Sophisticated Gents of Florida |
THE PRESIDENT'S CORNER
The New Normal?
While the nation tries to shake itself free from a natural crisis which has claimed in excess of 300,000 lives, we will have to come to grips with the realization that until we have a vaccine for Covid-19; we are going to have to learn how to live in a new “Normal”. That means people of color, because of our socio-economic situation, will have to be especially careful if we want not to fall ill to this virus. So now, in addition to Covid-19, we are still grappling with that same old, four hundred year old problem of racism. “We” know its ALWAYS been there. Its been cleaned-up, polished-up, and "lurking"in the “Down Low”; but we knew! When other folk talk about having “That Talk” with their sons; “That Talk” takes on a whole new dimension with "Our Folk”. True, video has, indeed, been somewhat of a “Game Changer”. But even with video, equal treatment is still not a “Slam Dunk” for us. I absolutely hate the “rioting", "burning", and destruction of other people’s property that went on. It pained me to see a Black business owner, with tears running down his cheeks, watch his life savings go up in flames! That ,by the way, could be said for ANY business owner! While we may live in the Villages or comparable nearby communities, we know that we are not that far removed from "those" neighborhoods. Most of us were raised in "those" neighborhoods! The great separator for everyone is education; and here again access is unequal. Education is the key to a truly "New Normal".
THIS IS WHY WE PAY IT FORWARD WITH OUR SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM...
We Care- AL Jenkins-President
WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO! (Powerful Video) ray-mcguire-to-leave-citigroup-to-run-for-mayor-of-new-york.html
THE GENTS ORGANIZED A TREMENDOUS ANTI-RACISM VIGIL HELD JUNE 12TH AT LAKE SUMTER LANDING!
A DIVERSE representation of residents from the community along with members from:The Sophisticated Gents,The African American Club,The Spanish American Club and the Villages Rotary Clubs held a vigil at Sumter Landing within the Villages. Approximately 400 were in attendance. blacklivesmatter.co
Systemic Racism Video Part One
Systemic Racism Video Part Two
2020 Friendship Golf Tournament It is with deep regret to inform you that this year’s Friendship Golf Tournament scheduled for November 7, 2020 is cancelled due to concerns surrounding the worldwide pandemic and the effects of COVID – 19. The Sophisticated Gents of Florida and our partner organization TAAC includes an age group determined to be most vulnerable to the ravages of the corona virus. This and the ever-increasing cases within the state of Florida prompted the Friendship Golf Tournament Leadership Team and the executive boards of the two organizations to err on the side of caution and forego holding this year’s tournament. I know many of you have looked forward to participating in this annual event, but keep in mind the tournament is but one piece of an over-arching scholarship fund-raising initiative. The pandemic has presented us some new challenges. However, we are fully committed to move forward with our fund-raising drive to support scholarships for the local area high school graduating class of 2021. We aim to do so by utilizing traditional means of outreach to club members and business owners who have supported the tournament in the past, and by leveraging the advantages of social media. Although the tournament will not occur as scheduled, let us not forget that our primary focus should be to provide a means by which our local high school graduates can live out their dreams of pursuing higher education. Through the grace of the Almighty and your financial contribution, we can achieve that goal.. Remember - There is NO amount too small or too large to contribute. Please donate on either this or our Facebook Site above today! The donation button is below. Allen C Jenkins, President |
CONCERNED INDIVIDUALS REFLECTING A BROAD RACIAL AND ETHNIC SPECTRUM EXPRESS SUPPORT FOR OUR ANTI -RACISM VIGIL...
| Local organizations stepped forward to raise money and help the Sumter County Supervisor of Elections Office.The program allows groups to staff a voting site, but instead of keeping their wages, the money earned goes to charities. |
GENTS IN MOTION
Raven Muse 2019 Scholarship Recipient (Video Link) |
2019 SCHOLARSHIP SPONSORS |
Patriotism on Display | HELP RESTORE RETURNING CITIZENS We are committed to ending the disenfranchisement and discrimination against people with convictions |
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Sophisticated Gents of Florida is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Men Of Distinction Awards! (2020) |
Dan Dildy |
Media/Web Administrator |
Reggie Hayes "Gent" Photographer
GENT GEMS By-Dan Dildy |