We are thankful and grateful that our community survived the recent storm and applaud the work of local first responders. Please join us in expressing appreciation for their selfless services.
Our hearts are saddened by the transition of U. S. Congressman John Conyers (Michigan) Sunday, October 27th. He was the longest serving African American in Congressional history and died at the age of 90. His legacy includes introducing legislation resulting in the proclamation of the national Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and founder of the National Congressional Black Caucus. Our prayers are with his family, colleagues and constituents.
The Life and Legacy of Registered Nurse Naomi Lucille Dean Williams was celebrated Saturday, October 26th at H. A. Brown U. M. Church in Wiggins. Mrs. Pinkie Paige was the program guide for the memorial. Other program participants included Pastor Eddie Lee Jones, Mrs. Cassandra Faye Buckley, Mrs. Delores Gaines, Saucier U.M. Church Pastor Beth Matthews and former Pastor Stacy Donald, Attorney Constance Slaughter-Harvey, Kevin Baskins, and Attorney Teselyn Melton Funches.
Mrs. Williams continued her dedication to the medical profession by donating her body to the University of MS Medical Center. Locals attending the memorial were Alderwoman Cynthia Slaughter Melton, Constance Slaughter-Melton, Dorothy Pinkston, Tonya Bobbitt, and Maurice McClendon. Special thanks to the Holified Funeral Home family.
We enjoyed the National Friends of the Library Tailgate Party hosted by the Forest Library family. The celebration was held at the Forest Library Tuesday, October 22nd. It was a fun time and the hospitality and food were excellent. Special thanks to Branch Manager Librarian Dianne McLaurin and staff.
Special thanks to MS Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks employees Brent Madden and J. McIntosh for speaking to Legacy Change Agents (Hawkins Middle School mentees) October 16th on protecting natural resources, animal habitats and the differences between predators and prey. They showed examples of 14 of the most common species using skins and skeletons. On the following Wednesday, October 23rd, Support Service Specialist Jeff Latham of the Bienville Park Ranger District discussed the importance of education and the different careers available in the Forest industry. Both sessions, which are components of Camp ZiWE, were very enlightening and thoroughly enjoyed by the mentees.
Bienville Ranger District Timber Clerk Alma Boyd described her job functions and encouraged Change Agents to explore intern options at her office. On Tuesday, October 22nd, this retired Navy officer, spoke to Change Agents at the Hawkins Middle School, including the 7th, 6th, and 5th grade mentees. During her Camp ZiWE presentation on forestry services and animals, she also shared self-esteem tips. Special thanks to her for an informative presentation.
Mark Nichols from Hawaii visited his parents, Mary and Mitchell Nichols, and treated his father to his favorite coconut cake on his birthday, October 27th. They also visited his mother at the MS Care Center in Raleigh. It was good seeing him at Mass. Please continue to keep Mary and Mitch in your prayers.
We enjoyed the Annual Sports Evangelism Services held at Little Rock M. B. Church Sunday, October 27th where Pastor Rev. Sheldon Thomas delivered spiritual challenges to sports teams. Local schools including Forest, Morton, Scott Central, Sebastopol and Leake County were represented by players, coaches, cheerleaders and supporters. A special thanks to Pastor Thomas and the Little Rock Church family for continuing to invest in our youth!
Please make a note and join members of the Scott County Unit of Retired Educators at their November 13th meeting at 1:30. Special guests and presenters are Kendra Wright from the U. S. Census Bureau and Dr. Karen Norwood, Forest Municipal School District Superintendent. For additional details, please contact President Nettie Ward and/or Program Chairwoman Carolyn Knowles.
Happy Birthday greetings to November babies, namely, Willie Haralson and Mikenia Ickom (1), Elizabeth Hampton (3), Walter Crudup, Joseph Futch, and Larry Murrell (4), Makalya Crosby (5), Mildred Guyse and Adam Rogers (6), Dequan Moore and William Ware (7), Evelyn Hampton and Kendra Morgan (8), Maliaka McNair and Kadevyan Cager (9), Tambria Ware, Jo Taylor, Johnnie Murrell, Brittany Miller, and Zamir Grant (10), Demarcus Pol, Sherrie Spivey, Michelle Odom and Jami Johnson,(11), Brycen Smith and Tiarra Futch (12), Serenity Noguera (13), Justin Mapp, Angela Moore, Teresa Walton, Benny McCurdy, and Stella Smith (14), Keilan Ragland (15) Keyidra Jones, Ronald Burks, and Kaneisha Hunt, (17), Brittany McClendon and Brian Major (19), Tyesha Smith, Keilan Ware, Kaeon Robinson and Lavetta Van Buren (21), Marquita Patrick and Abraham Perez (23), James W. Crudup (24), Brett Hollingsworth, and Jacendic Nicks (25), Louella McConnell and Emmitt Melvin (26), Rev. Henry Patrick and Ephraim Ringo (27), and Dr. Selika Sweet, Hallie Milsap and Francis Patrick (30).
Citizens are encouraged to participate in our local democracy and be heard by casting your ballot this Tuesday, November 5th from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. For additional information, please contact Circuit Clerk Rebecca ‘Becky’ Gray and her staff at 601-469-3601.
Legacy parents invite our readers to shop with them during the Legacy Parents’ Harvest Sidewalk Sale to be held this Friday, November 1st and Saturday, November 2nd at the Slaughter Block on Highway 80. The Sale starts at 7:00 a.m. on both days. Linens, Clothes, Shoes, Hats/Caps, Dishes, Towels, Appliances, Furniture, Furnishings, Christmas and Thanksgiving decorations, Baskets, large Storage Bins, and other items will be available for purchase.
Answer to Quiz Teaser # 510: Mr. Robert Jennings was the first certified African American Police Officer in Morton. He presently provides transportation services to our senior citizens.
Quiz Teaser # 511: Who was the first local African American drafted by the NFL?
