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    This is the special time of year when we should all celebrate and give thanks for the birth of Jesus. We should also reflect on our rich family heritage and pledge anew that we will do our best to pass on to our youth the same faith in God and love for each other that our parents passed on to us. I wish all of you a merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous new Year.

    I have received a number of thoughtful suggestions for improving our family reunion in the coming years. Several persons have suggested that we should have the reunion more frequently than once every five years. I have talked with several local people who have planned numerous family reunions and they have found that family reunions that are held too frequently are not well attended if family members live in many different states. At the last Oxford Family reunion about 1/3 of those attending lived in the state of Georgia. The other family members came from fairly great distances--Connecticut, California, Florida, New York, Michigan, and points in between. Due to the expense involved, the "big" Oxford Family reunion should probably be held only about once in a four or five year period. However, members of the family who live in the Connecticut, or in Florida, or in Georgia--areas with large concentrations of family members, could have special gatherings in Connecticut, Florida, and Georgia for those members who live close-by on an annual or semi-annual basis. And once every four or five years, the larger Oxford Family reunion could be held in Parrott--the place of our roots.

    We are tentatively scheduling the next large family reunion for July, 1995 in Albany/Parrott. Several persons have suggested that we find another hotel in Albany. We will get estimates from several hotels in Albany and we will report back to you in future newsletters. In the meantime, if you have other suggestions for improving the reunion, please send your ideas to me. Thanks.

    This is to announce that the Mance and Sarah Ann Oxford Scholarship for 1992 is now open for applications. The scholarship award, in the amount of $500 will be made in August, 1992. The purpose of the award is to encourage and assist high school graduates who are relatives of, or members of families related to the Oxford clan.

1. Applicant must be a relative of, or a member of a family related to a descendent of the Oxford clan.

2. Applicant must be a high school senior who plans to attend college or a trade school following high school graduation.

(Letter of application must include the following)

1. Name, address, phone number, etc.

2. Statement explaining your relationship to the Oxford clan or related families.

3. Statement explaining your vocational or professional goals in life.

4. A copy of your high school transcript.

5. A copy of your letter of acceptance from the college or trade school that you plan to attend.

6. The application deadline is July 1, 1992.

Mance & Sarah Ann Oxford Scholarship

49 Calvert Blvd.

Tonawanda, NY 14150

    Since our last newsletter, Mrs. Dorothy Telafare sent in $25, and Mr. Reggie Carter sent in $100 for the Mance and Sarah Oxford Scholarship. During the family reunion, a number of us discussed future plans for the Scholarship. During that discussion, I agreed to meet with a lawyer in Buffalo concerning legal steps to institutionalize the scholarship. I met with legal counsel and was informed that a special endowment account would not be practical unless we had a sizable amount of money to put in as a principle amount. Until that time, I was advised to simply put money into a personal account and pay the scholarship awards from that account. I have established such an account at a local bank and I will deposit all contributions for the scholarship in that account. In each issue of the newsletter I will list the names of all contributors and amounts of each contribution to the scholarship. Each year when the winners are announced, I will make up the difference between the amount of the awards and the amount of the contributions.

    I have received several requests from persons for names and addresses of family members. Currently I have about 90 names and addresses of family members in a computerized data-base. I am enclosing the names of the persons in that data-base. Please review the list and send me the names, addresses, and phone numbers of any of our relatives that are not on the enclosed list. I will add those persons to the list and compile a larger directory of family members. I will send a copy of that directory to everyone on the list. I will also send all of those persons copies of future family newsletters. So please, look through your address files and send me the names and addresses of people who are not on my list. Thanks.

    During the fall, 1991, Aunt Martha Oxford moved from Dawson, Georgia and back to Hartford, Connecticut. A delegation from Florida went up to Dawson and visited with Aunt Martha prior to her departure for Connecticut.

