Anson County NC African American Family History

10/09/2021

Shared from Mr. Charles Frank's page - Ms. Nancy Green's legacy must not be forgotten -- Great woman erased from history by idiots. The branding of the syrup was a tribute to this woman’s gifts and talents. Now future generations will not even know this beautiful woman existed. What a shame. The world knew her as “Aunt Jemima”, but her given name was Nancy Green and she was a true American success story.

She was born a slave in 1834 Montgomery County, KY. and became a wealthy superstar in the advertising world, as its first living trademark. Green was 56-yrs old when she was selected as spokesperson for a new ready-mixed, self-rising pancake flour and made her debut in 1893 at a fair and exposition in Chicago. She demonstrated the pancake mix and served thousands of pancakes, and became an immediate star. She was a good storyteller, her personality was warm and appealing, and her showmanship was exceptional.

Her exhibition booth drew so many people that special security personnel were assigned to keep the crowds moving. Nancy Green was signed to a lifetime contract, traveled on promotional tours all over the country, and was extremely well paid. Her financial freedom and stature as a national spokesperson enabled her to become a leading advocate against poverty and in favor of equal rights for all Americans. She maintained her job until her death in 1923, at age 89. This was a remarkable woman, and sadly she has been ERASED by politics. I wanted you to know and remind you in this cancel culture time period.

10/08/2021

Minutes of Deep Creek Baptist Church – August 5, 1871 – The following African American folk became members & were baptized by Reverend Joe Ratliff – Ann Little, Viney Little, Mary Sturdivant, Amy Baucom, Eliza Polk, Sallie Little, Ann Gaddy, Anna Woodburn, Flora McKoy, Lydia Bennett, Eliza Redfearn, Hannah Gulledge, Mike McGregor, Will Ratliff, Booker Little, Stephen Crowder, George Davis, Dick Gaddy, Robin Baucom, Jane Knotts, Bettie Sturdivant, Julia McLendon, Ellen Niven, Nancy Bennett, Jane Lomack, Thines (?) Meador, Malinda Sturdivant, Lavinah Bennett, Milly Davis, Pheanes Ashcraft, Lucinda Meadors, Lydia Phillips, Martha Gaddy, Owen Gaddy & Harriet Sinclair.

10/05/2021

Congrats to Ms. Allyiah Swiney - Richmond County Daily Journal issue of Monday, October 4, 2021 - Rockingham NC – Allyiah Swiney, who recently made a verbal commitment to play softball at Campbell University, got together at the right time.

Swiney, a senior at Richmond Senior High School, had previously been verbally signed up at Duke University. She made that commitment prior to her freshman year of high school in the spring of 2018, but resumed her recruiting last spring.

On September 3, Swiney wrote on Twitter that she was “very excited to announce my commitment to Campbell University,” which is a Division I school.

Last weekend she made her official visit to Campbell to meet with players and head coach Sharonda McDonald-Kelley.

“It feels really good to have a coach who takes care of every player, including me,” said Swiney of her commitment. “I’m very excited to be playing at Campbell.

“I remember sitting with mom and grandmother and (McDonald-Kelley) making the offer. My adrenaline had gone through the roof and I knew I wanted to play there. “

Swiney, who plays for Richmond Shortstop, has been recruited as an outfielder and middle infielder by the Camels.

“I started playing Mojo last spring with a new traveling ball team called Tennessee,” said Swiney. “That got me a lot more exposure as a player and I decided to start recruiting again.

“My travel team is playing a bit all over the country and I felt like I could find more opportunities with them,” she added. “During the spring break last year, I decided to look at other schools.”

In the past six months, Swiney had received interest from several schools. She said those who showed the greatest interest or offered her the most were North Carolina State, Syracuse, Marshall, and the College of Charleston.

“I chose Campbell for a lot of reasons, but one of the biggest was the close family environment there,” said Swiney. “Everyone knows everyone and it was just right for me. Even though it’s a smaller school, I can still play Division I softball. “

Swiney is a two-time selection from the All-Sandhills Athletic Conference and is a freshman and junior for Richmond on the roster. As the leadoff hitter for the Lady Raiders last spring, she had a .462 on-base percentage, while also hitting .364 on the plate in 13 games.

