Dania Beach Mayor Tamara James Hosts Annual ‘Progress in the Park’ Event in Hollywood

Dana Beach Mayor Tamara James, a South Broward High and UM basketball legend, hosted her annual back to school event known as Tamara James Day – Progress in the Park at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center last weekend on August 4 to prepare families for back to school.

Children who came to the event could participate in a basketball clinic and then enjoy bounce houses and fun activities. There was a backpack and school supply giveaway, a barbecue lunch including hot dogs and hamburgers and ice cream and Italian Ices and live entertainment. People could simply relax and have some fun with family and friends.

Tamara James, who led the event was pleased to see people getting together to have some fun and to receive school supplies. She played basketball at South Broward High School, the University of Miami and for the Washington Mystics in the Women’s National Basketball Association. She also played professional basketball in Europe and currently serves as the Mayor of Dania Beach.

She wanted to give back to the community. “I grew up here. I played basketball here. I had few resources and I understand the challenges people face in this community. I want to give back to the community,” said James.

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Tamara James and her father Ellis James.

Her father Ellis James helped out at the event. “I am proud that she is giving back to the community. I want to help out and see kids having a good time,” he said.

Terry Tait, assistant principal at Attucks Middle School helped to distribute backpacks. “This is an awesome event. Attucks Middle School is like family,” she said.

Joaquin Arellano, parks manager for recreation and aquatics for the City of Hollywood was pleased with the event. “This is a great benefit for the community. We had basketball clinics for children and other fun activities,” said Arellano.

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Dr. Tia Major with Operation Read. She wants to encourage children to read
and gave each child who wanted one a free book at the Tamara James Day
event.

Dr. Tia Major of Read Excel Achieve and Discover or Operation R.E.A.D brought a vehicle containing books and a place for children to read. She encouraged the children to come into the vehicle and read some books. Children could receive one free book. “I want to create reading spaces for children and make sure all kids can get books,” she said.

Author: Amanda Jones
Author: Amanda Jones

Amanda Jones specializes in social media marketing. She holds a Master's degree in Social Media Management from the University of Florida and a Social Media Professional Certificate from the University of Miami.

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