Timmonsville Honors Black History with Community Gathering

News Summary

Timmonsville, SC, hosted a heartfelt Black History program at Bethlehem Baptist Church, despite inclement weather. Over 40 local members gathered to reflect on significant histories, featuring speakers like survivors of tragedies and local representatives. The event emphasized the importance of teaching history, honoring fallen officers, and celebrating community spirit through performances and shared stories.

Timmonsville Celebrates Black History with a Touch of Community Spirit

Timmonsville, South Carolina, was bustling with excitement this past Sunday as locals gathered for a meaningful Black History program at the Bethlehem Baptist Church. Despite a winter weather advisory that stretched across nearby Marlboro, Scotland, Robeson, Columbus, Dillon, Darlington, Florence, Marion, Lee, and parts of Horry, more than 40 community members came together to honor important local history and reflect on significant events that have shaped their community.

A Heartfelt Story of Survival

Among the audience was Polly Daniels Sheppard, a Florence native and a brave survivor of the tragic Emmanuel AME Church mass shooting that occurred in June 2015. This horrifying event resulted in the loss of nine precious lives. Polly’s presence brought a somber yet resilient tone to the gathering, as she shared her gripping story, reminding everyone of the strength and dignity displayed in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Voices of Change

Two familiar figures in the community also took the stage to speak at the event. Representative Wendell Gilliard from Charleston and Representative Robert Williams from Darlington addressed the audience, echoing the significance of remembering history in the fabric of their society. Their words were not only motivational but also challenged attendees to continue the conversation on local history and recognize the challenges and triumphs that have come before them.

Importance of Local History

Timmonsville Mayor William James stressed the critical importance of teaching local history to younger generations. He pointed out that many kids today are missing out on understanding significant historical events, which can lead to a disconnect from their own community’s story. Mayor James’ remarks sparked a conversation about the responsibility of adults to ensure that these important tales are passed down to children.

Entertainment with a Message

The program was not just about listening to heavy stories; it included entertaining performances as well. Musical acts featuring vocalists and saxophone solos filled the fellowship hall with a sense of joy, blending a celebratory atmosphere into the reflective nature of the event.

Honoring a Fallen Officer

Another poignant piece of the day was the recognition of Lucious Victor Jenerette, a police officer who was tragically killed in the line of duty on April 25, 1954, just four months after joining the Timmonsville Police Department. Timmonsville Police Chief Thomas McFadden is actively seeking to find family members of Officer Jenerette, emphasizing that it is essential to honor him and invite relatives to a memorial honoring his service.

Connecting with History

Chief McFadden is also on a mission to connect with relatives of those involved in Jenerette’s passing, including reaching out to a niece of the suspect who confirmed her uncle’s involvement. Local businessman Karl Bowman, who was a young boy at the time of Jenerette’s death, recounted bearing witness to the community’s heartbreak when they lost their only black police officer. Bowman’s memories highlight Jenerette’s role in bridging community divides and emphasize the significance of recognizing his legacy.

Call for Assistance

Police Chief McFadden is looking for anyone with information about Lucious Victor Jenerette’s relatives to step forward. He is harnessing the power of social media to share the word and hopes that this outreach will help preserve an important part of Timmonsville’s history. Community involvement is key to telling the full story, and every bit of information could lead to an important reconnection.

As Timmonsville paused to reflect on these historical narratives, it was clear that events like this are vital in shaping understanding, empathy, and unity in the community. It is a reminder that history is woven into the present and deserves to be celebrated and learned from by all.

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Additional Resources

• WPDE: Charleston Shooting Survivor Shares Powerful Story
• WMBF: Lanes on I-95 Reopen After Multi-Vehicle Crash
• WBTW: Timmonsville Students Walk Out Over Consolidation
• Wikipedia: Black History Month
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Black History Month