Our prayers are with the Laster family with the loss of their sister, Mrs. Polly Laster McCray of Las Vegas. Please keep her family in your prayers. Memorial services are incomplete, and final arrangements have been entrusted to Evans Memorial Funeral Home.
A beautiful Homegoing Celebration for Mr. Willie Frank Moore was held January 4th at Abundant Grace Temple of Deliverance. Mr. Moore was educated at E. T. Hawkins High School. Rev. Rochelle Wright officiated and delivered his eulogy. Ms. Melody Reed was the Mistress of Ceremony and other program participants were Darrell Turner, and Monique Carter. Please remember his family in your prayers, especially his children Beverly Moore, Frankie Moore, Regina Moore, Sandra (Marco) Williams, Stephanie (Frederick) Holifield, Williams Moore, Sr., Stanley Coker and Christopher Moore. Evans Memorial Funeral Home was entrusted with his final arrangements.
Despite the health challenges faced by some of our readers, the community has shown remarkable resilience and unity. We 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 Glenda Graham, Gloria Crump, Robert Jennings, Rita Wash, Dorothy Pinkston, Wells Gray, Gail Lee, McArthur Cotton, Don Bell, Margaret Wodetzki, Connie Sorey, LaToya and Q. McClendon, Bobby Carter, Martha Reed, Jo Taylor, Melvin Hodge, Linnie K. Lofton, Ruby Warnsley, Iris O’Neal Gray 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, Curtis Derrick, 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, Sammie Jean Webb, Anderson “Yellow” Stingley, Dorothy Mae Patrick Tigar, London Thompson, Melba Dixon, Mitch and Mary Nichols, Lucille Flex, Laura Jackson, Roseann Lynn, Eunice Slaughter, Viola Morgan, Lillian Gray, Jean Bates, Tomi Reed Smith, Tommy Rankin, Ruby Rhodes, Nicholas Jones, 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, Tony Chance, Annie Curry, Miriam Mejia, Margaret Davis, Ruby Helen White, Ken Ormond, Eileen Ickom, Annie Ickom, and Symone Ickom.
On December 29, 2024, President Joe Biden proclaimed January 9, 2025, as a National Day of Mourning throughout the United States and invited American people to pay homage to the memory of President Carter. He further directed that the flag of the United States be displayed at half-staff at the White House and on all public building and grounds…throughout the United States … for a period of 30 days from the date of his death.
The Scott County District Christmas Gala was held on December 14th at the Scott County District Building on Highway 80. The event was designed to give attendees an opportunity to dress up first class, enjoy delicious food including sampling different and tasty desserts from each church’s table, enjoying fun and fellowship, and registering for a door prize. The theme of “Don’t Forget the Reason for the Season” was observed as District Ministers read the story of Jesus’ birth. Members and guests enjoyed this opportunity to fellowship with seasoned members and new additions along with family and friends in their effort to raise funds to hasten the mortgage burning for the District Building. “Paid in Full” is the gift members want to present to the next generation. Thanks to officers for their commitment to this goal, namely Moderator Rev. Charles Bell, Vice Moderator Rev. Marcus McDougal, Congress Director Reginald McCoy, Women’s Auxiliary Director Jacqueline McDougle, and Treasurer Rev. Willie E. Jones.
The Kwanzaa Celebration was held at the Legacy Center/Slaughter Library on Monday, December 30th, the fifth day of Kwanzaa where Nia (Purpose) was celebrated. The Celebration was enjoyed by those in attendance. Legacy Executive Director Constance Burwell was the occasion guide. Legacy Intern James “Tre” Burwell, III shared the Kwanzaa Prayer and read the Meaning of Kwanzaa while Zanyaih Brazzle and Ja’Zieon Shepard assisted in the illustration of the seven tenets. Participants recognized and honored their ancestors during the libation ceremony and reflected on their strength and contribution to the participants’ lives. Among those participating in this Celebration were Constance Slaughter-Harvey who welcomed all and Evangelist Eloise Reed who provided prayer. Others participating on the program were Change Agents Susie Jackson Boyd, Verna Manning Myers, Patty Ward Odom, Constance Slaughter-Harvey, and Cynthia Slaughter-Melton. Other Change Agents in attendance were Raketha Coleman, Jasmine Shepherd, Abigal Reed, Anna Grace Reed, and Charles Longmire. Others in attendance were Octavia Kincaid Dixon, Ella Dixon, Ariyanna Hughes, Island Hall, Melissa Barney, Sandjuanna Benamon, and Amani Benamon. We’re looking forward to next year’s Celebration.
During the Kwanzaa Celebration, Mrs. Susie Jackson Boyd’s birthday was celebrated with songs and gifts. Following the official ceremony, Mr. Joshua Burns, Tobacco Free Coalition Director, presented a most informative program on vaping and ziipstocking.
The City of Forest honored retiring Chief of Police Will Jones during his Retirement/Appreciation Luncheon on Tuesday, December 31st at noon. The Board Room was filled with city employees and families. Mayor Nancy Chambers welcomed all and presented Chief Jones with a plaque of appreciation. Pastor Sheldon Thomas blessed the food and occasion. Thanks to Patsy Nicholson and Renee Hurdle for coordinating the event. Everyone in attendance extended their best wishes during his retirement.
Alderwoman Cynthia Slaughter Melton spent her first morning of 2025 celebrating the Sonic Boom at the Rose Bowl Parade on television. She shared this joyous occasion at the Lackey Convalescent Home with residents and staff and provided popcorn and punch while viewing the Parade. There was much excitement in the building as residents watched the Band’s performance. Staff January babies were celebrated with their gifts – Doris Townsend and Angela Crimm were celebrated. The February visit will be announced later.
The Annual MHV Awards Luncheon will be held on Tuesday, January 14th at 11:30. The program will be held at the MSU Extension Downtown Office in Forest.
The Birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. will be celebrated at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, 123 West Street in Jackson on Saturday, January 18, 2025. Local attorney and Legacy Board President and Founder Constance Slaughter-Harvey will serve as the guest speaker and will address the theme, “On the Path to Fulfilling the Dream.” The celebration starts at 1:00 and runs until 2:30, and our readers are invited to this event which is open to the public.
The 27th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Walk will begin at 8:30 on Monday, January 20, 2025, at Slaughter Library/Legacy Reading Center located at 516/518 Jones Street. Additional details and the Walk Route will be included in next week’s column. Our readers are issued a special invitation to participate.
The MHV Club’s January Meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 21st at 3:30 at the MSU Extension Downtown Office in Forest.
Happy Birthday greetings to babies born during the second full week in January, namely, Liakefya Alexander and Mae Bell Hayes (10), Sariah Ringo, George Watkins and Kevin Travis Devore (11), Chris Evans, Greg Burkes and Dorothy Strong (12), Adrienna Israel (13), Maurice Harkless and Michael Holifield (14), Kimberly Johnson (15), Sid Salter, Rosie Thomas Barrett, and Samuel Barnes (16), and Rickey Hoye (17).
Answer to Quiz Teaser #804: E. T. Hawkins was Principal of E. T. Hawkins High School when the schools were integrated; W. L. Slaughter was Principal of North Scott Attendance Center when county schools were integrated; William Golden was principal of Bettye Mae Jack High School when it was integrated with Morton High School; and Marvin Morgan was Principal of East Scott High School when it was integrated with Lake High School. Mrs. Velma McGee provided the correct response.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Quiz Teaser #805: Which local African American was instrumental in securing Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s release from jail following his arrest for marching and protesting injustices and discrimination in Philadelphia, MS?
