Alberta Irving and Ralph "Kid" Irving owned a grocery store and gas station in the 1950s.

Kid and Alberta Irving Grocery Store and Gas Station
Roseland, LA
Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell

Taking photographs of farm animals grazing in pastures or in picturesque meadows with colorful flowers and greenery on back roads in the early morning or midday is one of my favorite activities in the spring or summer. Photographs of those breathtaking landscapes would make excellent greeting cards and postcards. On a beautiful evening, I decided to take a back road in Roseland, Louisiana, instead of taking the interstate.  As I rode along a beautiful back road, I noticed a tiny wooden building with a single gas pump. I observed a gas pump that looked like it was from the early 1950s.

Since I did not have my camera with me, I used my phone to take the photograph. What is the history of the building?  My intention was to post the image on Facebook to see if anyone was familiar with the building's history. A couple of people who saw the picture started talking about the picture and sharing memories of the place. One of those people was a woman named Lorraine Deamer Lizana who shared her memories. "This is the store owned by my Aunt Alberta and Uncle Ralph "Kid" Irving on Washington Avenue," said Lorraine. 

"This store was built at least in the 50s because I remember it as a child. I lived down the gravel road about 1/8 mile fromthem. Uncle Kid drove the school bus. They were also farmers. Me and my cousin picked green beans and strawberries for them. Aunt Alberta would go to Amite to sell fruits and vegetables from the back of her pickup truck. She operated the grocery store in the picture selling dry goods, candy, dill pickles, pop, lunch meat, canned goods, Stage Planks, and other items. I remember my Mother Lena driving up to the gas pump and asking for a "dollar's worth" of gas for their old Ford Car."

Mayor Wanda McCoy of Roseland commented on the image. She confirmed that it was Aunt Alberta's and Uncle "Kid" Irving's grocery store. According to her, she had no idea it was still standing. I was intrigued to see that the post was shared thirty-three times, which generated fifty-six comments, as well as one hundred and sixty-five likes. The Irving family was entrepreneurs and owned lots of land. 

Others who shared memories were Adoncia Blevins Dyson. She said her grandmother Clara Irving walked them by the building and told them stories about the good old days. Russel Madre said he photographed that old gas station a few times. Matter of fact, someone said that a picture of the old store and gas station can be found hanging up at North Oak Hospital in Hammond, LA.

Genealogist, local historian visited Laurel Valley Sugar Plantation grandson

Connor visiting Laurel Valley Planation
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

In the early hours of the morning on a  beautiful Sunday, Eddie Ponds, owner, and publisher of The Drum Newspaper, along with my grandson Connor and I visited the Laurel Valley Plantation. This historic sugarcane plantation is located in Thibodaux and has been operating for over one hundred and fifty years. A short video on YouTube about Laurel Valley Plantation made me want to visit it as soon as possible. It wasn't long before that day came. It's an hour and forty-five-minute drive from my house, so that wasn't too far to travel on such a lovely Sunday morning. 

The plantation covers about 3,400 acres and includes   several outbuildings, and slave quarters. The plantation was established in 1830 by Joseph Tucker, a Virginian, who purchased more than 50, 000 acres of land along beautiful Bayou Lafourche. African enslaved people, as well as their descendants, worked on the plantation for decades until the Civil War ended. Currently, the plantation offers guided tours that focus on the history of the plantation's enslaved and their lives while working and living there.

Visitors can explore the grounds and learn about sugarcane cultivation, the history of the plantation, and
the daily lives of the enslaved people who lived there. The plantation also hosts events throughout the year, including a fall festival and a Christmas open house. At present, the property is still being used as a sugarcane farm.  Plantations like this are still profitable today. During our drive past the cabins, I could not help but think about how life must have been for those enslaved during those times. As I pondered the hardships they endured, I felt a deep ache in my heart. I thought about how little had changed in the years since they were freed from the chains of slavery. I felt a deep sadness for their suffering and a sense of helplessness in the face of such injustice. 

My grandson and I discussed the experience on our way home. He pointed out that seeing the cabins made him think about what it was like living as an enslaved person and how hard they had it.He found it difficult to wrap his head around the idea of being a slave, and the immense amount of courage and strength it must have taken to endure such hardship. "Looking at the small cabins, I couldn't help but think about the number of people living in them," said Connor. He was amazed by the courage and strength of the former enslaved and was humbled by the freedom he has today. "I was filled with admiration for those who had to endure such difficult living conditions," Connor reflected. He pointed out how he clearly understood why he shouldn't take anything for granted. I hope that he share what he learned with his siblings and friends.

The issues of Critical Race Theory and the removal of historical truths from classrooms really emphasize to me why I must continue teaching my grandchildren about their history. It was time to take the history class on the road. This experience has made me even more passionate about ensuring that my grandchildren learn the correct version of historyso that they can better understand the reality of the world they live in. I have been able to provide them with an in-depth understanding of how the past has shaped the present and how our actions today will shape our future. Teaching them the truth has been an invaluable experience and I look forward to continuing this journey with my grandchildren.