Swiney had 16 hits, including a team high four home run tied with Scotland High School’s Lindsay Locklear for the SAC lead. She added two triples and a double, and scored 17 runs during the shortened campaign.

Her nine RBIs were third on the team last spring. Known for her speed, Swiney stole 10 bases as a junior.

During her official visit to Buies Creek last weekend, Swiney said she got a feel for what to expect at the college level.

“It was a great visit and I got to know my future teammates,” explained Swiney. “I also learned what a class was like so I know what I’m getting into.

“Then we did a photo shoot and I got to see the campus and the dormitories,” she added. “I also saw the team fight Pitt and Meredith College, which for me was the most exciting part of seeing what potential the program has when I get there.”

Last season, the Camels finished with a 28-19 overall record, including a 15-3 record against Big South Conference opponents.

Campbell also won the Big South Conference Championship, beating USC Upstate in a three-game series before dropping out of three games in the NCAA Stillwater Regional.

While she looks forward to playing college softball, Swiney doesn’t forget her commitment to the Lady Raiders this spring. Richmond is aiming for a 7-6 record and fourth place at the conference last year and will play in the reorganized 3A / 4A SAC this spring.

“I hope we can get in early and start training and our biggest goal is to improve on last season,” said Swiney. “I just hope to improve my stats and get better as a player and teammate.

“I still have the feeling that I can learn a lot from our coaches who are really on the ball,” she concluded. “I’m looking forward to my final season in high school, which will give me more practice for college.”

Swiney said she plans to study either health science or exercise at Campbell.

10/03/2021

Not only was Mr. Little a great man, but he was my friend & a friend to many others -- Smith Funeral Home website -- Obituary For Mr. Charlie T. Little - According to the will of our Father, his time came at the end of a well-spent life as he entered a “sleep that knows no awakening” except in the presence of God.

Charlie Tomlinson Little, son of the late Estella Little and Charlie Little Jr. was born on March 3, 1958 in Wadesboro, North Carolina. He entered into eternal rest Sunday morning, September 26, 2021 with his loving and devoted wife, Lisa, his daughters and family by his side.

Educated in the public schools of Anson County, Charlie was a 1976 graduate of Bowman Senior High School. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the North Carolina Army National Guard where he served for 15 years. He worked with the North Carolina Department of Corrections for 2 years. Charlie later joined the Anson County Sheriff’s Office as a patrol officer under Sheriff Tommy W. Allen, Jr. After starting his job at the Sheriff’s Office, Charlie worked diligently to earn the ranks of Sergeant, Lieutenant, Major, and Chief Deputy. After retiring with 30 years in law enforcement, his willingness to help and serve others would not allow him to sit at home. He accepted a part time position as a Security Guard with API and after 7 years with API he accepted a position as Parent Liaison with Anson County Schools.

Charlie served on several boards: Anson County Extension Advisory Board and sub committees 4-H and the Youth Specialized Committee. He served on the Anson County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council and the Anson Domestic Violence Coalition Board.

Charlie was no ordinary man. He loved helping others, he mentored and inspired so many to follow their dreams of working in law enforcement. Charlie was a father figure and “PAPA” to many. Charlie’s favorite quote was “our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising in every time we fall.”

Charlie was a dedicated member of Rose of Sharon FCOG in Ansonville. Charlie was always willing to do whatever was required. His main goal was to be a help to his lifelong friend and his pastor, Bishop Lindsey. He would often say, “Bishop, I got you.”

