“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” Saint Teresa of Calcutta
We are sorry to learn of the deaths of James Battle, S. A. McAllister, Wyvonne Lloyd Gammage Ward, Ollie Mae Harper, L. C. Rhodes and Judy Lyles. Additional details will be provided in next week’s column. Please keep their families in your prayers.
A beautiful and moving Memorial for former Law School Dean Richard Gershon was held February 15th at the Robert Khayat Law Building. It was a wonderful tribute to his life and legacy. Among those bringing tributes to him were his wife, Donna Levine, his brother Charles Gershon, Dean Frederick Slabach, NMRLS Director Minnie P. Howard, UM Law Graduates Sam Martin and Madeline Crane, and other family members and colleagues. Please continue to keep his family, friends, co-workers and students in your prayers.
Our prayers continue to be with our readers who are experiencing health challenges and whose names were included in last week’s column. Please keep them in your prayers.
Last week’s column referenced the Legacy Black History Icon Model Show by Connection Scholars. Among the Black Icons who were modeled include Alderman W. L. and Olivia Kelley Slaughter, Theaodis and Aura Gary, A. B. and Catherine Crudup, Rev. Clint and Mrs. Lloyce Collier, A. L. and Odessa Graves, Alderwoman Cynthia Slaughter Melton, Alderman Imogene Ward, Bettye Mae Jack, E. T. Hawkins, Maude Fortune, Dr. Melanie Nelson, Fletcher Hargess, Phylis Peters Campbell, Marlo Perry, Todd Pinkston, Betty Odom, Rebecca Gray, Myra Murrell Davis, Herman Patrick, Mon Stowers, Constance Slaughter-Harvey, Esq., Fannie Bradford, Van Thames, and others. Information regarding these icons and others may be reviewed at the Slaughter Library/Legacy Reading Center from 9 until 2 Monday through Thursday.
Scott County Retired Education Personnel met February 12th at the Forest City Hall and President Patty Ward Odom presided. Members celebrated Heart Health Awareness Month. They heard an inspirational testimony from Ms. Cynthia Johnson who shared experiences of her heart transplant three years ago. Let’s keep her in our prayers.
The MHV Cluster Club met on February 18th at the downtown Extension Service Office. February “Baby” Carolyn Macon was the hostess and provided a delicious meal for the ladies. Black History and Black Inventors were celebrated, and 2025 Service Projects were discussed. Members attending were Louella McConnell, Connie Wash, Dorothy Strong, Dorothy “Dale” Bradford, and Cynthia Slaughter Melton. Thanks to Rayne Arnold, Elizabeth Easterling and Christy Evans for assistance.
Congratulations to the Forest High School students who exemplified excellent discipline and decorum during the school-wide celebration of Black History Month on February 21st in the Elementary School Auditorium. Kudos to Ms. Jazmin Salinas who coordinated the event and to the students who participated in the Celebration, including Nyah Davis who shared a beautiful poem, singers Natalie Manning, Jhai’niya Reed, Nazaret Evans, Whitney Gibbs, Madison Morales and Maria Rodriguez who sang Glory by John Legend and Common. Students enthusiastically welcomed Mr. Manorris Odom, math instructor and Alyce Clarke August Teacher of the Month, who introduced his friend and Tougaloo College school mate, and guest speaker, local attorney Constance Slaughter-Harvey. She challenged students to become familiar with their local African American icons and history makers; encouraged them to be the change they want to see in this world; and reminded them that Black History Month is for all, especially young students so they may receive an objective view of the history of Scott County. Local African American Icons were introduced, and their roles and accomplishments were shared. Slaughter-Harvey introduced Mrs. Barbara Patrick, who is one of the stakeholders in Save Our Youth Through Community Action (SOYTCA). Patrick received a warm welcome from students and school personnel who are aware of her involvement and support of our educational system. Commendations to the students, their teachers,
Legacy Change Agents shared special Valentine cards with students at the Forest Elementary School and the Forest Head Start Friends of Children Center. It was a special feeling to see smiles on the faces of young students receiving cards of love. Thanks to the instructors and educators for spreading the Valentine Love. Special thanks to Legacy Change Agent Intern Aaliyah Pruitt, a Newton High School senior who assisted Board president Slaughter-Harvey with the deliveries. Bedford Convalescent Home residents enjoyed their Valentine cards and goodies shared by Legacy Change Agents.
