floor.

“Some say, I haven’t had breakfast, I’m checking in,” said Blakeney, “If I have anything that I can give them, I will.”

She uses this exercise to assess how to help her students’ performance throughout the day.

“Whatever they feel like they need to express, they can say, and if they don’t want to say anything, I still require them to say I have nothing to say, but I’m checking in,” she said.

For the school year of 2007, Campbell Park Elementary received a letter “B” grade performance at a 70 percent student minority rate. In consecutive years, the grade dropped from “B” to “C” to “D” and, finally, to “F”, according to the Florida Department of Education’s accountability report.

The latest “F” grade is from the 2013 school year, at an 88 percent student minority rate.

“Just because we’re an F doesn’t mean that we’re not teaching, we’re not working,” said Blakeney, “It’s the exact opposite actually.”

Blakeney said that Scale Up For Success has helped her reflect on her teaching skills and find ways to challenge herself and her students. The program has provided her and other participating teachers with a math coach, a reading coach and a behavior coach to offer them individual feedback.

“We neglect a lot of our own lives to support the school and our families. I know of co-workers who stay extra to help kids. Their kids at home aren’t seeing them,” said Blakeney.

The same outlook about teaching is expressed by Connie Fowler, a Pinellas County teacher of 28 years.

“The money doesn’t matter; teachers teach to teach. They love kids. I didn’t come to this school to get a bonus or paid for the extra half an hour. I’m just drawn to working with minority students who live in poverty,” said Fowler, who taught at Lakewood Elementary for 17 years.

Over the past 80 years, Midtown’s educational foundation has been set, dissembled, and reassembled in a way where the pieces do not fit back together. Some pieces are broken and some pieces are missing.

It was not until 1971 when the School Board voted to desegregate the schools across Pinellas County.

Rules used to be active in making sure that schools were not more than 30 percent black. This caused students to be bused away from their neighborhood schools and instead receive their education in a mixed and fair learning environment.

Complaints about the inconveniences and costs of busing these students away from their neighborhood schools caused a reverse in the zoning system in 2007.

In December of that year, the School Board decided on a plan that stopped the integration and rezoned students to their neighborhood schools.

This, in return, caused schools to lose their mixed social and economic learning environment. In time, classrooms turned into mostly all white and all black classrooms. This action resulted in a staggering drop in academics across the board, especially in Midtown.

Students started failing at rates that teachers couldn’t keep up with. This created a cycle of discouraged and stressed out teachers who could not handle the mess.

“I watched over 50 percent of a very dedicated staff walk out the door. I passed but lost most of my friends to the cut and then were fully a neighborhood school,” said Fowler.

Today, the education of Midtown has been an experiment of trial and error.

Leaving Lakewood Elementary in 2015, Fowler has seen the evolution of the school system after the re-segregation and zoning changes.

The Scale Up for Success Program combined with the reinforced passion of teachers might finally be the answer that Midtown schools are looking for.

“Teachers work harder than ever before and are so stressed. Money doesn’t even come into play, they do it because it’s who they are,” said Fowler.

February 12, 2016
A History in Photographs: Jordan Park

It’s 1939. You and your entire family lives in what is essentially a shack with three other families. The roof leaks. There’s cracks in the walls, loose floorboards. You have to walk out the front door and around the back to use the toilet. There’s no electricity. There’s no running water. There’s nowhere else to go.

The public housing subdivision called Jordan Park, located in Midtown St. Petersburg, has a rich history of highs and lows. It was originally developed as an African American community during segregation. Although nowadays it’s considered quite a low-key, peaceful place, Jordan Park residents throughout time have gone from the poorest living conditions to living in state-of-the-art homes to then living in an area filled with drugs and crime. Despite everything, a strong sense of community in Jordan Park has always prevailed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAj-oS4Ys0A

Records show that African Americans have always lived in the south side of St. Petersburg, ever since groups first came to the area in the late 19^th century during the Florida land boom. However as time went on, African Americans were pushed more and more south of Central Ave. They lived in the areas of St. Petersburg known as the Gas Plant District, Methodist Town and Pepper Town. Today, this is essentially where the interstate and Tropicana Field are located.

Even when Jordan Park was built, people still resided in the old communities of the Gas Plant District, Methodist Town and Pepper Town up until the interstate and the Trop were built over them.

According to James Schnur, head of Special Collections and University Archives at USF St. Petersburg, living conditions in these communities were “almost intolerable by the 1930s.”

Pictures from a scrapbook constructed in the 30s, now belonging to the USFSP Special Collections, show old, dingy wooden houses with broken balconies, no indoor plumbing, no ventilation, leaky roofs, cracks in the walls, no electricity and broken floorboards.

