The Legacy of the late Mr. W.C. Frazier of Amite, Louisiana

Willie Charles Frazier

On Sunday, November 11, 2012, Brother Willie Charlie Frazier, affectionately known as “W.C.” passed from earth to heaven’s reward. There will be no more sorrow, pain or suffering, it was God’s will that he should go.

Bro. W.C. was born on November 10, 1920 to the late  Thomas Frazier and the late Lena Green Frazier. He was united in holy matrimony to the late Lizzie Coleman Frazier and to that union eleven children were born.

He was a hard-working man who believed in providing for his family. He labored hard and long in the vineyard of life reaping many rewards. His passion was tilling the soil and making things grow; many people knew him because of his generosity with the fruits of his labor. W.C. was employed by the Town of Amite with the City Maintenance Department for many years. He was an industrious and loyal employee until his retirement.

Bro. W.C. was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He made sure that his wife, his children and his grandchildren were provided for. He and his wife had a very special and loving relationship, in later years he served as her caregiver during her illness. His concern was always for “Lizzie”. “Big Daddy” as he was known to the grandchildren would always be there when he was needed.

Bro. W.C. devoted his life to God and became a member of Gordon Chapel Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Supt. Alexander Richardson. He served as a devoted member under the leadership of both the late Supt. Samuel Richardson and Supt. Emmitt N. Richardson, Sr. and attended services until his health no longer allowed him do so. His devotion to God and his church never wavered; he continued to do all that he could in the service of the Lord.

The late Mr. Willie Charles Frazier

He leaves to cherish his memory five sons: Emmitt (Elaine) Frazier of Roseland, LA, Earnest (Jo-Ann) Frazier,  and John H. Frazier of Amite, LA, James (Audrey) Frazier of Livermore, California, and  Rogers (Connie) Frazier of Roseland, LA; five daughters:  Lillie (Robert) Warren of San Francisco, California, Catherine  (Carl) Galmon, W. Dolores Topps, Josie Dell Frazier, and  Joann (Calvin) Winfield, all of Amite, LA; a devoted niece/daughter: Mary Smith;  thirty (30) grandchildren, thirty-seven (37) great-grandchildren and two (2) great, great-grandchildren; sister-in-law: Bertha Coleman, brother-in-law: Wade Wilson, god daughters: Ella M. Hughes, Betty Franklin   and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and  Lena Green Frazier, a devoted step-mother: Celestine Ward Frazier,  his loving and devoted wife, Lizzie Coleman Frazier, one son, Willie C. Frazier, Jr.; three sisters: Velma Coleman, Rosa Caston and Ellen Frazier, three brothers: William Frazier, Ivory Frazier and Robert Frazier;  and grand daughter, Eulandra D. Frazier.

"Gone But Not Forgotten"

Special Thanks to Jo-Ann Frazier

Diamond Merchant from Africa Settled in Amite, Louisiana

This book was given to Frank H. Drake, Mayor of Amite, LA in 1904. on June 7, 1973.  Dr. Ed. Burleigh, a retired physician from Opelousas, presented the Amite Rotary Club a picture album of early pictures of Amite. The book was handed down in his family  through a cousin, Florelle Porter, who was a former school teacher in the Amite area.

The "Copy Album" is being prepared by Leo's Photo Service in Amite, La. This photograph is of the Ogden Home. Apparently the spelling of the last name of the man from Africa should be "Beit" rather than "Diet."

The Odgen Home-Orginally Carter Home called the Camellia Lillian Center married Oteo Diet, diamond merchant from Africa.

Source: Amite Genealogy Library-Archival Room

The Legacy of Sunny Cohn of Amite, Louisiana

Sunny Cohn
No name were given for the woman in the
photograph

A man whose energy, determination and varied interests led him to become a very influential man in Amite and the northern section of Tangipahoa Parish. Sunny was born in Roseland, Louisiana, where he attended grammar school in Kentwood, Louisiana. He served seven years in the U.S. Army during World War II, serving in France, England and Germany.

On his return home in 1950 he attended a trade school in Hammond, La., and then worked for Ardillo's Supermarket in Amite. In 1960 he purchased his own school bus and began driving for the Tangipahoa Parish School Board. He was also the Assistant Supervisor of Maintenance at the Parish Court House in Amite, a position he held since 1973.

Serving his community by taking part in many civic organizations is one of the highlights of his life. One of his favorite projects was serving on the board of director of the Head Start Program in Tangipahoa Parish and Amite for three years. The Head Start Program is 80% funded. Sunny assisted by a cousin Leatha Cook, who was director of the Head Start were very active in fund raising for the remaining 20% need to continue the program.

Sunny was very proud of being on the board of the Tangipahoa Black Festivial, Inc., for the past three years. He was recognized as a member who could be counted on to do his job well. He and his wife, the former Mary Lee Head have been married for forty years, they had one son Floyd, Jr., who has three children.

Sunny was a great enthusiast of all sports. He really enjoyed watching the local high school games because he had watched these kids grow up over the year while riding his school bus.  Sunny's outlook on life is to help his fellow man when ever possible.