Antoinette Harrell visiting Laurel Valley Plantation
Photo Credit: Connor LaCoste

The Drum Newspaper established a collection at the Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies

Eddie Ponds
Preparing to donate his 
newspaper collection
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

The Drum Newspaper has donated 235 papers to the Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies through the Nurturing Our Roots and Untold History Foundation, LLC. Dedicated to Eddie and Carrie Well Ponds and their families, the collection is named after them. This is the fifth African American collection to be established under the direction of Dr. Antoinette Harrell, a local historian, and genealogist committed to African American history preservation in the Florida Parishes. 

These papers date back to 1992.  The Ponds family began publishing their own newspaper in 1986. Eddie and his wife Carol attended a lecture by Julian Bonds at Southeastern University. Eddie noticed that there were no news media covering the event. That was the day and event that helped the Ponds family establish The Drum Newspaper.The collection was well received by Keith Finley, assistant director of Southeastern Louisiana University's Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies. Historically, there has been a piece of history missing from the collections. 

You can take pride in knowing that Dr. Harrell is changing the narrative and working tirelessly to ensure that the history of African Americans in Florida Parishes is included in these collections at the center. There were several Louisiana Florida Parishes covered in the paper. Sharon, his daughter, joined us and talked about how she photographed for the newspaper. The newspaper was a family business that she witnessed her parents working hard to maintain for decades. 

Dr. Harrell was happy to see that he finally took the step to preserve the events, history, and stories of the people who wrote about for decades. His paper will help to fill in the missing pieces of history for African American people in the Florida Parishes. Dr. Harrell was pleased to see he took the step to preserve the events, history, and stories of the people he had written about for decades. In the Florida Parishes, his paper will help to fill in the missing pieces of history related to African Americans. 

Mayor of Ponchatoula signs application for Historical Marker for Rev. Arthur Tasker

Left to right
Eddie Ponds, Councilwoman Batiste, James M. Perrin
Antoinette Harrell, Mayor Robert F. Zambia

I am pleased to announce that today was a memorable day for the committee whose mission is to place a historical marker in honor of Rev. Arthur Tasker, Ponchatoula's first black mayor, local civic leader, educator, and religious leader. Tasker was born into slavery between the years of 1831 and 1835 in Maryland or Virginia. In Ponchatoula, he established the first Black school and church. At the request of Ponchatoula City Councilwoman Roslind McKay Batiste, representatives of Untold History Foundation, LLC, Dr. Antoinette Harrell, and Eddie Ponds of The Drum Newspaper appeared before the council asking the mayor and council for their support in February of 2023. A few years ago, Harrell suggested to Ponds that they put a historical marker in honor of this notable man who refused to let slavery hinder his accomplishments to build a better life for Black people in Ponchatoula. 

James M. Perrin, author of Ponchatoula, "A Community History, 2020," joins the committee. The application was accompanied by copies of the minutes and newspaper articles provided by Perrin. . Mayor Robert F. Zabbia signed off on the Louisiana Historical Marker application today after the committee worked for several weeks on it. Tasker is buried in Kiwanis Park in Ponchatoula, Louisiana

Rev. Arthur Tasker

The Hands That Picked the Strawberries

Citizens Voters League Members in Tangipahoa, Livingston, and St. Helena Parishes 1955

Photo Courtesy
Library of Congress

BE IT KNOWN, That on the this 3rd day of September, 1955, before me, Leonard E. Yokum, a duly commissioned and qualified Notary Public, within and for the Parish and Sate aforesaid, personally came and appeared the several parties of the full age of majority, whose signatures are hereunto subscribed, who declared in the presence of the undersigned competent witnesses, that, availing themselves of the provision of the Louisiana Revised Statues (1950) Sections 12:101-12:155, they do hereby organize a non-profit corporation as defined in R.S. 12:101 (8) under and in accordance with these articles of incorporation.

The full names and post office address of its register agents are: Rev. J.J. Montgomery of Hammond, Louisiana  and J. W. Elliot of Ponchatoula, Louisiana. The names of the first directors and their post office address as follows:

Tangipahoa Parish

Rev. J. J. Montgomery, Hammond, LA

Lavoice Harvey, Hammond, LA

Rev. E. M. Booker, Hammond, LA

J.W. Elliott, Ponchatoula, LA

Johnny Flowers, Hammond, LA

T.T. Terry, Jr, Ponchatoula, LA

Bun John Montgomery, LA

C. P. Mitchell, Hammond, LA

Rev. Hub Square, Tickfaw, LA

Rev Paul Silas, Amite, LA

Wesley Bailey, Head of Island, LA

Antoine Martin, Springfield, LA

Lester Youngblood, Maurepas, LA

Frank Buckhalter, Kilian, LA.