Oftentimes there would even be multiple families living in the same home.

Segregation was very strong in St. Petersburg during this time period. Whites tended to ignore black communities for the most part and were not allowed in many areas of St. Pete, including Downtown, with the exception of working.

When the issue of housing for African Americans was brought for debate, a number of white folks sided for the city to provide better housing, according to Schnur. Many African Americans during this time worked in service jobs and were hired by these white folks. White people were concerned about possible illnesses that could potentially be caused by such poor living conditions. They didn’t want themselves to get sick or contaminated as a result.

The project was soon given the green light. In the summer of 1939, construction began. Money for the project was given by the city of St. Petersburg and the federal government from President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal Plan during the Great Depression.

Land farther south was donated by a man named Elder Jordan, a successful business man and who owned a large amount of real-estate in Pinellas County and advocate for equality for African Americans. The stretch of land reaches from 9^th Ave S down to 13^th Ave S and 26^th St S to 22^nd St S.

A majority of the construction was completed by the summer of 1940. Over the next year, more houses were added.

The houses in the older African American communities were primarily made of wood. Schnur notes that this was not rare, even in the late 1930s, but it also wasn’t the most innovative tool. The houses in Jordan Park were made from concrete blocks.

Upon the completion of construction, newspaper articles reported as many as almost 2,000 residents lived in the subdivision at one point. There was even a waitlist to get in. The houses did their job of providing a safe, sanitary place for people to live. All was well.

As the years went on, public housing began to earn a bad stigma. Crime and drugs started to appear on headlines in connection with Jordan Park. Shootings became frequent. Children witnessed drug deals. The city hired extra police officers to canvas the area at night because it was so bad, according to the Times. However, the extra police officers in the neighborhood ended up having a positive effect and decreasing crime rates during this time by more than 80%.

Eventually time and use began to wear the houses of Jordan Park away. In the late 90s, the St. Petersburg Times, now Tampa Bay Times reported complaints of broken streetlights and the old military-style buildings looking ragged.

There was a lot of controversy about demolishing Jordan Park and replacing it with new houses. Many residents argued in newspaper interviews that it would be taking away from its legacy. At this point it was the oldest public housing project in St. Petersburg.

Demolition began in late 1999. It was once again funded by the city and the federal government, this time with help from Hope VI. The St. Petersburg Times reported $27 million was put into the project. The project was completed in 2001.

Many residents who lived in Jordan Park during that time moved elsewhere. The residents who moved out were given an allowance to move elsewhere if they chose to do so. About 50 families opted to stay and lived in the subdivision while construction went on.

The subdivision went from hosting 446 homes to 236 houses, apartments, duplexes and triplexes. Hundreds of people once again put their names on the list to live in the vibrant-colored houses of Jordan Park.

Jordan Park went through a number of ups and downs throughout the years. It stood its ground throughout the times of the thriving deuces to the political riots of Midtown. Nevertheless, a strong sense of community has always survived through its residents. Even though it had to be knocked down and rebuild, its legacy still stands. The community still stands.

January 27, 2016
Voices of Midtown – Dave McGuire, Volunteer at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve

November 18, 2015
As Midtown changes, this church remains a constant

Story and Photos BY INDHIRA SUERO
NNB Reporter

ST. PETERSBURG – It’s called the Avenue of Faith. It’s where the 20th Street Church of Christ stands. There are other nearby places of worship here in the heart of 9th Avenue South that serve as a symbol of the resilience in Midtown, a once vibrant African-American neighborhood during the era of segregation.

“I don’t remember those times because I’m not that old, but that’s the only church I know, the only (one) I ever been affiliated with. From a baby and I’m 67 years old now,” said Lawrence Dorn, a church member who grew up in Jordan Park. “We have gone through a lot of good changes, every minister we get has an impact on building the church,” he added.

According to the African American Heritage Project, this historical place —with six other major black denominations, Queen Street Church of God in Christ, Greater Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church, Stewart Memorial CME Church, Mount Zion Primitive Baptist Church, Elim Seventh Day Adventist Church and Mount Zion Progressive Missionary Baptist— played a role in the moral and social development of the neighborhood. The churches survived the integration that occurred in the city during the sixties and membership is up.

“At one time, we had 127 members now we have pretty close to a 1,000,” said Dorn about 20th Street Church of Christ membership. “A lot of people have come and a lot of people have gone, but this is a non-denominational church.”

People from Midtown and nearby areas attend Sunday worship at 20th Street Church of Christ in St. Peterburg.

Resilience

This house of worship has been a silent witness to the changes that the area has faced during its 88 years.

