Celebration of Life of Robert Earl Daniels

Robert Earl Daniels

Robert Earl Daniels was born March 18, 1948 to the union of the late. Esau & Eunice Daniels. He attended and graduated high school of West Side High Schoo in Amite, Louisiana. He alter joined the United States Navy and was Honorably Discharged, following his discharged from the Nave, he pursued higher education at Grambling State University and received his B.A. In Business Administration with a minor in Marketing. He also received his Program Administration Certification from Hughes Aircraft Company. Los Angeles, C.A. Robert later became a State of Oklahoma Licensed Realtor.

Robert accepted Christ at and early age and was baptized by Reve. Francis Williams at Butler Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church, Amite. LA. Robert's life experience took him many places. However, he moved back to Louisiana in June 2018, and was united in Holy Matrimony to the love of his life of Zula Jones Daniels. To this union there were no children. 

Robert departed this life on September 12, 2019, at 10:59 A.M. at North Oak Medical Center, and leaves to cherish his memory a devoted and loving wife, Zula Jones Daniels; on step-daughter, LaTonya Brown (Kevin) North Chicago, Illinois; one brother, Jerry Lee Daniels (Jackie) of Amite, LA., two nieces, Yolanda Daniels (Hammond, LA) Keisha Daniel-Peters (Dallas, TX) and a. great niece Jalyn Levias, a great nephew, Camrod Peters and a host of cousin, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Esau and Eunice Daniels, his brothers, Jimmy Delly and Ezell Daniels. 

Reprint from the Funeral Program of Robert Earl Daniels

Source: Richardson Funeral Home, Inc. Amite, Louisiana

In Loving Memory of Rosie Thomas Bright

Rosie Thomas Bright

Mrs. Rosie Thomas Bright was born January 21, 1911 to Mr. John & Mrs. Louise Butler Thomas. She departed this life September 7, 2003 at North Oaks Medial Center. Rosie was the fourth of six children born to the union of John and Louise Thomas. Rosie was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Adolph Bright of Chicago, Ill. 

She was converted at a vary early age and joined Grant Chapel A.M.E. Church. She relocated to Chicago, Illinois where she united with Bethel A.M.E. Church and served faithfully until her health began to fail. She was again relocated in Amite, Louisiana and by teller was again received in Grant Chapel A.M.E. Church. She loved the church was was an actress participant until she became ill and could no longer work. For the past twelve years sister Bright was resident of he Amite Nursing.

Rosie was gainfully  employed in New Orleans and later in Chicago, Illinois as a Health Care Worker. Rosie brought joy to the lives of all who knew her. Rosie was preceded in death by her husband Adolph Bright, parents; John & Louise Thomas, (4) brothers, Johnny, Willie, Frank and Norman Thomas (1) sister; Katie Irving.

She leaves to cherish her memory (1)brother: Robert (Bertha) Thomas of Amite, Louisiana, (1) sister: Josephine Gascie of Amite, Louisiana; a God-child, Ms. Wanda LaBlanc of Chicago, Illinois, a devoted friend, Mrs. Ernestine Ballard of Chicago, Illinois, a host of nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends. 

Reprint from the Funeral Program of Rosie Thomas Bright

Source: Richardson Funeral Home, Amite, Inc. 

Celebration of Life for Allie Ruth Leonard

Allie Ruth Leonard

We pause to pay our tributes of love and reflect on the life and work, of our dear sister. Allie Ruth Leonard. She departed this life quite in her home on Tuesday, June 10, 2003. Born to Sebron Leonard and Ardean Cutrer Leonard on March 3, 1938. She confessed Christ and accepted him as her personal Savior and was baptized at the Mount Canaan Missionary Baptist Church.

The character of her life might be summed sin in these words: she was sincere, she was earnest, and she was loyal. Charm and sweetness radiated from her personality. Allie had the unique quality of a conversationalist. She often telephoned here cousins and friends acting in the capacity of informant or confidant. She acquainted them and with births, illness, deaths and circumstances of other family members and friends whom they knew. In these conversation, being highly opinionated, and respectful for the stance, she would at all times remain unchallenged. As a part other life she was known as the family historian. 

He early educational training began at the Mt. Canaan Elementary School. She graduated from West Side High School in 1956. Allie Ruth continued her education at Grambling State University, earning a B.A. Degree in Education.

She began her teaching career at Burgher Elementary School in Independence, La., and Dillion Memorial in Kentwood, LA., until permanently hired at Mt. Canaan Elementary School as a fourth grade teacher. In 1969, her teaching career continued at Chesbrough, C.M. Fagan, and Amite High School until her retirement in 1996.

Her church affiliations included attending Sunday school each Sunday, singing in the choir, members of Mission Society, working with Vacation Bible School, tutorial program, decorating committee and cake maker for many occasion. Civic and social activities included membership in the Grambling Alumni Association and the Tangipahoa Parish Retired Teachers, Allie Ruth also served as volunteer for numerous Senior Citizens programs. 

She leaves to cherish her memories, one sister: Naomi Johnson (Granderson). one brother: Arthur Sebron Leonard, Sr. (Theresa) of Amite, La., four aunts: Mae Holden Hookfin (Obie) and Evelina Cutrer of Kentwood, La., Bernadine Blackburn and Creola Dyson (Rev. L. Dyson) Franklinton, La., three uncles: William Cuter (Mildred)) of Kentwood, LA., Leo Cutrer and Cleo Cutrer of Franklinton, La., A nephew Donald, the first grandson in her family who lived with her until young adulthood, three god-children: Arthur S. Leonard, Jr., Deidra Leonard, and Brandon H. Sanders, a first cousin, Carolyn Puckett, who catered to her every wish, a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents: Sebron and Ardean Leonard, and one brother: Bernard Milton Leonard.