Source: African American Album donated to the Amite Genealogy Library by Mrs. Gracie Perry of Amite, LA

Genealogist Antoinette Harrell Tour Museums from the United States to Niger, West Africa

Antoinette looking at Tuareg War Shield
Zinder, West Africa

I have visited many museums throughout the United States, looking at artifacts, special collections and reading rare books. In August of 2004, I traveled to Niger, West Africa-- the homeland where my maternal African Ancestry DNA matches with the Tuareg people of the Sahara Desert. After my arrival in Paris, France, I wanted to visit the museums, archives, libraries, and universities to find any kind of records, artifacts and books that were stolen from Niger after the country were colonized by France. Inside the tall buildings that is guarded by the Gothic gods are rare books and other information that can help me find my way back to my maternal homeland, is guarded by the Gothic gods and it followers. My ancestors and our history lies in the belly of the Gothic beast. Books that is written in the language of my ancestors that I couldn't read, if I did find the books. Before being colonized by he French my ancestors spoke Tamasheq and other native languages before being forced to speak the French language. My ancestors were linguist, people that were skilled in several languages.

Antoinette Harrell at Smith Robertson Museum &
Cultural Center

While attending a meeting in Jackson, Mississippi with Lloyd Lazard and his New Orleans Delegation in Jackson, Mississippi,  we had the opportunity to tour several museums. The International Museum of Muslim Cultures was one of the two that we visit. I was delighted to see artifacts from the Tuareg People of Niger. Looking at the artifacts from the nomadic people of the Sahara Desert took me back in memories to the blacksmith shops and villages where the Tuareg and Berber people made their jewelry, wood carvings and beautiful leather goods.

In the Akan language of Ghana the term Sankofa means, "We must go back to reclaim our past so we can move forward; so we could understand why and how we came to be who we are today." Some also interpret Sankofa to be, no matter how far away one travels they must always return home." Each time I visit any repository, museum, universities and other research facilities, I search for something that will help me reclaim knowledge of self and return me back to the land of my ancestors on the continent of Africa. I really can't say I have a favorite museum because each one of them offer an opportunity to learn something that I didn't know. Are too see original artifacts that tell something about my people and the period in which they lived.

Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center

It is a journey searching for what was stolen from me; knowledge of self, family, books, history, artifacts and land. My maternal great-great grandfather Robert Harrell came to Mississippi as a slave with Levi Harrell and his family where they settled in Amite County, Mississippi in 1803.  While touring Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center  looking at the artifacts, history and agriculture artifacts holds the story behind my Mississippians deep rooted connections.

From Africa to Mississippi, I found my history inside the Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center to the lock doors of buildings in Zinder that hold the last piece of jewelry, artifacts that the Tuareg people had taken from them before the were captured and sold into slavery. I will continue to search for my history and knowledge of self. "Know Who You Are Before They Tell You" African Proverb

The National Slave Ship Museum Louisiana Delegation Meet with Jackson, Mississippi Mayor

Louisiana Delegation meeting with Mayor Lumumba

Today I traveled with a Lloyd Lazard and a Delegation from New Orleans, La to meet with Jackson, Mississippi Mayor Chokwe Lumumba to discuss the vision and plans that Lloyd  have for establishing a National Slave Ship Museum. Clifton James, Economic Development and Special Project Committee presented the plan before Mayor Lumumba and his Delegation.

The National Slave Ship Museum

Lloyd Lazard has been dreaming of this since the 90s, and now several city leaders are on board. He wants New Orleans, La to be the home of the museum. The plan is to redevelop the Lower Garden District Riverfront turning it into
 an educational corridor. The museum would be built around a full size replica of a slave ship. It’ll include a lab to trace your ancestry. After leaving the meeting we has an opportunity to tour the Smith Robertson Museum and the International Museum of Muslim Cultures at the Mississippi Art Center in Jackson, Mississippi. While touring the International Museum of Muslim Cultures we saw the Timbutku Exhibition. I was truly excited when I saw the Tuareg Exhibition. My maternal African Ancestry DNA matches with the Tuareg People of Niger. Looking at the Tuareg artifacts, remind me of the time I spent in Niger, West Africa. 

Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

Everyone was very impressed with the Smith Robertson Museum and happy to see that our history is being preserved, kept and told by the children of former slaves and sharecroppers. From Africa to the slave auction blocks and cotton fields, the curator found a way to tell our story. 

The Jim Crow laws were state and local laws in the United States enacted between 1876 and 1965. It was mandated and enforced in all public facilities in Southern States. Jim Crow laws are the segregation of public places, public schools, restrooms, restaurants, and drinking fountains. Although this happened in my time, I can't ever recall going to a "colored only" water fountain.

