Wendell Richardson Preserving the Richardson Family History Through Photographs

Wendell Richardson

Sometimes family genealogist and family historians have their ways of preserving and telling their family history. Wendell Richardson is the grandson of Alexander and Melisa Wheat Richardson of Amite, Louisiana. Several months ago, Wendell loss his father Nathaniel Richardson, Sr., one of the sons of Alexander and Melisa.

Wendell found the time to go through some of the family albums and most importantly he is sharing the photographs with his first cousins and other family members. Wendell may never know just how much we really appreciate the fact he is sharing these special family memories.


If we don't keep our family history alive who will? I hope others will do what Wendell made the decisions to do. As a family genealogist I can appreciate the gift that Wendell shared with the family. My grandmother Josephine Richardson Harrell was Alexander sister.
Often times we hear about family members who will not share family photographs with others.
family members who will not share family "Wendell has truly set an example of what we should do with family photographs when someone in the family pass away". Beside being talented and intelligent he also loves his family dearly. Now, my hope is he find a photograph of my grandmother Josephine in his collection. Preserving our family memories is an important step to preserving our history for the future.

With today's technology it is easy to share the precious photographs with our family no matter where they live.  In this digital age, we can scan, enhance, and store our family images for safe keeps. We all have a responsibility of preserving our family history.


Here are a few tips on preserving family photographs.


1. Purchase photo albums with acid-free and lignin-free paper.
2. Use PVC-free such as maylar, polypropylene, polyester and polyethylene.
3. Store photographs in photo boxes made of acid-free materials with acid-fee card dividers.
4. Always avoid using paper clips and pins to hold photographs together.
5. Always use photo-safe glue and avoid using regular adhesive tapes and glues, which will damage
    photographs.
6. Handle photographs carefully. It helps to put on cotton gloves.
7. Label photographs on the back with a photo-safe pen from a photo or craft store.  Do not write on
    your photos, and never use regular ball point or felt tip pens.

Supt Alexander Richardson and his wife Melisa Wheat Richardson

Supt. Alexander Richardson, his wife Melisa Wheat Richardson, sons, and their wives, and grandchildren
Photo Credit: Terri Harrell-Jackson

Burgher High School Class of 1969

Burgher High School Class of 1969

Burgher High School was located in Independence, Louisiana.

Abandoned Schools in Tangipahoa & St. Helena Parishes Can Be Used As Creative Learning Centers

Big Zion School in Roseland, Louisiana

While riding around Tangipahoa and St. Helena Parishes I noticed a number of abandoned schools that could be used as creative learning centers. These building have rooms that can be used for libraries, art galleries, museums, meeting rooms, recreational rooms, music and dance, and small theaters.

So, why are we not using these abandoned schools for enrichment education? Could we transformed these buildings to service the community? The answer is yes, with groups, churches, association and social clubs pooling their resources together to preserve and transformed these abandoned schools into Creative Learning Centers It starts with a vision and concerned citizens who can make a difference. The lack of community resources can bring about many unwanted problems in any community.  Community Resources that include services, knowledge, equipment, and facilities. The resources can come from a variety of sources and provide all kinds of assistance.

Woodland High School in St. Helena Parish

Tangipahoa and St. Helena Parishes, need community resources for it citizens that can include after school programs, senior citizens daycare services, educational enrichment programs and other programs that is vital for our communities.

How long are we going to leave these buildings in despair? We have what it takes to revitalize the building, raise the funding and develop the programs that is need to continue to enrich our community.

Slaves on the Benjamin and Celia Bankston Richardson Plantation in St. Helena Parish

Hardy Richardson, Administrator of the will

Benjamin and Celia Bankston Richardson, 1852      

File R-4

Sept. 18, 1852. Inventory, Present were: Augustus W. Hart, James McCoy,  Robert W. Roberts, Alexander Courtney, Mrs. Celia Richardson, Stephen Richardson and major heirs Matthew, Stephen, and Francis E. Richardson. 640 acres on which the deceased last resided, bounded north by A. Courtney, east by bound Courtney, south by Davidson, west by Dennis including mills and gin--$4000; 23 slaves--$17,040; mill; horses; cattles; barouche--$100; 8 beds; etc. Total $24,178.

