Gloria Jean Stories

09/08/2026

09/08/2026

On March 27, 2021 high schooler Olivia Krenicky placed a penny coin on the headstone for Benjamin and Fortune Taylor "for remembrance."

The coin was a sign of respect, to let these Tampa pioneers know that they are still thought of, and to emphasize their value in our Tampa story-past, present and future. 🧡🧡

On Friday, September 11, 2026, pennies and flowers and 'thank yous' are welcome.

(The AI gravestone image is based on a photo by Tara Prather)

09/07/2026

The Bag’s ready for fall! 🍂

Autumn’s approaching and the Foundation’s getting ready with an exciting line up of art shows, events and mixers. Look out for exciting programs including the foundation’s exhibit at Art Fair Tampa at the Tampa Convention Center October 15-18. BAG Members will receive a special invite opening night.

Next month, the Foundation launches its sixth Artist Collaboration Series after teaming up with Melissa Koby and the Edition Hotel on it’s SUMMER ART EXHIBIT.

Visit the link in the bio to join the BAG’s mailing list. Become a member and follow all the Fall events.

08/26/2026

The free festival will spotlight over 150 Black-owned businesses in Tampa

Black Tampa Bay entrepreneurs, artists, and community organizations will take center stage on Aug. 29-30 during B.I.G. Fest, a free celebration designed to promote Black-owned businesses and strengthen the region’s entrepreneurial community.

Read more → https://www.powerbrokernews.com/post/b-i-g-fest-26-celebrates-black-business-culture-and-community-in-tampa

08/25/2026

For a long time, I would not have named creativity as one of my values.

Not because it wasn’t there. There was more room in my life for responsibility than there was for creativity.

Then I made more intentional choices about how I wanted to live, and creativity kept showing up. For example, I began blocking out time each week for creative work, even if it meant saying no to other responsibilities. That shift helped me see creativity had space to grow.

In my writing.
In photography.
In Start New Beginnings.

It wasn’t new. I finally had enough room to notice how much it had always mattered to me.

That is part of what made me think differently about values. Sometimes we assume we have changed when our life has changed enough for another part of us to finally have room.

What part of you may have been there all along, waiting for more room?