The murders of their grandfathers link Herbert Lee and Louis Allen's grandsons

Louis Allen and Toriano Lee
Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell

My research at the National Archives led me to find an Associated Press article about a family of five kidnapped and sold to a family in Fluker, Louisiana for twenty dollars after they were kidnapped from Amite County, Mississippi. "You read that right, a family of five sold for twenty dollars. The family of Crawford Allen, his wife, and three children. One of the three children was Louis Allen a Civil Rights Leader who was murdered in 1964 for speaking out about the murder of Herbert Lee who was shot and killed by E. H. Hurst at the cotton gin in Liberty, Mississippi.  Hurst was a member of the Mississippi state legislature. 

The murder of Herbert Lee in 1961 occurred during a time of intense racial tensions and civil rights activism in the United States. Lee's death, as well as the subsequent murder of Louis Allen for speaking out about it, shed light on the systemic racism and violence that African Americans faced in the segregated South. These tragic events served as catalysts for the civil rights movement, further fueling the fight for equality and justice.

A few years back, I received a call from Louis Allen's grandson, Louis. My heart swelled when I received the phone call from Louis Allen's grandson Louis, his namesake.  Finally, I identified the people who were illegally sold. Slavery was supposed to be abolished in 1863. The illegal sale of Crawford Allen and his family for a mere twenty dollars is a stark reminder of the deep-rooted systemic racism that persisted long after the abolition of slavery. The system of peonage and involuntary servitude was the new name for slavery. Under peonage, individuals were typically bound to their employers through debt or labor contracts, 

Herbert Lee

Fast forward sixty years. Earl Richardson, Jr., informed me about his brother Toriano Lee's family history. I immediately wanted to discuss his family history with him. From that day forward I kept his story on my desk and in my heart.  I received an email from Dr. Marcia Chatelain, an author and historian at the University of Pennsylvania, regarding an article I wrote and published about Toriano's grandmother Prince Melson Lee.  Chatelain was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for History for her book Franchise: The Golden Arches in Black America, for which she also won the James Beard Award for Writing in 2022.  During the 1963 March on Washington, D.C., Prince was recognized with Rosa Parks, Diane Nash, Gloria Richardson, Myrlie Evers-Williams, and Daisy Bates. Prince was the wife of NAACP activist Herbert Lee. 

During a conversation with Toriano I asked him if I could arrange for him to meet with Louis Allen. They both agreed and I made arrangements for the grandsons of Louis and Herbert to meet each other for the first time. The meeting between the grandsons of Louis and Herbert is a powerful symbol of reconciliation and healing. It brings together two families that have been deeply affected by racial violence and injustice, bridging the gap between past and present, and fostering understanding and unity. This meeting not only honors the legacies of Louis and Herbert but also serves as a testament to the resilience and strength of those who continue to fight for equality and justice. It was emotional for me to sit and listen to Louis share information Toriano heard for the very first time. 

Louis Allen

As I observed their faces, I saw expressions of pain, hurt, and loss resulting from their grandfathers' murders. The weight of their grief seemed unbearable to say the least. It was a haunting reminder of the profound emotional scars left by such unimaginable acts of violence, forever shaping their lives and their understanding of what it means to be Black in America. The two emphasize the importance of educating their sons about racial injustice in the United States. Moreover, Toriano expressed his gratitude to Louis for the courage his grandfather Louis showed when others who witnessed the murder remained silent.

Amite County, Mississippi, has a long history of racial tension and violence, particularly during the Civil Rights era. This context adds even more significance to the brotherhood formed by Louis and Toriano, as their shared tragedy represents a powerful bond in the face of a troubled past. I walked away feeling emotionally exhausted and drained after listening to their stories.  Listening to personal stories is emotionally taxing as it requires me to empathize with the experiences and emotions of others. It can also bring up unresolved emotions or trigger traumatic memories, leading to feelings of exhaustion and depletion. Nevertheless, most of the time it can't be avoided. 

Louis Ali Researching His Allen Family History with Dr. Antoinette Harrell

Star Hill C.M.E Church
Amite County, Mississippi
Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell

For twenty years Crawford Allen's story sat on Dr. Antoinette Harrell's desk. Crawford Allen, his wife and three children were kidnapped from Amite County, Mississippi and sold to a farm in Fluker, Louisiana in 1926. President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. The proclamation declared" that all person held as slaves" with the rebellious states "are, and hencefoward shall be free.

Peonage researcher, Dr. Antoinette Harrell, conducted peonage for decades at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. The Crawford Allen story was one of the stories she uncovered during her visit. Harrell discovered a 1926 newspaper clipping published by the Associated Press regarding Allen's and his family being sold for $20.00. Yes, a family of five sold for $20.00, after slavery was abolished seventy plus years. "How could this happened? Who sold them? Whatever happened to the Allen's who kidnapped and sold them?"

