Kentwood Museum Redevelopment Committee Tours the Amite Genealogy Library and Archives

Ronald Harrell looking at photographs with
Bill Dorman
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

Genealogist Antoinette Harrell arranged a tour of the genealogy division and the archival room at the Amite Branch Library for the committee. Several members of the committee attended the tour. Bill Dorman, the department staff gave us a very informative tour. He explained the process of accessing historical records and the importance of the library's digital resources. The committee members were particularly impressed by the extensive collection of maps and photographs available for research. There were some very useful tips offered during the tour.

Researchers and family historians will find photographs, booklets, and other papers in the old museum that Ronald Harrell, Christian Mounger, and Antoinette Harrell discovered while packing the artifacts, documents, and other research materials. The materials can provide valuable insights into the lives and experiences of Kentwood natives, offering a glimpse into the cultural, social, and economic conditions of the time. Photographs can reveal details about Kentwood, the town, and community events. The booklets and papers can contain firsthand accounts, genealogical information, and historical records that enrich our understanding of Kentwood's history. Together, they serve as primary sources that help us piece together the narratives of Kentwood and the people who call Kentwood home.

It was interesting to see the photographs of Kentwood. One of the old ice houses and some from the logging company. The logging company played a crucial role in the development and growth of Kentwood, providing employment opportunities and driving the local economy. 

Bill Dorman
Amite Genealogy Department
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

Selecting the right materials for storage and display is important to the committee. The choice of materials can significantly impact the longevity and condition of stored items. Acidic or unstable materials may lead to deterioration, discoloration, or damage over time. Using appropriate, archival-quality materials ensures that artifacts and documents are preserved in their original state for future generations. One of the things we notice was the growing need of space. This is one of major concerns for all museums and libraries. The committee is carefully taking space and storage into consideration for the new museum. During their meeting, the committee discussed the need to form a standing committee to handle incoming donations in the future. By establishing a dedicated standing committee, the organization can assure that future donation management is handled consistently and efficiently. 

Kentwood Youth Photographer's First Photography Exhibition

Eric Gordon, Jr.
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

Antoinette Harrell mentored Eric Gordon, Jr., as they share a love for nature and photography.  Around the world, Harrell's work has caught the attention of major photographers. Kris Davidson is one of those photographers. Her photographs have been featured in National Geographic, Lonely Planet Travels, and many others.

Justin Fornal a SATWF Lowell Thomas Award-winning writer. He has written extensively for National Geographic, VICE, and the Explorers Journal, Part Unknown, and Roads & Kingdom. He traveled to Kentwood, Louisiana and documented images here.Eric has been taking photographs since the moment he received a camera from Harrell. Harrell invited Eric to accompany her on a photo trip to document the local syrup makers in St. Helena Parish on Womack Place.  He took photos of the syrup making process and the people making it. His grandmother Irma T. Gordon, mayor of Kentwood looked on and was amazed at how he was moving around and taking photographs. 

A second trip was made to  LeBlanc Dairy Farm in Tangiphaoa, Louisiana. Eric was asked by Harrell to take photographs of the cattle from the side of the road in preparation for his upcoming exhibition. For his first exhibition, he was eager and excited to take photographs. The event was well attended, and 30 of his images were digitally displayed at the Kentwood Branch Library as part of the Remembering Dairy Day celebration.

Eric could be come the next Gordon Parks who became a photographer in 1937 after seeing examples of Farm Security Administration photographs reproduced in a magazine. Although he was twenty-eight years old. Gordon purchased his first camera, a Voigtländer Brillant, for $15.50 at a Seattle, Washington pawnshop and taught himself how to take photos. Eric can do anything he can dream of. One of the many things Harrell stress to Eric is how the camera in his hand can take him all over the world if he isn't afraid to explore, create, and work toward the dream.  This will not be last of Eric's photographs being on this display. 

At the 80th Annual State Livestock & Poultry Show, Adison Washington broke barriers for the hearing impaired

Adison Washington
Photo Courtesy: Glenna Gauthier

The best way to describe Adison Washington is as a 9-year-old 3rd grader with a lot of confidence and courage. She attended the Louisiana School for the Deaf in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  It is obvious that Adison is a very smart and quick learner. A dream came true for her when she exhibit two cows at Southern University 80th Annual State Livestock & Poultry Show for this year at the Maurice A. Edmond Livestock Arena, Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Baton Rouge, 

Since 1943, Southern University has provided an opportunity for youth throughout the State of Louisiana to gain valuable knowledge and skills at the Annual State Livestock and Poultry Show. As part of the youth livestock program, students develop responsibility, dedication, decision-making skills, leadership skills, trustworthiness, sportsmanship, and citizenship through the care and handling of live animals.

Adison walked Blade and June with pride and confidence It was the first time a hearing impaired child exhibit an animal at the Livestock and Poultry Show, according to Ricky Brumfield, Blade's owner. When Brumfield learned Adison was deaf over the phone, that didn't bother him. He offered to sponsor her if she wanted to participate in the event. Brumfield made Adison's dream come true.

Glenna Gauthier, Adison's mother was the sign language interpreter,  she was more nervous and afraid
than Adison was.  Adison was interviewed by the local news that morning.  She wanted and was determine  to break down barriers for others with disablities. "I want to show others young people like myself with a disability that they can do anything they choose," Adison said doing her news interview.  She was supported by many of her teachers and classmates with signs.

Adison broke down those barriers for youth with disabilities during the 80th Annual State Livestock & Poultry Show. Her goal was to be the change, and she championed that change with pride and confidence. Adison told her mother that the other children made her feel welcome. In addition she taught Ricky Brumfield, Jr., who assists her, how to communicate with her using sign language.  We will see Adison take on bigger and greater causes to break down barriers for the disabled in the future.

Adison Washington and Blade
with Ricky Brumfield
Photo Courtesy of Ricky Brumfield
Dressed in their costumes

Town of Kentwood 2023 Inaugural Ceremony

Left to Right: Councilman Gary Callihan, Councilman Paul Stewart, 
Mayor Irma T. Gordon, Councilwoman Jakoiya Wilkerson, Councilman Xavier Diamond,
Councilman Micheal Hall
The Town of Kentwood
Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell

On December 31, 2022, the newly elected officials were sworn in. Irma T. Gordon has been elected mayor. In addition to her role as mayor, she served on the town council. Incumbent Rochell D. Bates pulled 49.4% of the votes, while she led by 50.6%. There was no doubt that the election was tight. 

Jakoiya Wikerson, Paul Stewart, and Michael Hall, newly elected town council members, were sworn in. Before the previous administration, both Michael Hall and Paul Stewart served on the town council. As members of the board, their experience of local government will be an asset. Council members Xavier Diamond and Gary Callihan were re-elected to serve another term. Michael Kazerooni, the current Chief of Police for the town, was unopposed in the election. 

Mayor Gordon seized the moment to speak about some of the issues she would address as mayor. She pointed out that she would be at City Hall on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 to start working. In addition, she stated that she would be available for all matters pertaining to town business affairs. She acknowledged her family, friends, and supporters.

The evening was moderated by former police chief James Rimes, followed by several local ministers and pastors. All elected officials pledged to uphold the laws, policies, and status that govern the town. Thursday, January 5, 2023 will be the first monthly meeting for this year and the new administration. 

As part of  her campaign promise, she promised to be very transparent and that city hall would be open to everyone. She said, "Yes, we should hold each other accountable." She promised to work with residents, businesses, and attract new businesses too Kentwood.