Melbourne McNealty recalls integration in Amite, Louisiana

Image: Peter Pettus/Library of Congress,
Washington, D.C. (LC-DIG-ppmsca-08102)

There was a time when Melbourne McNealty recalls going shopping with her sister to some local stores in Amite,  Louisiana. Black children was banned from entering the store. She entered the store and man kept telling the lady that I could stay at the grocery store in town if I wanted to. There were some blacks who were treated with respect, while there were others who were not. As she recalled, there was a drug store with a "Nigger" window that she remember seeing.  Having been told by the lady to go around to the window,  Mel was told to go inside by her grandfather. In my grandfather's words, he told her to step into the store.  She was going to listen to my grandfather.

When she was in fourth grade, Tangipahoa Parish integrated its school. It was quite a challenges for me to transition from an all black school to Amite Elementary. Some teachers treated us horribly. For example, when they asked us for school supplies that we couldn't afford. There response were, you will never amount to anything anyway so don't worry about the supplies. Without a doubt, we knew they were wrong about us. Once, she heard one of my white teachers call my daddy a porch monkey because he was black. As soon as Melbourne got home from school, Melbourne ran straight to my mother and told her what happened. Her mother went to school the following day to address the matter. Black students in Amite has a hard time adjusting to the new situation said Mel.

Before integration, I rode Mr. Dudley's bus, and after integration, I rode Martin's bus. He was a mean man with an amputated leg. It was not uncommon for him to leave us at the bus stop on some mornings. When my brother told him not to hit him on the bus, he kicked him off the bus.  When Martin took off his leg, he swung it around like he wanted to strike someone with it. In spite of the fact that he never struck anyone with it. Tangipahoa Parish School Board did not take any action after my mother reported him. After reporting the issue without receiving any results, my mother decided to deal with it herself.

Melbourne McNealty

I asked Mel if she ever talked about her experience with anyone. She told me no because she was told by a white teacher that no one would believe her. All these years, she kept it a secret. Mel told me she had never discussed her experience with anyone.  Her secret remained a secret for all these years.  One of my teachers called me a nigger, Mel said.  My auntie immediately told me she would handle it once I told he.  I didn't tell my mother about it.

The school received complaints from black parents regarding their children's mistreatment.  The treatment we received was like being treated like poor dirt.  In 1969-1970, I was also a part of the integration system during the same time period as Melbourne. I asked her why she wanted to talk about it now. In some ways, it is releasing Melbourne. We were never asked about our experiences during that time. The opportunity to share my experience right now has been on my mind for a long time.

What was the names of the Ruby Bridges who lived in Amite, Louisiana? Do you think there is a reason why these stories and experiences are not being recorded? Black students who participated in the integration process have remained imprinted with memories of integration for decades. Can anyone identify the Ruby Bridges of the schools in Amite, Louisiana? Recording these experiences and stories would be highly beneficial.  Former black students who participated in integration often kept their memories buried for decades.  

The foundation of our pain is never considered during integration as children. Scars and memories remain. Things can't be changed, we can only learn to cope with them. Like many black students during that era and time, I wish to heal the scars caused by integration. There was no written or oral documentation of our experiences here. Tangipahoa Parish was no different from any other parish or county in the deep south.

Benin Bronzes at Ly Benson's Gallery & Studio

Benin Bronzes
Ly Benson's Gallery, Beaufort, SC

Museums and galleries are essential for me when visiting any state. I was on my way to St. Helena Island, South Carolina, to visit the historic Penn Center.  The gallery of Ly Benson caught my attention. My breath was taken away once I entered the gallery and saw all the beautiful masterpieces of artwork and antiques. I met the owner Rev. Kenneth Hodges who shared so much history with me in such a short time. This collection of brass sculptures depicts the capture and suffering of being enslaved and is one of his oldest pieces in his collection. The artwork, sculptures, and antiques all tell a story.  You should visit the gallery if you ever get the chance to visit St. Helena Island, South Carolina. It is well worth the drive and time. The Benin Bronzes are a group of several thousand metal plaques and sculptures that decorated the royal palace of the Kingdom of Benin, in what is now Ebo State, Nigeria.

A New York Nonprofit Restitution Study Group (RSG)  filed a lawsuit to block the Smithsonian from repatriating it's Benin Bronzes to Nigeria. The suit argues that the heirs of American enslaved descendants have as mis to the Benin Bronzes as the Nigerian government. 

