Gardening bring me great joy

 

As a child, I lived on the twenty acres of land that my maternal grandmother Emma had purchased in 1896. Long before I was born, the land was used for farming and raising livestock, chickens, and hogs. The land was dotted with a variety of fruit trees. During their season, black walnut and pecan trees provided us with fresh nuts. Reminiscing about picking blackberries for our mother's delicious blackberry dumplings and wishing for those days again. 

My mother often spoke about her father Jasper and farming. When my grandfather Jasper died, I was around two years old so I don't remember him at all. My siblings and I worked in the field with his brother Palmer Harrell, who was also a farmer, during those long hot summer days. We helped him plant and harvest beans, potatoes, corn, and peas. One that is for should we always had fresh vegetables to eat.  Matter of fact we was surrounding by planters and farmers.  Right across the pasture is where my Cousin Doris lived with her husband and family. Her husband Henry Wheat grew all types of vegetables and always sent us something fresh. Yes, that was the old days that have lone been gone. When I'm in my garden I think about them often. 

"Farming instilled in me a deep appreciation for gardening and the cycles of nature. These are traditions that I hold dear to my heart. Each spring season I look forward to planting, and learning various ways of gardening." Expanding my garden each season is my goal.  Each season adding a touch of art and vintage items to give my garden character. The vibrant color from the flowers add beauty to the garden while attracting butterflies, and bees. 

Currently, I'm harvesting mint tea for preservation. Some of the mint is boiled for a glass of fresh delicious tea or a cup of hot tea. A fresh aroma fills the house as the tea boils. My mint teas are all organic. The plants are not treated with pesticides. My peace of mind also comes from knowing what is going into my body. Mint tea has numerous health benefits. It can aid digestion, soothe an upset stomach, and relieve headaches due to its calming properties. Mint tea is rich in antioxidants, which boost the immune system and promote overall well-being. The teas I enjoy most are ginger, peppermint, turmeric, and jasmine. Well, to be honest, I like all teas.

Big Zion AME Zion Church fifty years members

Mrs. Emma Picken, was born in 1892 and died in 1976. She is buried in Big Zion Cemetery. Mrs. Idella Cosby was born in 1889. Her time of death is unknown. Mrs. Lilly Harrison Zanders was born in 1891 and died in 1975. She was married to Edward Zanders and they lived in Roseland, Louisiana, according to the 1950 United States Federal Census. Mrs. Rose Curry was born in 1894, she as married to Oscar Curry. 

Source: Amite Genealogy Library

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

Explore local swamp with the family

Lake Martin, Louisiana 
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

Over the past few years, I have taken several swamp tours in different Louisiana Parishes. The peacefulness and beauty of each of them are undeniable. I enjoy taking pictures of wildlife and beautiful scenes in nature. Capturing the ghostly image projected by Spanish moss draped over Bald Cypress trees.

Looking for a fun and exciting day out for the kids? Look no further than swamp tours! A swamp tour is an adventure that takes you through the wetlands and provides a unique and fun experience for the whole family.

If you're planning to take a swamp tour, be careful to select the right time of day based on the season. Early spring is my favorite time to take a tour. I prefer early morning hours or late evening. For instance, in the spring, early morning hours offer cooler temperatures and less humidity, while late evening hours provide the chance to observe wildlife. You should also keep in mind that the type of wildlife you will encounter on your tour will depend heavily on the time of day chosen. Morning tours will be best for bird watching, while evening tours will be better for alligators and other nocturnal animals. Don't forget to bring mosquito repellent. Mosquitoes inhabit swamps. Matter of fact, I make should that I do not wear any body lotions or fragrances that will attract bugs and other insects. Make your trip exciting for your children by bringing binoculars and a camera. In preparation for the trip, discuss the kinds of wildlife they might see, the types of birds that inhabit the swamps, etc.