Pamela D.C. Junior, Museum Manager

Read more: http://wgno.com/2013/09/12/national-slave-ship-museum-one-step-closer-to-being-built-in-new-orleans/#ixzz2kUxO1vvj

West Jackson Colored School " Mother School" School for Negro Boys and Girls

Smith Robertson  ( 1847-1899)

Smith Robertson was born a slave in Fayette, Alabama, in 1847. After the  Civil War, he migrated to Mississippi where he operated a successful barber business. He became involved in local politics and became the first African American Alderman for the City of Jackson, Mississippi. On December 6, 1879, at the time when the enrollment of colored children exceeded that of white children in the Jackson Public Schools. Smith Robertson was appointed by the Mayor and Board of Alderman to the Board of Trustees for the school for color pupils. He was reappointed in December, 1880 and served as a member of he Board of Aldermen from 1879 until 1899. He began serving his second term, which would have ended in 1910; however, this tern was interrupted by his untimely death on December 30,1899.

The building was erected in 1894. Smith Robertson School was the first public school for Negro boys and girls in the state of Mississippi. The school was named in honor of Mr. Smith Robertson. The school was originally named the West Jackson Colored School and later became known as the “Mother School” it is located in the Capitol City of Jackson, Mississippi.

The new building was constructed after the first one was almost completely destroyed by fire January 3, 1909. The new building was completed in September 1909 and remodeled in 1935 when the Art Deco facade and added along with more classrooms. The school remained open until 1971.. when a court order it closed due to public school desegregation. The building fell into disarray until the efforts of deeply committed local humanitarians became a reality.

Reopened in 1984 as Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center it remains the largest museum in the state of Mississippi that host a vast collection of African American artifacts.

Richard Wright

 A once in a lifetime opportunity awaits you inside the Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center. Located a stone's throw from the State Capitol building, it's just within walking distance of principal businesses and attractions in downtown Jackson. Through art, artifacts, and photography, the work, lifestyle, and artistic contributions of African Americans are celebrated, evoking a greater understanding of the African-American experience in the Deep South.

Smith Robertson School is also the alma mater of Richard Nathaniel Wright, the author of “ Black Boy” and “Native Son” Wright was a member of the graduate class of 1925, and went on to become a highly acclaimed and world renowned writer.

The museum host several permanent exhibitions of visual art in various mediums. Also on exhibition is a vast collection of period artifacts, oral histories, memorabilia, historical documents, and periodicals. Our main gallery (David Taylor Gallery) showcases local and traveling exhibitions from across the United States. Modern and contemporary shows alternate with those dedicated to art from other cultures and earlier historical periods. The museums primary focus, highlighting the Mississippi African American experience, past and present.

Please  visit the  Smith Robertson and Cultural Center located at
 528 Bloom St., Jackson, MS 39202-4005

Contact number:  601-960-1457

Wild Game Cook Out in Kentwood, Louisiana

David Spencer

Wild game cooking is deep rooted in the African American  communities in the deep South. This was the first wild game cooking event that I ever attend. Sweet Home Folk Life Museum hosted the first wild game cook out. I have never tasted coon, possums and wild hogs. Vension (deer roast) is about as far as  I think I want take eating wild game.. Most people who hear about wild game kind of shy away from it. Okay! lets think about it--who wants to think about eating possums?

When we think about wild game we often think about meat with a strong flavor and can be difficulty to prepare and cook. I think I would have to become a vegetarian! Talking with men like Charlie Thompson and David Spencer have been hunting and trapping wild game since they were young boys.

Mr. Spencer said that he was twelve years old when he started coon hunting. He was taught how to train the dogs for coon hunting season. He told us that he used to eat possums until he saw the possums eating the carcass of a cow and that was the end of his possum eating days. He compared the possum to a scavengers, a possums reminds me of a vulture that can be seen on the side of the road eating dead animals.

One thing that all the men pointed out to me, they all said that they wouldn't go hungry. They know how to trap, hunt and plant their own food. I asked if they think that today's  young people would know how to survive and the reply from all of them was no they wouldn't know what to do.

Charlie Thompson-Grilled Wild Hog

One elderly white lady named Ferrie Blackmon joined in on the conversation and share with us how she use to go wild game hunting with her father as a child. She would go duck hunting and coon hunting with him. Marcia Wilson, the museum curator, quickly said that her taste buds haven't yet acquired a taste for wild game.

In the mean time, Charlie Thompson and Joel Ramsey get up and check the meat on the grill. It's time to take the wild boar off the grill and put the venison on. Mr. Spencer gazed the meat with and eye to see if it looks like it is ready. He appeared to be the master chef in charged.

I thought like so many others people that this type of food was a slave diet, I learned that both black and white people in the deep south ate this kind of food because that what they had to eat if you couldn't afford beef and chicken.

I could have sit there all day and talk with these men about hunting and planting food. This oral history should be recorded and preserved. It is oral history like this that can help us understand the way of life before fast food restaurants and precooked food. Like Ferrie Blackmon said, " everything had to me made by hand, planted by hand and grind by hand."

Our Family Fought and Served in the United States Military

Henry Harrell-World War I-1914-1918

As I went about my daily tasks today my mind drifted,  back to the beginning of the first Africans that were kidnapped off the continent of Africa West Coast and the inland. Many of them went into battle to protect their families, wives, and children. Hundreds of thousands died in that battle for freedom. They fought their enemies who had come to change their lives forever by forcing them into slavery in a new world unknown to them.