Thanks to Legacy Executive Director Constance Burwell and Youth Leader James “Tre” Burwell for delivering Love gifts and basic necessities to Catholic Charities Battered Families residents, and kudos to Legacy Change Agents/Volunteers Eloise Reed and Reena Battle for spreading Valentine Love to Forest Housing Authority Director Janet Nicks Williams and sharing personal care items for elderly residents.
Congratulations to James Arthur Emmanuel Burwell, III (Tre) on being crowned Mr. Black Chapel Missionary Baptist Church (Jackson, MS) for 2025. He is the son of Rev. James and Mrs. Constance Olivia S-H Burwell, Jr. and the grandson of Constance Slaughter-Harvey and the late Jim Harvey and Myrtis and James Burwell, Sr. Legacy Change Agents join in this commendation to Legacy Youth Intern James. Special thanks to Legacy Change Agents for their support and prayers.
The Scott County Chapter of JSU Alumni Association meeting was held on February 20th at the Forest Services Center. Members discussed the upcoming events including the Spring Banquet to be held April 26th at 6:00 p.m. at the Forest Services Center; HBCU June Picnic to be held June 14th from 10-2 at Gaddis Park and other projects for the year. For additional information and details, please contact any member. Members in attendance were Albert Gray, Barbara Gray, Martha and Robert Kincaid, Ruth Anderson, Lamar Viverette and Cynthia Slaughter Melton.
Members of the Christian Banner United Methodist Church and their guests celebrated Black History Month on February 21 and Dr. Stephanie York Rhodes was the coordinator of this event. Mother Lloyce Gary Collier extended the welcome, and Candace York shared the occasion. Dr. Rhodes introduced Constance Slaughter-Harvey, who was the guest speaker. She addressed the theme, “Scott County Black Community: Choices, Challenges, Changes and Champions.” Musician Kathern Qualls, Legacy Star Teacher, provided the music and Pastor Vinson Jenkins shared his beautiful voice and melodies following his remarks. Thanks to all in attendance, especially Legacy Board Members Mayor Gerald Keeton and Dr. Stephanie York Rhodes and other Legacy Change Agents Donny and Eileen Barrett, Ronny and Rosie Barrett, Mother Lloyce Collier, Alderwoman Onedia Laster, and Sister Eileen who gathered for photos before the reception.
Alderwoman Cynthia Slaughter Melton visited the Lackey Convalescent Home on February 21st. The residents and staff celebrated February “Babies” with cake, ice cream and “Bags of Joy” snack bags provided by Melton. February “Babies” celebrated were Leslie Anderson, Andrea Harrison, Billy Ickom and Teselyn Melton Funches!
We enjoyed visiting the Christian Banner U.M. Church on February 23rd where Pastor Vinson Jenkins spoke on “Moses’ Burning Bush” and reminded all in attendance that we, too, have “Burning Bush” moments.
Happy Birthday greeting to February babies born between the 26th and the end of the month, and March babies born during the first five days, namely, Joetta Sanders and Mariah Butler (26), Martavious Odom, Jadarius McClendon and Luchiano Campuzano (27), Ollie Darby, Betty Hones, Loretta Brown, Brian Kimble, Alexus Rasco, and Violetta David (28), Lillian Gray and Kendrick Haralson (1), Undrae Evans, Bobbie Harris Greer, Mary Patrick, Shonda Sanders, Laila Brantley, Julianna Rowell and Susan Duncan (3), Alex Brown and Sherrita McBride (4), and Ramona Strong, Letitia Ringo, and Dezavian Evans (5).
Answer to Black History Month Quiz Teaser #811: Kobe Bean Bryant was the son of NBA player Joe “Jellybean” Bryant and was the youngest player to start an NBA game and the youngest to score 26,000 career points. On January 22, 2006, Kobe scored a career-high 81 points, the second most scored in a single NBA game behind Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game. Thanks to Tre Burwell for the correct answer.
Black History Month Quiz Teaser #812: Which American educator, activist, champion of racial and gender equality, and presidential advisor helped lay the foundation for the modern civil rights movement? Among other credentials, she is famous for saying, “Without faith, nothing is possible. With it, nothing is impossible.”