Lake Martin Swamp Tour

The guides are knowledgeable and can help to explain the importance of the wetlands and the need to protect and preserve them. They can also show kids how to safely observe the wildlife without disturbing them. The tours are a great way to teach kids about the environment, and they provide an educational and enjoyable experience for the whole family. Take the opportunity to observe unique wildlife, take photos, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Swamps are a great way to get in touch with nature and observe wildlife in its natural habitat. It is also a great way to bond with family as you explore and experience something new together.

The swamp tours I took with my children and grandchildren were a lot of fun. They got a chance to hold a baby alligator. I think they enjoyed it a lot. It was a great opportunity to make memories that will last a lifetime while  observing wildlife up close, explore the wetlands, and learn about the diverse ecosystem of the area - all while having a great time! 

Antoinette Harrell
Touring Lake Martin Swamp

St. Helena Parish's Legendary Vegetable Farmer's Field Day at Warner Hall's Farm

Warner Hall
Local Farmer, St. Helena Parish

Early this morning, I drove out to St. Helena Parish's Legendary Vegetable Farmer's Field Day to take part in the event. A number of representatives from the SU Agricultural Center, LSU Agricultural Center, USDA, and WCSHC were present at this event. In order to capture some photographs of the garden and nature scenes before the crowd poured in I arrived early. The atmosphere was vibrant, with old friends greeting each other and new friends forming connections. It was truly a great day to be a part of the agriculture community.

The weather that day was slightly overcast, so I was able to take some photographs. Weather-wise, I could not have asked for a better day.  The mild temperatures and overcast skies made for perfect shooting conditions. His farm has a lot of vegetables that I took pictures of. The acres of land are covered with rows of corn, squash, cucumbers, green bell peppers, strawberries, watermelons, and eggplants.

The therapeutic nature of gardening was emphasized by a retired couple I met at the event. They both agreed that tending to their garden was a calming and peaceful activity that had become an integral part of their everyday routine. I can assure you that every word spoken here is correct. When I'm working in my garden it is relaxing and therapeutic for me. 

Members of the Winston County Self Help Cooperative (WCSHC) drove 3 1/2 hours from Lexington, Mississippi to attend this educational agricultural event. A group of Winston County Self-Help Cooperative members traveled three and a half hours from Lexington, Mississippi to attend this agricultural educational event. The event was attended by other local farmers who shared and learned. Sharing farming tips is something they never hesitate to do with each other. 

The free agricultural education material I received was much appreciated.  I walked away with a pack of Wildflowers Mixture for Natural Landscaping which is distributed by the USDA. I am interested in learning more about pollinators and how they work. It is estimated that three-fourth of all flowering plants in the world require pollinators in order to reproduce and survive. There is no doubt that animal pollination is necessary for the majority of vegetables, fruits, and seed crops, as well as other plants that are used for fiber, medicine, and fuel production.  Insect pollinators like butterflies, bees, birds, moths, bats, beetles, and ants contribute significantly to the existence of many of the foods we eat on a daily basis. The type of educational agricultural events is important. 

Warner Hall's farm
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

Leontine Dupree Live/One More Sunny! A Native of Independence, Louisiana

The Rich History and Legacy of Esaw Lawson of Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana

Esaw Lawson

Esaw Lawson was born 1848 in Louisiana  to Henry and Arsena Lawson and his wife Malinda Tom Lawson was born in Clinton, Louisiana. According to the 1870 Unites States Federal Census. He was living in the house with A.D. Henkel and his family.  Esaw was living in Ward 1,  Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana. He was a laborer and he could read and write. He and Malinda was married on March 13, 1873. They were the parents of: Willie, B.T. Viola, Chancey, Sallie, Robert, Rosa, Eddie, Arthur, and Mary Lawson. 

Esaw died at the at of ninety-two. He worked at Gullet Cotton Gin Company for years under Mr. King and Mrs. Rostick, he also worked for the Rieds, Kopflers, Sanders and Vernon family, for the city and many other places.

