Carter LaCoste, a student at St. Augustine High School, advocated for swimming classes as part of the sport activities

Carter's competitive swim meets
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

Swimming plays a vital role in LaCoste's life, offering both physical and mental benefits. It provides a unique sense of freedom and relaxation, supports his fitness, and serves as an effective stress reliever.  He also values swimming for the opportunities it gives him to set personal goals and achieve a fulfilling sense of accomplishment. He swims at least four times a week after school. 

In New Orleans, where much of the city lies below sea level, swimming is a critical life skill. Although some schools lack pools, they partner with external facilities to teach swimming, emphasizing its importance in saving lives—a lesson he deeply understands.  Lacoste began his sophomore year at New Orleans' St. Augustine High School, renowned for its strong educational foundation and rich tradition. Becoming a Purple Knight held special significance for him, as it represented a connection to the school's values and identity. However, during his time there, he discovered that the school did not offer swimming as part of its athletic program. This was a notable disappointment for LaCoste as swimming was an activity he valued. He called me to discuss this with me, highlighting the lack of a swimming program as a significant observation about his new school environment.

Anyone familiar with Carter knows that he isn't hesitant to speak or advocate for a cause, and he will argue his point relentlessly. His mother, Victorica, often remarks that he should become an attorney because he is determined to make his point. He's always up for a good debate, that's for sure. During the previous school term, he engaged with Coach Sims,  the school's athletic director, to explore the possibility of introducing swimming as a school activity. "Coach Sim was all ears and was on board," said LaCoste.   Sims took proactive steps to address LaCoste's request rather than allowing it to remain unaddressed. At the start of the current academic year, he  was pleasantly surprised to discover that swimming would indeed be offered at St. Augustine High School. Moreover, he was deeply impressed to learn that approximately twenty students had enrolled in the class during its inaugural meeting. Many of the students had no idea that could be done LaCoste said. We had our first entry meeting and we start swim practice this coming Monday said LaCoste.

LaCoste
Backstroke competitive swimming 
Image: Antoinette Harrell

He was thrilled to call and share the good news. The whole family is proud of him and, most importantly, for the students eager for swimming lessons. Once LaCoste sets his mind to something, he does not stop until he accomplishes it, so his achievements come as no surprise. LaCoste advocacy for integrating swimming into sports programs is highly commendable. This young man serves as a model of leadership, demonstrating a promising future. His efforts have significantly raised awareness about swimming's critical role as both a life skill and a sport.  LaCoste dedication has created new opportunities for youth but also motivated others to engage in advocacy within their communities. 

About Attorney Ebony Morris of Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana

Attorney Ebony Morris

Ebony S. Morris is an associate attorney based in the New Orleans office of Garrison, Yount, Forte, & Mulcahy, L.L.C. She is a graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University (B.A., cum laude, 2011) and Southern University Law Center (J.D., cum laude, 2014). She became a member of the Louisiana Bar in 2014 and is admitted to practice before the United States District Courts for the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of Louisiana and the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. She is a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association, New Orleans Bar Association, Greater New Orleans Chapter of Louis A. Martinet Society (2020-2021 President-Elect), Defense Research Institute, Claims and Litigation Management Alliance, and the National Bar Association. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

Ebony has extensive experience in defending premise liability, product liability, trucking liability, retail and hospitality liability, and mass tort litigation matters. In those areas, Ebony represents product manufacturers, corporations, national franchise restaurants, insurers, and their policyholders through all phases of litigation. She has successfully obtained summary judgment in favor of a premises owner seeking additional insured status under a commercial general liability policy and has successfully obtained summary judgment in favor of a restaurant franchise owner in a premises liability matter.

Recently, Ebony was selected for inclusion in the 2020 and 2021 Louisiana Super Lawyers “Rising Stars” List, The National Black Lawyers “Top 40 Under 40,” the 2020 Lawyers of Color “Hot List,” and the National Association of Women Lawyers 2021 Rising List. She was also named as a nominee for the Claims and Litigation Management Alliance’s 2020 Young Outside Counsel of the Year Award, and she received the 2020 Outstanding Young Woman Lawyer Award from the National Bar Association Women Lawyers Division.