They were warriors and military men in their own country. One of the chiefs who organized an armed rebellion against British colonial authority was Zulu Chief Bambatha. He was not happy with the loss of land and his people suffered and the poll tax of one pound that they were forced to pay. His demand was that his people's land be returned and the poll tax lifted. The armed rebellion was finally crushed after lasting a year. Chief Bambatha together with his 3000 followers was killed. http://www.sahistory.org.za/article/fight-against-colonialism-and-imperialism-africa-grade-11

Before the Civil War in 1861, there were an estimated almost four million slaves in the United States. Approximately 180,000 African-Americans comprising of 163 units served in the Union Army during the Civil War, and many more African-Americans served in the  Navy. Both slaves and free African-American eagerly joined the Union to fight for their freedom. It was on July 17, 1862, Congress passed two acts allowing the enlistment of African Americans, but official enrollment occurred after September 1862. 

Edgar Harrell Honorable Discharge

When I started researching my family history I wanted to know which one of my ancestors fought in the Civil War. I found several Harrell men who fought in the United States Colored Troop Enlistment (Louisiana), but no direct link to me. At the battle of Port Hudson, Louisiana, May 27, 1863, the African American soldiers bravely faced the deadly artillery fire to gain their freedom.

My genealogy research revealed several Harrell family members fought in World War I. Times were extremely difficult for Black Southerners, most of them were farmers and sharecroppers who couldn't work their way out of debt. At this time many African-American men or women had no rights to vote. At the same time, some African-Americans were making the great migration up North and some found their way to New York.

It was my great uncles Edgar, Alec and Henry Harrell who bravely fought for change in World War I. They knew that in Amite, Louisiana, black people were segregated by the ugly force and faces of Jim Crow. They wanted to stand up for change or die trying. In their minds, they had seen the sharecroppers working hard all week and still couldn't afford to feed, clothed and provide shelter for their families. They were the direct children and the first generation of grandchildren born to slaves.

The three brothers who fought in World War I had to protest the racial injustice at home in Tangipahoa, Louisiana. When they returned home they found that they still had to sit on the back of the bus, they were waited on last in the local stores. They still had to say yes sir to white men and women and sometimes too little white children. They returned home after the war and found that black people where still sharecropping and living in extreme poverty.

Letter from Clarence to parents

Edgar's son, Clarence E. Harrell, Jr. fought in WWII, this war last from 1939-1945.  My genealogy research revealed that Dan, Johnnie, and Willie Harrell also fought in World War II and they each received an Honorable Discharge. I was happy to find a letter from my second cousin Clarence Harrell, Sr. to his parents Edgar and Minnie Nolan Harrell.

Letter Transcribed:

Hello mom:

Just a few lines to inform that I am doing great and that I am in the best of health. I wish that you, dad and Juanita are doing grand, also that you are in the best of health.

Mom I received your letter yesterday and was very glad to hear from you. Tell cousin Randy hello for me and that I will be home the next time she comes. Tell Juanita and all the relatives and friends hello for me. This is all for now, closing with much love and kisses. Your Son Clarence

Clarence E. Harrell, Jr. 

This letter wasn't dated and I didn't find the envelope.  His mother kept this letter all those years until she passed away. After her daughter, Juanita Harrell Stewart kept this letter in her collection. I have donated this letter to the Antoinette Harrell collection at the Amistad Research Center. It gives me great pleasure to blog and write about the men and women who fought in the battle for change. These courageous and brave men and women should be honored by their family members. We may never know what they endured for our freedom, that many of us take for granted. Although the brave men that I am writing about have long passed away. But the honors, dignity, and pride they left as a legacy will forever remain.

I learned a lot about the men and women in my family who served in the Military and today I want to say thank you. From WWI until now, men and women in my family have served in the military. Your names may not appear on the pages of the history books. There are times that members of your own family may not recognize the services you rendered for your freedom. But in the end, we couldn't have obtained it without you.

Thank You!

Henry Harrell, Frank, Harrell, Sr., Herbert Harrell, Raymond Harrell, Sr. Adam Gordon, Robert Gordon, Oliver Jackson, Emmitt N. Richardson, Nathaniel Richardson, Thomas Richardson, Sr., Alvin Lewis, Darren Lewis, Deddrick Washington, Mykeal Cook, Roosevelt Harrell, Sr., Willie K. Gordon, Jr. Willie Harrell, Johnnie Harrell, Edgar Harrell, Sr. Clarence Harrell, Jr. Dan Harrell, Henry Harrell, Edgar Harrell, Alec Harrell,Frank Gordon, Sr., Lance Harrell, Milton Temple, Bruce Temple, Efrem Temple, Gerald Temple, Gary Temple, Johnell Temple, Josephine Richardson, Robert Temple, Sam Holden, Sr., Daryl Richardson

                                                http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8z7ADI8KLw

                                                    http://tangipahoaafrican-americannews.com

The History of the Temple Men of Amite, Louisiana

Jim Temple, Sr. 

