Black lives

Allstate Tom Joyner Family Reunion Returns, Celebrating Families and the African-American Community for 17th Year

Published

5 years ago

August 26, 2019

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (FNN NEWS) – Tom Joyner, host of the nationally syndicated Tom Joyner Morning Show, and Allstate Insurance Company are once again celebrating the importance of family fun for every generation by partnering to present the 2019 Allstate Tom Joyner Family Reunion. The prominent event, now in its 17th year will be held at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Kissimmee, Florida on Labor Day weekend, August 29–September 2. This is Allstate’s 14^th year working with Joyner to create this famed event that this year highlights the 25 year career of Tom Joyner along with artists/talent that include Charlie Wilson, The Bonfyre, Brandy, Robin Thicke, Leela James, Guy Torry, Erica Campbell, Rickey Smiley, Donald Lawrence, Keke Wyatt, Kierra Sheard, Sir The Baptist, Ty Tribbett, DJ Standout, Lonnie Hunter, Shanice Wilson, Ollie Gabriel, Brownstone, Kim Coles, Bebe Winans, Isaac Carree, DJ Kool, DJ, Kev-Ski, DJ Flamingo and more. Once again Orlando’s Start 94.5 collaborates with Tom Joyner to bring one of the biggest events that celebrates the African-American community in Central Florida.

Attracting more than 25,000 people annually, the Allstate Tom Joyner Family Reunion welcomes families from all over the country for a weekend filled with concerts, celebrity interactions, enlightening seminars, and one of the largest family-themed expos for the African-American community, with a focus on education, health and beauty, arts and culture, entertainment, shopping, and endless activities. The event’s free and renowned Fam-Fest Expo is open to the public the entire weekend with a daily schedule that has something for family members of all ages. Also in the Allstate Family Expo – this year there will be $10,000 to share in over the weekend with activities to participate in, to win that extra spending money.

Allstate celebrates 15years as the title sponsor of the Allstate Tom Joyner Family Reunion in 2019. As a longtime partner, Allstate has supported Tom Joyner and his vision to further initiatives dedicated to education, family and community service. This year, Allstate invited listeners on the Tom Joyner Morning Show to share Stories of Strengths to enter for a chance to win a family package to this year’s event. Allstate’s Stories of Strength contest recognizes everyday individuals in our community doing extraordinary things. At the Allstate footprint in the Family Reunion, guests can learn about financial planning and career opportunities at Allstate, as well as participate in a variety of entertaining activities.

Here are some of the highlights of the lineup for the 2019 Allstate Tom Joyner Family Reunion:

Friday, Aug. 29

· Sky Show

o DJ Kool, Dj Kev-Ski and DJ Flamingo

· The Free Allstate Family Fun Expo – Free

o Shanice Wilson, Ollie Gabriel & Rickey Smiley

· “The Tom Joyner One More Time Experience” Concert

o Brandy, Robin Thicke, Leelah James & Guy Torry

Saturday, Aug. 30

· The Free Allstate Family Fun Expo – Free

o Brownstone, Kim Coles and Rickey Smiley

· “The Tom Joyner One More Time Experience” Concert

o Charlie Wilson and The Bonfyre

Sunday, Aug. 31:

· The Allstate Family Fun Expo – Free

o Erica Campbell, BeBe Winans and Isaac Carree

o Rickey Smiley

· McDonald’s Black & Positively Golden™ presents the 13^thannual Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour with

o Donald Lawrence, Keke Wyatt, Kierra Sheard, Sir the Baptist, Tye Tribbett, DJ Standout and host Lonnie Hunter

The Tom Joyner Sky Show will broadcast the nationally syndicated show live on Friday from this year’s event as part of a weekend filled with LIVE performances for the true music lovers in the Expo and concerts on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Friday night, R&B fans will enjoy soulful artists like Brandy, Robin Thicke, Leelah James and comedy from Guy Torry. Saturday, get ready for Charlie…last name Wilson with a special performance by The Bonfyre! Then, it’s Sunday inspiration with a LIVE performance in the Expo Hall from Gospel artist and syndicated radio host, Erica Campbell. And don’t forget to catch Erica Campbell during Sybil’s Book Club!

