Vol. 4 Issue 7
June 15-30, 2010
www.cenlalight.wordpress.com
The Best of Cenla 2010 Men of Substance
cenlalight@gmail.com
The light – June 15-30, 2010
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The Light to honor 10 of the best of Cenla
I am just happy glad. I am just tickled pink. Why? I’m excited because once again, The Light will honor 10 Publisher men in the Sherri Jackson community who have decided that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Though they are not perfect, as no one is on this side of heaven, they deserve to be recognized for the work they do in their homes, their places of worship and communities. No doubt, you’ve run across at least one of them some where at some time.
The Light Salutes The
Please help me honor Dwayne Brevelle, the Rev. Chauncey Hardy, Randolph Holly Jr., Dr. Cornelius D. Jones, Wendell Lewis, Willie Martin Jr., T.A. Messina, the Rev. Woodrow Pellerin, Patrick Shaw and Ron Smith. As you read the bios of these men, I think you’ll agree that they are pretty impressive. Of course, on these pages we are able to only give you a snapshot of what it is that they do. You’ll have to attend the 2010 Men of Substance Awards Ceremony & Reception to get the full effect. The event will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, June 21 at the Main Street Community Center in Pineville. However, before we get to June 21, we must remember Sunday, June 20 is Father’s Day. Happy Father’s Day to every dad. May your day be as special as you are.
Fathers of Cenla Happy Father’s Day
Congratulations Pastor Pellerin St. Peter Baptist Church 1855 Peachland Road Jonesville, Louisiana 71343
Recruiting Business & Nonprofit Partners for 2010 What Is Cenla Boardbuilders?
Cenla Boardbuilders is a program aimed at developing emerging leaders through service on the Board of Directors of local nonprofit organizations.
Who Should Participate?
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Contact CDW at 318.443.7880, 800.803.8075 or online at www.communitydevelopmentworks.org to receive more information.
Community Development Works A program of
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Fathers play special role for special people Being a father is one of the most rewarding and exciting responsibilities a man can experience. I say that not because I’m a father, but because of what I have seen in the faces and heard in the voices of my brothers, uncles, nephews, friends, and fraternity brothers, all of whom who have expressed to me their happiness of being a father and how proud they are to have their children in their lives. From the onset of a child’s birth, the love most men have for their child is so immediate and strong that they would have done anything to protect and safeguard them from harm. Even those men who are now absent fathers couldn’t escape that love which was naturally instilled and given to them by our Creator.
As a father, men have to be and must be the major influence in their children’s lives. Men have to understand that their role as a father involves loving work and
responsibility to and with their family, especially their children. Men also must ensure that their children understand and know that they are loved and provided for by being there for them no matter the circumstances. Many take off and leave their children for the slightest of problems not thinking that there leaving could cause and have caused many children to feel that their fathers left them and no longer loved them because of something they did. A man who is a true father will be in their children’s lives for the long haul regardless of what the situation may be. Ask yourself: Are you a true father, or are you a father who just shows up in your child’s life when it’s convenient for you? Any man can
father (give life to a child), but if he did not play and have an active role in stimulating his child’s development (emotional, academic, behavioral, and social), he can’t be considered a father. On this Father’s Day, I ask that all men step up and step out and prove to themselves that they are, in every sense of the word, a true father. I ask that you also build happy memories with their children by spending time with and being there for them. And I ask that you pray for all fathers that they are strengthen them their crucial role. Happy Father’s Day, and a special HAPPY FATHER’S DAY to my baby brother, Anthony Wayne Ford, who departed this earth of on Saturday, June 12, 2010.
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The light – June 15-30, 2010
Magnolia State Peace Officers meet in Alexandria; holds memorial service
Dhantori Ward of Alexandria sings with the United Sons of God.