Eddie Cox, Head of Island, LA

Lawerence Willis, Killian, LA

Clarence Garner, Springfield, LA 

Steve Harris, Walker, LA

Rev. A. F. Gray, Denham Spring, LA

Oscar Hall, Greensburg, LA

W.M. Coleman, Greensburg, LA

George Carter, Denham Springs, LA

Clemon Ricard, Montpelier, LA

Winston Rudison, Denhman, LA

Bennie Tate, Greensburg, LA

Elyn Howard Darlington, LA. 

The 4th great-granddaughter of whipped Peter discusses the movie Emancipation with Dr. Antoinette Harrell

Dr. Antoinette Harrell interviewing Bobbie Seymour 

I recently spoke with Kathe Hambrick, founder of the River Road Museum, about a woman named Bobbie Seymour, whois the 4th great granddaughter of Aaron Peter Jackson aka Peter Gordon. I was asked by Kathe if I would assist Bobbie in getting past her brick wall regarding her 4th great grandfather Peter. Our conversation briefly focused on Will Smith's upcoming film, Emancipation, and how the family wasn't consulted about Peter.

Like Bobbie, I felt the same way earlier this year when I watched the movie "Alice," which was based on a story I discovered 20 years ago. In 1963, a woman named Mae Louise Wall Miller escaped slavery with her family. Despite the fact that it was inspired by my research, no one from the production team contacted me to discuss my research.

Contacting the families or researchers would provide the film producers with so much information about the subject. The movie Alice was criticized for not adding up after Mae ran to her freedom, as many people pointed out. Mae's life after she escaped would have been more interesting if the producers had known more about it. 

Aaron Peter Jackson aka Peter Gordon
Library of Congress

The Jackson family is a very large family, and many Jackson family members still live in Port Hudson. "I wish they would have searched around to talk with some of Aaron Peter Jackson's descendants," said Bobbie. We weren't difficult to find if only they would have spent sometime searching for us she said.  I am happy to see that his tory is being told in the end said Bobbie

We talked for about an hour during our interview. Her coffee table was covered with pictures and documents of her grandfather Peter and other family members. Additionally, she showed photographs that she inherited from a family member illustrating her Cherokee heritage. During our visit, Bobbie showed me a picture of Ruby, her 5th great grandmother, a full blooded Cherokee. Ruby was Peter's mother-in-law. Ruby was from Summit, Mississippi.

I asked Bobbie if she thought she would be emotional watching Emancipation. I warned her that the reenactment of the beatings and inhumane treatment may be difficult to watch. There are movies that can make you cry if they touch you in a particular way. If a movie is about your family member and you are watching inhumane treatment, the experience is personal. In any case, that could be a very difficult situation. The Jackson's are strong people she said. We don't allow anything to hold us down. If something knocks us down, we get right back up. That was we inherited from Peter, determination, courage, and hold on to God no matter what we are faced with Bobbie said.

She described the Jacksons as strong people. There is  nothing that can hold us back. No matter what knocks us down, we bounce right back up. As Bobbie said, it was determination, courage, and holding on to God no matter what that we were facing that we inherited from Peter.  Her research revealed his name, something that has been a little confusing down through the decades. There are a few things that Bobbie want people to know first is his name. His name isn't Peter Gordon, his name is Aaron Peter Jackson.
Secondly he wasn't born in Louisiana. He was born in Virginia and came to Louisiana as a slave. He was owned by Andrew Jackson on a plantation in Tennessee according the research of Bobbie. Andrew Jackson owned The Hermitage plantation. 

Bobbie plans to watch the movie with family and friends. I will contact Bobbie after she see the movie and get her thoughts about the movie. I spoke with the editor of The Drum Newspaper concerning interviewing Bobbie about her family history and thoughts about the upcoming meeting.  There was a time when we didn't have the platforms to tell our own stories. The only thing Bobbie feels she has achieved is to tell her own story.

Tied to the Land

Louisiana African American History Makers (Reprint the Drum Newspaper)

Homer Plessy,  challenged a two year old street car law that departed passengers traveling on trains in Louisiana. His action made him a plaintiff and defendant in the landmark. U.S. Supreme Court Case of Plessy v.s. Ferguson in 1896. March 17, March 1, 1925.

Dr. Walter A. Reed, First Black Physician Tangipahoa Parish. 1875-1945

Gideon Tillman Carter, Sr, Principal, coach, community leaders, and was the first Black elected to  Ponchatoula board of aldermen since Reconstruction.  March 15, 1924- November 1,  1984. 

M.C. Moore filed a lawsuit in 1950 against the Tangipahoa Parish School Board in Tangipahoa Parish. The case was won. The school system is still operating under federal court orders.

