Dr. Kingsley B. Garrison Donating His Rich Collection to the Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies

Dr. Kingsley B. Garrison
Photo Credit:  Dr. Antoinette Harrell

For the past several months I have had the honorable pleasure to interview Dr. Garrison about his family history.  During the interview, I learned that he is an archivist. Dr. Garrison was a former teacher in the Tangipahoa Parish School System. 

I asked him if he had any pictures I could look at? After I looked at his rich African- American images, at that point, I realized that I needed to talk with him about preserving his collection.  "I know that my daughter will probably throw a lot of it away when I pass, " he said.  "I think about that quite often!" said Dr. Garrison. I had to tell him that he didn't have to wait and that he can do something now.  He is the kind of person that listens to sound advice and guidance. I took this opportunity to educate him on the process. Losing his collection would be losing a big part of African-American history of the Louisiana Florida Parishes.

That was one of the decisions I had to make about my collection. "What would happen to my collection when I passed away?" It was time for me to make a decision about the collection. Most of the collection consists of images, documents, and other research materials of African-American people in the Louisiana Florida Parishes.  I decided that the Center for Southeast Louisiana  Studies was the best place for the collection. 

Dr. Samuel Hyde looking at the collection
Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell

I explained to Dr. Garrison the importance of making that decision while he could. After our discussion, we talked about him visiting the center with me. Having him to look at the process of preserving his collection would help him to make that decision. Dr. Garrison made that decision today.

Dr. Samuel Hyde, Director of the Center Southeast Louisiana Studies,  said that the Louisiana  Florida Parishes is lacking the history of African-American people. 

We're proud to announce that the Dr. Kingsley B. Garrison Collection is coming to the Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies. The collection will consist of images from the Ponchatoula Color School, Baptismal, and images of people in the community. Whenever I'm talking with him,  I feel like I'm sitting with a talking library,  I learn so much.  I must mention that he is putting me in contact with others who had rich collections in the Ponchatoula, Louisiana. 

Proclamation Proclaim Genealogy Awareness Week

 Genealogy Proclamation

February 5, 2004, the African American Genealogy Connection, Inc., requested that the City of New Orleans Proclaim February 8th - `4th as Genealogy Awareness Week. In honor of Black History Month, Antoinette Harrell and Karran Harper Royal host of Nurturing Our Roots Genealogy Educational Talk Show would like to encourage African American families to study their own family through self-discovery. 

Genealogy can help a person who is researching their family history look at the local history, the community their ancestors and family lived in.  What kind of occupations did they have? Did they attend school? Where did they attend church? Certainly not omitting the local politics and business matters of the community your family lived in. 

Sharing photographs, memories, and family stories can strengthen and bring the family closer. This week in Honor of Black History, I would like to honor my own family and extended community in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana by blogging, sharing photographs, conducting new interviews and lastly placing new information in the archival collections. Some families still have the original photographs from the early 1900s in their collection.  Almost everyone that I have interviewed has a funeral program collection. Several people family member passed away and they inherited all the photographs and other records.  Let me just say that I'm glad they are sharing them with me. 

This year is the fourteen year anniversary since this Proclamation was proclaimed Genealogy Awareness Week. How quickly the time went by! My youngest son was twelve-years-old at the time.  The Florida Parishes was home to my ancestors and family on my paternal and maternal side of the family. Because I lived in the Florida Parishes it makes my search very easy for me when I need to travel to the genealogy library and courthouse to research records. I want to also point out that helping others in the community understand the importance of preserving their family history is vital to the history of the Florida Parishes from an African-American perspective. 

New Orleans City Council Proclaimed
Feb 8th-14th as Genealogy Awareness Week

The history of African-Americans in the Florida Parishes is at large an undocumented history. We can't have the history of the Florida Parishes without the history of African-American people who history is interwoven in the history of Florida Parishes. 

Hard working men and women who faced the many challenges of oppression to triumphs during slavery and Jim Crow. Many who knew the faces of segregation and its effects on them and their families.  Some left the Bayou State of Louisiana, leaving the agricultural fields in search of a better life up north in the 1920s. Many returned after retirement and some never returned. When it was time to come home to visit, they looked forward to coming back south to visit their family members.  One thing I learned during this journey of self-discovery is that it never ends. I spend countless hours in my home office researching and preparing photographs and other records for electronic archiving and the university. 

What Could the Tombstones Tell Us?

Thomas Richardson
Photo Credit: Bobby

If you look at Thomas Richardson, Sr., headstone and the headstone of Andrew Richardson, you will find some similarities. One being the shapes of the headstones and if you look at the top of the headstones, you will find little circles on the top. It looks like the same lettering was used. These two men are one year apart. Thomas was born in 1853 and Andrew was born in 1852. 

Thomas is buried in Rocky Hill AME Church Cemetery. Andrew is buried in Black Creek AME Church Cemetery. Andrew's parents were N. Richardson and Dicy Richardson. What does the "N" stand for?  We only have Thomas mother's name. Her name was Carrie.  I couldn't find any of Carrie's sibling or her parents.  