Source: Reprint from the National Black Lawyers Website

Native of Amite, Louisiana Dr. Daphne L. Richardson an Optometry Specialist

Dr. Daphne Richardson
Photo Courtesy: Dr. Richardson Facebook Page

Dr. Daphne L. Richardson is an Optometry Specialist in New Orleans, Louisiana. She is the granddaughter of Supt. Alexander Richardson and Missionary Melissa Wheat Richardson. The daughter of the late Joseph Richardson and Linda Topps. She graduated with honors from University of Houston-College of Optometry in 2002. She had more than 19 years of diverse experiences, especially in Optometery. 

American Singer Irma Thomas Was Born in Ponchatoula, Louisiana

Irma Lee Thomas  was born in 1941 in Ponchatoula, Louisiana.  She started out singing as a teenager in a Baptist Church choir. She was married twice and the mother of four children. Occasionally she song with bandleader Tommy Rigley. Her first singer " Don't Mess with My Man" was released in 1959, and reached number 22 on the US Billboard R& B chart.  She worked with songwriter and producer Allen Toussaint. She appear annually at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, In 2007, Thomas was honored by her contributions to Louisiana music with induction into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. She also won the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album for After the Rain.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irma_Thomas

Singer Songwriter Robert Parker "Barefootin" Passed Away at His Home in Roseland, Louisiana

Barefootin was written and performed by Robert Parker. The song reached No.2 on the U.S. Hot Rhythm & Blues Singles chart and No.7 on the Billboard Hot 100. Robert Parker, a New Orleans, Singer. He passed away at his home in Roseland, La at the age of 89. Robert was raised in New Orleans,  He was born in 1930 in Mobile to Robert and Lena Parker.

Robert performed alongside many other New Orleans Musicians such as Fats Domino, and Irma Thomas.  He started his career last saxophonist, he played with Professor Longhair on his hit "Mardi Gras in New Orleans, in 1949. Parker played with many popular New Orleans performers,  on records with Eddie Bo, Earl King, James Booker, Ernie K.-Doe, Tommy Ridgley, He backed up visiting R & B artists including Solomon Burke, Lloyd Price, Jerry Butler and Otis Redding. 

He was introduced into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame 2007. He funeral services was held last Mt. Canaan Missionary Baptist Church.  Richardson Funeral Home, Inc, Amite was in charged of the final arrangement for the singer.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Parker_(singer)#

http://www.richardsonfuneralhomeamite.com/obits

Youtube: https://youtu.be/azIytXgdggA

Bernard Temple the First Child in Louisiana Takes the African Ancestry DNA Test

Bernard Temple 
Mailing his African Ancestry DNA Test 

Bernard was the first child to take the African Ancestry DNA to learn more about his paternal African Ancestry. It was an extraordinary occasion for him. We traveled to Virginia to have him take the test near the Atlantic Ocean. We stood on the beach looking out across the ocean, talking about the day we would travel to Africa.

That summer, we packed the car and drove to North Carolina to museums, antique shops, parks, and having fun as a family. My ex-husband and I shared the driving. While in Greensboro, North Carolina, we met with some Tuareg People Moussa Albaka introduced us to. Dennis and I were planning to travel to Niger, Africa, in a few months.  We wanted to make some connections with people in Niger before we made our trip.

During his forth grade year at Audubon Montessori school in New Orleans, his class was given an assignment to do a special project on his family origins and history. He was extremely excited because I had taken my maternal African Ancestry DNA and my test results revealed that our maternal ancestry could be traced to the Tuareg People of Niger, Africa. 