A statement made Deadria Farmer-Paellmann, founder and  executive director said that "We study the bronzes as scholars, students, and descendants of the people who made them." We need access to them to study them she explained. "We suffer a concrete and imminent injury as a result of this transfer,"

Dr. Antoinette Harrell
Ly Benson's Art Gallery
Beaufort, SC

Dr. Antoinette Harrell visited Ly Bensons Gallery & Studio in Beaufort, South Carolina

Dr. Antoinette Harrell visiting 
Ly Benson's Gallery & Studio
St. Helena Island, SC

To visit the Gullah Geechee communities, we traveled twelve-hour journey from Louisiana to Charleston, South Carolina and the island of St. Helena. It was well worth the time and effort spent on the long drive. The Harrell branch of my family originates from South Carolina. As well as Nansemond, Virginia, which is now a part of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

It is imperative that African Americans in the United States do not allow the history of slavery and the heavy clouds of slavery under which Jim and Jane Crow ruled to erase our history during a time when Critical Race Theory is being debated across the South with the aim of eradicating African American history.

Our blood stain the foundation of this country. Our history is part of America's fabric. Even the most ugly events in history cannot be erased. It is crucial that we protect our right to hold onto our history regardless of how difficult it may be. By visiting the many museums that hold pieces of our history. As we converse with our historians and curators, weoften do not rewrite history, but write our narrative. There is no doubt in my mind that our history and culture should be protected in the same way that those who propose to erase them have. It is essential for me to visit museums in order to gain a deeper understanding of my past and history. A museum dedicated to African American culture tells a story. Our history is told and interpreted through the museums. 

Farm Life in Greensburg, Louisiana with Warner Hall

Preserving History Through Funeral Programs.

The land had been in Larry Freeman's family since 1873

Larry Freeman
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

 

It has been over a decade since I first met Larry Freeman and his wife Shirley Freeman. The last time I visited their farm was a few years ago, when Shirley had her cage-free chicken roaming freely around the yard when I visited them for the first time.  In my last visit to her house, she told me that some animal had eaten all her chicken, and that she was very disappointed. It is my guess that she did not want to go through that experience again. During the course of her farm experiment, she had set up a honey bee hive as part of her research. There is only one guinea fowl that Shirley has now.

They live on a fifteen-acres plot of land that is home to beautiful  horses and cows which roam freely throughout the lush green pastures behind their house. Honestly, I was just curious to see what Larry day  was like on the farm, so I decided to follow him around the farm to see what he was up too. There is a lot that Larry needs to accomplish in a day, so he starts his morning very early. It was 10 am, in the morning when I met up with him, which is late for a cattleman like him. 

He gave me a tour of the fifteen acres of beautiful pastures. Beautiful meadow glistened with yellow wildflowers as the sun glistened on them, as horses freely grazed in the fields while being surrounded by the beauty of the sunshine. He took me on an additional forty-acres where he planned to move the cows later on in the week after we spent some time touring the fifteen acres. His attention was drawn to one of his cows lying down in the distance. He just wanted to make sure the cow was okay. In 1873, his ancestors purchased 160 acres of land on the original tract of 160 acres of land that was located further up the road. It is easy for me to understand why Larry says that with such pride.

"There are few people who can really say that they still own the land in their family since the 1800s? In 1888, my family purchased two hundred acres of land, but what happened to the land is a mystery to me. My maternal 3rd great-grandfather Robert Harrell bought the land along with his son, my 2nd great grandfather Alexander Harrell."

After we arrived, Larry pointed out a beautiful old oak tree that held so many memories for him.  The memories he holds in his mind are something I would like to see visually. The old oak tree brought back memories of playing, climbing, and sitting under it for Larry.  My great-grandmother Emma's homestead in Amite, Louisiana, had an old oak tree, which I fondly remember playing under with my brothers and cousins during the hot summer days. 

