The Solomon Temple Baptist Church, 700 Atkinson Street, Monroe, Louisiana, Rev. James R. Howard Pastor, held its first Black History Recognition Program honoring Black Americans who have made history, Sunday, February 23rd at the 10:30 a.m. morning worship service.
The program highlighted Blacks who have made significant contributions to their city, their country, and their state. Among those recognized were: District 17 Representative Patricia “Pat” Moore, Retired Principal of Robinson Elementary and Swayze Elementary Schools -Jackie Slack, Monroe City Marshall Wince Highshaw, Mayor James E. “Jamie” Mayo, Board Certified Family Medicine Physician practicing General Medicine-Dr. Enaka Yembe; Solomon Temple’s Members: serving as Accountant in the Ouachita Parish District Attorney’s Office for over 20 years-Beulah Caldwell, Entrepreneur/Nurse Practitioner/Dr. Tiana Williams, Architect/Musician Jerry Wayne “J.J. Wilhite, Owner/Operator of Edna’s Cooking-Edna White, Audio and Visual Technician/Counselor for Behavior Train in West Monroe-Keyanna Gayden, Monroe City Bus Operator and CDL Trainer Monyea Hampton, Tax Specialist for H & R Block-Cloteal Carradine Miller, Retired Principal-Swanson Correctional Center for Youth-Victor Cooper, Assistant Director of Food Services for Aramark Corporation (ULM)-Mary White and her husband, Former Grambling State University Football Player and Former NFL signee with the Philadelphia Eagles-James White Sr. He is also Chairman of Solomon Temple’s Deacon’s Ministry, and their daughter Nurse Practitioner Mercedes White.
The program was further enhanced by Solomon Temple’s youth who presented speeches, character portrayals, and facts about famous black Americans. Entertainment was done by Sis. Vivi Vocee (Constance Beard). The word was delivered by Rev. Billy R. Billups, from Mark 5:24-27 using the topic “Broken, Branded and Barred.” The program was steered by a dynamic Mistress of Ceremony, Sis. Mamye Corbin and it concluded with a dynamic and Soulful Soul-Food Dinner with everything from pig’s feet, ribs, fried chicken, neck bones, turkey/dressing, a medley of vegetables, drinks, cakes, pies, and various other delicious foods. Solomon Temple extends thanks to everyone who helped to make this program a success.
