by: Frank Taylor
The Winston County Self-Help Cooperative celebrated “OM Day” in honor of Mrs. Omerio Dotson and Mrs. Mary Hannah on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at its campus, 2948 Highpoint-Weir Rd, Louisville, MS. The “OM Day” event highlighted the efforts of these two women, who had a profound impact on rural Americans. This event underpinned the co-op’s traditional Mother’s Day program. The co-op’s celebratory atmosphere attracted individuals from far and near. As the clock’s hands drifted past 9 a.m., vehicles began filling the parking spaces. Possibly, the aroma of food attracted even more attendees. The co-op leadership assessed the overflow needs and adjusted to fulfill the mission of serving people.
The mistress of ceremonies, Maxine Coburn, requested that attendees observe the printed agenda. She echoed the celebration theme and thanked the attendees for their attentiveness. Joan Miller-Eiland offered a prayer for the community’s thoughtfulness and wellness. Sarah Mustin eloquently delivered words of welcome. Mayla Odom reiterated the significance of “OM Day.” Steve Eiland’s rendition of emotionally stirring lyrics moved the audience, bringing teary eyes and a chorus of “Amens.”
After a brief interlude, Dr. Tarie Todman introduced Evangelist Dr. Essie Jackson Glass from Pleasant Ridge M. B. Church of Noxapater, MS. Dr. Glass expressed kind words to the participants and wished the ladies in the audience a happy Mother’s Day. She highlighted her personal relationships with Mrs. Hannah and Mrs. Dotson through organizations and family connections.
As the audience grew quiet, the program shifted to the awards segment. Pamela O’Bryant presented Rosie Harris and Arlexis Cunningham-Yarbrough with the 2026 OM Awards. Rosie and Arlexis exemplify the characteristics of the award’s namesakes. Frank Taylor, a WCSHC team member, unveiled a canvas portrait of Mrs. Omerio Dotson and Mrs. Mary Hannah. He shared that co-op members and community supporters revere these two women for orchestrating a positive pathway forward. This stalwart organization would not exist without their vision. They fostered an environment in which small farmers could rehabilitate and manage their natural resources. Today, the co-op honored Mrs. Omerio and Mrs. Mary for blazing a trail for future generations of farmers. Their spiritual presence lives on within the co-op members and the community at large.
Jewel Hannah recounted her mother’s commitment and passion for serving others, stating, “We, as a family, thank WCSHC for acknowledging Mrs. Mary Hannah.” Willie Dotson enlightened the audience about his mom, Mrs. Omerio’s commitment to build and sustain the cooperative. She was fervent about her role as a homemaker and ardent community supporter. Pastor Willie Matthews further emphasized his mother’s dedication to the co-op’s mission of helping families stay connected to the land. As an agrarian, she would put her hands in the soil to advocate for small farmers. She worked tirelessly to ensure others had the opportunity to sustain their livelihoods in rural communities. He added, “We appreciate Winston County Self-Help Cooperative for remembering and ensuring our mothers’ legacies in rural America.” After the closure of this segment of the program, Pastor Donald Bryant, Pastor of Mount Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church, blessed the food.
The waitstaff served an elegant steak dinner, including baked potatoes, collard greens, and desserts. Thanks to Big Boys for preparing a tasty meal.
Frank Taylor asked participants to pause as he introduced Mrs.Oleta Garrett Fitzgerald, Director of the Children’s Defense Fund’s Southern Regional Office (CDF-SRO). She also serves as the Regional Administrator for the Southern Rural Black Women’s Initiative for Economic & Social Justice (SRBWI). Oleta thanked WCSHC for the invitation to share her life’s philosophy. She emphasized the importance of caring for families and communities, noting that her daily work aligns with WCSHC’s goal of providing services and hope in rural communities across the South. She stated that Mississippi leads the nation in infant mortality deaths, a troubling reality compounded by the closure of healthcare facilities across Southern states. As a result, families are often forced to drive over one hundred miles to receive OB-GYN services. She acknowledged the long list of social and health challenges that must be resolved in Mississippi but expressed confidence that individuals are ready to work collectively to strengthen rural communities through advocacy.
Pamela Shaw, President & Founder of P3 Strategies, offered words of consideration for community residents to focus their optics on sustainability needs and encourage attendees to participate in civic events.
The celebratory event concluded with individuals sharing conversations and taking pictures. The Winston County Self Help Cooperative conveyed thanks to Evangelist Dr. Essie Jackson Glas and Mrs.Oleta Garrett Fitzgerald for their inspiring words.