The Temple family has been in Amite, La., since the 1800s. The history starts with Jim Temple, Sr.,  Jim fought in the Civil War according to the oral history that has been passed down to his descendants and their offsprings. Jim Temple first wife was Margaret Amacker and to their union eight children were born, five daughters and three sons. His sons Charlie, Jim, Jr., John all stayed in Tangipahoa Parish. After Margaret passed away, Jim married Othell Butler and to their union four children were born: Walter, Hollis, Robert and Bernard.

His son Charlie was born abt 1875 in Tangipahoa Parish. Charlie passed away on December 13 1965 at the age of 89. In his early age he united with the Church of God in Christ in Amite, Louisiana but stayed away after becoming ill. He was led to Gordon Chapel Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Elder Alexander Richardson.

Charlie Temple
1875-1965

He was joined in Holy Wedlock with Eliza Marshall, to this union five children were born: Margie Jones, Stanley Temple, Augustine Atkins, Elouise White and Ellis Temple. After Eliza died he joined in Holy Wedlock with Aline Vining. To their union six children were born: Caretha Cutrer, Doretha Smith, Mary Noil, Maude Fox, Jacob Temple and Willie K. Temple. At the time of his death he had ten children, thirty-one grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren.

Charlie purchased fifty-four acres of land for his family. He built a home and started a farm to take care and provide for his wife and children. The land has been in the family over 80 years.  Edwin was 2 years old when his grandfather Charlie passed away.

The log cabin home that Jim Temple, Sr., built is still standing tall and strong. The floors were beautiful hardwood and the wood burning fireplace warm the house.  Jim was a very wise businessman for his era. Jim and his offsprings are buried in the Temple Cemetery in Amite, La. off highway 1046. The Temple men have alway took pride in maintaining the family cemetery. Two of Stanley Temple's sons Alvin and Bobby Temple use to drive up from New Orleans, LA., to cut the grass. After Alvin passed away his brother Bobby, and nephew Shelby continue to cut and maintain the cemetery.

Stanley Temple, Sr.
Abt 1906-1966

Edwin Temple is the grandson of Charlie Temple who also help cut and maintain the family cemetery.  Edwin believes in taking care of the cemetery because his grandparents and other relatives were dear to him.

The Temple men are great providers for their family and many of them are very crafty and skilled men. From carpenters, to mechanics, artist, truck drivers, military men, husbands and fathers.

Stanley met and married Cora Wheeler Temple. To their union nine children were born; Shirley, Betty, Stanley, Bernard, Bernell, Butrand, Stine, Bobby, and Alvin Temple. Stanley and Cora raised their family in New Orleans, Louisiana. One day my son Bernard Temple will appreciate this family history of his male lineage. The Temple family is one of the many pioneering African American families of Tangipahoa Parish. Many of the Jim's offsprings still live in the Amite, La area.

                                                   http://tangipahoaafrican-americannews.com

                                                       https://vimeo.com/nurturingourroots

Exploring the Rich History in Tangipahoa and St. Helena Parishes

Antoinette Harrell conducting genealogy research
Photo Credit: Walter C. Black, Sr.

The insight that I have gained about Tangipahoa and St. Helena parishes are unique and educational. This is where history come alive, exploring new townships and places. Collecting new photographs and the stories behind the pictures. Most importantly meeting new people and learning about their family history. Some people are happy to find someone that has an interest in local history and genealogy.  They are happy to show their family heirlooms such as; quilts, photographs, documents, and antiques that had been passed down through generations through family members.  I am delighted to see that someone in the family values the legacy that was passed down to them by their ancestors or family members. 

It would be great to see more lectures, films and seminars on the people, events and history of Tangipahoa and St. Helena Parishes at our local library.   Sometimes when I am riding on the back roads of the two parishes, I can’t help but give thanks to God for the beauty of these two parishes.

‘The smell of fresh air, the cattle grazing in the green pastures and the curviest roads that lead’s you to homes with fishing ponds and friendly people sitting on the porch.” Blackberries growing along side the road with other natural herbs. The colorful range of wild flowers of yellow, purple, red and white covers the side of the roads.

Richardson Gin,  Receipt of Clifford Wheat

Last week I saw a beautiful fox run across the road and a herd of deer waiting to cross the road.  Listening to the birds singing in the morning is like listen to a symphony that could be heard by the entire community. 

I feel like I am taking an exciting field trip each time I go out to explore the history of these two parishes.  What better way to learn about the history, events, and people,  than from the perspective of the people who made the history and events?  It is people like Edwin Temple, the genealogist for the Temple Family, Ann Hurst the genealogist for the Vining and William family of St. Helena Parish, that understand the importance of keeping our history alive. A very special thanks to my cousin Joyce for sharing these records.

Preserving and Maintaining Our Cemeteries in St. Helena & Tangipahoa Parishes, Louisiana

Rocky Hill Cemetery

It's has been over ten years ago since my son Bernard, my friend Ilona Lyttle and I recorded nine African American cemeteries in Tangipahoa and St. Helena Parishes. When I was a small child—my mother would take me and my brothers to Big Zion cemetery in Roseland, Louisiana were my maternal grandparents and other family members are buried. She white wash the graves and talk to us about maintaining the family cemeteries and graves of our ancestors. “ You should always keep the grass cut and graves white washed, “ said my mother. She always found a way to share the story about the headstones my grandfather Jasper made for his parents and siblings. She said she watched her father make them. My grandfather’s pride led him to make headstones for his deceased family members. Looking at the inscriptions on the headstones that he made over fifty-years ago is an historical part of my families’ genealogical research. 

