The Roads We've Traveled - Vol II

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS Wendy Gladney Where we prepare our food with Kandee Lewis Janet Denise Kelly Kirk D. Samuels Agin Shaheed THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS Mrs. Kathryn Lawson Butler The Niblet Family Sauls Strategic Solutions Dr. Tran Lewis & Lady Patricia Lewis Dr. Sarah ShaBazz, High Desert Section-NCNW Gail White-Biggers, View Park Section-NCNW Kelly Maxine Redmond, Impact Media & Entertainment Coalition Cynthia Brooks Nancy M. Rene, LA South Chamber of Commerce

The Roads We’ve Traveled Lifting Up OUR OWN Black History Through the Journey of Our Families Volume II © February 2022 Los Angeles, CA

The entire story of mankind has come to us from individual voices from the past.

I am excited to present Volume II of The Roads We’ve Traveled, a collection of our phenomenal family stories. These are snapshots of success, struggle, resilience, disappointment, humble beginnings, beauty, and brilliance, all presented in this digital book project. The response to Volume I in 2021 was great! It has received thousands of online views and I am appreciative to all who submitted. We should not underestimate the value of our family history. Identifying our family tree is important, but the stories will add depth and validation to our ancestors lives. Photos tell a story and connect each generation to faces and places that have never been experienced. Let’s continue to uplift OUR OWN Black history stories. We know that the entire story of mankind has come to us from individual voices from the past. Enjoy the images and narratives on these pages, share this book with others and plan to make a submission for Volume III in 2023! In service, Arnetta Mack Project Creator & Book Design



This treasured photo of my great grandparents—John and Ellen Jackson with their 8 children was taken circa 1912 in Magnolia, Arkansas; they were born in 1871 and 1873, respectively. My grandfather, Walter Jackson, is the smallest boy in the white shirt. John Jackson worked at a cotton mill and was the one guiding cotton off the back of wagons into the cotton gin. So proud my family thrived post- slavery. Andrea D. Jackson Great Grand-Daughter of John and Ellen Jackson

My great Aunt Maslean Cox LaCour (Nov 1, 1886-Dec 15, 1971) Grand Ecore/Natchitoches LA. Oldest sister of my grandfather OV Cox (Mar 28,1900-Sep 11,1992) Married twice OV Lacour and John Wesley Kay She had 3 children: John I.O. Kay Johnnie Lee Kay Maggie H Kay Completely UNBOTHERED, firm on protecting her all of her Family. Desiree E. Edwards Watts Coffee House

Born in 1894 in Louisiana, Frank was the child of enslaved Africans. A sharecropper and father of 12 children. He sent his youngest son (my grandfather) to California at the ripe age of 14 to look for work, opportunity, and escape Southern racism during the 2nd Great Migration. This is Frank Samuels, my Great Grandfather. Kirk Samuels Founder/Owner, K.S Operations

Phillip George Barnes, my great-uncle, born in 1909 and a native of Washington D.C., enlisted in the navy in 1942, after twenty-two years of working for the government and a short term in the U. S. Army reserves. In February 1944, the Navy commissioned its first African-American officers, Phillip Barnes and twelve others, who became known as the “Golden Thirteen”. Their historical photo is presently featured in the Smithsonian African American Museum in Washington, D. C. Ardena Barnes-Brooks Founder & CEO Designs by Ardena LLC

My maternal grandfather, William (Bolo) Scott, Jr., was born in 1918 during the Spanish Flu Pandemic. He was reared in Alexandria, Louisiana by his father and paternal grandmother. His mother passed away 8 days after his birth. He serviced in the U.S. Army during World War II. He and his father, William Scott, Sr., were entrepreneurs. They owned an 18 wheeler truck and delivered bricks and building material throughout Louisiana. Dr. Sarah ShaBazz Section President High Desert Section National Council of Negro Women