Cattle graze the land, feeding and giving birth to calves. Whenever Larry pulls up, cows and calves moo like a chore.Grazing on the new pastures was their desire. It wasn't time for them to rotate into a new pasture yet. There was no end to the ringing of the phone for Larry. In the middle of our day we were interrupted by a phone call and he was forced to attend to some farm matters, and that was the end of our day. Larry understands the power of land ownership. Educating their children and grandchildren about land ownership is a priority for him and his wife Shirley 

Walter Wren III: A Guardian of Black History’s Legacy

Walter Wren III
African American Funeral Collection

Dr. Antoinette Harrell, a local genealogist and historian, recently examined portions of Walter Wren III's extensive collections of African American funeral programs, church programs, and other historical materials. Wren safeguards and preserves the large container housing these items. The collection holds significant value for Tangipahoa and St. Helena Parishes. Harrell spent two hours reviewing the contents of this "treasure box," meticulously evaluating each program as part of the assessment process.

Harrell received a copy of the duplicate from Wren for preservation. History Untold Foundation expresses gratitude for Wren's generosity in sharing his collection. Without Wren's and similar contributions, African American history risksbeing lost. Notably, a funeral program for a woman born in 1886, the oldest in Harrell's collection, captured his attention. This was followed by others from the early 1900s. Wren's willingness to share his materials, alongside Harrell's commitment to preservation, underscores the broader effort to document African American history in Louisiana's Southeast Parishes. This is a legacy often overlooked but vital to understanding the region's past. Wren's recognition of the importance of researching and preserving these contributions further highlights this endeavor. 

Tri-Parish Vegetable Growers & Angus Cattle Community Farmers Association, Inc., honor local + 70 farmers

+70 Farmer Honorees

Who is Craig Coleman? Gathering of Hearts embarked on mission work some years ago, and I met Craig's mother and sister Kim. They lived across the track outside of Kentwood city limits. It was a peaceful and quiet fifteen-minute drive from my home inside the city limits to their home along the scenic route.

It took  two weeks for the mission work to be completed. I had many conversations with Kim during this period. During many conversations, she mentioned her brother Craig's love for farming. In fact, he planted a small garden behind his mother's house. It was years later that I had the pleasure of meeting Craig and his wife Shannon. The passion he had for farming captivated me. Today, it is difficult to find young men who are passionate about farming and raising livestock.  As my curiosity got the best of me, I had to interview him to learn where his passion for agriculture came from

"Whenever I got the chance, I would help older farmers on their farms when I was growing up," Craig recalled. He was learning from more experienced farmers, it provided a networking opportunity with other farmers and owners of livestock. Craig said that farming is something he has dreamed of since he was a child. Having his own land and farming it is a dream come true for him. Furthermore, he truly appreciate

the knowledge that older farmers had shared with him. Craig organized the +70 Farmers Award to honor the farmers' contribution over the years. As a member of the Angus Cattle Community Farmers Association, Inc., Craig chair the Tri-Parish Vegetable Growers program.  Several honorees received recognition for providing their families and communities with fresh produce and meat for many years. 

Mike Strain, the Agricultural Commissioner, delivered the keynote address. "While he covered many topics that evening, I remember one in particular: don't sell the land." His father told him, boy, never sell this land.  Land is the one thing they cannot make anymore.  They understood that statement because they have been farming and living on their land for decades. Many discuss this topic with their own offsprings and family members. 

Support for the honorees was well-represented by family and friends. Mayor Irma T. Gordon welcomed everyone to the event. A healthy lunch was served to everyone. St. Helena 4-H Club was in attendance.  The event was supported by farmers and livestock ranchers from Tangipahoa, St. Helena, and Washington Parishes. Craig was equally surprised to see that his family presented him will a plague for his hard work and dedication first to his family and secondly for his role in agriculture.

Craig Coleman 
Chair of the Tri-Parish Vegetable Growers

Honorees

Don Asford, Betty Asford, Annette Brumfield, Ardean Brumfield, Stanley Brumfield, Albert Brumfield, Malcom Brody, Aulton Cryer, Sr., Alphonse Dillon, Allen Donald,  Ricky Gutierrez, Warner Hall, Louis Hall, Herman Henry, Bob Havin, Raymond Holmes,  Forace James, Carl James, Emily King, Leon Lenard, Don Peoria, Emmitt Perry, Louis Self, Rosa Shaffett, Jeff Shaffett,  Frank Taylor, Quincy Walker, Robert Wallace, Carnell Wallace, Nonzie Williams, John Womack.