Louis was named after his paternal grandfather, Louis Allen, who was assassinated in 1964 after witnessing Hebert Lee's murdered at a cotton gin in Liberty, Mississippi. "I was the first male child born and my parents named me after my grandfather." said Ali. My grandmother passed the oral history down to me about my grandfather. She always talked about what happened to her husband and my grandfather. Louis father Henry "Hank" Allen said that his father Louis told him, that papa was a slave. He never mentioned that he was sold as a slave as well. 

Dr. Antoinette Harrell
Gravesite of Crawford Allen

When Harrell delivered the news to the Allen family, it was so shocking to them. They had no ideal that Louis was one fo the three children who was kidnapped and sold. The Allen family needed a few moments to process what was being told to them by peonage detective Dr. Antoinette Harrell. There were no easy methods for Harrell to inform the family that their father, grandfather, and great grandfather was one of the three children in the house when the kidnapping occurred. 

Ali contacted Dr. Harrell and requested that she accompany him to the Amite County Clerk of Court in order to  conduct genealogical research  his family history. The opportunity to guide Ali to learn more about his family history was too appealing for Harrell to turn down. When they arrived at the Clerk's office the first records Harrell directed Ali to was marriage records. Ali was so excited to find his grandparents, great-grandparents, uncles and aunts marriage records. In addition to marriage records, Harrell wanted  Ali to examine records relating to conveyances and succession. With the aid of Harrell's magnification glasses, Harrell helped Ali to locate a  number of land records and succession records relating to the Allen family. 

In the Clerk of Court office, they exerted all their efforts and energy researching records. Harrell requested that Ali take her to the gravesite of his great grandfather Crawford and his grandfather Louis Allen. It was the first time Harrell had visited the gravesite of Crawford Allen, his son Louis Allen, his wife Anna, and his daughters who was also sold. 

As Ali led Harrell to the location where his grandfather Louis Allen was murdered, Harrell had to compose herself emotionally.  Harrell couldn't believe that after waiting patiently for the story development for twenty years, she was finally able to speak with the Allen family and to go back to the site were the terrible events occurred. 

Louis Allen
Researching his Allen family history
Amite County, Mississippi
Photo Credit
Dr. Antoinette Harrell

Charlie Arthur and Elvia "Evie Magee Varnado

Both the Varnado and Magee families are known to reside in Pike and Wathall Counties in Mississippi. Others live in Washington and Tangipahoa, Louisiana Parishes. In counties and parishes where the Varnado and Magee surnames are known, everyone is familiar with them. Both of these families are quite large. 

Charles Arthur Varnado was born between 1861 in Magnolia, Mississippi. He died on July 30, 1936.  He was the son of Harry and Margaret  Varnado. He was married to Evie Magee in his hometown of Magnolia. He and his wife had 21 children.

Let me attempt to name some of  their children: Dewitt C, Willie M, Rachel, Richard, Lucius, Clara, Curtis,  John, Mary Margaret, Anna, Charlie Arthur, Martha, Menevie Minnie,  Minnie, Spellman, Turley, Tulny, Jesse Varnado.

Charles parents had eighteen children as well. One can only imagine how the family reunion would be for their family. One thing that is for sure, it would be a large family reunion.  Just between Charles and his father Harry there is a total of thirty-nine children. Could you imagine how many Varnado descendants there are from just these two Varnado men. Not to mention whether Charles and his father Harry had siblings or children with large families. It is possible for the Louisiana Florida Parish Varnado's to descended from this huge family tree or connected somehow. 

Louisiana State Archives Genealogy Research

Eric Williams 
Louisiana State Archives Research
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

One of the lessons I wanted to teach Eric Williams was how to use microfilms to research his ancestors' death records that could provide a lot of helpful information for him. Eric found information that answered some questions for him. Once, I instructed him how to fill in the research form that required the deceased person's name, date, certificate number, and the page number. 

Our trip to the Louisiana State Archives was very successful and rewarding for both Eric and me. We both were very pleased with our accomplishments that day. On the way home, we discuss how essential death records are to genealogy research. 

We didn't have enough time to do all that we wanted to do. We didn't have enough time to do all we wanted to do on this five-day research trip. Eric will return back to Louisiana to research at the St. Helena Parish Courthouse and Pike County Courthouse. He was researching the Walls, Tobias, Williams, Burton, Strickland, and Bated family surnames. 

Teaching Others to Find Their Ancestors Before 1870

Eric Williams
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

Anyone researching their family lineage can tell you that it could be very challenging and time-consuming. But it's all worth it because you want to know more about your family history. There is one thing for sure, and that is your research will never end.

Mainly for African-Americans whose ancestors were enslaved in the United States.  Most who are researching their enslaved ancestors say they hit a brick wall before 1870. Eric Williams has genealogical ties to Amite County, Mississippi, Tangipahoa, and St. Helena Louisiana Parishes. 

I received a phone call from Eric Williams about our DNA connections. After we spent hours upon hours talking by phone, we decided to schedule a trip to the Amite Courthouse to research slavery inventory. It was Eric's first time researching in the Amite Courthouse for slavery records. We spent the day looking at Probate records, marriage records, wills, and other records in the courthouse. 

