Why were you invited to this newsletter? This is what all of us have in common. In the early stages of the website some very interesting family history was included. It took us back to the early 1780's with Charles and Sarah Marshall, the parents of Mathew Marshall Ford who was Enslaved. It went on to tell us how Jane Ford a free woman married a slave and so Mathew took on her Surname. Jane and Mathew had 17 children. And finally, it explained our Early beginnings in what is known as Culpeper, Virginia.
You may not have been a history buff, but Culpeper was the sight of the most military battles in the Civil war. Why is this important to Our family? Jane and Mathew (a former slave) ran a commissary for the Union Army in the midst of the war. Less than a mile away from the homestead was a military jail.
You have to ask yourself: What kind of People were Our Family! Some of our new readers may still ask: Why is Jane and Mathew important to us. Well Jane and Mathew fathered Richard Ford who married Sarah and had Mary T who in turn married Dock Stroud. Well, hold on, Dock and Mary had 5 daughters who eventually moved to Mount Vernon, N.Y and married into the Haden, Tucker, Michael, Ford and Wyatt Family. Need I say more?
149th Edition
Peace and Thanksgiving Blessings,
We are in that season of memories and giving thanks. We are grateful for not only seeing another day but witnessing where we have come from. Our journey as a people and a family has not been easy and many times have left us with scars. The scars only remind us of our strength . We can't explain how we made it with all that was thrown at us, yet we give credit where credit is due. For surely it is nothing we did alone, but by Grace and the lessons learned along the way.
We indeed give the Most High all the honor and Praise. We salute our Ancestors who listened and heeded the word that led to their survival. Many people today are confused about who they are and what they are made of. As a family we know who we are and how colorful we are.
So as you move forward through this Season, take time to teach, nurture and enlighten your off springs. Do not squander a single teaching moment. The banning of books could become real, so you must be the orators that teaches the truth. Let not our minds be miseducated by lies that serve others. When you see the Creator see yourselves, when you see huge buildings see yourselves as the architechs. When you hear an inspiring story or a word of historical significance, know that in the lines we had a presence.
We are Somebody!
Hold this memory close to your hearts. It's Thanksgiving morning and Grandma is in the kitchen. The table is stacked with all the ingredients for pies, a golden turkey, lots of onions for the stuffing and flour for the cakes. She's busy with a smile on her face and a cup in her hand waiting on her tribe to arrive!
Blessings to all and remember the importance of caring for one another. Who's going preserve our history if we don't do it. Who will protect us from the "crabs in the basket" when they forget they are crabs too! Much love family and take care of each other.
The messages in this news letter are to offer hope, encouragement and acknowledgement. So I trust you will reach out to one another and share your victories, desires and needs. We can only hope you will find this newsletter worthy of your time and take a moment to read and share your news with us. Please send any thoughts, messages or history to fullergail@hotmail.com or give me a call at 646 8515247; I'll answer.
Please know we need your help in making this newsletter more significant to everyone. Send us your updates, let us know how we can support you, your businesses and your children.
They said it couldn't be done. Now look at you!
The U.S. would have us believe that all not some, all black families are broken and dysfunctional. Well truth is we have more than our fair share. But today we will celebrate some winning teams . Let's be loud and proud about our October celebrations. Happy Anniversary to :
Carl and Debra Grant Strand. Debra is the daughter of our Matriarch Jean Tucker Grant and Grandchild of Harry P and Helen Stroud Tucker. Carl and Debra are celebrating 44 years!
Mikal Raheem and April Lowe Royster celebrate 14 years. Mikal is the son of Michael Mikal Royster and the former Paulette Bartley Royster . He is the Great Grandson of Lloyd and Janie Stroud Haden.
Stuart and Dr. Minnette Francis Haden celebrate 15 years of marital bliss Stuart is the son of the late lloyd Jr and Dorothy McKelvey Haden.
Nick and Katlyn Murphy Tucker. celebrate 5 years of marriage. Nick is the son of the late Rah Tucker and the late He is the Grandson of the Late Richard and Majourie Wood Tucker
Milestone Birthdays
Happy 21st Birthday Alexander Strand son of Jeaneen Strand and grandson of Carl and Debra Grant Strand. He is the Great grandson of our Matriarch Jean Tucker Grant.
Happy 25th Birthday Ulawrence Coley son of Richard and the late Sharlene Coley. The grandson of the late Richard Sr. and Josephine Haden Coley.
Happy 25th Birthday to Brianna Booker the daughter of Brenda Booker and John Smith . Brianna is the granddaughter of Jessie Booker.
Good News:
Congratulation goes out to Nick Tucker who lives in California, as he heads to speak to Massachusetts area high school students. To learn more about Nicks speaking engagements go to nickrtucker.com Nick is the son of the late Jeffrey Michael " Kashiem Abdullah " and Cynthia Tucker. If your local school could benefit from a hard earned lesson on resilience and taking responsibility for your life, don’t hesitate to reach out
Have Faith in the things you do! Jasmine Jennings daughter of Theresa Haden Boone has stepped out on faith, closed the door on working for others and is establishing her brand in Texas. She is the co- owner of Arnaz BBQ and More in Bellville, Texas.
Prayer Warriors:
We have an assignment to keep our Elders, our children and those struggling for their lives in our prayers. Pray for strength, guidance and Grace. Once again, we don't know what each of us is going through, let our prayers cover their needs as well as their sense that someone cares. We are all battling something so our prayers assist in winning their battle.
A special prayer of healing for our Culpeper Virginia cousin, Faith Johnson Crumbly.
Please keep the Lowe -Royster Family in your prayers as they adjust to Mother Jeanette Fleming Lowe no longer being in their ranks. Mother Lowe, was a beaming regal light in this world and her presence will be sorely missed. Do not think for one minute that she squandered her time here. As so many of our elders have done, Mother Lowe sat with many pace setters, Ministers, Mayors and Vice Presidents. Sending words of condolences was Presidential candidate Kamala Harris
Wider Horizon Book Club
We encourage you to join us on the last Saturday of each month to discuss our book choice or be a part of ongoing circle of friends.
November's book will be 'luster" by Lielani Raven.So join us at our virtual book Club meeting. The date Nov. 30th at 4:00 EST
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82796419692 Passcode: HORIZONS
Stop in and see what this group is all about. Bring your glass. We believe you will be pleasantly surprised and drawn into joining us again. All ages are welcome to join us.