Jeremy's ancestors called his name

Jeremy Taylor-Collins
Photo Credit:Antoinette Harrell

I have studied my maternal family history for decades. I met new relatives on my paternal side after my father passed away in 2019. One of them is Jeremey Taylor-Collins, whose passion for genealogy is deep. Through DNA, he connects with family members from all branches of his tree. His roots extend deep into Pike County, Mississippi and St. Helena Parish, Louisiana. Jeremey enjoys traveling to St. Helena & Tangipahoa Parishes, Louisiana for genealogy research whenever he can. 

As part of this trip, he discussed the Louisiana State Archives for the first time with me. This was his first visit to the Louisiana State Archives.  There could not have been a better time!  At twelve noon, Bernice Alexander Bennett, author of "Black Homesteaders of the South," presented an overview of her book. Jeremy's ancestors were homesteaders in St. Helena Parish. Bernice pulled Jermey ancestors  Homestead  records at the National Archives. He was very excited to get those records. 

We planned to arrive early enough to give Jeremy a chance to gain some knowledge about researching death certificates. He was unstoppable once he learned how to use the new equipment to find the records. Some records was familiar to him because Jane Holiday, a genealogy treasure, posted thousands of records for many people in the Louisiana Florida Parishes. Jane's work in genealogy saved him a lot of time and helped him see how important Jane's work is. 

Our next stop was the St. Helena Parish Courthouse. He had visited the courthouse before. Last year, I taught him how to search for conveyance, successions, marriages, and wills documents. Among his ancestors were Solomon "Saul"  Taylor and America Mills Taylor, who both lived and died in St. Helena Parish. Their graves were located in the Black Creek AME Church Cemetery behind the church.  

Did the marriage take place in the parish? Were they landowners? What other Taylors are there? Who are they? Do any of the Taylors still reside in the parish. Did the marriage take place in the parish? Were they landowners? What other Taylors are there? Who are they? Do any of the Taylors still reside in the parish?

Researching at the St. Helena Parish Clerk's Office may have some answers for Jeremy.  After we

 Jeremy Taylor Collins researching the 
St. Helena Clerk's Office
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

finished researching at the Clerk's office for the day, we drove to Rocky Hill AME Church in St. Helena, Louisiana. He wasn't sure if he had relatives buried there, but we were too close not to check. We walked through the cemetery together. Jeremy recognized many surnames from public member trees and oral histories. A number of vaults and headstones were damaged by Hurricane Ida. To inform the departed family that vaults and headstones had been damaged, I posted the damaged headstones on my social media site. Jeremy visited other cemeteries in the area. On his social media he live streamed his visit to  Big Zion Cemetery in Roseland, Louisiana. He talked about the importance of maintaining those sacred burial grounds of our ancestors and I couldn't agree with him more. 

It wasn't quite the end of our day yet. In 1873, the first African American appointed as mayor in Ponchatoula, Louisiana was Rev. Arthur Tasker. I was scheduled to speak about placing a Historical Marker near his gravesite before the Ponchatoula Council. We ended our day with a meal and a cup of Jasmine tea. I felt as if I was passing the torch to a young man who is passionate about his family history. It seems likely that he will do more research and visit the places where his ancestors once lived to find out more about them. 

Rocky Hill AME Church Cemetery
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

Black Homesteaders of the South with Bernice Bennett

Honoring the Legacy of African American History Keeper

Black History Month has been very busy this year for me.  When black history can be taught 365 days a year, the stress of speaking engagements and other plans will diminish. Our accomplishments and contributions would take more than 28 days to learn, uncover, write, study, rewrite, and celebrate. Those who resist slavery, reconstruction, Jim Crow, and now critical race theory are represented by this year's theme. When I think about resistance, I think of the people in this blog. In order to preserve their family's and community's history, they decided to tell, document, and share it. 

Although the topic of Critical Race Theory is exploding across this nation. It seem as soon as black history move beyond just Dr. Martin Luther King, Harriett Tubman and others black leaders we have learned about all our life. The alarm sound off for those want the truth to remain covered. History can't be erase because some people are uncomfortable with it. Black history is America' History.  I chose to celebrate the legacy of local history icons. Those who chose to preserve the black history in Tangipahoa Parish.