I often wondered why are so many African-American cemeteries are being abandoned, neglected or without headstones!  In the early church history—some of the deacons of the church would maintain the church cemetery.  Taking care of the cemetery were part of the churches agenda. Insufficient funds or lack of a policy to maintain and manage the cemetery could be some of reasons that many African American cemeteries are abandoned and neglected. 

It should be our primary goal and objective to educated the community, church members and young people about the importance of maintaining the cemetery. These cemeteries hold special memories of our deceased family members. When cemeteries are neglected or just allowed to deteriorate, we all should be embarrassed. We stand a chance of losing important historical genealogical information that can be vital to our family history research. Not to mention dishonoring our deceased loved ones who have passed away.

Headstone made by Walter C. Black, Sr.

Several years ago, I purchased two headstones for my grandparents, because the thought of having them in a grave without headstones greatly disturbed me. I found that several others of my deceased family members didn’t have headstones. So I did what my maternal grandfather Jasper Harrell, Sr., did— I asked my colleague Walter C. Black, Sr., to make them.

These cemeteries contain the remains of WWII Veterans, church and community leaders, newly freed slaves, family members, and in some cases United States Colored Troops.  Last summer I met a woman named Myrtle Johnson who organized a non-profit organization to help preserve some of the cemeteries in St. Helena Parish. She took me too a slave cemeteries in St. Helena, Louisiana.  There are so many cemeteries and graves that are hidden in the woods, “ Johnson said. We need to notify the family members and community about the neglected cemeteries, Johnson said. “ These cemeteries are a big part of our history and they are our deceased love one.  Please volunteer your time to help maintain the family or church cemetery.

Myrtis Johnson unearthing slave cemeteries in St. Helena Parish

My Ancestors from St. Helena, La to Niger, West Africa

Antoinette Harrell in Ingall, West Africa

 Sitting at home and gazing out of the window, I found myself reflecting on my ancestral trip to Niger, West Africa. I asked myself today, what is so special about this moment that reminded me of Niger, West Africa? A country that is landlocked in Western Africa, and named after the Niger River. The Sahara desert covers eighty percent of the land area.  Niger is surrounded by Mali, Algeria, Libya, Chad, Nigeria, Benin, and Burkina Faso. Niger was colonized by the French and gained it independence from France in 1960.

 After spending several years conducting genealogy research in Tangipahoa and St. Helena, I ran into a brick wall and I couldn’t go any further, that's when I turned to African Ancestry for their help.  I was hoping that their records would lead me to some knowledge of where my maternal female ancestors came from. “The chances of me finding the records were slim to none.”  I took the African Ancestry DNA test on July 4^th in Kentwood while visiting with friends. I waited patiently for my test results to come back. Three weeks later—I received my test results and found that my maternal lineage matched with the Tuareg people in Niger.

Moussa Albaka and Antoinette Harrell

The Tuaregs are nomadic people who were the first inhabitants of the Sahara region.   The Tuareg, Fulani and Hausa people established themselves in the region that is now called Niger.  In the hot summer of 2004, I set out on my maternal ancestral expedition. I wanted to explore Niger to learn about the people, history and culture— in the two short weeks I was there. 

The first day I arrived in Niamey, the family of Moussa Albaka, greeted me with opened arms and lots of hugs.  I did not feel like a stranger in a land that maternally connected to.   Moussa and the governor of Niger, appointed a translator to help me communicated with the people. French is the official language of Niger. The following day, the governor made arrangements for me to come to his office for a history lesson about Niger, the people and culture. 

The Niger River

The Governor and Moussa arranged for me to travel to nine regions in Niger. Ingall and Agadez were two of the main regions I visited. The region where the annual Cure Salee festival of Tuareg and Wodaabe celebrate the end of the rainy season every September.  This festival attracts thousands of nomads, officials, and tourists every year. 

One of the main attractions in Ingall are the paleontological digs and the remains of Petrified Forest dating back 135 million years. Jobaria tiguidensis was a genus of sauropod dinosaur that lived in the current day Niger during the middle Jurassic period. The native people of Ingall greeted me with; songs of welcome home long lost daughter, the sound of Tuareg music, food, dance and conversation.  The people of Ingall and Agadez are beautiful people.  The Governor arranged for the Wodaabe men to give me a concert. The very men I saw on National Geographic mesmerized me.  This was one of the fascinating travel experiences I’ve had.

Harrell Genealogical Research in Pike County, Mississippi

Derius Harrell conducting genealogy research

It's  has been well over ten years since my distant cousin Derius Harrell and I conducted genealogical research in Amite and Pike County, Mississippi. Derius contacted me after reading something I posted online about the Harrell's in Mississippi and Louisiana. We arranged to meet and discuss our Harrell genealogical research and compare our notes.