My great great grandfather Thomas Richardson, Jr., and his mother Carrie was part of this inventory. They appraised for $1100.00 dollars in 1853.  My maternal grandmother Josephine Richardson was the grand daughter of Thomas Richardson, Sr., and the great-granddaughter of Carrie. Often times, "I find my mind drifting off on this period in the lives of my ancestors, but yet moving on to educate others in the family about our history in St. Helena Parish."

Thomas Richardson, Sr.
Rocky Hill Cemetery, St. Helena Parish

I knew all of my grandmother's sisters and brothers born to Thomas Richardson, Jr. and Emma Vining Richardson. I only wish that I spent more time talking with them about our history. My maternal  great uncle Alexander Richardson share some of our history with his son Emmitt N. Richardson, Sr.,  My grandmother and her siblings were the grandchildren of slaves. They were the griots that had the family history--when they passed away so did part of our history.

The first time I walked inside the St. Helena Parish Clerk Office vault to conduct genealogy research, I couldn't stop looking at the the vaults. I knew that one of the vaults held information about my ancestors.  It was a day of joy and sadness at the same time. Happy and sad tears was streaming down my face as if someone turned on a water faucet. Here I am decades later looking for information on my family. Who owned them? What plantation did they work and live on? Where did they purchase them from? Who are the missing people in the family that we haven't  found. Most importantly, am I the only one who really cares? After locating their graves in Rocky Hill Church Cemetery and finding headstones on both Thomas Richardson, Sr., and his wife Amanda Breland Richardson, Thomas grave that clearly confirmed that Thomas Richardson, Sr., was born in slavery. I owe it to them to tell their story. It may not be important to anyone else, "it is important to me." I know that my ancestors would be rejoicing to know that I am telling their story to anyone who will listen.

From Right to Left
Alexander Richardson, Alma Richardson Gordon,
Josephine Richardson Harrell and Rosabell Richardson Moore

Mildred Ricard of Amite, Louisiana in 1968

This photograph was taken in 1968. Shelia, Mildred and Robert Lee wife was taken at my brother Andrew Williams funeral from Daisy, March 1968

Source: Leona Buckhalter 

Lallie Kemp Hospital in Independence, Louisiana

Visiting the Amite Genealogy Library is like going on a treasure hunt for me. There's lots of photographs, family histories, family books and family files on the shelves and inside the file cabinets. I found this picture of Lallie Kemp Hospital today and had to share it with everyone who read my blogs. My mother Isabell Harrell Cook was the last one born at home by a midwife. All of her sibling after her was born at this hospital.

Source: Amite Genealogy Library

Tangipahoa Parish First Black Medical Doctor "Dr. Walter A. Reed, MD"

Statue of Dr. Walter A. Reed
Hammond, LA

Dr. Reed, was born in 1879, a native of Crystal Springs, Miss., came to Hammond,LA
 in the early 1900s and remained until his death in 1954. Tangipahoa Parish's early physicians listed only white doctors. Dr. Reed dressed in his hat and three-piece suit when he made house calls to visit patients traveling by horse and buggy or his Model T car.

He had black and white patients that respected him as a medical doctor. When the outbreak of pneumonia happened, he worked hard to save the lives of so many people both black and white who were ill with pneumonia. He doctored on Dr. Gates when he had the pneumonia. Lettie Anderson who was his housemaid in 1918, became the nurse in his clinic and eventually nursed the doctor and his wife in their old age. Dr. Reed's oldest son Walter A. Reed Jr, was 87 years old when this interview took place. Walter, Jr, lived in Meridian, Miss. " I think I was in the fifth grade when I came to Hammond, " said Walter. My father established and had a house on Coleman Avenue. My mother was ill, and she passed away that year.

"My father married another lady, Ella Church from Crystal Springs. My stepmother took notice of the impoverished condition around Hammond and surrounding areas, she saw people spending money on good timing while their homes were in poor conditions. She convinced my father that I had to leave Hammond, La., so we took a train and went up to Jackson Preparatory School (now Jackson State University. It was part of the college and I lived on campus.

Dr. Reed's  first wife the former Lillie Loving, whom he had met at Jackson State. While he studied in New Orleans, his wife lived at Bogue Chitto and gave birth to their four children, W.A. Jr., Shellie, Edward and Lillie.

Available of many years at Central Drug was " Dr. Reed's Cough Syrup" he helped heal many people.

