Kentwood After-School & Summer Enrichment Program

Today was the first day of summer camp for kids age 6-13, who is excited to learn and explore new educational adventures. The camp will offer science technology, math, creative writing, iRadio, sports, healthy living, gardening and Y.A. Know.

They're looking forward to going on educational field trips. I interviewed Eric Brumfield the Camp's Director. He said that this is the second year for the summer camp. "I wanted to see a summer camp for the kids," said Eric.  Summer camps weren't available to me as a child Eric pointed out.

We have available space for other kids, said Eric. It's not too late to register your child for summer camp.  A fee of ten dollars can register your child. The camp fees are ten dollars a week. There is a lot of great benefits to summer camp. A wide variety of activities can only help the youth enhance their educational and fun learning skills. Learning should be fun for all children.

Antoinette Harrell Encourage Genealogist to Donate Their Collections

Harrell donating 2017 collection

My family roots run deep in the Florida Parishes. When I first started researching my family history in the local libraries and university, I couldn't find any records, photographs, and any other genealogy resources. I know that my family has been in the parishes since the founding of the parishes and contributed to the society they lived in. 

They owned their land, they built their one-room schools. African American people in the Florida parishes worked hard to own and maintain their own farms and some owned their own business. They served in the military and not one monument with their names listed can be found throughout the Florida Parishes.  "Why wasn't their contributions documented?" As I moved forward to pursue my own genealogy research as planned. I started collecting photographs, documents, artifacts and genealogical records from other African American families in the Florida Parishes, I had to find a repository to deposit the items collected. 

Bennett donating family files

In 2012, I called the office of Samuel Hyde, Jr. Ph.D., Professor of History and Director, Center for Southeast La. Studies/Archives to set up an appointment with him to talk with him about the rich collections. After talking with Dr. Hyde, he informed me that he would be happy to archive the collections, and how   important it is to the history of the Florida Parishes. The collection  help fill in the missing pieces of history in the Florida Parishes as it relates to African American people. 

I asked my colleague Bernice Alexander Bennett a Maryland resident, who is the host of "Research at the National Archives and Beyond," author, genealogist, family historian to consider donating her family papers and research to the Center for Southeast La. Studies/Archives. She agreed to donate her collection to the center.  Bennett spends countless of hours researching civil war records for Louisiana color troops at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.

Another genealogy researcher named Stephanie Quiette-Addison Martin, spent twenty-five years  researching and documenting the history of African Americans in the Florida Parishes, Martin has submitted work to Afrigeneas and to Christine's Genealogy website. She is also published in the "Louisiana Genealogical Register." Martin offered to donate her extensive collection to the Center for Southeast La Studies/Archives. She has collected over 10,000 names. Martin is the Manager of the African American Archives for  Louisiana

Karran Harper Royal, co-host of "Nurturing Our Roots Television Talk Show," and Executive Director of the Georgetown University 272. Royal is a native of New Orleans and talks about the impact of Georgetown. 272 slaves were sold to benefit Georgetown University.

Words can't explain how delighted and happy I am to hear that these noted and reowned genealogists  and family historians will follow the lead and donate their collections to the center.  

North Tangi News-Sweet Home Baptist Church Museum

Donated Laptop Computer for Kentwood High School Senior

Mr. Rochell Bates, Tatyanna Robinson and Antoinette Harrell
Photo Credit: Angela Bates

Kentwood High School Senior Tatyanna Robinson received a laptop computer today from Bellarmine College Preparatory School and Gathering of Hearts. Gathering of Hearts Co-founder Antoinette Harrell wanted to donate a computer to a student who work hard to excel and maintain good grades. 

Robinson is planning to go to school for nursing after graduating from high school. Harrell had one request for Robinson, she asked her to give back to someone once she becomes successful. Without hesitation Robinson agreed to help someone else.

Rochell Bates, Principal and Guidance Counselor Barbara English chose Robinson, because she work so hard and is determined to beat all odds. Robinson was surprised and speechless for a moment. Giving back to our youth is very important.  Three laptop computers are going to be donated to the Kentwood Community Center for after school enrichment. 

