1 Thessalonians 1:3 and Romans 15:4 speaks to our hearts about hope in Christ, and they read: “We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”

The month of February has been set aside for the national observance of past and present black achievers who have made worthwhile contributions to our town, our city, state or our country.

Maggie Lena Walker, one of the most profoundly influential activists of her times in a wide range of local and national black organizations. Walker won special recognitions as head of the Independent Order of St. Luke, a society through which she created businesses that provided employment for African-Americans, especially black women in over 20 states. As a result of her work at St. Luke, she became the first woman bank president in the United States. We salute the achievements of Maggie Lena Walker.

Dionne Warwick is known for her deep husky, soul-filled voice and for her seemingly effortless vocal agility. Dionne rose to stardom in the 1960s by singing the ingenious songs of composer Burt Bacharach and lyricist Hal Davis using their materials. She demolished the barriers that used to separate pop, rhythm, blues, jazz and gospel singing. We salute Dionne Warwick in the success of her singing in the music realm.

Oprah Winfrey is a renown talk show host, an actress, a producer and a humanitarian of our times. She is one of today’s most successful Black Americans. Oprah became the first black American to own a major TV and film production studio. Oprah is the first African-American woman to host a national TV show and to own a television network known as OWN. She is considered the most successful entertainer in America today. Oprah was born in Kosciusko in 1954. She has developed a school to benefit underprivileged girls in Africa so that they can enjoy the resources and the benefits of today’s times. We salute the works, the generosity and the legacy of one of Mississippi and America’s own, Oprah Winfrey.

Bridget London Hall, the daughter of the late Inez Puttman London and Marshall London Sr. was a 1990 graduate of Brookhaven High School in Brookhaven where she was active in her achievements. She cheered from junior high school through high school and during her senior year she was named the cheerleader captain for her cheering squad. She also served as the prom queen for her senior class in 1990. Bridget’s voice was a blessing to many who heard her throughout the different communities and churches. She received a voice scholarship to Jackson State University after graduating from high school. During her lifetime, when she was at such a young age, Bridget was requested to sing at many different events and functions. She was a member of the Sounds of Success Choir and was also the main soloist in her church choir. Bridget London Hall was a loving, caring and a wonderful person with a large beautiful smile and a pleasing and excellent voice. Today, we salute the memory, the voice and the accomplishments of Bridget London Hall, one that is truly missed.

Eva Harris and Lincoln County Schools Alumni will meet Feb. 9 to turn in raffle tickets and have the raffle for a valentine dinner for two that is valued at $50 at 6 p.m. at the public library.  All alumni that have tickets are asked to please turn them in before the meeting or please bring them to this gathering. The next meeting date for the alumni will be announced soon.

 

If you have any Loyd Star Area News to Report, please call Carolyn E. Beard Humphries at 601-833-5753.