Homegoing Services for Lizzie Coleman Frazier

Mrs. Lizzie Coleman Frazier 

The angel of the Lord has visited again and has chosen from among us one of the best. On Wednesday, April 14, 2004 at 4:45 a.m., Sister Lizzie Coleman Frazier ("My Da") was called from earth to heaven's reward, Sister Lizzie was born on October 23, 1919, to the late Major Coleman and Maggie Spear Coleman. She was reared in a Christian home and united in fellowship at Gordon/Richardson Temple of Deliverance, the former Gordon Chapel C.O.G.I.C., at an early age.
she served faithfully in the church in many capacities such as deaconess, Church Mother, etc. She remained a loyal member until her death.

"My Da" was united in holy matrimony to Willie, C. Frazier, Sr. (W.C.) on Jun 24, 1939. To this union eleven children were born. She was a devoted wife and mother and did not seek employment until all of her children became of age. She was then employed in various positions, which included a position at Hood Memorial Hospital, from which she retired.

She leaves to treasure the memories of her life: her devoted husband, W.C. Frazier, five daughter; Lillie M. Warren of San Francisco, California, Catherine Galmon, Delores Topps, Josie D. Frazier, and JoAnn "Tiny" Winfied (Calvin) of Amite, LA; five sons; Emmitt (Elaine), and Roger (Connie), of Roseland, LA, Earnest (Jo-Ann), and John of Amite, LA, and James E. Frazier (Audrey, of Livermore, California; two sisters; Minnie Harrel of Amite, LA and Lillie Johnson of New Orleans, LA; on brother, Leroy Coleman of Amite, LA; one brother-in-law; Wade Wilson of Baton Rouge, LA, three sisters-in-law; Bertha Coleman, Rosa Caston and Ellen Frazier; thirty-three grandchildren; forty-five great grandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews, and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Major Coleman and Maggie Spears, her stepmother-Josephine Baker Coleman; four sister Edna Baker, Caretha Grazier, Mable Gilber and Mildred Wilson; one son, Willie C. Frazier, Jr., and one grand daughter, Eulandra D. Frazier.

Mr. Xavier Smith, Sr. of Amite, Louisiana

Xavier Smith, Sr. 

Since its inception as A.M.E. Church in 1886, Grant has literally hundreds of person join its ranks, but there has been none to equal the length of dedicated service that Mr. Xavier Smith, Sr. has attained. Converted and joined the congregation of Grant Chapel in 1916. Mr. Smith has been a constant, vibrant, dependable, vocal and dedicated member until the day he died--with specific interest in the temporal affairs of the church.

After 70 years of continued service, Mr. Smith can rightfully be considered the church's historian and father. His being strictly a family man, he has engineered his family members into good followers of Christ. His beloved wife, Daisy, was as dedicated as he, serving as a stewardess until her death; his daughter, Dorothy, is a local preacher; his daughter, Yvonne, and his son Xavier, Jr., are trustees; his granddaughter, Tewana, is a steward and Sunday School teacher, his son Glenn, was a deacon in the Baptist Church until his death. Yvonne and Tewana are both member of the gospel chorus. Yvonne is also a class leader. This a good indication that has begun a legacy that will last for years.

At 89 years, Mr. Smith shows no signs of deterioration, mentally, physically, socially, or spiritually, which gives him the right to be honored as grand patriarch of our church.

Celebration of a Life Well Live for Brother Leroy (Tip) Coleman

Leroy (Tip) Coleman, affectionally known by his sisters as "Brother", was born on March 25, 1929 to Major Coleman and Maggie Spears Coleman. He was the seventh of eight children. He departed this life on Friday, October 28, 2005.

On August 23, 1948, Tip was united in holy matrimony to Bertha Green. To this union, nine children were born. He was a devoted husband and father. Tip worked in many capacities as a laborer and retired at 62. After retirement, he chose to become a farmer and supply the community.

He leaves to cherish his memories his wife, Bertha Coleman, Amite, LA; four daughters; Linda Coleman, Amite, LA; Eva C. Jackson, Mandeville, LA; Debora Coleman, Greensburg, LA; Doretta C. Holiday, of Houston, TX; four sons, Roy R. Coleman, Greensburg, LA; Major Coleman, Donald Coleman, Gregory Coleman of Amite, LA; one sister, Minnie Harrell of Amite, LA; two brothers-in-law, Wade Wilson, Baton Rouge, LA; (W.C) Frazier, Amite, LA; two sisters-in-law, Lena Bruno and Becky Green, Amite, LA; 18 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Major and Maggie Coleman, his stepmother, Josephine Coleman; six sister, Edna Baker, Caretha Frazier, Lizzie Frazier, Mable Gilbert, Mildred Wilson and Lillie Johnson; one son Jerry Lewis Coleman; one son-in-law Johnny L. Jackson.