    December 31, 1991 is the date of Loverture Carter's retirement from Hartford Dispatch, Warehouse, and Trucking Co. Loverture worked for the company for 41 years, and he is justifiably proud of the fact that in all of that time, he has missed only 15 work days due to absence. As a "trucker" he drove trailer trucks throughout the states of Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. Life's journey took Loverture a long way from the red hills of Terrell County, Georgia. He has been a strong male role model that all of us can look up to. We wish him good health and a long and happy retirement. We look forward to seeing him at the next reunion.

    During the family reunion last July, a number of people gave contributions which helped to send one of our young family members to a cheerleader camp. After I had mailed the August newsletter, I received the following letter from Shandra Yvonne Bradley-the young person that was sent to the cheerleader camp.

My name is Shandra Yvonne Bradley, I am the daughter of Essie and McKinley Bradley and the granddaughter of Arcolia Oxford Myers (Teck). I am 15 years old and a sophomore at Terrell High School in Terrell County.

I would like to thank everyone that gave a donation to help me attend cheerleader camp. I left Sunday morning around 8:00 A.M. I had a great time. I learned a lot of things that I didn't know and had never heard of. It was hot but I still had a great time there. On the last day and that was Wednesday, July 10, we had to compete against about ten other squads and my squad won 3rd place. I had a great time there. I arrived home Wednesday, July 10, about 4:00 P.M. Once again I would like to thank everyone for their support.

Shandra Yvonne Bradley

 

    The following message was on a "thank you" card handed out by the Salvation Army:

"Neither death nor life...nor any powers...will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ..."

Romans 8:38, 39

 

    The Oxford Family Reunion, 1991, was an inspiring and memorable experience. The sign-in sheet indicated that approximately 130 persons from 12 states attended the two day event. Some of those in attendance had not been in Georgia since they left in the 1940s and 1950s. There were young adults who had only heard about "the old days" and their distant relatives from their parents. The younger children, and there were many of them, romped and played with their distant cousins on the grounds of the church that their forebearers established following the end of slavery.

    Adults and children walked, sometimes in groups and sometimes in solitary contemplation, through the cemetery and touched the headstones of kinfolk that died before they were born. Older members of the family gave "guided tours" and told stories about the life and times of those whose names appeared on the headstones. They told stories of a strong extended family that has perservered and prospered.

    The Oxford Family Reunion, 1991, was a time for memories and a time to reflect on the meaning of "church and family" in our sojourn in America. It was a time for the young adults to ponder the weighty responsibilities that are on their shoulders to move the family to the next rung of "Jacob's Ladder" by preparing themselves to take full advantage of all of the opportunities that are available to them. It was a time to give thanks and praise to the One who brought us over--from our precarious existence of exploited sharecroppers to our present position of relative prosperity. The reunion was a graphic reminder that, as a family, we should be proud of our rich Christian heritage, and we should face our future with faith and confidence that the best is yet to come.

(June/July 1991, p.4)

By Benjamin L. Hooks

    Vast and sweeping changes in the American economy have great relevance and impact for African-Americans.

    The emerging economic trends, with their requirements for greater technological competence and skill in global competition, call for profound changes in the attitudes of many African-Americans.

African-Americans must be better educated and more academically disciplined if they are to achieve and enjoy full participation in the economy of the 21st Century. It will not be sufficient to acquire the mere modicum of education formerly needed. Much more will be required.

    The requirements for a better educated workforce will be obtained no matter what occupation one pursues. At one time, military service was an option for the school drop-out. That no longer is the case. The recent Gulf War clearly demonstrated that the modern armed forces of the United States demand previously unprecedented levels of technological skill and education. The "smart weapons" now in use cannot be used by dummies.

    It is often noted that old "smokestack America," the America of the great belching factories, has passed down "Industrial Memory Lane." Manufacturing is a declining sector of the economy. Today's economy increasingly is a service economy. Special skills are needed for work in such an economy. In addition to the emerging service economy, American labor increasingly finds itself part of an information economy. Much of the American economy is dependent upon an ability to acquire, digest, and disseminate information. All the changes now underway in the economy call for a better educated population. Greater facility in the sciences and in mathematics will be required. Computer literacy will be demanded. Knowledge of languages other than English will be necessary for competing with and working for multinational corporations that more and more dominate the economic life.