Its origins date to 1927 when, according to the church records, two brethren with the surnames of Richardson, and Dye enlisted the evangelistic services of brother Marshall M. Keeble of Nashville, Tenn. A tent meeting was constructed in which pastor Keeble baptized 92 people.

After its founding, Luke Miller became the first minister of the 20th Street Church and, according to church files, “divided his time between congregations in St. Petersburg, Lakeland, and Tampa.” Today, the Robert E. Smith leads the church.

While a newer main sanctuary for the congregation was built in 1989, the original building is still part of the church complex and houses the Police Athletic League of St. Petersburg.

According to historians, since its inception 20th Street Church of Christ, located in St. Petersburg (FL), has experienced unprecedented growth. For example, in 1962, there were 149 baptisms.

Salvation

The place of worship does various ministries as evangelism, benevolence, personal work, baptism, education, youth services, prison, Seniors, Singles, Support Group, Outreach, Women of Faith, and Food Pantry. As well it offers the services of Nurses Guild, Bus, Nursery, Technology, Kitchen, Unity and Voices of Praise, and Bible study.

Every Sunday, members and visitors put together a choir of devotees that sing: “On my knees, bowed in prayer/ I take all my trials to God/ and gently lay them there/ He still bears, dries my tears/ only Jesus give me strength/ through all my trials…”

After this song, Dorn makes his own request for help by saying he would like to see Midtown come back to life.

“Everything changed with the interstate highway. Lots of buildings are gone,” said Dorn. “Things aren’t the same, but I hope that it changes someday.”

Church member Lawrence Dorn goes every Sunday and greets nearly every visitor to the 20th Street Church of Christ in St. Petersburg.

November 1, 2015
Voices of Experience

BY BRIGITTE TOULON
ST. PETERSBURG – On the evening of September 24^th, The League of Women Voters of the St. Petersburg Area in partnership with The Florida Holocaust Museum, The Pinellas County Urban League and Pinellas Technical College (PTC) hosted the event, Voices of Experience: Personal Stories of the Civil Rights Struggle and Insights on the Voting Rights Act at PTC.

The event was held as a way to commemorate the passing of the Voting Rights Act 50 years ago. It began at 6 p.m. with opening comments from the sponsors of the event. The moderator was Rene Flowers, who made sure that all of the questions were addressed by the panelists before questions were turned over to the audience.

The panel was comprised of Harry Harvey, Dr. Joyce Henry, Imam Aquil and Stephanie Owens- Royster. Each individual, aside from Mrs. Owens-Royster, was able to shed some light on the experiences they went through during the time before the Act was passed. Owens-Royster, the youngest of the panelists, instead chose to shed some light on her insights into the Voting Rights Act and the improvements that could be made today in regards to voting.

Technology

“How safe do you think the American people will actually feel knowing that technology has proven not to be as beneficial and safe and as secure as some people feel going in with their own ballot?”, Flowers addresses to the panel.

Owens-Royster said, “We have some amazing technical people in Silicon Valley that if we put it to the test, in the private sector, in an open way, that we would get the kind of end to end security that would be needed to protect the vote, just like when we collect medical information.”

“Florida just passed online voting registration legislation. It was signed by the governor, it will take effect in 2017. So we’re moving in the right direction to use live technology to make it easier to register to vote”, said Henry.

Aquil made a comment regarding voting in general, “if voting was so important in our society, make it a holiday.”

Restoration

Flowers brought up the topic of restoration of voting rights to those who have had theirs taken from them. Currently, Florida is one out of three states that does not automatically restore these rights back to individuals that have been incarcerated.

“Florida disenfranchises nearly two millions individuals, they are unable to vote due to a felony. You should never lose your right to vote, it should be automatic when you’re realized from prison”, said Henry.

Youth Voting

Owens-Royster said, “You shouldn’t only be voting in presidential elections, or midterms or specials. If there was an election for dog catcher, everybody ought to be out there deciding who it is that they want.” She briefly quoted Rev. Al Sharpton, “you can’t turn them out, if you can’t turn them on.”

Harvey stressed the importance of voting by mail and that people who are 16 or 17 should be registering to vote so that when they go off to college, they can vote by mail instead. Henry’s concern is the problem that they, “need to find a way to engage” the youth, so they go out and vote.

The event closed with questions asked by members of the audience. Some members of the audience were left with more questions that could not be answered because the program ran over time.

November 1, 2015
Influential Impact The Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum Has On Society
By Carly Romano

NNB Reporter

ST. PETERSBURG— With a group of like-minded friends, Dr. Carter G. Woodson started work to educate and bring equality to unite residents of Midtown in 1915.

