Teach Kids to Get Involved with Community Issues and Politics

Left to right
State Representative Tracie Davis, Connor LaCoste, State Rep
Cynthia A. Stafford, Chase LaCoste

Children are eager to learn new things and want to get involved. Teaching them to respect the environment, getting involved with causes at school, or community causes.  It's a great way to teach them how to stand up for their rights and learn the due process. Learning about house bills, resolutions, and the three branches of the U.S government will help them to learn about the laws and democracy in the United States as well as the; injustices that plagued and threaten that democracy. 

My grandson Connor often talks Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States Thurgood Marshall. He said that Thurgood Marshall is his hero and that if he was still living he would hire him in a minute to represent him if ever he had to appear before any court in the U.S.  He often points out that Thurgood Marshall was the first African-American Supreme Court Judge. He went directly to google to learn about the Clarence Thomas who, succeeded Thurgood Marshall. When he asked me the question about Clarence Thomas, I informed him that the two can't be compared. 

Often times when there is political, business, town hall, are community meetings I must attend, I take them along with me to learn and use this time as a classroom to educate them. Last week I had to attend the sessions of the Legislature at the Florida State Capitol in Tallahassee. I took my two grandsons with me, they witness how laws are passed. It was quite and experience for them. They met several Florida Senators and State Representatives. They also met the Florida State Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Florida State Attorney General Pam Bondi and the boys

They had direct invitations to the office of State Representative Cynthia A. Stafford a Democratic member of Florida House of Representatives, representing the 109th District which includes northeastern Miami-Dade County, Senator Daryl Rouson District #70, and State Attorney Pam Bondi. They were given strong words of encouragement from the elected officials about setting goals and to work hard to achieve those goals. 

I find them talking about the three branches of government and discussing issues that are important to them. Especially issues that pertain to kids.  It's never too early to teach them how congress affects their lives and their future. Connor wants to be a voice an advocate for seat belts and cameras on all Tangipahoa Parish School buses. You can follow him on; https://www.facebook.com/School-Bus-Seat-Belts-1686510884911386/

My granddaughter Jo'elle love drawing and art. She creates eye-catching posters with a powerful message for the causes she believes in and, stands up for. Her poster was signed by the Attorney General and Senator. The boys enjoy taking photographs. They both felt like little photographers and like the idea that they were treated like professional photographers.

Florida Senator Daryl Rouson

Chase enjoys taking photographs and getting involved with critical discussions on politics, laws, and issues. Now, before I can ask the question, "who want to come with me?" All hands are in the air to go come along.  I think my grandson Carter has expressed interest in becoming an actor in his mind. Politics is not on his agenda. Each one of them has talents, gifts, and skills that must be nurtured. 

In celebration of Earth Day, Jo'elle created posters to attend a march in New Orleans. Her poster made a powerful statement about our planet earth. It was the first march and protest for the boys and they learned a lot about the importance of standing up for what they believe in.  Their an artist of some kind in all children. We just need to take the time to see it and help them cultivate and nurtured that gift or talent. Jo'elle was encouraged by many protesters to keep standing up and having her voice heard through her art.  I enjoy seeing her find a place just for herself and explore her creative mind. I can't wait to see her masterpiece. I don't think they realize that I have preserved many of their masterpieces. My oldest son Joseph is thirty-eight and I still have artwork he created when he was in third and fouth grade. 

Jo'elle LaCoste
Earth Day in NOLA 2017
Tangi Democrats 

African American History Tours for Kids in Their Hometown

Tour of Peter Hammond Cemetery
Unknown Slave Boy Grave

There is a part of history that African American people must face and that is the history of slavery. My ancestors on both sides of my family were slaves in the Florida Parishes. While teaching my grandkids about their family, history we had to discuss slavery. They raised many questions about slavery, especially for children their ages. Of course! They can relate to kids because they are kids. They wanted to know what did they eat? Did the kids go to school? Did they have toys? Were they made to work?

They have been touring lots museums and saw many artifacts of that time and period. While visiting the cotton fields in the Mississippi Delta my granddaughter asked, "Did little girls have to pick cotton too?" The look on her face expressed many thoughts that were going on in her little mind. There's one person old enough to remember the cotton fields: her great-grandmother.

Recently I took them to the grave site of a grave marked (Unknown Slave Boy) in the cemetery of Peter Hammond.  Hammond, Louisiana founded circa 1819 by Peter Hammond. As they read the historical marker in the cemetery and learned that the little boy didn't have a name. "They wanted to know why?" Why he didn't have a name? Who were his parents? Where was he from? How old was he?

We will continue to visit museums and libraries this summer. Our schedule is planned for summer 2017. After each lesson and tour, I give them a pop quiz to see what they learned and open the floor for discussions and critical thinking. It's a great way to make history come alive for your child.

Educational Family Field Trips for Kids

Infinity Science Musem, Mississippi

My grandkids had one week off from school for the Mardi Gras holiday. They just came off a two- week long break for the Christmas holidays. They'll soon be approaching a spring break. I didn't want them to be home for one week without anything to do at all. Although my schedule was busy with doctors appointments and everything else I could think of. I cleared my schedule to give them my undivided attention. 

