By Staff
special to The Star
Sept. 1, 2002
A former assistant secretary of state praised the Council of Organizations for encouraging black residents to successfully work together for 30 years.
Constance Slaughter Harvey, who spoke at the organization's 30th anniversary celebration on Saturday that young people are floundering because the council's sense of unity doesn't exist in other cities.
One day later, the Council of Organization's Sunday evening speaker, the Rev. William Harper, pastor of Savannah Grove Missionary Baptist Church, expressed a similar sentiment.
Harper said he dropped out of school.
He said he succeeded because caring people didn't give up on him. He said many people who are like he was are still in schools and communities and need help.
He commended Council of Organizations President C.E. Oatis Jr. and the council itself for its 30 years of service. He also challenged the Council and its member organizations to do more.
Other highlights of the 30th anniversary weekend included the following:
A Friday sip and chat that attracted such out-of-town guests as National Council of Meridianites President Johnnie Stennis of Milwaukee, Wis.; and New York Meridianites Charles L. Morgan and his wife, Annie Boone Morgan.
The designation of Sunday and Monday as C.E. Oatis Jr. Day, honoring Oatis' 30 years of service to the council as president and one of the main forces behind its success.
A video production by BK Productions, saluting Oatis and the Council of Organizations and a proclamation by Mayor John Robert Smith naming Sunday as Council of Organizations Inc. Day.
A resolution signed by Lauderdale County Supervisor Craig Hitt proclaiming Aug. 20 as "The Council of Organizations' 30th Anniversary."
The naming of the Hearty Forties Social Club as Club of the Year, an award presented to the club or organization that has had the most significant impact on the council and its programs during the year.
The awarding of the $2,000 NCM/JSC Scholarship to Nicholas R. Trotter, who is attending the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg.
The awarding of the $750 "Roots" Scholarship to Jarrell Dean, who is attending Memphis Art College in Memphis.
The awarding of certificates to member clubs for dedicated service. The clubs included Active Wives Savings Club, Aurora Bridge Club, Negro Business and Professional Women's Club and Old Gold Social Club.
The history of the Council or Organizations, its member clubs, the National Council of Meridianites and member organizations has been recorded in a souvenir journal that may be purchased for $10 by calling the council at 485-6440.