REMEMBERING COMRADES — Vernon Creecy, (right) retired Rapides Parish Jail warden, leads the memorial service as Deputy Jerry McKinney and Detective David Beavers with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, prepare to light a candle in memory of officers who’ve died. The ceremony was held Friday, June 11, during the Magnolia State Peace Officers Training Conference. More than 100 black officers from throughout the state attended the annual event. Mid State Chapter hosted the event. For more photos and video of this event, go to www.everythingcenla.com
Former Alexandria Police Chief Darren Coutee
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All photos by Sherri L. Jackson LOCAL PARTICIPATION — Debbie Davis, who works with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, provides the music for the memorial service held Friday, June 11, at the Alexandria Convention Hall. Davis is also the musician for the United Sons of Christ, a choir comprised of inmates at Detention Center 3. At right are Sgt. Kennety Ferrell, Deputy Willie Weaver and Deputy Don Brown, all of RPSO and members of Magnolia State Peace Officers Association. Below, at right are the Rev. Larry Turner, who was the keynote speaker, and Mayor Jacques Roy.
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Man of Substance Name: Dwayne K. Brevelle Personal: Husband of Knitique; father of Devyn, Ashly, and Kennedy; son of Irene Brevelle, and brother of Deidre Prevot, Danita Deville, and DeRonda Ashley Education: Peabody Magnet High School graduate, 1980 and attended McNeese State University and Louisiana State UniversityAlexandria; Alexandria Police Academy graduate, April 1990 Career: Lieutenant of Juvenile Division, Rapides Parish Sheriff Department Connections: Member and deacon of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church; Board member of Renaissance Home for Youth, Area Youth Planning Commission, Advisory on Youth, Models for Change, Truancy and Assessment & Service Center, Rapides Parish School Board Interagency advisory group and Court Appointed Service Advocate; also a certified instructor for Substance Abuse and a certified instructor with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office. Male Role Model and Why: My Dad, the late Wilton Brevelle. He was always a hard worker who took care of his family. He worked several jobs to send all of us to college. He was a great cook, especially of BBQ. Words of Wisdom: “Therefore if any man be in Christ . . . “
Man of Substance Name: Randolph B. Holly Jr. Personal: Husband of Marvinette; father of Latoya, Taja and, Randolph III; grandfather of Skylar; son of Hattie L. Bush and brother of Shelia Harris, Anita Maulden and Jerry Holly. Education: Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education/Special Education and Master of Education in Guidance and Counseling Career: Executive Director of COPE Inc., Educational Talent Search Program Connections: Member of St. Matthew Baptist Church, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Epsilon Psi Lambda Chapter, Louisiana Association of Student Assistance Programs, Southwest Association of Student Assistance Programs, and Council for Opportunity in Education, American Association for Counseling and Development, and Council for Exceptional Children. Male Role Model and Why: I would say those males in and around the neighborhood I grew up in, and those I later came in contact with both good and bad. No one ever sat me down and just talk to me about life. Therefore, I took a little bit of all the good to become better, and I took a bit of the bad to know better of what not to do in the sight of God. Words of Wisdom: If I can help somebody as I pass along, If I can cheer somebody with a word or song, If I can show somebody he’s traveling wrong, Then my living will not be in vain.
Man of Substance Name: Rev. Chauncey Maurice Hardy Personal: Husband of Alma ; father of Jimmy, Jason, and Ashley; grandfather of Jalen, Ja’Mari, Jacoby and JeChary; son of Doris Hardy and the late Nathaniel Hardy Education: Graduate of Marksville High School, Louisiana College and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary with 47 hours toward a Masters of Arts in Christian Education Career: Drug Prevention coordinator with responsibilities in Rapides, Grant, Catahoula, Concordia, Vernon, Winn, LaSalle, and Avoyelles parishes Connections: Member of Nazarene Baptist Church , president of Grant Baptist Association, member of the following: LA Home and Foreign Mission Baptist State Convention, LA Association of Substance Abuse Counselors and Trainers, Journey With God Prison Ministry Team Male Role Model and Why: I don’t have a male role model per se. My mom was both mom and dad to me. From the time I was 8, she taught me, showed me, and demonstrated to me the values of life. She modeled the attributes of unconditional love (agape), perseverance, and forgiveness. Words of Wisdom: If you trust in the Lord with all of your heart and resist relying on the limitations of your own finite understanding, He [God] will direct your path.