The praise continues into the evening with the McDonald’s Black & Positively Golden™presents the 13^thannual Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour with BeBe Winans, Donald Lawrence, Keke Wyatt, Kierra Sheard, Sir the Baptist, Tye Tribbett, Isaac Carree, and DJ Standout and host, Lonnie Hunter. And don’t miss the comedic antics from performer and radio host, Rickey Smiley, as he delivers his own style of karaoke, a seminar on parenting and a comedy camp!

The 2019 Allstate Tom Joyner Family Reunion is even more poignant, as Joyner celebrates 25 years as a leader in the entertainment industry. Joyner, who announced that he will retire from broadcasting in December of 2019, revolutionized radio when his daily, African-American targeted music show premiered featuring news, interviews, LIVE performances, and more. While continuing to celebrate his career and impact, the legendary host remains a mainstay with multiple brand extensions that include annual events, engaging digital platforms and a dedication to serving, empowering and educating his loyal community/audience.

“I am so proud of the fun, entertainment-filled atmosphere that we created all those years ago to truly celebrate Black families and what we love,” said Joyner. “We gladly continue this tradition, and I know it will be our best year yet.”

The Tom Joyner Sky Show will broadcast the nationally syndicated show LIVE, Friday, from this year’s event as part of a weekend filled with live performances including Shanice and Ollie Gabriel from NBC’s Songland. DJ Kool, DJ Kev-Ski, and DJ Flamingo will set the stage for the “Old School” dance contest for audience members to win a chance at the Family Reunion Money Machine.

Initiated in 2003, Joyner’s Allstate Tom Joyner Family Reunion has featured a stellar lineup of today’s hottest entertainers. Tom Joyner radio affiliate Star 94.5/Orlando will invite the Central Florida audience to participate throughout the weekend.

For more information about the 2019 Allstate Tom Joyner Family Reunion and to see a full schedule of events, visit BlackAmericaWeb.com.

Black lives

Florida House Democratic Leader-Designate Fentrice Driskell Announces Leadership Team

Published

1 year ago

November 21, 2022

FNN NEWS

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida House Democratic Leader-Designate Fentrice Driskell (D-Tampa) today announced the appointment of the following Democratic Representatives to serve on the House Democratic Caucus leadership team for the 2022-24 legislative term:

Leader Pro Tempore: Representative Dotie Joseph (D-Miami);
Policy Chair: Representative Kelly Skidmore (D-Boca Raton);
Floor Leader: Representative Michael “Mike” Gottlieb (D-Davie); and
Whip: Representative Christine Hunschofsky (D-Parkland).

“The House Democratic Caucus is made up of some of the strongest, most fierce champions of the people in the entire state,” said Leader-Designate Driskell. “It is an honor and great pleasure to work with these individuals in this new capacity, and all of them are prepared to lead the Caucus in the face of the challenges that lie ahead of us.”

As Leader Pro Tempore, Representative Joseph will assist the Democratic Leader in carrying out designated responsibilities and perform such Leadership responsibilities as are assigned, including stepping in for the Leader as needed.

“I have had the distinct pleasure of knowing Representative Joseph for over 20 years. From the time we were at Georgetown Law to now, she has always been a consistent champion for justice. The issues she advocates for on behalf of all Floridians makes Representative Joseph an invaluable asset in defending Floridians against extremist Republican policies,” said Leader-Designate Driskell. “I look forward to Representative Joseph’s leadership as a key member of my team over the next two years.”

In her role as the Caucus Policy Chair, Representative Skidmore will be responsible for ensuring the Caucus continues to champion legislation that positively impacts all Floridians, and will lead discussions about bills before the House at Caucus meetings.

“As the previous Policy Chair for the Caucus, I know what is needed to do this job. Appointing Representative Skidmore as Policy Chair was an easy choice,” said Leader-Designate Driskell. “She stood out as a prime member in understanding policy during the last legislative term. Representative Skidmore also brings with her a wealth of experience as both a former House and Senate staffer and House member. Applying her unique skillset to this new role will benefit the Caucus and all Floridians.”

