On December 2, 2025, the Winston County Self Help Cooperative hosted its annual End-of-Year Celebration at the Cooperative Campus in Louisville, Mississippi. The event brought together cooperative members and guests to honor the organization’s 2025 accomplishments and celebrate the holiday season.
Upon arrival, guests entered a relaxing atmosphere that encouraged socializing and friendly conversations. Before the main program started, representatives from a government agency, a non-profit agency, and farmers spoke. Hillary Whittington, Winston County’s FSA County Executive Director, updated farmers on Farm Service Agency programs and encouraged them to take advantage of available resources. The following person speaking to the audience was Orlando Phelps, Executive Director of the Restoring Faith Organization in Claiborne County, Mississippi, who spoke about his organization’s partnership with the Winston County Self Help Cooperative and other agencies. He highlighted their shared efforts to inform underserved communities about available resources from both the government and private organizations to enhance agricultural productivity and promote community well-being and development.
The program continued with Warner Hall addressing the attendees, followed by Carl James. Both Warner Hall, a vegetable farmer from Mt. Harmony, Louisiana, and Carl James, a cattle farmer from Uneedus, Louisiana, shared information about their farm operations, their partnership with the Cooperative in various agricultural initiatives, their mentoring of others, and their support for agricultural best practices. Mr. Taylor first met Mr. Warner Hall and Mr. Carl James in 2005, when the three attended the Leadership Institute at Southern University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana Campus.
The official ceremony began promptly at 10:00 a.m., with cooperative member Mary Ann Kelly presiding as Mistress of the Ceremony. With enthusiasm, Ms. Kelly provided her opening remarks, welcoming everyone to the Christmas Gala. She encouraged everyone to reflect on compassion, generosity, and unity this Christmas season and to thank the Lord for continuing to bless them.
Following Ms. Kelly’s opening remarks, Pastor Wille J. Matthew offered the opening prayer. He prayed for blessings upon everyone present and those unable to attend, and remembered those who have passed away. Pastor Matthew said that with God’s help, everything would be all right. His words made people feel thankful.
Pumped with energy, Ms. Joan Miller-Eiland delivered an electrifying welcome, expressing appreciation to all attendees for joining the celebration. She highlighted the Cooperative’s dedicated efforts throughout the year to unite people of all ages, encouraging connections between older and younger generations through mentorship and engaging activities. She stated that she hopes everyone enjoys the program and, at the end, is glad they came.
Elaine Miller Hobson delivered the program’s purpose, focusing on the Winston County Self Help Cooperative’s mission to improve rural America. She emphasized the Cooperative’s accomplishments during 2025, including extensive community outreach, educating individuals about agricultural programs, and delivering technical assistance to the farming community. Also, she emphasized the theme of “Bridging Generations,” explaining how shared wisdom and new ideas continue to bridge generations, strengthen the Cooperative’s legacy, and the community’s future. Ms. Hobson honored the past president, Mr. Columbus McReynolds, and the present president, Mr. Frank Taylor, paid tribute to the late Mr. Dee Dotson, and encouraged everyone to work together to foster ongoing connections among members, support organizations, and the community.
Next, the attendees watched a video showcasing the history of the Winston County Self Help Cooperative. The video reveals that during the 1985 farming crisis, five farmers from Louisville, Mississippi, joined forces to save their farming operations and support their community. The five farmers were Mr. Columbus McReynolds (the Cooperative’s first president), Ms. Omerio Dotson, Mr. Dee Dotson, Ms. Mary Hannah, and Mr. Bobby Hardin. Their shared commitment led to the creation of the Winston County Self Help Cooperative, an organization dedicated to saving rural America with the mission of empowering farmers, ranchers, and landowners, advancing sustainable agriculture, preserving land ownership, and equipping future generations.
In 1989, the Cooperative welcomed Mr. Frank Taylor as president and expanded its mission to include youth development, housing initiatives, and nutrition programs. In 2005, the Cooperative expanded its support nationwide. Today, the Winston County Self Help Cooperative proudly celebrates over 40 years of meaningful service to rural America.
The celebration’s spirit increased as Cornelius Jackson, Janet Jackson, and Mayla Odom delivered a powerful, uplifting performance of the inspirational song “It’s All Right,” with Cornelius providing both vocals and music. The musical moment uplifted everyone’s hearts for the holiday season.
Pastor Annie Thomas delivered an inspiring introduction for the distinguished guest speaker, Dr. Tracy M. Cook, president of Alcorn State University. She highlighted Dr. Cook’s exemplary leadership and service, his distinguished career in education, and his unwavering dedication to advancing student success.
Once behind the podium, Dr. Tracy M. Cook put the audience at ease with his warm, sincere personality. He began his speech by expressing gratitude for the invitation. Dr. Cook urged everyone to connect across generations, adapt to change, and value both wisdom and new ideas. He highlighted the importance of education through various paths—college, trades, the military, and entrepreneurship. Dr. Cook advised the high school students to plan their careers thoughtfully, be adaptable, dependable, and consistent in their actions, be responsible, complete tasks on time, keep their promises, and meet expectations.
Furthermore, Dr. Cook encouraged both youth and elders to learn from one another. He asked all to invest in their communities, families, and personal growth. Dr. Cook’s speech left a lasting impression on the attendees and a sense of hope for the future.
Dr. T’arie Todman presented Dr. Tracy M. Cook, President of Alcorn State University, a plaque for his outstanding presentation, encouragement, and wisdom. She expressed sincere appreciation for Dr. Cook’s participation in the Christmas Gala. Also, Dr. Todman recognized Ms. Alice Paris, who, in 2004, while working for the Federation of Southern Cooperatives, authored a grant proposal that secured essential farming equipment—a new tractor and implements—for the Winston County Self-Help Cooperative. The Cooperative’s president, Mr. Taylor, shared that, more than 20 years later, the organization still uses the equipment and stores it in a campus shed. Ms. Paris expressed her desire to see the equipment.
Mr. Frank Taylor, President of the Winston County Self Help Cooperative, delivered the closing remarks. He highlighted the Cooperative’s forty-plus-year legacy of helping rural communities. Mr. Taylor called on everyone to work together across generations to make a positive difference. With heartfelt appreciation, he thanked all partners, members, and friends for their contributions and for working to uplift rural America.
After Mr. Frank Taylor’s closing remarks, Reverend Alonzo Miller led the blessing of the food. Reverend Miller expressed thanks for God’s protection and for keeping everyone in sound mind. Humbly, Reverend Miller praised the Lord, saying that, without the Lord’s guidance and presence, he would not be standing before the gathering.
The Year-End Celebration recognized over 40 years of empowering rural America, the Cooperative’s accomplishments in 2025, and the bridging of generational gaps. Everyone involved in the program gave their absolute support, successfully creating another memorable event for the Winston County Self Help Cooperative. Winston Self Help Cooperative members appreciate all who supported and attended the event.
