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| Eddie Ponds, Founding Publisher of The Drum Newspaper Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell |
Sunday, November 20, 2022
Talking with Eddie Ponds, founding publisher of the Drum Newspaper
Saturday, November 19, 2022
Kids Exploring Photography
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| Kids and Photography Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell |
Children learn more than just how to take good photographs when they are taught photography Photography encourage kids to explore their creative talents. In the long run, it will help you develop valuable skills in critical thinking and visual perception. I'm always inspired to support children who have an interest in photography and filmmaking. A friend of mine told me how much her grandson E.J. enjoys taking photos. Since I had an extra camera that I wasn't using anymore, I decided to donate it to E.J. He was so thrilled when his grandmother brought him to my house so he could pick up his camera and accessories. Immediately, he began exploring the camera.
I have a collection of antique cameras that I showed him. From instant polaroids to film cameras. E.J., is growing up in the digital age. A film-based camera is most likely something he hasn't seen before. One of the conversations we had was about how he could earn money and travel internationally with a camera in his hand.
I suggested he ask his teacher at school can he start a photograph club and document school.For students who share the same passion for photography, setting up a photography class can be a great opportunity. Displays of images can be arranged at the school. Club members can invite guest speakers to speak at their meetings. Every child who had a phone has a camera. They enjoy having their pictures taken most of all. I would enjoy looking at some of E.J.'s creative work and images.
As we talked about photography, I mentioned to him that I had friends and associates who took pictures for National Geographic, Planet Magazine, and many other magazines. They have contributed images to documentaries and films. In the event that E.J. succeeds in starting a photography club, I will support him and the club members.
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| E.J exploring cameras Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell |
An historical look at the birth of the Drum Newspaper in Tangipahoa Parish
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| Eddie Ponds Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell |
During my interview with Eddie Ponds, I asked him about how the Drum Newspaper was developed. He said he and his wife Carrie attended Southeastern Louisiana University to hear Julian Bond, a leader in civil rights, politician, social activist, author, and professor. As his eyes glanced around the room, he didn't notice any press.
Julian Bond founded the organizations: Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and Southern Poverty Law Center. As a matter of fact he could not recall seeing it mentioned in the local press. He and his wife discussed the matter further after the event. His wife suggested he start his own newspaper to make a change.
There have been over 40 years since then, and The Drum Newspaper is still covering African American news throughout Louisiana's Southeast Parishes. When I asked Eddie if he had any older issues I might be able to review, he replied that he had. He had editions as far back as the development of the newspaper. The news archives sounded like music to my ears, and I couldn't wait to explore them. The newspaper holds a piece of African American history that cannot be found anywhere else in Louisiana FloridaParishes. Many of the photographs Eddie used in the early editions of the newspaper were taken by him. The black and white photographs he took were developed in his darkroom.
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| The Drum Newspaper Publisher Eddie Ponds Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell |
Ponchatoula Colored School's article provided me with a lot of information I hadn't previously seen. A number of black educators as well as one of the school's principals were named in this article. In response to the blog post, I received several phone calls. In their calls, the callers indicated that they had learned something about the school. history through reaching the electronic reprint. During integration, much of the history of colored schools was destroyed. Throughout Tangipahoa Parish, it is difficult to find the history of black schools. It is quite impressive how much of the history of the O.W. Dillon School was preserved in Kentwood, Louisiana.
Monday, November 14, 2022
Louisiana African American History Makers (Reprint the Drum Newspaper)
Homer Plessy, challenged a two year old street car law that departed passengers traveling on trains in Louisiana. His action made him a plaintiff and defendant in the landmark. U.S. Supreme Court Case of Plessy v.s. Ferguson in 1896. March 17, March 1, 1925.
Dr. Walter A. Reed, First Black Physician Tangipahoa Parish. 1875-1945
Gideon Tillman Carter, Sr, Principal, coach, community leaders, and was the first Black elected to Ponchatoula board of aldermen since Reconstruction. March 15, 1924- November 1, 1984.
M.C. Moore filed a lawsuit in 1950 against the Tangipahoa Parish School Board in Tangipahoa Parish. The case was won. The school system is still operating under federal court orders.
"Coach" Reginald A. Cotton, Sr, was one of the Tangipahoa Parish most successful football and track coaches. He later served not he Tangipahoa Parish School Board. November 4, 1927- December 9, 1986
Wilbert Lee Dangerfield, Hammond's first black councilman. He served from 1977-1994. The community activist served on the board and held membership in many organizations to help community throughout Tangipahoa Parish. August 30, 1937- July 18, 2011
Joyce Marie Moore vs. Tangipahoa Parish School Board is one of the most famous lawsuits in Tangipahoa Parish. This case has been in court for more than 50 years.