In addition to his parents, Charlie was preceded in death by his sister, Clara Little.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his loving and dedicated wife of 33 years, Lisa; eight daughters: LaTrice (Tahri) McNeil of Wadesboro, NC, Natasha “Shay” (Nequa) Hunter of Monroe, NC, Lela (JJ) Johnson of Ansonville, NC, Kelicia (James) Weber of Houston, TX, Breanna Little of Wadesboro, NC, Patricia (David) Johnston of Charlotte, NC, Dominique Harris of Wadesboro, NC, Jayanna Hamilton of Wadesboro, NC; 12 grandchildren, Maliyah, Alysia, Cameron, Madison, Mason, Luna, Tristan, Aiden, Amaria, Tia, Markeys and Malique; two brothers, Willie (Elizabeth) Little of Cherry Hill, NJ and James (Mary) Little of Statesville, NC; two sisters, Beverly Teresa Little of Rockingham, NC and Joyce (Eddie) Little of Wadesboro, NC; mother-in-law, Rebecca Little of Wadesboro, NC; two aunts, Emma Barber and Mary Little of Ansonville, NC; two special brothers, Barry (Nancy) Massey of Ansonville, NC and Keith (Andrea) Harrell of Ansonville, NC; his godchildren, Sherika Staton, Shayla Maxwell, Leon Liles, Janiaya, Janiyah, Alasia of Wadesboro, NC; special cousins, Chris Leak, Kim Liles and Martin Liles of Wadesboro, NC; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and many friends.

The Homegoing Services to celebrate the Life and Legacy of Mr. Little will be on Sunday, October 3, 2021, 2:00pm, Smith Memorial Chapel, 604 Salisbury Street, Wadesboro, North Carolina. Interment will be in the Rose of Sharon Church Cemetery, Ansonville, North Carolina.

The Little Family will greet family and friends on Sunday, October 3, 2021 from 1:30-2:00pm at Smith Memorial Chapel.

Face Mask/Coverings are REQUIRED to be worn at all times for the safety of the Little Family and our Staff. Thank you for your cooperation.

https://www.articobits.com/obituaries/smiths-funeral-home-wadesbaro-nc/mr-charlie-t-little-obituary

10/02/2021

A Special Day at Speckled Paw -- Speckled Paw Coffee House which is located at 114 West Wade Street in uptown Wadesboro NC is open today (Saturday) 8am until 1:30pm. Come enjoy regular coffee or a specialty coffee or frozen hot chocolate or frozen lemonade or a bagel with cream cheese.

At 10am this morning (Saturday) Ms. Irene Hailey Harrington will be at our Wadesboro Speckled Paw for a book signing of her latest book project, titled "The Suitcase" which honors the great legacy & memory of Mr. James Evans who arrived in Anson County in 1960 to begin his teaching career at Henry Grove School & continued on in various school positions until he retired in 2010. Mr. Evans passed away on December 28, 2020 from COVID.

Based on a true story, author Irene Harrington uses genealogical research and interviews with family and friends to recreate the compelling story of a generous and kind man who left an indelible mark on his family, community, and the students he served and loved during more than 50 years as a teacher and principal.

09/28/2021

Congrats to Miss Jamonica Smith of Wadesboro NC (Daughter of
Sovenia Bowman and Anthony Smith. Her step-father is Mr. Quentin Bowman)

Raven Team Member Wins Air Force 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year Award - By Staff Sergeant Sabatino DiMascio Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, NJ – The Air Force has announced the 2021 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year award, to include JB MDL’s U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jamonica Smith, 87th Security Forces Squadron, Raven Team Member. While on a mission in Africa, she was notified by her leadership that she will be going to Washington D.C. to represent Air Mobility Command as one of the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year.



“I am grateful, honored, humbled, and a little still in shock,” said Smith. “It’s a blessing to accept this award and I hope that anyone looking-in can see that if they push themselves far enough, anything is possible.”



While this award may have come as a surprise to Smith, it came as no surprise to her supervisor who nominated her, U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Raven Thornton, 87th SFS.



“The moment I found out that she was nominated nationally, I knew she had won it,” Thornton proudly proclaimed. “It is all her hard work and her captured story that won this. Smith is one of the most humble people you’ll ever meet, even with this award. She is going to mentor the Airmen in her future and give back.”



