Maryland African American Pride Magazine

From the November - December 2006 Issue

Outstanding Achiever: Rev. CharlotteA.Nichols

Salisbury District Supervisor of the United Methodist Church

The Outstanding Achiever for this Special Issue of the Maryland African American Pride Magazine on Black churches is the Rev. Charlotte A. Nichols of Princess Anne. In 1990, she made history as the first African American woman appointed Easton District Superintendent in the Peninsula, Delaware Conference, of the United Methodist Church. She was named Salisbury District Superintendent of the Peninsula, Delaware Conference, last year.

The Salisbury District covers Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties and includes 81 charges and 135 churches. Before being assigned to the six-year post, Rev. Nichols pastored the Metropolitan United Methodist Church in Princess Anne where she was also executive director of the Wesley Foundation at UMES. A native of Hurlock, MD, she is the daughter of the late Louis and Elizabeth Nichols. She grew up in Mt. Calvary United Methodist Church in Preston, MD.

Rev. Nichols earned an Associate Degree from Wesley College in Dover, DE and a BA Degree in Elementary Education
from Salisbury U. She then earned the Master of Religious Education and Master of Divinity at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington. D.C. Rev. Nichols was the first African American woman to become an Elder in the Peninsula.Delaware Conference of the United Methodist Church and one of the first women in the Nation to become and Elder in the United Methodist Church. She is a Life Member of the NAACP and the Black Methodist for Church Renewal as well as a member of the UMES Board of Visitors.

The United Methodist Church was created on April 23, 1968, when Bishop Reuben H. Mueller, representing The
Evangelical United Brethren Church, and Bishop Lloyd C. Wicke of The Methodist Church joined hands at the constituting General Conference in Dallas, Texas. Though the United Methodist Church remained segregated until 1968, its top legislative assembly took steps more than a decade earlier to enable African-American churches to join previously all white regional conferences.

When the United Methodist Church was created in 1968, it had approximately 11 million members, making it one of the largest Protestant churches in the world. The United Methodist Church is one of the leaders in integrating races and offering minorities and women pastorships and opportunities for advancement. It has the most churches on the Shore.

Ernest Leatherbury, Jr. appointed temporary Crisfield Police Chief

The new mayor of Crisfield announced on October 18th the assignment of Sgt. Ernest Leatherbury Jr. to lead the Crisfield police department on a temporary basis beginning that week. Mayor Percy "P. Jay" Purnell and his new council removed former Chief Clarence Bell from the position and will seek a permanent replacement.

Leatherbury is being assigned to Crisfield for the next six months, or until a permanent chief is hired, according to Mayor Purnell. City officials will begin advertising the position soon, he said. Leatherbury is a Somerset County native whose father made history as the first African American to be named second in command of the Maryland State Police. Ernest Leatherbury, Sr. retired from the State Police and was selected to be police chief in Crisfield where he passed away while on duty in 2003.

Ernest Jr. has followed in his father's foot steps joining the Maryland State Troopers where he has earned the rank of Sergeant. Now, he will act as chief of the Crisfield police department as his father did. He was temporarily named second in command of the Crisfield Police Department shortly after Bell was hired in June 2003.

UMES celebrates 120 years service

UMES held a week of activities celebrating 120 years since its founding in 1886. September 17 . 24, 2006 was set as Founders Week. The Founders' Week Convocation highlighted the week. It was held in the morning on Sept. 19th at the Ella Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center (PAC). Calvin Mackie, Ph. D., Professor, Author, Inventor and Motivational Speaker was the Convocation Speaker. The Birthday Cake Reception on the PAC lawn followed the Convocation.

The Founders' Week Outdoor Concert and Evening Fireworks Display was held that evening. The concert featured the sounds of the UMES Jazz Ensemble, Concert Choir, and Gospel Choir. Other activities included a lecture, a one-man show, playing golf, worship services, and alumni activities. The University's Campaign for Excellence was kicked off on the Mon., Sept. 18that the International Flag Mall on Campus. The Campaign is being launched to raise $14 million to support student scholarships.

Marian C. Birkhead Honored At UMES

(l-r) Ms. Birkhead is pictured with University System of MD Chancellor William Kirwan
and UMES President Dr. Thelma Thompson.

UMES staff member Marian C. Birkhead was honored at the University System of Maryland September 9th meeting for receiving the 2006 USM Regent's University system Staff Award in the category of Extraordinary Public Service to the University or to the Greater Community, Non-Exempt, UMES's Gains Hawkins received the award in the Exempt category. The two were selected from nominees representing campuses throughout the University System.

