Harold J. Smith, Thruway Street Dedication and Recognition of Frank Edwards Substation

Renaming of the 9th Street
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

A street was named for Harold J. Smith, the first elected African-American official in the Town of Kentwood. He served as a council member for three terms before being elected Mayor of Kentwood for three terms. During Smith's career, he served for a total of twenty-four years. As an advocate for equity and diversity, his legacy continues to be celebrated in the town. Many people view Smith as an inspirational leader and a role model. As a memorial to his work and legacy, his name adorns what was known as 9th Street. The new name is Harold J. Smith Thruway. 

Every time someone passes by, they are reminded of his positive impact on the community. His memory will never be forgotten. Harold's example reminds us that anyone can make a difference and that hard work and dedication can pay off. He inspires future generations and is a reminder that positive change is possible. Smith was delighted to see so many of his friends, colleagues, and family members. 

His legacy showed us that people can come together to achieve great things, no matter how small the action. We must remember his legacy and use it to continue to strive for progress and positive change. Smith's granddaughters unveiled the Harold J. Smith Thruway street sign. The event was attended by a number of elected officials. Mayor Irma T. Gordon welcome all the guest and attendee on behalf of the Town of Kentwood. Representative Robby Carter and Senator Beth Mizell presented a resolution.  Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller spoke about the greatness of our parish.  As a result of wildfires in several parishes, Governor John Bel Edwards was unable to attend the event. In spite of the governor's absence, the event was a success. In his place a speech was delivered by State Senator Cleo Fields, District 14.  Smith's life and achievements were truly celebrated.  During the event, Smith spoke a few words. He concluded by thanking the attendees and expressing his gratitude. The event ended with applause and cheers.

In conjunction with the renaming of the street. The Substation was named in honor of Frank Edwards, Sr., Collis Temple.Jr., recognized Frank Edwards, Sr., who served as sheriff for Tangipahoa Parish from 1968 to 1980. He also served as a delegate to the 1973 Louisiana Constitutional Convention. Edwards is the father of Governor John Bel Edwards. All of his children were present except for Governor Edwards. + His son Daniel Edwards spoke. 

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Harold J. Smith Thruway
Dedication Ceremony
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

Curtis Fluker was born in 1879 in St. Helena Parish

Curtis Fluker
1879-1950

Curtis Fluker was in 1879 to Joseph and Emily Fluker. According to the 1880 United State Federal Census he was born in 1877.  Living in the house with Joseph and Emily was Curtis's siblings: Ella Fluker, Sarah Fluker, and Martha Fluker. 

After looking at the 1900 United States Federal Census. It stated that Curtis was living on the West Side of R Road Embralling A Kent Lumber and Brick Yard Quarters. Curtis couldn't read or write. Curtis died on August 4, 1950 and is buried at Oak Grove AME Church Cemetery in Kentwood, Louisiana. 

Celebration of Life for Mother Willie Mae Dunn Williams

Mother Willie Mae Dunn Williams
Funeral Program

Mother Willie Mae Williams, known affectionately by her family as, "Mae Mae," departed this life on Tuesday, November 27, 2018, in Greenburg, Louisiana. She was born on May 9, 1918, in Centerville, Mississippi to the late Theodore Dunn, Sr. and the late Gladys Chapman Dunn. She was the second child of eight children. In 1949, she married Willie Williams, Sr, and to this union, four children were born. Willie Mae was a devoted and loving mother. Mother Willie Mae was a woman of faith who dedicated her life to Christ at an early age. She began her Christian journey at New Hope Baptist Church in Mississippi. When her family relocated to Louisiana, she joined Brown's  Chapel Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev, Andrews. Later she joined Orange Grove Church of God in Christ under the leadership of the late Sup. Alonzo Richardson and after his demise, she served faithfully under the leadership of Supt. J. A. Richardson until her death.

The church, fashion, elegances, patience, and family, these are all words that describe Mother Willie Mae. During her lifetime, she was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and a friend., but most of all she was a woman of God. She will always be remembered as a loving individual whose greatest passion was serving God and helping others.

Mother Willie Mae Williams leaves to cherish her memories three children: Willie Williams, Jr., (Gwendolyn) of New Orleans, La, Leon Williams (Shelia) of Kentwood, La, and Faye Brumfield (Jeremiah) of Hammond, LA; fifteen grandchildren, forty-five great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren, one brother Leon Dunn (Minnie) and one sister: Ruby Lee Gilmore, both of Kentwood, LA and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband: Willie Williams, Sr., her father: Theodore Dunn, Sr., Mother:  Gladys Chapman Dunn; one son: Robert Lee Williams; three brothers, Deacon Theodore Dunn, Jr., Charlie Dunn, Will Henry Dunn, two sisters, Gertrude Perry, and Gena Mae Chapman, one grandson: Robert T. Sibley, and one great-grandson: Willie Williams, IV.