Celebration of Life for Ora Lee Finn

Oral Lee Garman Finn

Oral Lee Garman was born sixth of seven siblings to Jake Bunion and Lubertha Bell German on January 28, 1940, in Independence, Louisiana. On Sunday, January 11, 2003, her beautiful soul departed for rest. Her family and friends feels tremendous loss for someone who was so special  to them, however, they are all grateful for being a part of the life of such a remarkable spirit. 

Her early educational training began at Burger Elementary in Independence, La. She graduated Class Valedictorian from West Side High School in 1957. Mrs. Finn continued her education throughout the years at Southern University, Louisiana State University, and Southeaster Louisiana University, earning her Bachelor, Master, Master +30, and Educational Specialist Degrees.

As prominent educator, Mrs. Finn, devoted over 33 years to the students, the parents, and the communities of Tangipahoa Parish. She began her career as a teacher in 1965 at O.W. Dillon High School in Kentwood, LA., and briefly taught at West Side School until integration in 1969.

After integration, she transferred to Amite High School where the invested over 30 professional years influencing and affecting numerous lives. Mrs. Finn taught Biology and Math for eleven years. In 1980, she became Assistant Principal; and in 1990 she was named principal, the first Black woman principal ever at Amite High School. Even well after retirement in 1998, he loved for teaching children and her love for working with people continued at various schools in the parish. 

In 1957, she married her only love, Melvin Finn, former Amite Assistant Chief of Police. From their union Melvin and Ora was blessed with three devoted children: Samara Bonita, Schrirra Montrell, and Tigia Motice Finn.

Butler A.M. E. Zion Church in where the Finn family has worshipped for over forty years. Mrs. Finn served as Adult Sunday school Teacher and Sunday school Treasurer. She implemented many programs and activities for the youths of the church during those years. As a faithful members, Mrs. Finn became a "Living Testimony" to those who witnessed her God-like spirit in action.

She leaves to cherish her wonderful memories: her having husband, Melvin Finn of Amite: oldest daughter, Samara (husband Larry) Joseph fDecatur, GA: only son, Schirra (wife Gina) Finn, Sr.; youngest daughter, Tigia M. Finn both of Amite; three grandchildren: Sean and Syrus Finn of Amite, Kahilla Finn of New Orleans; two sisters: Elousie Steptoe of Independence; Lizzie Collins of New Orleans; two brother: Dan German, Millton German of Peoria, II.: and a host of nieces, nephew, cousins godchildren, other relatives, and close friends.

Mrs. Finn was preceded in death by her parents, John and Lubertha German of Independence;  one brother, Hilton German, Sr.; one sister, Love Thompson both of Peoria, II.; three brothers-in-law: Nelson Finn, Alfred Finn bought of CA, Wallace Collins of New Orleans; three nieces: Sharon Edwards of Seattle, Wa., Betty Seiber of Peoria, II., Gwendolyn Tanner of Independence, La.; one nephew, Gregory Collins of New Orleans, LA.

Reprint for the Funeral Program of Oral Lee Finn

Source: Richardson Funeral Home, Inc, Amite

The Life of Dr. Alton W. Zander

Dr. Alton W. Zanders

Dr. Alton Wendell Zanders, the fourth oldest child of the late Larry Zander, Sr. and Lelia Varnado Zanders, was born in Roseland, Louisiana on September 3, 1943. He had four brother and three sister and was known as being exceptionally bright like a shiny new penny, hence his lifelong nickname.

He graduated from West Side High School in Amite and went on to pursue multiple degrees in higher education. In 1965 he earned a Bachelor of Science degree with an emphasis in Biology from Southern University: 1n 1970 he achieved a Master of Science degree from Syracuse University, emphasis in Science Education. As a National Science Foundation Fellow. In 1974 he received a Juris Doctorate from a College of Law, also from Syracuse University.

Education remained and integral part of Alton's life as he began his career teaching courses related to science in New Orleans public Schools and Syracuse University. Later his career continued to involve educational  instittutions as he led efforts in human resource management and diversity relations at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, the University of Missouri-Columbia, Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota and Colorado public school system. 

In 1967 Alton married Gertrude Carral, also born and raised in Louisiana and a fellow schoolmate since elementary school. To that union town daughters were born, Geleah and Anissa. After leaving the south, their first home was in Syracuse, New York while Alton completed his education and began his career. Later, the family moved to Midwest for his career, residing in Columbia, Missouri and later, Shawnee, Kansas.

Alton was involved with the communities which he lived as an active church member and advisory member of shuck organization as the Chamber of Commerce and Kiwanis. His attributes of being well read and dynamic speaker were evident in the honors received as "Who's Who Among Black Americans" he was a member of Rose Hill Missionary Baptist and also called Butler's A.M.E. Zion in Amite and Petty's A.M.E. Zion in New Orleans his church homes earlier in life.

In the leisure time he enjoyed fishing, reading and spending time with family. He was known as a spirited individual who sough perfection in everything he did. He was preceded in death by his brother, Norman Roger Zanders, and in survived by two daughters: Geleah Zanders Wolf (Gene) and Anissa Zander King (Rick): two granddaughters, Alyssa and Lelia; a step grandson, Ricky: three sisters, Fochia Zanders Brown (Calvin). Dr. Barbara Zanders Dawson (Archie) and Lelia Zanders Strozier: brothers, Larry Zanders Jr., Attorney Willie Matthew Zanders, Sr. (Ann) and Timothey Titus Zanders (Doris): two nieces and ten nephews and many other relatives and friends. 

