Local Chapter of ASALH Celebrates 145th Birthday of ‘Father of Black History’

Dr. Carter G. Woodson

Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson, eminent scholar, historian, author, journalist, and founder of the nonprofit Association for the Study of African American Life and History, has long been regarded as the “Father of Black History.”

Woodson died April 3, 1950; however, the Memphis Area Branch of ASALH paid tribute to Woodson on Dec. 17 via Zoom, two days before his 145th birthday on Dec. 19, 2020.

Meanwhile, the national ASALH and many of its chapters across the country enacted their own plans to honor Woodson on the actual date of his birth. They, too, intended to keep the memory and legacy of ASALH’s founder alive.

The local birthday tribute to Woodson provided the impetus for a panel discussion by ASALH’s membership of civic leaders, historians, educators, community activists and others who were invited to join.

James Weldon Johnson’s “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” often referred to as the Black national anthem, provided context for the tribute and served essentially as ASALH’s official song and the starting point of the tribute.

A virtual tree lighting then commenced, which was replete with ornaments that were handmade and dangled from the tree with Woodson’s book covers, photographs, writings, and the shield of Woodson’s fraternity, Omega Psi Phi.

“We added as many of his works that we could find,” said Delores Briggs, the chapter’s secretary. “Once these ornaments are removed, we can study them further. And each year we will add another aspect of his life.”

Clarence Christian, ASALH’s vice president of programs, learned about Woodson earlier in his life and shared with members his “respect and reverence” for Woodson’s scholastic achievement. 

He wants to keep Woodson’s legacy in the forefront of African Americans with ASALH’s mission in mind: “to promote, research, preserve, interpret and disseminate information about Black life, history and culture to the global community.”

“It’s an honor for me to talk about a people who I respect, admire and revere,” he said.

Woodson led a distinguish career in academia. He was one of the first scholars to study the history of the African diaspora, in addition to his study of African-American history. 

He founded “The Journal of Negro History” in 1916 and launched ahead with “Negro History Week” in February of 1926. The weeklong observation was the precursor of Black History Month.

Woodson was the son of former slaves Anne Eliza (Riddle) and James Henry Woodson. He was 20 when he graduated from high school in 1897 and went from there to achieve immeasurable success. 

His contributions are duly noted, which Christian attested to during the tribute, and have long been sealed in the annals of American and African-American history. 

Though ASALH’s local chapter is comprised of some of Memphis’ best-known minds, Yvonne B. Acey, the chapter president, pitched the idea of adding more youth to the organization. 

“We are a great people and have a great history. Young people are our greatest investment,” said Acey, who along with her husband, Dr. David L. Acey Sr., founded African In April Cultural Awareness Festival, Inc. 

She added: “Black lives matter and so does Dr. Carter G. Woodson.”

Dr. James L. Netters, Beloved Pastor and Civil Rights Legend, Dies at 93

Dr. James L. Netters Sr.

Last year, Dr. James L. Netters Sr. recounted his legacy during a Black History Month special with Bishop Edward H. Stephens Jr., senior pastor at Golden Gate Cathedral in the Raleigh/Frayser community.

Stephens extended Netters the invitation to speak to his congregation via a question-and-answer format based on Netters’ legendary status, their relationship, and the fact that the pastor was up in age.

Netters had shared his life story many times with the media, the public, and with his congregation when he was senior pastor of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Westwood for more than 60 years. 

Others knew of Netters’ pioneering efforts in politics and civil rights. On Dec. 13, the beloved pastor died at the age of 93. His story is still being told by those who knew and loved him.

“I knew what a pioneer he was in our community and the fact that I’d heard some of his story directly out of his mouth,” said Stephens, adding that “he and my father (the late Rev. Edward H. Stephens Sr.) were very, very close friends.”

Stephens said he wanted to bless Netters and introduce his congregation to a pioneer who helped to change the trajectory of African Americans in Memphis via ministry, civil rights, politics, and community service.

In ministry, Netters was one of the most influential pastors in the city. He built a huge edifice in the Westwood community with abiding faith and filled it with servant leaders and a massive congregation.

He attended the March on Washington in 1963 after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. issued a clarion call for jobs and freedom. When he returned to Memphis, he was hyped up with inspiration.

Netters told Stephens that day that Dr. King had delivered one of the greatest speeches he’d ever heard after the civil rights leader told America about his dream. He went on to organize a bus sit-in in Memphis and got himself arrested.

Determined to make a difference in the lives of Black people, Netters turned to politics. He was one of the first three Black city council members sworn into office in 1968, along with the Rev. J.O. Patterson Jr. and Fred Davis, a businessman.

That was a tumultuous year. The sanitation workers were on strike and the mayor, Henry Loeb, would not yield to their demands. Dr. King came to Memphis on behalf of the sanitation workers and loss his life.

Netters went on to work for Loeb’s successor, Mayor Wyeth Chandler, as his assistant and as his community liaison from 1972 to 1975. He’d gained invaluable knowledge working across the aisle and used it to his advantage.

Uplifting the community from which he was raised was no doubt on his mind when he took a seat on the board of the Memphis Light Gas and Water Division. He also served as board chairman during his tenure.