Esaw was the head of the first public school building for colored children. He was the the head of the first Old Fellow Hall building in Amite for colored people. Superintendent A. C. Lewis asked Esaw to call a meeting for the Tangipahoa Parish High School to be built here in Amite, but the colored people voted against the school being built in Amite. The Superintendent gave placed in in Kentwood, Louisiana,

He asked Esaw to give him the name of someone he knew that could hold the principals position. Esaw highly recommend Oliver Wendell Dillion for the position at the Negro Tangipahoa Parish Color School because he knew that he could handle the position.

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

Dr. Valarie Richardson

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

Patsy Z. Johnson African American Funeral Program Collection Soon Will Be Digitized at EBPL Genealogy and Special Collections

Last month Johnson was reading a news article about the preservation of African American funeral programs in the Louisiana Florida Parishes. According to the article, Dr. Antoinette Harrell, a genealogist and local historian formed   a partnership   with Richardson Funeral Home, Inc. Amite, to preserved the the historical records. 

Last year Dr. Harrell  and Richardson Funeral Home, Inc. Amite,  established a collection at the Center for Louisiana Southeast Studies Department in Hammond, Louisiana.

Johnson contacted Harrell to talk with her about her collection. Harrell invited Johnson to her home office to look at the collection and to advise Johnson what to do to preserve the collection. After hearing what Harrell had to say, Johnson was committed to preserving tis collection for future generations in her family and family historian, genealogist and researchers.  

Funeral programs serve as a memorial for the dearly departed. In the programs, information about the deceased can be found. Such as their date of birth and the death date, the names of their parents and siblings, children, and other family members. If a woman was married, there is a strong possibility that you will find her maiden name in the program, Genealogist and historian find treasures in these programs and they value such documents.

Following the completion of Dr. Harrell's database for the Patsy Zander Johnson funeral program collection,  she confirmed that it contains one hundred and sixty programs.  Harrell's database comprised of the following: surname, given name, year of birth, date of birth, place of burial and location of burial.   

A number of the programs are from the funerals of the deceased who resided in St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Washington Louisiana Florida Parishes. A few of the programs were from Tylertown, Progress, and Osyks, Mississippi. Some of Tyltertown, Mississippi is a part of this collection.  The collection consist of a large number of Brumfield's and Briggs families. 

Dr. Harrell the curators for Richardson Funeral Home, Inc. Amite Funeral Programs, is promoting community awareness of the importance of preserving these rich historical collections.  Among the noted burial grounds are: Union Chapel AME Church Cemetery, Kentwood, Louisiana.  Mt. Olive Baptist Church Cemetery, Mt. Hermon, Louisiana,  Shady Grove Cemetery, Progress, Mississippi,  Crystal Springs Cemetery, Rocky Hill, Tylertown, Mississippi, Butler AME Cemetery, Amite, Louisiana,  Big Zion Cemetery,  Roseland, Louisiana, and Rocky Hill Cemetery in St. Helena Parish. 

The collection has been organized and compiled and is ready to be submitted to the East Baton Rouge Public Library Genealogy and Special Collections for digitization. All funeral programs are accessible to the public on the EBPL  Genealogy and Special Collections website. 

Links

The Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies

http://www.southeastern.edu/acad_research/programs/csls/historical_collections/archival_collections/r_s/richardson_funeral_home/index.html

East Baton Rouge Public Library

https://ebrpl.libguides.com/c.php?g=44597&p=284123

Harrell Researching at the Hill Memorial Library on LSU Campus

Research at the Hill Memorial Library
Photo Credit: Walter C. Black, Sr.

In the course of researching my paternal and maternal family history, I traveled to many research facilities with high hopes of finding new information and new leads.There have been many visits to the local libraries, the Louisiana State Archives, the Clerk's Office, Universities, and other research facilities in the area where my ancestors lived. My ancestors were enslave on plantation in the South, so I began looking for records on them. LSU has a very helpful finding aid that I found to be very helpful. 

The finding aids are descriptions of archival collections at LSU. They provide biographical or historical information about the creator. Details about what type of materials that can be found in the collection. It is always helpful when there is a finding aid. Believe it or not, there are records that doesn't provide a finding aid. Any research will tell you how it helps to have a finding aid. 