Eric found his ancestors who were enslaved in the inventory of the person who owned them. Eric's emotions were written all over his face. I know that feeling because I experienced it when I started researching my family history. Afterward, we went to the local library to finish our genealogy research for the day. 

Oliver C. Rogers Founder of Cashier Magic City Bank in Hattiesburg, Miss

Oliver C. Rogers

Oliver was born in Hattiesburg, Perry, Mississippi on May 1871. His mother's birthplace was Virginia and his father's birthplace was Mississippi according the 1900 United States Federal Census.  He was reared in Jasper County, Ms. 

According to the 1880 United States Census, Oliver lived in the home with his mother Mary and his sibling. His sibling were; Lucy, Moody, Henrietta, Columbus, John, and Tammie. Mary's parents were from South Carolina. 

Oliver was one of six children born to he is mother. After his father died, Oliver had to work hard to help support his mother and family. He worked hard in the heat and cold very proudly to take some of the burden off of his mother. He had a deep love for. education and took on the challenge of walking over miles to a night school near his home. This is were he received his literary training. 

At the age of twenty-years old Oliver worked on a farm earned five dollars a month. He held that position for fives. He only missed three days of works during the entire time of employment on the farmer. He saved part of his money and upon arrival to Hattiesburg he had forty-dollars and he increased his money by good investments and good managements to fifty-thousands. He felt that his wife, Mrs. Roger  was behind is success.

He, his wife, and children resided in Chicago until his death on August 28, 1960. They were parents of; Vinnie,  Dr. David Charles Rodgers.

Source

Multa In Parvo by I. W. Crawford

Biography of Mary E. Powell Rist

Mary Powell Rist was born three miles west of Summit, Miss., July 17, 1877 to Hillary and Laura Lenard Powell.   She died in She at attended public schools at Sand Hill and Summit, finishing the grammar course at the latter school. Later attended New Orleans University, New Orleans, LA. Being forth of a family of twelve children, her educational advantages were limited. In 1894,  she began teaching in the public schools of Pike County, Mississippi. In 1900, she entered Morris Brown College Atlanta, Ga., to prepare for mission work in foreign fields. Her father failing to consent, she declined. 

She was one of nine children. Her siblings were; Georgiana, John, Hillary, Bennie, Minnie, Beulah, Nannie, and Edward Powell. 

In 1900, Mrs. Rist's book was published "My Leisure Moments,"  which was favorably received. In it, she wad very touchingly appeals to the women of the race for higher standard of womanhood.

In October, 1901, she was led to her bridal nuptial by Mr. J.C. Rest, of Summitt, Mississippi. At present, she is engaged in teaching, her leisure time being utilized in revising her first work, and adding to the a serial which she hopes to bring out in the near future.

References

Professor I.W. Crawford, B.S. Multa In Pavor. 1909. pg 214

The Biography of William Henry Holtzclaw Founder of Utica Normal and Industrial Insitute

William Henry Holtzclaw was born in 1876 in Alabama. In 1910 he was a principal at a college in Hinds County, Mississippi. He was born to a former slaves and sharecroppers. His mother told him that the only way to escape poverty was to get and education.  William went on to enroll in Tuskegee Institute and studied under the leadership of Booker T. Washington. 

Booker T. Washington inspired Williams to used his education to teach and educate the children of former sharecroppers in rural areas in the South poverty stricken communities. Williams chose Utica, Mississippi to solicit support from both black and white people to organize and build the Utica Normal and Industrial Institute. 

Williams was married to Mary Ella Patterson Holtzclaw. Mary was a 1895 graduate of Tuskegee Institute at the Snow Hill Normal and Industrial School in Alabama. After her and Williams moved to Hinds County, Mississippi, she and her husband found Utica Normal and Industrial Institute where she was in charged of the training of black girl's studies. 

The Institute later became Utica Junior College, and eventually the Utica campus of Hinds Community College. He was and author and published two newspaper, the monthly Utica News and a s school newspaper, Southern Notes. He also published his autobiography, " The Black Man's Burden, in 1915.

References

Professor Crawford, I. W: Multa In Parvo The Connell Printing Company, 1904.

Grandfather Charlie Married Twice

Charlie Mckay and his wife Julia Bickham McKay

My father passed away this past February, and for something strange reason, I'm learning more about his family since he passed away. I can't explain this type of strange paranormal things. I just go with  the flow and follow the leads. My father didn't discuss his maternal grandfather at all. He talked about his paternal grandfather because he lived with his grandparents sometimes. 

If I would've asked him, he wouldn't tell me anyway. Dad knew how to hold secrets with a smile on his face. Somehow life has a way if of revealing to you the answers you're searching for. Are perhaps the ancestors are ready to tell you. I sometimes wonder if dad wants me to find out now that he is gone, so he won't have to answer my questions. I guess I had to throw that sense of humor in there because that sounds like something he would say.

