By Joice M. Dunn
Several area organizations came together at Grambling’s City Park on Saturday, August 8, to celebrate “Back To School” Fun and Fellowship.
“The event was primarily for our school youth; however, we invited senior citizens and military veterans who showed up in big numbers. We want to celebrate our youth, senior citizens, military and former veterans,” said James Maryland, HBCU president.
The bash included a fishing contest, directed by John Brown, Grambling councilman, who put in time to prepare the pond for over 50 participants. The winner of the contest was Ladarius Lakey of the Mt. Olive community. A Domino tournament was headed by Roosevelt “Gabby” Strong and other educational, spiritual, history games along with wholesome activities were available.
Sergeant Iris Winston of the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office made it possible for the attendees to witness a drug and obedience demonstration by two K-9 officers. The crowd had the opportunity to receive the history of the unit, language used, selection/training process and care of the dogs. Questions and answers were allowed.
Tamika Giles, local cater, prepared a menu of hot dogs’ hamburgers, chips, baked beans, potato salad, drinks and water. Carl McCarter and Rickey Burton, coordinators, put their fish cooking skills to use. Billy Norman and others stepped in to assist. However, some supporters brought their grills for barbecue, chicken wings, chicken leg quarters, ribs, and sausage.
Area candidates made an appearance at the event, not just as politicians, but supporters. Joining in the fun were Mike Smith, city judge; Sandra Woods, Lincoln Parish School Board; Troy Brooks, Police Jury; Alvin Bradley, Mayor of Grambling; Add Goff, City Judge and NaKisha R. Evans, Police Jury for District Nine who is running to complete the term of Reverend Joe Henderson who passed away.
Kerry Crawford, president of the UNITY organization, gave of his time and carts to make sure everyone that needed a ride, had a ride. Louis Mayfield, a Ruston native, but resides in Haughton, offers assistance not just to the HBCU Boosters, but the 22 Hands Up Organization as well.
The organization not only drew a crowd, but had them secured by the Grambling police, grounds officials, and Fire department on standby for safety reasons.
There were several groups along with individuals who played a part in the success of this event.
Joining the HBCU Boosters was Darrell Hampton, president of The Minden Based 22 Hands Up Organization. Hampton said, “Any time you can get together with other groups to benefit the children, that’s important. He brought about 20 people to the event. Some of the children caught their first fish. We have our largest fund raiser Food Fest on Saturday, Sept 26, at Community House in Minden from noon until 3 p.m. and I know the Boosters will be in support.”
The Boosters also partnered with Kadar Dennis (Kappa Alpha Psi-Entertainment Etc.) who moved their annual Book Bag Give Away from the Grambling Fire Station to join the City Park bash.
“The HBCU Boosters event was great. It was great to see everyone enjoying the fishing, as well as all the other activities. We have been doing our school supply giveaway for 17 years, but when we found out about the HBCU Boosters event by way of Mayor Bradley, it was a no brainer to collaborate for a one stop shop of fun, food, and free school supplies. We would love to join in other future events/projects. We gave away 300 school supply bags,” said Dennis.
Mayland’s philosophy, “Utilize The Grambling Resources, rather than take activities and business elsewhere, seem to be catching on. John Brown of The Grambling City Council was super supportive of the program. Mayor Alvin Bradley joined in as well, We surpassed our anticipated number of attendees, over 250 participants and there’s a push to make this an annual City of Grambling event,” he said.
The Lincoln Parish Sheriff ‘s Office held a K-9 demonstration.
Ladarius Lakey won first prize in the fishing tournament with a 2.5-pound catfish.
Fish contestants cast their rods.