We talked our plan over and made plans to visit NASA science museums in Mississippi. They were so excited to visit the museum and go to the beach in Waveland as a treat. We packed our lunch after breakfast and headed out the door for our field trip.

They also toured the Sweet Home Baptist Church Museum Black History display in the Kentwood Community center. Our last field trip for the week was soon approaching. I wanted them to visit the gravesite of a little boy known only as "slave boy" in Hammond, La. He belonged to a man named Peter Hammond. 

Peter founded Hammond, Louisiana about 1818. Hammond was from Sweden. Three of my grandkids live in Hammond and I wanted them to tour the historic landmarks in their own hometown.   During the Christmas break, I took them to tour the African American Heritage Museum. 

I took them to the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, TN and the Slavehaven Underground museum to learn about the civil rights and the underground railroad. They learn so much about history by visiting museums. They have so many questions to asked and I welcome the questions because I know they are paying attention and learning. 

Cajun Swamp Tour, Laplace, Louisiana

Family field trips do not have to be expensive at all. All you have to do is make the time and make it a family project. "Get them involved by looking at what's available in their area, visit the website to learn more about the museum or site you plan to tour." The kids can be very helpful and learn while planning. 

Last summer they wanted to take a swamp tour so they decided to sell fresh blueberries to pay for their own tickets. Every morning they would get up early before it got too hot outside and pick the fresh blueberries. They sold enough to purchase their tickets for the Cajun Pride Swamp Tour. The field trip taught them how to earn money and save money to accomplish their goal. They were so proud of themselves and I was proud of them also. The kids had enough money left over to go see a movie. Family field trips can help them in my academic subjects. 

Whitney Plantation, Wallace, Louisiana

From Whitney Plantation in Wallace, La., to museums and parks in New Orleans, the kids enjoyed themselves. We are planning our summer fun time at grandmother's house. I created the Facebook page to document and blog about our journey together. It's a great way to share photographs and videos with their parents who work and can't join us for the fun. While driving to our destinations they learn about the direction they traveling. "Whether it east, west, north or south!" Meeting new people, exploring new places and tasting new foods is educational within itself. Matter of fact is it the best education one can ask for.  I'm enjoying the family field just as much as they are. It's our quality time spent together as a family. It's important to remember that the quality time spent together is more valuable than money. I make the classroom come alive for them. Well! Our Mardi Gras break is coming to an end and they are ready to get back to school. They've already asked me to come to school and have lunch with them. "How can I tell them no!" I can't and I won't. I hope this blog article inspire you to take family field trips with your grandkids, kids or any child in your family. 

Audubon Zoo, New Orleans, LA

Harrell Inspired Other Genealogist to Donate Their Research Materials

Harrell donating her 2017 collection

My family roots run deep in the Florida Parishes. When I first started researching my family history in the local libraries and university, I couldn't find any records, photographs, and any other genealogy resources outside of the parish courthouse and ancestry.  I know my family has been in the parishes since the founding of the parishes and contributed to the society they lived in. 

They owned their land, they built their one-room schools. African American people in the Florida parishes worked hard to own and maintain their own farms and some owned their own business. They served in the military and not one monument with their names listed can be found throughout the Florida Parishes.  "Why wasn't their contributions documented?" As I moved forward to pursue my own genealogy research as planned. I started collecting photographs, documents, artifacts and genealogical records from other African American families in the Florida Parishes, I had to find a repository to deposit the items collected. 

Bennett donating her family files

In 2012, I called the office of Samuel Hyde, Jr. Ph.D., Professor of History and Director, Center for Southeast La. Studies/Archives to set up an appointment with him to talk with him about the rich collections. After talking with Dr. Hyde, he informed me that he would be happy to archive the collections, and how   important it is to the history of the Florida Parishes. The collection  help fill in the missing pieces of history in the Florida Parishes as it relates to African American people. 

I asked my colleague Bernice Alexander Bennett a Maryland resident, who is the host of "Research at the National Archives and Beyond," author, genealogist, family historian to consider donating her family papers and research to the Center for Southeast La. Studies/Archives. She agreed to donate her collection to the center.  Bennett spends countless of hours researching civil war records for Louisiana color troops at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.

Martin & Royal looking at Harrell's
collection

Another genealogy researcher named Stephanie Quiette-Addison Martin, spent twenty-five years  researching and documenting the history of African Americans in the Florida Parishes, Martin has submitted work to Afrigeneas and to Christine's Genealogy website. She is also published in the "Louisiana Genealogical Register." Martin offered to donate her extensive collection to the Center for Southeast La Studies/Archives. She has collected over 10,000 names. Martin is the Manager of the African American Archives for  Louisiana.

Karran Harper Royal, co-host of "Nurturing Our Roots Television Talk Show," and Executive Director of the Georgetown University 272. Royal is a native of New Orleans and talks about the impact of Georgetown. 272 slaves were sold to benefit Georgetown University.

Words can't explain how delighted and happy I am to hear that these noted and reowned genealogists  and family historians will follow the lead and donate their collections to the center.  

Antoinette Harrell Collection at the Center For Southeast Louisiana Studies

Nurturing Our Roots" Teach the Kids About Inheritance!"