"Coach" Reginald A. Cotton, Sr, was one of the Tangipahoa Parish most successful football and track coaches. He later served not he Tangipahoa Parish School Board. November 4, 1927- December 9, 1986

Wilbert Lee Dangerfield, Hammond's first black councilman. He served from 1977-1994. The community activist served on the board and held membership in many organizations to help community throughout Tangipahoa Parish. August 30, 1937- July 18, 2011

Joyce Marie Moore vs. Tangipahoa Parish School Board is one of the most famous lawsuits in Tangipahoa Parish. This case has been in court for more than 50 years. 

Forchia Mae Wilson, Educator, community leader, founder and curator for Sweet Home Museum in Kentwood, LA. May 9, 1925-March 26, 2011

Edwin H. Wilson. The first black to teach tailoring to veterans in Tangipahoa Parish. He later became a full time tailoring teacher in the Tangipahoa Parish School System. October 28, 1918-November 20, 1980

Micheal D. Jackson,  Jackson played for the NFL after he was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the sixth round of the 1991 NFL Draft. A  wide receiver from the University of Southern Mississippi. Jackson played in eight NFL seasons from 1991-1998 for the Browns and the Baltimore Ravens before retiring. He was the first professional football player from Tangipahoa Parish. 

Melvin Lee "Kip" Holden, On November 3, 2004, he was elected as the first Black Mayor-President of East Baton Rouge Parish. August 12, 1952

Dr. Leo Stanley Butler, In 1918, Butler was the first male to receive a diploma form what became McKinley High School. IN 1926, he began a lifelong practice of medicine and community service. He was known as the "Dean of Black Physicians." He was named General Practitioner of the Year" by the National Medical Association in 1962. Both the East Baton Rouge Medical Society and the East Baton Rouge Medial Association honored him for outstanding community service.  August 12, 1899 to September 8, 1978. 

Arna Wendell Bontemps, is famous for his books featuring black characters, he wrote many notable pieces including God Sends Sunday (1931), Black Thunder (1936), The Story of the Negro (1948) and Great Slave Narratives (1969). October 13, 1902-June 10, 1974

Ernest Nathan "Dutch" Morial, lawyer, judge, State Legislator, and mayor. He was born in New Orleans, in 1977 he was elect the first Black mayor of the City of New Orleans. October 9, 1929-December 24, 1989.

Gideon T. Carter An Educator and Political Leader in Tangipahoa Parish

Gideon Tillman Carter

Gideon Tillman Carter, 1924-1984, believed in a powerful of God, a solid education, and strong work ethic. Carter was the son of Rev. Gideon T. and Virginia Jones Carter  on March 15, 1924 in Baton Rouge. Carter's life was filled with many hard earned accomplishments and milestones. At the Age of 17, he volunteered for the Army, In 1951, Carter received an Army commission as second lieutenant from Southern University R.O.T.C Carter obtained a bachelor's degree in industrial and technical education that same year.

In 1951, Carter became the classroom teacher in the Tangipahoa Parish School System. He was appointed principal of Perrin Junior Hight School in Ponchatoula in 1958. In the sixties, he was instrumental in organizing the first Head Start Program in Tangipahoa Parish. In 1967, Carter was appointed to organize a news elementary school in Ponchatoula now D.C Reeves. 

Realizing the advantages of a coeducation environment. Carter worked hard to implement a system of coeducation in the lower elementary schools in Ponchatoula witch included D.C. Reeves and Tucker Elementary Schools. These schools became coeducational in 1977 after Carter submitted his proposal of coeducation vs. separation by sext in the lower elementary school to the Tangipahoa Parish School Board. 

In 1971, he earned an education master's degree in supervision and administration form Southern University,  Baton Rouge. In 1974, he earned 'plus thirty' hours from Southeastern Louisiana University with certificate as school principal, supervisor of student teaching and visiting teacher. He was also certified as city or parish supervisor and supervisor of the child welfare and attendance.

A committee man, he knew the value of education and hard work. He spent much of his life trying got install these values and ideas into  the children and the community. Very active in the community, he was visible, honest participant in government and a caring teacher.

After his retired from the Tangipahoa Parish School System he was employed by Evangeline Parish  Community Action Agency in Ville Plate, working as a counselor from August 1979 to June 1981. He worked in 15 parishes setting up the job training programs for junior and senior hight schools, to keep them from becoming dropouts.

Carter was the first black elected city official in Ponchatoula. In April of 1980, he was elected Aldermen of the Fourth District in the City of Ponchatoula. He also had the occasion to serve as mayor pro-ten. In July 1981, Quad Area Community Action Agency in Hammond hired him as parish coordinator. He implemented the Home Provider Child Care Program in this parish and headed a federal food distribution program parish wide.

Carter's drive and ambition was and asset to every organization he was involved in and every person he touched. He was an active member of the following organizations: The Louisiana Association of Education, The Tangipahoa Education Association, The Board of Directors of Hammond Mental Health Center, Disabled Veterans Chapter #16 and the Prince Hall Mason. He was one fo the five board members and the first black appointed to the U.S. Army Selective Service System Board 64 of Hammond.

