Warm and pleasant greetings to all. We hope you are enjoying a good week.
In recognition of Black History Month, we remember Ms. Lucy Mae Boyd and we salute Mrs. Daphane Neal.
Ms. Boyd was organizer and served as the first president of the Tallahatchie County Branch of the NAACP. With much concern for African Americans, she became involved in local civil rights activities. She carried on with the torch from Birdia Keglar. There are many things to learn about Ms. Boyd. In brief; she was a licensed beautician and operated her own shop at her residence. She was the recipient of the “Living Legend Award” presented by CARE, an organization of which she was a lifetime member. She served on the staff of The Sun-Sentinel newspaper for more than 25 years until her death. For almost 40 years, she authored a weekly newspaper column in The Sun-Sentinel titled “Black Perspective” for most of these years. However, the last several years she felt the desire to change the column’s title to “The Christian Chronicle.”
Mrs. Neal is the first African American elected to serve as Tallahatchie County circuit clerk. She spoke virtually with New Town N.B.C. class Sunday, stating her faith in Christ is most important. After nearly eight years of service, incumbent Mrs. Neal has qualified to seek reelection for circuit clerk. She describes her position with humbleness as she expresses her thanks for being permitted to serve the people of this county through the many ways this office is responsible. Despite challenges that may come, serving the people with respect, willingness and professionalism is the duty of any public servant.
One last comment for the celebratory month of February as Black History Month: Hopefully, we have learned more about Black heritage. Not much has changed in many respects, because every day the news reminds us of the injustices and disdain much of the Black community still faces.
As we go forward, let us respect the rights of others regardless of skin color or other ways we identify ourselves. Truth and justice are critical topics that must be addressed among all people to live fairly and equitably in our communities, states and nation. We are challenged to check our prejudices, discomforts and hateful attitudes and live as concerned royal, holy people who have been called out of darkness into God’s marvelous light! Enjoy life today. Be blessed.
