Connecting Through History: The Vernon Family Discovering Legacy in the Archives

Left to Right: Dr. Antoinette Harrell, Dr. Portia Preston
Charlene Kelly-Shockley, Back Row: Sonora Kelly and
 Glyniss Vernon Gordon at the Center for Southeast
Louisiana Studies. 

Several descendants of "Free Bob" recently visited the Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies to examine the records in the Mount Canaan Missionary Baptist Church Collection. The joy on their faces was unmistakable as they explored the documents, uncovering pieces of their family's history.

Two generations sat across from one another, carefully analyzing the collection together. At times, Sonora Kelly's mother, Charlene Kelly-Shockley, shed tears of happiness as she saw that the history of her Vernon ancestors had been preserved and documented for future generations.

Family members spent time studying historical records and treasured photographs, connecting names and faces to stories that had been passed down through the years. Dr. Porta Preston was especially delighted to discover a photograph of her grandmother in the collection, making the experience deeply personal and memorable for everyone present. Everyone walked out of the building with such joy, just knowing that their history had been documented and share for future studies