He wrote more than 30 books including The Mis-Education of the Negro in 1933. Woodson developed the idea in 1926 to observe noted accomplishments made by African Americans for a week. His celebration grew to eventually become Black History Month.

A museum to honor and commemorate Woodson opened in 2006 and continues to grow his legacy.

“We celebrate, we remember, we embrace the history of the past, as well as cater to the present,” said Cranston Cumberbatch, Office Manager/Curator/Docent of the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum.

Inside, there are displays of significant artwork symbolizing highlights of African American culture and history. The display is also a part of Art Walk, a festive monthly tradition, held throughout Midtown and downtown.

In order to maintain the non-profit museum, it accepts donations as well as hosts special events to help bring in money. These special occasions and events are held inside the museum or outside in the nature reserve garden.

The museum was part of the Jordan Park housing project upgrades and financially funded by a multimillion-dollar federal grant in 2005. The space formerly served as the Jordan Park Community Center and Management Office.

In January, there was a protest to keep the museum when concerns came up that the property would be sold back to the St. Petersburg Housing Authority. By March, due to the landmark’s sentimental value, the city of St. Petersburg started negotiations for the space. Ownership by the city is being finalized which will allow the building to remain in the same location.

African Americans played a crucial role in the expansion and development of St. Petersburg since the late 1800s. Exhibits show the hardscrabble lives of early black families and cultural artwork. Their purpose is to uphold the value of diversification, equal rights and social justice.

“We are a progressive museum, we don’t keep static exhibits,” said Cumberbatch. “There are constant changes displaying narratives from the past to the present.”

If you go:

What: Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum

Where: 2240 9^th Ave S, St. Petersburg

When: From 12-5 p.m. Tuesday to Friday; Saturday, by appointment

Contact: (727) 323-1104
October 22, 2015
Midtown’s African American Heritage Trail

BY RIM SHUMAN
NNB Reporter

ST. PETERSBURG – “Many people remember the 50’s and 60’s, but not a lot of people, especially not children, remember the times before it as well. So, I think that the boards are great to preserve information that could have been lost or forgotten in case they were not there,” said Kimberly Hinder, Historic Preservation Planner for the City of St. Petersburg.

The African American Heritage Trail Map of Boards [Photograph Courtesy of St.Pete.org]
The idea of the trail was first initiated by former Mayor Bill Foster of the City of St. Petersburg. Foster established an advisory committee that the board members, consisting of involved and interested community members, to discover the important places, people and events that shaped the surrounding neighborhood.

This helped board members establish the themes for the corridor such as focusing on the commercial corridor with the African American businesses during segregation, Civil Rights, education and the role of family, clubs and religion.

“We had to gather the initial list of places and people through the advisory board meetings and public meetings but the detailed information on the boards was found through interviews and archival research.” said Hinder.

The African American Heritage Trail Board titled End of an Era. [Photo Courtesy of StPete.Org]
The City of St. Petersburg applied for a grant offered by the State Division of Historic Resources. Once the City was granted the award, St. Petersburg City Council approved the grant agreement. This grant was available to municipalities with historic preservation programs approved by the state as a Certified Local Government.

The grant could not be used for future maintenance, only initial development and installation, said Hinder.

“The boards are graffiti resistant and sun damage proof – we tried to get the best materials that last as long as it can possibly last for. The materials are the same materials that the National Park Service uses. The boards are warranted for ten years from the manufacturer so damage will be replaced if necessary,” said Hinder.

David Mourra, from left, Steve Harris and Greg Keller place African American Heritage Trail Board in front of the Carter G. Woodson African American History Museum. [Photo Courtesy of Melissa Lyttle of Tampa Bay Times]
The African American Heritage Trail became a public walking attraction in October 2014. The two-mile trail is located at the main point of the Carter G. Woodson Museum at 2240 9th Ave. S. A trail of 10 boards run along the North and South of 22nd Street South, while the intersection of 9th Avenue includes another 10 boards along the East to West of Midtown.

The Trail received the Meritorious Achievement Award in 2015 for its preservational value.

The 20 detailed boards include background information and illustration of the African-American heritage that has flourished in the city of St. Petersburg; this attraction is a walking tour provided by the City of St. Petersburg in an area where black culture is embraced. They are placed in front of areas in Historic Midtown such as the Manhattan Casino, the Johnnie Ruth Clarke Center, formerly known as the Mercy Hospital, and the Royal Theater.

These boards are titled as the “Faith, Family and Education” on 9th Avenue which includes rich African-American heritage details that consist of the community, schools, organizations, religious centers and enrichment of the black society starting from the Jim Crow-era. There are approximately nine religious centers on this side of the trail, where the board focuses on such details of the now restored Jordan Elementary School.