Reprint from the Funeral Program of Dr. Alton W. Zanders

Source: Richardson Funeral Home, Inc. Amite

Preserving My Electronic External Hard Drives and Electronics Files During A Natural Disaster

Preserving Electronic Files

Genealogists, historians, and others who specialize in  the study of genealogy and history can tell you that our main concern in the event of a disaster would be to preserve our files of photographs, documents, and videos. The loss of these files can be devastating and can rarely be replaced most of the time. Protecting my electronic files is an important part of my preparation for any natural disaster.  There is no better time than now to prepare for a natural disaster. A natural disaster of some kind will unfortunately be a part of our lives again the future. 

Start right away to place those precious family photographs, videos, and family heirlooms in water-proof containers and ensure they are located in a location where you can reach them quickly if you need to move them. Furniture and other household items can be replaced if necessary. Unfortunately, you may not be able to replace the only picture of your great grandfather or other family members. It is essential that you making preserving these priceless items a priority.

In general, I'm  a person who believes in recycling for the most part. Several month ago, I bought a set of new sheets and used the plastic container to store  al my external drives and other electronic files. Having all the flies in one container would make moving them easier and faster. You should always be prepared for hurricane season if you live in an area that is prone to hurricanes. In the aftermath of a natural disaster, you often hear people describe how devastated they were to lose all their photographs and family heirlooms. In spite of the recent natural catastrophe, there are valuable lessons we can take from it. 

Among the ways I preserve images and videos is to share them on my family's social media sites and blog posts. My heart breaks for anyone who had lost those cherished family photographs of special occasions and special events.  

Delores Aaron Family Photographs

Delores Zander Aaron
Photo Credit:Antoinette Harrell

My visit to the immaculate home of Delores Aaron in Amite, Louisiana several summers ago was a rewarding visit. My Bush branch of my family three is where we are related. After her mother Clotilde Zanders passed away, Delores inherited  the earthly belongings of her mother Clotilde Zander after she passed away. Clotilde was somewhat of an archivist when it came to preserving photographs, documents, and newspapers clippings regarding to local history of African Americans.

Originally, what started out as a how and a passion for me swiftly turned into a necessity after I began searching for historical documents, history, and photographs of African Americans in the parish. I was disappointed at the lack of source available for researching on African Americans. I decided to use that my disappointment as a stepping stone for change.

Starting with the local people in the area was the best start for me. I established great contact with people who had lots of photographs and other research materials in their homes that had a possibility of helping me to fulfill my mission and purpose. I need the help of the people in all the communities in the area.   

In explaining the mission and the importance of how we can transform the narrative by working together so we could achieve what we were hoping for. Her comfort was my assurance that I was not going to take any picture or document from her home. I had my laptop and scanner ready to set up to scan whatever she had to share.  Immediately, she went in the house and retrieved a box full of photographs. We spent almost two hours scanning photos, and talking before I decided it was time for me to go. After all I didn't wan tot wear out my welcome.

New Freedoms, New Battles: Tangipahoa Parish During Reconstruction

In the last public speech at the White House on April 11, 1865, Abraham Lincoln called for emancipation for the entire nation.

This plan was, in advance, submitted to the then Cabinet, and distinctly approved by every member of it. One of them suggested that I should then, and in that connection, apply the Emancipation Proclamation to the theretofore excepted parts of Virginia and Louisiana; that I should drop the suggestion about apprenticeship for freed-people, and that I should omit the protest against my own power, in regard to the admission of members to Congress; but even he approved every part and parcel of the plan which has since been employed or touched by the action of Louisiana. The new constitution of Louisiana, declaring emancipation for the whole State, practically applies the Proclamation to the part previously excepted. It does not adopt apprenticeship for freed-people; and it is silent, as it could not well be otherwise, about the admission of members to Congress. So that, as it applies to Louisiana, every member of the Cabinet fully approved the plan. The message went to Congress, and I received many commendations of the plan, written and verbal; and not a single objection to it, from any professed emancipationist, came to my knowledge, until after the news reached Washington that the people of Louisiana had begun to move in accordance with it. From about July 1862, I had corresponded with different persons, supposed to be interested, seeking a reconstruction of a State government for Louisiana.

A genealogy researcher can gain insight into Reconstruction by exploring genealogy and local history research in Tangipahoa Parish. In 1866, my maternal third great-grandfather, Robert, and his family entered into a contract with Eliza Andrews in St. Helena Parish, Louisiana, to work as tenant farmers on the property where he lived with his wife, 30, son Alex Harrell, 16, son John, 12, and daughters Millie, 10, and Anna Harrell, 8.

Pioneers like Rev. Arthur Tasker, who founded the Tasker A.M.E. Church in Ponchatoula in 1872 and became the first and only African American elected Mayor of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, left a legacy. Armfield Mitchell Strange established the Tangipahoa Parish Color Training School in Kentwood, Louisiana. Thomas Freeman, a free man of color, was the first African American to purchase land in Livingston Parish.

Robert "Free Bob"  Louis Vernon, Jr.,  acquired thousands of acres in Tangipahoa Parish for his family and donated land for a school, church, and cemetery. Charles Daggs of Hammond, Louisiana, founded the first African-American church in 1877. These leaders attended meetings to improve African Americans' lives in the parish.

