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

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. 

Studying genealogy can help students understand local history

Chase LaCoste conducting genealogy research at the
St. Helena Courthouse. 
Photo Credit: Dr.Antoinette Harrell

As a homeschooled student, Chase frequently talks about his American History class with me. For some students, history can be a boring subject. At a young age, he began to accompany me to museums, libraries, and clerk offices. I did my best to prepare him and his siblings for our exciting field trips. His knowledge of Louisiana's sixty-four parishes and their parish seats dates back to his childhood. Today was a different class for him. 

He was taught how to conduct genealogy research at the St. Helena Parish Clerk's Office. The subject of successions and mortgage records was discussed with him. He learned about vendees and vendors. I instructed him to search for properties using the index. He used the index book to guide him to the book that housed the record he was looking for. The smile on his face said it all. He was excited to learn how to used the index books to help him find the records he was searching for. 

In today's class, he learned how to research succession records dating back to 1843. Chase was looking for his paternal ancestor Frank Vining who was enslaved by Jesse and Martha Vining. He learned that the records were written in cursive and he had to read them. Reading and interpreting cursive handwriting in genealogy research can be quite challenging, especially for younger generations who are not accustomed to this style of writing. It requires a keen eye and patience to decipher the words and understand the context of the records. With a magnifying glass in hand, I instructed him to research a record that was one hundred and eighty one years old. He started looking through records in file V-1 for inventory records.

I instructed him to obtain a certified copy of the records after finding them. This was also an opportunity
for me to teach. During this lesson, I wanted to make him aware of the importance of having documents certified.  In the course of paying the employee at the desk. He was instructed to ask the lady who was helping him what certified meant. Teaching in this situation was crucial as it allowed me to impart knowledge and ensure that he understood the significance of having documents certified. By explaining the meaning of "certified" to him, I aimed to equip him with the necessary understanding to navigate similar situations in the future. 

"As soon as you exit the St. Helena Clerk's Office.  We passed the monument belonging to the Old Land Office, and he stopped for a moment to observe it. As I explained to him, it is important to read the historical plaques and monuments.Historical plaques play a crucial role in educating the public about the significance of certain landmarks or events."  

He will never forget this experience. This experience has deeply impacted his perspective on local history and allowed him to see history through the lens of genealogy. Studying genealogy can provide a personal and intimate connection to historical events, as it allows individuals to trace their ancestry and understand how their family history intersects with broader historical narratives.  History came alive for Chase today. What was more excited was to have his grandmother teaching him how to use genealogy as a tool to learn about local history. I can't wait to take him on other adventure that can help enhance his life long educational journey. 

Hidden History Treasures in Grandma's House

Bernard Learning Genealogy from his Mom 2004

Dwayne Taylor Sr, finding his biological roots in Fluker, Louisiana

Dwayne at the Boykin's gravesites.
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

Although I did not undergo surgery yesterday, I had an amazing day exploring my paternal roots with my brother Dwayne in Fluker, Louisiana, My two siblings, Zelda and Patrick, and I learned that we had a brother through Ancestry DNA. Embracing our brother and a new branch of our family tree was an exciting experience for us. We decided to visit Fluker, Louisiana, the ancestral home of his paternal ancestors. We visited the Fluker cemetery and church where our father Walter's family is buried. With the help of a kind man named Mr. Evans, he took Dwayne straight to the Boykin's gravesites. Afterwards we then drove around in search of the old house. Dwayne was very enthusiastic about exploring the history of his biological family.  I could not locate it, due to time constraint I had to meet my friend Lynn Dosty in New Orleans.  We met up with Lynn and Don in New Orleans and shared our experiences with them.  Lyn has just visit the St. Louis #2 Cemetery in New Orleans and slo had so much to share with us.  It was a very exciting day for everyone. 

In parallel with this, I was going to meet for the first time my nephew Dwayne, Jr. Despite a small setback, yesterday was a memorable and awesome day spent with family and friends. My goal is to share as much information as I can about the Boykins family history with Dwayne. I am looking forward to our time together and am confident that Dwayne will be interested in learning more about his family's history. I also hope to share some of my experiences with him. I am excited for this opportunity to connect with my nephew.

