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If you are looking to support a black owned business in Northeast Arkansas that serves good southern soulful cooking, make sure you visit Ron’s Family Affair. Ron’s Family Affair is located on 190 Shoppingway Blvd in West Memphis, Arkansas. Ron’s Family Affair has been in establishment for over 20 years serving the community of West Memphis and surrounding areas good soul food. Julia Burnett of Memphis, Tennessee travels to West Memphis, Arkansas to dine at Ron’s Family Affair. “Ron’s Family serves the food I like to eat,” says Julia Burnett “I come to Ron’s Family Affair three to four times a week to eat,” says Michael Riley, a regular customer at Ron’s Family Affair. Ron’s Family Affair is a restaurant that promotes black culture and possesses an atmosphere for family and unity while eating. Despite the picture of what society now paints of LGTQIA+ community on national platforms there are still those in rural south regions of America that are living the reality of the discrimination of being black and gay.
Being black, gay and in the south comes with much mistreatment expressed through racism and misconceptions in the workforce, by police officers, even in health care; to name a few. 2020 survey highlights the discrimination of black gay in workplace, police interactions, and mental and physical health. This survey gives attention to real life inequalities in the black gay community. In addition to this survey, there are real-life disparities with education not because of learning disabilities but the struggles with everyday affairs of being black and gay. According to Movement Advancement Project (MAP) black young LGTQI are most at risk of dropping out the educational system; because of” unsafe and under-resourced schools, and a lack of support for LGBT students.” Consequently, black young gays suffer in silence of the agony of feeling ashamed by their families, friends, and local communities of their sexual orientation; which affects some chances of finishing school. This truth raises significant issues such as mental health trauma that affect their wellbeing. The Trevor Project states that “44% of Black LGBTQ youth seriously considered suicide in the past 12 months.” With this understanding as such it is time to give the black, gays an avenue to express themselves and find safety and self-worth. Rongarrius Davis, a black, gay, male gives some of his experiences growing up gay in the south. Davis was raised in a rural city of Cleveland, Mississippi. Davis did state that “things happen” to him as a child, that he feel like cause him to choose to live a gay lifestyle. “When I was growing up in second and third grade I was teased and called gay by my peers, because my friends was girls or I didn’t play sports” states Davis. Davis talks about fighting and being jumped leaving school headed home on many occasions because of his sexual orientation. Davis opens up and tell his mother of his sexual orientation when he was in 11th grade. “Telling my mother and she accepting me was “big” relief, because it allowed me to be me more,” says Davis. Davis feels better now that his mother has accepted him, he has no worries about others' opinions or comments. In fact, Davis is comfortable in his black and gay skin and is pursuing his own goals and aspirations. Davis now is in school completing his education in cosmetology in Jackson, Mississippi and later plans to travel the world “making people beautiful.” The struggle of being black, gay, and in the south is reality and there are many in the black LGBTQIA+ communities that need the support and safety during discrimination acts.
The absence of the black father is an ongoing crisis in the black community.
According to Fathers.com, “children from fatherless homes are more likely to be poor, become involved in drug and alcohol abuse, drop out of school, and suffer from health and emotional problems.” Kimberly Mitchel gives her own firsthand experiences of growing up fatherless. “I had many unanswered questions about why my father was not present,” say Kimberly Mitchell Kimberly Mitchell learned to accept that her father was not going to be around and leaned on her grandfather as her father figure. Today Kimberly Mitchell is grown and have not fallen prey to the statistics of society for black girls that are fatherless such as “girls are more likely to become pregnant as teens.” Willie Morris, a black minister, became the fatherless at 11 years old due to his father passing away from kidney failure. Morris was traumatized emotionally and mentally after his father passed. “I was angry and acted up in school, because I did not know how to cope with losing my dad.” Morris encourages those of the black community that suffers from the absence of their father, alive or deceased, to make a conscience decision to be successful and do what is necessary to be the best version of yourself.
Gun violence in the black community is a reality in Northeast Arkansas. Many black lives are being lost to gun violence at its highest due to suicides and homicides.
According to Pew Research Center, “About eight-in-ten Black adults (82%) say gun violence is a very big problem – by far the largest share of any racial or ethnic group.” Mr. Alfred Smith, a retired law enforcement officer of 35 years, talks about his experiences working in law enforcement. “In the black community a weapon has been weaponized on black people in general because they have no training on how to use a gun,” states Alfred Smith. Smith encourages anyone who is carrying a firearm to get the proper education and training, so that they will know how to effectively carry a firearm. Kimberly Jones lost her brother to gun violence in 2020. She opens and tell of how gun violence has affected her family. “It is still so unreal,” say Jones. Jones tell the story of the night she received the message that her brother was framed and killed. She now teaches her children about gun violence prevention and hope the black community use guns as self-defense oppose to reenactment of what is portrayed in media. During this time of the COVID-19 pandemic; single black mothers put in overtime aiding their children in receiving an education.