    African-Americans will need these skills if they are not to be shut out of the emerging opportunities afforded by the economy in the decades ahead.

Benjamin L. Hooks,

Executive Director, NAACP

    On Friday evening (July 5) persons staying at the Albany Heritage House Hotel, and many local relatives as well, met at the hotel to receive their reunion T-shirts and be briefed on the schedule of events.

On Saturday Morning, the reunion officially began with devotion in the Macedonia Church sanctuary. Devotion consisted of the singing of "Jacobs Ladder," prayer, a responsive scripture reading, another song ("My Hope is Built"), and a prayer prayed in unison.

    Following devotion, many of the women and older people sat in the air-conditioned church annex and visited with relatives that they had not seen in awhile. The young children romped around outside the church in-between the intermittent summer showers that passed during the brief period before the picnic. (Many of the children, and some adults as well, took advantage of the the pop-corn and snow-cones that were distributed in the church annex). Some of the men and older boys sat outside under the tent that was put there for the reunion, and told family stories. Some people walked through the cemetery and around the church grounds. At around noon, the caterer began serving the food (bar-b-que pork, chicken, and hot-dogs, and potato salad, baked beans, rolls and soft drinks). After the picnic, out of town folk, went back to the hotel for a swim or a nap, or went home with relatives for the remainder of the afternoon.

The Saturday evening banquet at the Heritage House Hotel was especially nice. Rosemary Rucker was the Mistress of Ceremonies, James Gadson gave the invocation, and the talented Angela Alexander sang "You are the Wind Beneath My Wings." The buffet dinner consisted of Brunswick Stew, roast beef, macaroni and cheese, rice, greens, butter beans, coconut custard pie, pecan pie, cake, and so on. There were so many choices that I don't recall everything that was available. (The cooks at the Heritage House know how to hurt a person that's trying to stay on a diet).

    After the delicious dinner, we were entertained by a talent show that had been put together by Essie Bradley and Vera Mae Thomas. They had suggested the talent show as a way to get more of the youth involved in the reunion program. The young people modeled, read an essay, sang, and danced. In addition, Ozzie Alexander sang and our resident comedians, Curtis Telafare and Loverture Carter had the audience in tears with their jokes. The talent show was followed by the presentation of the Mance and Sarah Ann Oxford Memorial Scholarship Awards to Tanya Perry, LaTrisha Walton, Demetrius Smith, and Terri Rucker. The recipients each received a certificate and a $500 stipend from the family. The banquet concluded with the showing of the "Oxford Family slide show" and the recognition of the families present..

    On Sunday morning, the various branches of the Oxford Family packed the Macedonia Baptist Church. Rev. McCluster preached a stirring sermon on the text, "Hold on to the Broken Pieces." It was a sermon about faith and determination in the face of life's disappointments and setbacks. The theme was,"no matter how difficult the trials we face in life, no matter how far down we fall, hold on! Don't give up! The darkest hour of the night comes just before the dawn. There will always be trials--they are a part of life. But don't give up. Put your trust in God and Hold on!"

In a special collection, the Oxford Reunion contributed $751.00 to the church. Loverture Carter offered a prayer to bless the offering.

    After church, the entire delegation drove back to Albany for the farewell dinner and more of that delicious southern cuisine. Again there were so many choices that I don't remember everything that was available, there was smothered steak, turkey pot-pie, seasoned rice, several fresh vegetables, and so on, and a table full of desserts. James Gadson offered the invocation. There was not a program for the farewell dinner, we just visited with each other and tried to come to grips with the fact that it was almost over. Pamela Fordham gave the closing prayer. Then it was farewell hugs and kisses, handshakes, and a few tears.

Our family has come through slavery, up through sharecropping, and into the modern industrial age, and through it all we have preservered and prospered. The large number of young adults, and the bright and energetic children that were in attendance at the 1991 reunion, convinces me that God is not yet through with the Oxford Clan. We can all be proud of our rich Christian heritage, but I believe that the best is yet to come. Hold On!!!

    The next newsletter will be published after Christmas, please send news items to: Monroe Fordham, 49 Calvert Blvd., Tonawanda NY 14150 (716-694-5096).

