West African heritage traced

West African heritage traced

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A group of Neshoba countians has formed an organization to research and publish their West African heritage and discover what was behind the decision of their ancestors to settle here.

The organization is made up of individuals from the Stallo, Westside, Dixon and Hopewell communities.

The mission of the group, the Griot Historical Society of Neshoba County, is to collect, collate and compile oral and printed reports in a quest to publish a history of the African-Americans of Neshoba County post-Civil War and through  the Civil Rights struggles, said Marthis Riddle, president of the group formed in 2017.

“Our focus is mainly their migration to, their decision to settle and their hope of a better future that caused them to endure,” she said.

Organized in June, 2017, the Griot Society here began with only eight members and most of its meetings were given to planning, envisioning and sharing goal. 

The word Griot means the keeper of stories, traditions, songs, and so on.  Griots originated in the 13th Century in the Mande empire of Mali. For centuries they have told and retold the history of the empire, keeping their stories and traditions alive.

Mrs. Eva Tisdale,  who herself,  is a longtime student of African-American History and has been a very positive influence on AA culture in Philadelphia and Neshoba County, suggested  the history research team be called by the West African title Griot, according to Mrs. Riddle.

Mrs. Rosie Harris, is the vice president;  Pat McWilliams, is secretary;  Edie Riddle; is assistant secretary;  Mrs.  Eva Tisdale, is treasurer; Mr. Rudolph Tatum, is assistant treasurer; Ms.  Vera. Griffin, is chairman of fundraising; Ms. Patsy Cole is facilitator of programs, Black History, Juneteenth and Steven Riddle is the sssistant to thee facilitator.

Other member are: Melinda Riddle Historian Poplar Springs, Longdale;  Mrs. Elden Clemons, Historian, Poplar Springs;   Mrs. Nettie Parker, Historian, Poplar Springs;  

Westside community  

• Charles McClellan, The Hill

• Rudolph Tatum,  Milling Hill

• Mrs. Gloria Hudson, Goodway Church community

• Marthis Riddle and Vera Griffin,  Gillis Quarters

• Patsy Cole The Jericho, Cooks Quarters

• Marthis Riddle, Vera Griffin, George Garrett, Independence Quarters

Stallo community 

• Dr. Martha Moore,  Coordinator of Historical Articles;

• Mrs.  Thelma Wells, Historian Stallo and Mt. Airy Church

• Mr. Tony Riley, history of farms/famous places

• Mr. Willis Lyon, history of farms/famous places

Dixon community

• Mrs. Gloria Hadley, historian

Hopewell Community

• Mrs. Everette Lloyd, historian

For more information, contact Marthis Riddle (769) 236-8610 or email mwillie02sr2yahoo.com.






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