HATTIESBURG – Children who grow up in their communities and recognize the need to build them have miles to go before they sleep. They touch the soil with loving hands. They manage to maneuver through systems with compassion and care. They understand that their mission is to serve humankind.
For several decades Atty. Percy W. Watson, Hattiesburg native and member of the Mississippi House of Representatives, has been reaching out and extending a ray of hope.
Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, the seventh-term representative demonstrated loyalty again at the 21st Annual Appreciation Christmas held at Lake Terrace Convention Center on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2009 from 8 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Approximately 700 community supporters and friends throughout Mississippi and surrounding states flocked to the event. To help needy families and children, they brought more than 500 gifts, including toys and books. Christmas Service Center and Jessie L. Brown Elks Lodge distributed the gifts.
Four outstanding citizens received community service awards.
Memphis, Tenn. native Dr. C. E. (Charles Edward) Smith, began practicing medicine in Hattiesburg in 1958 with his friend and classmate, Dr. Douglas L. Parris of Hattiesburg. These Meharry Medical College graduates were denied staff membership at Forest County General Hospital and Methodist Hospital in Hattiesburg. Thus, their patients had to be transported to Southeastern Benevolent Hospital in Laurel.
After many complaints to the U. S. Department of H. E. W., Dr. Smith and Dr. Parris were admitted to the staff of Forrest County General Hospital. They became the first black doctors on staff and were finally admitted to the medical staff of Methodist Hospital. Dr. Smith retired from the practice of medicine in 1984 due to illness. He remained an active member of the Executive Committee on the Forrest County Branch of the NAACP until he died in 1986 at Forrest General Hospital.
Dr. James Roy Todd, another honoree, was the first African American to locate south of Jackson and practice surgery. He was also the first African American surgeon to hold full surgical privileges at Natchez Community Hospital, Natchez Regional Medical Center, and the former Natchez Charity Hospital. Dr. Todd built the first clinic and maintains the only clinic in the African American community in Natchez. From 1973-1976 he engaged in private practice at Hattiesburg Fairview Clinic. The 1972-1973 clinical instructor of Surgery (Meharry Medical College) testified before Congress for establishing Melrose National Park.
Drug Courts are the most effective justice intervention for treating drug-addicted people. They reduce drug use, reduce crime, save money, restore lives, save children, and reunite families.
On Oct. 8, 2003, Judge Bob Helfrich, the third honoree, started the 12th Circuit Drug Court (the 4th to start in Miss.). Presently, Forrest/Perry County Adult Drug Court has 20 drug free babies that have been born to drug court families. Helfrich’s leadership has contributed to this accomplishment.
The fourth award recipient, Majorie Wilson Chambers of Lamar and Forrest Counties, is a retired veteran educator of 47 years. She has demonstrated a commitment to make education meaningful, accessible, and continually challenging to all students. In 1947 she graduated as valedictorian and received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Jackson State University and completed additional studies at Michigan State University and Hampton Institute. The same year Chambers began her teaching career at Harris High School in Meridian, before relocating to Hattiesburg in 1951 to teach at Rowan and Hattiesburg High Schools.
Among numerous awards, Chambers has received two proclamations from the Mayor and City of Hattiesburg, Martin Luther King Humanitarian Award, a trip to Africa and the H. Council Trenholm Memorial Award at the 2005 National Educational Association’s Human and Civil Rights Award Ceremony in Los Angeles, Calif.
Following award presentations and remarks by Rep. Watson, renowned Midnight Star band ushered the crowd to the dance floor with favorite tunes such as “I Think I Found a Girl for Me,” “Operator,” and “Don’t You Rock the Boat.”
Many at the event applauded Rep. Watson for his generosity to the community and his high-spirited kindness. Hattiesburg residents Jimmie and Victoria Drummond, for instance, said that they had been attending the ball for 18 years. Jimmie added, “Rep. Watson and I grew up together in the same church, and what he does is great.”
“I came tonight with my cousin,” said Dorothy Meeks of Houston. “I’m very pleased to learn of Rep. Watson’s dedication to the community. I look forward to returning next year,” she continued.
Spouses Wade and Lisa Jackson of Raymond recalled the 80s when they were JSU students. “We danced to Midnight Star’s music then, and they are still singing us through these tough economic times,” said Lisa. Both agreed that if you didn’t arrive in a celebratory mood, their music “definitely captured you and brought you joy for the season.”
See highlights on page 17.
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