I can see him smiling and saying, "well-baby" that's just the things were in those days. As if that is telling me somethings important. I think about him often the way he told family stories. I  wonder why he didn't tell me that his maternal grandfather Charlie was married twice and had children by his second wife, Julia Bickham. Charlie and his first wife, Florence Williams has three children. Mary, William, and Lonnie. My direct line is Mary McKay Boykin. Charlie's and his second wife had five children; Albert, Luella, Emily, Prentiss, and May Helen McKay.

I learned through ancestry that one of my great-aunt's just passed away in 2014. I will do my best to find their children and make a connection. I know that they are in Washington Parish, Louisiana. My Charlie was born around 1891 and died in 1961.  He and Florence divorced and left Mississippi and moved to Louisiana. His first wife Florence, died in 1966. His second wife Julia, died in 1977.

I was happy to find any information I could find.  I couldn't find anything on Charlie before the 1880 United States Federal Census.

Questions I need answers to?

Where did Charlie come from? 

Who were his parents? 

Who was his siblings?

Is McKay his true name? 

Why can't  I find anything else on him? 

How much does his descendants in Washington Parish, Louisiana, know about him? 

Finding My Mississippi Roots; Harrell, McKay and Williams

Chatawa, Mississippi

My Mississippi roots are strong. All of my ancestors lived on the border of Louisiana and Mississippi. The Harrell ties are in Amite County, Mississippi, and the McKay and Williams family are tied to Pike County, Mississippi.  I've conducted genealogy research in Amite County Courthouse in Liberty, Mississippi and  Pike County Courthouse. in Pike County, Mississippi. The Amite County Courthouse is the State's oldest courthouse, built- in 1839-41, replaced the original 1812 building located on the historic site. Amite County was formed in 1809 from Wilkerson County. 

Amite County were named after the Amite River. The named derived from the French amitié, meaning  "friendship" and was used I commemoration of their friendly treatment by the Houma Indians. When you're researching your family history it's important to know when the counties or parish were established. 

I recently started researching my McKay and Williams,  which is on my paternal side of the family. Soon I will to go to the courthouse in the near future to look for records on the two families.  I know that I will have to visit the Mississippi State Archives to search for documents as well. 

I have several family trees based on the surnames that I'm researching. Charlie McKay was listed at a Mulatto in 1910 United States Census. He lived on Chatawa Road. He was married to Florence Williams, and he worked at a  Saw Mill. Charlie and his wife didn't own their own home in 1910, they were renters. The census documented that he couldn't read or write. Charlie was twenty-six years old when the census was taken.

Three children were born at the time; Mary, William, and No Name McKay. My direct line is through Mary. Mary later met and married Ernest Boykin. After they married, they made Fluker, Louisiana their home.

DNA Test Results Revealed Our Grandmothers Were Sisters

DNA Test Connected Cousins

A couple days ago a lady named Georgia Marie Strickland message me about a DNA result. She said that our grandmothers' were sisters. I know my maternal grandmother's sisters. So I immediately thought that this had to a connection on my father 's side of the family. I didn't know anything about my paternal grandparents or great-grandparents. Only what I found on the United States Census. I started researching my maternal grandmother Mary McKay Boykins and found a lot about her family. She was from Pike County, Mississippi. He parents were Charlie and Florence Williams McKay.

My great-grandmother Florence parents were; Alex and Rebecca Williams. Her sibling were; Jerry, Ada, Amanda, and Rosa L. Williams. Georgia Marie Strickland is the granddaughter of Rosa. Rosa was the youngest of Alex and Rebecca children. She was born in 1898 in Amite County, Mississippi and died in McComb, Mississippi in 1986. 

Florence was born in 1884 and died in 1966. I was very happy to see that we connected through DNA.

Courthouse Genealogy Research in Sumner, Mississippi

Sumner Courthouse Peonage Research
Photo Credit: Walter C. Black, Sr. 

I've had the opportunity to travel to many courthouses throughout the Louisiana and Mississippi searching for my ancestors or helping someone else search for their ancestors. One thing is for sure the books can be  heavy to lift. Not to mention the dust on the outside of the books. "So if you suffer from respiratory problems, you may want to wear a mask to keep the dust from getting in your nose."

I strongly suggest that you wear comfortable clothing and shoes. You may find your subject in the index and may have to pull several books off the shelves. Be prepared to do a lot of bending down in search of the book you need. A magnifying glass can be helpful when you are reading scripted writting. Make sure you have enough time and not be in a big rush to leave. If you are taking someone along with you, be sure to let them know that you will be a couple of hours. 

The picture shows the amount of dust on the book. The book was at the very bottle of the shelf and it appeared to be untouched for a while. All the index keys were dusty too. This is not uncommon at all.  The points that I'm making is to be prepared for the research trip.

The Lee and Bennett Family History

Picture unknown

It all began when Henry Lee and Ora Bennett met and fell in love and united in Holy matrimony in 1902. Their first daughter was born and they named her Alonia Gladestine. In 1908 their second daughter was born and they named her Mary Birdie. After her birth they packed up and moved to Doddsville, Ms., near Tunica.