Tangipahoa Parish was formed in 1869, and Reconstruction ended in 1877. African Americans' lives during this period were poorly documented in the Louisiana-Florida Parish. Wikipedia notes that between 1877 and 1850, 24 blacks were lynched by whites in the parish as an act of racial terrorism and intimidation.

http://www.abrahamlincolnonline.org/lincoln/speeches/last.htm 

In Loving Memory of Carl Ervin " Ice Man" Ricard

Carl Ervin " Ice Man" Ricard was born August 4, 1955 to the late Climon Ricard and Mae Helen Simlin Ricard. He departed this life on March 18, 2007 at his home in Montpelier, Louisiana.Carl was a member of Morgan Chapel A.M.E. Church where he was converted at an early age. He worked faithfully as an usher and later became of of Morgan's dutiful stewards during his time of service.

He atttended Morgan Elementary and Woodland High School where he graduated. Carl was blessed with many talents. He performed as a D.J., served as a contractor, and worked as a heavy equipment operator until his passing.Carl was full of life and smiles. He was very humble and had a heart of gold. His children and grandchildren were very dear to him. He was well-known and loved.

Carl was married to Lisa Renee Stewart on May 4, 1975. To this union twin girls were born, Melodie and Melanie.  He leaves to cherish his memories a living wife Lisa when he called " Renee"; three daughters: Melodie

Youth in Action for Christ at Little Bethel Baptist Church

Left to right: Sonia Battiste, Presidente: Tracey Lynn Sutton and Carla Harrell. Standing: left ot right: Arthur Wiliams, Brian Richardson, Rev. Willard Vernon, Melva Willilams, and Kimberly Battiste (not shown) Connie Sue Perry

Source: Ms. Billie Sutton Collection

Little Bethel Baptist Church in Amite, Louisiana

 

Brotherhood Union

From left to right: Bros. Jim Lewis, Jason Huff, Horace Perry, Sr., Ellis Johnson, Sr., Joshua O. Williams, Ernest Boykins, Rev. Willard Vernon, and McRay Foster

Teaching My Granddaughter About Research and Preservation

Jo'elle and grandmother
at the Amistad Research Center

I have one granddaughter who is the eldest grandchild.  Born with a natural desire to learn, she had a strong interest in many things. I enjoyed sharing family history with her and making the process fun at the same time. At the age of two, she started traveling along with me on my genealogy adventures. The two of us would pack lunch and snacks at make our way to the library. The children department was our first stop, where we read books and sometimes arts and crafts. Afterwards we headed upstairs to the genealogy department. 

Her childhood was filled with research adventures and journey to different parish, counties, and states. She loved traveling with me. Especially to the different parks and children museums for fun and excitement. I appreciated Jo'elle's little help very much and I rewarded her for her efforts just to let her know how much I appreciated her helping me. 

As soon as she learned how to read, we would read the signs on the highway and play games together. I always enjoyed being able to take her out of state with me.  During out trips to Florida, Tennessee, Alabama, Virginia, Georgia, Mississippi and Texas, she saw a lot of beautiful scenery. 

I wanted to describe our experience in a blog post to so that she can read about our journey together. After her brothers arrived and they turned two, we had traveling companions and were able to enjoy the journey with triple the excitement and fun. 

She accompanied me to the Amistad Research Center in New. Orleans to see our family collection when she turn seven.  I wanted her to see what I had in the boxes, since one day it will mean something to her. 

Harrell Researching at the Hill Memorial Library on LSU Campus

Research at the Hill Memorial Library
Photo Credit: Walter C. Black, Sr.

In the course of researching my paternal and maternal family history, I traveled to many research facilities with high hopes of finding new information and new leads.There have been many visits to the local libraries, the Louisiana State Archives, the Clerk's Office, Universities, and other research facilities in the area where my ancestors lived. My ancestors were enslave on plantation in the South, so I began looking for records on them. LSU has a very helpful finding aid that I found to be very helpful. 

The finding aids are descriptions of archival collections at LSU. They provide biographical or historical information about the creator. Details about what type of materials that can be found in the collection. It is always helpful when there is a finding aid. Believe it or not, there are records that doesn't provide a finding aid. Any research will tell you how it helps to have a finding aid. 

When there isn't a finding aid, it's a disappointment, because it means that you have to physically look through every document, and hope that you find find something which his helpful to your research. Also keep in mind that looking at the finding aid online can save you a lot of time when you get there. 

One thing to note is that LSU doesn't have many collection related to African-Americans. As a matter of fact, most of the research facilities that I have researched don't have many collections dedicated specifically to African-Americans. 

My primary reason for starting my collections was because of this very reason. It had been a very problemous process getting African Americans to donate their materials for preservation. In the future, I hope that I will be able to continue to educate and promote the importance of preserving our records outside of our homes for many reasons. 

30 Years of Research is Ready for Repository

Antoinette Harrell
Photo Credit: Walter C. Black, Sr. 

The investigation and documentation of the little-known antebellum history of African Americans in the two Louisiana Florida Parish was of vital importance to me. I have collected a lot of fascinating stories from people who have lived in the parishes for decades.  Every time a person that had lived for a long time passed away, these important stories died within them.  I asked myself, why wasn't their stories documented and filmed?

Historical Association and genealogy societies are prevalent in many parishes. The organizations mission is  to collect and preserve the history of the people who live in the parishes or counties. I have not yet found and organization or society that focuses on the study and preservation of African American history in the two Florida Parishes. 

The stories, images, and other documents I gathered during my genealogy research as well as local history documents have been invaluable to me and it will be helpful to others who are researching. At this point in my research, the material needs to be processed, cataloged, and donated for future studies and research so it can be used as useful sources. 

In fact, I will need a considerable amount of time to complete the project of preservation. Approximately thirty years of collecting and researching have gone into it and if I'm calculating right, it may take me three to four years to organize all the files.

The collection will consist of audio and video files, images and documents. Once a year, I donate local research sources to the Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies due to the fact that it should preserved and archival at a local institution.