For generations, the single black mother has had many leading roles in the black community, now during this pandemic the role is an educator. With many children at school and home during this pandemic, the single black mother must home school plus fulfill all other obligations as a single parent. Many single black mothers have an overload of providing for their homes that sometime hinders them from properly overseeing and assisting their children with school work. As result of the overload many black children are not to doing well in school. According to Essences, “providing full time childcare and being a COVID full-time work from home mom is unsustainable.” Latavia Scott, a single black mother of two son is at a breaking point with balancing work, home, and now school. “I work 40 hours plus a week to provide for my family, and sometimes I be tried from working all day long,” stated Latavia Scott. Latavia Scott wish that more men were present in the home to assist with daily duties of helping with their own children. Latavia Scott get support from family and friends but she hopes for better days to come.
Heart2Help Foundation Celebrates One Year of Service
Seth Mitchell Heart2Help (H2H) Foundation, a local nonprofit organization, in Southeast Missouri is celebrating their one-year anniversary with a weekend of exciting events. Consistently, from the beginning, Heart2Help Foundation have been a support to their community and region. Heart2Help Foundation exemplifies their moto “from our heart to your hands,” by servicing those in need of assistance. Heart2Help Foundation have rendered culture enrichment services to women by hosting self-defense classes with Missouri Department of Tactical Teams as well as having free giveaways of toys and turkeys during the holiday seasons. In addition, Heart2Help Foundation had partnered with a local ministry, New Prayer of Deliverance Church, and hosted a warming center, to help those homeless during the winter season. LaKishea Braxton, founder of Heart2Help Foundation, arranged a weekend full of celebration and entertainment for the milestone of one year of servicing others with positive solutions in time of unfortunate events. “I'm overjoyed, by what Heart2Help Foundation has accomplished this pass year, it is now time to celebrate,” said LaKishea Braxton. Friday, September 24, 2021; Heart2Help Foundation had officially opened their Help Center and was welcomed by the New Madrid Chamber of Commerce in New Madrid, Missouri. Many people from the city and surrounding areas came to witness this historic event. “We are going add and complete a computer lab, family room, and offices,” said Cornell Braxton, co-founder of Heart2Help Foundation. The Help Center serves as a safe place to anyone in need to be empowered by creating an atmosphere of love, care, and support. Saturday, September 25, 2021; H2H Foundation hosted a clean comedy show in the city of Sikeston, Missouri. NotKarltonBanks and Ms. Shirleen, both social influencers and comedians were the special guest of the show. Both NotKarltonBanks and Ms. Shirleen characters were funny and creative. Many people from all over Missouri as well as Illinois and Arkansas came to celebrate. The comedy show was hilarious and unforgettable. Heart2Help Foundation one-year anniversary was full of enthusiasm and entertainment. To donate to Heart2Help Foundation you can go to their website and find more information.
Curtis Tate Sr., and Curtis Tate Jr., owners of Tate Farms LLC located in Edmondson, Arkansas sharing with the community their experiences as black farmers.
In the midst of racism and discrimination against black farmers for generations. Curtis Tate Sr family has been black farmers for over 100 years in Edmondson, Arkansas. The first property was purchased by Curtis Tate Sr., grandfather and the family has been farming since that purchase. Curtis Tate Sr reflects growing up, getting up in the morning and helping his father with the farm. “Daddy would say ‘get up son, it’s time to go to work,’” said he. Curtis Tate Sr., took over the family farm in 1995. He has maintained and added to the farm. Now the farm expands over 3000 acres between Edmondson, and Proctor, Arkansas making them one of the largest minority farmers in Crittenden County. Curtis Tate Jr is following the path of his father as well. Curtis Tate Jr went and graduated from Arkansas State University with a bachelor's in agriculture. Curtis Tate Jr., has field experience working with the family business as well the education. “Having the education make you aware of the crop diseases, variable rates, properly application of chemicals to crops and many other factors” said Curtic Tate Jr. “There are a lot more career opportunities in agricultural, and I encourage blacks to pursue those areas,” said Curtis Tate Jr. Tate Farms LLC raises crops throughout the year such as: soybeans, milo, and rice. Farmer sow crops between March and June and harvest starting in late August. The Tate Farms uses most of the modern and updated tractor equipment from John Deer and Case IH to process the crop. Having these tractors makes it efficient for crops and laborers. Tate Farms LLC is a beacon of light and hope in Northeast Arkansas. Curtis Tate Sr., and Curtis Tate Jr., encourages others in the minority communities to explore the world of agriculture as well as appreciate the life of black farmers. Pastor Anthony Coleman a local community pastor in Sunset Arkansas, is making his imprint on the hearts of those in the community along with his church, the Marion Church of God in Christ (COGIC). Pastor Anthony Coleman has only been the pastor of Marion Church of God in Christ for only 5 years and he and his church have been a beacon of light to their local community of Sunset. “The largest racial/ethic group in Sunset is the Black community of 92.8%,” according to Arkansas Demographics. Sunset is a small town with a big heart. Coleman has dedicated his time and resources to uplifting this black community image and confidence. “We love people, and ministry is meeting the needs of the people,” said he. Marion COGIC is a community-based ministry lending a helping hand in the community