The first born child Alonia died in 1911, at and young age. Henry and Ora moved from plantation to plantation to the keep fed and clothed. They didn't have a formal education, but their faith is God was strong and they had each other. Henry taught himself what he needed to know. He learned to survive, work hard and ask the the plantation owner for what he needed. He was different from Negroes of his generation because he didn't fear white people.

He learned of their ways and used it to provide for his family. After the riding tidy of the Mississippi flood in 1927, and the depression they were able to survive because they had God on their side.  They loved and nurtured their children into fine and proud of their own. Henry provided well for his family under these circumstance. His children had plenty to eat, properly clothed and always had a place to stay. He was the first black man to own a automobile in the town he lived in. People would walk for miles to get him to take them to the doctor and other places.

Unknown

They worked hard to gather the crops and make ends meet. On Saturday nights in the they would go to town. After working hard all week, they looked forward to Saturday nights on the town.  The old fashion virtues of working hard, serving the Lord and honesty were a must in the Lee/Bennett Family.  The children were taught to love and respect themselves, their parents, and the elders. All Henry's brothers stayed with him at one time. Ora would say, "the Lord blessed them so they could help some else".

On Sunday it was time to to got church and give thanks to the Lord for his many blessing during the week. The children would walk to Sunday school and they would follow in the wagon before they purchased a car. Ora loved her house and often styled him at church.

After the harvest was reaped, the hogs killed, meat cured, grain grinded, can cut and syrup made, they would help their neighbors. Henry was well known for making syrup and the he had his own mill. Neighbors would come from a far to bring their sorghum and he would cook the syrup while the women gathered to can vegetable and fruits preserves the winter.

Once all the supplies were ordered and stored the women would start quilting and the family was ready for a long winters. After the creditors were paid and they received the furnish money would share what was left, which wasn't very much.

The children attend the nearest school. At that time the most school were in the old church building because the attendance was so poor. During the winter it would be so cold and the school located miles from their home, but they to go, come rain, sleet or snow they went to school.

In 1925, they lived on the Dower Luster's plantation and in 1927 the moved  to Street Toler's plantation in Sunflower County. They later moved Beasley Bayou in 1935 located in Isola, Ms. and on the Warren Gardner's plantation in 1939 in Sliver City, Mississippi.


Source: The Lee-Bennett Family Reunion Booklet. The pictures used in this article were taken from the Lee/Bennett Family Reunion Booklet.

Civil Rights Organizer Herbert Lee Murdered By A Mississippi Elected Official

Herbert Lee

Herbert Lee, the son of Albert Lee and Elvia Lee was born in Amite County, Mississippi. He was married to Prince Melson Lee, to their union nine children were born: Wilma, Irma, Bessie, Ruby, Shirley, Roy, Ray, Frank and Herbert Lee, Jr. He was a faithful member of Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church and a successful dairy farmer. He became a member of the NAACP in the early 1950's. When SNCC voting rights activist started working in Amite and Pike counties in the fall of 1961, Lee,  close friend of the Amite County NAACP brand chairman E.W. Steptoe became involved, helping transport the workers and acquaint them to the area.

Assistant United States Attorney John Doar and others from the Justice Department interviewed several persons in Amite County about the infringements of the voting laws. They learned that threats had been made to harm NAACP members and Voting Rights Activist in Amite and other counties.

On the morning of September 25, 1961, Hebert Lee took a truckload of cotton to the cotton gin in Liberty, Mississippi.  Hurst followed Lee according to the witnesses, Lee was sitting in his truck when Hurst angrily walks up and begins arguing, and pulls out a pistol. "I'm not fooling around this time, I really mean business," shout Hurst.  " Put the gun down," responds Lee, " I won't talk to you unless you put the gun down." Lee slides out of his truck on the other side and  E. H. Hurst a dairy farmer and politician in Mississippi, elected as a Democrat to the Mississippi House of Representatives shot Lee in the head, killing him instantly.  It happened in front of about a dozen witnesses, including several Negroes. On the day of the killing, the corner's jury concluded that E. Hurst, claimed self-defense by a all white jury at the inquest.

Amite County Grand Jury Docket
Photo Credit: Walter C. Black, Sr.

Herbert Lee was only trying to register African-American people in the small rural town to become voters. After eleven years of trying to register African-American people of Amite County.

The Cotton Gin where Herbert Lee was murdered

On July 20, 1965, E. W. Steptoe and other African Americans became registered voters.

Louis Allen, a black witness to Lee's being shot, discussed the case with SNCC civil rights activist including Julian Bond. In January 1965, the night before he was planning to move away from Liberty, Allen was murdered in his driveway by two shot-gun blasts. Allen learned that a federal jury was considering charges against Hurst, Allen met with representatives of the FBI and Civil Rights Commissions to see if he could get federal protection if he were to testify. The Justice Department  told him that they couldn't offer him protection, Allen refused to change it story and stood up for the truth and what he felt was right to do. In 1994 investigation said suggested that Allen was murdered by Daniel Jones, the Amite County Sheriff, but no one has been prosecuted for his murder. The corner's jury ruled the homicide was justifiable and no further legal actions was taken against the Mississippi State Legislator.