When there isn't a finding aid, it's a disappointment, because it means that you have to physically look through every document, and hope that you find find something which his helpful to your research. Also keep in mind that looking at the finding aid online can save you a lot of time when you get there. 

One thing to note is that LSU doesn't have many collection related to African-Americans. As a matter of fact, most of the research facilities that I have researched don't have many collections dedicated specifically to African-Americans. 

My primary reason for starting my collections was because of this very reason. It had been a very problemous process getting African Americans to donate their materials for preservation. In the future, I hope that I will be able to continue to educate and promote the importance of preserving our records outside of our homes for many reasons. 

30 Years of Research is Ready for Repository

Antoinette Harrell
Photo Credit: Walter C. Black, Sr. 

The investigation and documentation of the little-known antebellum history of African Americans in the two Louisiana Florida Parish was of vital importance to me. I have collected a lot of fascinating stories from people who have lived in the parishes for decades.  Every time a person that had lived for a long time passed away, these important stories died within them.  I asked myself, why wasn't their stories documented and filmed?

Historical Association and genealogy societies are prevalent in many parishes. The organizations mission is  to collect and preserve the history of the people who live in the parishes or counties. I have not yet found and organization or society that focuses on the study and preservation of African American history in the two Florida Parishes. 

The stories, images, and other documents I gathered during my genealogy research as well as local history documents have been invaluable to me and it will be helpful to others who are researching. At this point in my research, the material needs to be processed, cataloged, and donated for future studies and research so it can be used as useful sources. 

In fact, I will need a considerable amount of time to complete the project of preservation. Approximately thirty years of collecting and researching have gone into it and if I'm calculating right, it may take me three to four years to organize all the files.

The collection will consist of audio and video files, images and documents. Once a year, I donate local research sources to the Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies due to the fact that it should preserved and archival at a local institution.

African American Farmer in St Helena Parish, Louisiana Days Are Numbered

African American Farmers
Photo Credit: Walter C. Black, Sr. 

As farming's days draw to a close, we're seeing the end of the era unless they younger generation embrace gardening and farming. Today, African American  farmers are few and far in between in St. Helena Parish.  Many of them have died and others have gotten too old to carry how the task of farming and raising livestock.

During the dying -off of farming in the African American community, I came in at the very tail in to document their story about farming. A few farmers were still struggling to maintain their small farms with little or no help at all. 

During our conversation, they described their challenges related to agriculture with me. Their finances weren't enough to maintain or purchase equipment and their health was failing. It was stated that their children and grandchildren did not want to do this kind of work. Ultimately, they didn't have any other options but to accept that their days for farming were numbered. 

In the United States, many African American farmers faced discrimination practices. Their loan applications to purchase better equipment were rejected. Historically, the USDA had discriminate against Black farmers all across the United States.  As a result, they hardly could keep their heads above water while White farmers had loans approved for new equipment, land acquisition, purchases, and maintenance.

Bull Baker Making Homemade Syrup in St. Helena Parish

Bull Baker
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

Those that know him call him Bull Baker. Bull is a native of St. Helena Parish, Louisiana. He is also known for his gray mustache and his love for overalls. In addition to his gray mustache and his love for overalls, he is well-known for joking and teasing folks. He studied at Southern University N.O. and his retired.

A real country boy at heart, Bull is proud of his roots. He comes from a very large family in St. Helena. One of the largest African-American families in St. Helena is the Baker family. I should mention that Alphonse Baker and he bear the same surname however I am not sure how closely related they are. But rest assured, they are somehow connected through bloodlines.

Bull worked alongside the other men in order to make the delicious homemade syrup from scratch. He fed long stalks of sugarcane into the loud sounding machine that squeezed the naturally sweet juice out of each stalk.

Each man and his helpers are responsible for collecting the waste from beneath the old mill shed. All of the ground was covered with shredded cane.  As soon as every container was filled with the delicious, savory syrup and packed. It was now ready to be transported to the homes of those who placed orders. He was finished working at the old mill shed for the day. 

