Menu
Many people from all over the Mid-South gather at Memphis Levitt Shell to celebrate country blues; the special guest was Blind Mississippi Morris, an American blues musician.
For over 50 years the Memphis Country Blues Festival has been celebrated in Overton Park-Levitt Shell. African American country blues musician who was talented but ignored along with white musicians have had the opportunity to share their music at this festival. The country blues sound of harmonicas and guitars gives medley to powerful voices of the southern soul. The Smithsonian Folk Ways Recording mentions that the lyrics of country blues gives “the African American experience and the hardships of work, life, and love in the American South, and themes of travel, loneliness, and wandering of the blues musician lifestyle.” Friday, October 8, 2021, the Memphis Levitt Shell auditorium was covered from front to back with blankets, lawn chairs, and faces of all colors and ages listen and appreciate the sound of country blues. The Memphis Grizzlies supported with Head Coach, Taylor Jenkins, and Grizzles Grannies. Taylor Jenkins gives greetings and comments about the love and support of the Mid-South. In addition, the Grizzles Grannies was one of the highlights of the evening, these local senior Grizzles fans uplifted the audience with their dance presentation. Blind Mississippi Morris grace the Memphis Country Blues Festival accompanied by Bradd Webb. Blind Mississippi Morris opens his performance by explaining the heart and soul of country blues. He tells the stories of the struggles and the lifestyles of African American in country of Mississippi; and explains how their life experiences became their song of country blues. Morris tells the audience that “true country blues comes from pain.” Blind Mississippi Morris sings many of his greatest hits especially “Mysterious Woman” and “HWY61”. The audience listened and enjoyed the country blue. Gloria Johnson, local Memphis resident, said “I can't wait to bring my family again next year to Memphis Country Blues Festival.” Annually this festival is hosted at the Levitt Shell in Memphis, Tennessee. Many are looking forward to next year's events.
0 Comments
Spiritual Well-being in Black Culture
Seth Mitchell, Lifestyle and Culture Journalist During this time of COVID-19 pandemic, many in the black and brown communities experience a sense of safety and security by staying connected with their spiritual well-being. Spiritual wellness is understanding your own worth and having a sense of purpose and by being a part of life with values and goals. Many in the black and brown community center their well-being around their spiritual wellness. “People in spiritual distress often no longer believe the world is a safe place. They might lose hope and have a difficult time finding meaning and purpose in what’s happening to them” according to Eric Hall, president and CEO of Health Care Chaplaincy Network Inc. Although, many in the black and brown community in West Memphis, Arkansas have lost relatives and jobs, some struggle with hunger and others faced COVID-19; yet many gathered with their friends and families sharing overcoming testimonies with conviction having religious services. Men with suits and fancy ties, women with pretty dresses and hats, children with their Sunday’s Best clothes attend religious services weekly during the pandemic. Local ministries follow the federal CDC guidelines such as wearing mask, temperature checks, 6 feet social distancing, and encouraging vaccinations to name a few. 15th Street Church, local ministry in West Memphis, Arkansas, request their members to register before attending services and make accommodation for those that cannot attend in-person due to COVID-19 restrictions. “Our ministry gives our members an option to attend in person or virtually. Either way we can stay connected to our church family,” states Willie Morris, a local minister at !5th Street Church. United Fellowship M.B. Church pastor teach life principles, pray and sing gospel music to keep his followers encourage and inspired during this time of pandemic. Spiritual wellness is essential during this pandemic. The local black and brown spiritual community in West Memphis is consistent at encouraging many in this time to stay centered in their spiritual well-being.
Heart2Help Foundation Celebrates One Year of Service
Seth Mitchell-Life and Culture Journalist 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.
A1GF Spook a local rapper and rising star from West Memphis, Arkansas shares his career path and views on the music industry.