“When I met Smith, she was a fresh A1C, and I was a Senior Airman,” said Thornton. “She was always asking questions about our career field and had this unquenchable thirst for knowledge. Eventually, we became Ravens together. At one point Smith felt that she may have stalled out in her career, but we were able to forge a game plan for her professional development and spark a new surge for her confidence as a leader. I believe that helped lead her to the recognition she has earned today.”



Smith is a native of Wadesboro, North Carolina. She joined the Air Force in 2017. She is a Raven Team Member, described by many as one of the most elite programs in Security Forces. It requires extreme physical fitness and mental tenacity, as Ravens are sent into austere environments that are deemed high threat areas to ensure AMC assets, such as aircraft, cargo and personnel, arrive and depart safely.



Her award package won at multiple levels before being presented at the national level, to a selection board at the Air Force Personnel Center. The final selection considered 35 nominees representing major commands, direct reporting units, field operating agencies and Headquarters Air Force. The board selected the 12 OAY based on superior job performance, leadership, and personal achievements.



A notable accomplishment that made her package stand out amongst the others was her volunteer work for a Domestic Violence Hotline.



“I lost my uncle to a domestic violence case, so it’s something I’m very passionate about,” said Smith. “I hope I can help stop something before it gets out of control. Being in the law enforcement career, it’s just second nature. I think that this made my award so much more real, because everything I did was genuine.”



Along with attending a formal ceremony in Washington, D.C., in September, the winners are authorized to wear the Outstanding Airman of the Year Ribbon with the bronze service star device. They are also authorized to wear the Outstanding Airman of the Year Badge for one year from the date of formal presentation.

https://www.jbmdl.jb.mil/News/Features/Display/Article/2698678/raven-team-member-wins-air-force-12-outstanding-airmen-of-the-year-award/ #:~:text=U.S.%20Air%20Force%20SrA%20Jamonica%20Smith%2C%2087th%20Security,the%20national%20Outstanding%20Airman%20of%20the%20Year%20award.

09/25/2021

Learning something new every day - Over the years enjoying "Classic Gospel Legends" of years ago on YouTube videos & discovered that one of my favorites, Mr. Donald Malloy is from Cheraw SC.

Born in Cheraw to James and Loreain Malloy on November 28, 1955, Donald Malloy made his first public singing appearance at age six when Loreain planted him in front of the Pleasant Grove AME Zion Church congregation one Sunday morning and instructed, in no uncertain terms, “Boy, you better sing!” Sing he did, and he continued to pursue his passion for music while earning a degree in business administration from Lincoln Business School.

After he moved to New Jersey, Malloy joined the Voices of Unity choir and delivered a smooth-to-salty lead vocal on the title track of its 1980 Savoy disc, I’m Heaven Bound. He backed Andraé Crouch on his 1984 television appearance on NBC’s Saturday Night Live. Joining Donnie Harper and the New Jersey Mass Choir was a fortuitous decision for Malloy, as his featured vocal on the choir’s version of I Want to Know What Love Is, a song they recorded in 1985 with the rock band Foreigner, brought him national attention as a soloist. Capitalizing on Malloy’s newfound popularity and solo career aspirations, Savoy Records produced his debut, Holy Spirit, in 1986. Though the disc failed to chart, his follow up did. There Is No Limit, a 1990 release on Atlanta International Records, reached No. 39 on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart.

It was another three years before Malloy put out another record, this time for A&M Records. Thanks to A&M’s muscular promotion machine, Malloy’s third solo album, 1993’s Everything Will Be Alright, rose higher than its predecessor, peaking at No. 27. The following year’s release, Hold On . . . to the Promise, released by CGI/Light and recorded live at Newark’s Revival Temple Church of Deliverance, went as high as No. 36. The end of the decade found Malloy back with Savoy, where his Jesus Reigns, recorded with the Columbia Praise Fellowship Choir, was issued in 1999 but failed to chart.

Malloy has also appeared as a guest vocalist on projects released by such leading lights as Bishop Jeff Banks and the Revival Temple Mass Choir, the Georgia Mass Choir and the Reverend John P. Kee. He was named New Jersey Male Vocalist of the Year by the New Jersey State Gospel Music Association and earned a Dove nomination for his song There Is No Limit in 1991. Everything Will Be All Right, from 1993, earned him a Stellar Award nomination for Best Contemporary Male Vocalist.