Forchia Mae Wilson, Educator, community leader, founder and curator for Sweet Home Museum in Kentwood, LA. May 9, 1925-March 26, 2011
Edwin H. Wilson. The first black to teach tailoring to veterans in Tangipahoa Parish. He later became a full time tailoring teacher in the Tangipahoa Parish School System. October 28, 1918-November 20, 1980
Micheal D. Jackson, Jackson played for the NFL after he was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the sixth round of the 1991 NFL Draft. A wide receiver from the University of Southern Mississippi. Jackson played in eight NFL seasons from 1991-1998 for the Browns and the Baltimore Ravens before retiring. He was the first professional football player from Tangipahoa Parish.
Melvin Lee "Kip" Holden, On November 3, 2004, he was elected as the first Black Mayor-President of East Baton Rouge Parish. August 12, 1952
Dr. Leo Stanley Butler, In 1918, Butler was the first male to receive a diploma form what became McKinley High School. IN 1926, he began a lifelong practice of medicine and community service. He was known as the "Dean of Black Physicians." He was named General Practitioner of the Year" by the National Medical Association in 1962. Both the East Baton Rouge Medical Society and the East Baton Rouge Medial Association honored him for outstanding community service. August 12, 1899 to September 8, 1978.
Arna Wendell Bontemps, is famous for his books featuring black characters, he wrote many notable pieces including God Sends Sunday (1931), Black Thunder (1936), The Story of the Negro (1948) and Great Slave Narratives (1969). October 13, 1902-June 10, 1974
Ernest Nathan "Dutch" Morial, lawyer, judge, State Legislator, and mayor. He was born in New Orleans, in 1977 he was elect the first Black mayor of the City of New Orleans. October 9, 1929-December 24, 1989.
Friday, November 11, 2022
John Wesley Richardson 1885-1952
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| John Wesley Richardson 1885-1952 Photo Courtesy: Lorraine Deemer Lizana & Supt. Jimmy Richardson |
John Wesley Richardson ws born on August 15, 1885 in Darlington, St. Helena Parish, Louisiana and died on November 8, 1952 in New Orleans according to the Louisiana U.S. Statewide Death Index, 1819-1964. He is buried at Black Creek AME Church Cemetery in St. Helena Parish. He was married to Minnie Ada Richardson. They were the parents of: Emmett Nathaniel Richardson, John W. Richardson, Inez Richardson, Myrad T. Richardson, Gladys Richardson, Mildred Richardson, Janie Richardson. and Flora Christine Williams.
According to the 1940 United States Census, John was a farmer by occupation and he owned his land. He and his family was living on Amite Riner Road. John completed the 4th grade.
Amanda Breland Richardson and Great granddaughter Isabel Harrell Cook
Amanda Breland was born in 1862 and died in 1937 in St. Helena Parish. Her husband was Thomas Richardson, Sr., There were five children born to them: Sophia, John, Thomas, Jr., Golene, and Annie Richardson. The picture shows my mother Isabell Harrell Cook when she was about seven years old. Her picture standing with her maternal great grandmother was photoshopped. My mother was born on December 25, 1939 and died on March 30, 2020.
Our Family Heirloom
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| Crock Bowl Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell |
My second cousin Juanita Harrell Stewart inherited two of these bowls you see in this picture from her mother Minnie Nolan Harrell. I can't help but think of them each time I use the bowls that I inherited from her. Over the course of four generations, my family has handled these bowls. This crock bowl looks in amazing in Farmhouse kitchens. Many delicious meals was made in the vintage stoneware bowl.
Gideon T. Carter An Educator and Political Leader in Tangipahoa Parish
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| Gideon Tillman Carter |
Gideon Tillman Carter, 1924-1984, believed in a powerful of God, a solid education, and strong work ethic. Carter was the son of Rev. Gideon T. and Virginia Jones Carter on March 15, 1924 in Baton Rouge. Carter's life was filled with many hard earned accomplishments and milestones. At the Age of 17, he volunteered for the Army, In 1951, Carter received an Army commission as second lieutenant from Southern University R.O.T.C Carter obtained a bachelor's degree in industrial and technical education that same year.
In 1951, Carter became the classroom teacher in the Tangipahoa Parish School System. He was appointed principal of Perrin Junior Hight School in Ponchatoula in 1958. In the sixties, he was instrumental in organizing the first Head Start Program in Tangipahoa Parish. In 1967, Carter was appointed to organize a news elementary school in Ponchatoula now D.C Reeves.
Realizing the advantages of a coeducation environment. Carter worked hard to implement a system of coeducation in the lower elementary schools in Ponchatoula witch included D.C. Reeves and Tucker Elementary Schools. These schools became coeducational in 1977 after Carter submitted his proposal of coeducation vs. separation by sext in the lower elementary school to the Tangipahoa Parish School Board.
