Chase visited the National Civil Rights Museum with his grandmother Dr. Antoinette Harrell

National Civil Rights Museum
Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell

"A visit to the National Civil Rights Museum was the perfect way for my grandson Chase's homeschool history class to learn about the Civil Rights Movement. As part of his studies, he was studying Plessy v. Ferguson.  A mixed-race man named Homer Plessy purposefully boarded a whites-only train car in New Orleans. A citation was issued for violating Louisiana's Separate Car Act of 1980, which requires railroad accommodations to be equal by separate." 

Several discussions about Jim Crow laws were sparked by this. He learned a lot about that period from reading and viewing short films about the movement. On board the bus that reenacted Rosa Park, he was told to move to the rear of the bus. He was captivated by this history field trip. As he read the historic signs in front of the Lorraine Hotel, where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968, I watched him.  He stood watching and reading instantly. He stood watching and reading intensely. His intense focus indicated a deep engagement and concentration. It was as though Chase desired to fully immerse himself in the experience. Whatever the reason, his desire to fully immerse himself in the experience revealed a hunger for connection and understanding of a difficult time in our history. While driving home, he expressed some of his thoughts and asked questions. As he pondered these questions, he couldn't help but feel a sense of responsibility to learn from the past. He also wanted to contribute to a better future because of all the sacrifices others made for him. Not to mention those who gave their lives so he could live a better life. 

Chase at the National Civil Rights Museum
Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell

During our visit to the Freedom Rider Bus, he learned how the bus was targeted by a mob targeted against
civil rights activists protesting against racial segregation. This history field trip helped him learn many history lessons that he was not taught in class. The history field trip to the National Civil Rights Museum had a profound impact on Chase's understanding of the Civil Rights Movement. Through immersive experiences, such as reenactments and exploring historic sites, he gained a deeper appreciation for the struggles and sacrifices made by activists during that time. This hands-on learning experience brought the history lessons to life and left a lasting impression on Chase's education.

Carter's genealogy road trip with his grandmother Dr. Antoinette Harrell

Carter researching family history at the Amite
Genealogy Library in Amite. 
Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell

My youngest grandson Carter and I spent four days last week sharing oral and family history. We sought out his Richardson and Vining at the clerk's office of St. Helena Parish. It was explained to him what type of records can be found in the clerk's office. His search included land records, succession records, and marriage records. He found his 6th great-grandfather Frank Vining in the inventory of Jesse and Martha Vining. His difficulty in reading cursive writing was highlighted by Carter. Our next stop was Big Zion Cemetery in Roseland, where his Harrell ancestors are buried. I wanted him to visit the gravesite of his 6th great-grandfather Robert Harrell. He learned how to search for Robert Harrell's death records using the microfilm at the Louisiana State Archive the day before. He was born in 1821 and died in 1921. Carter was excited to see such records. Afterward, we drove to the homestead where Robert Harrell lived in Amite, Louisiana. He walked on the ground where his ancestors once lived. The land have been in the Harrell family since 1896. I shared my childhood memories with him growing up on the land with my family and how much fun me and my three brothers had. 

Big Zion Cemetery
Alexander Harrell gravesite
Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell

On the third day, we visited the Amite Genealogy Library to conduct genealogy research. . He searched for his paternal and maternal ancestors using census records on Ancestry.  He found family on his father's and mother's side. Carter was excited and wanted to continue researching. He had to stop due to an interview with his 3rd paternal cousin Monteral Harrell. He interviewed her about the photo collection she inherited after her father died. He carefully looked at the photographs and asked her questions about the images. With his white gloves on, he wanted to make sure he didn't leave thumbprints or damage the images. There were some images printed on tin. It was the first time he had seen such prints. Through his interview with Monteral Harrell, Carter gained valuable insights into his family's history and the significance of the inherited photo collection. He learned about the stories behind the images and how they connected to different branches of his family tree. This newfound knowledge deepened his understanding of his ancestral roots and sparked a renewed passion for his genealogy research.

Carter researching at the 
Louisiana State Archives
Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell

On the fourth day, he finally interviewed me about my research and started editing his next documentary for the upcoming film festival. The interview was a crucial step in his research process as it allowed me to share my findings and insights with him. I shared a keepsake package I had saved for him since his birth. It was such a surprise to see the items I saved for him. This genealogy road trip was a real history class for him. He learned about the Louisiana Florida Parishes where his ancestors lived. Who was the United States President doing the time that his 6th great-grandfathers was living. We discussed Women Suffrage and Jim Crow Laws, etc. 