When Malloy decided to record his sixth full project, he wanted it to be a live recording from his birthplace of Cheraw. Released independently in 2012, Finally Home: Live showcased the singer’s ability to render both traditional and contemporary gospel songs. Produced by Isaiah D. Thomas, the album featured the Elements of Praise singers as background vocalists. One cut, Prayer Will Fix It, was written by Reverend Milton Biggham, former executive director of Savoy Records and pastor of the Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey, where Malloy now serves as minister of music.

https://www.malaco.com/artists/gospel/donald-malloy/

09/24/2021

Has there ever been a celebrity of "Hollywood caliber" to ever visit our local coffee house? Guess who was asking about me at Speckled Paw Coffee House in uptown Wadesboro this morning? Have you heard of Mr. Maurice Moore, who grew up in Wadesboro in the 1970's & 1980's. Some of his relatives & especially his mom is on my friends list. Maurice was 11 years old when he appeared in our Color Purple movie in 1985 & so he was "bit by the acting bug" & so after he moved away, he got involved in several movies & has also produced several movies. Thanks to Mr. Corey Lowery for taking these photos.

Many people think that my visit with Mr. Maurice Moore was a planned visit, but it wasn't. I had never met Maurice Moore, but I proudly honor him every year during Black History Month on my facebook wall of his accomplishments in the movie industry & so all of his relatives & his mom has mentioned to him about me honoring him, so he has always wanted to meet me. I saw him sitting in the corner at Speckled Paw on Thursday afternoon & then while I was at Speckled Paw this morning, he dropped by & after he was sitting at a table for a few minutes, he walked up to the counter to ask the barista, Corey Lowery, if he knew Steve Bailey (LOL). Corey looked at me & pointed at me & then this unknown guy to me says, "my name is Maurice Moore & I have always wanted to meet you." I'm in shock. I want to faint. Chills is running down my back. LOL. This was a kodak moment. LOL. Corey Lowery has no idea who Maurice is & I went into great detail of Maurice's amazing life. Maurice is standing there smiling & very proud as I discuss his life with Corey. So, after my discussion of this amazing man, Corey feels the need to take a photo & the rest is history. Posted here is the link to Maurice Moore’s movie career -- https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0601602/

09/22/2021

Anson Record issue of Wednesday, September 22, 2021 Page 2 - An Anson County native has a key role in a new sitcom which will soon holding a casting call in the area.

Belinda Kendall recently became the managing director for Beverly Hills, CA-based full-service production company, Prejean Productions, which is still in its early stages of development. One of its first programs will be entitled, “The Enablers,” which Kendall wants to feature Anson County talent. The show will “examine entertainers who capitalized, for better or worse, on being enabled by those around them,” according to Aaron Prejean, owner of Formula Oil Engineering and founder of Prejean Productions.

Shooting for “The Enablers” is expected to begin by the end of the year. More details about the casting call will be announced in the coming months.

“You have famous athletes. You have famous singers and artists, actors and actresses that are being enabled because of their elite status,” Prejean said, naming examples like Anna Nicole Smith, Britney Murphy and Michael Jackson. “They’re all being enabled, and they don’t realize that they’re closer to their death by doing this. The physicians are going out of their code of ethics that they agreed upon when they got their license. It shouldn’t matter the level of life you’re in, how much money your bank account has shouldn’t dictate who can get it and who can’t.”

Each episode will be about a particular star who is in their own situation of being enabled, and will have the “feel” of popular shows like “Grey’s Anatomy,” “ER,” “The Closer,” according to Prejean.

Prejean said he started this new venture to expand on another of his passions: the entertainment industry.

“My goal is just to be the voice, to be that platform for people who have a lack of knowledge about connecting the dots and knowing what’s really going on out there and how things really work, either in the industry or just in life in general,” Prejean said.

Kendall and Prejean are ready to take on the challenge.