Thomas Richardson died on February 28, 1923, and Andrew Richardson died on September 10, 1908.  The fact that both men were AME members and the headstones reveal some similarities clues. I think my next step would be to visit the Louisiana State Archives to look at death records. Although we know Andrew's parents' name, I want to find out more on N. Richardson, could this be the Nathan Richardson, whose name in on the inventory list of Benjamin and Celia Bankston Richardson 1853 inventory. 

Andrew Richardson
Photo Credit: Jane Holiday

It's time for me to make a genealogy field trip to Black Creek Church and cemetery in Greensburg, Louisiana. I know there are other Richardson's buried there.  Andrew and Sarah Ann Foster Richardson had nine children. It appears that the family used Black Creek Church Cemetery and Darlington Church of God in Christ for their family church and to bury their loved ones.

I think we're long overdue to find out the kinship of the two Richardson families. Supt. Alexander Richardson has two sons living out of ten children: Supt Emmitt N. Richardson, Sr., and Darnell Richardson, Sr. I don't know much about the family lineage Pastor Alonzo Richardson. He had a son named Pastor Jimmy Richardson who resides in Roseland, Louisiana. Hopefully, the remaining offsprings can help us shed some light and make the genealogy connections.

Supt. Alexander Richardson is the son of Thomas Richardson, Sr. and Amanda Breland Richardson.

Study questions to think about

1. Why are the headstones so similar?

2. Did Carrie Richardson have other siblings and children?

3. Could Andrew be one of her siblings' children?

4. What funeral home did the family use?

5. Did someone make the headstones for the family?
6. Could any of the other people on the plantation be Carrie's siblings?

The Unknown Children in the Photograph

Photo Courtesy
Audrey Harrell Dumones

Robert Harrell was born a slave in 1821 in Amite County, Mississippi. He also lived in East Feliciana Parish, Louisiana. I would like to know who the young people are in this picture. Robert passed away  died in 1921. His son Alexander was born in 1859 and died in 1914. 

Could this be my grandfather Jasper's brothers and sister? My mother Isabel said that her father Jasper was only two years old when his father passed away. This photograph looks so much like Alexander Harrell, although cousin Olga Mae Johnson who is deceased said that it looks like grandpa Robert.  Could that be the grandchildren? The little girl looks a lot like Aunt Bertha. I thought I would share it anyway. At least I can say that the photograph was taken at the old homestead in Amite, Louisiana. 

Whatever little piece of history we can hold on to learn from is essential. If you have any photographs and stories you would like to share with the Harrell family please share it.  Last week I visit several people in the community who had a rich collection of their family photographs and most importantly they are sharing with me so that their history will never be forgotten. People from all over the world is reading about our history in the Florida Parishes, Louisiana. 

Are There Any Relations Between Thomas and Alonzo Richardson?

Andrew Richardson
Photo Credit: Jane Holiday

My maternal grandmother's father was named Thomas Richardson born abt 1884 in Ward 3 in St. Helena Parish, Louisiana.  Alonzo was born abt 1895 in Ward 2, in St. Helena Parish, Louisiana.   I wanted to conduct genealogy research to find out if there is genealogy connection between Thomas and Alonzo. Although after looking at the United States Census today, I'm strongly convinced that there is a bloodline connection. At this point, I'm compelled now to look at every census starting at 1940 and working my way back to 1870. 

According to the 1900 United States Federal Census. I think this is a mis-spelling because it lists Alonzo's fathers' name as (Anna Richardson) and his mother name was Sarah. Growing up I always heard that there were two different sets of Richardson families. Most of the older people have long passed that could tell you anything. 

I'm analyzing the 1880 United States Federal Census and found that a man named Andrew Richardson born around 1852 in Ward 2 in St. Helena Parish. Andrew said that his father  N. Richardson's birthplace was Virginia and his mother Dicy Richardson birthplace was Georgia. Could this be Andrew spelled as Anna?  N. Richardson was born around 1820.

Anna! "I'm  presuming this could be Andrew." Andrew married Sarah J. Foster and they gave birth to  seven children according to 1900 United States Census; Girtie, Clacie, John, Marget, Leonard, Alonzo and Monore Richardson. On the Social Security Application and Claims Index, 1936-2007, they had a child named John Wesley Richardson. John  W. Richardson name is on my grandmother Josephine Richardson and Jasper Harrell, Sr. married license as a witness.

Benjamin and Celia Bankston 1853
Inventory

Both Richardson men were from St. Helena Parish during the same time.  Like I said earlier in the blog, I don't know if Carrie had other children. In 1853 when she and her son Thomas, Sr., was appraised for sale the document didn't say that she had other children. Carrie was twenty-years old when she was appraised for sale. 