Source: The Obituary of Leroy (Tip) Coleman

African American Physicians of Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana

Before trained black physicians, surgeons, and medical education was open to black people in the United States, the black people in the community depend on the natural medicine healers, root doctors,  and midwives for healing. Few medical school would admit black students regardless of their academic excellence. 


Medical education for those seeking careers as physicians and surgeons was limited to a few black medical colleges including Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Walter Reed. MD

, and Meharry Medical College, in Nashville, Tennessee. 

The first trained medical doctors in the Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana community was Dr. Walter Reed, MD., that some of the older folks in the community told me about. Two other African American physicians that grew up in Amite, Louisiana are Dr. Daphne L. Richardson, OD.,  and Dr. Dwan S. Mabry, MD., FACOG. 

Dr. Daphne L. Richardson, OD

Dr. Daphne L. Richardson, OD, Optometrist Eye and Vision Specialist and Dr. Dwan S. Mabry, MD, FACOG, is a board certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist serving Tangipahoa and surrounding parishes for the past 10 years. Dr. Daphne Richardson is the daughter of Joseph Richardson and Linda Robinson. She was raised in Amite, Louisiana. She received her elementary and high school education in Amite, Louisiana also.

Dr. Mabry, M.D., FACOG

Dr. Mabry received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge in 1990. She completed her medical training at LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans in 1994. Dr. Mabry then completed her residency at University Hospital and the Medical Center of Louisiana in New Orleans, La with the LSU School of Medicine in 1998, and received her Board Certification in 2000.

Dr. Richardson and Dr. Mabry ancestral lineage is deep rooted in Tangipahoa, Louisiana.  If you know of other African American physicians in Tangipahoa and St. Helena, please contact me by email at afrigenah@yahoo.com

Discover Your Family History with Nurturing Our Roots

Are you ready to discover your family history? Many people discover important information about their family. Compiling and gathering family documents, photographs, family papers, military records, obituaries, death records, vital records, land deeds and other important documents that is vital to your research.

If you have thought about researching your family history and don't know where to start. Join host Antoinette Harrell on Nurturing Our Roots for a journey for a life time researching your family history.

Come explore your family history right here on Nurturing Our Roots, "The Live Talk Show Where Family Matters." Where the past meet the present and the present meet the future.

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

                                                   https://vimeo.com/nurturingourroots

                                                              http://tangipahoaafrican-americannews.com

Alma Harrison Vernon a Woman Pioneers of Amite, Louisiana

Alma Harrison Vernon

There is one African-American woman in Amite, Louisiana that left a legacy for so many in her community. Her name is Alma Harrison Vernon. She was born on April 7, 1923, in Amite, LA., to the late Obie and Carrie Mcknight Harrison.

Mrs. Vernon spent her life educating, empowering and inspiring women throughout the Tangipahoa and St. Helena Parishes. Mrs. Vernon let her light shine in all that she did and touched. I will never forget the times that I would visit with her and how we spent time talking. She was also an archivist that clipped and saved important newspapers articles about the local black folks that made the news.  She kept very good and detailed records of the churches and community meetings.

Alma Harrison Vernon

Although I didn't have her as a teacher, I still learned so much just by watching and listening to her. She taught my brother Thomas in second grade at Amite Elementary School.  She taught so many of the children in the community.

Alma Harrison Vernon

She received her elementary and high school education in Tangipahoa Parish. She received a B.S. Degree in Elementary Education from Grambling State University. Mrs. Alma H. Vernon was the wife of Rev. Willard Vernon, and she was the President of the Senior Women Auxiliary of the Little Bethel Baptist Church of Amite, Louisiana. She spoke at the National Baptist Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1975. It was the 95th Annual Session of the National Baptist Convention. Her address to the Convention brought many favorable comments, including that of the National President of the Senior Women Auxiliary of the National Baptist Convention of American.