Marion Barry was among the SNCC activists organizing in Pike County, Mississippi with Bob Parris Moses, and other SNCC members led a march of 100 black high school students through the streets of McComb, Mississippi. The marchers was arrested as they knelt down to pray on the steps of city hall, the students was expelled from school.

Herbert Lee's wife Prince Melson Lee was from St. Helena, Louisiana. My cousin Tito Lee came into the Art Gallery three years ago and informed me about what happen to his grandfather. We must never forget Herbert Lee, he died for our right to vote and yet many African American people will not get out and vote.



References

1.  Cold case: "The murder of Louis Allen", 60 Minutes (CBS), 10 April 2011
2. The Struggle for Voting Rights in Mississippi-Civil Rights.
3.  Historical Marker Dedication Ceremony for Herbert Lee

The Legacy of Prince Estella Melson Lee of St. Helena Parish, Louisiana

Queen Mother Prince Estella Melson Lee 

Prince Estella Melson Lee was born Thursday, April 5, 1917 in Greenburg, Louisiana to the late David and Lillian Melson, and went from earth to glory at East Jefferson General Hospital on Friday, January 16, 2015, 5:10 p.m.

Prince was the sixth of thirteen children: twelve born to David and Lillian, and one born to David and "Pinky". Prince received what their father called a " fingernail of learnin" from St. Helena School where she attended until third grade learning to read and write. She even said she would walk and cry," ...just to get that lil' learning'. At St. Helena Baptist Church. Prince gave her life to Christ at the age of twelve and was baptized by the late Reverend M.P. Knox. She then began her work in Christ's kingdom, spending many decades available for the Lord's use.

At the age of thirteen, after the death of her mother, Prince and her brother, Vernell, became responsible for their youngest brother. David, and reared the youngest child, Pearl Marie. During this time, Prince developed a very close and loving relationship with step-mother, "Pinky." On February 26, 1939, Prince married Herbert Lee-they were the parents of eleven children, two deceased infancy. After marrying, Prince relocated to Mississippi and united with Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church under pastorship of the late Reverends Walter Martin and James R. Lewis. She often expressed sentiments about leaving her home church, St. Helena; nevertheless, she served faithfully at Mount Pilgrim, and in her home as devoted Christian wife and mother ensuring that her children  were loved, cared for, and raised in the fear and admonition of the Lord. Prince, with her husband Herbert, lived a life with Jesus Christ as the center. This was reflected through reciting a scripture verse after saying grace, her being " Jesus wept"; attending Sunday School and Pastoral Sunday Worship service; studying Sunday school lessons around the fireplace and listening to the Gospel Hours on the radio; and doing no work on Sundays. 

Letter from Southern Poverty Law Center

Prince lived the scripture, " Remember the Sabbath, to keep it holy". She aided in laying the same Christian foundation for her children as was laid for her by her parents. Her children can attest that she could praise the Lord all by herself; she worshipped the Lord as much in her home as she did in the sanctuary. In her home, Prince was often heard saying part of scriptures such as, "Jesus wept" and "The Lord is my shepherd", as well as singing hymns, a favorite being " Jesus, Hold My Hand While I Run This Race".

In 1961, Prince became a widow after the assassination of her husband, Herbert. Even in the midst of the this sudden tragedy,  a farm to maintain, and six children at home to raise. Prince's faith never wavered; she continued to spiritually guide and teach her children. She became a member of the Eastern Star, and continued her life and service in Mississippi until 1972 when she relocated to Kenner, Louisiana.

Prince became a member of St. Michael Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorship of Reverend Leroy Sander, Sr. She dutifully served on the Deaconess Board, and in 1982, she was appointed President, and office she served with joy and great commitment until 2004. In the late 1990s, Reverend Sanders appointed her Mother of the Church and she felt it was a great honor when asked.

Letter from SNCC

Prince throughly enjoyed being an active member of the East Jefferson Prayer and Bible Band. She took much joy out of using her well-known and well-worn black and white composition books to call the Prayer Band members as a reminder of an upcoming meeting. Prince took every opportunity to return to St. Helena's Revival in August and to Mount Pilgrim's May Rally, and Revival in September. She loved returning to her childhood home in Louisiana, as well ago Mississippi to the homestead established with her husband and children. When Prince visited the Mississippi homestead, she could often be found deep in thought while walking the land. If asked about what she was thinking. Prince would smile and simply say, " Oh...nothing, just thinking" or " just thinking about a lot...how hard we worked and how the Lord blessed us." Telling stories of her childhood and courtship with Herbert were some of Prince's much loved memories to share.

Some other favorites that she enjoyed were quilting and making tams (caps) for the Deaconess Board,as well as sitting in her favorite chair and reading her Bible. Prince was a 'people person" who never met a stranger; and, whether on the phone or in person, she truly enjoyed good conversation. She as a great sense of humor and would laugh at herself while retelling and acting out the stories of the ' by gone-days". Some of her favorite dishes to cook were and chicken and dumplings and chicken pies. And, Prince will always be well-known for her tea cakes, which she frequently backed for her family and friends.