Andrew died in 1908 and he is buried in Black Creek AME Church Cemetery in Greensburg, Louisiana.  I looked at the photograph of the headstone Jane Holiday posted on findagrave.com., It is almost the same inscription that is inscribed on Thomas and Amanda Breland Richardson headstones. Some of the Richardson family is also buried in Darlington, St. Helena Parish, Louisiana.  

When I found my maternal grandparents' marriage licenses in the Amite Clerk of Court records I wanted to find out who was this John W. Richardson who witnesses my grandmother Josephine Richardson Harrell wedding. What relations was he to her and he had to be close to her to stand as a witness in her wedding. 

John Wesley Richardson was born in August of 1885 in St. Helena Parish. In 1920 he was married to a woman named Emma Richardson, in the 1930  United States Census, they list him as being married to Minnie  Ada Wright Richardson. They had seven children at the time the census was taken; Emmett, Flora, Inez, Mennard, Gladys, John, and Huey Richardson.

John's U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918 described him as being short with black hair and black eyes and medium build and his birthplace was St. Helena Parishes, Louisiana. 

Something else I would like to point out,  Thomas son Alexander Richardson and his wife Melisa
have a son the named Emmitt N. Richardson.  John Wesley and Minnie Ada Richardson also had a son named Emmett Nathaniel Richardson. It appeared that Emmett Nathaniel moved to Oakland, California. In 1940 he was living the home of John and Starnes. The 1940 United States Census said that he and 3 years of college. 

List or Manifest of Aliens Employed on the
Vessel of Crew

Emmett N. Ricardson was married to Fidella V. Hilliness in 1959. He passed away in March of 1986 in Alameda, California. He was a California, Passenger and Crew Lists, 1882-1959 list him on the ship named Elwood Haynes, Port of Arrival:  San Francisco, California and Port of Departure as Eniwetok.  When he passed away in 1986, they brought his remains back to St. Helena Parish, Louisiana to be buried at Black Creek AME Church. 

On the 1853 inventory list of Benjamin and Celia Bankston, I found the enslaved Africans they owned; a girl name Chole age 18 years old, girl Sally age 15, Carey 20 and her child Thomas 1 years old, boy Nathan age 15 yearly old, boy George 12, years old, boy Charles age 10, girl May age 7, girl Lucy age 14 years old, girl Harriet 32 and her four children; John age 9 years old, and girl Julia age  6 years old and Henry age about 2 years old, boy Jefferson age 12 years old. 

Questions to think about

1. Who were Carrie parents?

2. Did Carrie have other children besides Thomas, Sr., 

3. If so,  how many, who are they and, where are they?

4. Is there a genealogy connection between Thomas and Alonzo?

5. Why did John Wesley Richardson stand in Josephine Richardson Harrell's wedding?

6. Did Alexander Richardson name his son Emmett after a relative?

7. Did Alexander Richardson name his son Nathaniel after a relative?

8. Are we willing to take a DNA test to prove the theory of relations?

9. Are there any other people with the surname Richardson in the Florida Parishes,
     that we don't  know anything about?

Colors of Tangipahoa Project

American Jazz Legend Born in the Village of Tangipahoa

Willie Cook
Gugge Hedrenius Big Blues Band

I received a phone called from Howard E. Magee concerning prominent African Americans who were born or lived in the Village of Tangipahoa. The Village of Tangipahoa is located in the Northern end of the Parish of Tangipahoa. Howard's objective is to highlight prominent African Americans for Black History Month 2018. 

According to the 2000 census the populations was 747. The Village got its name for after the Tangipahoa Native American people. It also the home of the Camp Moore, a Confederate Museum that is known for their annual reenactments.

Not to forget Micheal Jackson Dyson who was a professional football player who played for the Cleveland Browns who home was also in Tangipahoa, Louisiana. 

Howard brought to attention that a Jazz Musician named Willie Cook was born in the Tangipahoa, Louisiana. Willie was born on November 11, 1923, and died on September 22, 2000. He was an American jazz trumpeter.  He migrated with his family to Chicago and learned to play the violin before the trumpet summoned him. Making the trumpet the instrument of choice.

He joined Perry King Perry's band in the 1930s, then joined Jay McShann's band early in the 1940s. He later credits include performing and recording with Johnny Hartman, Earl Hines, Jimmie Lunceford, Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington, B.B. King and, Count Basie. He joined Ellington's band in October 1951 as lead trumpeter and stayed for a decade. He moved to Sweden in 1982 after spending time in the country touring. He died of heart failure in Maria Regina Hospice in Stockholm on September 22, 2000.

MAJOR BIBLIOGRAPHIC RESOURCES

https://www.theguardian.com/news/2000/oct/19/guardianobituaries

http://www.nytimes.com/2000/10/21/arts/willie-cook-76-lead-trumpeter-with-gillespie-and-ellington.html

https://youtu.be/y7hm9M9eci4

Color of Tangipahoa Project " We Want to Hear Your Story"

Help Us Honor Black History Month!