His Harrell lineage connected him to Amite County, Mississippi and Pike County. Both of our families came down to Mississippi and Louisiana with Levi "Fat Old Levi" Harrell from Darlington, South Carolina in 1803. I remember the first day I met Derius, I couldn't stop starring at him because he resembled my first cousin Rodney Harrell. After telling him how much the two of them resembled each other, he then told me that he knew Rodney. He met Rodney while living in Houston, Tx. Not only did I find that they resembled each other, but they smile a like and have just a beautiful way about themselves.

Derius and his father Melvin are the one's in their family who research and preserve the family history for their family. I was astonished to see a young man like him wanting to know about his family history. Sometimes you may not find as many men who want to know about their roots. When you do find one who wants to know, you want too teach them as much as you possibly can.

Slave Inventory of Samuel Harrell, Amite County, Ms

Well we set out to find what we could in the county clerk's office of public records. Derius located marriage records, succession and probate records and land deeds. This was his first trip to the county clerk of courts looking for records about his family.  He was so excited about his finding.  One of the statement he made was so profound about the importance of genealogy for young black men. If young men knew their family history it would help to restore pride, dignity and self-worth in these young men.

Using the county map, he tried and trace the migration of his family. Looking at land boundaries, and where they lived and worked. Did they live along the river? After slavery did they own any land? If so, how much did they own? Is the land still in the family? If not, what happened to the land? These are questions that we ask if we found that our ancestors or family owned land.

Two summer ago I was invited by Derius's father to attend their Dillon family reunion in Amite County, Mississippi. I got a chance to meet some of his elderly relatives who were in their 90s. I wish I had more time just to sit and talk with them. It was good to see family talking, sharing photographs and family history with each other. The younger generation were listening to the elders speak before they found their way to the dance floor.

Grandchildren of Purdell Dillon
Photo Credit: Walter C. Black, Sr.

Some of the elders were the grandchildren of Prudell Dillon a woman of Indian descent. Prudell Dillon was born July 14, 1868 and died October 18, 1938. She was the mother of Walter Beasley, Robert Dillon, Wren Jones, Eli Lucas, Trudie McGhee, Emma Swinginton and Price Wilkinson

The descendants of Prudell recalls the days of growing up in their grandmother's house. They talked about how hard she worked in her garden and how she canned food and made their clothing. What a way to celebrate family!

The Legacy and History of Edgar Harrell, Sr.

Edgar Harrell, Sr.

Edgar Harrell, Sr., was born to Alexander and Emma Mead Harrell on April 17, 1896 and passed away on Saturday, February 14, 1959. He was the beloved husband of Minnie Nolan Harrell; father of Juanita Harrell Stewart and Clarence Edgar Harrell, Jr.

Survived by his  brother  Shelton S. Harrell of New Orleans, La., Jasper Harrell, Palmer Harrell, Mrs. Ella Kieth of Amite, Louisiana, Bertha Harrell of Chicago, Il., and Henry Harrell of Raccine, Wisconsin: grandfather of Gwendolyn an Michael Stewart. Father-in-law of Doretha S. Harrell and Isaac Stewart.

Also survived by a host of nieces, nephews other relatives and friends, A native of Amite, La and resident of New Orleans, for the past 40 years. He was a member of Petty's Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church. He was a member of Cyrus Chapter No. 4.O.E.S. of Martha Grand Chapter of the Supreme Council of Louisiana. A.A.S.R.F.M., and the Debonnaires Club.

My mother said that my uncle Edgar would get dressed up on the weekend and come visit his mother Emma Mead Harrell with a trunk full of fruit from the fruit and vegetables market in New Orleans, LA.

Edgar Harrell's Louisiana Driver's License

He served in World War I and received and honorable discharge. His line of work was construction, he built his home and helped his brother Shelton build a home for his family in uptown New Orleans, LA. The home that my maternal great uncle Shelton built is still in their family today.

My mother said that uncle Edgar was a very quiet and kind man. He supported and provided for his family and never failed to visit his mother in Amite, LA.

The Legacy and History of Elder Roosevelt Harrell, Sr.

Elder Roosevelt Harrell, Sr.

Elder Roosevelt Harrell, Sr., was born to Jasper Harrell, Sr., and Josephine Richardson Harrell in Amite, Louisiana. He attended O.W. Dillion High School, Kentwood and was a graduate of Westside High School, Kentwood, and Capitol Area Vocational School.

A friend to many and a humanitarian who gave so unselfishly to his family, his church and the community, who served as a spiritual advisor to those living with HIV/AIDS, who fed the hungry and provided clothes and shelter to the homeless, he died peacefully at 4:00 a.m., Tuesday, Oct, 23, 2001, at his residence in Slaughter, LA.,  at the age of 65 years old.

His service station was a haven for anyone in need. He was the retired owner and operator of Plank Road Automotive, he was also a U.S. Army veteran. Elder Roosevelt Harrell, Sr., was the pastor of Gordon Harrell Church of God in Christ, and a member of Richardson Chapel Church of God in Christ for 21 years. He is buried in Port Hudson National Cemetery.