My Brother Thomas is a Beautiful Soul

Antoinette and Thomas
Photo Credit: Walter C. Black, Sr

How often do we write about our siblings? I have a five siblings: one sister and four brothers and I am the eldest  of.  Each of them holds a special place in my heart. In the meantime, I want to write about my brother Thomas. We were  always close as children and shared a special bond as we grew up. In our youth we teased and pranked each other often.  Honestly, I will have to take most of the responsibilities for the pranks played.

Our childhood was spent in a rural community where the houses were generally separated by a lot of space in between.  A house stood across the road and down the road was where our cousin Bruce lived. Nighttime was so dark that even holding your hand right in front of your face would be impossible to see. Street lights didn't exist on that country stretch road. There were millions of stars illuminating the midnight skies. 

He used the midnight darkness to get me back at me for teasing him during the day. Often he would scare me with stories of a creature named Bigfoot coming to get me at night. The thought of sleeping in my room all along made me tremble and frightened to the point where I cried all night. He thought that was so funny and he got me back. 

As the day light broke, it was payback time. I laid there thinking about ways to get him back. During the day we had gotten a watermelon out of our Great Uncle Palmer 's garden and ate it. Thomas shallow one of the seeds and the game was on. I told him that he was going to have vines growing our of his ears, nose and mouth and he should drink plenty water because the water would flush out the seed. Instead it made his stomach full with water and it poked out a little. I told him he was going to look like a pregnant woman and he was terrified. I laughed so hard at the look in his face.

Well, beside all of that. It would be impossible to ask for a better brother. Thomas is one of the kindness, funny, carrying, and supportive brothers a girl could ask for. Having a brother like him is a dream come true. He is the kind of person that will do anything to help anyone. The values that he holds dear are family, loyalty, and respect.

He always giving me compliments and buy gifts for me. His favorite gift to give me are bottles of perfume.  When mother was alive, he use to take her out to lunch and dinner, he took her shopping and spent quality time with her. He didn't mind taking her to her doctor appointments followed by a lunch date. 

My list of wonderful and amazing things I can say about him is endless. He constantly tells me about his true admiration for me as his sister. It gives me strength and I know I can count on him. He also know that he can count on me. Our relationship is a true example of sibling love and respect. We can talk to each other and lean on each other. Our support for each other is priceless and that helps both of us face the challenges of life knowing that we have each other. 

In the same way he love his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, siblings, and great nieces and nephews.  We cherish every moment we spend together and value our relationship.  Before the pandemic,   my husband and I would go to his lovely home and spend the night watching movies, cooking, chatting and just having quality time together. 

Often, after I spend the night, the next morning he is up preparing breakfast for me. I am so fortunate to be able to call him my brother, for I love him deeply. We realize that life is very short and we don't take a second for granted. After each phone call and that is daily, we never end the conversation without saying "I love you" and that comes straight from our hearts. 

African American Farmer in St Helena Parish, Louisiana Days Are Numbered

African American Farmers
Photo Credit: Walter C. Black, Sr. 

As farming's days draw to a close, we're seeing the end of the era unless they younger generation embrace gardening and farming. Today, African American  farmers are few and far in between in St. Helena Parish.  Many of them have died and others have gotten too old to carry how the task of farming and raising livestock.

During the dying -off of farming in the African American community, I came in at the very tail in to document their story about farming. A few farmers were still struggling to maintain their small farms with little or no help at all. 

During our conversation, they described their challenges related to agriculture with me. Their finances weren't enough to maintain or purchase equipment and their health was failing. It was stated that their children and grandchildren did not want to do this kind of work. Ultimately, they didn't have any other options but to accept that their days for farming were numbered. 

In the United States, many African American farmers faced discrimination practices. Their loan applications to purchase better equipment were rejected. Historically, the USDA had discriminate against Black farmers all across the United States.  As a result, they hardly could keep their heads above water while White farmers had loans approved for new equipment, land acquisition, purchases, and maintenance.

Bull Baker Making Homemade Syrup in St. Helena Parish

Bull Baker
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

Those that know him call him Bull Baker. Bull is a native of St. Helena Parish, Louisiana. He is also known for his gray mustache and his love for overalls. In addition to his gray mustache and his love for overalls, he is well-known for joking and teasing folks. He studied at Southern University N.O. and his retired.

A real country boy at heart, Bull is proud of his roots. He comes from a very large family in St. Helena. One of the largest African-American families in St. Helena is the Baker family. I should mention that Alphonse Baker and he bear the same surname however I am not sure how closely related they are. But rest assured, they are somehow connected through bloodlines.

Bull worked alongside the other men in order to make the delicious homemade syrup from scratch. He fed long stalks of sugarcane into the loud sounding machine that squeezed the naturally sweet juice out of each stalk.

Each man and his helpers are responsible for collecting the waste from beneath the old mill shed. All of the ground was covered with shredded cane.  As soon as every container was filled with the delicious, savory syrup and packed. It was now ready to be transported to the homes of those who placed orders. He was finished working at the old mill shed for the day. 

Fresh hot homemade buttermilk biscuits right out of the oven and homemade syrup make and excellent breakfast for the following morning with a hot cup of coffee. The smell of frying bacon and homemade biscuits always reminds people of their mother waking them up in the morning as the smell of fresh bacon wafted throughout the entire house. What a way to start your day off?

Award Winning Filmmaker and Genealogist Document the History of the Black Cowboys and Horsemen

Leonard Smith III, Award Wininng Filmmaker
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

Leonard Smith, III, who won several awards for his film called "A Place Called Desire' accompanied Harrell in documenting and interviewing the Black Cowboys and horsemen in St. Helena Parish several years ago. It was the first time Smith had been in the parish to document a rich undocumented subject. In his capacity as a filmmaker and genealogist researcher, Smith understands how important it is to document and tell our own stories.