His wife, Mary Deemer Carter, and his four children are committed to keeping the spirit of his ambition and determination alive. Attorney Gideon T. Carter III, resides in Louisiana, are does Gwendolyn R. Carter and Genor E. Carter reside in Denver.

Gideon T. Carter was educator, administrator, organizer and political leader. He believed in education for all people. He encouraged children to strive for the best education possible.

Written and Published by the family of Gideon T. Carter

Reprint: Nurturing Our Roots Blog

Source: The Drum Newspaper

Eddie Ponds, Publisher of The Drum Newspaper Visited the Gravesite of Rev. Arthur Tasker

Eddie Ponds 
At the Gravesite of Rev. Arthur Tasker
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

Eddie Ponds and I often hold conversations about Rev. Arthur Tasker, the first and only black mayor to ever hold the seat as mayor in the City of Ponchatoula, Louisiana. Rev. Arthur Tasker also started Tasker's A.M.E. Church. According to the 1870 United States Federal Census, he was born around 1835 in Virginia. He married his wife Sarah Smith Tasker in 1887 in Tangipahoa Parish,

The children listed in the 1870 census were: David Tasker, Clinton Tasker,  Mary Tasker, and Harriet Tasker. In the 1880 United Census the children listed were: Wm. C. Tasker, Levina Tasker, Amma Tasker, Lois Tasker, and Augretia Tasker.

For years Eddie Ponds and I have been talking about the need to place a historic marker in Ponchatoula for Rev. Arthur Tasker. We both know how important these historic marker are.  There isn't on historic marker from Ponchatoula to Kentwood, Louisiana.

Ponchatolua Colored School Class of 1946 Remembers the Past (Reprint The Drum Newspaper)

May 11, 2002 was the 55th class reunion for Ponchatoula Colored School (Rosenwald Elementary School & Perrin Jr. High School) class of 1947. In a reunion, the Ponchatoula Colored School students discussed the events of the past and the experiences they had there. 

The school was established in the 1900. The school was housed in Tasker Chapel AME. New Zion Baptist was used as a school. A organization called the Brotherhood Hall.also held school in their hall according to The Drum Newspaper  publisher. Eddie Ponds,  Some people held schools in their homes 

As time passed, the need for a larger facility to educate black students was necessary. Several black community leader knock on the doors to collect money to purchased land for J. R. Abel. After acquiring the land the Rothbum and William Lumber Company and Rosenwald donated materials, and labor to build the new school. The building was completer in 192l. The black children continued their education in the new four-room Rosenwald. 

Ponchatoula Colored School was located on the same site as Perrin Early Learning Center. Black and white students were not allowed to meet after school during that time of segregation, unless there was a fight happening. 

Our school has always been patriotic under Professor Reeves. Every time he rang the bell, each class marched to class in line. Upon entering the classroom, we prayed, sang "My Country Tis of Thee" as told by Mrs. Ella Ash Badon, and recited the 23 Psalms. 

Several students picked up chips and started a fire. In one classroom, there were 56 children. As cold as it was, we gathered around the old wood heater to warm up the room. "During that time, the community was involved in raising the children," said Mrs. Badon. 

They were sisters, Mrs. Ella Ash Badon and Mrs. Ruby Ash. Both of them were teachers. The love that teachers have for their students is evident from Mrs. Ruby Ashe's perspective. My students wouldn't leave my class when I taught first grade, said Mrs. Ruby Ashe. When it was time for the first graders to be promoted to 2nd grade, they would cry on their way to their new class room she said.

Professor David Charles Reeves
Photo Credit: Gwen Carter

From the janitor to the principal, everyone cared about the children. Preston Kenny's dedication to children was admired. He made benches from apple boxes for the cafeteria and classrooms by hand. Quite a jolly man he was. He worked as a barber after school. 

Professor Reeves was a peacekeeper. He negotiated a plan with the white principal Tangiphaoa Parish School Board asking that the white students be dismissed before the black students. This was to avoid afterschool fights between the black and white students.  Professor Reeves started his principalship in 1928.

Former students noted that black students started school in July and were dismissed in March to pick strawberries. Those were hard times, and some people talked about walking a long way to school. The black student had hand me down books from the white schools during the hard times in the 1940s. However, that didn't stop black students from studying hardand succeeding. 

As Norma Watkins Stallworth recalls, "I remember marching to class, keeping time, and collecting wood to start a fire if it was cold." Reeves often walked the community collecting money for the March of Dimes she also noted. Professor Reeves was highly regarded by Ethel Cooper Porter. When he rang the bells for classes, he had a mysterious way of grabbing everyone's attention. The bell seemed to talk to you because you understood what it meant. Reeves was fair in all his dealings with people. He was an outstanding educator.