For his work with MLGW, a business center is named in his honor. Also, a portion of Third Street was renamed James L. Netters Parkway. Netters remembered as much about his life and what he was able to accomplish when Stephens allowed him to tell his own story. 

At one point when Netters was collecting his thoughts and weaving together his story, he said jokingly that he had a senior moment. After that, it was crystal clear why Stephens was enamored. 

When Stephens first tapped Netters to speak, he’d decided that “younger adults needed to hear a message from a pioneer who I knew…he definitely wouldn’t be here as long as he’d already lived.”

Pastor Melvin Watkins had known Netters since he was a mere child – for about 40 years. “Dr. Netters baptized me when I was nine years old,” said Watkins, who succeeded Netters as senior pastor of Mt. Vernon in April of 2018.

Before assuming the pastorate, Watkins was Netters’ assistant and copastor for 15 years. Their relationship was intertwined – a mentor and mentee, you might say, who followed the path that Netters had hewn out for him. 

“The world was not worthy of Rev. Netters,” said Watkins, who held Netters in high regard. “God sent this man into our midst to make a difference, to make an impact. He did everything that he could to make this world a better place.” 

He said Netters was just a good human being who loved all people. “More importantly, he loved the Lord. He had a deep commitment to his faith, to his family, to his community, and to his church.”

The news of Netters’ death drew comments and condolences near and far, from those who admired his work and from political office holders, including Tennessee’s Ninth District Congressman Steve Cohen.

“The Rev. James Netters was a giant in the pulpit as a stand-up pastor and in our community when his friendships and influence knew no limits,” he said. “I valued his friendship and his solid support, particularly in my campaigns for Congress.”

Cohen said Netters will be missed.

George Hunt, Iconic Blues Artist, Created History on Canvas

Artist George Hunt's "Dancin' Blues." (Photos by George Hunt/

LongRiver Entertainment Group)

     For Memphis artist George Hunt, his use of bold and vivacious acrylic colors, which he juxtaposed with broad brush strokes on canvas, contrasted with his meek and mild-mannered personality.
     Hunt was a visual storyteller who applied swatches of color to his subjects and collaged them with various material on occasion for a low relief effect. You might say his artwork spoke for him.
     On Dec. 4, his own voice went silent. He was 85.
     The body of work that Hunt produced and the themes that drew his interest – blues musicians, civil rights, historical figures – could not be mistaken for the output of a run-of-the-mill artist. 

Artist George Hunt

     In fact, Hunt, a cubist/collagist/abstractionist, created artwork with Picassoesque shapes and distortions. This style eventually catapulted him to a higher plateau in the marketplace and elsewhere.
     Though Pablo Picasso was an influence, Hunt was reputed for his portrayal of the African-American experience in the Deep South. His subjects, in essence, were derived from a consciousness of self, a love of blues music, and his own life experiences. 
     Willis Drinkard, proprietor of the former Gestine’s Gallery at 156 Beale St., provided managerial support for Hunt from 1989 to 2004. “He was just local until we began working together,” he said. “Then he became an international artist.”
     Hunt’s meteoric rise to prominence began in 1992. Drinkard said he, Hunt and David Simmons (former president of the Blues Foundation and Hunt’s business partner) urged the Memphis In May Beale Street Music Festival to create a commemorative poster.
     “That was the real start,” said Drinkard, who was inspired by the festival posters in New Orleans and thought about Hunt. The relationship with Memphis In May was then sealed.
     He said they were flabbergasted that Hunt would sell out of the prints and posters that year and believed success was imminent for the artist. It was also beneficial for the gallery. 
     “He had success after success,” said Drinkard, noting that he and Hunt “went to New York about four times and had a ton of success” at the New York Art Expo in 1995, 1996, 1997 and 1998.
     The gallery was on a roll, he said. So was Hunt, whose colorful and evocative paintings, such as “Blues Man” and others, ended up in the homes of patrons and businesses near and far.
     The blues were paying dividends. In 1996, Hunt was commissioned to paint 26 portraits for the Blues & Legends Hall of Fame Museum in Robinsonville, Miss. A large mural was also included.
     Hunt’s “America Cares/Little Rock Nine,” created in 1997, became a U.S. Postage Stamp in 2005 as part of a series called “To Form A More Than Perfect Nation.” In 1998, he was selected the featured artist for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Museum’s American Music Master’s annual conference.
     In 2002, the U.S. Congress declared 2003 as the “Year of the Blues” and named Hunt as the official artist. He created 26 paintings depicting the history of the blues and reaped a whirlwind of success.
     The artist created posters for blues festivals in Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Colorado and Louisiana while continuing to create posters for the annual Beale Street Music Festival – for a total of 28.
     The news of Hunt’s death drew varied responses and reflections:
     Here’s what James L. Holt, President and CEO of Memphis in May, said in a statement: “George was a dear friend and an incredibly gifted artist who always had a smile on his face and never met a stranger.” 
     Municipal Court Judge Jayne R. Chandler said this about the iconic artist: “He and his wife (Marva) stood in the gap after my mon passed. I’m so glad to be called his ‘daughter.’”
     A patron and longtime friend of Hunt’s daughter, Harlyn Yeargin, Chandler added, “He is truly a Memphis icon, and he will be truly missed.” 
     Using icon as an acronym, she said, “I’m thankful to have known this Iridescent, Comical, One-of-a-kind and Nurturing man. His spirit will live on.” 
     Born in rural Louisiana near Lake Charles, Hunt grew up in Texas and Hot Springs, Ark. He matriculated at the University of Arkansas, Pine Bluff on a football scholarship and studied art.
     He went on to the University of Memphis for postgraduate studies and then to New York University. He spent three decades teaching art and coaching at George Washington Carver High School in Memphis.
     “He always said art was his legacy,” said Drinkard, recalling a conversation with Hunt. “We’re going to miss a real icon when it comes to the blues and art.” 
     He said, “George was one decent human being.”