In 1971, he earned an education master's degree in supervision and administration form Southern University, Baton Rouge. In 1974, he earned 'plus thirty' hours from Southeastern Louisiana University with certificate as school principal, supervisor of student teaching and visiting teacher. He was also certified as city or parish supervisor and supervisor of the child welfare and attendance.
A committee man, he knew the value of education and hard work. He spent much of his life trying got install these values and ideas into the children and the community. Very active in the community, he was visible, honest participant in government and a caring teacher.
After his retired from the Tangipahoa Parish School System he was employed by Evangeline Parish Community Action Agency in Ville Plate, working as a counselor from August 1979 to June 1981. He worked in 15 parishes setting up the job training programs for junior and senior hight schools, to keep them from becoming dropouts.
Carter was the first black elected city official in Ponchatoula. In April of 1980, he was elected Aldermen of the Fourth District in the City of Ponchatoula. He also had the occasion to serve as mayor pro-ten. In July 1981, Quad Area Community Action Agency in Hammond hired him as parish coordinator. He implemented the Home Provider Child Care Program in this parish and headed a federal food distribution program parish wide.
Carter's drive and ambition was and asset to every organization he was involved in and every person he touched. He was an active member of the following organizations: The Louisiana Association of Education, The Tangipahoa Education Association, The Board of Directors of Hammond Mental Health Center, Disabled Veterans Chapter #16 and the Prince Hall Mason. He was one fo the five board members and the first black appointed to the U.S. Army Selective Service System Board 64 of Hammond.
His wife, Mary Deemer Carter, and his four children are committed to keeping the spirit of his ambition and determination alive. Attorney Gideon T. Carter III, resides in Louisiana, are does Gwendolyn R. Carter and Genor E. Carter reside in Denver.
Gideon T. Carter was educator, administrator, organizer and political leader. He believed in education for all people. He encouraged children to strive for the best education possible.
Written and Published by the family of Gideon T. Carter
Reprint: Nurturing Our Roots Blog
Source: The Drum Newspaper
Wednesday, November 9, 2022
The Historic Mt. Canaan Elementary School
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| Photo Courtesy of Mrs. Grace Belvins Walker |
Burnell Muse of Muse 3 Farms Hibiscus Plants
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| Burnell Muse Muse 3 Farm Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell |
Burnell Muse, an agriculture and natural resource agent with the Southern University Ag Center. Every Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon you can find Burnell sitting at his booth distributing tokens for SNAP customers at the St. Helena Farmers Market. The market offers a SNAP match program, which provides $3 in free tokens for every $1 spent on eligible food like fresh produce using SNAP benefits.
During my visit to Muse 3 Farm, I interviewed Burnell Muse and several of his brothers. His attention was drawn to the hibiscus plants on the farm while driving around. It is estimated that there are several hundred species of flowering plants native to warm climates. From the flowers of the Hibiscus plant, a delicious tea can be made. Cold or hot tea can be served. My favorite way to start my day is with a hot cup of Hibiscus, peppermint, or ginger and turmeric tea in the morning. This is followed by a cold glass of tea with some honey throughout the day. I find it to be so refreshing and tasty. Matter of fact, it is one of my drinks for comfort.
Hibiscus is described as having a number of medical uses. It is said to lower blood pressure. In Asia and Africa, hibiscus has been used to treat high blood pressure for centuries. Be sure to check with your primary care physician before taking this natural approach. Other health benefits of Hibiscus tea, it can be used to lower cholesterol, manage diabetes, protect the liver, aid in weight loss. Please see the links below for more information about Hibiscus Tea.
Links
https://facty.com/food/nutrition/health-benefits-of-hibiscus-tea/6/
Eddie Ponds, Publisher of The Drum Newspaper Visited the Gravesite of Rev. Arthur Tasker
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| Eddie Ponds At the Gravesite of Rev. Arthur Tasker Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell |
Eddie Ponds and I often hold conversations about Rev. Arthur Tasker, the first and only black mayor to ever hold the seat as mayor in the City of Ponchatoula, Louisiana. Rev. Arthur Tasker also started Tasker's A.M.E. Church. According to the 1870 United States Federal Census, he was born around 1835 in Virginia. He married his wife Sarah Smith Tasker in 1887 in Tangipahoa Parish,
The children listed in the 1870 census were: David Tasker, Clinton Tasker, Mary Tasker, and Harriet Tasker. In the 1880 United Census the children listed were: Wm. C. Tasker, Levina Tasker, Amma Tasker, Lois Tasker, and Augretia Tasker.
For years Eddie Ponds and I have been talking about the need to place a historic marker in Ponchatoula for Rev. Arthur Tasker. We both know how important these historic marker are. There isn't on historic marker from Ponchatoula to Kentwood, Louisiana.
Mr. Quincy Walker a Local Farmer in Tangipahoa Parish
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| Quincy Walker Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell |
Quincy Walker was born in 1937 in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana. His parents were Nathan and Frances Walker. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Walker years ago. On a bus tour of farms in Lexington, Mississippi, I sat next to this griot. As a matter of fact, I enjoyed every minute of it. My goal was to get as much information from him as possible about family history, local history, and farming.