"There were many hard times. I picked up many buckets of coal to keep the room warm," Mildred Elliot Richardson said. In one room, Professor Reeves taught two classes. Rattan was his favorite switch to keep us in line, especially the boys. In home economics class, I learned how to sew and made all the clothes for my children. Reeves demanded and accepted on the best his students had to offer. He went to the homes and asked the parents to send their children to school to get an education. Under Professor Reeves' leadership and administration, the school continued to grow. A junior high school was established in 1951 at Perrin. Professor Reeves dedicated his life to improving his students' academic, vocational, and civic education. In order to accomplish this, he increased the number of subjects, teachers, and facilities.

During his tenure we went from four-room elementary school with five teachers to an eighteen-room elementary school and Junior High School with seventeen teachers. A well-equipped woodworking shop offered students pportunity to study woodworking, and a home economics department provided them with the opportunity to study homemaking. In the auditorium and gymnasium, students could hold assemblies and participate in athletics. 

During the 1940s, every young man worked and did not miss a day of school or sleep in class since he needed the education and money to buy clothes. A student named Joe Brumfield worked at Carruth Drug Store.  The black students had to make the transition from Ponchatoula to Hammond to finish high school. Mrs. Dorothy Andrews, a teacher, used to write on the chalkboard with her left hand and erase with her right hand as soon as she finished writing. Two of Ponchatoula most admired, and loved teachers Mrs. Ruby Ash Loves and her sister Mrs. Ella Ash Badon. 

Fifty-four years ago, in 1947, we proudly accepted out grade diplomas from Professor Reeves. Long before the Army's slogan "be all that you can be" or the United Negro College Fund slogan " a mind can be a terrible thing to waste" Professor Reeves reminded us daily that we could be anything we wanted to be, and he did not allow us to waste our minds. We appreciate him being a model educator for his teachers and students. They gave us the best they had to offer. He demonstrated that teaching is a twenty-four hour creative profession, which provide students with the desire to learn and motivate them to be their best. 

"Professor Reeves taught us to be proud and not just to be good, but stride to be better. Reeves realized long before it was a popular saying," it take a community to raise a child." He worked hard to get the. parents and community to become involved in the education of the students.

The class reunion attendees honored him and their former teachers by remembering and recognizing the solid foundation they bestowed upon them. 

Written and Published by Eddie Ponds, Editor and Publisher of The Drum Newspaper

Reprinted by Nurturing Our Roots

A Tribute to African American Men Trailblazers Honorees of Tangipahoa (Reprint) 1992) The Drum Newspaper

Shown here are the honorees at the first Tribute to African American Males sponsored by the WOmen's Black History Committee of Hammond. The honorees were selected for their contributions to the community. Shown front from left are Rudolph Gibson, M.C. Moore, James Are, Sumpton Hammond, Freeman Ramsey, and Eddie Ponds.

Rear: Isaac Defrick, Gilmore Green, Dr. J L. Garrett, Andrew Jackson, George Perkins, Walter Ard, and James Martin. 

Tangi Voter Drive Pioneers Honored by Area Citizens (Reprint from the Drum Newspaper)

Alvin Holden

Drummer Publisher Hammond-It was standing room only at the Pear Ridge Church on Feb 21,  the church and the Magnolia Peace  Officer association honored civil rights activist "Bobby" Jackson for his contribution paving the way for American Americans to vote in the Tangipahoa Parish. 

During and prior to the 1950s African American were not allowed to register at the courthouse in Amite. Alvin Holden, the guest speaker for the event. Holden said the framework for the civil right movement in the parish was formed when all the black American Legion posts and agreed to meet and discuss the problems of voter registration. After months of meeting and mapping, and strategizing they finalized a plan that they decided to try. It didn't work and African American were once again denied the right to vote. 

However the efforts continue with the formation on Oct 19, 1945, with the People's Defense League in New Orleans.  A branch of the leagues was formed in "Tangipahoa Parish" according to Holden. Holden was part of the organizations. On Sept 20, 1951, after ra group o blacks was turned away at the registrar's office, the league filed a suit in the Federal Courts in in New Orleans, LA.

Ernest Wright, and attorney was the director for the People 's Defense Fund in New Orleans. Through his efforts the local league was able to contact the proper officials  and the case went to court.  On October 15,

Photo Credit: Library of Congress

1951, the league began soliciting funds to cover the expenses of the case Holden said. He said the league pulled a surprise by filing its case in the U.S. District Court in New Orleans. Louis Berry, a attorney for Alexandria, La was retained by the league to handle the case.

The case was assigned to Judge Hebert Christenberry and was known as Williams vs Williams. But just before it went to trial the parish register of voter resigned and Christenberry ruled in fave of the league. "This wasn't the first time that blacks had tried to vote in Amite and was denied," said Holden. An old man from Independence who was born in Mississippi wanted to dsomethi for his people, so he tried several times to register along with others. They all was denied the right to vote once again.