His company LS3 Studios, a video production company provide services in person histories, photography, storytelling, and video editing. Having been briefly introduced to the topic of the black cowboys by Harrell, his attention was drawn to the story of the life of black cowboys and horsemen. Harrell arranged for photographer Walter C. Black, and Smith to join her in St Helena. Parish. All three with cameras in their hand enjoyed taking photographs. Their cameras mean to them what the horses means to the horse riders. 

While the horsemen rode their horses some of the men was cooking, barbecuing and boiling different types of meat. Among the meats was opossums, a meat Smith and Harrell have never tasted and had no plans to taste it that day. In others opinions, they both didn't know what they were missing by passing up the taste of wild game. 

They end the day with lots of photographs and video footage for preservation. There is nothing like exploring life around you and learning about the native people, their culture and way of life. Harrell is pleased that she had the opportunity to document some of the Black Cowboys events in the St. Helena Parish.

African American Cowboys Tie Down Ropers in the Louisiana Florida Parishes

Photo Credit: Walter C. Black, Sr.

A wonderful aspect of living in the beautiful Louisiana Florida Parishes is the opportunity to document  the rich history of the people that call the Florida Parishes home.  Historically, African American cowboys  and calf ropers have played an important role in the cattle industry. In the cowboy community Fred Whitfield won more than $3 million dollars and eight world championships competing on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association tour. 

A few years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Richard Johnson in St. Helena Parish.  Richard's father was a roper and was regarded as one of the best cow ropers in the parish. Whenever a cow got loose, the owners would call Richards's father to find it and bring it home. One of his old friends talked about how Richards father would find the animal every time. 

Richard's passion for rodeo, horse riding, and roping is inherited from his father.  Richard's place is a gathering place for cowboys and horsemen from the Florida Parishes who come to ride, rope, and barrel race. The sport is enjoyed by women and men alike. 

Cowboy hats, boots, and jeans were in full display on the riders of some of the riding clubs.  They rode their horse with pride and joy and the gallop for all the spectators. The equestrian feat was observed by all observers as they galloped with pride and joy. 

As part of preserving history, I documented the riders through photographs and video. In addition, I managed to interview a few horsemen. To ensure the future access to the Black Cowboys and Ropers stories, I  planned to donate the electronics files to the Amistad Research Center in New Orleans for future research and documentation. 

Syrup Making with Mr. James Baker in St. Helena Parish

James Baker
Photo Credit: Kris Davidson

There is little history recorded in the African-American community of the Louisiana-Florida Parishes about such things stories as the:  Syrup Makers, Black Cowboys, Midwives, Baseball Teams, Black Ropers, loggers, and the sawmill workers.  The syrup makers of St. Helena Parish meet each Thanksgiving in St. Helena to make syrup from sugarcane according to Michael Daniels, a native of St. Helena Parish.

Having been given the site, I decided to visit the master syrup maker myself. Since I wanted to watch the entire process from beginning to end, I got there really early. James arrive there early to start the fire from fat pine to get the stove going. I noticed that they used natural resources to make the oven. He used red clay dirt to make the container to hold the fire.  

I introduced myself and asked him if it was okay for me to take photographs and video the

process. I was extremely happy that he approved my presence and he assured me that everything was okay. James  is a man with few words but a vast amount of knowledge of his craft. In response to my question about who taught him the craft, he told me Monroe Perry.

Each man arrived with tons of sugarcane, containers for syrup, and helpers, and the trucks with sugarcane started rolling into the yard. In the first step of the process, the sugar cane was fed into a machine that squeezed out all its juice.  When the helpers pours the sugar cane liquid into the metal stove and heated up to a certain level that James monitored often. It was only he who had the ability to cook the syrup at that point. During the boil, he was skimming off the top as it slowly formed a foam. Afterward, he organized the containers where the syrup would be stored.

The next man in line was up next and the steps was repeated the last truck left the yard for the night. I learned a lot that day and was very appreciative of Michael informing of this process of making syrup. I met and interviewed several of the men who came out that day. 

Lizzie Davis of Amite, Louisiana

Mrs. Lizzie Davis
Courtesy of: Mrs. Vernia McCoy

Mrs. Davis was born around 1908 in Louisiana and dies in 1979. She is buried in Butler Cemetery. According to the 1940 United States Federal Census, she was a roomer living on Stretch Road Quarters in Amite, Louisiana. She and her fourteen years old son Nathaniel Davis was living as roomer's in the home of Leslie and Lucille Ward.

She was the daughter of Jim and Gracie Davis. Her siblings were: Martha Davis, Johnie Davis, George Davis, and Robert Davis. 

Booker T. Lawson of Amite, Louisiana

Booker Timsey. Lawson
Courtesy of:  Mrs. Vernia Mcoy

Booker Timsey Lawson, was a member of Grant Chapel A.M.E. Church for m most of his life. During his life time of service, he served as a Steward and Trustee. He also served as president of the usher board. He was a member selected for the committee to build a Greater Grant Chapel Church. Mr. Lawson was a willing worker toward the financial efforts, reporting large amount of money. H was married to Mrs. Modena Lawson, and was the father of Bernard Lawson.  

He was born in 1899 to Esau and Malinda Tom Lawson. Booker died on December 25, 1976 and he is buried in Butler Cemetery.  His siblings were: Sallie Lawson Carter, Robert Lawson, Rosa Lawson, Willie Lawson, Eddie Lawson, Arthur Lawson, Bernard, Lawson, Mary Lawson, and Chauncey Lawson.