While visiting her only daughter Glyniss Vernon Gordon, I had a chance to look through some of the many albums that Mrs. Vernon kept. It was like looking in an archive and I was happy and delighted but not the least surprised of the accomplishments of such an elegant woman whom help shape our community.

One of the awards that I had to make mention of in this blog; is the "Certificate of Appreciation" that was presented to Mrs. Alma Vernon in recognition of an important contribution to the ongoing fight against hatred and intolerance in America.

The name shown above will be added to the Wall of Tolerance in Montgomery, Alabama to provide inspiration to all those who choose to take a stand against hatred. The Certificate of Appreciation was signed by Morris Dees, Founder of the Southern Poverty Law Center. Morris Dees co-founded the SPLC in 1971 following a successful business and law career. He won a series of groundbreaking civil rights cases that helped integrate government and public institutions. He also severed as finance director for former President Jimmy Carter's campaign in 1976 and for Democratic presidential nominee George McGovern in 1972.

Westside High School Class of 1965

Westside High School in Amite, Louisiana was segregated in 1965. Several of my family members were in this class. My Uncle Herbert Harrell and cousin Oliver Jackson, Sr.,  I would like to thank Luther Tolliver for posting this photograph. Luther graduated with this class as well.

I am happy to see that many African Americans people through out the Tangipahoa & St. Helena parishes community have preserve a part of our history.

Source: Luther Tolliver

From freedom to foundations the architectural journey of Louis A. Vernon

Louis A. Vernon

Louis A. Vernon, a skilled architect, designed one of Mt. Canaan Missionary Baptist Church  structures. He began his educational journey at Mt. Canaan Elementary School, later studying at   O.W. Dillon School in Kentwood, Louisiana,  and Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. However, his academic pursuits were temporarily halted when he was called to serve his country in the military. Upon completing his service, he resumed his education and graduated from Howard University in Washington, D.C.

Following his academic achievements, Vernon returned to Louisiana, where he worked as an architect and served as a mathematics instructor at Southern University in Baton Rouge. His career path later led him to   Wilberforce University in Ohio, where he taught architecture until his untimely death. This structure serves as a lasting tribute to a talented and dedicated individual. He was also the great-grandson of Robert "Free Bob" Vernon, a historical figure.

Source: Booklet of Glyniss Vernon Gordon. 

The History of Little Bethel Baptist Church of Amite, Louisiana

Little Bethel Baptist Church

Little Bethel Baptist Church begin with a few dedicated Christian followers in a small log cabin one mile West of its present site, some of the pioneer members were Sister Rosa Butler, Sister Frances Johnson, Sister Betsy Carpenter and, others, Rev. Guy Beck and Rev. Newton Johnson were the leaders.

In 1881 Rev. Riley Vernon officially organized this group into what was called the Little Bethel Baptist Church. He was the first official Pastor with the above named persons as charter members. He served faithfully for several years. During his administration he purchased the site where the church now stands for the amount f$10.00 and gave it to the church. The second pastor was Rev. C. Wright, he served faithfully for several years.

Rev. James R. Vernon became the fifth pastor and served faithfully for twenty-one years.

Rev. James R. Vernon

During his administration the church was destroyed by fire. It was rebuilt and under his leadership the church made great progress spiritually and numerically. He purchased the site for the Activity Building under his administration. Some of the active members during his pastorate were Sister Rosa Butler, Sister Lucy Morris, Sister Lydia J. Richardson, Bro. Willie Watkins, Sister Katie Land, Bro. Frank James and George Pinkney were the Deacons.

Rev. James R. Vernon was released to accept a church in Bogalusa and Rev. Willie Porter was called to pastor. He served faithfully for six years, and passed on in death. After the death of Rev. Porter, Rev James R. Vernon was elected as pastor elected. The church has made great progress in all phases of service. The pulpit had been his "throne" and through a sustained program of dynamic preaching the members have been inspired to go forward. The church has grown spiritually, financially, and numerically. The membership have grown from one hundred to three hundred at present. 

The Character of Rev. James Robert Vernon

Rev. James Robert Vernon

On the evening of July 27, 1957 the angel of silence came into the home of Reverend James Robert Vernon and with chilly fingers sealed his lips, the loving husband of Pearley Briggs Vernon. His soul winged its flight from this world of sins, sorrow and pain, to a place of eternal rest.

There are some lives that disappoint us, some impressions of character which we have to revise in later years,  but the impression that was formed of Reverend James Robert Vernon when you first met him remained unchanged to the end of his life.