For nearly 100 years, black in Tangipahoa Parish had been prevented from registering by threats and force.  Holden said black men served in all the wars. They sacrificed and gave their lives for other to be free, yea ye were forcefully prevented from having any parts in determining who would represent them at any level of government.  During 1930s black people became restless. Many attempted to gain their rightful place in society and to benefit the rights guaranteed them by the U.S. Constitution.

Photo Credit: Library of Congress

"Regardless of how hard we tried, it was to no avail," said Holden. After World War II, which  exposed thousands of young black to world affairs. they was compelled with a new determination do so something about the political situation in Tangipahoa Parish. 

The veterans organized with community support. But later, after the committee had been formed and the first attempt to register blacks to vote had been made. "It was learned American Legion Charter forbade the fostering political groups," said Holden. On night of October 20, 1951: Post Commander Alvin K. Holden of officially declare that he could not sponsor a political group under the American Legion, because was against the Legion's Constitution foster political  or religious group. Upon this declaration at this grim period there were very sad expressions on the face of 300 people who jammed the auditorium of the Independence Colored School with much uneasiness this committee was then dissolved. From it on a political  organization called " The Peoples Defense League of Tangipahoa Parish, in which Post Commander Alvin K. Holden was selected parish president. Other officers of this organization were:

Rev. E. M. Booker, Vice President

Mrs. Myrtle Gordon, Secretary

Mr. James Elliott, Treasurer

Mrs. Rovan Stanley, Financial Secretary

The fight to vote was continued by this league. The suit was filed by Attorney Louis Berry of Alexandria, Louisiana against William Mason, Registrar of Voters of Tangipahoa Parish, and State of Louisiana. The case was assigned to the Eastern District Court in New Orleans, Louisiana by Judge Herbert J. Christenberry and Judge J.S. Wright south of New Orleans, Louisiana. The following names signed the complaint:

Burnell Stevens

1. Mr. Armanda Butler

2. Mr. Robert E. Jackson

3. Mr. Alvin E. Holden

4. Mr. Leonard P. Holden

5. Mr. Clarence Bernard

6. Mr. Blanche Mitchell

8. Mr. John Alvin Clark.

The Legacy of Three Generations Vernon Men of Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana

Each time I speak with members of the Vernon family and others who were a part of the community and have recollections of some of the  community leaders. The Vernon family names comes to their minds.  I learn some new history about the Vernon men who were pioneers and community leaders. Several years ago, one of my dearest friends, Glyniss Vernon Gordon a  relatives by marriage shared with me her Vernon family history. 

Her parents. Dr. Willard Vernon and his wife Alma Harrison Vernon, were my childhood icons. Both of her parents were educators in the Tangipahoa Parish School System. They held high standard for their students academic achievements. They were  two pillars in their community and both made a difference in the lives of so many students and people. 

The Vernon humanitarian works didn't begin with her father Dr. Willard Vernon. His great grandfather Robert "Free Bob" Vernon, a former slave who immigrated to Louisiana from Mississippi, Robert purchased more than 1, 100 acres of land and gave one hundred acres to each of his children in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana. Robert also made a generous gift of land to established a church, school and cemetery in Arcola, Louisiana. 

Glyniss often recounts how her father and grandfather and others worked tirelessly to open the Good
Samaritan Nursing Home in Washington Parish, Louisiana. The nursing home was established in 1987. Glyniss was so proud of father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. 

Glyniss V. Gordon and Gregory Route, 
Mayor of Franklinton, La. 

Third District Bogue Chitto Baptist Association "Good Samaritan Nursing Home" Board of Director were as follows: Rev. Raymond Mims, President, Rev A.J. Manning, Rev. James Mahoney, Rev. Aaron Thompson, Rev. Carlis Hart, Mrs, Pearl Wilson, Rev. Leo Edgerson, Rev. R. He. Cornist, Rev. Dr. Altwood Luther, Bro. Jo Williams, Matthew Tate, David Wood, Ben Fussell, Harris Farris, Rev. Dr. Willard Vernon, Ex-Officio.

Glyniss and her family stood proudly by the cornerstone dedication. The Historical background was presented by Pastor Johnny Causey. The speaker for the hour was Rev. Dr. Raymond Mims, because he couldn't make the event, Rev. Dr. Bobby Showers was the keynote speaker. 

Comments was made by Glyniss Vernon Gordon, Mayor Gregory Route, and Mrs. Annie Grace. Glyniss  stand on the shoulders of her ancestors who were leaders, pioneers, and visionaries. Today, the legacy of the Vernon family continues. These are just a few of their major accomplishments and contributions to their communities and societies. Glyniss herself is a pioneer, as she was the first African American woman elected to serve on the City of Amite Council.  Gregory Route became the first black mayor of Franklinton, Louisiana.  "I knew that my parents were hard workers, but to me they was just daddy and mama," said Glyniss. I want my grandchildren to learn more about the legacy of my father's family she said. 