Please help me to continue to document our history, legacy, triumphs, and your family history this month for Black History. For the past twenty years, I have been working to document the rich history of African-Ameican people of Tangipahoa & St. Helena Parishes, Louisiana. 

The genealogy department at the Amite Branch is a vital resource when someone is searching for their family history. When I first started researching my family history at the Amite Library, I couldn't find anything outside of the census. My heart dropped because I knew my family like so many families of African descent contributed so much to our parish and there wasn't any written history about them. I told myself I had to do something about it. I started by donating my own family history to the genealogy department. 

The Amite Branch and I are in a collaboration to collect family history through an oral history collection on Saturday: February 10th at 9:00AM to 2PM. Please help me to continue to document the history of the undocumented people who contributed has been a part of Tangipahoa & St. Helena Parishes since the forming of the Florida Parishes. 

Please contact me to add your name to this list to preserve your family history. I can be reached by phone at 504.858.4658 or by email at afrigenah@yahoo.com.

Celebrating the Life of Sister Hilda "Zemora" Vining

Hilda Zemora Vining

Hilda "Zemora" Vining, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, July 8, 2017. She was born on December 19, 1922 to the late Caleb Ike Vining and Eva Ellen Vining; five (5) sisters, Christine Williams, Florence Warner, Creola Anderson, Francis Woolridge, and Hilda R. Pikes. 

A life long resident of Montpelier, LA. She attended Bear Creek School and married at an early age of 13. 

She was the mother of five (5) children. A hard working and caring person of her mother and father. She stopped working to care for them until their death. She worked and retired from Hammond State School. 

She leaves to cherish her sweet memories four (4) children: Jessie C. Seals (Mary). Earnest Seals (Betty), Annie Hurst (Stanford), and Lawrence Sanford (Brenda), all of Montpelier, LA; twenty-seven (27) Grandchildren; thirty-five (35) Great Grandchildren; and twenty-three (23) Great-Great Grandchildren; on God Son, Howard McKinley and her play daughter, Irene Cryer.

Zemora was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands, Earl Lee Seals and Lawrence Sanford; and a son Early B. Seals. 

Source: The Funeral Program of Sister Hilda "Zemora" Vining

A Vessel of Honor in Memory of Elder Nathaniel Richardson, Sr.

Elder Nathaniel Richardson, Sr. 

Nathaniel Richardson, Sr., was born to the parents of Thomas Alexander Richardson and Melissa Wheat on June 20, 1940. He was married to Alma Jean Taylor, and to this union was added five children.

After high school, he attended Texas Southern University. He later moved to California where he worked as a machinist at Western Gear Corporation. In 1983 he returned home to his hometown of Amite, Louisiana where he resided until his death.

Elder Nathaniel Richardson, Sr. was a true servant of the Lord and a lover of the brethren. He served as the former pastor of Morning Star COGIC (Hammond) and the New Spiritual Growth COGIC (Amite). Elder Nathaniel Richardson, Sr., severed on several district departments: District Evangelist Department, and as the District YPWW coordinator.

He was preceded in death by his parents (Thomas Alexander Richardson and Melissa Wheat-Richardson), wife ( Alma Jean Taylor-Richardson), and four siblings; Thomas Richardson, Walter Richardson, Samuel Richardson, & Alex Richardson.

He is survived by: five children ( Wendell Richardson, D'Juana Richardson, Amelia Richardson -Davis (Ray) Nathaniel Richardson, Jr., and Sonja Richardson; grandchildren, five siblings: Helenstine Emmitt Richardson, Sr. (Carolyn), Joseph Richardson (Joyce), Earl Richardson, Sr, (Diane) and Darnell Richardson, Sr. (Gayle);brothers and sisters-in-law: Dorothy Richardson and family, Harold Taylor and family, Rachel Jordan and family, Marilyn Diggs and family, Gladys Holmes and family, Yvonne Williams and family, Charles Moore, Ray Taylor and family, Tommie Taylor and family, Kenneth Taylor and family, Hicks family, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Richardson-Williams.

Source: The Funeral Program for Elder Nathaniel Richardson, Sr.

The Collection of Hillary "Zemora" Vining.

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. 

Musicians and Performers in the Harrell Family

Johnie Darby
Photo Courtesy: Johnie Darby facebook page

My Harrell family are blessed with so many talents. Two family members that come to mind are the descendants of Shelton Harrell, Sr. and Jasper Harrell, Sr.  Johnie Darby is the great-grandson of Jasper Harrell, Sr.,  and Josephine Richardson Harrell. Johnie plays the saxophone

Johnny is the CEO at New Orleans Home Grown Music Lesson in New Orleans, he studied music at NOCCA, New Orlean Center for Creative Arts. Johny is the son of Johnie Darby, Sr. and Marilyn Harrell Darby. The grandson of the late Frank Harrell, Sr. and Sadie Gooden Harrell of New Orleans, Louisiana.