Nathan Walker was born in 1919 in Bolivar, Louisiana to Albert Walker and Monnie Walker. Earnesteen Walker, Luella Walker, Esterrann Walker, Millie Walker, Charles Walker, and Lula Walker were their children.
The year of Albert's birth was around 1888. Mr. Quincy often spoke of the lessons he learned from his grandfather Albert, whom he called "Pa". He used many of the lessons he learned today. His grandmother used herbs to heal the family and community when they were sick, and he shared some of the things she taught him about herbs as part of his Native American heritage. Albert's parents were Harrison Walker and Phillis Walker. Harrison was born around 1859 in Mississippi. According to the 1900 United States Federal Census, he was living in Police Jury Ward 2, Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana. Harrison was a farmer by occupation. He could read and write. He was rented his home. Harrison and wife were the parents of a large family; Fetus Walker, Handy Walker, Florence Walker, Albert Walker, Charley Walker, Flancy Walker, Elizabeth Walker, Geneva Walker, Jessie L. Walker, and Mary E. Walker. Harrison Walker died at the age of 84 on January 29, 1939.
He is no longer able to do things he used to due to his advancing age and health problems. Upon turning 60 years old, he began farming. He regrets not starting sooner. Growing up on a farm, he had no interest in farming, so he went to college to get an education. Formerly, he was a teacher in the Tangipahoa Parish School System.
Educating Through Adversity: The Leadership of Professor David Clinton Reeves
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| David Clinton Reeves Photo Credit Gwen Carter |
Ponchatolua Colored School Class of 1946 Remembers the Past (Reprint The Drum Newspaper)
May 11, 2002 was the 55th class reunion for Ponchatoula Colored School (Rosenwald Elementary School & Perrin Jr. High School) class of 1947. In a reunion, the Ponchatoula Colored School students discussed the events of the past and the experiences they had there.
The school was established in the 1900. The school was housed in Tasker Chapel AME. New Zion Baptist was used as a school. A organization called the Brotherhood Hall.also held school in their hall according to The Drum Newspaper publisher. Eddie Ponds, Some people held schools in their homes
As time passed, the need for a larger facility to educate black students was necessary. Several black community leader knock on the doors to collect money to purchased land for J. R. Abel. After acquiring the land the Rothbum and William Lumber Company and Rosenwald donated materials, and labor to build the new school. The building was completer in 192l. The black children continued their education in the new four-room Rosenwald.
Ponchatoula Colored School was located on the same site as Perrin Early Learning Center. Black and white students were not allowed to meet after school during that time of segregation, unless there was a fight happening.
Our school has always been patriotic under Professor Reeves. Every time he rang the bell, each class marched to class in line. Upon entering the classroom, we prayed, sang "My Country Tis of Thee" as told by Mrs. Ella Ash Badon, and recited the 23 Psalms.
Several students picked up chips and started a fire. In one classroom, there were 56 children. As cold as it was, we gathered around the old wood heater to warm up the room. "During that time, the community was involved in raising the children," said Mrs. Badon.
They were sisters, Mrs. Ella Ash Badon and Mrs. Ruby Ash. Both of them were teachers. The love that teachers have for their students is evident from Mrs. Ruby Ashe's perspective. My students wouldn't leave my class when I taught first grade, said Mrs. Ruby Ashe. When it was time for the first graders to be promoted to 2nd grade, they would cry on their way to their new class room she said.
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| Professor David Charles Reeves Photo Credit: Gwen Carter |
Professor Reeves was a peacekeeper. He negotiated a plan with the white principal Tangiphaoa Parish School Board asking that the white students be dismissed before the black students. This was to avoid afterschool fights between the black and white students. Professor Reeves started his principalship in 1928.
Former students noted that black students started school in July and were dismissed in March to pick strawberries. Those were hard times, and some people talked about walking a long way to school. The black student had hand me down books from the white schools during the hard times in the 1940s. However, that didn't stop black students from studying hardand succeeding.
As Norma Watkins Stallworth recalls, "I remember marching to class, keeping time, and collecting wood to start a fire if it was cold." Reeves often walked the community collecting money for the March of Dimes she also noted. Professor Reeves was highly regarded by Ethel Cooper Porter. When he rang the bells for classes, he had a mysterious way of grabbing everyone's attention. The bell seemed to talk to you because you understood what it meant. Reeves was fair in all his dealings with people. He was an outstanding educator.