The offsprings of 
Rev. Dr. Willard Vernon and Mrs. Alma Harrison Vernon
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

Dr. Antoinette Harrell Reveals Family History to Publisher and Editor of the Drum Newspaper

Eddie Ponds
The Drum Newspaper 
Publisher

Dr. Harrell spoke with Eddie Ponds, owner and publisher of the Drum Newspaper about his family history. Eddie expressed his desire to research his family history with Dr. Harrell, a renowned genealogist and local historian in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana. Eddie explained to Harrell that his father's side fo the family originated from Plaquemine, Louisiana during the course of their conversation. In a matter of minutes, Harrell began searching for information about his ancestry. A gift that she want to give to Mr. Ponds, because he gives so much to the African American community.

Harrell invited Mr. Ponds to join her at the Amite Library Genealogy Department to research his family history utilizing Ancestry on the computer. He was excited to find information on his father and his grandparents.  Mr. Ponds father Eugene Ponds was working at the Louisiana Cypress Lumber Company in Ponchatoula, Louisiana. "According to the 1920  United States Federal Census, Eugene was 28 years old and his birthplace Louisiana." He was living in the Police Jury Ward 4, East Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He was living on Bayou Sarah Road. He was laborer at a sawmill and lived as a boarder in the home with Stirling Fields, Bertrand Hampton, Alfred Scale, Eli Allen, Baurnyard McDaniel. 

Eugene Ponds
Military Registration Card

They discovered that Eddie's father Eugene Ponds, Sr.  was born around 1892. According to his military
registration card, he was 27 years old at the time and he was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  His race was African, and he was married. Eugene was married to Ida Mae Davis Ponds. They were the parents of ten children: Mary Loui Ponds, Ella Mae Ponds, Eugene Ponds, Jr., John Wesley Ponds, Isiah Ponds, Paulette Ponds

Eugene's parents were Severley Ponds. Severly was born in around 1860 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. His wife Isabella Roner Ponds was born around 1868 and died in 1958. I was happy that Mr. Ponds walked out of the Amite Genealogy Library with some new information on the Ponds side of his family. We'll continue to research his family lineage on his paternal side of his family, 

Negro Rehabilitation Client, Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana ( Untitled Photo)

 

About this Item

Title

[Untitled photo, possibly related to: Negro rehabilitation client, Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana]

Contributor Names

Rothstein, Arthur, 1915-1985, photographer

United States. Resettlement Administration.

Created / Published

[1935 Sept.]

Subject Headings

-  United States--Louisiana--Tangipahoa Parish

Headings

Nitrate negatives.

Genre

Nitrate negatives

Notes

-  Title and other information from a possibly related negative. Image came to Library of Congress untitled. (There was no caption for this image in the FSA/OWI shelflist.)

-  Appears to be related to negative LC-USF33-002076-M1 https://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/fsa1997007201/PP/

-  Transfer; United States. Office of War Information. Overseas Picture Division. Washington Division; 1944.

-  More information about the FSA/OWI Collection is available at http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.fsaowi

Medium

1 negative : nitrate ; 35 mm.

Call Number/Physical Location

LC-USF33- 002078-M5 [P&P]

Source Collection

Farm Security Administration - Office of War Information Photograph Collection (Library of Congress)

Repository

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, DC 20540 USA http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.print

Digital Id

fsa 8a07238 //hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/fsa.8a07238

Library of Congress Control Number

2017721041

Reproduction Number

LC-USF33-T01-002078-M5 (b&w film dup. neg.) LC-DIG-fsa-8a07238 (digital file from original neg.)

Rights Advisory

No known restrictions. For information, see U.S. Farm Security Administration/Office of War Information Black & White Photographs https://www.loc.gov/rr/print/res/071_fsab.html

Online Format

image

LCCN Permalink

https://lccn.loc.gov/2017721041

Kasia Trepagnier Tangipahoa Celebrity

Kasia Trepagnier
Photo Courtesy: Kasia's Facebook page

Kasia Trepagnier is the daughter of Tangipahoa Parish Natives,  Andrew and Belinda Trepagnier. She is a descendant of Ben and Annie Richardson Vining of St. Helena Parish, Louisiana. She had appeared in 27 films including NCIS, Queen Sugar, Girl's Trip and Palmer just to name a few. Kasia is also a model  and actress who travels extensively to Atlanta and other states to model and act.

She was the top model for Bonner Borther's 2021 Top Model and participated this years in New York's Fashion Week, she was also recognized at the Essence Festival in New Orleans. She walked the red carper with other celebrities. She is currently working on a Will Smith film titled "Emancipation" that is filming in St. Francisville.  

I find Kasia to be a very kind and lively person. The sky is the limit for Kasia, and she had a very strong support system from her family.