Fresh hot homemade buttermilk biscuits right out of the oven and homemade syrup make and excellent breakfast for the following morning with a hot cup of coffee. The smell of frying bacon and homemade biscuits always reminds people of their mother waking them up in the morning as the smell of fresh bacon wafted throughout the entire house. What a way to start your day off?

Award Winning Filmmaker and Genealogist Document the History of the Black Cowboys and Horsemen

Leonard Smith III, Award Wininng Filmmaker
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

Leonard Smith, III, who won several awards for his film called "A Place Called Desire' accompanied Harrell in documenting and interviewing the Black Cowboys and horsemen in St. Helena Parish several years ago. It was the first time Smith had been in the parish to document a rich undocumented subject. In his capacity as a filmmaker and genealogist researcher, Smith understands how important it is to document and tell our own stories.

His company LS3 Studios, a video production company provide services in person histories, photography, storytelling, and video editing. Having been briefly introduced to the topic of the black cowboys by Harrell, his attention was drawn to the story of the life of black cowboys and horsemen. Harrell arranged for photographer Walter C. Black, and Smith to join her in St Helena. Parish. All three with cameras in their hand enjoyed taking photographs. Their cameras mean to them what the horses means to the horse riders. 

While the horsemen rode their horses some of the men was cooking, barbecuing and boiling different types of meat. Among the meats was opossums, a meat Smith and Harrell have never tasted and had no plans to taste it that day. In others opinions, they both didn't know what they were missing by passing up the taste of wild game. 

They end the day with lots of photographs and video footage for preservation. There is nothing like exploring life around you and learning about the native people, their culture and way of life. Harrell is pleased that she had the opportunity to document some of the Black Cowboys events in the St. Helena Parish.

African American Cowboys Tie Down Ropers in the Louisiana Florida Parishes

Photo Credit: Walter C. Black, Sr.

A wonderful aspect of living in the beautiful Louisiana Florida Parishes is the opportunity to document  the rich history of the people that call the Florida Parishes home.  Historically, African American cowboys  and calf ropers have played an important role in the cattle industry. In the cowboy community Fred Whitfield won more than $3 million dollars and eight world championships competing on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association tour. 

A few years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Richard Johnson in St. Helena Parish.  Richard's father was a roper and was regarded as one of the best cow ropers in the parish. Whenever a cow got loose, the owners would call Richards's father to find it and bring it home. One of his old friends talked about how Richards father would find the animal every time. 

Richard's passion for rodeo, horse riding, and roping is inherited from his father.  Richard's place is a gathering place for cowboys and horsemen from the Florida Parishes who come to ride, rope, and barrel race. The sport is enjoyed by women and men alike. 

Cowboy hats, boots, and jeans were in full display on the riders of some of the riding clubs.  They rode their horse with pride and joy and the gallop for all the spectators. The equestrian feat was observed by all observers as they galloped with pride and joy. 

As part of preserving history, I documented the riders through photographs and video. In addition, I managed to interview a few horsemen. To ensure the future access to the Black Cowboys and Ropers stories, I  planned to donate the electronics files to the Amistad Research Center in New Orleans for future research and documentation. 

Syrup Making with Mr. James Baker in St. Helena Parish

James Baker
Photo Credit: Kris Davidson

There is little history recorded in the African-American community of the Louisiana-Florida Parishes about such things stories as the:  Syrup Makers, Black Cowboys, Midwives, Baseball Teams, Black Ropers, loggers, and the sawmill workers.  The syrup makers of St. Helena Parish meet each Thanksgiving in St. Helena to make syrup from sugarcane according to Michael Daniels, a native of St. Helena Parish.

Having been given the site, I decided to visit the master syrup maker myself. Since I wanted to watch the entire process from beginning to end, I got there really early. James arrive there early to start the fire from fat pine to get the stove going. I noticed that they used natural resources to make the oven. He used red clay dirt to make the container to hold the fire.  