Black Farmers and Their Land

Nurturing Our Roots & Extending New Branches

Nurturing Our Roots Genealogy Workshop

Mob Law in Tangipahoa

Last Tuesday morning, John Johnson the negro boy who so unmercifully slaughtered the Cotton family at Tickfaw, Louisiana, and brought up from the city to Amite to be put upon his trial, but the court was relieved of this pleasure as a mob of some 250 men gathered there after dark and took Johnson and Arch Joiner, who was charged as an accomplice, and another negro name Williams who was charged with killing his wife, out of the jail, while Johnson and Joiner were carried back to the scene of their unlawful crime to be burned at the stake. They promised the mob if they would not burn them they would make an honest confession, which was agreed to. They both then confessed to the awful crime and said two other negroes were with them and they did it thinking there was a large sum of money in the house. They were then hanged and riddled with bullets.

Source: Baton Rouge, The St. Helena, Echo- (Greensburg, LA)
              Jan. 22, 1897, p. l. Col.3.


http://www.louisianadigitallibrary.org/cdm/ref/collection/LWP/id/6966

Black Field Laborer Near Amite City

Black field laborer near Amite City, ca. 1900. Cotton production remain central in the regional economy in the late nineteenth century. This photo can be found in Pistols and Politics " The Dilemma of Democracy in Louisiana's Florida Parishes 1810-1899. Written by Samuel C. Hyde, Jr.

Photo Courtesy: Buddy Bel

Amite High School 1970 Delores Harrell Washington

Delores Harrell Washington was a graduate of the 1970 class of Amite High School in Amite, Louisiana. She is the youngest child born to Jasper Harrell, Sr. and Josephine Richardson Harrell. She was the first in their family to attend and graduate with a College Degree. Some of her other siblings obtained vocational trades.

She served as an educator in Baton Rouge Louisiana until she retired. 

Amite High School Class of 1970

Sitting: Left to Right- Rudy Boyd, Mary Mabry, Cheryl Williams, Diane Belvins, Jo Ann Williams, Searlette Brayeil, Connie Brooks, Standing: Left to Right- Alfred Battiste, Jerry Bulter, Clyde Smith, James Holden, J. W. Watkins, Johnny Duncan, Sponsors: Mr. Jones and Mr. Wall

Source: 1970 Amite High School Yearbook

Celebration of Life for Ella Victoria Fortenberry of Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana

Ella Victoria Morris was born the youngest of three siblings to Annie Mae Pope-Morris and Rafort Morris on October 6, 1923 in Columbia, Mississippi, on Monday 22, 2012. Victoria grew up in Columbus, Mississippi. She worshipped at Butler's AME Zion church for over 50 years. 

Victoria 2 years early as Valedictorian or her high school class from Marion County Training School in Columbia, MS. She then went on to attend Alcorn A&M College where she earned her bachelors degree in English and Social Studies. She attended Southern University, Atlanta Unversity, and Southeastern Louisiana where she received her certification in Library Science.

During her year at Alcorn University she met and married Howard Fortenberry and to this union daughter, Delores was born. She later moved to Amite, LA where she married Lathan Lucien, Sr.

Victoria devoted her life to educating and mentoring others. She began her career in Picayune, MS and later moved to Louisiana where she taught at O.W.Dillon, West Side High School, Ponchatoula High, and Amite High. After her retirement in 1980, she taught an additional 12 years as an Adults Education Teacher at Amite High School. There were the years that were held dear to her heart. 

Mt. Cannan Missionary Baptist Church Deacon Board

Deacon Board of Mt. Cannan Missionary Baptist church. If anyone can name all the men in the pictures please do so.

Third man for the right; Dr. Percy L. Walker.

Second man from the left- Lindsey Vernon.

Also in this photograph is Shedrick Brooks, Robert Vernon and Leon Vernon, Sr.

Source: Luther Tolliver Facebook Page

My Son Isn't For Sale

James Morris

Last week I had the pleasure of meeting a beautiful woman named Lorena Morris at the home of her friend Ruby Dunn Gilmore. She flew down to spend some time in her home town of Kentwood, Louisiana. I went over the see both ladies and decided to sit and talk with them about Tangipahoa Parish Training School for the Colored. They both were students at the school and both ladies were taking me down me back in time. Her siblings are; Charlie, Frank J, Lara Jane, Georgia M, and Joe Lee Morris. Her father James was born around 1914 according to  the 1940 U.S. Census. At the time when the census was taken the family was living in St. Helena Parish.

She proudly displayed his WWII photographs. But one story that stayed in my mind is the story about a white man in Gillsburg, Mississippi  who offered to buy her father in the 30s. She stated her father James told her he was a young man when a white man asked his father to sell him. James father quickly told the white man that his son wasn't for sale. Gillsburg, Mississippi is located in Amite County, Mississippi. This wasn't the first time that I heard people in Amite County talk about their relatives been sold or held systems of involuntary servitude.

She said her mother Dora was a house servant working in the white folk kitchen. Later she got a job working in the school cafeteria in Kentwood.

What Are You Doing to Preserve Your Family Papers and Photographs?

Antoinette Harrell preserving original papers.
Photo Credit: Walter C. Black, Sr.