Khris Royal the great-great-grandson of Shelton Harrell, Sr.,  and Ada Nolan Harrell, a saxophone player who also attended NOCCA.  When Kris was only 16 years of age, he received a full scholarship to the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA and his career had taken off since then. Khris has played with hip-hop giants and jazz and funk legends alike, from Lettuce to Bobby Brown, Alvin Batiste, Ellis Marsalis, Christian Scott, Branford, Delfeayo and Jason Marsalis. He had recorded with Mary J, Blige, Ashanti, Nelly and the Game, Erykah Badu, Goapele, D.J. Quick. He is the son of Kenneth and Karran Harper Royal of New Orleans, Louisiana.

Khris Royal
Photo Courtesy: Khris Royal facebook  page

My brother Micheal's  son Mykel Cook works at Music Producer/Recording Engineers. He had been making beats since he was in high school. He had made beats for many recording artists. 

I recently found out that another one of Shelton and Ada Nolan Harrell, Sr., great-great daughter Khoryawne Heads who lived in Los Angles, Californa, is s performing artist also.  She made it to the Taste of Soul, semi-finals.  She was invited to share her talent in front an expected crowd of 350,000 people during the Taste of Soul Festival.

Like cooking, art, and any other passion a person has, music and performing are a talent these young people follow.  There may be others the family that I'm not aware of.  I learned of Khris through his mother Karran Harper Royal a renowned genealogist and family historian whom I share a passion with. Karran also shares the passion for cooking just like her late father Wesley Harper. Cooking and baking is something that many of our family members enjoy doing as well. Our family has many talented people that our family is proud of. I know that our ancestors would be proud of their offsprings today. I don't think that everyone that I'm blogging about today, may not know each other at all. I hope that they become friends on the social media sites. 

Khoryawne Heads
Photo Courtesy: Khoryawne's facebook page

I know that several of our Harrell family members played in marching bands. My son Bernard played the cymbal and drum for Kentwood High School. My oldest son Joseph played the trumpet at John F. Kennedy High School.  My youngest brother Micheal played the trumpet at  Clark Senior High School.  Edgar Harrell's grandson Micheal played an instrument. He attended St. Augustine High School in New Orleans, I'm not sure if he was one of the marching100. It's music to my heart to see that Khris and Johnie followed that passion and love for music. 

When you mix good music, performance, and good food together you can make all kinds of beautiful melodies of sound and taste. I'm still learning so much about the people in my Harrell family and their passions. I often talk with the griots of the family but to talk about the musicians and performers have added a new twist and flavor to our family.  I haven't run across anyone in my grandfather's  generation that played music or was a performer.

Here is where we start documenting the musicians and performers in our family.  If you are descendants of the Harrell family and you're reading this blog post and know of any musicians and performers in the family please email me their names and I'll be happy to post their story on this blog site. No matter what your passion is, just follow it. No matter how many times you try and may fall, just keep getting up and moving on. Felling is a part of learning and growing, I'm more than sure that each one of the artists would tell you how many times they had self-doubts, but they didn't quit. 

Mykel Cook
Photo Courtesy: Mykel's facebook page

Their ties to the Land and Agriculture is in their DNA

Field Day
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

My maternal grandfather comes from a long line of farmers in the East Flordia Parishes, Louisiana. Several weekends ago my grandkids and I took a morning tour of one the local farms on the Northern end of Tangipahoa Parish, along with people from around other parishes.  Craig and Shannon Coleman were the hosts for this years field day event. Thier kids and family members helped them to make this event a success.

Everyone signed in and put their name tags on, some grabbed a fresh hot cup of coffee freshly brewed and fresh donuts. The homemade fresh cookies were a special treat for everyone, thanks to the cookie baker.  Some folk sampled fresh greens right out of the garden. I wanted to sample the taste of the uncooked purple mustards, but I forgot to go back and get it. One lady said she tasted them and they were tender and sweet. She wanted to learn more about the purple mustards so she can plant some in her garden.

Women and men gathered to share their knowledge of their subject of interest. Conversations about the different types of grass they grow and the health benefit for their livestock.  How many acres it takes to raise one cow? Planting and harvesting the produce can be heard as we travel along the beautiful back countryside.  All the kids were enjoying the ride and watching the tiny

The girls walking in the pasture
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

dog run behind us as we drove along. When we got to the cow pasture, they watched the cattle come up for food for a minute and they took off running and playing like kids will do. Looking at them running and playing under the beautiful blue skies and rolling hills of pastures were photo taking moments for me. 

The weather was just beautiful for this tour. I sit there watching and engaging in conversations here and there. Riding-along brought back so many beautiful childhood memories for me. Growing up in Amite, Louisiana near several family members that were farmers. My maternal great uncle Palmer Harrell farmed right across the road where I lived. My family lived on heir property that was purchased by my great-grandmother Emma Mead Harrell in 1896 and 1902,   grandmother Emma was a farmer. So being around all the farmers, cattlemen, and cattlewomen were very exciting and educational for me. 

