African Americans in Covington by Dr.Eva Semien Baham

African Americans in Covington" is a collection of stories, memories and photographs covering the history, lives, and triumphs of Covington's African American community. The forward by Rev. Mallory Callahan, it was published in 2015 as part of the "Images of America" historical series by Arcadia. Covington is the seat of St. Tammany Parish government and sits north of Lake Pontchartrain in the New Orleans metropolitan area. One person of African descent was present at the founding of Covington on July 4, 1813. Most African Americans in antebellum Covington were slaves with a modest number of fee people, all of whom covered nearly every occupation needed for the development and sustenance of a heavily forested region. 

Amite Native Dr. Valerie Richardson, Author of The Vision Blueprint

Dr. Valarie Richardson

Dr. Valerie is a Mentor, Spiritual Leader, Motivational Speaker, Entrepreneur, Nutritionist, anAuthor. She is the granddaughter of the late Supt, Alexander Richardson and Missionary Melissa Wheat Richardson. She is the descendant of Thomas and Emma Vining Richardson. Dr. Richardson is purpose and passionate about provoking, praying and promoting others into purpose. What is it that you know you have a gift or calling to do? What is it that you have always wanted to do bu the fear of failure had plagued you form getting started. Let Dr. Richardson help you push past your fears and give you some foundational principles to help execute and sustain your vision with her new book: The Vision Blueprint. 

Native of Amite, Louisiana Dr. Daphne L. Richardson an Optometry Specialist

Dr. Daphne Richardson
Photo Courtesy: Dr. Richardson Facebook Page

Dr. Daphne L. Richardson is an Optometry Specialist in New Orleans, Louisiana. She is the granddaughter of Supt. Alexander Richardson and Missionary Melissa Wheat Richardson. The daughter of the late Joseph Richardson and Linda Topps. She graduated with honors from University of Houston-College of Optometry in 2002. She had more than 19 years of diverse experiences, especially in Optometery. 

Kasia Trepagnier Tangipahoa Celebrity

Kasia Trepagnier
Photo Courtesy: Kasia's Facebook page

Kasia Trepagnier is the daughter of Tangipahoa Parish Natives,  Andrew and Belinda Trepagnier. She is a descendant of Ben and Annie Richardson Vining of St. Helena Parish, Louisiana. She had appeared in 27 films including NCIS, Queen Sugar, Girl's Trip and Palmer just to name a few. Kasia is also a model  and actress who travels extensively to Atlanta and other states to model and act.

She was the top model for Bonner Borther's 2021 Top Model and participated this years in New York's Fashion Week, she was also recognized at the Essence Festival in New Orleans. She walked the red carper with other celebrities. She is currently working on a Will Smith film titled "Emancipation" that is filming in St. Francisville.  

I find Kasia to be a very kind and lively person. The sky is the limit for Kasia, and she had a very strong support system from her family. 

American Singer Irma Thomas Was Born in Ponchatoula, Louisiana

Irma Lee Thomas  was born in 1941 in Ponchatoula, Louisiana.  She started out singing as a teenager in a Baptist Church choir. She was married twice and the mother of four children. Occasionally she song with bandleader Tommy Rigley. Her first singer " Don't Mess with My Man" was released in 1959, and reached number 22 on the US Billboard R& B chart.  She worked with songwriter and producer Allen Toussaint. She appear annually at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, In 2007, Thomas was honored by her contributions to Louisiana music with induction into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. She also won the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album for After the Rain.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irma_Thomas