Man of Substance Name: Dr. Cornelius Dwayne Jones Personal: Father of three; son of the late James E. Jones Sr. and Sylvia A. Jones; brother of Latasha Q. Johnson, James E. Jones Jr., Johnny R. Jones, and the late Gerry T. Jones. Education: Doctorate Degree in Christian Counseling from Trinity Theological Seminary, Masters of Arts of Human Relations from National University, Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Hartford Career: United States Navy since 2001, an author, and a certified Christian counselor Connections: Associate Pastor at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., member of Central Louisiana chapter of the NAACP, member of the American Counseling Association, member of the Ambassador for the American Association of Christian Counselors, and member of the Healthcare Providers Service Organization. Male Role Model and Why? Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. has always been an inspirational figure to me throughout my life, his unselfish approach to stand up for the rights of others without any regards to his own well being is commendable and something rarely seen in today’s society. Words of Wisdom: Children learn more from what we are, rather than what we teach them. I encourage all adults to set the stage for the next generation of leaders.
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Man of Substance Name: Wendell G. Lewis Personal: Husband of Vanessa; father of Brittany Alexander, Asani’ MaKyla, and Braylon Gerrard Education: Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, 1995 and Associates of Arts in Criminal Justice, Grambling State University Career: Operations Manager of O Lewis Masonry Inc. of Bunkie Connections: Deacon at St. Matthew Baptist Church, Vice-Polemarch of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., member of Alexandria Alumni Chapter of Grambling State University, volunteer coach with Red River Football League and YMCA basketball. Male Role Model and Why: My father, Ozey J. Lewis Jr. is my role model. In spite of the odds of not graduating from high school, he became a business owner for over 20 years. He taught me to never quit. Whatever odds you’re faced with, never ever give up! Words of Wisdom: “It is not what you keep, but what you give that makes you happy. We make our living by what we get. We make our life by what we give. Whatever you do, strive to do it so well that no man living and no man dead, and no man yet to be born can do it better. As we face the unpredictable future, have faith that man and God will assist us all the way.”- Benjamin E. Mays
Man of Substance Name: T.A. “Tanner Anthony “ Messina Jr. Personal : Husband of Gwen; father of Kevin, Tony, Nicky, Joe and Amanda; son of Tanner and Doris Messina, and brother of seven Education: Holy Savior Menard High School graduate, attended Louisiana State University and the University of LouisianaMonroe. Career : Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, Alexandria City Police retiree, M&M Lawn Service, Messina Realty Connections: Member of Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church, Lions Club, Cenla Chamber of Commerce, Knights of Columbus, board member of Louisiana Law Enforcement Sports Association, Dixie Youth baseball coach, and Elementary and Jr. High football coach Male Role Model and Why: I have strived to be a positive, Christian athlete and to coach the youth of our community to be the best that they could be and to use their God given talents. I have learned to overcome many obstacles and accept the consequences because I know that God is in control of our lives. Words of Wisdom: Treat every day like it was your last because tomorrow may not come – Garth Brooks Do not take anything or anyone for granted especially your family And remember some you win and some you lose and some get rained out.