Any person who has experienced a natural disaster or other catastrophic situations where they lose their home suddenly will tell you how painful it is to lose family photographs, albums, documents and family papers. In most cases, those losses can never be replaced.  "What if there were one picture  of  your great grandparents and a flood took place at your relative's house and the one picture was lost?" 

Just recently hundreds of thousands of people were affected by the recent rising flood waters in nineteen parishes.  Lots of family photographs were floating in water that became molded. Mold can be very dangerous and a hazard to your health.  You may want to consult with a conservator to have your picture restored if possible. 

I found that simply sharing copies of the family rare photographs with other relatives is one way of making sure that there are additional copies if something should happen to the original.  I use blog and Facebook page is another great way I share my images.  Digitizing your family photographs and papers are another way to preserve the images. But keep in mind that there a risk should something happen with the device you're using to preserve the collection digitally. To learn more about how to preserve the priceless family keepsakes,  please click on the link below. 

Most people have an iCloud account where they can keep copies of their photographs, documents, family papers and video clipping. Most importantly, your files are accessible from your iPhone, IPads and other Android devices. I also use an external portable hard drive to store my files as well. In the event of a catastrophic event or natural disaster, I can just pick up my external portable hard drive and leave to say the least. Nevertheless packing the originals of my collection is vital as well. 

Ernest Lewis and Catherine Harrell Wedding.

The National Archives site on how to preserve family papers and photographs very helpful. Most of the time we become reactive rather than pro-active. If you live in a flood zone, please consider your family keepsake collection when you prepare to evacuate.

It never to early to start working to organize your family priceless photographs and papers before a natural disasters. When a natural disaster occur,  most people can't think about saving those items. 

Please click on the link below to learn more:

https://www.archives.gov/preservation/family-archives/

Free Bob's Great Granddaughter Cora Bell Cryer-Evans

Cora Bell Cryer-Evans

Cora Bell Cyer-Evans was born in Fluker, Louisiana July 29, 1920. She is the youngest daughter of Nancy and Joseph Cryer, granddaughter of Rev. Robert Vernon, Jr. known as "Pa" he is the son of "Free Bob/Deacon Vernon.

Cora Bell's early years was spent at "Pa's" house in Vernon Town, better know as "Up home." She attended Mt. Canaan Elementary Schoo and later furthered her education in Kentwood, Louisiana.

Cora Bell married the late Edmond H. Evans during World War II and they moved to Hammond, Louisiana. In 1947 their only child, Brenda Joyce Evans-Johnson was born.

Cora Bell and Edmond became business owners in Hammond. They had the only black owned and operated dry cleaners in the City of Hammond and Parish of Tangipahoa. Ace Dry Cleaners serviced the community for years.

After the cleaners closed, she worked as a Domestic is several homes. In 1966, Cora Bell moved to Oakland, California and worked as the Supervisor in a local Nursing Home for twenty-years. When she retired, she relocated to Los Angeles, California and lived with her daughter Brenda; Grandison McEllen Johnson, III, son-in-law; and their two sons; Grandson, IV and Estevan.

After Brenda's death in 2005 and the death of her oldest sister Jannie Cryer-Ennis known as " Lil Jannie' in 2006, she moved back to Hammond due to her failing health. She lived with her niece Charlene Shockley-Kelly. In 2008 Cora Bell became a resident of the Hammond Nursing Home, where she currently resides.

Source: Vernon Family History Booklet

Mt. Canaan: Where Education Began for Black Children in Arcola, Louisiana

Mt. Canaan School
 Front and extended building
Roseland, Louisiana 
Photo Credit
Luther Toliver

Robert "Free Bob" Vernon, despite being illiterate, donated land to establish a school in Arcola, Louisiana, to provide educational access for Black children in the community. The building was also used as a Masonic Lodge. Robert was born in Rankin County, Mississippi, in 1835. He migrated to Louisiana, where he accumulated extensive landholdings and apportioned 100 acres to each of his children as a foundational resource. 

Side view of Mt. Canaan School
Photo Credit
Luther Toliver

Singer Topsy Chapman of Kentwood, Louisiana

Topsy Chapman

Topsy grew up not far from New Orleans in Kentwood. She was surrounded by music, her parents believed in the cultural of music. Her father Norwood was a music teacher and her mother Roxie believed that the combination of chores, study and music was necessary for proper child development.  She is an admired singer around the world. She is joined by her two daughters, Yolanda "Peb" Windsay and Jolynda "Kike" Phillips.

In 2002, Chapman was nominated for Best Female Jazz Vocalist in the prestigious Best of New Orleans Awards given by Gambit magazine. She is one of sixteen children born to Norwood and Roxie. Norwood was first married to Myrtis.

She had toured all of Europe, Asia, and Australia and travelled the Americas performing gospel, traditional and Dixieland Jazz. Topsy's film credits include: No Cross, No Crown (2009); Tradition Is a Temple: The Modern Masters of New Orleans (2013): and 12 Years a Slave (2013). Her father Norwood was born April 4, 1898 to Henry and Laura Chapman in Liberty, Mississippi. Henry and Laura were the parents of William, Mamie, Lewis and Norwood Chapman. Henry was born in 1871 in Amite, Mississippi.

