All She Wanted Was A Front Porch

Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

Laura Coleman went blind in her early childhood. She later contacted the measles and lost her hearing. I can't imagine being blind and deaf. That what Laura face every day of her life. There is over 50, 000 deaf people that live in Louisiana.  In 2014 the Tangipahoa Parish 911 Center began using Smart911 for people who are hard of hearing. I'm starting to  researching programs that can help Laura have a better quality of life.  It will provide me the  opportunity to learn about the resources that's offered to people like Laura who live in Tangipahoa Parish. 

Laura's sister Ruthie stomps her feet when she wants to get Laura's attention. Laura feels the vibration for the floor and she knows that Ruthie is trying to get her attention. Ruthie promised her mother on her dying bed that she would take care of Laura and that is exactly what the entire family does. 

Her sister and niece told us how Laura likes to sit on the front porch and get some fresh air.  She hadn't been able to do that because the front porch had deteriorated and the family had to take it down due to safety reasons. During an interview with her sister Ruthie, I asked her what would she like to see a change in her home? "I would like to a front porch for my sister Laura," said Ruthie; she can't come outside and sit on the front porch like she use to. I guess I was still in shock that all she wanted was a front porch for her blind and deaf sister. 

I walked over to talk with  Wessam Albadry documentary and social photography photojournalist to tell him what her request was and he said he would help. The other volunteers all said that they would help out. Volunteers from the Town of Kentwood and San Francisco, California immediately started brainstorming to see what they could do to help. Some people donated the funds for materials and other donated their time and skills to build Laura a front porch.

Constable Lemmie Chapman III didn't hesitate to help. He picked up the supplies at the local hardware to build the porch for someone with special needs. Other came along and gave him a helping hand. The men in Coleman Place came after work to help.  It was strange to see Wessam put down the camera and pick up work tools to help build  Laura a porch. I'm so happy for Laura now,  she  can sit outside and enjoys the fresh cool morning and evening breeze.

Thank you, Constable Chapman, Wessam Al-badry, Wallace Gilmore and the other volunteers that to give Laura a front porch. Your kindness and generosity made a difference. It couldn't have happened without people like you.

During an interview with Constable Chapman, you could see the tears in his eyes after watching Laura come out and sit on the front porch. He made a difference in someone's life who really needed it. Although this home is out of his district but helping them was in his heart. We're  proud to have caring people like him and all the volunteers who served others.

Constable Chapman believe in being a public servant to his community. He has been in office less then two years but he is making a great impact on the community.  One more heart was gathered through this mission and we are here to help those in need.

Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

Left: Wallace Gilmore, Ruthie Coleman and Constable Lemmie Chapman III.








Copyright © 2016 by Antoinette Harrell

It Takes A Village

Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

A few weeks ago Brian Hookfin a native of the Town of Kentwood took me back in a community outside the city limits of Kentwood to a small community they call Coleman hole.  The name Coleman hole just didn't sit right with me so I started calling it "Coleman Place." Their homestead isn't that far from the parish line of Washington Parish, Louisiana.  Traveling on HWY 38,  northwest of the Town of Kentwood—up and down the rolling hills with lots of whispering pine trees and pastures with beautiful herds of cattle.

The people who live in Coleman Place are all related and have very nurturing and supporting relationships with each other.  They may not have a lot of material things but they have a lot of love for each other. I sit there taking notes on how they help each other and share what little they have with each other.

When I told people in the community that the Immersion group was going to work in Coleman Place; their response were " you're going in Coleman's hole!" I couldn't understand why they made that statement  "why, that's for me to find out, thinking to myself.  What I found is exactly opposite of what people was saying; but at any rate people don't hesitate to repeat what they heard about someone very quickly, not knowing if its factual or rumors. Therefore investigate or get to know a person or situation for yourself before believing the negative things said about a person or situation. I'm certainly not saying that they do not have any challenges at all. They have them like everyone else that is rich or poor, middle class or upper class.

The people who live there are such beautiful people that work and stand together. Something that's hard to find in many families and communities with lots more material things than the Coleman family. They understand that it does take a village to raise a child, to take care of the elders and keep their family together. When we  understand it takes a village we'll see great changes in our families and communities. The Coleman family exemplify family unity and that is an example to follow.

Photo Credit: Walter C. Black, Sr.

I saw people that taking care of their children and helping one another. If one family member has a problem everyone came together to help that family member with that problem. I saw people who are very humble and respectful toward each other.

One of the pictures that was painted in my mind is the day they came together to  pray right outside. They held bible study outside under the clear blue evening skies. They wasn't concerned with a fancy church with central air or heat, or expensive chandeliers didn't stop them for worshiping God. They didn't sit on expense church pews with someone's name engraved on a plague saying, " in memory of" they sat on whatever chair they could find in the yard.

I learned so much from them in a short period of time. Now, I want to take what I learned from a family that may not have much but can teach so many about love and family loyalty. They welcome us with open arms and friendly smiles. They express their appreciation for the little help we gave to them.


Copyright © 2016 by Antoinette Harrell