"There were many hard times. I picked up many buckets of coal to keep the room warm," Mildred Elliot Richardson said. In one room, Professor Reeves taught two classes. Rattan was his favorite switch to keep us in line, especially the boys. In home economics class, I learned how to sew and made all the clothes for my children. Reeves demanded and accepted on the best his students had to offer. He went to the homes and asked the parents to send their children to school to get an education. Under Professor Reeves' leadership and administration, the school continued to grow. A junior high school was established in 1951 at Perrin. Professor Reeves dedicated his life to improving his students' academic, vocational, and civic education. In order to accomplish this, he increased the number of subjects, teachers, and facilities.
During his tenure we went from four-room elementary school with five teachers to an eighteen-room elementary school and Junior High School with seventeen teachers. A well-equipped woodworking shop offered students pportunity to study woodworking, and a home economics department provided them with the opportunity to study homemaking. In the auditorium and gymnasium, students could hold assemblies and participate in athletics.
During the 1940s, every young man worked and did not miss a day of school or sleep in class since he needed the education and money to buy clothes. A student named Joe Brumfield worked at Carruth Drug Store. The black students had to make the transition from Ponchatoula to Hammond to finish high school. Mrs. Dorothy Andrews, a teacher, used to write on the chalkboard with her left hand and erase with her right hand as soon as she finished writing. Two of Ponchatoula most admired, and loved teachers Mrs. Ruby Ash Loves and her sister Mrs. Ella Ash Badon.
Fifty-four years ago, in 1947, we proudly accepted out grade diplomas from Professor Reeves. Long before the Army's slogan "be all that you can be" or the United Negro College Fund slogan " a mind can be a terrible thing to waste" Professor Reeves reminded us daily that we could be anything we wanted to be, and he did not allow us to waste our minds. We appreciate him being a model educator for his teachers and students. They gave us the best they had to offer. He demonstrated that teaching is a twenty-four hour creative profession, which provide students with the desire to learn and motivate them to be their best.
"Professor Reeves taught us to be proud and not just to be good, but stride to be better. Reeves realized long before it was a popular saying," it take a community to raise a child." He worked hard to get the. parents and community to become involved in the education of the students.
The class reunion attendees honored him and their former teachers by remembering and recognizing the solid foundation they bestowed upon them.
Written and Published by Eddie Ponds, Editor and Publisher of The Drum Newspaper
Reprinted by Nurturing Our Roots
A Tribute to African American Men Trailblazers Honorees of Tangipahoa (Reprint) 1992) The Drum Newspaper
Shown here are the honorees at the first Tribute to African American Males sponsored by the WOmen's Black History Committee of Hammond. The honorees were selected for their contributions to the community. Shown front from left are Rudolph Gibson, M.C. Moore, James Are, Sumpton Hammond, Freeman Ramsey, and Eddie Ponds.
Rear: Isaac Defrick, Gilmore Green, Dr. J L. Garrett, Andrew Jackson, George Perkins, Walter Ard, and James Martin.
Monday, November 7, 2022
The History of Butler Town in Amite, Louisiana
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| Butler Memorial Park Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell |
In Amite, Louisiana, there is a black settlement called Butler Town. Amite is 70 miles north of New Orleans, LA. Lawerence Williams embarked on a genealogy quest to find out how and when this black settlement was established and to discover the ancestry of his maternal line. Almost a decade has passed since Lawerence began researching his family history. My question to Lawerence was how did he start researching his family history? My mother told me we're related to the Butlers. His mother Idella Williams is a 2nd great-granddaughter of Fredrick Butler. As a result, he shares his findings with his mother, who is his motivator. His Butler roots date back to 1808, with Fredrick's father and mother. Winifred Butler and Julia Ann Butler were from the East Coast. But their children was born St. Helena, Louisiana and this is where his Louisiana roots starts. There is something mysterious about Lawerence Butler's Butler family history that led him down the lonely gravel dirt roads of St. Helena Parish, which are filled with whispering pine trees. Fredrick was born in St. Helena Parish, which makes perfect sense. due the fact that Tangipahoa Parish was created in 1869.
In 1876, Frederick Butler bought most of the land, which was later named Butler Town. African Americans interested in owning land and building their own houses started buying lots from him. In the 1880 United States Census, Winnie Butler was listed as his spouse. They were the parents of: Waterson Butler, Leander Butler, Julia Butler, Dora Butler, Newsom Butler, William Butler, Minerva Butler, Amanda Butler, Conway Butler, Sherman Butler, and Coot Butler. A black owned cemetery, Butler A.M.E Church, and Butler Memorial Park can be found inside Butler Town.
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| Butler A.M.E. Zion Church Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell |
From slavery to sharecroppers to a large landowner, Fredrick was determine to purchase land as a form of freedom for himself and his family. One year after the issuing the United States Declaration of Independence in July 4, 1776 from Britain. Fredrick embraced what he defined as freedom in the United States.