Henry parents were Joseph and Laura Chapman. They were the parents of Harris, Amelia, Celia, William, Henry, Susan, Jacob, John, Maria, Frank and Baby Chapman. According to 1880 U.S. Census Laura Chapman was born around 1835 in Maryland. The family was listed as mulatto. In 1870 the family was living in Ward 8, East Feliciana, Louisiana.


http://www.topsychapman.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDolZL7QBPM

Chapman Brothers Gospel Singers of Kentwood, Louisiana

The Chapman Brother
Photo Courtesy of Lemmie Chapman III

This article is a reprint and was brought by Lucille Watson of Kentwood, Louisiana. It appeared in the November 26 issue of the Dixie, the Sunday magazine of the Times-Picayune. The Chapman Brothers are natives of Kentwood, Louisiana and were in Mrs. Watson's choir at Brown's Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, of which Rev. H.W. Andrews is pastor. By Gil T. Webre

"We sing like the Chapman Brothers. We don't have nobody' else's style." That's the way Lemmie, a one time policeman in New Orleans, and now a truck driver describes the music he and his brothers create. And that's gospel. "Gospel music tied in the traditional style, but somewhat modernized," is the way Floyd puts it. He's was a social studies teacher in Jefferson Parish school system. The blending of a traditional gospel music modern showmanship can be seen in the variety  of booking which the Chapman brothers had. Church-related appearances head the list. Occasionally, they perform at services, but usually they present special programs, independent of any services. During the fall and winter, they'll be a church Louisiana, Mississippi or Alabama almost every Sunday afternoon.

Their songs are religious, with some patriotic ones (such as their Gospel version of God Bless American) thrown in for good measure. The Chapman Brothers singing group consist of vocalists Lemmie, Floyd, James (who's very animated in his leads) and occasionally Willie who handles much of the business of the group. Music is furnished by guitarists Henry and LeRoy, and drummer Norwood. 

Photo by: Jerry Lodriguss

All brothers, there are 16 Chapman children total have regularly put food on the table. So often they have problems getting together for rehearsal and to work out their gospel routines. Then to complicate matters, some other brothers either work or go to school at night. They find time to rehearse mainly on Saturday's and some weeknights, while generally limiting their booking to Saturday evening and Sundays. Between jobs and music, the Chapman's have little time to be alone with their families, but the brother look at it philsophically. If others have time for fishing and golf, they have time for singing. The Chapman's have been around Gospel music and songs ever since they were knee-high to dairy calves at their parents farm in Kentwood.

Norwood Chapman Sr., 80 was a farmer, barber, music teacher and strict disciplinarian. He and his wife Roxie 74, a teacher who quit the classroom when her family start growing. She believed that a combination of chores, study, and music was necessary for proper child development. Whenever a church or civic event around Kentwood required song, the Chapman's were always available to furnish it. 

The Vernon Family Reunion "The Legacy Will Never End"

 Photo Credit: Jo'elle Lacoste

The Vernon family held their 2016 family reunion in Tangipahoa Parish this past weekend. This year's theme "The Legacy Will Never End." They're the descendant of a former slave named Robert "Free Bob" Vernon, whom purchased his own freedom and the freedom of two of his children.  Free Bob was the father of seventeen children. He was married four times: Nellie Thompson, Martha Ann Morris, Catherine and Mamie last names are not known. His mother was named Hariett Booker and they called her "Grandma Booker."

My keynote address was "Maintaining the Legacy" of Free Bob. Maintaining the legacy of  wealth, educations, economics, employment our history and our future is what every family should be discussing. Every family reunion needs to educate their family members about the legacy left to them by their ancestors. What are the family heirs of, how do we maintain our inheritance is the big question that every family sure have the answers too.

He donated land to build the first African American School and church in Arcola, Louisiana. There is a community named Vernon Town. Bob purchased twenty-three acres of land, each time one of his children got married, he would give them a hundred acres as a gift to get them started.

If the Vernon family would've incorporated their town, they would have been the Rosewood and Tulsa of Tangipahoa Parish. They would've had their own infrastructure with their own elected officials, police department, banks, stores and schools. Free Bob laid down the foundation for this kind of freedom. He knew what the shackles of slavery sound like and he knew the sound of the freedom bell. 

I took a census of all the educators in the room last night because Free Bob couldn't read or write, but he kept a lot of books around him and he donated land to build a school for African American children in the community. About fifteen Vernon educators raised their hands. Enough educators to start their own school again. 

When Fairy Hannaibal starting sharing the Vernon history with the children they all gathered around

Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

her as she set in her rocking chair. Their little eyes was locked directly on her and their little minds were going back in time. Fairy is the 4th oldest grandchildren to Rev. Robert Vernon III. "What a great way to past down the family history to the youth!"

After the tasty dinner of smoke chicken, potatoes Au-gratin, seasoned green beans, toss salad and rolls and delicious homemade peach cobbler and warmed bread pudding with vanilla sauce, everyone turned their attention to the photograph slideshow presented by Madelyn Walker Collins. I enjoyed looking at the old photographs of the Vernon family. Someone really preserved the family photographs. Everyone was so happy to see their loved ones. For those that has passed on, seeing the pictures really brought back fond memories.