“I know without a doubt that Belinda will be a great asset and equal partner to my production company. Her strong faith, positive energy, and great ideas are what I have been looking for in a business partner for some time now. As an actor, writer, producer, and director I have learned to trust her decisions and direction,” Prejean said of Kendall.

Before this role, Kendall founded Promise Media Group and was on the Board of Directors for the Global Impact Initiative and Fans of America. She said that, as an entertainment leader from Anson, she wanted to give back to her hometown and showcase local talent from Wadesboro.

09/17/2021

Did you know that there were Emancipation Day Parades & Celebrations during the month of January occurring every year after freedom came & continued on into the 1920's in downtown Wadesboro NC? Posted here is the earliest dated newspaper record (January 4, 1894) that I have been able to discover -- Messenger-Intelligencer (Wadesboro NC) issue of Thursday, January 4, 1894 Page 3 – Emancipation Day Celebration in Wadesboro NC – A very large crowd of black people celebrated Emancipation Day in Wadesboro on New Year’s Day. There was a very nice parade, headed by fife & drum & some excellent guest speakers. The guest speaker of the day was W.E. Henderson of Charlotte NC. The local speakers of the day were Ben Pratt, Frank Reid & Dallas Alexander.

"On a side note of mine, in the 1920’s, the “Famous Kluttz Band” performed at the annual Emancipation Day Parades in Wadesboro. The Kluttz Band was managed by Mr. Tom Kluttz of Salisbury Street."

09/16/2021

Anson Record issue of Wednesday, September 15, 2021 Page 2 - San Diego, California – Petty Officer 2nd Class Sean James, a native of Wadesboro, NC serves the U.S. Navy as a member of Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 50 located in San Diego, California.

James joined the Navy five years years ago. Today, James serves as a logistics specialist supporting missions flown by the Navy’s newest long-range, medium-lift aircraft: the CMV-22B Osprey.

“I was inspired to join the Navy by a cousin who is also in the Navy,” said James. “Then when I found out I was going to have a son, I wanted to make sure I had the stability needed to support him.”

Growing up in Wadesboro, James attended Anson High School and graduated in 2008. Today, James uses the same skills and values learned in Wadesboro to succeed in the military.

“Growing up I learned to be respectful, and have a broader way of looking at things,” said James. “This is a very valuable perspective to have and something that the Navy values.”

The CMV-22B is the Navy’s version of the U.S. Marines’ V-22 Osprey. It is designed to replace the C-2A Greyhound, which has provided logistical support to aircraft carriers for four decades.

CMV-22Bs are vertical takeoff and landing tilt-rotor aircraft, which have an increased operational range, faster cargo loading/unloading, increased survivability and enhanced communications compared to the C-2A Greyhound.

According to Navy officials, the mission of the CMV-22B is to provide timely, persistent air logistics for sustained carrier strike group lethality, anywhere in the world.

“I’m amazed by what our sailors at VRM 50 have achieved over the past 10 months,” said Cmdr. Eric Ponsart, VRM 50’s commanding officer. “Standing up the Navy’s newest Fleet Replacement squadron from scratch and having it ready to receive its first aircraft is a testament to their hard work and dedication to the mission. It’s been an honor serving side-by-side with these fellow SunHawks. We look forward to delivering the best pilots and aircrew to the fleet.”

Serving in the Navy means James is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus, rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.

With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.

According to Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, four priorities will focus efforts on sailors, readiness, capabilities, and capacity.

“For 245 years, in both calm and rough waters, our Navy has stood the watch to protect the homeland, preserve freedom of the seas, and defend our way of life,” said Gilday. “The decisions and investments we make this decade will set the maritime balance of power for the rest of this century. We can accept nothing less than success.”

James and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.

“My proudest Navy moment was being advanced to petty officer second class, because it recognizes my work ethic and ability to get the job done,” said James.

As James and other sailors continue to train and perform the missions they are tasked with, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.

“The Navy means a lot to me, because it’s allowed me to grow as a sailor, a man and a father,” added James. “The camaraderie with my shipmates is something that makes me a better person.”

09/16/2021