    This is the final reminder to make your arrangements for the reunion. We've had responses from many relatives who are looking forward to the reunion. I think this is going to be an event to remember. If you plan to stay at the Heritage House Hotel, please call the hotel and make your own reservations. The Oxford family rate is $48 per night. Call the hotel and tell them that you want the family rate--912-888-1910. In addition send Brad the money to cover the cost of the (1) picnic on Saturday, July 6 ($10) per person, (2) Saturday night banquet ($15 per adult and $8 per child under 12), (3) Sunday farewell dinner ($10 per adult and $7 per child under 12), and (4) reunion T-shirt ($9 per shirt). The total package will cost each adult $44, and each child under 12 $34. Complete the enclosed sheet and send with your money to:

Mckinley Bradley

P.O. Box 108

Dawson, GA 31742

912-995-2270

    We are proud to announce two winners for the Mance and Sarah Ann Oxford Memorial Scholarship. Both recipients will receive a check for $500. The winners are Ms. Terri Rucker and Mr. Demetrius Smith.

    Terri is 17 years old and is the "proud granddaughter of the late Otis Oxford and Rosetta Oxford of Orlando Florida," and the daughter of Rev. Harry and Rosemary Rucker. She is listed in Who's Who Among American High School Students, 1989; she was the 1st Attendant to Miss Jones High School, 1990-91; and during her high school years she has won numerous "superlative" ratings in the Jones High Concert Choir.

    Terri will graduate from Jones High School with an academic diploma in the spring, 1991. She states that "My future goals are to attend Bethune-Cookman College in Daytona Beach, Florida. There I plan to pursue a degree in Elementary Education. I want to become an educator because I feel that today's black youth are not getting their fair share in terms of a good education, and I want to be an inspiration to them."

Demetrius Smith is 18 years old and is a senior at the Macon County High School in Montezuma Georgia. Demetrius is the "son of Cynthia Y. Carter, and the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Reginald Carter, Sr.." Included in a long list of high school honors are: member of the National Honor Society; Fellowship of Christian Athletes; Freshman Class President; Student Council; perfect attendance for three years; and Listed in Who's Who Among High School Students.

    Demetrius states that, "My goals for the future are to attend Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia in the fall, 1991, where I will pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science. Upon completion of my B.A. Degree, I plan to further my studies by attending the Howard University Law School, Washington, D.C. Eventually, I hope to establish my own law firm in Atlanta, Georgia.

    Congratulations to Terri and Demetrius, the descendants and members of the Oxford clan wish them well. The scholarship awards will be made at the banquet during the family reunion. We will also recognize last years scholarship winner--Ms. Tanya Perry, daughter of Mrs. Vera Thomas and granddaughter of the late Mrs. Arie D. Fordham-Jackson.

    Robert Carter, of Bloomfield, Connecticut recently contributed $100 to the Mance and Sarah Ann Oxford Memorial Scholarship Award. Robert (the son of the late Ozie B. Carter) is looking forward to attending the Oxford Family Reunion.

    Mrs. Dollie Thornton, of Hartford, Connecticut, (wife of the late Velmer Oxford) recently spent time in the hospital. She is feeling better now, but will not be well enough to attend the family reunion. She was in attendance two years ago and says that she will miss being there this summer.

    Janet Telafare Baquet (daughter of Mr. Curtis and Dorothy Telafare, and granddaughter of Mrs. Nannie Mae Telafare), recently received "certification from the Board of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Sciences." She is presently a veterinary technician at Tulane University School of Medicine. Mrs. Baquet is also a member of the Greater St. Stephen Heritage Singers, under the direction of Professor Moses Hogan. The singers will be performing at Carnegie Hall on September 15, 1991 in a tribute to African American composers. Other participants in the special concert at Carnegie Hall include; Jazz artist Ellis Marsalis; baritone, William Warfield; soprano, Cynthia Hamon; the Morehouse College Glee Club; and numerous others.