Our first stop was the cattle pastures to see the Angus livestock. The owners of livestock shared information and asked questions to learn new about techniques of agriculture.  Some of the farmers met for the first time and others knew each other through agriculture. I interviewed several of the farmers and most of them grew up on a farm and they still have a very deep passion for farming. I know it's in their DNA because after living in the New Orleans for thirty-four years, I returned to the country where I can appreciate having my garden, growing oranges, blueberries, and pears and being connected to mother nature. The beautiful sound of the birds sing in the morning is my alarm clock. The smell of freshness in the air and on a clear night I can see the beautiful stars. 

Trail Ride

As a child growing up in the country, we had the supermarket right outdoors. We had black walnut trees, pecan trees, fig trees, peach trees, natural spring water, herbs, produce, chickens, and my grandfather had a horse named Frank. 

I can truly understand the passion for it. Walking in the footstep of my uncle Palmer who taught me how important the soil is to our very existence. Two things a man can't live without,  food and water. The taste of fresh and especially organic produce is music to my body, my cells, and health.  Fresh herbs and vegetables with vibrant colors are the medication we all need to live a healthy life. This is one of the best prescriptions that can be prescribed. Everyone can grow fresh herbs and produce, no matter where you live. If you live in a city, try planting in flower pots. You will be surprised what a flower pot can yield.

I have a greater respect and appreciation for our local farmers who take pride in growing our food. People understand the importance of lawyers, doctors, engineers, and other occupations. "How often do we think about our local farmers? " More people should support the local farmers in their areas.  The taste of fresh produce from the rich soil to your kitchen tables would be a special treat for you and your family.  I look forward to the next event and I gladly signed my name on their communication list. 

Women Farmers, Cattle Women and Honey Beekeepers

Shirley look at her okra
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

Last weekend,  I saw Larry Freeman at the field day event that was held on Stateline Road in Kentwood, Louisiana. We talked about his crops and what his wife Shirley was embarking upon. Larry and Shirley grow  produce,  and they raise cattle. Shirley takes pride in her hen house, and I like the fact that she recycled a lot of the materials she used to build her hen house. Shirley grew on a farm outside of Laura, Mississippi.  She recalled her mother selling eggs and providing eggs to the school because she had so many eggs. One story about the eggs that came to her mind is the time her sister who was carrying eleven dozens of eggs and she dropped all eleven dozens. "Just talking about this is bringing back memories," said Shirley. I wish I would have paid more attention. I know women who were quilters, canners, and women who made homemade teacakes. "My mother uses to make the best-tasting tea cakes," said Shirley. My sister and I try to make them like mama, but we can't get the taste like mama.

While walking around the old family homestead in Mississippi, she found the laying boxes her father used in his hen house. Shirley and her husband Larry brought it back to Louisiana,  and she is going to restore it and used it for her old girls.  As a child growing up on a farm, Shirley couldn't appreciate the way of life then. Now, she had a great appreciation for growing her own produce and gathering her fresh eggs.

Shirley Beehive

When I drove up this morning, I found her cleaning her hen house out and feeding her old girls. Having my own chicken coop, I enjoyed looking at her hen house. Her hens and rooster have a lot of space to walk around. She let them out for free range and in the woods they went. 

What was more interesting to me is she is a beekeeper as well! This is her first time trying it and she seems to enjoy learning about bees and tasting that fresh honey.  Shirley informed me how she maintains her honey bee colonies. She is definitely looking forward to expanding her beehives. She joined the beekeepers association to learn all that she can and to meet other people in the beekeeping business. I try to purchase honey from the local farmers as much as I can. So far she hasn't got stung by one of her friends. She said there is a certain way to approach the hive. I saw them swarming around. I wanted to be as careful as possible.  Disturbing the hives is something I didn't want to do.  Walking around on her land, she was pointing out the different things she planted. She pointed to her cotton stalk on the west end of the land. 

 I learned that you had to fill out an application with the Department of Agriculture before planting the cotton due to the boll weevil.  This past summer she and Larry planted okra, they had two gardens of greens growing. As we walked around two Angus calves were following us around like to friendly pets. I thought to myself, how could eat them,  they have become something like a pet. Well, my morning came to an end and it was time for me to get back to my desk. Taking this trip this morning was a breath of fresh air. 

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.

The Obituary of Johnnie Lawrence Harrell

Johnnie Lawrence

Johnnie Lawrence Harrell was born to the late Shelton and late Ada Nolan Harrell on April 1, 1913 in Amite, Louisiana. He ascended peacefully into God's presence on December 28, 2012, at age 99, while residing at Burke Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Johnnie and his family moved to New Orleans, Louisiana when he was a young boy. While residing in New Orleans, he quietly and affectionately demonstrated his love for his siblings, Olga Johnson, Marion Harper, the late Shelton and the late Minard Harrell by his thoughts words, and deeds. They were a close knot family who enjoyed the companionship of each other.