It all started with my mother Isabel Harrell Cook, the family griot who preserved funeral programs and photographs. The youngest brother of my mother, Raymond Harrell, Sr., left his daughter Monteral Harrell a box of photographs. Originally it belonged to my Aunt Ella Harrell Keith.  A very important role in preserving Richardson Funeral Home's funeral programs was played by my first cousin Jo-Ann Lewis Frazier and Eddie Braziel. A collection was started at the Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies. That collection has over one thousand funeral programs for public view. 

As a local historian and genealogist I am interested in getting people into contact with their local communities' history. They will discover a rich and sometimes dark history. It can be uncomfortable to talk about things that have happened in the past. It is because of this that some people have difficulty redressing the past. Others feel that moving on from the past is the most appropriate course of action. The people I'm writing about in this blog life made a difference in preserving local history. 

Whose shoulders do you stand on?

Dr. Valarie Richardson and Earl S. Richardson 
 

We have all heard people say that we stand on strong shoulders. On whose shoulders do you stand? The book of Genesis is the first source of genealogy. Adam and Eve's descendants are recorded in the book of Genesis. Abraham's lineal male descent is enumerated in chapters 4, 5, and ll. Therefore, Adam's family tree was recorded. Genealogy wouldn't have been recorded if it wasn't of importance.

Throughout history, people all over the world have preserved their family history through oral and written traditions. Now let's look at why knowing your family history is so significant. The importance of genealogy can be attributed to so many factors. Knowing your family history gives you a sense of who you are. By doing so, you can gain a great deal of insight into yourself and your family.  Some want to know and to others it may not be important. Both Dr. Richardson and Earl were curious to learn more about their Wheat family. The history of their families is significant to both of them. As a result, they felt compelled to learn more about their family history to commemorate Black History Month.   

Their curiosity led Dr. Valarie Richardson and Earl Scott Richardson, Jr. to seek out information. My grandmother and their paternal grandfather Thomas Alexander Richardson were siblings. Our understanding of their family history is very clear on that front. Inquiring about their grandmother Melissa Wheat Richardson, their paternal grandmother, was important to them. 

Dr. Valarie Richardson, Earl S. Richardson, Sr. 
Dr. Antoinette Harrell, local historian 

Oral histories are passed down, but where do you begin searching for records as a beginner genealogist?  It was my request that they meet me at Tangipahoa Parish Clerk's Office in Amite, Louisiana. The first thing we did when they arrived was to look the marriage index books.  Some of their great uncles and aunts were recognized in the (W) for the Wheat family. This was the first time they conducted genealogy research in the Parish Clerk's office.  A staff member pulled the original marriage records after writing down some of the wedding date information. 

The grandparents of Earl and Dr. Richardson had ten children. Eight of the ten children are deceased, and each death is a piece of history that has just passed away. Their father Earl Lee Richardson, Sr., and his siblings often spoke about their great uncles and aunts on their grandmother's side of the family. Saul Wheat and Corrine Wheat were the parents of Melissa Wheat.  Saul Wheat was born in St. Helena, Louisiana in 1875 and died in Tangipahoa Parish in 1954.

Their eyes were filled with delight at seeing their ancestors' handwriting and for some, their (x) mark. This was a sign that the person was unable to write. They are the third generation of business owners their grandparents started.  Family history is incredibly vital to them. They value the shoulders on which they stand.  Often, Earl speaks of passing down the history to his children and grandchildren. "I want my children and grandchildren to know about their history," said Earl.  We are the older folk now he said.  It is one of the greatest gifts one can give to their children and grandchildren. Self-knowledge is a gift. 

Buried between two cotton fields on Locust Ridge Plantation

Dr. Antoinette Harrell
Photo Credit:  Annie Harnett

Annie Harnett and I was  introduced several years ago by a mutual friend, Steve Godfrey.  Steve is well aware of my passion for genealogy and thought it would be nice for me to connect with Annie.  I can't recall whether we spoke by phone or by email, it was  a while ago. We finally were able to meet, so that is what's significant here. In search of her ancestors, Annie took a genealogy road trip to Tensas Parish.  Louisiana's Tensas Parish is located in the northeastern part of the state. The parish is bordered by the Mississippi River. Approximately 4,147 people live in the city according to the 2020 census.  St.Joseph, Louisiana, is the parish seat. 