I introduced myself and asked him if it was okay for me to take photographs and video the

process. I was extremely happy that he approved my presence and he assured me that everything was okay. James  is a man with few words but a vast amount of knowledge of his craft. In response to my question about who taught him the craft, he told me Monroe Perry.

Each man arrived with tons of sugarcane, containers for syrup, and helpers, and the trucks with sugarcane started rolling into the yard. In the first step of the process, the sugar cane was fed into a machine that squeezed out all its juice.  When the helpers pours the sugar cane liquid into the metal stove and heated up to a certain level that James monitored often. It was only he who had the ability to cook the syrup at that point. During the boil, he was skimming off the top as it slowly formed a foam. Afterward, he organized the containers where the syrup would be stored.

The next man in line was up next and the steps was repeated the last truck left the yard for the night. I learned a lot that day and was very appreciative of Michael informing of this process of making syrup. I met and interviewed several of the men who came out that day. 

Booker T. Lawson of Amite, Louisiana

Booker Timsey. Lawson
Courtesy of:  Mrs. Vernia Mcoy

Booker Timsey Lawson, was a member of Grant Chapel A.M.E. Church for m most of his life. During his life time of service, he served as a Steward and Trustee. He also served as president of the usher board. He was a member selected for the committee to build a Greater Grant Chapel Church. Mr. Lawson was a willing worker toward the financial efforts, reporting large amount of money. H was married to Mrs. Modena Lawson, and was the father of Bernard Lawson.  

He was born in 1899 to Esau and Malinda Tom Lawson. Booker died on December 25, 1976 and he is buried in Butler Cemetery.  His siblings were: Sallie Lawson Carter, Robert Lawson, Rosa Lawson, Willie Lawson, Eddie Lawson, Arthur Lawson, Bernard, Lawson, Mary Lawson, and Chauncey Lawson.

Mrs. Clara Hollins Watts of Amite, Louisiana

Mrs. Clara Hollins Watts

Mrs. Clara  Hollins Watts was born about 1893 and died in 1981 in Amite, Louisiana. She was is buried in Butler Cemetery in Amite, Louisiana. According to the 1900 United States Federal Census, she was living with her mother Viney Hollins. The census stated that her father was from Maryland. She was married to Ed Watts. 

On the 1910 United States Federal Census, Clara was a washerwoman and lived at home with her mother Viney. She was seventeen years of age. 

Mary Aaron of Amite, Louisiana

Mary Aaron

Mary Aaron was born around 1879 in Amite, Louisiana and died in 1962. She is buried in Butler Cemetery in Amite, Louisiana.  I used the U.S. Federal Census to learn more about Mary. In 1930 she was renting a house in Amite, Louisiana and had one son Emile, twenty-years old living in the house with her. Mary was married to Nelson Aaron in New Orleans, Louisiana. 

Adam Gordon on the Farm in Amite, Louisiana

Adam Gordon

Adam Gordon was the son of Willie K. Gordon, Sr. and Alma "Mandy Richardson Gordon. Before joining the military during the Vietnam War, he worked on his parents' farm. He was planting and harvesting the crops. His job duties were to tend to the livestock. One day during one of our interviews, he told me that he didn't like working on the farm but didn't have a choice doing that time. 

His paternal grandmother Mandy Wheat Jones was a farmer and herbalist in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana. Adam wouldn't even consider farming as a career. As soon as a window presented itself to get away from the farm work, he wasn't going to miss the opportunity, and he did just that. Adam was a community activist and organizer. He protested to integrate business and seek employment for many African Americans in Tangipahoa Parish. He organized a protest in front of Red and White Supermarket to get the store to hire African American Cashiers. 

When he was employed at Norco Refinery in Norco, Louisiana as a supervisor, he hired a lot of people for Tangipahoa Parish. He owned his own job and put many people to work in Tangipahoa and St. Helena Parishes.  Adam was married to Glynis Vernon Gordon and they had two sons and four grandchildren.