Source: Funeral Program for Mother Wille Mae Williams

African American Cattlemen and Farmers on Stateline Road

Ruthie Coleman and son Craig Coleman
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

Two weeks ago I was visiting Ruthie Coleman with VICE documentary producers. While waiting for the film crew to set up their cameras,  her son Craig Coleman introduced himself to me and invited me to visit his upcoming field day event. I told him I would do my best to be there. I know that my schedule is so tight and I didn't have the time to spare. 

I woke my grandkids up early Saturday morning and told them we were going on a hayride and farm. They were so excited to go, they got up early and ate breakfast so that we could be on time. I enjoy taking them on country rides throughout the East Florida Parishes. My two grandsons are in the  4-H club at the school they attend. I thought this would give them the opportunity to really see what 4-H is all about. Farming and raising livestock is a part of 4-H. 

Several of my family members were a part of 4-H. My mom was a 4-H member; she often talks about the homemade yeast rolls she made and how tasty they were. I know that to be true because she made them for my brothers and me. 

Craig said that he learned how to farm from his mother Ruthie, his uncles, and other extended family members. He said that he plant the fresh produce and give it to the seniors in the community. I thought that was wonderful, here is a young man giving back to the community. 

"I been doing this all my life," said Craig. I started with nothing, and now I own land and fifty Angus cattle. We toured his beautiful garden of a variety of greens; mustards, collard, purple collards, turnips, and other greens. 

Craig Coleman feeding his cows
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

Other farmers were attending the events. I watched them hold class right out there in the yard was so beautiful. Several cattlewomen and farmers attend this event as well.  They try to come together at least once a year. When I arrived that morning the smell of fresh coffee, orange juice and donuts were waiting for the guest. Representatives from Southeastern and Southern University were present.  The topics were: Managing Rye Grass, Determining Paddock Size and Keeping the Cost Down. I must admit this was a subject that I didn't know anything about.

The farmers shared information with each other that could be helpful and useful. Craig has a special way of calling his cattle. He said when they see that yellow bucket, they know it is time to eat.  He and his wife Shannon and their children work together as a family and team. Several sponsors helped make this event a success.

What Are You Doing to Preserve Your Family Papers and Photographs?

Antoinette Harrell preserving original papers.
Photo Credit: Walter C. Black, Sr.

Any person who has experienced a natural disaster or other catastrophic situations where they lose their home suddenly will tell you how painful it is to lose family photographs, albums, documents and family papers. In most cases, those losses can never be replaced.  "What if there were one picture  of  your great grandparents and a flood took place at your relative's house and the one picture was lost?" 

Just recently hundreds of thousands of people were affected by the recent rising flood waters in nineteen parishes.  Lots of family photographs were floating in water that became molded. Mold can be very dangerous and a hazard to your health.  You may want to consult with a conservator to have your picture restored if possible. 

I found that simply sharing copies of the family rare photographs with other relatives is one way of making sure that there are additional copies if something should happen to the original.  I use blog and Facebook page is another great way I share my images.  Digitizing your family photographs and papers are another way to preserve the images. But keep in mind that there a risk should something happen with the device you're using to preserve the collection digitally. To learn more about how to preserve the priceless family keepsakes,  please click on the link below. 

Most people have an iCloud account where they can keep copies of their photographs, documents, family papers and video clipping. Most importantly, your files are accessible from your iPhone, IPads and other Android devices. I also use an external portable hard drive to store my files as well. In the event of a catastrophic event or natural disaster, I can just pick up my external portable hard drive and leave to say the least. Nevertheless packing the originals of my collection is vital as well. 

Ernest Lewis and Catherine Harrell Wedding.

The National Archives site on how to preserve family papers and photographs very helpful. Most of the time we become reactive rather than pro-active. If you live in a flood zone, please consider your family keepsake collection when you prepare to evacuate.

It never to early to start working to organize your family priceless photographs and papers before a natural disasters. When a natural disaster occur,  most people can't think about saving those items. 