On that cold Saturday morning, I awoke at 6:00 a.m. to drive the two and a half hours to Tensas Parish.  My  GPS directed me to 1-55 North and the Natchez exit. In the back woods, the rolling hills and flat land were still covered with early morning frost. From the road, I  could see fog hovering over ponds giving it that ghostly look. Like that in a horror movie scene.  The beauty of these landscapes made me want to grab my camera and take pictures. In the end, I managed to take a few pictures. Besides, I didn't want to be late to meet Annie.  Annie's ancestors were the owners of Locust Ridge Plantation owned by her ancestor named  McGrudger Adams. She began researching her family's involvement in the slave society of the South in the Spring of 2021.

I was scheduled to arrive at 9:30 a.m.  This gave me an hour to explore the area. Waterproof, Louisiana was my first stop. After driving around the area for a while, I came across the cemetery that Annie and I would venture back to on our adventure. Annie and her guest walked the cemetery in search of her guest ancestors while I sat in the car saving my strength for the expedition ahead. After a delicious lunch at the "Walking Pig" restaurant, in St. Joseph,  a bowl of spicy collard greens, mac and cheese, with a nice cold glass of freshly made tea with a twist of lemon gave me an extra boost. 

Annie took me to visited a cemetery between two cotton fields on Locust Ridge Plantation.  We walked  a distant to get the thickets where the Wrights, Hatton, and Lewis families are buried. By this time the sun had warmed up and I didn't need the sweater I was wearing. I had to started shedding the layers of clothing due to the increase of heat.  It wasn't easy walking on crutches in the mud as an amputee. My crutches sank three and a half inches in mud. The thought kept repeating in my mind, "you can't quit" those fleeing for freedom couldn't quit. I heard a voice inside me telling me to keep walking. As I walked, I kept an eye out for cottonmouths and rattlesnakes. Not to mention hoping that we wouldn't run into wild boars. I was constantly reminded that this was the reality for those enslaved. 

The thought of the enslaved on the plantation trying to escape with someone with a disability like myself was on my mind at the same time as Annie and I were talking. The mere thought of staying behind to avoid slowing others down meant that my family may never see me again. As I thought about the dogs on the trails and the slave catchers pursuing them, I would have slowed them down. I was frightened, anxious, and sorrowful just thinking about them. A greater appreciation for those who escaped to freedom took over after processing the many thoughts about getting caught and the consequences of running away. 

Dr. Antoinette Harrell's Ancestor Charm Guider

Once we reached the cemetery, I had to cross over falling trees, avoid branches and endless wild vines to get the graves. Annie went on a head and scoped out the area while I made my way to where she was. After I saw the first headstone, the excitement grew stronger. I looked around for other between the palmetto trees and bushes. My eyes scanned the area carefully and I made my way to read each one. I always carry my good luck piece in my pocket when I'm searching for my ancestors or other ancestors. I waiting for the mystical moment to take it out. When I got to Rena Lewis Hatton grave it was time to take it out and place it on her headstone. I was reminded of Ezekiel 3: 1-10 Then he said to me, "Prophesy to these bones and say to them, "Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! This what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you come to life.  

We feel as if Rena is guiding us on this journey.  She is speaking to us in some spiritual form. The purpose of my search is to help Annie locate Rena's descendant. I used Ancestry. com to help me locate  Rena's descendants. I left a message for one of her descendants name Latoya. Latoya' mother Mattie  responded to my call and I couldn't contain my excitement. The news was a dream come true for Annie, I couldn't wait to share it with her. She wanted to meet the descendants of those her ancestors enslaved. I arranged a phone call and help to facilitate this meeting. It end up with information sharing and a plan of action to meet each other. 

Rena's descendants saw their ancestors' headstones for the first time through photographs Annie shared. They didn't know where their graves were located. Annie has given the Lewis and Hatton families the gift of knowing where their loved ones are buried. They received photographs of the headstones from Annie. To some, it may seem insignificant. Consider for a moment that the bushes and trees are growing new leaves as spring approaches, making it impossible to visit the sacred burial grounds. Snakes, bugs and mosquitoes will keep you from entering the sacred place they share with those buried there.  They worked the cotton fields and are buried in the cotton fields like so many in Tensas Parish and other plantation through out the United States. 