Man of Substance Name: William A. Martin Jr. Personal : Husband of Rosalyn; father of Kacie and Brittany; and son of William III Education: Chester High School graduate, Central Texas College graduate receiving an Associate Degree in Information Technology Career: U.S. Army retiree, Program Support Assistant, and Alexandria VA Hospital, Human Resources Specialist, Alexandria VA Hospital Connections: Deacon at First Saint Mark Baptist Church, member of Central Louisiana Interfaith Coalition, and Association of Military Recruiters and Counselors. Male Role Model and Why: Leonard Battle is my role model because he introduced me to the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Man of Substance Name: Rev. Woodrow Pellerin Personal: Husband of Louvenia; father to Michelle, LaTonya , Meliss, Katrina, Mickeldaris, Tony, Mataline , and Woodrow Jr.; grandfather of 18; and brother of 10 Education: Bachelor of Religious Education Career: Pastor of St. Peter Baptist Church and a personal care tech Connections: Moderator of Little River Baptist Association, member Tri Parish Ministerial Alliance and Providence Christian Worship Center, Louisiana Missionary Baptist State Convention and National Baptist Convention USA. Male Role Model and Why: The late Dr. Abe Lowe and the late Rev. W.C. Thomas, who both encouraged me in my early ministry. Both of them gave me tremendous support. Rev. Thomas always exhibited a spirit of humility. He instructed me to be humble and show love for people in all my endeavors. I must say that there have been so many other male mentors that I would dare not try to name them all. However, I am sure they know who they are and I thank each of them. Words of Wisdom: No matter how things may seem, remember that God has a plan and a purpose for everything that happens in life. If you put Him first and stay focused, the plan will be revealed.
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Congratulations Randolph B. Holly Jr. on being selected as a “Man of Substance.” We love and admire you. Thanks for sharing your life with us. We pray that your work in the community continues to add substance to all of the lives that you touch.
Love and Kisses, Marvinette, LaToya (Ramon), Taja, Randolph III and Skylar.
Congratulations to our Brothers Randolph B. Holly Jr. Ronald G. Smith Sr. You are truly Men of Substance Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Epsilon Psi Lambda Chapter Alexandria, LA
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KTTP 1110 AM celebrates new management, increased power signals to bring gospel music
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NEW START — Shown are community members, friends and family of Cedric and Kathedral Bailey, the new general managers of KTTP 1110 AM radio in Alexandria. At right, are Elton Pody of the Chamber of Commerce, Verline Roland of Pineville, Renita James of KTTP, Kathedral Bailey, Cedric Bailey and Superintendent James Roland (sitting). The Baileys marked their new undertaking with a ribbon cutting and open house held Friday, June 10 at the 3419 Hynson Street location.
MOED installs officers; talks of including all ministers By Sherri L. Jackson The Light The Rev. Henry Williams Jr. is the new president of the Ministers of Economic Development, an entity created in 2004 to help build a positive environment that would bring about economic development in Alexandria. Williams is pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church in Alexandria. The installation ceremony was held Sunday, June 6, at St. Matthew Baptist Church in Boyce. Dr. Joe S. Green is pastor. “MOED will move beyond the ordinary to the extraordinary,” Williams said. The organization began in 2004 when two ministers called Johnie Varnado, the then newly elected
president of the Central Louisiana Chamber of Commerce. The ministers were concerned about “the direction the Chamber would take to improve the economic condition of the community,” according to the group’s history. At that time, the ministers believed drugs, crime and rundown vacant housing were major issues for the community. To begin addressing the problems, about 14 ministers agreed to begin preaching the same sermon at their individual churches. The sermons would focus on reverence for God, respect for parents and regard for the law. “As long as we were preaching these topics, crime went down,” said Rev. Green. “Chief (Darren) Coutee
didn’t believe it would work, but he had to come back to us to say that the crime statistics showed a decrease. As soon as we quit preaching those topics, crime went back up.” Other programs MOED has been involved in include the Help, Hope Healing Project, which assisted Hurricane Katrina evacuees, Clergy in the Classroom, which provides ministers in the schools to monitor and counsel students and Ministry in ER, which provides ministerial services to patients and families at Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital. During Sunday’s program, Elder Mark Vassar, the immediate past president, was the speaker. He emphasized the need for MOED, which is mostly comprised of black male
ministers, to be more inclusive of all ministers, including women. Williams echoed Vassar’s call to broaden its membership and to become more flexible and open to change. The program also paid homage to Varnado, who MOED considers to be the “mother” of the organization Other officers are Willie J. Dunkley, chairman; Floyd Kirts, vice president; Averri LeMalle, second-vice president; Eugene Stevenson, secretary; and William Dearbone, treasurer. Attorney Michael Johnson serves as the legal adviser. Go to www.everythingcenla.wordpress. com for photos of this event.