Last week eight computers were donated to the St. Helena Multi Purpose Center for after school enrichment. The board of directors were excited to get the computers. They're planning to get the internet service next week. After school Enrichment Centers are needed in rural communities that can assist with homework and enrichment resources and programs to expand learning opportunities in technology, the arts and tutoring.

Adult Coloring at the Council on Aging

Yvonne Hill McGray and Charles Bennett

Today I went to visit the Council on Aging in the Town of Kentwood. I met so many wonderful people with great stories to tell. From quilting to preserving vegetables and fruit. So many of them have a lifetime of experiences and stories to share with me. 

Mrs. Helen comes from a long line of quilters in her family. She asked me if I knew what rice custard is? I told her my mother use to make rice custard for dessert when I was a child. What about cornbread gravy she asked? That was my first time hearing about the cornbread dressing. I can't wait to hear her oral history stories. One of the other ladies told me she spoke french. She said her family origin traces back to Lafourche Parish, Louisiana. 

Pam Lewis
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

Some were coloring to release the stresses of life. Many people think that coloring is for children, well things have changed and some adults are finding enjoyment and relaxation in coloring. Yvonne McGray introduced adult coloring to the center. At the time when she was introducing coloring in the center, it wasn't received well. "Oh no!" Yvonne said, no one in the center wanted to color, but they quickly changed their minds. Now everyone proud display books of beautiful completed artwork. 

They all have their choice of coloring supplies, ranging from coloring markers to coloring pencils. Now, some of the elders are fining joy in coloring.  Pam Lewis said it's therapy for her. She suffers with arthritis in her hands and fingers and she said that coloring helps relieve the pain. " I'm color blind," said Charles.Their beautiful adult coloring is displayed on the wall. 

The local library feature their coloring art work on display as well. Please stop by to see their coloring art display. 

Town of Kentwood Public Officials Serving Flood Victims

Mayor Irma T. Gordon
Town of Kentwood 

Thousands of residents of Tangipahoa Parish were affected by flood waters this past weekend. Tangipahoa Parish is just one of the nineteen parishes that has been declared a natural disaster area by the federal government. 

Several people loss their life and thousands loss their homes and­― all their material possessions. This past March some people who live on the North End of the Parish had to seek shelter from the flood. Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller said that about 5000 homes in the parish were flooded this past March. 

Today the Town of Kentwood elected officials, town employees and volunteers gave out clothes, cleaning supplies, shoes, personal items to people in need. Mayor Irma T. Gordon was there with Councilman Gary Callahan and  Chief of Police Michael Kazeronni issuing the items and water.

Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

I made one call to Constable Lemmie Chapman III and asked him to pick up some items to bring to the center. He didn't hesitate to come by and get the cleaning supplies. Our elected officials are truly public servants and the people of Kentwood really appreciate all the services they provide. 

All the volunteers worked so well organizing everything for the people. The community came together to help others in need. Many volunteered their time and other made donation to the town for today's distribution. The items were neatly organized on the tables outside and other donations was steadily coming in. Talking with some of the people who had loss what little they had since the last flood brought tears to my eyes. Most people are coping with the loss again months later. "What makes it a little easier is knowing that others cares!" And they're willing to help.

Town of Kentwood Elected Officials Serving the People
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

Kentwood Mayor Goes Beyond the Call of Duty

There is much that can be said about Irma T. Gordon, Mayor of the Town of Kentwood. A former educator in Tangipahoa Parish School System, former councilwoman, mother, sister, and friend. She rolls up her sleeves and works hard in her community. You can find her in her office five days a week working hard to improve our town.

She puts children first and is concerned for our youth. Whatever she can do to help them, she will do. She shows the same concern for the citizens in our community. She is embarking upon the second year in office and her work is visible.

Mayor Gordon greets everyone with a warm smile and hugs. She makes everyone feel welcome and she treats everyone with respect. Born and raised in the Town of Kentwood, Louisiana., It's not that many people that she doesn't know. If there is an event taking place in town and you invite Mayor Gordon, she will do her best to attend.

Under her leadership the Town of Kentwood will see growth. Most mayors in rural towns in the Parish of Tangipahoa aren't full time employees. Mayor Gordon goes beyond the call of duty to serve our town and it's citizens. Although serving the community is nothing new to Mayor Gordon she  served as the a councilwoman for several terms, politics isn't new to her.