Genealogy with Antoinette & Karran

Hurricane Ida damage headstones and vaults at Rocky Hill Cemetery

Damaged Vault
Rocky Hill Cemetery
Photo Credit:  Dr. Antoinette Harrell

In the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, I visited Rocky Hill Cemetery. There is a cemetery there where my maternal 3rd great-grandparents Thomas and Amanda Breland Richardson are buried. Both lived their entire lives in St. Helena Parish. I have visited the cemetery for decades to record the inscriptions on the headstones. It is  easy for me to recall driving down the gravel road to the church where they both worshipped. Many of the surnames in the cemetery are familiar to me. Tanner, Vining, Richardson, Chaney, Jackson, Glaspy, Self, Bush, Porters, Johnsons, Hurst, just to name a few. 

The cemetery was damaged by several trees that fell on graves. There were some graves that were seriously damaged. Several headstones lie broken on the ground with large holes. Hopefully, the headstones and vault can be repaired. Otherwise, these monuments will disappear forever. If you have family buried in Rocky Hill Cemetery, you may want to visit the cemetery to check on their graves.

We should rethink planting trees in cemeteries and cutting them down before they become unmanageable. It is also imperative to consider the roots and the damage they can cause. There is no doubt that such repairs can be costly. Since COVID-19, headstone prices have increased significantly.   The deceased loved ones may not live in close proximity to the cemetery and can be unaware of the damages. It would be great if you could visit the cemetery.  The deceased loved ones may not live in close proximity to the cemetery and can be unaware of the damages.

The grave of Willie Richardson
Rocky Hill Cemetery, St. Helena Parish
Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell

Hammond Magnet School focus on local history for Black History Month

Hammond Magnet School
Photo Credit: Mr. Kip Andrews

Dr. Antoinette Harrell was invited to speak at Hammond Magnet High School in Hammond, Louisiana to celebrate Black History Month. At the beginning of the week Mr. Kip Andrew had the students research and learn about the history of two African American churches in Hammond, LA.,  St. James A.M.E. Church was founded in 1867. The church is still standing and active to this day. The second oldest church Greenfield Missionary Baptist Church was founded in 1870. Mr. Andrews pointed out that both churches are huge milestones within the African American history in Hammond, Louisiana.  

"Having the students to explore and study local history is important. Oftentimes, we look at history on a national level. Sometimes people over look local history makers, icons, and pioneers, "said Harrell. Harrell stress the importance of exploring local history. Matter of fact, many of the students can be related to the local history makers she said.  Mr. Andrew said that the students are working on a hard back book of the local history. Harrell volunteer to assist in anyway that she can. 

Harrell was impressed with the interaction from the students. Some of the students had several questions for Dr. Harrell. They had good questions and comments concerning the information that Harrell shared. 

St. Helena Parish Clerk on a mission to preserve local records and creating online access

Mildred Cyprian
St. Helena Parish Clerk
Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell 

I have conducted genealogy research for the past 30+ years at the St. Helena Parish Clerk's Office in Greensburg, LA. My family history traces back to St. Helena. It has always been an enjoyable experience for me to conduct research at the Clerk's office. In terms of preserving the records, I have seen tremendous changes in the last eight years.  I'm  impressed with the hard work Mildred Cyprian and her staff put into preserving records at the Clerk's Office. 

Just recently I learned that mortgage and conveyance records from 1983 to present is available online. This is a major step for Clerk's Offices located in rural communities to take. St. Helena has never had a fire to take place like many courthouse across the country. Some of the records dates back to the early 1800s and need to be protect and preserved. Many are crumbling up at a touch.  It's like watching a little piece of history be destroyed forever through each crumbling piece of the paper. "What can we do about it?" Collaborating with experts in this area would be the first step to take. These records certainly should be scanned in order to continue preserving them. I would like to set up a meeting with the Clerk to discuss possibilities.  

Previously, a briefcases and folders could be brought into the vault. Although we can no longer enter into the vault. You still have access to the records.  Whatever you need from the vault,  Denise Godfrey, the Key Deputy Clerk, will be glad to assist you. I'm in agreement as a genealogist and local historian.  It is not uncommon for  records be stolen and lost. It may be difficult for some people to understand this change. It is necessary to make this change in order to protect and preserve the records. The records in St. Helena Parish hold the key to understanding our parish's history. I'm very pleased with the new changes that I see each time I visit the clerk's office to conduct genealogy research. In recent years, the clerk's office has become more popular with genealogists and local historians. St. Helena Clerk's Office has been visited by groups from all over the country for research. 

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https:eclerksla.com/Home