    Interested persons can support the concert by sending contributions c/o Mrs. Baquet. Persons who make $10 contributions will receive a copy of "Rejoice New Orleans" (recording of excerpts from the 1991 Choral Celebration of African American composers). Checks should be made out to "Festival of Choirs" and sent to:

Mrs. Janet Telafare Baquet

5230 Annunciation St.

New Orleans, LA 70115

    Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 13, 1991 for Mr. Napoleon Gadson. Mr. Gadson was born in Randolph County, Georgia in 1920, and was the son of the late Perry Gadson and Essie Johnson Gadson. At the time of his death he was a resident of Altamonte Springs, Florida. He was the brother of Mr. James Gadson.

    Cynthia Y. Carter (daughter of Reginald and Naomi Carter) has launched a freelance photography venture. On request, Cynthia will photograph a subject and mount the photo on key rings, photo magnets, or frame it. Your choice will be available for $5. She will have a display at the family reunion.

    Mrs. Annie Lee Oxford (wife of Adolphus "Flick" Oxford, was in the hospital earlier in the year. She is doing better now.

    We are still looking for persons to participate in the talent show at the reunion. If anyone is interested, send me the information or call me before June 1st.

Monroe Fordham

49 Calvert Blvd.

Tonawanda, NY 14150

716-694-5096

    During the Oxford Family Reunion, we want to take a special collection for Macedonia Baptist Church--our family church. We will take the collection on Sunday (July 7) during the church services and it will be given to the church in memory of all of our relatives who are buried in the church cemetery.

    I talked with Brad over the past weekend and plans are on schedule for the reunion. He has already received some reservations. Brad and other family members are working with officials at Macedonia to insure that members of the church are made aware of the "Oxford Family/Macedonia Reunion Picnic" which is planned for Saturday, July 6.

    I have received calls from relatives in Connecticut and have been informed that relatives in the Hartford area are planning to charter a bus to the reunion.

    Vera Thomas (daughter of the late Arie D. Fordham Jackson) had a birthday on March 7. I was informed that she is forty-some. Vera's son, Leon Perry, former star full-back for the University of Oklahoma, is playing with the Sacramento Surge of the World Football League.

    Mancefield Fordham (son of the late Arie D. Fordham Jackson) has a daughter, Faith, who is graduating from the University of Florida this spring.

    Pamela Fordham (daughter of Monroe and Freddie Fordham) is a first year teacher in Virginia. Pamela is a junior high school English teacher in the Fairfax County Public Schools.

    Aunt Martha has moved to a different location, but she still lives in Dawson, Georgia. As of this writing I do not have her new address.

    It was on Sunday, February 17, 1991, we were preparing for church when the telephone rang. Guess who? My very special and always encouraging "Uncle Loverture [Carter]!"

    He called to say hello and, to share a unique little story with me. I found it to be pleasing and rather heart warming. Thought I'd even capture a few of his comments to share in our family newsletter.

    As a personal contribution to the Hartford, Connecticut community, during the past ten years, Uncle Loverture has been a volunteer supporter of many community projects. On Saturday, February 2, 1991, Uncle Loverture, along with other adult chaperons ventured with 40 children from community families to the Annual Shrine's Circus in Hartford, Connecticut. He indicated it was a very rewarding, fun, enjoyable and laughter filled day.

    During the circus visit, to Uncle Loverture's amazement, it was his eight year old grand-daughter "Juanita Stringer" that had the desire and lack of fear to ride a real live elephant, while even the younger and older children were afraid to do so. To little Juanita, it was a once in a life time $3 bumpy ride that she enjoyed and will always remember. "Thanks Grandpa," she said.

    I understand that Juanita is an outgoing and very impressive little girl. She does well in her academic school work at Penny Elementary School in East Hartford. Uncle Loverture is very proud of her and constantly encourages her and all of the other little children to strive for the top.

    Nearing the end of our telephone conversation, Uncle Loverture left me with a thought to ponder, really adding a bit of humor to the personal story. "Cynthia, my grand-daughter is the first in our generation of families to take a ride on a live elephant and she did not even have to visit Africa."

