“Lord, Grant that I may always bear in mind the very great dignity of the life you have called me to and all its responsibilities. Never let me dishonor it by being cold, or unkind, or impatient.” St. Teresa of Calcutta
We are sorry to learn of the death of Mr. John Johnson of Meridian who passed recently. He was one of the first African American news directors in Mississippi and long-time host of MS Public Broadcasting’s Statewide Live. Our prayers are with his family especially his wife, Soror Pranti Johnson.
Our prayers are with the family of Mr. Gene F. Bell who passed April 4th in Virginia Beach, VA. He is the brother of Legacy Change Agent Don Bell and former Hawkins High School instructor Marshal Bell. Please keep his family in your prayers.
Please continue to remember those who are facing health challenges, and we are heartened by the news of some who have shown improvement. We stand in solidarity with Dorothy Pinkston, Clarice and Don Bell, R. C. Williams, Glenda Graham, Robert Jennings, Rita Wash, Gail Lee, Wells Gray, McArthur Cotton, Margaret Wodetzki, Connie Sorey, LaToya and Q. McClendon, Bobby Carter, Martha Reed, Jo Taylor, Melvin Hodge, Linnie K. Lofton, Ruby Warnsley, Iris O’Neal Warnsley, Deon May, Jr., Shelley Joseph, Vera Patrick, C.J. Polk, McArthur Robinson, Jamisha Benton, Irene Lyles, Nancy Myers, Travis Ward, Eleanor Longmire, Rubin and Belsy Ruiz, Jordan Crump, Albert Lee Payton, Kenard Bowie, Jr., Connie Lewis Williams, Mary Bobbitt, Rev. Floyd McConnell, Thomas Anderson, Cliff Qualls, Jr., Kristie Ware, Virginia Hannah, LeReece Crimm, Lavell Stewart, Ledora Benton, Henry Patrick, Lucy V. Moore, Sidney Ellis, Anderson “Yellow” Stingley, Dorothy Mae Patrick Tigar, London Thompson, Melba Dixon, Mitch Nichols, Lucille Flex, Laura Jackson, Roseann Lynn, Eunice Slaughter, Viola Morgan, Lillian Gray, Jean Bates, Tomi Reed Smith, Tommy Rankin, Ruby Rhodes, John Norman, Renea Taylor, Juanita Jones, Elijah Ickom, Vernette Owens, Diane Williams, Dashell Earnest, Sherry Holmes, Will Hughes, Billy Jack Evans, Otha Herrington, Robert Loper, Annie Curry, Miriam Mejia, Margaret Davis, Ruby Helen White, Ken Ormond, Eileen, Annie and Symone Ickom, Bishop Odee Akines, Linda Martin Solomon, Ruthie Lay, Clark Jackson, George Tucker, Thorton Gray, and Raphael Kalume.
Everyone deals with some type and level of stress, but it’s become an increasingly prevalent issue in modern society. As life gets busier and more complex, many people are overwhelmed by work, relationships, finances, world events, socio-political issues, and more. Stress can compromise the body’s immune response, making a person more susceptible to infections. Serious conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity are also linked to chronic stress.
Mentally, the repercussions of stress can manifest as anxiety, depression, irritability, insomnia, and cognitive impairments. Stress can disrupt the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, influencing mood and perception. It can also lead to behavioral changes like withdrawal from social activities, overeating or undereating, and substance abuse. Recognizing these manifestations and seeking interventions can be pivotal in protecting our health and well-being. In next week’s column, we will share stress triggers.
Child abuse is a profound and distressing reality that affects millions of children worldwide. It is a grave violation of children’s rights and has far-reaching implications for their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. Prevention of child abuse is not merely a moral obligation; it is essential for the healthy development of future generations and the overall harmony of society.
Congratulations to John Goodrow, Kamden Earls, Landy Johnson, and Aaron Magee who were welcomed into the St. Michael’s Catholic Church family on Holy Saturday. It was a beautiful ceremony and celebration. Our prayers are with you.
Congratulations to Ms. Anna Grace Reed, Miss 2025 East Central Community College and two-year Legacy Scholarship Winner, on her recent induction into the ECCC Hall of Fame. She is the daughter of Change Agents Rev. Larry and Mrs. Abigail Reed. Way to go Anna Grace!