There’s more to church than worshiping and praying, a Memphis clergyman said

Dr. William M. Young

The church has long been an anchor in the Black community. But can the church provide respite from stress, tension and difficult situations, including mental and emotional distress?

There’s more to the church than worshiping and praying, a local clergyman explained, particularly when the current problem is a virus that has infected millions, killed tens of thousands, separated loved ones, and now triggering widespread depression.

The novel coronavirus is ravaging this country and shattering lives. “Praying is not enough,” said Dr. William M. Young, senior pastor of The Healing Center Full Gospel Baptist Church in the Oakhaven community in South Memphis.

“If I’m having a heart attack, I don’t look for scripture and verse before I try to get some help,” he said. “You can pray, but you need prayer and therapy. When a person is depressed, just praying for them is not enough.” 

Dr. Young understands the church has to do more than save souls. In his role as senior pastor, he believes a holistic approach is needed to “take care of the mind, body and spirit.”

His first job was in 1977 at Western Mental Health Institute, a psychiatric hospital in Bolivar, Tenn. He was the first Black chaplain there and also was the first Black chaplain on staff at Methodist Healthcare in Memphis in 1981.

“I’ve been in this field for 47 years,” said Dr. Young, who is licensed by the state of Tennessee as a marriage and family therapist, professional counselor, and as a clinical pastoral counselor.

His expertise enables him to provide counseling and therapy to those in the church, as well as the unchurched struggling to overcome addiction, stress, anxiety, anger, family violence, grief and loss.

The daily stressors and tension that one generally suffers from prompted Dr. Young and his co-pastor, Rev. Dianne P. Young, to launch The Healing Center Wellness & Stress Clinic of Memphis, which addresses physical and emotional health. 

The clinic opened in 1999 on the grounds of the church. After a slow start, the Youngs eventually formed a partnership with the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC), the University of Memphis, Rhodes College, local government, Memphis Area Legal Services, and the West Cancer Center.

“We wanted to have a church that would encompass the many faceted needs of our community,” said Dr. Young, denouncing the naysayers who may not believe there’s a connection between counseling and spirituality, or that the mind often needs therapy. 

“As pastoral therapists, we’re trained for the mind,” he said.

In 2008, the Youngs received a grant from the state of Tennessee and opened the Emotional Fitness Centers of Tennessee, a network of 10 faith-based counseling centers and two satellite sites providing access to mental health care and substance abuse screenings in the African-American community. 

They also provide COVID-19 testing. In Tennessee, for example, more than 366,000 people have contracted the virus as of Nov. 29. More than 2,000 have been hospitalized and more than 4,500 have died.

The statistics are alarming. People fear the inevitable – an ongoing surge in infections, hospitalizations and deaths – and more disruptions in their lives. Additional restrictions may soon follow.

“There is a thing called COVID overload, where you’re just stressed out with the many restrictions we have,” Dr. Young said. “The financial stress and strain are taking a toll on many people.” 

Before COVID, the number of people grappling with emotional distress had increased significantly. Lives literally hung in the balance and prompted a response from the Youngs. 

In 2003, they organized the first National Suicide and the Black Church Conference at The Healing Center to create awareness of the prevalence of suicide among African Americans. 

“That (conference) was based upon a lady in our church who took her life,” Dr. Young said. “She had asked for counseling. We were going to see her on that Monday. Early that Monday, she got up under the cross, took a pistol and ended her life.”

It happened in 2002 near the front entrance of the church, under a 20-foot cross suspended above the facade. Since then, the suicide conference has sparked interest all over the country. 

The first conference drew about 50 people to The Healing Center. Ten years later, after the Youngs formed a partnership with UTHSC, the biennial conference attracted more than 500 people.

The Black community is just as prone to suicide as the White community, Dr. Young said. “We were still saying that Black people don’t commit suicide because they’re stronger than the Whites. [But] we concluded that all people take their lives…”

Suicide is triggered by depression, emotional turmoil, he said. The common denominator is pain. “Just like a person wants to get physically fit, we developed a concept of emotional fitness.”

He said emotional fitness is the key to dealing with the coronavirus and other vexing problems causing undue stress and mental anguish. It is, likewise, the key to the growing suicide rate. 

“The one thing that keeps people going is hope,” the pastor/counselor said. “Hope is intangible. But it’s the expectation that something better is going to come.”