Mrs. Clara Hollins Watts of Amite, Louisiana

Mrs. Clara Hollins Watts

Mrs. Clara  Hollins Watts was born about 1893 and died in 1981 in Amite, Louisiana. She was is buried in Butler Cemetery in Amite, Louisiana. According to the 1900 United States Federal Census, she was living with her mother Viney Hollins. The census stated that her father was from Maryland. She was married to Ed Watts. 

On the 1910 United States Federal Census, Clara was a washerwoman and lived at home with her mother Viney. She was seventeen years of age. 

Mary Aaron of Amite, Louisiana

Mary Aaron

Mary Aaron was born around 1879 in Amite, Louisiana and died in 1962. She is buried in Butler Cemetery in Amite, Louisiana.  I used the U.S. Federal Census to learn more about Mary. In 1930 she was renting a house in Amite, Louisiana and had one son Emile, twenty-years old living in the house with her. Mary was married to Nelson Aaron in New Orleans, Louisiana. 

Alma "Mandy" Richardson Gordon of Amite, Louisiana

Alma "Mandy" Richardson Gordon and son 
Adam Gordon

Alma was born in 1909 to the union of Thomas and Emma Vining Richardson in Montpelier, St. Helena Parish. Alma passed away in 1987 in Amite, Louisiana. She married her sweetheart Willie Kiddes Gordon, Sr., They has seven children to their union: Willie K. Gordon, Jr., Frank Gordon, Charles H. Gordon, Earl Gordon, Barbara Gordon, Adam Gordon, and Robert Gordon. 

Alma was one of four children born to Thomas and Emma: Josephine Richardson Harrell, Alexander Richardson, and Rosabell Richardson Moore. Her mother Emma was married twice. Her second husband was Jim Williams and they were the parents of four children: Dorothy Williams, Arthur Williams, Jimmy Williams and Ethel Williams Temple.

All of her nieces and nephews called her Aunt Mandy. She enjoyed baking coconut cakes and jelly cakes. My mother always bragged about how delicious her homemade cakes and pies were. One thing I notice as a child is her fancy hats and dresses. 

It appears that the family was attending someone funeral. She is wearing  black dress and her son has on a suit. During that time women wore black at funerals. I wish someone in the family could tell me about this occasion. The old cars caught my attention. 

I spent a lot of time interviewing her husband. Uncle Willie told me that he didn't want his wife to do domestic work for anyone. He forbidden her to do public work and wanted her to be a housewife. It was his responsibility to provide for his wife and family. Aunt Mandy was my maternal great aunt. 

Tilling the land Adam Gordon’s farm story in Amite, Louisiana

Adam Gordon
Photo Courtesy of the 
Gordon Family Collection

His paternal grandmother, Mandy Wheat Jones, was a farmer and herbalist in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana. Despite this familial connection to agriculture, Adam did not view farming as a viable career path for himself. When an opportunity arose to distance himself from farm labor, he seized it without hesitation. In addition to his agricultural background, Adam was a dedicated community activist and organizer. He actively protested to promote the integration of businesses in Amite, Louisiana, and to secure employment opportunities for many African Americans in Tangipahoa Parish. Notably, he organized a demonstration in front of the Red and White Supermarket to pressure the store into hiring African-American cashiers.

Later, when employed as a supervisor at the Norco Refinery in Norco, Louisiana, Adam played a significant role in providing employment opportunities. He hired numerous individuals from Tangipahoa Parish and even established his own enterprise. This allowed him to create jobs and support workers in both Tangipahoa and St. Helena Parishes. Furthermore, Adam was married to Glynis Vernon Gordon, and together they raised two sons and were grandparents to four grandchildren.

The paternal grandmother of Adam, Mandy Wheat Jones,  was a  farmer and herbalist who resided in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana. Despite this familial connection to agriculture, Adam did not view farming as a viable career path for himself. When an opportunity arose to distance himself from farm work, he seized it without hesitation. Adam was deeply involved in community activism and organizing, dedicating his efforts to advancing civil rights and economic opportunities for African Americans in Tangipahoa Parish. Among his notable actions, he organized a protest in front of the Red and White Supermarket to compel the store to employ African American cashiers. Later, while employed as a supervisor at the Norco Refinery in Norco, Louisiana, he utilized his position to hire numerous individuals from Tangipahoa Parish, further contributing to local employment. In addition to his supervisory role, he independently created job opportunities and supported the workforce in both Tangipahoa and St. Helena Parishes. Adam was married to Glynis Vernon Gordon, and together they had two sons and four grandchildren.

Bernard Temple the First Child in Louisiana Takes the African Ancestry DNA Test

Bernard Temple 
Mailing his African Ancestry DNA Test 

Bernard was the first child to take the African Ancestry DNA to learn more about his paternal African Ancestry. It was an extraordinary occasion for him. We traveled to Virginia to have him take the test near the Atlantic Ocean. We stood on the beach looking out across the ocean, talking about the day we would travel to Africa.

That summer, we packed the car and drove to North Carolina to museums, antique shops, parks, and having fun as a family. My ex-husband and I shared the driving. While in Greensboro, North Carolina, we met with some Tuareg People Moussa Albaka introduced us to. Dennis and I were planning to travel to Niger, Africa, in a few months.  We wanted to make some connections with people in Niger before we made our trip.

During his forth grade year at Audubon Montessori school in New Orleans, his class was given an assignment to do a special project on his family origins and history. He was extremely excited because I had taken my maternal African Ancestry DNA and my test results revealed that our maternal ancestry could be traced to the Tuareg People of Niger, Africa. 