Congratulations to Forest Alderwoman Cynthia Slaughter Melton who was recently featured in the MS State University Extension publication and saluted for her volunteer work over the years. Her contributions and work as a member of the Cluster Club were highlighted. She was also featured (front page) in the last edition of The Scott County Times. Way to go!!!
We enjoyed the last of the 2025 Morton Methodist Church Lenten Luncheon Series on Wednesday, April 16th where Rev. Darnell Moffett, Pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Magee and Coordinator of Community Development at Southern Pine Power Electric, addressed the theme, “Love of God and Service – Love for God and your Neighbor.” Rev. Moffett referenced Acts 6:1-2 as a directive to serve and encouraged us to demote ourselves and think of others. There should never be a disconnect between Love for God and your Neighbor (Luke 10:25-37). He was introduced by Legacy Change Agent Bob Lyles, Esq. Special thanks to the coordinators of this Series and special thanks and appreciation to the Refreshment/Cooking/ Hospitality Committee members.
Kudos to Pastor Walter Roberts, Jr. and the Lynch Chapel U. M. Church family for sponsoring such a “fun-filled” Easter Egg Hunt for the children of the church community. The Hunt was held on Sunday, April 13th and the children were running, looking for eggs, and enjoying themselves. There was plenty of good food and the grill masters were busy grilling. The children enjoyed their “pre-Easter” Hunt.
We enjoyed the 20th Anniversary Reading of “Tougaloo Blues” held in the historic Woodworth Chapel on the campus of Tougaloo College on April 17th. “Tougaloo Blues” was written by Dr. Kelly Norman Ellis who is the daughter of Dr. Cheryl Slaughter Ellis and Sidney Ellis, and the granddaughter of the late Forest Alderman W. L. and Mrs. Olivia Kelley Slaughter. Blaise Adams and Wisdom Ware participated in a conversation with Dr. Norman Ellis following the reading. Dr. Norman Ellis was introduced by her cousin, Attorney Teselyn Melton Funches, and a Book Signing followed the Reading. Other family members present were her daughter Naomi Baskins, sister Crystal Ellis McFerrin, her mother Dr. Cheryl Slaughter Ellis, and aunt Alderwoman Cynthia Slaughter Melton. It was a wonderful expression of love especially for her grandparents, her mother and her five aunts and mother, Cheryl, Constance, Charlotte, Cynthia, Clarice, and Carolyn.
The Scott County Jackson State University (JSU) Alumni Association Chapter will hold its Annual Spring Banquet on Saturday, April 26th at the Forest Services Center at 6:00 p.m. The guest speaker is Ms. Patreese Edwards, National JSU Alumni President. Mr. Joe Tucker will provide special entertainment. For additional information, please contact any Alumni member. Albert Gray is the president.
The Alcorn State University (ASU) Scott County Chapter Alumni announces its Scholarship Banquet to be held on Saturday, May 3rd at 5:00 p.m. at the Forest Services Center. The speaker for this occasion will be Dr. Edward Rice, ASU Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. See any ASU member for tickets. Students are encouraged to apply for a scholarship.
Pastor Rev. Sheldon Thomas and members of the Little Rock Church invite our readers to celebrate Women’s Day with them on Sunday, May 4th at 10:00 a.m.
Happy Birthday greetings to April babies born during the last week, namely Janifer Odom-Gray (27), Mary Johnson Battle (29), and Diane Patrick and Reginald Reed (30). Happy belated birthday to Legacy Change Agent Tanya Bobbitt who celebrated her birthday on Good Friday, April 18th. We wish her many more years of blessings!
Answer to Quiz Teaser # 819: Dr. Sheldon Maurice Graves, a graduate of Hawkins High (1966), Tennessee State University, and Meharry Medical College (1974), is the son of the late Andrew and Mrs. Odessa Graves, is married to Dr. Patricia Graves and is the father of Kiley and Kyle. He is one of the first Pediatric Dentists from Scott County, and he continues to support the Forest community through several community-based organizations and entities.
Quiz Teaser # 820: Who was the first president of the Scott County NAACP?
