By: Elaine Hobson
The Winston County Self Help Cooperative held its May 2026 meeting outdoors at Team Leader Frank Taylor’s tree farm, where attendees enjoyed comfortable 79-degree weather. After an opening prayer by Reverend Alonzo Miller, President Taylor guided the meeting, inviting members to share updates on recent and upcoming cooperative activities and agricultural events.
Mayla Odom gave a report on youth programs, highlighting activities in which youth participated, including kite flying, pizza-making, mock job interviews, hydroponics lessons, and planting tomatoes and peppers. Additionally, cooperative members held a workshop on canning strawberry jelly. She also mentioned the organization’s partnerships with organizations in New Mexico, North Carolina, Texas, and Georgia to exchange agricultural knowledge and collaborate on farming projects.
Joan Eiland provided an overview of the successful community cleanup held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, in Greensboro, Zion Ridge, and New Zion. Mary Ann Kelly announced the upcoming Community Celebration scheduled for Saturday, May 23, 2026. The event will feature a parade beginning at the Winston County Self Help Campus in New Zion Community, followed by a picnic at the former Greensboro Church site in Greensboro Community. The Parade line-up starts at 8:00 a.m., and the parade kicks off at 9:00 a.m. Participants are encouraged to participate in the parade with their cars, trucks, four-wheelers, motorcycles, slingshots, etc. Bring your lawn chairs for the picnic. Community Day is a chance for neighbors to gather, share experiences, and strengthen connections.
Orlando Trainer, representing the Unlimited Community Agricultural Cooperative in Starkville, Mississippi, explained that his organization grew out of the Winston County Self Help Cooperative and that he regularly shares farming and agricultural advice online every Saturday morning from 8:00 to 8:30 a.m. to help educate others and spread useful information. He also announced an upcoming Regenerative Agriculture Training class, scheduled for Friday, April 24, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Oktibbeha County Extension Office, 48 Lynn Street, Starkville, MS. The event will cover topics such as regenerative practices, biodynamics, organic gardening, food safety certification, USDA resources, Vanguard (OTE Consortium), and farm markets. Everyone is welcome to attend, and you can register online.
Mr. John Jones, from the Mississippi Minority Farmers’ Alliance, invited everyone to the 12th Annual Save Rural America Conference. The event will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2026, starting at 8:00 a.m., at the North MS Agri-business Center, 1995 Pine Grove Rd, Shannon, Mississippi. Attendees will include representatives from Alcorn State University, Mississippi State University, and Florida A&M University, as well as African American agriculture students from these schools. A recipient of the USDA 1890 scholarship from Okolona, Mississippi, who is graduating in May, will attend the event. During the ceremony, officials will formally present him with his USDA 1890 diploma.
The 1890 National Scholars Program covers all tuition, fees, books, room and board, plus a summer internship that may lead to full-time USDA employment. After graduating, USDA 1890 scholarship recipients must work for the USDA for as many years as they received funding; for instance, four years of support requires four years of post-graduation service.
Mr. Jones also announced the Cortana 5K Run in Tupelo, Mississippi, scheduled for Tuesday, June 23, at 7:00 a.m. at Fair Park. He welcomed participants to join the Run and encouraged them to walk, run, or roll for scholars. Now in its fifth year, the event raises scholarship funds for students seeking to attend Alcorn State University. Participants can win prizes, and contributions from supporters are appreciated.
President Frank Taylor and Mr. John Jones highlighted the importance of voting and urged everyone to participate in elections. Taylor advised registering, knowing your polling place, and confirming you’re still on the voter rolls. Jones encouraged voters to actively help their family members get to the polls, emphasizing that everyone should vote on Election Day. Additionally, he stressed the importance of teaching young people about African American history and the challenges the community has faced over time.
Maxine Coburn discussed Greensboro School, once located at 2329 Metts Street, Louisville, Mississippi. The school began with one classroom and grew to four classrooms, an auditorium, and a cookhouse under Principal Wilber Lewis. In 1894, Celia Davis donated land for both the Greensboro School and the Greensboro Christian Methodist Episcopal Church to benefit the Greensboro community and the surrounding areas.
Ms. Elmetra Patterson shared her commitment to preserving African American history. She has pictures of all the old schools and regularly writes historical articles for the Winston County Journal and the Jackson Advocate to safeguard and promote African American history. During a visit to the former Louisville Colored School, Ms. Patterson recalled how a 104-year-old African American named Dorothy Burnside inspired students by urging them to write their own history.
Janice Hopkins announced that the Kiwanis Club of Louisville, MS, is accepting donations for the Dorothy J. Harper Scholarship fund. To donate to the Dorothy J Harper Scholarship, send a check or money order to the Kiwanis Club of Louisville, P.O. Box 14, Louisville, MS 39339, and write “Dorothy J. Harper Scholarship” in the memo line. Also, Janice Hopkins and Glenda Cooper accept cash donations. To earn the $500 scholarship, a Louisville High School Key Club member must complete 50 hours of community service, maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher, submit a recommendation letter, gain admission to a college, and write a 250-word essay outlining their goals, leadership experience, and contributions to the community. The scholarship will be awarded for the second year on May 12, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at the Winston County Extension Office, 155 Vance Street.
This year’s Mother’s Day event, “OM Day,” honors founding members Omera Doston and Mary Hannah. The program is scheduled for Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at the Campus, beginning at 11:00 a.m.; doors open at 9:30 a.m. Attendees should notify the Winston County Self Help Cooperative staff of their plans to attend so the staff can estimate attendance and prepare enough food.
Dr. Richard Moncrief urged the audience to be grateful for their blessings and to thank those who have helped them. Dr. Moncrief also delivered the prayer to bless the food, officially concluding the business meeting. Following the meeting, organizers served lunch. Big Boys BBQ catered the event, offering fried fish, coleslaw, fried potatoes, bread, assorted beverages, and water.
Mr. Frank Taylor, who graduated from Kentucky State University in 1980 and currently serves as president of the Winston County Self Help Cooperative, has been chosen as the keynote speaker for the university’s 2026 Commencement Convocation on May 9. In his role as team leader of the Winston County Self Help Cooperative, Mr. Taylor continues to demonstrate a strong dedication to leadership and community service.