Johnnie attended the public schools of Orleans Parish and Culinary school, where his specialty for many years was baking delicious, beautiful wedding cakes and other pastries. Later, he joined the International Longshoreman Labor Union of New Orleans and became a Longshoreman until his first retirement. Due to his fondness for people and his love for the rich culture of New Orleans, he went to become a guide and security guard for the Superdome until his second retirement.

In November of 1942, he entered the United States Army and served as a Rifleman and Scout. He had knowledge of the use of many types of weaponry, camouflaging and concealment. He served in Italy and France during World War II in the American Theater of Operations with the 371st Infantry Company K. He received an honorable discharge in January 1946. He received the Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and several other medals.

Johnnie found pleasure in reading and studying his Bible three times a day. He truly enjoyed his church family at Payne Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church in New Orleans, Louisiana and served faithfully as an usher and senior member of the Pastor's Aid Society under the leadership of Pastor Lester A. Shaw. He was honored in a ceremony, as the oldest member of his church. His church family respectfully referred to him as " Mr. Johnnie".

Johnnie was a member of the "Young at Hearts Senior Citizens Group" where he enjoyed their meetings and many special outings. They fondly referred to him as "The Tea Man' for bringing hot tea and donuts to the sick and shut in. Traveling throughout the country with his best friend from childhood, the late Herman Bell, was the highlights of his summers. Johnnie was the epitome of southern gentlemen who was debonair and always dressed meticulously. He was and avid physical fitness buff who did a series of calisthenics and rode his bicycle daily until the age of 90. 

In 2005, as a result of Hurricane Katrina, he was lovingly received into the home of his son-in-law, Don, his daughter Joy and their family. Those years were very special. He enhanced the dynamics of the family and brought great happiness and enjoyment. 

In 2008, after suffering a broken hip, he became a resident of Burke Health and Rehabilitation Center. He received exceptional care and attention form Jeneba Sesay, Hafeefa Hairat and the administration and staff of the facility.

Johnnie Lawrence Harrell was married to the late Gladys Parker Harrell; to this union was born their beloved daughter Joy.

Those left to cherish his precious memory and mourn his loss are a devoted and loving daughter, Joy and his son-in-law, Don; four granddaughters ( who affectionately referred to him as "Grampy"): Dayna Lynnette, Donna Joy, Danielle Anjalee and Dionne Gladys; two beautiful great-granddaughters: Anjalee (Angel) and Eden, Colorado Springs, CO; tow sisters: Olga Mae Johnson and Marion Harper, both of New Orleans, LA; a brother-in-law: Leon Palar, New Orleans, LA, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and many friends

Lovingly Submitted The Family

Unidentified Photographs of African-American People in Lanier-Fajoni Collection

There a couple dozen unamed photographs of African-American people in the Lanier Fajoni Collection. His collection is at the Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies,  I hope by posting them, someone may recognize their family member and post their name. Over a decade ago, I met a contributing writer, who's name I can't remember contacted me about a man named Robert Vernon who had the collection in his care. I sitting here typing and trying to recall her name. I know she was a school teacher who wrote about genealogy and family history in the Tangi Digest Newspaper weekly. She published a different photograph weekly to see if anyone could identify someone in the photograph or identify the person in the photograph. Please email me at afrigenah@yahoo. com, if you have any information that could be helpful.

Photo Credits
Lanier-Fajoni

Photo Credits: Lanier Fajoni Collection

Photo Credits: Lanier Fajoni Collection

Photo Credits:
Lanier-Fajoni Collection

Photo Credits:
Lanier-Fajoni Collection

Choctaw Indians Were the First in Tangipahoa Parish

A Choctaw baby peeks out of a handwoven Choctaw
rivercane pack basket at Lacombe, LA. The picture
was taken in 1909, appeared in David Bushnell, Jr's
article. "The Choctaw of Bayou Lacombe. " Photo
courtesy Center for Regional Studies, SLU

One of my favorite collections at Southeastern University Center for Louisiana Studies is the Irene Morris Collection. When I first moved to Kentwood, Louisiana I was told if you want to know any local history, go see Irene Ried Morris. I had the pleasure of sitting in her home and chatting about all the history and genealogies of the many families who lived on the North end of Tangipahoa Parish. Her weekly column in the Kentwood News called Local lore and legends was known for documenting local  community news and family histories. 

She talked about her collections but she quickly pointed out that there were still so many boxes with files inside her home. After talking with her, my next step was to make plans to go to Southeastern University to look in her collection. She recorded a lot of history about the local people as well as noted African American people on a national level. 

One the folders I looked in,  had an article she had written and published on the Choctaw Indians of Tangipahoa Parish. The first inhabitants of the Parish of Tangipaoha were the Choctaw Indians. A woman by the name of Mrs. Robert D. Hillis, who was well versed in local Indian lore spent countless hours researching the history and culture of the Choctaw Indians in Tangiphaoa Parish. Please let me point out women were identified by their husband's names back in those days and Mrs. Robert D. Hillis identified by her husband name.