Please click on the link below to learn more:

https://www.archives.gov/preservation/family-archives/

Chapman Brothers Gospel Singers of Kentwood, Louisiana

The Chapman Brother
Photo Courtesy of Lemmie Chapman III

This article is a reprint and was brought by Lucille Watson of Kentwood, Louisiana. It appeared in the November 26 issue of the Dixie, the Sunday magazine of the Times-Picayune. The Chapman Brothers are natives of Kentwood, Louisiana and were in Mrs. Watson's choir at Brown's Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, of which Rev. H.W. Andrews is pastor. By Gil T. Webre

"We sing like the Chapman Brothers. We don't have nobody' else's style." That's the way Lemmie, a one time policeman in New Orleans, and now a truck driver describes the music he and his brothers create. And that's gospel. "Gospel music tied in the traditional style, but somewhat modernized," is the way Floyd puts it. He's was a social studies teacher in Jefferson Parish school system. The blending of a traditional gospel music modern showmanship can be seen in the variety  of booking which the Chapman brothers had. Church-related appearances head the list. Occasionally, they perform at services, but usually they present special programs, independent of any services. During the fall and winter, they'll be a church Louisiana, Mississippi or Alabama almost every Sunday afternoon.

Their songs are religious, with some patriotic ones (such as their Gospel version of God Bless American) thrown in for good measure. The Chapman Brothers singing group consist of vocalists Lemmie, Floyd, James (who's very animated in his leads) and occasionally Willie who handles much of the business of the group. Music is furnished by guitarists Henry and LeRoy, and drummer Norwood. 

Photo by: Jerry Lodriguss

All brothers, there are 16 Chapman children total have regularly put food on the table. So often they have problems getting together for rehearsal and to work out their gospel routines. Then to complicate matters, some other brothers either work or go to school at night. They find time to rehearse mainly on Saturday's and some weeknights, while generally limiting their booking to Saturday evening and Sundays. Between jobs and music, the Chapman's have little time to be alone with their families, but the brother look at it philsophically. If others have time for fishing and golf, they have time for singing. The Chapman's have been around Gospel music and songs ever since they were knee-high to dairy calves at their parents farm in Kentwood.

Norwood Chapman Sr., 80 was a farmer, barber, music teacher and strict disciplinarian. He and his wife Roxie 74, a teacher who quit the classroom when her family start growing. She believed that a combination of chores, study, and music was necessary for proper child development. Whenever a church or civic event around Kentwood required song, the Chapman's were always available to furnish it. 

She Was One of Twenty Three Children

Ms. Maxine Knighten

I saw this petite and certainly neat lady several places in the community. She has strongly resembled by maternal cousin Wille K. Gordon, Jr., wife. One time I thought that was my cousin's wife. Mostly, I've seen her in the library with young children. Today I finally got a chance to sit down and talk with her.  Her name is Ms. Maxine Knighten.

After her church service, she stopped over to tell me about her experience at Tangipahoa Parish Training School for Colored. She graduated in 1952 from the school and went on to become an educator herself in Chicago. She was so beautiful in her blue suit and with her matching blue hat and happy to tell me that she was in her mid-80s.  "Could it be in the Kentwood water?" All the elders in the Town of Kentwood is very healthy and their mine are full of history.

When she started telling me about things that happen in the 50s, I could do anything but listen and write. She told me that she was one of twenty- three children and that she was one of seven sets of twins.  "Twenty-three babies, I said!" I thought about a classroom of twenty-three children.  Several of the children didn't survive and died during childbirth.

Mahalia Jackson

Ms. Knighten survived all of her siblings. I could imagine  being born in such a large family and surviving  all my sibling. She still has a lot of nieces, nephews, and other relatives.  She recalls  hearing Mahalia Jackson and gospel singer Joe May sing at Tangipahoa Parish Training School for the Colored. She remembered paying her dollar to get in to hear the concert.  That was one of the questions I had to ask her. "Mahalia song so beautiful," said Ms. Knighten. I never forget that day,
it was so nice.

We started talking about the teachers who worked there during her time at school. She talked about Mr. Thornton and how hard of a teacher he was because he expected only the best from you. I remember Mr. O.W. Dillon using that left hand because he was left handed. The subject of use books was the next things she pointed out to me. She couldn't understand why all the white kids got new books and the negro students had to get the used books. That was the way it was when I was in grade school as well.

Two other people said that they were there that day with Mahalia Jackson came to the school. As she reflects on days that she probably had forgotten about up until now. The hardship of life is one thing she stressed to me. "Yes it was hard and I mean hard," she said. "We alway had food, because daddy grew produce and we had milk cow," she said.

But sometimes we had to go and work in the fields picking cotton, beans, and other produce. "I hated and I mean I hated because I wanted to go to school," said Ms. Knighten.  But daddy did want us to go to school.

I can't wait until Thursday for another history lesson for Ms. Knighten. Click below to hear gospel singer Joe May and Mahalia Jackson youtube,

Joe May

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXtR5R6wp1c

Mahalia Jackson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXtR5R6wp1c