Prince was preceded in death by her parents, David and Lilian; siblings, A.V., Felbert, Ralph, Willie, Mitchell, Vernell, Callie-Mae, David, and Elizabeth; her husband, Herbert, children, Christine, David, Bessie Mae, and Ray Curtis, and grandchildren, Erhen T. Lee, Lynn Marie Lee-Vinnett, and Aaliyah A. Riley.

Thank you Queen Mother Prince for the legacy that you left for all humanity. I will continue to teach our youth about the importance of becoming a register voter and why they should get out and vote. 

Berlin Childress Gordon of Kentwood, Louisiana

Berlin Childress Gordon

On Monday evening the angel of silence invaded the Gordon family and with chilling fingers sealed the lips of a superannuated A.M.E. Minister and the oldest citizen of Kentwood, Louisiana. He was 102 years old.

Berlin C. Gordon, the son of the late Mrs. Julia Huff ( Gorman) Gordon and Mr. Henry Gordon, was born free on March 30, 1865 in Greensburg, Louisiana.

He was converted under the Rev. T.A. Wilson at Cross Roads A.M.E. Church, presently Turner's Chapel A.M.E. Church in Greensburg, Louisiana.

 He pastored 22 years in Mississippi and missed only one Conference; served 23 years in Louisiana and converted many souls during his service for the Masters. He was joined in Holy Matrimony three times, five children were born by the first union; none by the second and nine the third union.

He leaved on mourn a wife, Mrs. Sarah Singleton Gordon of Duck Hill, Miss; three sons: Hurley Gordon of Kentwood, La.; Milton Gordon of New York City, NY; Nathaniel Gordon of Vallejo, Calif; three daughters: Mrs Beatrice Sykes of Grenada, Miss; Mrs. Gladys Mondy of Duck Hill, Miss; Katherine McDougal of Clarkdale, Miss.; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, other relatives and friends.

Berlin and Sarah also had a son named Berlin.  In 1920 the younger Berlin was living in East Feliciana, Louisiana in Police Ward 6, in the household with mother Sarah and his siblings; Alis, Oscar, Beatrice, Persillia and Moses Gordon.

Sources: Berlin's Gordon's funeral program obituary and the 1920 United States Census.

Give A Child Hope Through the Gift of Reading and Learning

Giving the gift of reading

Imagine, for a moment, that you’re living in a rural town. Maybe you’re down on your luck between jobs, or maybe you’ve never had more than the proverbial 2 cents to rub together.  Perhaps you’re a child or teen gifted with the promise of a bright mind but limited opportunities to imagine life beyond the classroom. Or maybe you’re trying to escape impoverished situations at home and need information to put a plan together.

While it might seem obvious to many that for someone in such a situation, the library or community center would be a good place to escape, to learn, to dream bigger dreams and to just cling to hope, there’s just one problem.

There isn’t one.Welcome to the reality of life in the Town of Webb, MS., But in the bleakness of this reality, a spark of hope is being fanned into a great light. We have a vision of a Community Resource Center and Library for the town – a place of hope and possibility for people in this town and in the surrounding towns. It’s a vision that is shared by many – we’ve already collected over 10,000 books, art supplies, and other educational materials to be used in the community resource enrichment center. But there’s still a long road ahead. Will you be the one who carries the light of this vision to others in our community?

We need your help.  Specifically, we still need donations of art talents, time and contracting skills

to help us get the building prepared for the community center. You’ve probably heard over recent years about all of the cuts in state and federal funding for various things – including education. 

In small towns like Webb, the generosity of people like you makes a huge difference in the resources available for families and children. What can your gift accomplish?  By giving a child the gift of reading books that spark their interests, we’re opening up the doors of higher learning and giving them the opportunity to see the world through books and our other educational resource materials.

What can you do? We’re asking church, civic and school organizations – any individual or group who would like to make a difference - to join Gathering of Hearts in this effort. It all comes down to this.  If we hope to end the heartache of poverty in towns like ours in America, we must start with finding a way to give our youth – and all of us – the resources we need.

What is a Community Resource Center? 

Home of the new Community Resource Center in Webb, MS

The Community Resource Center is a place where students can spend time after school. They can get tutoring to help support them academically.  They’ll have opportunity to learn music, drama, the visual arts and performing arts.  We’ll be training members of the community – like you, if you’re interested – to serve our youth as mentors, helping them to discover the gifts of learning and culture that are surrounding them. 

As you know, the Mississippi Delta is the home of the blues. We’re a culture rich with art, music and some of the world’s finest blues festivals.  But the way to keep that culture alive is to bring it to our children, giving them the hope they need to become strong contributing members of our society as adults. We believe in our children and our families. Do you? 

Can we count on you or your organization to join us through Gathering of Hearts?There are opportunities for every kind of involvement, whether by donating money, time or resources.  Please contact us to find an opportunity to help that is right for you. As Mahatma Gandhi said “ Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

We all want to see a world that empowers all children to enjoy the adventure of learning, academically and through cultural experiences. If you would like to help us help our community’s children, please contact Gathering of Hearts at 504.858.4658 or you can email Antoinette Harrell at afrigenah@yahoo.com.