Left to right: Dwayne Taylor, Sr.,  Dr. Antoinette Harrell,
Dwayne Taylor, Jr., and Lynn Dosty

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. The history of my family was always discussed by my mother, dating back as far as she was able to recall. It didn't matter to her if she told me the same story a hundred times, she told it again as if it was her first time telling me the story.  Perhaps she believed that by repeating these stories she would pass on our history to the next generation. One thing is certain, I'm glad she did, It is one of the greatest gifts I could ever receive. Many people are unaware of the history of their families. What's more disturbing is that some do not want to know. 

I would like to convey what my mother told me and the sources she shared with me with other family members. It is the most effective way to keep our family's history and legacy alive. I also want to inspire other families to explore their history. It's ok to  share stories, photographs, and family heirlooms with others in the family. We should cherish our ancestors and the lessons they taught us. It's a valuable way to keep our  history and culture alive. Our history will be lost if we do not research and preserve it. Our history will gradually diminish over time. We all should take action now to ensure our history is not forgotten. We should also educate future generations about our family history. 

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 Black churches, schools, civic associations, and societies. There was no doubt in my mind that I would change that. There are currently five Black collections at the Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies. At the local genealogy library, there is a collection of genealogy and photographs of Black people.

People have regularly contacted me via phone calls and emails to express their gratitude for my research or for documenting their ancestors' stories. I was inspired to create a more comprehensive collection and do more research. I was determined to make sure that these stories were not forgotten and that their legacy could be celebrated.

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

Black children aged 5-19 are five times more likely than white children to drown in swimming pools, according to a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Growing up in Amite, Louisiana, our family homestead had a pond and my mother warned my three brothers and me not to be near the pond. She was concerned that we would drown if we fell in. Neither of us knew how to swim. Occasionally, she and other adults would take us to the river nearby and let us play on the edge of the water.

I'll never forget my first cousin Jo-Ann Lewis Frazier telling me how she saved my life when I fell into the pond. When I fell in the pond, she said I was approximately four years old. In her words, she saw me go under the water and jumped into the pond to save me. I'm glad she did otherwise I wouldn't be here writing this article today. I'm happy she knew how to swim.

Through the years I have heard many stories of young people drowning. Particularly during the long summer months when kids desire to cool down from the oppressive heat. When a child does not know how to swim, what begins as fun can end tragically. It is also worthwhile to teach children to swim at an early age so that they can safely enjoy summer activities.

I lived in New Orleans for years knowing that our city was below sea level.  The average elevation of New Orleans, Louisiana is approximately one to 8 feet below sea level.  Public schools in New Orleans should offer swimming classes and swimming teams to their students just like any other sport they offer.

"Consider the number of drownings during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. "Would more people have been able to save lives if they had learned how to swim?"  Carter's choice of swimming as a sport made me so proud. At one of his swim meets, I observed how relaxing he found swimming. Carter was a natural in the water and became more confident with every race. I was inspired by him. His mother was excited to tell me that he won first place in the freestyle competition.

Swimming lessons can save your child's life and the lives of others during water activities. It was clear that the swimming lessons had paid off and that Carter had gained a sense of confidence and competence in the water. 

Carter at his Swim Meet
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

Ebony and Jet magazine art director Herbert Temple, Jr., roots traces back to Tangipahoa Parish

Herbert Temple, Jr.
Photo Credit: Chornes/Ancestry

"It is impossible to predict what you may uncover when conducting genealogy and local history research. As I was researching newspaper articles on newspapers.com, I came across a very interesting article about a man named Herbert Temple. Jr. I had some knowledge of Herbert's 2 great-grandfathers, Jim Temple, whose family history is rooted deeply in Tangipahoa Parish to this day.  Among the children of Jim Temple was a son named John Temple. John married Ida Butler, they both was residents of Tangipahoa Parish. His wife Ida taught school with schools were held in local churches. 

They were the parents of Herbert Temple, Sr. (1898-1959, Margaret Temple (1900-1964) John Temple (1902-?) Edna Temple (1908-1961), Fulton Temple (1908-1997). I am primarily interested in Herbert Temple,  Sr. and his Carey Britt family history. The couple lived in Cook County, Illinois, where they raised their family. They were the parents of Herbert Temple, Jr., Florence O. Temple, and Velma Temple. 