He met and married his high school sweetheart Mildred Abbott Harrell, they were married for 40 years.; a son, Roosevelt Harrell Jr., and his wife, Wyomma; a daughter, Rolanda Gayle Harrell Jackson.  His siblings are the late Jasper Harrell, Jr., the late Catherine Harrell, the late Frank Harrell, the late Herbert Harrell, the late Leon Clarence Harrell, the late Raymond Harrell, Sr., Isabel Harrell Cook, Deloris Harrell Washington, and Henry Harrell.

It gives me great pleasure to write about my maternal uncle Roosevelt Harrell, Sr., a man who was very quiet and a man who spoke with great wisdom. There are so many qualities I can write about when it comes to my uncle. He kept a beautiful and loving smile on his face whenever he greeted you. Whatever you shared with him in confidence stayed with him. You could count on the fact that he wouldn't betray your confidence. Uncle Roosevelt also talked with me about saving and investing, the importance of buying your own home and must importantly serving the All Mighty Creator.

He is truly missed and I often think about him and try to apply some of the lessons my uncle shared with me. Uncle Roosevelt was a man that stood for righteousness, he was a kind of man that didn't bragged about material things. He didn't put others down to uplift himself. He truly left an example for us to follow and to live by. He never fell to tell you that he loved you and not to mention giving you a big hug. Miss you uncle Roosevelt!

Black Cowboys of Tangipahoa and St. Helena Parish, Louisiana

Photo Credit: Walter C. Black, Sr.

It wasn't until this past summer,  I learned something about the Black Cowboys Associations in Tangipahoa & St. Helena. This summer I had the pleasure of joining one of the trail rides in Clinton, Louisiana. Many of the men and women have been riding horses since they were toddlers. It often reminds me of the documentary " Forgotten Cowboys."

Little is known about the history of black cowboys in Tangipahoa and St. Helena Parishes. Before the trans-Atlantic slave trade, many former slaves were cattle herders. Before being sold into slavery in America and other European Nations, African men were men who owned cattle, camels, goats, sheep, and horses.  They weren't called cowboys in Africa, they were called herders. Herders can be found in every country in Africa. I had the opportunity to visit Niger, West Africa, where I saw the cattle herdsmen.

After I interviewed several men and women who attend the trail ride that weekend, learned that riding horses is in their blood.  Some of them had their wives, children, and grandchildren riding with them.  Caring for and taking care of horses is what they do. Listen to music from the blues to zydeco and the smell of barbecue that leaves your mouth watering. Calf roping is also known as die down roping is a rodeo event. The while the cowboy rides his horse try and catch the calf while throwing a rope from a lariat around its neck. He dismounts from the horse, runs to the calf, and restrain it by tying three legs together in as short a time as possible. The origin derives from the duties of actual workings cowboys, which sometimes required catching and restraining calves for branding or medical treatment.

The riders were young and old they started to saddle up the horses, over a hundred people were on horses and the others followed on a flatbed, wagon and buggies listened to music, dancing and having a cold beer. Riding club wore their shirts proudly and hand out promotional flyers to promote their upcoming trail ride. Fancy hats and fancy boots were the order of the day.

Photo Credit: Walter C. Black, Sr.

This past summer I went to a cow-roping in St. Helena Parish at the arena owned by Richard  Johnson. The black cowboys pulled up with their horses and rope to lasso calves and cows. It was my first time ever attending a cattle roping event. Some of the cowboys came from far as Arkansas to rope cows. The history is not taught in schools, or at least I wasn't taught the history of the black cowboy.

Most of the black men and women who ride grew up on a farm. According to the 2011 NBC News report on black cowboys, it's estimated that up to 25 percent of the cowboys in the  West were black. And some of them are famous. I searched the internet high and low and couldn't find anything about the black cowboys in Tangipahoa & St. Helena Parishes, Louisiana. I met over one hundred men and many women who rode and rope calves. My brothers used to play cowboys and Indians as little boys. Growing up they watched Roy Rogers and Bonanza. The only role a black man played in those movies where-- saddling, caring for and shoeing the horses as slaves are hired to help. Not only did black cowboys not make the movie screen but they never made the history books either.

African-Americans were cowboys, ranchers, gold miners, stagecoach drivers, hunters, trappers, lawmen, as well as explorers.  African-Americans played a major and vital role in the way the West was won. The largest black rodeo is the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, named after a Louisiana-born black cowboy, son of a former slave, who around the turn of the century invented steer-wresting, better

Photo Credit: Walter C. Black, Sr.known as bull-dogging.

Although I haven't traced my root back to any cowboys or cow-girls yet, I know the history is very important. My eyes and knowledge were open to learning more about the untold story of the black cowboys. There is so much of our history that needs to be researched, documented and recorded.

Links to more information about "Black Cowboys"

http://johnferguson.prosite.com/4751/422023/gallery/the-forgotten-cowboys

http://blacktrailriders.com/

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/ranchhouse/pop_blackcowboy.html

http://nycfederationofblackcowboys.com/