Hip hop has been apart the fabric of the urban minority communities since the early 1970s, and it has evolved into a sound like no other. Hip hop flow, style, and beat combined with lyrics, poetry, and sound effects makes the listeners connect. Hip hop speaks to emotions and experiences, as well as fancies and dreams. According to Icon Collective “Hip hop has grown into one of the world’s most prominent musical genres and cultural influences.” Hip hop has affected the culture, it has affected languages, fashion, relationships, businesses, and music itself. A1GF Spook started rapping as a teenager, falling in love with music. At the age of 21, Spook pursued his passion for music and started recording. “I had to learn everything myself, “said A1GF Spook. Spook learned to create the song, sound effects, and arrangements all on his own abilities and talents. Spook started his own independent record label, No Gravity Records, at 21 years old. No Gravity Record tag is “elevation.” Elevation encourages everyone to live life without gravity. “Just float” says A1GF Spook. Spook was influenced by Lil Wayne as a teenager and now respectfully Young Dolph. Spook music is described as having range, covering topics with relationships, homeboys, and life situations. “My music tells people to be themselves,” said Spook. “Energy, delivery, and quality is what makes good music,” said A1GF Spook. A1GF Spook has relocated to Georgia and is working on new music and building his record label. A1GF Spook stressed the importance of studying his craft and producing the best quality of music. A1GF Spook wants his listeners to keep “positivity.” He has the philosophy that everything will be resolved with positivity. Connect with A1GF Spook music on all streaming platforms as well as on Facebook and Instagram.
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. Mental illness is a reality in the black, brown, and minority communities in Northeast Arkansas; and it is time to identify and educated those on the seriousness of mental health.
Mental health includes ones emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It is the trigger of how someone thinks, feels, and acts; according to US Department of Health and Human Services. The life experiences for people of the minority communities are different but the culture reality of racism, discrimination, and inequality are shared and may affect their mental health. Also, there are other factors such as poverty which is traumatizing to some in these communities. Because of these factors many in the black, brown, and minority communities are suffering in silence and are having feelings and/or behaviors that may be an early sign of a mental health issue. Some of these early signs include excessive worrying or fear, feeling excessively sad or low, confused thinking or problems concentrating and learning, and many more other warnings and signs according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. According to National Alliance on Mental Illness the stigma of having a mental health issue is considered weakness in minority communities. So many rely on spirituality and faith, oppose to seeking professional assistance. Dr. Donald McDonald a psychiatrist, a primary care doctor for the mind. He is aiding and helping many in Northeast Arkansas with mental health issue for over 20 years. He is treating a vas of mental and behavioral disorders in adults as well as children. McDonald have advance experience with Neurodevelopmental Disorders than other specialists in his area. He treats many with autism, dyslexia, and ADHD to name a few. As well as children that are affect by drugs causing mental health issue at early ages. “When they are five years old, I will start treatment,” said McDonald. McDonald is here to respond to the black, brown, and minority communities in Northeast Arkansas communities suffering in silence dealing with trauma and finding it difficult to cope with their mental health. “Mental Health may be your boat and helicopter that is sent to help you, when you about to drown,” said McDonald. “I believe my emotional honesty has enable me to connect with my patient,” said McDonald. McDonald believes that to help someone you must accept them, then you can connect them to the treatment needed. Dr. Donald McDonald encourages anyone in the black, brown, and minority communities in Northeast Arkansas to seek help if you have mental health questions and/or problems. McDonald is located at in West Memphis, Arkansas and have opening to the public to assist with your mental health needs. Mental health is real and reality in the black, brown, and minority communities and it is not a “weakness” to get the proper attention from professional, that needed to manage your mental health. Rediscovering Our Heritage The Eddie Mae Herron Center/Museum is a hidden treasure in Northeast Arkansas, educating and serving the community and surrounding areas with the significant of African