Moussa Albaka arranged to have a special outfit from Niger sent to New Orleans for Bernard to wear that day. He wore Tuareg handmade Tuareg jewelry made by the Moussa himself, the Tuareg Silversmith. Bernard also had to bring a dish from the native culture. We decided to bring goats cheese because the Tuareg people eat a lot of home made camel and goats cheese.

Audubon Montessori was a school of diversity and many of the students were from different ethnic groups and cultures in his class. That day the students took us around the world. We travel to India, Mexico, Italy,  Asia, Europe, and Africa. We were so proud of him for getting an "A" on his assignment. 

NAACP Called Three Witness from St. Helena Parish by A.P. Tureaud

A.P. Tureaud

The NAACP called three witness in an attempt to show that Negros have been discouraged from voting in St. Helena Parish election to choose between public and private schools. Ellis D. Howard, Higgins,  and John Hall. A.P. Tureaud, attorney for the three men attempted to stop the election. 

The Civil Rights Movement took place in St. Helena Parish. For whatever reasons, many people do not talk about it.  A lot of the elderly people who was a part of the movement had passed away. 

Others like Mrs. Minnie Lee Stewart, Oscar L. Hall, and Clarence L. Knighten all was farmers in St. Helena Parish, but stood up for the rights of others who was to afraid to take a stand. 

They face men with pistols in their belts who tried to intimated them from voting. "Negroes are not going to vote in St. Helena."  They didn't allow them for lining up to vote. In some cases the Negro voters outnumbered white votes, causing long lines at the polls for Negroes. 

Knighten  said that at one election in which the negroes were entering to vote was closed for three hours, but the white voting polls continue to be open. 

Source: The Times (Shreveport, Louisiana) Sun. August 16, 1964-Page 28

             The Times (Shreveport, Louisiana)   Thur. Sept 1960

Aunt Rosa Made New Orleans Her Home

Rosabell Richardson Moore

Aunt Rosa was one of my grandmother Josephine's sisters. I remember visiting her in New Orleans on Ursuline street. Her home was always spotless; the hardwood floors had a shine that I will never forget. I remember looking at photographs she had on the mantlepiece and her starched crocheted scarves so neatly on the end tables. 

My mother remembers her tasty cooking and her homemade cakes. Aunt Rosa married first to Eddie Jackson, Sr.; they had one son, Eddie Jackson, Jr.; he was a tall and big fellow. I recalled cousin Eddie smiling all the time, others  in the family remembers him taking family photographs. 

I was driving in the Treme community in  New Orleans, and I drove by St. Philip Church  of God In Christ were he pastored. As a child, I visited  his church with my uncle, Frank. Driving by the church and Aunt Rosa's house brought back memories of my family who has passed on. Whenever I'm in the Treme Community, I can't help but think about my family who onced live there. My mother's sister Catherine Harrell Lewis also lived in Treme on Gov. Nicholls Street. Her son James often talk about going to  Joseph A. Craig school on St. Philip Street. 

House on Ursuline

Aunt Rosa raised her two granddaugthers Betty and Floriene, they were my mother's second cousin, but they grew up like they were first cousin. I often heard my mother and cousins Betty and Flo talk about their visits to the county.

Her grandson Leman was only four years old when his grandmother Rosa died April 27, 1972.  He recalled her big hats and her black reading glasses. He remembers her cooking red bean and rice. She used to bake pies, 7-up, jelly and pound cakes,  and bread pudding he said. According to the 1940 U.S. Census, Aunt Rosa occupation was a cook. In 1940 she and her family lived in Butler Town. The highest grade she completed was 5th grade. Leman said that his grandmother enjoyed reading her bible. I asked Leman if she ever drove a car, he said that his Aunt Betty told she drove as young in and around Amite, but when she moved to New Orleans, she stopped driving. Aunt Rosa was a domestic worker,  and she was a cook at the school. 

Cousin Betty and Flo's mother Odie Melton died when they were very young. Odie was born in 1926 in Ward 3, St. Helena, Louisiana. Odie parents were Charlie and Florence Melton. Odie's siblings were; Mary Etta, Francis, Ruth, Godfry and Henry Melton.