Ms. Birkhead has been employed at the University for 34 years and is an administrative assistant in the School of Business and Technology. She is wellknown for hosting the Stairway to Heaven gospel show on the University's radio station. She is also known throughout the Shore for her organ music and gospel show promotions. A native of Salisbury, Birkhead is the daughter of the late John and Allie Birkhead. And has two children. She graduated from Salisbury High School and studied at Bennett College in North Carolina. Active in the Somerset County Arts Council, Ms. Birkhead helped secure a grant to bring the African Children's Choir to the area twice. She is a member of Mill's Memorial Baptist Church, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Toastmistresses of America, and the NAACP.

Annual Uncle Nace's Day is celebrated in Trappe

The annual Uncle Nace's Day celebration was held in Trappe, MD on October 7th. Every year in early October, the quiet Main Street of the small town of Trappe is transformed to festivity for the Nace's Day Parade. The pageant is part of a unique commemoration of Maryland Emancipation Day. Originated in 1867 by a former slave named Nathanial Hopkins (affectionately known as "Uncle Nace"), the event is the longest continuously running celebration on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Hopkins died in 1900. On November 1, 1864, Maryland adopted a new constitution which abolished slavery, making it the first slave state to voluntarily free its slaves by popular vote. Hopkins instituted a local Emancipation Day in Trappe to celebrate.

Bennie Smith is appointed to the Delaware State U. Board

Bennie Smith, Chairman & CEO of Bennie Smith Funeral Homes has been appointed to serve on the Board of Trustees for Delaware State University. Founded in 1890 as the State College for Colored Students, DSU has evolved into a fully accredited, comprehensive university with a main campus and two satellite sites that encompass six colleges and a diverse population of undergraduate and graduate students.

The DSU president since 2003 is Dr. Allen L. Sessoms. The main campus is located in Dover. Smith has led his company of funeral homes since 1982. It now operates twelve locations in Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia and is one of the largest Black-owned and operated funeral businesses in the US. He holds a Mortuary Science Degree from John A. Gupton School of Mortuary Science, a BS Degree from the U. of Minnesota, a Master of Counseling Degree from the U. of Delaware, and an honorary Doctorate from UMES.

Ten Bennie Smith Funeral Homes scholarships Awarded

Shakira Collins

Bennie Smith Funeral Homes recently awarded scholarships to ten graduating high school seniors in the Delmarva area. Each student received a one-year scholarship of $1,000 to attend the college of his or her choice during the 2006-2007 school year.

Ashley Green

The recipients are: Kendra Cartwright of Lincoln, DE, Steven R. Floyd of Dover, DE, Shanice D. Nelson of Dover, DE, Hiral R. Patel of Seaford, DE, Shakira G. Collins of Pocomoke City, MD, Ashley T. Green of Chestertown, MD, Darryl E. Green of Cambridge, MD, Brittney Holland of Ridgely, MD, Kayla B. Giddens of Exmore, VA, and John Wayne Williams of Painter, VA. Three of the recipients are from Eastern Shore Maryland.

Shakira Collins graduated from Pocomoke High School and is studying political science and government at Salisbury U. Ashley Green is a Queen Anne.s County High School graduate who is attending Morgan State U. Darryl

Darryl Green

Green graduated from Cambridge - South Dorchester High School and has selected Morgan State U. to major in civil engineering and computer science. Brittney Holland is majoring in elementary education at Morgan State U. The awardees were selected from 150 applicants on criteria including academic achievement, school activities, community involvement and indications of financial need.

Wyatt elected commander of AL Post #145

The Spirit of Democracy American Legion Post #145 in Salisbury has elected Elwood Wyatt as its Commander for 2006-2007. A member of the American Legion for 16 years, he helped to manage the Post last year. He takes over the leadership of the Post from U. Edward Cottman as it begins building its new larger Post home.

Wyatt is a veteran of the US Army where he served a tour in Germany. He recently retired from the Maryland National Guard as a 1st Sgt. where he served in the Military Police, two Engineering companies, and a Transportation company. He is a veteran of the Iraq War and a member of VFW Post #10159 in Salisbury where he is a trustee. He is also a member of the Military Order of the Cootie Pup Tent and the Queen City IBPOEofW Elks Lodge in Salisbury.