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St. Matthew Baptist Church 2010 Women’s Conference July 30 - August 1, 2010
“N�� �ui�� t� �re��” Matthew 7:24 - 27, Luke 6:47- 49
7 p.m. July 30 “A Night of Consecration”
(Women are required to wear white) Registration is not required to attend
Speaker: Pastor Jeannie Williams New Day Deliverance and Holiness Apostolic Church of Alexandria, LA
7 a.m. Saturday, July 31 (Included in Registration) Morning Glory with Min. Catrina Mickles of St. Matthew Baptist Church Minister Sally Coleman Victor St. Matthew Baptist Church “The Benefits of Building on a Solid Foundation”
Minister Shalanda Preston The Potter’s House Dallas, Texas “Jesus the Master Architect”
Minister Lavillian Jordan St. Matthew Baptist Church “The Consequences of Building on Sinking Sand”
Young Girls’ Conference (8 a.m. to 2 p.m) “Knowing My Own Strength” (Ages 12-18)
Registration is $5
5 p.m. July 31 (Included in Registration) “Shining With The Stars” 11 a.m. Sunday, August 1 Rev. Sherri L. Jackson St. Matthew Baptist Church Director of Women’s Ministry
Registration Form
Name: Address: City: State Zip Phone Number: Email Address: T-Shirt Size: S M L XL XXL Other Method of Payment: Check Cash Please make checks payable to St. Matthew Baptist Church and send form to:
St. Matthew Baptist Church Attn: Women’s Ministry P.O. Box 8754 Alexandria, LA 71306 Forms may be returned to Sis. Taura Denmon, Sis. Sparkle Watson or to the church
Registration is $30 The deadline is July 16, 2010. Payment must accompany forms. For information, call Rev. Sherri L. Jackson at (318) 308-2334 or Sis. Angela Bracey at (318) 484-9012.
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Man of Substance Name: Patrick Shaw Personal: Son of Gloria Shaw and William Bo Madden Education: Bolton High School graduate Career: Evergreen Presbyterian Connections: Founder of Intellectual Young Brothers and board member and youth coordinator for the South Alexandria Revitalization and a member of Area 4 Weed and Seed Steering Committee Male Role Model and Why: Martin Luther King stepped out when there was nothing to step out on. He spoke out when few people would. He was a man of God. He fought with his mind instead of his hands. He loved and prayed for those who came against him. He was one of few Baptist preachers who went outside the church. He was a man who died for change. If he could die for change, the least I can do is get and honor those who came before me. Words of Wisdom: Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.
Man of Substance Name: Ronald G. Smith Sr. Personal : Husband of Ruby; father of Ronald Jr., Raven and Ryan Education: Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Southern University, 1992 and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix, 2003 Career: Customer Account Manager for Cleco , a licensed real estate agent and appraiser; formerly a district manager/vice-president of retail banking for Bank One, Louisiana, co-owner of R & B Investment Group and CEO and owner of RGS Appraisals. Also a U.S. Army veteran Connections: Member of True Vine Missionary Baptist Church; member of the Epsilon Psi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc; former board chairman for the Central Louisiana Business Incubator and chairman of the Rapides Primary Health Care Center Board of Directors among other affiliations. Male Role Model and Why: My grandfather is my role model because of his tenacity, his ability to multi-task, his drive and initiative and, above all, his selflessness as it related to helping his fellow man. Words of Wisdom: It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, God is the master of my fate: God is the captain of my soul. Paraphrased by me from the poem “Invictus” by William Ernest Henley
In Remembrance
NOT FORGOTTEN — Johnetta C. Williams, Etta Compton and the Rev. June Addison stand on the site of the Lee Street Riots in remembrance of soldiers who were killed on Jan. 10, 1942. At right, the members of the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club pay their respects during a Memorial Day ceremony held Monday, May 31.