These are the Smock Brothers from Los Angeles, CA (l-r Virgil, George, and Gerrard). They are 3rd generation Pullman Porters working with their father and grandfather on the railroad. George left the job early disgusted with the treatment, the other brothers went on to long careers on the train; serving royalty, politicians and the wealthy until Amtrak purchased the rail service in the 1960's. All brothers continued to serve working with families in the Hancock Park area and catering. Chef Cheryl Tate Personal Chef 4th generation Foodservice/ hospitality professional Nurturing Chefs LA

Tommie Lee Simpkins (middle) is my maternal great-grandmother. Born in 1897 in Tennessee to formerly enslaved parents, her family migrated to Oklahoma in the early 1900s where she eventually married and had a daughter. She was a cosmetologist and makeup artist. In the 1920s she and her daughter moved to LA where she remarried. The photo is of Mrs. Simpkins and business partner (far right) in their salon called Colonial Beauty on South Central Avenue. Nicole D. Vick Public Health Advocate, Educator, and Author Lo Angeles, California

I am the proud granddaughter of Booker Telefaro Washington Harris and Rebecca Ruth Reed Harris. My grandparents were born around the early 1900’s in East Texas. They met at Bishop College, an HBCU in Texas. My grandfather was a pro- fessor, and my grandmother was a student. They migrated to Califor- nia with hopes of a better life. I was raised by my grandmother known as Mother Dear. She raised me to value faith, family, and community. Wendy (Harris) Gladney Williams Coach Wendy Forgiving For Living, Inc.

My mother, Euradel Williams- Barfield and her family migrated from Shreveport LA to Los Angeles in the 1940s. My Aunt Addiebelle Williams- Douglas was a riveter at the shipyards in San Pedro during WWII. The Family Matriarch, Isabel Berrings-Williams (1892 -1979), is flanked by two of her sons, and surrounded by her daughters, grandchildren, and other family members. The 1949 photo was taken Sunday after church at the weekly family dinner. Saundra Hall-Hill, Corresp Sec’y & Charter Member, Mary McLeod Bethune Section, Los Angeles, National Council of Negro Women

Pastor Tran Lewis, Jr. born in Detroit, Michigan, moved to Memphis, Tennessee, worked 2 jobs at an Ice Cream Factory at age 15. At 16, he started his own Taxi Company Service. He enlisted in the Marine Corp at 18 for 4 years. With an honorable discharge, he made Southern California his home. The Lord saved and called him to the ministry to serve over 35 years ago. Today, you can find Dr. Lewis displaying the same work ethics from his young age til now, serving as Pastor of the Full Gospel Community COGIC, in Los Angeles. CA, with his wife, Lady Patricia Lewis. Lovingly Submitted by his wife, Patricia Niblet Lewis

My great grandfather Lee Baltimore was a historical treasure of the Rock Hill community of Jasper, Texas as well an early inhabitant. Born in the late 1870s, he lived to be 114 years old and was a master oral historian. He was featured in many local news outlets and even a short documentary called “What Makes A Poor Man Rich.” Janet Denise Kelly

I'm Proud to be 2nd Generation, Born and Raised In South Central Los Angeles! My Mother, Daisy Newsom, joyfully birthed me. My Father, Emery C. Newsom proudly carried me around Los Angeles, careful to make me feel secure in his handstands. So impressed with this gentle giant and his adorable daughter, Jet Magazine ran this photo in the July 2, 1959 edition. Our smiles tell the story of Love and Trust! Kandee Lewis CEO Positive Results Center

Born in Pinson, TN, Thomas DePriest would migrate to Milwaukee, WI at the age of 17 where he would become the patriarch of four generations. At the time, the city was one of the best places to raise a black family offering numerous manufacturing jobs such as American Motors (that would later become Chrysler) where he would make a career for 30 years before retirement. Here DePriest is seen with the children of a family friend at the 1960 Wisconsin State Fair. God rest his sweet soul. Alexandria Mack granddaughter Milwaukee, WI.



