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.

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.