Tangipahoa means corncob gatherers," or "corncob people." Tangipahoa Parish was formed in 1869, it was carved from Livington, St. Helena Parish, St. Tammany Parish, and Washington

Hillis made note that the  Choctaws would gather the sassafras leaves to make gumbo filé. They made blowguns out of cane. She noted that their baskets were handmade out and colored with red oak and other natural resources.

After they went hunting for wild game they would bring their games into the local merchant in exchange for groceries. Hillis said the Choctaw Indians were peaceful folk. I know of a family that has Choctaw heritage. I learned of Malinda Lawson the daughter of Tom Swain also known as "Indian Tom," through my cousin Andre Richardson. Andre is the grandson of one of Esau and Malinda Lawson's daughters.  In a community called Ried's community the descendants of Indian Tom can still be found today. I was told by Mark Conerly that there was a theater in the City of Amite, called the Choctaw theater.  You won't find many people talking about the Choctaw Indians in the parish. 

Over in Washington Parish in Bogalusa, there were the Choctaw Indian Village. In an article posted on Rootsweb, Choctaw-Southeaster-L Archives. Rumor was told of full-bloodied Indians who ended up being killed and buried in peoples backyards. The source had to be protected, it was a little old lady, who fathered committed such acts when she was a child. 

A book entitled, "Pistols and Politics, the Dilemma of Democracy in the Florida Parishes. 1810-1899 was written by Samuel C. Hyde, Jr.,  This book documents the bloody history of this region in Louisiana. Dr. Samuel Hyde, Jr., is a Professor of History at Southeastern Louisiana University, and the Director of the Center of Southeast Louisiana Studies.

MAJOR BIBLIOGRAPHIC RESOURCES

http://www.southeastern.edu/acad_research/programs/csls/historical_collections/archival_collections/l_m/morris_irene.html

Please visit the Antoinette Harrell Collection

http://www.southeastern.edu/acad_research/programs/csls/historical_collections/archival_collections/h_k/harrell_collection.html

The Unnamed Slave in the City of Hammond Name Was Gaston

The Unnamed Slave Gravesite

Last year while researching African American history in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana., I came across an article written and posted by Dr. Charles Smith about an unnamed slave buried in a Hammond Cemetery on Charles Street. Laying behind the white picket fence in a corner close to the E. Charles street is the gravesite of Gaston. 

In the cemetery on East Charles Street, Peter Hammond the founder of the City of Hammond and several of his family members are buried there.  His wife Caroline, his unmarried daughter Maria. His daughter Sarah and her husband F. Robertson; and another daughter Clorinda, wife of E. DeSouge, and a granddaughter Elisa and her husband W.S. Wall.

A couple months back, Kenneth Harris, Councilman Lemar F. Marshall, a descendant of Peter Hammond and I had a conversation about the unnamed slave and finding his name. The blog post I wrote last year started African Americans in the community to at least talk about slavery and some went to visit the cemetery. Many African Americans in Tangipahoa Parish had no idea the gravesite was there.

An article was written and published in the Hammond Vindicator by Velmarae Dunn indicated that his name was Gaston. The article also stated that Gaston died of yellow fever. Gaston died in the early 1860s and was buried before Peter Hammond and his family. The Hammond Preservation Commission Director Leah Solomon and  Commission Shauna Seals organized today memorial event to place a wreath on Gaston's gravesite. Hammond President Councilman Lemar F. Marshall was present. Historian Howard Nichols, who is also a Commission Member join in for the discussion at the City Hall.

Pouring of Libation

At the gravesite, Mayor Peter Panepinto spoke to the occasion followed by Prayers by Rev. Shelton Myers of St, James A.M.E. Church. The pastor of Grace Memorial Episcopal Church laid the wreath at the grave.  Mayor Panepinto has committed to replacing with a headstone that has Gaston's name on it. 

We are hoping to learn more about Gaston life through genealogy and historical research. I talked with my colleague Bernice Alexander Bennett who specialize in Livington Parish research about Peter Hammond. She may have some research tips that could be helpful.  I'm happy to see that the community leaders and others in the community are embracing this long overdue subject. I would like to see more African American historians not just locally get involved with the people in the community. As we approach the 2018 Black History Month, we are looking forward to an event that would commemorate the discovery. 

I've visited several slave cemetery in St. Helena Parish with Mrytis Johnson who's mission is to preserve the abandoned cemeteries and slave cemeteries. Now our mission is to find out as much as we can about Gaston. Some of the questions I want answers to:

Where did Gaston come from?

Did he have family members on the plantation?

What did he do on the plantation?

Was he purchased from someone else?

Was anything ever recorded about him?

 I was hoping to see the pouring of libation in memory of Gaston, African dancing, and drumming. This is an African tradition that dates back to the book of Genesis.  Jacob set up a pillar in the place where He has spoken with him, a pillar of stone, and he out a drink offering on it; he poured oil on it.  Gen 35:14