Welcome to The Tampa Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Tampa Bay Lightning home game

• AI art of the week

• A deep dive into the life of Bessie Coleman

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way."

—Martin Luther King, Jr.

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

What famous Cuban sandwich, now a staple in Tampa cuisine, was originally developed by immigrants in Ybor City?

A) Cuban Sandwich

B) Media Noche

C) Pan con Lechón

D) Pan con Bistec

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The Tampa Bay NHL team that plays at the Amalie Arena is C) Tampa Bay Lightning

News

💼Business

St. Pete bank breaks into Florida's fast-growing cannabis market with new division.(link)

Tampa Bay tech company earns national award for women-owned businesses.(link)

🏒Sports

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Value Skyrockets as One of World's Most Valuable Sports Teams.(link)

Tampa Bay Rays and catcher Danny Jansen finalize 1-year contract.(link)

🏦Finance

Glazer family launches $1 million Small Business Fund for Hurricane Milton recovery.(link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🏒 Tampa Bay Lightning vs. St. Louis Blues
Amalie Arena Tampa,
Thursday December 19 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🏀 South Florida Men's Basketball vs. East Texas A&M
Yuengling Center Tampa,
Saturday December 21 | 4:00 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎶Trivecta
The Ritz Theater - Ybor City Tampa,
Friday December 20 | 10:00 PM | (more info)

🎤 Home Free: Any Kind of Christmas
Tampa Theatre,
December 21 | 7:30 PM | (more info)

Family Friendly

🎄Christmas Extravaganza
Core Revival Center 6616 East Chelsea Street Tampa,
Saturday, December 21 | 1 - 5pm EST | (more info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “An entirely underground Tampa.” And this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Tampa Historical Events

1978: Tampa hosts the world’s first triathlon.

In 1978, Tampa made sporting history by hosting the world's first triathlon, a groundbreaking event that combined swimming, biking, and running into a single race. The triathlon was organized by the city and attracted athletes from across the nation who were eager to participate in this new and challenging endurance event. The race took place in the picturesque setting of Tampa Bay, offering participants a scenic backdrop for their grueling competition.

The inaugural triathlon in Tampa laid the foundation for the popular sport that it has become today. Triathlons have since gained widespread popularity worldwide, with athletes of all levels competing in various distances and formats. Tampa's pioneering role in hosting the world's first triathlon demonstrated the city's commitment to promoting fitness, athleticism, and healthy competition, and it remains a testament to the enduring appeal of this demanding multi-sport event.

Since 1978, triathlons have become a staple of the sports calendar in Tampa and the broader region, with numerous events held throughout the year. The city's historic role in hosting the world's first triathlon continues to be celebrated by athletes and fitness enthusiasts, and it underscores Tampa's dedication to promoting a healthy and active lifestyle within its community.

Famous People From Tampa

Bessie Coleman (1892–1926): First African American woman pilot, performed in Tampa.

Bessie Coleman (1892–1926): First African American Woman Pilot

Early Life and Education (1892-1910)

Bessie Coleman was born in 1892 in Atlanta, Texas, into a world where opportunities for African Americans, especially women, were severely limited. Despite the challenges, she showed an early passion for learning, completing her basic education in a one-room segregated schoolhouse.Coleman's formative years were marked by ambition and a determination to overcome societal barriers.

Pursuit of Higher Education and Chicago (1911-1919)

Seeking greater opportunities, Coleman moved to Chicago, where she lived with her brothers and worked as a manicurist. She attended the Burnham School of Beauty Culture and became interested in the stories of World War I pilots, sparking her fascination with aviation. This period was crucial in shaping her aspirations to become a pilot.

Dream of Flying and Journey to France (1920-1921)

Denied entry to American flying schools due to her race and gender, Coleman set her sights on France to achieve her dream of becoming a pilot. She learned French and, with the support of influential African Americans, traveled to France. In 1921, Coleman broke barriers by earning her pilot's license from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale.

Return to the United States and Barnstorming Career (1922-1925)

Coleman returned to the U.S. as the first African American woman pilot, receiving significant attention from the press. She embarked on a career in barnstorming, performing daring aerial stunts at air shows across the country. Her performances were characterized by skill, daring, and a flair that captivated audiences.

Influence and Advocacy (1922-1926)

Coleman used her platform to advocate for racial and gender equality, refusing to perform where African Americans were not admitted. She aspired to establish a school for African American aviators, hoping to pave the way for future generations.Her influence extended beyond aviation, inspiring others to pursue their dreams despite societal limitations.

Connection to Tampa (1923)

Bessie Coleman's connection to Tampa was marked by a notable performance she held in the city. Her barnstorming show in Tampa was part of her broader efforts to showcase her aviation skills and inspire others. Her presence in Tampa was a significant event, highlighting her status as a pioneering aviator.

Final Years and Tragic Death (1926)

Coleman continued her barnstorming career, planning for an aviation school for African Americans.Tragically, her life was cut short in 1926 due to an aviation accident. Coleman's untimely death was mourned by many who saw her as a symbol of possibility and change.

Legacy and Posthumous Recognition

Bessie Coleman's legacy as a pioneering African American woman pilot continued to inspire long after her death. She was posthumously honored with numerous awards and recognitions, and her story became an integral part of aviation history.Memorials and scholarships were established in her name to encourage young African Americans to pursue careers in aviation.

Key Achievements

• Became the first African American woman to hold a pilot's license.

• Pioneered a career in barnstorming, showcasing her skills as a stunt pilot.

• Advocated for racial and gender equality, using her influence to challenge societal norms.

• Inspired future generations of African Americans and women to pursue aviation.

Bessie Coleman's remarkable life story is one of courage, perseverance, and groundbreaking achievement. As the first African American woman pilot, she not only shattered racial and gender barriers in aviation but also used her platform to advocate for equality and inspire others. Her legacy, marked by her skill as a pilot and her commitment to social change, continues to resonate, symbolizing the power of determination and the importance of challenging societal limitations.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Yannick Lyons

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