The Logo used for the African American Heritage Trail. [Photo Courtesy of Melissa Lyttle of Tampa Bay Times]
The boards are titled: “Community, Culture and Commerce” on the 22nd Street trail, which includes the important and history-making information about racial segregation.

The shops and places that are featured on these trail boards include information pertaining to the places where African-Americans couldn’t shop, sit, enjoy, contribute to or receive services during the time of racial segregation in America. These boards elaborate on iconic figures such as Louis Armstrong, Ray Charles and James Brown as their jazz music was a significant factor in placing a board in front of the Royal Theater and the Manhattan Casino.

The African American Heritage Association wants to found more boards though it will require another grant. There are many other sites in St. Petersburg that have potential for these markers including the South Mole, which served as a beach for African Americans in St. Petersburg; the Gas Plant, Pepper Town and Methodist Town.

“Little remains of these African American communities,” said Hinder.

If you go:

What: Keep Saint Petersburg Local 2nd Annual Localicious Eat Local Drink Local Week

When: Oct. 16- 25

Where: Downtown and Midtown St. Petersburg. Tours of the African American Heritage Trail are part of the event-filled week. For more information visit: http://keepsaintpetersburglocal.org/localicious.

October 9, 2015
Just A Little Love to Restore A Stronger And Diverse Community

BY ZENENA MOGUEL
NNB Reporter

ST. PETERSBURG – It was just another night where the sound of music and laughter filled the air of this vibrant community. It was Midtown in the 1940s bringing out the African-American culture. But, it was not always that way. It took brave and valiant individuals to build the lively and joyful culture of Midtown. Then, Sidney Harden and his grocery store was one these individuals, and today, it is Elihu and Carolyn Brayboy.

Sidney Harden’s advertisement on the outside of the grocery store’s wall. Published in St. Petersburg Historic 22nd Street South by Peck and Wilson, 2006, 68.

In 1942, Harden opened ‘Sidney Harden’s Grocery Store’ on 22^nd Street South. It was the place to get cultural food and resources throughout the community, according to the St. Petersburg Times. The grocery store also served local residents in times of need and comfort.

Harden was a neighbor and hoped the best for his community. According to a staff report from the City of St. Petersburg Community Preservation Commission, when local residents didn’t have enough, he gave and was known to hire residents for minor labor in exchange for food. He is remembered for his donations to different charities in the hope to make Midtown a better place for those in the community.

In the 35 years since the closing of Sidney Harden’s Grocery Store, that same passion and determination can be seen in Elihu and Carolyn Brayboy, better known as Mr. B and Mrs. B, and their hope to build a stronger and diverse Midtown. Despite a tough start and individuals’ perception of Midtown as being a rough place, the Brayboys decided to start their own business. They even have a reply for those with a misconception of Midtown.

“We’re putting the neighbor back into the hood,” said Elihu Brayboy. “Therefore it is a neighborhood.”

The café was renovated to meet modern day demands while keeping the design and layout of the historical Sidney Harden’s Grocery Store.

Although it was not what they intended, it became a place they now hold dear and true. Like Harden, the Brayboys are trying to invigorate the community. With just the start of a café, the Brayboys hope other businesses will see the opportunity Midtown has to offer.

“We value it and our view is it’s a great area and all it needs is love,” said Elihu Brayboy.

Named after Elihu Brayboy’s mother, Mary ‘Chief’ Brayboy Jones, a native of South Louisiana who catered to many celebrities such as Teddy Pendergrass, the Chief’s Creole Café serves a taste of Creole dishes including shrimp and grits, spicy jambalaya and Creole gumbo. Along with a delicious meal, customers have a choice of a spacious, elegant and vintage dining room or the outdoor patio setting to enjoy.

Chief’s Creole Café celebrates their first year anniversary on Nov. 1. The celebration starts with a momentous ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 30 with Mayor Rick Kriseman. The event leads into the ‘Masquerade Under The Stars’ with live entertainment and dancing.

“We are ready for the storm,” said Kenny Roberts, a restaurant employee. “We know it’s coming.”

This is just the start of a new and diverse Midtown. The Brayboys and their employees are definitely excited, but so are those in the community.

Cranston Cumberbatch, office manager of Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, has been a regular at Chief’s Creole Café since its opening.

“I really think that it’s a real treasure to this community,” said Cumberbatch. “For what (the Brayboys) are providing I think it’s really something good to help in the resurgence of this community to getting back to those memorable iconic places that so many residents in this community are familiar with.”

September 19, 2015