Wyatt is a native of Painter, VA and the son of the late Milton and Helen Kellum. He graduated from Accomack County, VA public schools and his family moved to Salisbury 30 years ago. A graduate of Dundalk (MD) Community College with a certificate in Criminal Justice, Wyatt retired from a career in law enforcement having worked in several federal agencies. He is the father of three children.

Sheila Hitch elected president of the AL Post #145 Auxiliary

The newly elected president of the American Legion Auxiliary at Post #145 in Salisbury is Sheila Morris Hitch. She has been a member of the organization for over eleven years and was its 1st vice president last year. A native of Salisbury, Ms. Hitch is the daughter of Emory and Annabelle Morris of Salisbury. She is a graduate of Wicomico County public schools and is the health aid at the SHORE UP!, Inc. Head Start Center in Princess Anne. She has been employed at the Community Action Agency for six years.

Ms. Hitch enjoys serving her community and visiting area nursing homes. She is a member of Wesley Temple United Methodist Church and the mother of one child. Her daughter, Ashley, is active in the American Legion Junior Unit and is a past president of the Unit and the Department (State).

Cooper elected Easton Legion Auxiliary President

Blake-Blackston American Legion Ladies Auxiliary in Easton has elected Cynthia Cooper as its president for 2006-2007. A 20-year member of the organization, she was its president in 2002-2003 and has been North Eastern Shore District President. Cooper has also been a Color Bearer and Emergency Fund Committee member for the Department (State) and District membership Chairperson.

Ms. Cooper is one of the founders of the 8/40 Black Eyed Susan Salon 883 and serves as its Le Chapeu (President). She is also a member and past Trustee of VFW Auxiliary Unit #5118 in Easton. An active member of St. Matthews United Methodist Church in Longwood, Cooper is president of its gospel choir and a member of its Evangelist and Outreach Committee. She is a Certified Nursing Assistant and works at Chesapeake Cardiology Clinic in Easton. She is the mother of one daughter.

Dear elected commander of the Easton American Legion Post

Donna Dear(l) is installed as the commander of
Blake-Blackston American Legion Post #77 in Easton by American
Legion Department (State) chaplain Robert Johnson.

Blake-Blackston American Legion Post #77 in Easton installed Donna Jean Dear as its first female commander in its 86 year history on September 16, 2006. Elected last June, she will serve through May 2007. Dear has been Post historian and was its 1st vice commander last year. A native of Columbus, OH, Dear has lived in Caroline County, MD since 1992. She is a graduate of the State University of New York at Albany. A US Army Vietnam veteran, she retired as a Sgt. Major after 27 years of service.

Active in community service, Ms. Dear is a charter member of Women in Military Service for America Memorial Foundation and a member of Women's Army Corps Veterans Association Heritage Chapter #62, Vietnam Women.s Veterans Association and VFW Post #5118 in Easton. She also serves on the Caroline County Personnel Review Board and the Board of Directors of People for Better Housing serving Caroline and Dorchester Counties.

Dean Burrell re-elected to the Berlin Town Council

The voters of District 1 in Berlin, MD re-elected Dean Burrell to his third four-year term on their town council in the recent town elections. A native of Chance, MD, he has lived in Berlin 22 years. He is married to Valerie Burrell and has three children.

Burrell is the Administrator of Children and Family Services at SHORE UP!, Inc. which oversees Head Start programs in six Eastern Shore counties. He has worked for the Community Action Agency for 28 years. A Master Prince Hall Mason, Burrell is a member of the NAACP and American Legion. He is also belongs to St. Paul United Methodist Church.

Sheree Sample-Hughes wins Dist. 1 Wicomico Council seat

With no Republican opposition, Sheree Sample-Hughes has all but won the District 1 Wicomico Council seat since she defeated her lone Democratic opposition in the Sept. 12th Primary Elections. She won 965 votes over lone challenger McKinley Hayward who received 398 votes. The General Election vote must be secured for her to become the first African American woman to serve on the Council. A Salisbury native, Sheree is the daughter of Stephanie Sample and the late James Sample. She grew up in her predominantly-Black Council District and has been heavily
involved in the Salisbury Westside community with her work and her community activities. She Coordinates the West Side CSAFE II and After School Initiatives programs for the Wicomico Partnership for Families & Children.

Sample-Hughes works with the WestSide Salisbury Revitalization Partnership that is working to improve the neighborhood with increased law enforcement, lights, clean up and beautification projects, housing projects, community forums, and other activities. She is also past president of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #145 in Salisbury, a mentor, and a member of the NAACP and Wesley Temple United Methodist Church. Sheree and her husband, Desmond, have two sons.