Legacy thanks
community for suport of
Evers’ Project
We are so sorry to learn of the death of former Forest Police Officer Joseph “Joe” Lee who was killed in an accident Wednesday, September 20th. Our prayers are with his family and please remember them in your prayers. Former FPD officer Lee was a very good officer and earned the respect and admiration from all who knew him even those who received tickets. We will miss him.
We are sorry to learn of the death of Mr. Enrique Flores who passed Wednesday, September 20th. Our prayers are with his family, especially his soul mate, Charlotte Stingley, one of the original Slaughter Scout, #155/248. Memorial services are incomplete.
Our prayers continue to be with our readers who are facing health challenges especially Mrs. Bonnie Russell Hodge, Ms. Betty Russell, Sid Salter, Ray Walker, Paul Terry Reed, and George Parker who is making great strides.
Happy belated birthday to Rev. Charles Watkins who celebrated his special 87th birthday Saturday, September 23rd! Congratulations and continue to share your special prayers!
Nuptial congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Walter Ford, nee Flossie Hayes, who tied the wedding knot Saturday, September 23rd at the home of her uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Theopolis Hayes. Congratulations!
Nuptial congratulations are also in order for Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Jones, nee Alexia Chantel Gammage, who tied the nuptial knot at Roosevelt State Park Saturday, September 23rd. Congratulations and best wishes.
Both couples appeared to be so happy and excited about their new status and looking forward to the years ahead with each other. Congratulations!
Naomi Lucille Dean Williams, RN, celebrated her 95th birthday Saturday, September 16th at Lackey Convalescent Home where she has resided since 2014. The air was filled with joy, good food and fellowship.
Cynthia Slaughter-Melton, coordinator, welcomed all to the celebration. Minnie Williams provided prayer and blessing of the food. She also sang beautiful songs of praise and Dewuan Walker also provided songs and piano selections.
During the celebration, all September babies were honored and this has been a tradition since 2014. They are Susie Ickom (9), Connie Stewart (10), Minnie Holifield (13), Barbara Ormond (21), Sandra Watts (29) and Courtney Funches (30). Mrs. Williams’ godson, Brian Baskins (21) of Washington, D.C., was unable to attend this year. Other guests were Dorothy Pinkston, Constance Slaughter-Harvey, Emma Morgan, Reginald, Tess (Melton) and Caelyn Funches, Londynn Derrick, and Lillian Gray. Door prize winners were Dewuan Walker, Reggie Funches and Minnie Williams.
Mrs. Williams and family thank everyone for making the celebration a success. Special thanks to Christy Evans, Shirley B. Goldman, Tess and Reggie Funches, Minnie Williams. Dewuan Walker, and Sandra Watts. Special thanks to the Lackey Convalescent Home staff for their warm hospitality. Mrs. Williams is looking forward to #96!
Concord M. B. Church on Sunday, September 17th and the Forest Public Library, on September 18th, hosted Legacy’s My Space – My Story project featuring the life and legacy of Medgar Wiley Evers. Dr. Michael Williams, U of TX at El Paso director of African American History and adjunct professor at MS State, spoke during programs at both locations. Each presentation was specifically designed for the audiences.
He was introduced by his father, Wavoka Sobukwa, after being welcomed by Forest Mayor Nancy Chambers at the Forest Library and Legacy president Constance Slaughter-Harvey at Concord following prayer by Rev. Henry Patrick. The Concord Youth Choir paid tribute to Medgar through their beautiful rendition of “He Thought I Was Worth Saving.”
During his Concord presentation, which was followed by presentations from East Central Community College (ECCC) students Makayla Weaver and Stephanie Powell, Dr. Williams shared the struggles and accomplishments of Medgar Evers and related same to today’s struggles. At the Library, he shared his reasons and motivation for writing “Medgar Evers: Mississippi Martyr.” Attendance was very good at both Forest events.
Monday night was the final presentation as Dr. Williams spoke to the students and other ECCC family as well as citizens from Decatur, Forest and Jackson. He was introduced by professor Madison Price after having been welcomed by ECCC President Billy Stewart.
His presentation was more detailed through power point and visual and audio tools to share the real side of Medgar. It was a most interesting presentation and students ranked his presentation very high.
Locals attending from Forest were Shonnette Kelley, Rhonda Kelley Brown, Dorothy Pinkston, Mary Grace Lee, Miah Patrick, Mikelle Daniels, and Demetrius Rankin. Volunteer coordinator of this project, Constance Slaughter-Harvey, thanks all for their support, attendance and hospitality extended to Dr. Williams and his father. Both Dr. Williams and Mr. Sobukwe have called to again express their appreciation for the outpouring of love during their visit.Special thanks to local citizens and businesses for supporting the My Space My Story and we hope to continue to share with you programs of this caliber. Thank you!
Answer to Quiz Teaser # 423: Dr. Emma York of Morton and Tougaloo College graduate, wrote “The Last Bell” which was dedicated to the Bettye Mae Jack High School Class of 1970. We received more than 15 calls and each caller had a message about the author and/or the book. Calls came in from Chicago, Jackson and Memphis. Mrs. Loyce Collier was the first to call with the correct response. Quiz Teaser #424: Who was the County’s first African American florist?