The Temple's genealogy is traceable back to Tangipahoa Parish for Herbert Temple, Jr. "Now, who was Herbert Temple, Jr., and why am I interested in his history?" I came across an article published in the Chicago Tribune on April 27, 2011, about Herbert.  Hebert was the executive director at Johnson Publishing Co., Herbert Temple was involved in some of the nation's most prominent African American publications, such as Ebony and Jet.

 Herbert Temple, Jr.
Photo Credit: Noael Alford/Ancestry

In his youth, Temple enjoyed drawing and reading comic books. Upon graduation from Evanson Town-

ship High School, he enlisted in the United States Army. When he returned home, he decided to pursue a career in the arts. Upon enrolling at the School of Arts in Chicago, he pursued a degree in art. In the 1950s, there were no employment opportunities for African Americans in the arts.  Many African Americans had to turn to other jobs and  professions to provide for their families. This lack of opportunity created a significant barrier to career advancement and wealth accumulation, making it more difficult for future generations to succeed. Art was Herbert's passion and he was determined to pursue it.  His dedication and work paid off and he soon made a name for himself as a professional artist. He inspired others and his legacy lives on. 

In 1953 he was hired by John H. Johnson, publisher of Ebony and Jet magazine. Temple. He was not only an artist. He also founded JanTemp Greetings, a card company specializing in black themes. He designed many album covers, and children's books illustrations and produced a series of drawings of Black leaders according to his daughter Janel Temple.

"My father's career as an artist presented him with the opportunity to meet many notable individuals and dignitaries. Among these notable individuals are President John F. Kennedy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., John Lennon, Michael Jackson, and others," said Janel.

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 succeeded in their fields. There is a high standard of excellence in the Temple family, from educators to business owners.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to researching our local history. Tangipahoa Parish has produced many accomplished African Americans. Herbert had no interest in working in a slaughterhouse or seed mill. He had a vision for himself and what he wanted to become, and the foundation that his parents gave him supported that vision. His dedication and work paid off and he soon made a name for himself as a professional artist. He inspired others and his legacy lives on. 

The late Dr. Percy, L. Walker was legend in his community

Dr. Percy L. Walker
Photo Credit: Louisiana Weekly

Amite, LA- My memory of Dr. Percy L. Walker dates back to when I was a child. He was Tangipahoa Parish first black vegetarian. He came out to assist my Cousin Henry Wheat deliver a calf.  Dr. Walker legacy revealed so more more. My research revealed that he was a reporter for Louisiana Weekly Newspaper in New Orleans at early as the 1950s. Black people's achievements and events in Amite, Louisiana were the subject of Dr. Walker's writings.

There is a great deal of information about the local AME church events that he wrote about. I found this information to be extremely valuable since most church histories are sketchy unless the church secretary or members keep good records as well as church programs.

"Dr. Walker was also appointed  to serve as the chairman of the Red Cross for black people. Educating black people on the importance of emergency preparedness was also one of his major contributions. He held the first annual colored membership meeting at West High School on January 12, 1960. Dr. Walker stated that he consider it a privilege to serve in this capacity."

Through the many articles he wrote, I learned who were the community leaders at the time. Several garden clubs and civic organizations were active in improving the quality of life for black people. These organizations provided social services, such as education and healthcare, to those in need. His articles kept me up until the early hours of the morning reading it. I am interested in learning more about the work of black people in the local community. I am inspired to find out more about their experiences, the challenges they face, and their accomplishments. I want to use this information to motivate others to act, and to create a more equitable and equitable society in our Tangipahoa Parish communities. There is a blueprint for us to follow that was left by the community icons.  The majority of those  he wrote about have long since passed away. My objective is to continue to research and promote their works to empower our communities through their work. 

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 is unknown. He was a strong advocate for African Americans' education and a pioneer of the civil rights movement in the region. His legacy deserves to be remembered and honored. His article as reporter for the Louisiana Weekly has shed new light on the area's past. Tuskegee University is where he obtained his degree.

Source: " Named Chairman of Red Cross Membership Dr." The Louisiana Weekly (New Orleans, Louisiana) Saturday, January 2, 1960,  p 3.

Genealogist Dr. Antoinette Harrell connects with her brother through Ancestry DNA

Patrick, Zelda, Antoinette, Dwayne
Siblings found each other through Ancestry DNA

I am a local historian and genealogist in Tangiphaoa Parish. I began researching my family history more than 30 years ago. My ongoing investigation of my maternal and paternal ancestry in several parishes in Louisiana, Florida Parishes is never-ending. During my research, I spent long hours in courthouses, libraries, university archives, and other sources searching for any information that would help me obtain more information about my family history. 