The quality of time we spent together was most important. Quality time is important for relationships because it allows me and Carter to connect on a deeper level, fostering emotional intimacy and understanding. Our bond was also strengthened, memories were created, and trust and respect were built. In a few years, he will be attending college. I know all to well what that means. So we made the best of every moment spent together.

A Tribute to Tangipahoa Parish Library Director Barry Bradford

Tangipahoa Parish Library is fortunate to have Barry Bradford as its Director. It is amazing what he has accomplished for the library under his leadership and vision. Under Barry Bradford's leadership, the Tangipahoa Parish Library has seen significant improvements in its services. Through his vision, the library system has implemented innovative programs, expanded its collection, and modernized its facilities. This makes it a valuable resource for the community. Various programs are available for children and adults. Barry actively seeks out new acquisitions and collaborates with publishers and authors. He has ensured that the library offers a wide range of books, e-books, audiobooks, and other materials to cater to the diverse interests and needs of the community. This emphasis on collection development has enhanced the library's role as a hub for learning and knowledge dissemination for all Tangipahoa patrons and beyond.  Every day, our libraries offer a wide variety of services to their patrons, from Ponchatoula to Kentwood. HeB has demonstrated strong and professional leadership. I wish to publicly acknowledge and thank him. His commitment to the library and the community has been unwavering, and his dedication has been an inspiration to us all. We are fortunate to have him at the helm for fourteen years that I can recall. His legacy will live on in the Library for years to come.  

Bringing generations together

Monteral Harrell and Carter are 3rd cousins
Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell

"Growing up, all generations of my family were well-connected. My great-uncles and aunts were familiar to me. My mother's second and third cousins and their children were familiar to me. I would have thought my third cousins were my first cousins if I didn't know any better. As a family, we were well connected." It seems that something has happened because the generational connection has been somewhat lost.

 My grandson Carter is producing a documentary about his family history. My maternal first cousin Monteral Harrell inherited a photograph collection of our Harrell family. I suggest Carter interview her about her collection. During the interview, she explained to him how we are related. Following that, I informed him that they are third cousins and that her two children are his fourth cousins. It will be help him to understand the family tree and where everyone fit in.

Several factors may have contributed to the loss of generational connection within families. One possible reason is the increased mobility and globalization of society, which has led to family members living in different cities, states, or even countries. Additionally, the rise of digital communication and social media may have shifted the focus of relationships towards virtual connections rather than in-person interactions. Lastly, changes in family structures and dynamics, such as divorces and remarriages, can also disrupt the traditional sense of generational connection. Or perhaps some people like being disconnected and staying to themselves. 

Monteral Harrell and Carter
Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell

When I was growing up family members visited each other often. Especially on Sunday afternoons after
church. Most of the women in the period I am referring to would cook and prepare their Sunday meal on Saturday evening. So that after church, the meals were prepared and ready to be served to the family and guests. That was a great way to stay in touch and to ensure that the younger generation knew one another. Although Carter knew Monteral, his documentary project helped him to spend some quality time with her discussing family history through photographs. 

Keeping the family together and bridging generation gaps are very significant. Sunday family meals not only provided an opportunity for delicious food and shared traditions, but they also fostered a sense of belonging and strengthened family bonds. Gathering around the table allowed for meaningful conversations, storytelling, and the passing down of family values and cultural heritage. These meals created a space for the younger generation to learn from their elders, fostering a sense of identity and connection that is crucial for maintaining a strong family unit.

Preserving Family Images with Monteral Harrell

Local Student Wins Big at Southern University's 2024 Livestock Show

Jh'Rhianna Dyson
Photo Courtesy: Charity M. Schaffer, Ph.D.

Congratulations to Jh’Rhianna Dyson on winning Grand Champion in the Beef Breeding and Commercial Heifers division at Southern University’s  81^st Annual Livestock and Poultry Show on February 29, 2024. Jh’Rhianna Dyson, daughter of Ms. Konisha Brumfield, and granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ricky and Elaine Brumfield of Kentwood, LA. She is a first-grade student at Spring Creek Elementary school, and this was her very first time as an exhibitor in a livestock show. 

Jh’Rhianna was trained by her grandfather, Mr. Ricky Brumfield, owner and operator of Brumfield’s Mobile Bull and 2024 Southern University Livestock Show Trailblazer honoree. She is excited about her big win and about showing next year. Jh’Rhianna, we are all so proud of you! 

Submitted by: Charity M. Schaffer, Ph.D.

Assistant Area Agent for Youth Development/4-H St. Helena/Tangipahoa

Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center