The host for the evening was none other than Glyniss Vernon Gordon, the daughter of the late Dr. Willard Vernon and Mrs. Alma Harrison Vernon. Many door prizes was given away to the family. Gwendolyn Vernon recognized the family member who traveled the fastest, family members with the most children. The oldest and youngest family member was recognized.

The Vernon Family History Book
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

She Remembered Like It Was Yesterday

Several weeks ago genealogist and television talk show Antoinette Harrell met with Mrs. Brumfield was a graduate of O.W. Dillon High School. She came with her kept 1950-1951 yearbook wrapped so neatly in a bag and ready to display it. 

"No matter when and where you see Mrs. Brumfield, she is neatly dress and her hair so neatly groomed!" She is just one of the women in her mid 80s who look so well and still has a very good memory in Kentwood.

She is such a graceful lady in every way. Soft spoken and she never raise her voice to speak above her soft tone. After looking her yearbook for 1950-1951, Harrell saw a beautiful young lady was the assistant editor for the school's yearbook. Several of Harrell's own family members photographs were in the yearbook. Her cousins Walter Richardson, Sr., and  Willie K. Gordon, Jr. , and her uncle Ernest Boykins.

One of the stories she shared with Harrell was her prom night story. She told her that she had purchased a new yellow dress and was all ready to go to the prom and Mr. Dillon wouldn't allow her class to attend because they put photograph of him in the yearbook.

She spoke about how firm Mr. Dillon was; and wasn't afraid to use his paddle to get the students in line. She recalled the morning lectures about life he would give to them before they were allowed to go to class each morning. Although she didn't integrate Kentwood High School, after graduating from college with a degree in education, she integrated Spring Creek School.

She Was One of Twenty Three Children

Ms. Maxine Knighten

I saw this petite and certainly neat lady several places in the community. She has strongly resembled by maternal cousin Wille K. Gordon, Jr., wife. One time I thought that was my cousin's wife. Mostly, I've seen her in the library with young children. Today I finally got a chance to sit down and talk with her.  Her name is Ms. Maxine Knighten.

After her church service, she stopped over to tell me about her experience at Tangipahoa Parish Training School for Colored. She graduated in 1952 from the school and went on to become an educator herself in Chicago. She was so beautiful in her blue suit and with her matching blue hat and happy to tell me that she was in her mid-80s.  "Could it be in the Kentwood water?" All the elders in the Town of Kentwood is very healthy and their mine are full of history.

When she started telling me about things that happen in the 50s, I could do anything but listen and write. She told me that she was one of twenty- three children and that she was one of seven sets of twins.  "Twenty-three babies, I said!" I thought about a classroom of twenty-three children.  Several of the children didn't survive and died during childbirth.

Mahalia Jackson

Ms. Knighten survived all of her siblings. I could imagine  being born in such a large family and surviving  all my sibling. She still has a lot of nieces, nephews, and other relatives.  She recalls  hearing Mahalia Jackson and gospel singer Joe May sing at Tangipahoa Parish Training School for the Colored. She remembered paying her dollar to get in to hear the concert.  That was one of the questions I had to ask her. "Mahalia song so beautiful," said Ms. Knighten. I never forget that day,
it was so nice.

We started talking about the teachers who worked there during her time at school. She talked about Mr. Thornton and how hard of a teacher he was because he expected only the best from you. I remember Mr. O.W. Dillon using that left hand because he was left handed. The subject of use books was the next things she pointed out to me. She couldn't understand why all the white kids got new books and the negro students had to get the used books. That was the way it was when I was in grade school as well.

Two other people said that they were there that day with Mahalia Jackson came to the school. As she reflects on days that she probably had forgotten about up until now. The hardship of life is one thing she stressed to me. "Yes it was hard and I mean hard," she said. "We alway had food, because daddy grew produce and we had milk cow," she said.

But sometimes we had to go and work in the fields picking cotton, beans, and other produce. "I hated and I mean I hated because I wanted to go to school," said Ms. Knighten.  But daddy did want us to go to school.

I can't wait until Thursday for another history lesson for Ms. Knighten. Click below to hear gospel singer Joe May and Mahalia Jackson youtube,

Joe May

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXtR5R6wp1c

Mahalia Jackson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXtR5R6wp1c

Julien Quinn of Amite, Louisiana

Julien Quinn was one of the first African American police in Amite, Louisiana. He owned the first African American taxi cab service. He also owned a club called the playboy lounge and Quinn's motel. He lived in Butler Town. His parents were from Walthall, Mississippi. Their names were James and Louise Quinn.

Sarah Johnson of Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana

Sarah Johnson was married to Joe Johnson. She is the grandmother of Mrs. Vera Buckhalter Womack.

Sarah Johnson

Mrs. Vera Buckhalter Womack of Kentwood, Louisiana

Mrs. Vera Womack

Today I met a beautiful woman named Mrs. Vera Buckhalter Womack in Kentwood, Louisiana., She told me that she just celebrated her 99th birthday. All I could do was just look at   her. My eyes couldn't believe that the lady I was looking at just made 99 years old.

We sat and talked for a long time. I went to talk with her about Tangipahoa Parish Training School in Kentwood. She told me about her school days and how she walked one mile to get to school. She recalled how the boys would make a fire in the old pot belly stove to warm up the class. Mrs. Womack left school after she couldn't keep up due to the fact that she had to miss too many days to work in the field picking cotton, strawberries, and other agricultural produce. 