Last Call

    The recipient of the "Mance and Sarah Ann Oxford Scholarship Award, 1991" will be announced at the Oxford Family Reunion, July 6, 1991. High school seniors who plan to apply for the award should submit their applications on or before June 1, 1991. The eligibility guidelines and application procedures are as follows:

1. Applicant must be a relative of, or a member of a family related to a descendent of the Oxford clan.

2. Applicant must be a high school senior who plans to attend college or a trade school following high school graduation.

(Letter of application must include the following)

1. Name, address, phone number, etc.

2. Statement explaining your relationship to the Oxford clan or related families.

3. Statement explaining your vocational or professional goals in life.

4. Copy of your high school transcript.

5. List any honors that you have received.

Mance & Sarah Ann Oxford Scholarship

49 Calvert Blvd.

Tonawanda, NY 14150

    Brad has formalized the arrangements with the hotel in Albany for the Oxford Family reunion. Please make a note of the following, it is information that you will need as you make your own plans to attend the reunion. The headquarters for the reunion will be the Heritage House Hotel (same hotel as the last time). The hotel has given us a room rate of $48.00 per night. All persons who plan to stay at the Heritage House must call or write and make their own room reservations. When you call to make reservations, let them know that you are with the Oxford Family group. The address is as follows:

Heritage House Hotel

732 W. Oglethorpe Blvd.

Albany, GA 31706

Ph. 912--888-1910

    We are planning four formal events as part of the reunion. Saturday: 10 A.M. - 3 P.M., a church picnic which will involve the Oxford Family and members of Macedonia Baptist Church (it will be an old fashioned barbecue on the church grounds); 8 P.M. - 10 P.M. a banquet at the hotel: Sunday: Sunday School and church service at Macedonia; 3 P.M. farewell dinner at the hotel.

    The costs for the reunion sponsored meals will be as follows: (1) catered picnic - $10 per person ; (2) Saturday evening banquet - $15 per adult and $8 per child under 12 yrs.; (3) Sunday afternoon farewell dinner - $10 per adult $7 per child. Brad has also arranged to get the special "Oxford Family Reunion, 1991" T-shirts at a cost of $9 per shirt. In essence, the total package which includes a catered picnic on Saturday, a banquet on Saturday night, a farewell dinner on Sunday, and a special reunion T-shirt, will cost $44 for each adult and $34 for each child under 12 years of age.

    In working with the hotel and other vendors, we are required to pay a substantial amount of the costs as a "down payment". Consequently, we are urging you to send in the costs of the reunion package for you and the members of your family as soon as you can. At the very latest, Brad should have all monies from those who plan to attend the reunion by June 1, 1991. However, it would help if it could be sent earlier. Use the enclosed form and submit your money to:

Mckinley Bradley

P.O. Box 108

Dawson, GA 31742

Ph. 912-995-2711

    The recipient of the "Mance and Sarah Ann Oxford Scholarship Award, 1991" will be announced at the Oxford Family Reunion, July 6, 1991. High school seniors who plan to apply for the award should submit their applications on or before June 1, 1991. The eligibility guidelines and application procedures are as follows:

1. Applicant must be a relative of, or a member of a family related to a descendent of the Oxford clan.

2. Applicant must be a high school senior who plans to attend college or a trade school following high school graduation.

(Letter of application must include the following)

1. Name, address, phone number, etc.

2. Statement explaining your relationship to the Oxford clan or related families.

3. Statement explaining your vocational or professional goals in life.

4. Copy of your high school transcript.

5. List any honors that you have received.

Mance & Sarah Ann Oxford Scholarship

49 Calvert Blvd.

Tonawanda, NY 14150

    Brad has formalized the arrangements with the hotel in Albany for the Oxford Family reunion. Please make a note of the following, it is information that you will need as you make your own plans to attend the reunion. The headquarters for the reunion will be the Heritage House Hotel (same hotel as the last time). The hotel has given us a room rate of $48.00 per night. All persons who plan to stay at the Heritage House must call or write and make their own room reservations. When you call to make reservations, let them know that you are with the Oxford Family group. The address is as follows:

Heritage House Hotel

732 W. Oglethorpe Blvd.

Albany, GA 31706

Ph. 912--888-1910

    We are planning four formal events as part of the reunion. Saturday: 10 A.M. - 3 P.M., a church picnic which will involve the Oxford Family and members of Macedonia Baptist Church (it will be an old fashioned barbecue on the church grounds); 8 P.M. - 10 P.M. a banquet at the hotel: Sunday: Sunday School and church service at Macedonia; 3 P.M. farewell dinner at the hotel.