by feeding hundreds of people, having clothes giveaways, provide scholarships, partners with 8th Street Mission, give comfort to those incarcerated over 200 women in Crittenden County Department of Correction to name a few. “We are learning, growing, and unified,” said Char-Vel Miller, youth pastor at Marion COGIC. Miller connected with Pastor Coleman and Marion COGIC employed as a drummer, but later fell in love with the vision of Coleman and now he is the youth pastor at Marion COGIC. “Pastor Coleman encourage and celebrate youth academics with sponsorships and school supplies give away to the community,” said Miller. “Be big where you are,” said Coleman. This is the message Pastor Coleman have adopted to encourage his church and his local community. Coleman idea is that no matter where you are and what you have; you still can accomplish great things just by using the resources and connections around you. During the Halloween season, Marion COGIC and Coleman rented a 18 wheelers flat bed with lights and music; and created a night of fun and safety for the community and raised over $400 to support the community renovations for a local park in Sunset. “There is 30% non- white in this city, but there is absolutely no black police officer in Marion, Arkansas,” stated Coleman. Pastor Coleman seeks to see a difference. He and the Marion COGIC orchestrated and lead a peaceful march from their church to the police station to educate and bring awareness of social injustice in the black, brown, and minorities communities. “In the near future Marion COGIC will be COVID-19 vaccination site,” said Coleman. Because many of those in the black, brown, and minorities communities are apprehensive of the COVID- 19 vaccinations. Coleman and Marion COGIC are yet working to aid their local community. Coleman is collaborated with local cities and communities' pastors promoting those in the black, brown, and minorities to get their COVID-19 vaccinations. “Pastor Coleman want to ministry to the whole man,” said Michael Austin, traveling nurse and pastor’s chief armor bearer. Michael Austin, non-African but Hispanic, has been a member Marion COGIC for 3 years. Austin describes Coleman as “fatherly, strong, and nonjudgmental.” Austin has witness Coleman go out of his way to help someone in the church and in the community. “Pastor Coleman included health and wellness presentations in our food community giveaway,” said Austin. “Pastor Coleman and Marion COGIC works together,” said Austin. “My wife is an inspiration to me,” Coleman affectionately stated. Pastor Anthony Coleman is married to Joycelynne Coleman, she is his greatest supporter in ministry and community affairs. “We are sowing seeds,” stated Coleman. Pastor Coleman and the Marion COGIC want the community of Sunset and surrounding communities to know that their approach to ministry is love and this love is intentional, to inspire, to empower, to make a difference in lives of those in their local community. Mrs. Annette McClure a black educated woman is retiring from the West Memphis School Districts, after serving the community for more than 28 years as an educator. Mrs. Annette McClure grew up in a time of social injustice, racial inequality, and bias discrimination. Raise by her grandparents in the 60s, Mrs. McClure remember sitting at the back of the bus as a little girl, she said “as the bus driver opened the door my grandmother hesitated. He asked twice if we were getting on the bus and if so move on to the back." In addition, she reflects on the tragic events occurring after the death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr in Memphis, Tennesse in April of 1968. Mrs. Annette McClure states “I remember vividly waking up in the middle of the night to the flames of a burning car outside our home on Norris Rd. following the death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. There was a bus stop at the corner of our property and some of those that were upset were trying to overturn the bus.” In spite of growing up in difficult times Mrs. Annette McClure fell in love with learning. Mrs. Annette McClure said, “Education for me was a way out of such constraints.” So, Mrs. McClure put her hands to the plow and began to pursue higher education. Mrs. McClure went forth and obtain an Associate in Education from East Arkansas Community College, a Bachelor of Art of Science in Education; as well as a Master of Science in Education for Elementary Principals and Leadership and a Master of Science in Education – Special Education, Gifted, Talented, and Creative; all from Arkansas State University. As a black educated woman, Mrs. Annette McClure have seen and experience much in her career. She has been misunderstood by those in and outside the black, brown, and minority communities. Mrs. McClure recalls being told by some in her own community that “I wasn’t black enough because I had been around whites more than blacks due to my education.” As well as being mistreated by others outside her race because she was black, McClure stated “Children were afraid because they had never had a black teacher.” Mrs. Annette McClure have been faithful and consistent for many years and “things are better now,” she has established a great relationship with the community and those she has crossed paths with. She has given back through community service such as, teaching young girls/women how to cook and can food for the winter season, feeding the senior citizens doing holidays, donating to Ronald McDonald House and much more. Also, she has impacted many former students who now are lawyers, nurses, business owners, and social workers who some affectionately called her “mom.” Mrs. Annete McClure wants to leave a legacy that she has “reach people where they were and helped them to climb higher.” She is retiring but not sitting down. Mrs. Annette McClure looks forward to volunteering some of her time to help students in the community with reading, writing, and vocabulary building. As well as enjoy her family and husband of 45 years of marriage. |
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Photo used under Creative Commons from Kheel Center, Cornell University Library