Mrs. Womack has lived to see five generations. She is one of seven children born to the union of her Mr. Fred and Mrs. Emma Buckhalter. After she left school to get married, she and her husband opened the only African American store in the community. She started off by selling snowballs and candy and from there she and her husband added other items to the store. She operated the store up until her 80s. The Womack's are a pillar in the Kentwood community. 

Emma Johnson Buckhalter

I enjoyed looking at all the family photographs on her walls and the many beautiful bouquets of roses and flowers she received from her family and loved ones. We both felt like we knew each other all our lives.

According to Mrs. Womack her mother, Mrs. Emma Buckhalter was the first African American teacher in Kentwood.  She taught at Sweet Home Baptist Church when the school was held in at the church.  Emma was born around 1883 in Tangipahoa Parish. Her father Fred was born in St. Helena Parish in 1886. In 1910 the family was living at  the Amos Kent Lbr & Brick Co Quarters. He is listed as a mulatto according to the 1910 United States Federal Census.

She proudly talked about her late husband's determination to overcome being an amputee and how I remind her of him. "He never gave up, he made all the kitchen cabinets and other woodwork," said Mrs. Vera. 

Mrs. Womack was an entrepreneur at heart. She was a hairdresser by trade as well. She went back to the only African American beauty school in Kentwood and earned her certification to become a licensed cosmetologist in 1964. She proudly displays her diploma on her wall. When she started school she told the owner that she didn't have a certification but she knew how to do hair. The owner told Mrs. Womack that she groomed and styled hair better than some women who were licensed.  She was determined to do what it took to help support her family. 

I really enjoyed sitting and talking with her. I hope to live to see her age and most importantly I would like to be in good health like her. Mrs. Vera out lived all her of her sibling. But the memories of her deceased loved one will forever live in her heart. 

Odile Beauty School
Mrs. Vera B. Womack

St. Helena Indians 1962

Wallace Smith, James Hart, Thomas Dudley, Hollis Jackson, Charlie Addison, Jesse Stewart, Vernell Williams, Billy Johnson, Thomas J. Howard, James Ramsey, Sam Green, Luther Hall, Emmitt Kendrick, Lawerence Chaney, Henry Crier, Edgar Brumfield, Silar Geralds, Tom Graves, Chester George, Adolphus Dickerson, James Atkins, Earnest Edwards, George Rankins, Ray Pitts, Dennis Scott, Edward Cornish, George Muse, Mack Jackson, Alfred Reynolds, Alcee Musem Roy Dudley.

Coach; Lea Vern Sims
Principal; B.L.BEnny Wicker

The Colored Citizen's School in Ponchatoula, Louisiana

ACT OF SALE

Original Act of Sale from The African Methodist Episcopal Church of Ponchatoula, La to Colored Citizen's School 

Before me Edwin R. Wells, a Notary, duly commissioned and qualified within and for the Parish of Tangipahoa, State of Louisiana, and in the presence oh witnesses hereinafter named and undersigned; Personally came and appeared;

Martin S. Berry Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the said African Methodist Episcopal Church, and J.W. Graves Residing Elder of the Said Church;

Duly authorized and empowered by a resolution passed by said Board of Trustees on February 10, 1916, which said resolution as of record on the minutes of said Board.

Who did declared for and in consideration of the price and sum of twenty one & 50/100, and other valuable considerations, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged to have been received and good acquittance given for the same. They do on behalf of the said Church, sell set over transfer and deliver unto; The Colored Citizens School of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, herein represented by E.H. Pines chairman of the Board of Trustees of the said school, as per resolution passed by said Board of Trustees on 2nd, day of February 1916 as will appear of record on the minutes of the said board trustees of he said School, the following described property to wit.

Lot nume eleven and twelve, (11 & 12) in square number sixty nine, (69) together with all building and improvements or appuretanances thereto belonging, situate in the Town of Ponchatoula, Tangipahoa Parish State of Louisiana according to the official map of said Town.

To have and to hold the above described property unto the said purchasers, their heirs and assigned, forever, free from any lien for encumbrance whatever, with full and general warranty and all rights as held by the said vendors.

The certificate required by article number 3364 of the revised Civil Code of the State is hereby dispenced with and the undersigned Notary is hereby exonerated from all liability on account of the non-production of the same. All taxes assessed against the above described property have been paid up and to including the year 1916, the taxes for 1917 not being due, as evidenced by the tax receipts in the hands of the vendors. 

Thus done, signed and passed at Ponchatoula, in the parish and State aforesaid on this 1st day of August 1917, in the presence of Joe Mixon and ? Pince two competent witnesses, who have signed these presents together with the said appeared and me said Notary after due reading of the whole. 

Source: Tangipahoa Parish Clerk Office; Conveyance Book 81, page 331

Transcribed by: Antoinette Harrell

O.W. Dillon Faculty Member 1950-1951 Ernestine Fluker Imes

Ernestine Fluker Imes

Ernestine Fluker  Imes taught 1st grade at O.W. Dillon Training School in Kentwood, Louisiana. She was born in 1917 in Tangipahoa Parish to Irvin and Dielie Fluker. According to the 1920 U.S. Census her father worked at a saw mill as foreman. He was born in 1899 in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana. 