Odie's mothers' name were Florence Bennett. Florence parents were named Jessie and Mollie Bennett of St. Helena Parishes, Louisiana. Jessie Bennett was born in 1860. According to the 1880 U.S. Census, Jessie and his family was lived in 2nd Ward in St. Helena Parish. Jessie's parents was named Robert and Tabitha Bennett. 

I know when some of my family read this post, it will bring back memories of them.  I want to educate the younger family members about our ancestors whom they didn't know. Sharing photographs, oral history, and written history is a sure way to keep our family history alive. 

Mahalia Jackson the Greatest Gospel Singer Performed at O.W. Dillon High of Kentwood, LA

Mahalia Jackson

Mahalia Jackson, the greatest gospel singer, sung at O.W. Dillon High School in Kentwood, La., in the mid-60s.  Betty Lou Womack recalled the day Mahalia arrived at the school. Betty's parents couldn't afford to give Betty money to purchase a ticket to attend the musical concert. But she pushed her way into a  standing crowd outside, just to get a look at Mahalia.  "Just to see her get out of the car was enough for me," said Betty.  I remember how they laid out the carpet for her to walk into the gym of O.W. Dillon High, I'll never forget Betty said. "I was just happy to see her!"  She recalled the crowd gathering and waiting to hear the sound of  Mahalia Jackson's beautiful voice. "What an exciting moment for everyone on the campus Betty said!"  As she said, she will never forget that day. I know there are other people like Betty who were there. I want to hear their stories too!

I started asking other people who attended  O.W. Dillon High School, if they remember her singing at the school? Some said yes, and others couldn't recall at all.  Quite a few individuals stated that it was after they graduated. Betty, recalled it like it was just yesterday.  One of the people I spoke to told me I needed to talk to the daughters of Collis Temple, Sr. Their father Mr. Temple was the second principal of the school. 

Betty Lou Womack

Following O.W. Dillon principalship as a leader,  Mr. Temple worked hard as principal to continue building on the foundation that Professor Strange and Professor Dillon started.  Mr. Temple invited Mahalia Jackson to sing at O.W. Dillon High. His daughter pointed out that her father worked hard to give African American students and the community cultural enrichment.  Each year the town of Amite held an annual fair.  Before integration, segregation didn't allow black and white people to attend the festival on the same day.  Saturday was known as "Nigger Day," that was the day that African American people could attend the fair.  Mr. Temple wouldn't allow his children to attend the festival on that day for that reason according to one of his daughters. 

He became inspired to start a fair on the school campus so that African American people could be treated with respect.  Mr. Temple met with entertainers, vendors and marching bands and invite them to participate in the school event.  African-Americans in Kentwood and surrounding communities would look forward to their annual event. 

Mahalia Jackson was one of the singers among many entertainers that performed at O.W. Dillon High School. She was born on October 26, 1911,  and died in Chicago, Illinois, in 1972.  If anyone who attend the concert to hear Mahalia sing, I would like to hear your story. 

Nurturing Our Root and African Roots Television Programs

Producer and Host Antoinette Harrell is pleased to announce beginning November 2013 Nurturing Our Roots and African Roots Television Programs will be featured on Access Producer Network (APN). You will be able to watch full episodes of both talk shows. The award winning host has interviewed an array of family historian and genealogists ranging from Leonard Smith III,  LS3 Studios, LLC an award winning multimedia production company that offers a variety of services that include images and audio editing, Bernice Alexander Bennett Blog Talk Radio host of "Research at the National Archives and Beyond." Antoinette's show " Nurturing Our Roots Talk Show" has been featured on Nightline News and in many other media publications

She has engaged in conversations and discussions with many authors and other people who has travel and lived in Africa or people who are just conducting genealogy research. She is grateful and very appreciate for the professional services of NOA-TV for helping her to bring her television shows online.

African Roots with host Antoinette Harrell

Nurturing Our Roots with host Antoinette Harrell