Frederick and several of his children signed a Freedmen Bureau Labor Contract with George Phillips McMicheal in 1867 in St. Helena, Louisiana and worked as sharecroppers before purchasing his own land. According to the 1870 United States Census, his Real Estate value was one thousands dollars. The follow people was listed on the Freedmen Bureau Contract: Jack Bulter age 51, Janet Butler age 41, Fred Butler age 48, Winey Butler age 38, Minerva Butler age 17, Amanda Butler age 15, Lee Butler age 11, Judy Ann Butler age 9, Pinky Butler age 7, Steel Butler age 5, Bobby Butler age 4, Joseph Butler age 46, Waterson Butler age 13, and Emily Butler age 38.
Fredrick's son William Butler donated the land for Butler A.M.E. Zion Church in 1894. On the cornerstone of the church says the church was established in 1874. The land for the cemetery was donated to the church in 1904 by John Butler and Barrow Butler. John and Barrow descend from Jack Butler lineage. Lawerence believes that Jack and Fredrick were brothers. Lawerence have spent long hours in the Amite Clerk's Office looking through hundred of records on his Butler family. He also use the Amite Genealogy Library to help find the missing pieces to his family puzzle.
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| Butler Cemetery in Amite, LA Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell |
Lawerence to continue researching his Butler family tree. Specifically, he wants to know when Butler Memorial Park was established. It was revealed to him that his grandmother Idella was buried by the church, and that the cemetery had been relocated. People who live next door to the church told him that the cemetery was moved when the new church was built. Lawerence is very proud of his history and want to share it with others. Butler Town is over one hundred and forty years old.
Tangi Voter Drive Pioneers Honored by Area Citizens (Reprint from the Drum Newspaper)
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| Alvin Holden |
Ernest Wright, an attorney, served as the director of the People's Defense Fund in New
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| Photo Credit: Library of Congress |
The league initiated efforts to secure funding for the case's expenses, Holden noted. He reported that the league made an unexpected move by filing its case in the U.S. District Court in New Orleans. The league engaged Louis Berry, an attorney from Alexandria, Louisiana, to manage the case.
The case was assigned to Judge Hebert Christenberry and
For nearly a century, African Americans in Tangipahoa Parish were systematically excluded from voter registration through threats and coercion. Holden emphasized that black men had served in all wars, sacrificing their lives for the freedom of others, yet they were forcibly denied participation in selecting their governmental representatives. By the 1930s, African Americans grew increasingly discontented, striving to secure their rightful societal position and claim the rights afforded to them under the U.S. Constitution..
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| Photo Credit: Library of Congress |
Rev. E. M. Booker, Vice President
Mrs. Myrtle Gordon, Secretary
Mr. James Elliott, Treasurer
Mrs. Rovan Stanley, Financial Secretary
This organization pursued a voting rights campaign. Attorney Louis Berry of Alexandria, Louisiana, initiated legal action against William Mason, Registrar of Voters of Tangipahoa Parish, and the State of Louisiana. The case was referred to the Eastern District Court in New Orleans, Louisiana, by Judges Herbert J. Christenberry and J.S. Wright in the vicinity of New Orleans, Louisiana. The complaint was endorsed by the following individuals:
Burnell Stevens
1. Mr. Armanda Butler
2. Mr. Robert E. Jackson
3. Mr. Alvin E. Holden
4. Mr. Leonard P. Holden
5. Mr. Clarence Bernard
6. Mr. Blanche Mitchell
8. Mr. John Alvin Clark.
Thursday, November 3, 2022
The History and Legacy of the Muse Family of St. Helena, Louisiana
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| Left to Right Allen Muse, Chris Muse, Burnell Muse Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell |
Muse is a surname I grew up hearing family members speak about. The Muse family is large and they are from St. Helena Parish, they said. This past summer I took a bus tour to Lexington, Mississippi to tour farms. Several of the Muse brothers; Chris Muse, Burnell Muse, Burnell Muse and their sister Barbara Muse English were on the bus. They were wearing orange and blue tee shirts with their logo that said "Muse 3 Farm". I wanted to know more about Muse 3 Farm. I visited their website and was deeply impressed with their 120 acres of farmland.
I had the opportunity to attend one for their farm day events. That was my opportunity to learn more about their farm and family history. My drive to Greensburg, Louisiana, took me to their farm. It caught my attention that the road was named after the Muse family. Upon entering the farm, I was captivated by the picturesque landscape and the goats house with the artwork created by Michelle. The lambs was grazing and sitting by one of the three ponds on the property.
My eyes were astonished by Eve's gorgeous butterfly garden and the healthy cage-free chickens that roamed around clucking and eating. The artwork that Chris' wife Michelle painted on the mobile chicken coop caught my attention. Burnell's wife Wanda like taking photographs of the beauty sceneries and animals on the farm. It was impressive to see how well the Muse family worked together. It is a collective effort between the Muse brothers, their wives, and members of their families.
