Dwayne at the Boykin's gravesites. Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell |
Exploring and Preserving African American History in the Louisiana Florida Parishes
Welcome to Preserving Our History in Tangipahoa and St. Helena Parishes, Louisiana. "Our History, Our Story, Our Legacy!" Dr. Antoinette Harrell is a native of Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana. She is a genealogist and local historian with a broad emphasis of African Americans in the Louisiana Florida Parishes.
Thursday, March 14, 2024
Dwayne Taylor Sr, finding his biological roots in Fluker, Louisiana
Tuesday, January 30, 2024
A local historian conducts research and writes about the history of Blacks in Southeast Louisiana
Dr. Antoinette Harrell
Local Historian and Genealogist
in Tangipahoa Parish
To gain a deeper understanding of yourself, you must examine your history.
I
When I started in 1994, there were no Black collections at the local genealogy library or the Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies. You could any information about
People have regularly contacted me via phone calls and emails to express their gratitude for my research or for documenting their
There is an increased risk of drowning among Black children due to a lack of swimming skills
Carter at Swim Meet Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell |
Through the years I have heard many stories of young people drowning.
I lived in New Orleans for
Carter at his Swim Meet Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell |
Monday, January 29, 2024
Ebony and Jet magazine art director Herbert Temple, Jr., roots traces back to Tangipahoa Parish
Herbert Temple, Jr. Photo Credit: Chornes/Ancestry |
They were the parents
Herbert Temple, Jr. Photo Credit: Noael Alford/Ancestry |
In 1953 he was hired by John H.
"My father's career as an artist presented him with the
Herbert Temple's cousin Collis Temple, Jr., was the first African American to play varsity basketball at Louisiana State University (LSU). Many of Jim Temple's descendants have
The late Dr. Percy, L. Walker was legend in his community
Dr. Percy L. Walker Photo Credit: Louisiana Weekly |
As a legend within his community, Dr. Percy L. Walker would be an excellent subject for a documentary or book. Dr. Walker was a prominent figure in the fight for civil rights in Tangipahoa, Louisiana, and his life story
Sunday, January 28, 2024
Genealogist Dr. Antoinette Harrell connects with her brother through Ancestry DNA
Patrick, Zelda, Antoinette, Dwayne Siblings found each other through Ancestry DNA |
"Having hit a brick wall, I turned to Ancestry in hopes of finding answers and other clues that would lead me further down the road in my
As Eric Williams and I analyzed Dwayne's DNA and my DNA results together, he informed me that he used Facebook to determine whether we had mutual friends.
Antoinette and Dwayne first meeting |
Zelda meeting her brother Dwayne for the first time. |
Once again, I was the first to arrive. I wanted it to be this way to capture Dwayne meeting his sister and brother.
Patrick and Dwayne |
The strange thing is that Dwayne and I
Monday, January 15, 2024
Local farmers and the SU AG Center distributed fresh produce on MLK Day in Kentwood, LA.
ACCFA and Southern University AG Center Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell |
Craig Coleman, Founder of Tri-Parish Vegetable Farmer Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell |
The event concluded with the distribution of fresh produce, and winter items. The mayor presented awards to members of the community for their service and dedication to the community.
Nicholas Muse Assistant Area Agent, ANR at Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell |
Tuesday, January 9, 2024
Using social media to share family photographs with family members
Antoinette Harrell Photograph Collection |
When I
Friday, December 29, 2023
Cheryl Stamant recalls her mother's handmade vintage doilies and scarves
Catherine Harrell Lewis |
Cheryl Stamant |
It's not unusual to find vintage handmade crocheted scarves and doilies in antique shops
I love hearing stories like these because it helps me to appreciate life more and to remember to cherish the special moments I have with my family and friends. I am grateful for Cheryl's stories and for reminding me of the special people in my life. Sharing beautiful stories of your dear loved one help to keep their memory alive. I wanted to ensure that what she share with me can be shared with others members of our family who was unaware of her crocheting skills.