West Side Rams Class of 1962

For the past couple of weeks I've been assisting the Alumni's of O.W. Dillon School in Kentwood, Louisiana. I put a call out for high school yearbooks and two beautiful women by the names of Annette Vernon Brumfield and Ernestine Johnson still has their 1950-1951 yearbooks. I can't explain how excited and happy I was to take a look at those yearbooks.

While looking through the pages I found several family members of my own. My maternal cousins; Adam Gordon, Willie K. Gordon, Frank Gordon, and Maude Temple. When we start to preserve our family history and the community history, we will find that we're all connected by bloodlines or extended community family, classmates, neighbors or church members.

These two women hold a piece of the legacy of O.W. Dillon School that should never be forgotten. I called my cousin Vernon Gordon, Sr., and asked him if his father Adam Gordon played football. He confirmed that his father did play for the Westside Rams. All these years I didn't know that his father played football. When I got my magnifying glass to take a closer look at the image. I took a second look at number 76, which looks like my him.

I feel so happy that my passion for preserving the history of African American people in St. Helena and Tangiphaoa Parishes had educated me on the rich and unique history we have and the people who  shoulders I stand on.

At that time Reginald A. Cotton was the head coach and O.W. Cunnigen was the assistant coach. The team  had 23 veteran letterman and well balanced.  The next largest man on the squad was an even hundred pound senior tackle veteran Adam Gordon.

The following young men on the squad were;

Willie Finn, Larry Dillon, Richard Morris, Edward Tate, Shelton Johnson, Lionel Brumfield, Jimmy Daniels, Adam Gordon, Alfred Bennett, Fred Buckhalter, Larry Zanders, Robert Cain, Henry Fleming, Milton Curry, Solomon Davis, Julius Strickland, Maurice Dillon, Ernest Brown, Alton Zanders. Albert Perry, Thomas Williams, Elliot Himes, Larry Foster, Charles Harvey, Robert Oden, Anderson Tate, Nelson Finn, Curtis Bryant, Melvin Vernon, Enoch Sims, Earnest Gordon, Anderson Watterson, Joe E. Williams, Louis Ruffin, Robert Stewart, Raymond Brown, Henry Wilson, Alcee Allenn, Geroge Perry, Roy M. James, Rayford Brumfield.

Trainers;

Robert Andrews, Danny Riley, Earnest Walker and Willie Addison. Statisticians are; Leslie Mabry and Willie G. Williams.

Pep Squard;

Earline McDowell, Mary Mills, Ruthie James, and Gloria M. Seal.

Cheerleaders;

Derlean Kirkwood, Helen Cyprian, Shirley White, Lillie Frazier, Juanita Bush, Sarah Perry, Helen Buckhalter, Gloriastine Wilson, Rosemary Heart and Jeanne


Source: Article for a local newspaper. The name and date of the newspaper wasn't attached to the article.

O.W. Dillon Tigers of Kentwood, Louisiana

The Dillon Tigers of Kentwood, under  Coach Monroe Perry assisted by J.J. Williams and George Magee.

Photo Credit: Jenkins

Squadmen that make the Tigers go are: James Innis, Lanny Vernon, Lionel Patterson, Arvell Buckhalter, Clyde Walls, Hollis Robinson, Jimmy Washington, James Parker, McTha Turner, Woodrow Dyson, Bennie James Gordon, Conrad Wyre, Hurley Gordon, Elijah William, Nolan Gordon, Felix Braxton, Eugene Peavy, James Cook, Charlie Dunn, Fate Irving, Stanely Cooker, Charlie Robertson, Willie Chaney, Edmond Thomas, Lonnie Hookfin, J.D. Morris, Felix Johnson, and Charlie Johnson.

Source: This article appeared in a local newspapers. The date and name of the newspaper was not documented. I assumed it had to be the Kentwood Ledger.

Scranton and Emma Jones Harrell of Dodge, Georgia Lineage

Robert Harrell, Jr.

I met Robert Harrell, Jr.,  several years ago through social media. Robert family lineage run deep in  Dodge County, Georgia. He traced his great great grandfather Scranton Harrell back to 1868. He was married to
Penny and they had four sons. 

Robert's grandfather was named Scranton Harrell he was born around 1879. In 1930 they were living in Dodge, Georgia.  They owned their home, Scranton was a farmer and owned his own farm. He and his wife Emma were the parents of; Scranton, Robert, Isaac, Mattie, and Mandy.

Harrell-Jone & Related Families will be held in Atlanta, Georgia on August 1-3, 2017. The event is being hosted by the descendants of Scranton and Emma Jones Harrell and related families. Scranton was the grandson of Scranton and Emma Harrell and the son of Anthony & Mattie Yarborough. Emma was the daughter of Robert and Ellen Jones.

Robert publish a quarterly newsletter entitled " The Times Harrell" Family Newsletter "Our Roots Deep," is committed publishing an educational edition by early August. His prior editions only focused on current educational activities. However, his future issues will also include news on continuing college students and any noteworthy achievements of youth at any level.

Scranton and Emma Jone Harrell Marriage License
1901