Gathering of Heart wishes to thank the many supporters who donated funds, books, educational material or perhaps you donated your time and effort to this cause. You kindness and generosity can never be forgotten. 

The National Slave Ship Museum Louisiana Delegation Meet with Jackson, Mississippi Mayor

Louisiana Delegation meeting with Mayor Lumumba

Today I traveled with a Lloyd Lazard and a Delegation from New Orleans, La to meet with Jackson, Mississippi Mayor Chokwe Lumumba to discuss the vision and plans that Lloyd  have for establishing a National Slave Ship Museum. Clifton James, Economic Development and Special Project Committee presented the plan before Mayor Lumumba and his Delegation.

The National Slave Ship Museum

Lloyd Lazard has been dreaming of this since the 90s, and now several city leaders are on board. He wants New Orleans, La to be the home of the museum. The plan is to redevelop the Lower Garden District Riverfront turning it into
 an educational corridor. The museum would be built around a full size replica of a slave ship. It’ll include a lab to trace your ancestry. After leaving the meeting we has an opportunity to tour the Smith Robertson Museum and the International Museum of Muslim Cultures at the Mississippi Art Center in Jackson, Mississippi. While touring the International Museum of Muslim Cultures we saw the Timbutku Exhibition. I was truly excited when I saw the Tuareg Exhibition. My maternal African Ancestry DNA matches with the Tuareg People of Niger. Looking at the Tuareg artifacts, remind me of the time I spent in Niger, West Africa. 

Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

Everyone was very impressed with the Smith Robertson Museum and happy to see that our history is being preserved, kept and told by the children of former slaves and sharecroppers. From Africa to the slave auction blocks and cotton fields, the curator found a way to tell our story. 

The Jim Crow laws were state and local laws in the United States enacted between 1876 and 1965. It was mandated and enforced in all public facilities in Southern States. Jim Crow laws are the segregation of public places, public schools, restrooms, restaurants, and drinking fountains. Although this happened in my time, I can't ever recall going to a "colored only" water fountain.

Pamela D.C. Junior, Museum Manager

Read more: http://wgno.com/2013/09/12/national-slave-ship-museum-one-step-closer-to-being-built-in-new-orleans/#ixzz2kUxO1vvj

Harrell Genealogical Research in Pike County, Mississippi

Derius Harrell conducting genealogy research

It's  has been well over ten years since my distant cousin Derius Harrell and I conducted genealogical research in Amite and Pike County, Mississippi. Derius contacted me after reading something I posted online about the Harrell's in Mississippi and Louisiana. We arranged to meet and discuss our Harrell genealogical research and compare our notes.

His Harrell lineage connected him to Amite County, Mississippi and Pike County. Both of our families came down to Mississippi and Louisiana with Levi "Fat Old Levi" Harrell from Darlington, South Carolina in 1803. I remember the first day I met Derius, I couldn't stop starring at him because he resembled my first cousin Rodney Harrell. After telling him how much the two of them resembled each other, he then told me that he knew Rodney. He met Rodney while living in Houston, Tx. Not only did I find that they resembled each other, but they smile a like and have just a beautiful way about themselves.

Derius and his father Melvin are the one's in their family who research and preserve the family history for their family. I was astonished to see a young man like him wanting to know about his family history. Sometimes you may not find as many men who want to know about their roots. When you do find one who wants to know, you want too teach them as much as you possibly can.

Slave Inventory of Samuel Harrell, Amite County, Ms

Well we set out to find what we could in the county clerk's office of public records. Derius located marriage records, succession and probate records and land deeds. This was his first trip to the county clerk of courts looking for records about his family.  He was so excited about his finding.  One of the statement he made was so profound about the importance of genealogy for young black men. If young men knew their family history it would help to restore pride, dignity and self-worth in these young men.

Using the county map, he tried and trace the migration of his family. Looking at land boundaries, and where they lived and worked. Did they live along the river? After slavery did they own any land? If so, how much did they own? Is the land still in the family? If not, what happened to the land? These are questions that we ask if we found that our ancestors or family owned land.

Two summer ago I was invited by Derius's father to attend their Dillon family reunion in Amite County, Mississippi. I got a chance to meet some of his elderly relatives who were in their 90s. I wish I had more time just to sit and talk with them. It was good to see family talking, sharing photographs and family history with each other. The younger generation were listening to the elders speak before they found their way to the dance floor.

Grandchildren of Purdell Dillon
Photo Credit: Walter C. Black, Sr.

Some of the elders were the grandchildren of Prudell Dillon a woman of Indian descent. Prudell Dillon was born July 14, 1868 and died October 18, 1938. She was the mother of Walter Beasley, Robert Dillon, Wren Jones, Eli Lucas, Trudie McGhee, Emma Swinginton and Price Wilkinson

The descendants of Prudell recalls the days of growing up in their grandmother's house. They talked about how hard she worked in her garden and how she canned food and made their clothing. What a way to celebrate family!