He became a Christian when he was quite a young man, and joined the Mount Canaan Baptist Church, and was baptized by his father, Robert Vernon and spent more than sixty-one years in the Master's service. He gave freely of his time, his counsel, and his money, and was always willing to do anything that he felt would help for good, in anyway.

Reverend James R. Vernon was not selfish, hence he felt that he needed someone to go by his side and enjoy whatever he might accumulate in life, so he married Pearley Gertrude Briggs. To this union eight children were born. To his family he was loving and faithful, and strove to make them comfortable and happy. He taught his children to be God loving and God fearing and that to be a Christians was one of the greatest things in life and to know his children.

Please join Glyniss Vernon Gordon on "Nurturing Our Roots Television Talk Show" as she talk about the history of her paternal family. Glyniss is the only daughter and child of Dr. Willard Vernon.

Source: The Obituary of Rev. James Robert Vernon

Please visit the Tangipahoa African-American Newspaper

http://tangipahoaafrican-americannews.com

Dr. Willard Vernon A Man With A Vision in Amite, Louisiana

Rev. Dr. Willard Vernon

Dr. Willard Vernon was born on August 5, 1918 in Roseland, Louisiana to the late Rev. and Mrs. James Robert Vernon and Pearlie G. Briggs Vernon. He was one of eight children, three girls and five boys.

“Bill”, as he was called then was educated in the elementary and high schools of Tangipahoa Parish. He received his B.S. Degree in Vocational Agriculture from Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and has done further study toward a Masters Degree in the same area of education at L.S. U. and U.S.L.

Rev. Vernon was also recognized as one of Southern University finest tennis players, which he also brought back with him and taught in the school system, where he was known for his great athletic abilities.

While serving in the United States Army, “Bill” was known for his beautiful tenor voice he used to sing and perform in the military Glee Club. Also while serving in the military and most important of all,  he was called by God to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a dying world. Dr. Vernon was the Pastor of three great churches, Little Bethel Baptist Church in Amite, La., New Jerusalem Baptist Church, Clifton, La and Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Mt. Hermon, LA.

With all three projects and programs and still found time to serve his community.  He served a as teacher in the public school systems for 24 years, President of the Parish Teacher’s Assoc. a Coach, FFA Leader, Chairman of the Christian Minister’s Relationship, Founder of the Good Samaritan Nursing Home, Franklinton, Louisiana.

Source: The Obituary of the late Dr. Willard Vernon.

Robert Zander "A Gifted Musician" of Amite, La

Robert Lawerence Zanders

In writing the "Obituary of Robert Zanders, one had to think in terms of memories. He was born in Amite, Louisiana on December 28, 1910 to Robert and Beatrice Taylor Zanders. Robert was known throughout the Florida Parishes as a gifted musician and often played for various occasions throughout his lifetime. In 1974, he was converted during the pastorate of Rev. Francis Williams and brought his music into the church.

He served as pianist, President of the Senior Choir, member of the Steward Board and was given the name " Gabriel" by Bishop Arthur Marshall, Jr. due to the inspirational renditions he played on his saxophone. Robert was also a member of the Young Men's Social Club.

His marriage on July 25, 1929, to his childhood sweetheart Clotidle Aaron, lasted for 55 years, 8 month. For this union was one daughter Delores. He departed from this life on March 5, 1985.

Teaching Children Their History

Joelle and Connor reading history books

This cold and rainy day kept us all inside surrounding the fireplace and sipping on some hot peppermint tea with a twist of lemon. What a perfect time for storytelling and story sharing? My grandchildren picked up two civil rights books too look at the pictures in the book.  They had so many questions about the "Jim Crow" period, the colored water fountains and other historical events that took place in our society. To top the evening off one of my colleagues from New Orleans, Louisiana drove up to beat the African drums. My grandsons Connor and Chase joined in with Lloyd Lazard for a lesson on playing the African drums.

Because they were asking the questions meant they wanted answers. I am so happy to be the one to answer and teach them what I know just like my maternal grandmother taught me. I looked at each of them and a feeling of joy passed over me. My mind traveled twenty lite years away--I can hear them saying" my grandmother Antoinette Harrell taught me about "Jim Crow and the Civil Right" I felt that it is my duty to teach them about their history. They are excited about learning and want to learn.