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