Moussa Albaka arranged to have a special outfit from Niger sent to New Orleans for Bernard to wear that day. He wore Tuareg handmade Tuareg jewelry made by the Moussa himself, the Tuareg Silversmith. Bernard also had to bring a dish from the native culture. We decided to bring goats cheese because the Tuareg people eat a lot of home made camel and goats cheese.

Audubon Montessori was a school of diversity and many of the students were from different ethnic groups and cultures in his class. That day the students took us around the world. We travel to India, Mexico, Italy,  Asia, Europe, and Africa. We were so proud of him for getting an "A" on his assignment. 

Amite No. 1 Church Of God In Christ

 

Annie Richardson Vining the Daughter of Thomas and Amanda Breland Richardson

Annie Richardson Vining
Photo Courtesy: Antoinette Harrell

Annie Richardson Vining was the daughter of Thomas Richardson and Amanda Breland Richardson. Annie was the oldest child of five children born to their union; Thomas, John, Golean, and Sophia. Annie was born in 1881 in St. Helena Parish, and she died on March 25, 1965.

Annie was married to Peter Ben Vining. They were the parents of; Carrie, Laura, John, Leon, and Luella Vining. Many years ago, I interviewed Cousin Louella in New Orleans, Louisiana, about her family tree. She told me that her mother Annie was accidentally shot his sister Annie and she died from what they called "lockjaw," which is basis tetanus infection.

Afterward, John moved to Philadelphia, and the family didn't travel down south. The accident was too much for him to handle. Cousin Louella lived with her grandparents Thomas and Amanda in St. Helena Parish. 

This is the branch Belinda Vining Trepagnier descend from. Annie's daughter Carrie married Melton Carter.  Her daughter Laura married George Rudison and her daughter Louella married George "Gainey" Franklin from St. Helena Parish, Louisiana. I enjoyed talking with Cousin Louella. She was a very sweet lady who found joy in crocheting. She was an amputee but didn't let that stop her from doing what she enjoyed. She as always surrounding by lots of family. Her daughter Betty Robins and her grandchildren took care of her until she passed away. She is buried in Rocky Hill Cemetery in Rocky Hill. Rocky Hill is located in St. Helena Parish. 

Thomas Willie Richardson: Son of Thomas and Emma Louise Gordon

Thomas Willie Richardson
and wife Mytle Johnson
Photo Courtesy: Karmaede1

My maternal great grandfather Thomas S. Richardson met and married my maternal great-grandmother Emma Vining Richardson. Prior to married Emma, he had a son with Emma Louise Gordon. I never heard the generation before me speak of Thomas Willie Richardson. He was born in 1900 in Amite or St. Helena  Parish. Thomas died in 1988 in Tuscarawas, Ohio at the age of eighty-eight. He was married to Myrtle Johnson and they had one son. 

His siblings were; Josephine Richardson Harrell, Rosabell Richardson Moore, Alexander Richardson, and Alma Richardson Gordon. 

I was happy to meet our cousin Karmede1 through Ancestry. She and her family lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Script from Lumber Mills Operating in the Louisiana Florida Parishes

Script from the Lumber Mills in the Louisiana Florida Parishes

Lumber town generally emerged in isolated locations far removed from the main routes of commerce. Taking advantage of the scarcity of local merchants, timber companies often paid their workers in company script, rather than in legal U.S. money, redeemable only at the company operated stores. Below are examples of script from lumber mills operating in the Louisiana Florida Parishes. 

The Bond That Keep Family Together

There isn't that many photographs of my maternal grandmother Josephine Richardson Harrell and her siblings. This photo was taken at her home in Amite, Louisiana. It appears that she, her sister Rosabell Richardson Moore, and her youngest daughter Delores was attending someone's funeral or a church service. They're all dressed in white that indicated it was first Sunday, when the women dress in white for communion service or like I said a funeral. 

Using Social Media to Identify Photographs

Photo Courtesy: Juanita Harrell Stewart Collection
Cheryl Lyn Clark, Carmen Clark, Vear Roscoe
Rudolph Clay, Roemary Dennis, Cassie Johnson, Delores Gaskins, 
Freddie Mae Jackson, Geraldine Manager

I'm working with my photo collection and organizing it for the repository at the Amistad Research Center in New Orleans. Several years ago, Juanita Harrell Stewart, my cousin 2x, removed lived with me in her elderly age for care. We moved all her photo albums and boxes into my home. Over the years, I went through every box and found a photograph of her family and her church family. She was a lifelong member of Petty AME  Zion Church in New Orleans, Louisiana. 

I post a picture of her collection on my personal Facebook page, hoping that someone could help identify the people in the photograph. To my surprise, two women said that they could identify everyone in the picture. I was so happy that this picture would not be labeled as unidentified people. Brenda Johnson and Juanita Cunningham, who were both members of the church, knew everyone. My cousin Juanita was a secretary at one time for the church. 

If you have a photograph and know who the people are in the picture. Take a chance and post it on your social media sites; you never know who can help you identify the people.

Tangipahoa Parish Proclaim October at Family History Month

Mason Foster, Former Mayor of Hammond, LA
Reginald Goldsby,  Former Mayor of Amite, LA
Antoinette Harrell, Local Historian and Genealogist

Dr. Antoinette Harrell, a local historian and genealogist asked Gordon Burgess, Tangipahoa Parish President to proclaim October as family history month. October nationally is recognized at family history month. It created a great opportunity to reflect on family history and discussions. Tangipahoa Parish genealogy library in Amite, Louisiana has a wealth of ancestry information that can help local people who are searching for their family history.

George Perkins
Tangipahoa African-American Heritage Museum & 
Black Veterans' Archives