"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 research." My paternal and maternal ancestors were slaves in the Louisiana Florida Parishes. I discovered new family members and a brother through my Ancestry DNA. I learned that I was connected to Dwayne Taylor as a brother through Eric Williams, a family history keeper. To verify what Williams was referring to, I immediately logged into my Ancestry account to look further into this matter.

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. "Yes, we have mutual friends. One of those friends is Fabiola Clark-Taylor." I was completely blown away, since Fabiola and her husband Donald were my friends.  We have been friends for over 25 years. She often spoke about Dwayne, her stepson. The fact that my dear friend's stepson was my brother shocked me. My mind immediately began spinning with thousands of questions. What? How? Why? I want to learn more.

Antoinette and Dwayne first meeting

I called my sister Zelda to inform her of our new brother. It was shocking news for her as well. Our father told us that there were no other children except for the three of us that he knew of. At that point, we both agreed that our father didn't know he had another son. He would have informed us if he had known. I reassured Dwayne that our father Walter was unaware of him.

Dwayne and I were introduced  by phone by our mutual cousin Eric Williams. Dwayne and I began to talk.  Later we spent  hours on the phone sharing information. Both of us were crying for a variety of reasons. Finding each other was the first reason. I informed him that he had two siblings, a sister named Zelda and a brother named Patrick. He also gained nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. Me and my siblings gained nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Now that the cloud of happiness has cleared, we need to speak with a few people who could give us some answers, at least we hope so. 

Zelda meeting her brother Dwayne
 for the first time. 

I know that this was particularly difficult for Dwayne since he was raised by a man who was not his biological father. As far as he is concerned Donald will always be his father.  Our shock at discovering that we had known each other for so long was mutual. "In fact, I took photographs at Donald's funeral, and I would never have imagined photographing my own brother. There was a part of me that wanted to run and scream at the same time." Our minds were overwhelmed by the amount of information we had to digest, let alone process

After several phone conversations, we decided to meet in person. We scheduled a dinner meeting in New Orleans. We were both eagerly anticipating meeting on October 5. I was the first to arrive at their location. Amid excitement, I didn't know if I could have waited for another moment. He finally walked through that door with his wife, daughter, and grandchildren. I met my niece LaShay and her two beautiful children and Dwayne's beautiful wife Sherrice

With open arms, we embraced one another in tears. We held onto each other as if we were afraid to lose each other again. Family members wept with joy and happiness for Dwayne. The only brother he had by his mother had passed away years ago. He thought he was alone all this time, but now he has siblings. I created a Facebook page to bring us all together to share photographs, stories, and build a relationship with each other. Soon afterwards, plans were made to meet Zelda and Patrick in Houston, Texas. 

Once again,  I was the first to arrive. I wanted it to be this way to capture Dwayne meeting his sister and brother. A tear of joy filled Zelda's eyes when she saw her big brother. Patrick told us he cried before he got there so he managed himself well. "We laughed, talked, and took tons of pictures that evening. We shared stories and reminisced about old times. It was a beautiful moment that I will never forget. Patrick, Dwayne and I attended the same schools."  Dwayne's daughter and Patrick's daughter attended the same school. In fact, they were already friends on Facebook. The fact that we were so close to each other and were unaware that we were siblings has shocked us all.

 Patrick and Dwayne

We all agreed to accept without judgement and questions. The most beautiful things we have each other. It was a very powerful reminder of the power of family and how unconditional acceptance can bring people together. Dwayne felt accepted and supported and we were all grateful for that. It was a special evening that we will all cherish. There is a moral to this story: If you are not ready to accept the truth about your DNA, please do not take it, you never know what it will reveal. My siblings and I embrace each other with love and open arms. Patrick was delighted to get a brother and so was Dwayne. The two brothers later had a visit and Zelda met Dwayne son D.J.  

The strange thing is that Dwayne and I are both interested in photography and filmmaking. We both take many pictures and film of our family and events. We share our work and help each other perfect our techniques. Maintaining contact and bonding is something we plan to continue working on. We are excited to having each.