Top: Great Aunt Gertrude Ward Ervin daughter of James Nelson Ervin President of Jarvis Christian College. Aunt Sally Taylor sang with Lionel Hampton. Cousin Carmena Ervin Simmons Board of Education LAUSD. Bottom: Grandmother Olivia Flint Ervin daughter of Charles T. Flint Los Angeles pioneer and wife of James McFarline Ervin Supervisor of Attendance LAUSD. Mother Jana Ervin Calvert modeled Beverly Hills Wilson’s House of Leather. Cousin Shirley Ford. Aunt Emma Lee Ervin made beautiful hats. Agin Shaheed

This picture is from a fashion show at LA Trade Tech in the late 1950's. My mother was a student there at that time majoring in fashion design. The students in her class held a fashion show. My mother was the only one tall and thin enough to model the jumpsuit. Cynthia Brooks, Host-Urban Wellness NOW! Radio Show on KBLA1580

My History starts with Owens Valley, CA! I am the Great Grandson Ruth Owens, who was married to Herman Owens. Herman Owens was the son of Samuel Owens, an early Settler of what came to be Chartered as “The City of Los Angeles!” Herman’s Father, Samuel Owens, was directly akin to the Owens Family that was instrumental in freeing many Blacks from Slavery in California, such as The Black Historical Millionairess Biddie Mason. Reamus Muhammad President/CFO Suite Excursions Inc.



The Legacy of Fred Douglas Lawson Sr. and Mildred Mott Lawson (seated in the center of the large group photo) lives on through their 12 children and hundreds of grandchildren. Relocated to Okmulgee Oklahoma from Macon County Georgia, this great Pentecostal Preacher and self made Engineer, built 3 churches from the ground up. The legacy continues with Preachers, Missionaries, Singers, Actors, and Professors. Kathryn Lawson Butler \"F.D. Lawson Legacy\" Oceanside, California

Robert Calhoun lived 1912 -2001. He had only a 2nd grade education, but became a Pastor, Superintendent, and prolific business owner. In 1970-1990 He owned and operated the largest independent trash service in Sedgwick County, Kansas. He was a self taught carpenter who built 3 homes and several churches. He was the biological father of one, but spiritual father to many. Olivia Howard Harris

Emaline Lay McCleskey was the slave of the Lay family. The will written when the man who owned her was dying instructs his wife who to sell and who to keep. At age 12 she watched her family members sold “to the highest bidders.” In 2022 I have the names of approximately 5000 people all descended from her! They are attorneys, authors, bankers. business people, doctors, educators, entrepreneurs, social workers. supervisors, therapists…everything EXCEPT slaves? Dwight Wilson

The first instrument that reached my soul was the sound from my father's hands playing his Congas. My father, Arnold Edward White Jr., aka \"Pefi\" is wearing the white turban with a matching towel draped around his neck. Daddy's confidence and rhythm could be heard in Will Rogers Park (now Ted Watkins) on 103rd and Central Avenue from blocks away. Thanks 'Daddy' for exposing us to sounds that amplified the beauty of Watts. Gail White-Biggers National Council of Negro Women View Park Section, Chaplain and Education Committee Chair



That’s me!

If given a choice between Disneyland or a day with my cousins, that answer would be easy—COUSINS!! Here we are in the early 1970’s at a birthday party at my aunt Nettie’s house on 103rd Street in Watts. There’s my Pops standing tall, Arnold White, Jr. That tall girl sitting in the back is my oldest sister Becky, and the rest are my cousins, and at that time, also my best friends. Check out those ghetto hot dogs with the sliced white bread for buns! I’m sure our parents worried if there was enough food for everyone, but that didn’t matter to us. There was more than enough love and fun to last us for a lifetime…. Arnetta White-Mack Mack Enterprises Unlimited National Council of Negro Women, View Park Section