In his role as Floor Leader, Representative Gottlieb will be responsible in interpreting the House Rules, ensuring the Caucus adheres to the agreed upon rules, and working with his Republican counterpart in advocating for fair amounts of time be allotted to the Caucus in debating different pieces of legislation.

“Two things I greatly appreciate about Representative Gottlieb are his refreshing candor and strong fortitude,” said Leader-Designate Driskell. “As the minority party in the Legislature, we’re aware of the challenges that lie ahead of us. What we need right now is someone who is unwavering under extreme pressure to help guide our Caucus during difficult moments. Representative Gottlieb is perfectly suited for this role.”

As Whip, Representative Hunschofsky will be responsible for keeping all Democratic Caucus members apprised of Caucus policy on any bills or issues before the House.

“Representative Hunschofsky has an amazing ability to get things done,” said Leader-Designate Driskell. “Not only does Representative Hunschofsky possess a wealth of knowledge due to her experience as the former mayor of Parkland, Florida, she is also a champion of many initiatives close to Floridians’ hearts, such as expanding access to quality mental health care. I know Representative Hunschofsky’s knowledge and ability will help prepare our Caucus for the challenges of the next two year.”

The Florida House Democratic Caucus will convene during Organizational Session taking place Nov. 21-22, 2022 in advance of the 2023 Legislative Session scheduled to begin on March 7, 2023.

Black lives

VIDEO: State Rep. Dianne Hart elected chair of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus

Published

1 year ago

November 20, 2022

FNN NEWS

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – State Representative Dianne Hart (D-Tampa), incoming Chair of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus, talks briefly with Florida National News on the importance of the Florida Blue Florida Classic at Camping World Stadium in Orlando Saturday. The Florida Classic is an annual college football rivalry game between Bethune–Cookman University and Florida A&M University.

Hart’s Twitter Statement:

Hart’s statement: “I’m honored to have been elected as the Chair of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus.” “I’m grateful to my colleagues for their support and for trusting me to move this important caucus forward.”

During the 2021 and 2022 Legislative Sessions, Rep. Hart served on the following House committees, including Democratic Ranking Member of the Infrastructure and Tourism Appropriations Subcommittee, Judiciary Committee, Joint Committee on Public Counsel Oversight, Ways & Means Committee, Criminal Justice & Public Safety Subcommittee, State Legislative Redistricting Subcommittee and Select Subcommittee on Authorized Gaming Activity.

Hart was first elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2018. She is also the CEO of the East Tampa Business and Civic Association.

Black lives

Former State Rep. Bruce Antone Ready To Rejoin Florida House

Published

1 year ago

October 21, 2022

FNN NEWS

Former State Representative Bruce Antone respond to questions by CFABJ, NAACP, and the Florida Voters League panel during a candidates forum in Orange County, Thursday, October 19, 2022. (Photo by J Willie David, III / Florida National News)

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Former Florida State Representative Bruce Antone served 12 years (six terms) in the Florida House of Representatives and defeated incumbent Democratic Rep. Travaris McCurdy during the August primary election to represent Orange County in the newly draw District 41 House seat.

CFABJ, NAACP, and Florida Voters League held a candidates forum for candidates seeking county, state and Congressional seats in Orange County, Thursday, October 19, 2022. (Photo by J Willie David, III / Florida National News)

Antone was among eleven candidates seeking election to county, state and Congressional seats participating in a candidate forum hosted by CFABJ, NAACP and the Florida Voters League, Wednesday, October 19, 2022.

Green Party nominee Robin Denise Harris is the only potential road block in Antone’s return to Tallahassee and faces off with him in the November general election. The District 41 House seat has an overwhelmingly Democratic voter base.

During his time in the Florida House, Antone was elected by his colleagues to serve as the Chairman of the 29-member Florida Legislative Black Caucus.

The general election is Tuesday, November 8, 2022.