Legion aims to be 'bright light'

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SARASOTA

Lance Shabazz and Ronnie Phelps envision the new American Legion Post 370 as something more than a social club full of woozy veterans telling wartime stories.

Their American Legion, one serving as a labor hall and a help center for the high population of veterans and their families in Newtown, could change the face of the area and in particular the eastern part of Martin Luther King Jr. Way.

“This part of our corridor is considered a criminal dark spot, a blight on Sarasota County because of the activity in this area,” Phelps said. “We have to establish a bright light here to change that dynamic, and it’s our job to do that.”

Lance Shabazz and Ronnie Phelps are two of the men leading the charge to establish The Michael Campbell American Legion Post 370. They will  host their first benefit Saturday at 1958 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way, the location for Post 370. (STAFF PHOTO / RACHEL O'HARA)

Lance Shabazz and Ronnie Phelps are two of the men leading the charge to establish The Michael Campbell American Legion Post 370. They will host their first benefit Saturday at 1958 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way, the location for Post 370. (STAFF PHOTO / RACHEL O'HARA)

Shabazz and Phelps were instrumental in securing the American Legion, which has been named in honor of Michael Campbell, a 1964 Booker High grad who was among Sarasota’s first casualties in the Vietnam War.

Campbell — and efforts to get him a proper gravestone commemorating his military service — was featured in a Herald-Tribune story in October.

The American Legion Post 370 will be hosting a concert and dinner on Saturday from 4 to 8 p.m. as a way of introducing itself to the community.

Newtown has actually had an American Legion post named for Campbell since 2000, Shabazz said, but it was disorganized and there was no physical address. Over the years a handful of veterans occasionally met at places like the library and rec center before it kind of fizzled out.

“It was a real case of ‘We don’t care anymore,’” Phelps said. “They didn’t do it in order to build something in the community to use American Legion for what it’s really supposed to be for.

“All it had was a name. There was no home. There was no paper trail. There was nothing. It’s like you’ve got your lot but there’s no house.”

americanlegion370map

Shabazz plans to fix up a building his family owns that was once a social club on MLK Way, and he is already using an office in the back for business purposes.

The 63-year-old Shabazz, an Army veteran, is serving as Post Commander, while Phelps, 55, also an Army vet, has been handling public relations.

In order to secure the post, 15 new members had to sign up. Shabazz said he has 35. He also said 75 percent of the households in Newtown have someone in their family who has served, and there are 1,500 vets in the predominately black area that celebrated its 100th year anniversary in 2014.

“It’s mind-boggling to know that this many people from this community have served, and we have no marker,” Shabazz said.

Shabazz hopes that a tall flag — one that could cost around $5,000 — set in front of the building could change that part of Newtown and be a symbol of strength and security.

“Then they’ll know what this is,” Shabazz said. “They’ll feel more safe knowing we are veterans. One thing about a veteran, black or white, you served. You are my brother.”

The plan is for the American Legion to be a labor pool for vets and also a place where they can get clothes and the proper documentation for medical and other types of help.

“We’re not asking for any money,” Phelps said. “This is our American Legion, and it’s our job to do it. If someone wants to donate we appreciate it, but our main goal is for veterans to get retooled, re-educated and become vibrant members of society.”

Shabazz, who is related to Michael Campbell, said the plan has been in place for years, and the new post was granted in January.

“Our main thing is trying to put some lives back together, not just having a social spot,” Shabazz said. “We want to be a beacon light in this community for whatever they need or want.”

AT A GLANCE

What: Fundraiser for American Legion Michael Campbell Post 370

When: Saturday, 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Where: 1058 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Sarasota

Cost: $20, Vets pay what they can

More info: Call Ronnie Phelps at 941-536-8245

 

Last modified: April 9, 2015
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