    The costs for the reunion sponsored meals will be as follows: (1) catered picnic - $10 per person ; (2) Saturday evening banquet - $15 per adult and $8 per child under 12 yrs.; (3) Sunday afternoon farewell dinner - $10 per adult $7 per child. Brad has also arranged to get the special "Oxford Family Reunion, 1991" T-shirts at a cost of $9 per shirt. In essence, the total package which includes a catered picnic on Saturday, a banquet on Saturday night, a farewell dinner on Sunday, and a special reunion T-shirt, will cost $44 for each adult and $34 for each child under 12 years of age.

    In working with the hotel and other vendors, we are required to pay a substantial amount of the costs as a "down payment". Consequently, we are urging you to send in the costs of the reunion package for you and the members of your family as soon as you can. At the very latest, Brad should have all monies from those who plan to attend the reunion by June 1, 1991. However, it would help if it could be sent earlier. Use the enclosed form and submit your money to:

Mckinley Bradley

P.O. Box 108

Dawson, GA 31742

Ph. 912-995-2711

    We are tentatively planning a "family youth" talent show as part of the Saturday banquet during the family reunion. We are urging all of the young people (and the young at heart) who wish to participate in the talent show to write to me and let me know what they wish to do.

Monroe Fordham

49 Calvert Blvd.

Tonawanda, NY 14150

Ph. 716-694-5096

    Josie Telafare Johnson was the first descendent of Mance and Sarah Ann Oxford to graduate from college. Josie is the daughter of Nannie Mae Telafare and granddaughter of the late Mance and Sarah Oxford. Josie attended Spelman College on a partial scholarship in the 1940s. She received her A.B. Degree with a major in Social Science and a minor in English. Later she attended Atlanta University where she received her Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education.

    Following her graduation from Spelman College, Josie accepted a teaching position with the Atlanta Public School System. She taught in the Atlanta Schools for some 35 years before retiring in 1984. Josie credits Louise Weaver Hemphill, "a role model, neighbor, god mother, counselor and lifetime friend," as an early inspiration in her life and a big factor in her success.

Josie is a member of St. Paul of the Cross Roman Catholic Church. She is president of the church's St. Vincent DePaul Society whose projects include visiting nursing homes and helping families in need. Josie enjoys gardening, reading, meditating, traveling, watching sporting events, and charity work. Her goal is to continue using her God given talents to help others.

    Josie's husband of 35 years is Charles Sanders Johnson. Charles is also a college graduate with a Bachelors and Masters degree from Morehouse and Atlanta University respectively. In addition, Charles has an Education Specialist Degree from Emporia State University. Josie and Charles live in Atlanta where they lead a "comfortable, quiet, and fruitful life."

    Evelyn Fordham Williams (daughter of the late Arie D. Jackson Fordham) recently enrolled at a local college in Orlando, Florida to begin studies toward a degree in early childhood education. Going back to college has been one of Evelyn's goals for many years. Its never too late to begin pursuing vocational and educational goals. We wish her well in her studies.

    Loverture Carter (Son of the late Ozzie B. Oxford) recently sent the editor a $100 bill to be applied toward the Mance and Sarah Oxford Scholarship, 1991.

    We would like to do a story on "Uncle Bud," brother of the late Mance Oxford. We would appreciate any information on the family and descendants of "Uncle Bud."

    At our last reunion, we had a slide show of old family pictures that was well received. This year we would like to add recent pictures of families to the slide show. Please send me a recent picture/portrait of your family. I will get a slide made from the picture and return the picture to you. Send the pictures to me at the following address:

Monroe Fordham

49 Calvert Blvd.

Tonawanda, NY 14150