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| Allen Muse Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell |
Their parents were Columbus Muse and Alice Jackson Muse. The couple married in 1952 in St. Helena, Louisiana. Columbus was born about 1930 in St. Helena, Louisiana. He worked as a farm helper on a farm according to the 1930 United States Federal Census.
Allen often spoke of his grandfather Mittie in interviews. In his memoirs, he talked about the things his grandfather taught him when he was a young man. Land ownership is something his grandfather instilled in them. While all three brothers worked in other professions, they never lost their love of agriculture and working the land. The same lessons are now being taught to their children and grandchildren.
Mitte Muse was born in 1888 and died in 1979. He is buried in Clinton-Pipkin Cemetery. Mittie was
married to Mattie Luberta Williams. Now, I can see why my family talked about how large the Muse family is. Columbus had several sisters and brothers. The Muse family is an example of what can be accomplished when a family stays together and works together. My attention was drawn to the closeness of all the brothers. In his joking manner, Allen told me that four of them slept in one bed as children. His emphasis was that it couldn't get any closer than that.
married to Mattie Luberta Williams. Now, I can see why my family talked about how large the Muse family is. Columbus had several sisters and brothers. The Muse family is an example of what can be accomplished when a family stays together and works together. My attention was drawn to the closeness of all the brothers. In his joking manner, Allen told me that four of them slept in one bed as children. His emphasis was that it couldn't get any closer than that.
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| Columbus and Alice J. Muse Photo Courtesy: Chris Muse |
Muse 3 Farm is located at 1967 Muse Rd, Greensburg, LA. Muse 3 Farm is your destination for organic animals, vegetables, and manure. Their cattle, lamb, and goats are grass fed and their chickens and turkeys are free range. Their animals graze on over 100 acres of pristine farmland. Muse 3 Farm offers educational tours. Their beautiful scenery is also the perfect locations for those looking for rustic, natural backdrops for photoshoots. Muse 3 Farm is Certified by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry.
If they were alive today, their parents and grandparents would be gleaming with pride and joy at what their offspring have accomplished. Those valuable lessons their parents and grandparents taught them are still with them. Their heritage as farmers gives them great pride. From as far back as they can recall, their ancestors have farmed. Each of the Muse brothers graduated from Southern University Baton Rouge. Two of them reconnected with their roots after retiring. Although there is a great deal of work each day for them to accomplish, it's not like working because it is something they enjoy doing.
They have been blessed by the land throughout the decades. Providing them with food and shelter, as well as an income. The Muse 3 Farm gives back to the community by educating the youth about livestock and agriculture. It is imperative to teach children how to feed themselves and understand the importance of purchasing and maintaining land. All three expressed the same sentiment.
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| Juanita Muse in her butterfly garden Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell |
A major attraction at Muse 3 Farm is Eve's butterfly garden. Butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and other insects are attracted to the colorful flowers and the sweet nectar the flowers provide. The milkweed Juanita planted in her garden attracts monarch butterflies. During the past few years, the populations of migratory monarch butterflies have steadily declined. Monarch larvae rely on milkweed as a host plant. It was beautiful to watch the children run behind the beautiful colorful butterflies. Volunteers were there to educate the children about the importance of butterflies and insects to our ecosystem. More than 80% of the world's flowering plants depend on them for pollination and nutrient cycling.
I couldn't help by notice not one child or teenager had a cellphone in their hands playing games. I felt like I somehow step back in a beautiful time when I was growing up playing outside. Enjoy the outdoors. To learn more about Muse 3 Farm please visit the link below.
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Tuesday, November 1, 2022
Bertha Harrell, Amite, Louisiana (1902-1990)
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| Bertha Harrell Hooper 1902-1990 Chicago, Illinois |
Bertha Harrell was born in 1902 in Amite, Louisiana., to Alexander Harrell and Emma Mead Harrell. Bertha died August 28, in Cook County, IL She migrated to the north in the earlier 1930s. She lived in Chicago from the 30s up until her death. Her remains were sent home to buried with her parents, siblings, and other relatives at Big Zion A.M.E. church in Roseland.
The History of Big Zion A.M.E. Church by Gloria Steptoe
Rev. Solomon Johnson, Founder and Pastor of the former Mount Zion Church M.E. African was established in Roseland, LA in 1860. Solomon was born in Calvert, Maryland in 1835 and died on April 29, 1926 in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana. He is buried in Big Zion Cemetery in Roseland, Louisiana. A freed slave was called to the ministry to preach. He was married to Margarette Cage Johnson and to this union four children were born; John, Delila, Rhody, and Anna. He served God under the the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was sent south to plant a seed church. His wife and their four children left Maryland and settled in Louisiana.
Rev. Johnson continued to work for the church through preaching. He had a desire to give every Negro a place to worship and to serve the " Most High God". Rev. Johnson established a church around 1860, appointing trustee who were all free men. He named the church Mount Zion M.E. African church. The African was delineate it from the White M.E. Churches. Rev. Johnson continued to preach by meeting in houses because they did not have a formal church building in which to meet. This continued for several years under he M.E. religious name.