We often reflect on the influence of our teachers. One of these teachers was my mother Marian McCard. She began her career at Hooper Avenue Elementary and later worked at Hobart Elementary where she taught many Japanese children who were returning to Los Angeles after being held in the Japanese internment camps during World War II. She was a positive influence in their young lives. Nancy M. Rene Education Ambassador LA South Chamber of Commerce

My mother, Mrs. Gwendolyn Merry-Coleman, was a loving and devoted wife and mother. Dedicated her life to continuing her family legacy of providing the most excellent education for youth in Madison County, Tennessee. The Merry family opened some of the first schools for African - Americans in the Eastern and Southern Regions of America. Mrs. Merry-Coleman diligently taught Chemistry, Physics, Biology, subjects to prepare Black children for Higher Education. She desired that African-American children enter universities and colleges ready and well prepared. She taught passionately about the future of stem cells, genetics and breaking cancer research. The National Education Association , Pepsi-Cola, NAACP, SCLC And PBS cited and awarded Mrs. Merry Coleman for her teaching and child advocacy. Pastor Thembekila Crystal Coleman Smart

Everyone loved Maxine Olivia Collins! Her home was full of love, laughter, and pure deliciousness. The kitchen was the hub. You could chat, have coffee with the absolute best pound cake and fried fish while getting your hair done and watching Soul Train. Her gift was unconditionally loving everyone and living her faith. She was my first best friend, my Grandma, my namesake, and eternally my biggest role model who I aspire to emulate. Kelly Maxine Redmond Impact Media & Entertainment Coalition Impact Enterprises Global, Inc.

It was more than within track & field events that Charles has pole-vaulted and soared to great heights. He made a good name for himself, “monster-man” on the football field; his sax landed him on stage with legends James Brown, Johnny Taylor, Al Green and more; he was one of the best and largely, the only black engineer. Charles and Rosa founded and Pastors the multiracial church, Greater Harvest North-Sherman, TX. Presiding Prelate Niblet oversees classrooms, seminary courses and multiple churches. Bishop Charles ordains ministers worldwide; travels includes Asia, Africa, Europe and North America. Administrator & First Niece Dhana Crawford Johnson Youngest sister, Lady Patricia Niblet-Lewis

My mentor and hero, Babba Don Mattera is a renowned South African poet, community activist, former journalist, and musician with an extraordinary life story. A man of great reputation, he is respected widely for his work in activism and resistance to the ideology and theology of apartheid.\"Die Taima\" is part of the greatest generation of freedom fighters who fought for, and sacrifice greatly to realize a free and democratic South Africa. His words to all of us were, \"when your head is lifted up, love will flow from your heart and the work of your hands will realize liberation!\" Rev. Kelvin Sauls Chief Catalyst, Sauls Strategic Solutions (United States) & Co-Founder, Beloved Community Coalition (South Africa)

My granny, Missouri Billingslea, a 107 year old Centenarian, was born in Mississippi and migrated to Southern California in the 40s. She has outlived her husband & 2 children. She has one living son who lives in Mississippi and has not seen him in over 40 years because they both don't like to travel. She has over 2,000 followers on social media and looking forward to more years of living her best life! Cynthia Billingslea

We hope that you enjoyed these stories! A portion of the proceeds from sponsorships of Volume II will support the programs of the National Council of Negro Women View Park Section www.ncnwviewparkla.com BECOME A MEMBER (see membership levels on website) DONATE www.ncnwviewparkla.com/donate CashApp: $NCNWViewPark Mail check to: NCNW View Park Section P.O. 561166, L.A., CA 90056 JOIN OUR E-MAIL LIST Sign up online or send an e-mail to: [email protected] FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA ncnwviewpark ncnw_viewpark ncnwviewparkla

“The Roads We’ve Traveled” - Volume II Project & Book Design by Arnetta Mack Look for Volume III - February 2023 Digital volumes available for online viewing at www.arnettamack.com/projects