American culture and history in Randolph County. The Eddie Mae Herron Center/Museum building for decades served as a haven for the black community in Randolph County. Located in the city of Pocahontas, Arkansas. The building originally organized as St. Mary’s AME Church in 1864 by small group of black people according to Arkansas Historical Record Survey/Church Inventory completed in 1941.Then beginning in 1948 the black church open their doors to the African American community as a place of learning and community activities. “The building has through the years housed many community events for African-American community” according to Breathaway Outdoors America. When the school took over the church, the church functioned as a school, Pocahontas Colored School. Mrs Eddie Mae Herron moved from Bigger, Arkanas; when her job as teacher at the Biggers school for Black children ended with the school closure. Mrs. Herron instructed black students in the local community and surrounding areas from 1948 till 1964. After school interrogation the building was used to service the community as a pre-school/day care and later years as a Senior Center where quilting, crafts, and other community activities took place from 1964 to 2000. Pat Johnson, Chair of Board of Directors, and former student of Miss Eddie Mae Herron has been a member of community for over 40 years. In November of 2000, Johnson organized those who were former students of Mrs. Eddie Mae Herron as well as members of the older generations, to create the “Eddie Mae Herron Center” Board of directors. This group was supported by Chamber of Commerce, the City of Pocahontas, Black River Technical College and many other community groups and organizations. Look at the infographics for Important Places Connected to Eddie Mae Herron Center/Museum. “My desire was to restore the building to its original condition, establishing it as a museum to tell the story of African American experience in Randolph County, and securing funds to maintain the facility in the future;” states Johnson. The Eddie Mae Herron Center/ Museum is open Monday through Friday 10a to 3pm to the public with weekly activities from traditional quilt making demonstrations to yearly Black History Month activities with historical lectures, demonstrations of soap making and hog butchering and sausage making as well as old fashioned supper with the community. “After the hog butchering, we have an auction for the meat and the fund are received back into the museum to help assist,” said Pat Johnson. The Eddie Mae Herron Center/ Museum has just received a grant to do research on Mr. CC Scott, a successful black man in Randolph County, who owned 1000 arcs of land and a ferry service. Mr. CC Scott, also founded a black school in Bigger, Arkansas and was a member of the Supreme Royal Cirlce of Friends of the World. “In the near future we will be having a public display of Mr. CC Scott headstone and life in Randolph County” stated Logan Little, a summer intern at Miss Eddie Mae Center/Museum. The Eddie Mae Herron Center/ Museum future endeavors is research and unfold the stories of African Americans history of Randolph County in northeast Arkansas. Reference (n.d.). Retrieved July 22, 2021, from https://local.arkansas.gov/local.php?agency=Biggers History of the building. (2017, June 01). Retrieved July 22, 2021, from http://www.herroncenter.org/about/history-of-the-building/ City of POCAHONTAS - AR: A brief history. (n.d.). Retrieved July 15, 2021, from https://www.cityofpocahontas.com/about-city-of/ County. (n.d.). Retrieved July 22, 2021, from https://directory.arkansas.gov/county/randolph/ (n.d.). Retrieved July 22, 2021, from https://local.arkansas.gov/local.php agency=Randolph+County Eddie Mae HERRON center and museum - POCAHONTAS ARKANSAS. (2018, January 23). Retrieved July 15, 2021, from http://www.herroncenter.org/ Eddie Mae HERRON Center pocahontas, Arkansas Black History African. (2020, September 22). Retrieved July 15, 2021, from https://boa247.com/eddie-mae-herron-center Mitchell, S. (n.d.). Important Places Connected to Eddie Mae Herron Center/ Museum. Retrieved July 22, 2021, from https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=156-3Mrjltz9xb0-7D8b1mu8ri25qWs0R&ll=36.34396502962582%2C-90.53322447635009&z=9 Supreme Royal circle of friends of the world. (2019, March 19). Retrieved July 15, 2021, from https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/entries/supreme-royal-circle-of-friends-of-the-world-5861/ 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. |
AuthorHello my name Seth Mitchell. I am a vibrant and energetic personality. I'm a native of Arkansas and now reside in Missouri. I am a Life and Culture journalist covering stories that are meaningful and entertaining to the people of color (Black and Brown communities) and minorities in Northeast Arkansas. Archives
February 2022
|
Photos used under Creative Commons from Kheel Center, Cornell University Library, Pest15