Although Methodist Episcopal was the religion of choice for the freemen of color. In the North it lacked true equality and religious freedom. There was much prejudice and the opportunity to preach was limited or non existent. M.E. or Methodist Episcopalism was prevalent in the deep south and was the religious worship of choice for most freemen or Negroes (as referenced by the History of A.M.E. Zion Church Vol.II)
The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church was established in October 1796, in New York City. The organization grew out of the dissatisfaction among the people of color over the kind of treatment they received in the services of the church. People of color were not treated equally during worship, nor were they afforded equal enjoyment of religious rights and privileges. Some men of color were licensed to preach, but were not allowed to preach to their own color or anyone else. The Negro was wanted for the support that provided, but little else.
In 1776, about 30 Negroes, under James Varick's leadership withdrew from the John Street Methodist Episcopal Church, and formed the first colored church in New York was built in 1800. Both black and white could operate in Methodism, but it was limited. John Varick and a small group of friends began to meet in the home of James Varick. It was against the law for black men to hold meeting of any kind. He began the meetings, because "Caste Prejudice" had crept into the Methodism of Wesley and Coke.
In 1796, they withdrew from the church and formed what had grown into the A.M.E. Zion Church. The following group of laymen formed the Zion Methodist Church; Peter Williams, James Varick, Frances Jacob, Thomas Sipkins, George E. Moore, George White, George Collins, Thomas Cook, William Brown, and David Bias. Peter Williams and Frances Jacob applied for and signed the Articles of Incorporation of Religious Denominations to establish the church.
Rev, Johnson had limited resource, but he had a desire to establish a permanent home for the Mount Zion Methodist Episcopal African Church which denotes the church for the White Methodist churches. He located four acres in parcel Township 3 in St. Helena Parish, Louisiana now known as Roseland. This was convenient for Rev. Johnson and some of the trustees; Fredrick Butler, Thomas Hays, Thomas Jones, and Henry Lawson because they all lived in the Township 3 or Roseland area.
Rev. Johnson went to William W. Wood, a wealthy white land owner who owned many acres in Township 3 Roseland, LA which originally part of St. Helena Parish, Louisiana. In 1868, Rev. Johnson met with Mr. William Wood and impressed upon him the desire that he wanted to preach the gospel to his people, and that he would like to have a permanent building to do so. Mr. Wood was believed to the a Christian man, and who had a desire to promote the gospel to free man of color. He therefore provided four acres of land to Rev. Johnson and the trustees for the Mount Zion Church. He donated the land with the stipulation that it be used only for a building to be erected for the worship and service to our Lord and Savior. If a church was not built it would revert back to Mr. Wood. The trustees and Rev. Johnson received the land from Mr. Wood, as an Act of Donation. The transaction was recorded in the Clerk's Courts' Office in Tangipahoa Parish on September 8, 1871.
Upon on acquiring the land, a wooden structure was built and the church had a permanent home. The congregation grew and the pastor and trustee decided to joined the A.M.E. Zion church denomination. They joined the Louisiana conference out of New Orleans and became the "Mother Church" of the Louisiana Conference. There were two Louisiana conferences, one north and they the southern one in New Orleans, La. After the conversion from Methodist Episcopal to A.M.E. Zion had taken place, the name was changed to Big Zion A.M.E. Zion Church. With this conversion, the Big Zion Church was established at the present site; 622268 Washington Ave., in Roseland, Louisiana.
The church was erected and served dual purpose. It was used to worship and as a meeting place to educate the Negro. Community leaders organized the Big Zion School trustee board. It was their trustee board that purchased two acres of land for the price of $184.75 to build a school so that Negroes could be educated. It was named Big Zion School after the church.
The school existed for many years and educated many children. Miss Leona Morris who is one of Rev. Johnson's descendants was principal of the school for more the than 30 years. Many students who received their early education became doctors, lawyers, teachers, principals, entrepreneurs, social workers, engineers, and work in many other fields.
In 1970's, the church was believed to be burned by an arsonist. It was never proved and the membership became divided and decreased because they didn't have a permanent place to worship once again. Although the building was destroyed miraculously the Bible only sustained charred pages, but was still intact. This was a testament to the power of God's world to stand in all adversity.
After several years of worshipping in the old Big Zion School and other churches, in 1980 we finally began new construction of the present sanctuary. Rev. C.O. Newton an architect by occupation was instrumental in building the first sanctuary returned and drew the plans again for the new sanctuary. The sanctuary stands today as our present place of worship.
Many of the Rev. Johnson's descendants or members of this church as deaconesses, ministers, choir members, and officers, who continue to keep the promise of Rev. Johnson of serving the "Most High God".
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