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    Allen Iverson has been called the best point guard in American college basketball. He is the great-grandson of Jesse Mae Oxford Iverson, and grandson of Willie "Coot Jr." Iverson II. Allen is a sophomore basketball player at Georgetown University. The following excerpt was taken from Basketball Digest, December, 1995: "Sophomore guard Allen Iverson averaged 20.4 points, and 3.0 steals per game last season and threatened to break the sound barrier as he flew up and down the court. He led the U.S. team in scoring at the World University Games in August, 1995." Last year, in his freshman season, Allen was the leading scorer and rookie of the year in the Big East Conference. Allen is the latest in a string of Oxford descendants who have excelled in college athletics.

    Leon Perry (son of Mrs. Vera Thomas and grandson of the late Arie D. Fordham Jackson) was a four year starting fullback on the national championship University of Oklahoma football team. Leon is currently a member of the coaching staff at Marshall University. Leon is married and has a young daughter.

Barry Fordham (son of Monroe and Freddie Mae Fordham, and the grandson of the late Arie D. Fordham-Jackson) was a two year starter at forward on the Michigan State University basketball team. Barry is currently an insurance adjuster and resides in Lansing, Michigan. He is pursuing an M.B.A. degree at the University of Michigan.

    There may be others that haven't been brought to our attention. Send us information about other relatives that have been active as college athletes. If there are aspiring high school athletes who dream of participating in college sports, remember, your relatives have already set standards showing what can be done--Go For It!! God is good.

    Self-esteem is the package of beliefs about ourselves that we carry around in our heads. When self-esteem is high, we value ourselves and are armed with the confidence and zest for life that we need to be happy and productive. When it's low, we don't feel good about ourselves. We diminish our strengths and magnify our faults.

    Even if we generally feel strong and confident, we may not feel good about every aspect of our life. We may be relatively happy most of the time, but hate things like, "how our body looks or how we always end up in destructive relationships." While there are no short-cuts to high self-esteem, there are strategies that can help you learn to respect and believe in yourself.

1. Plug into spiritual power. Renew yourself by connecting to the spiritual. Make it a daily practice to read and study the Holy Bible, that practice will bring richness to your life. Begin each day with meditation and prayer. In your daily prayers, ask God for guidance. Be thankful for being alive and for being blessed.

2. Believe in yourself. You are responsible for changing your own life. Always think positive thoughts--thoughts that make you feel good.

3. Celebrate the good in your life. Take an inventory of your strengths and successes. Congratulate yourself for the small accomplishments you make each day. Remember to count the "little" things. Look at your life and take some credit. Do you make it to work everyday? Do you contribute to your community? Are you a good parent? Are you a good son/daughter? A good friend? Every good thing you do is something to be proud of. If something doesn't turn out exactly as you wanted it to, think of it as a challenge and try to meet it.

4. Start each morning with a hug. When you wake up in the morning greet yourself warmly. Look in the mirror, give yourself a hug and say "I love (your name)" twelve different ways.

5. Honor your feelings-they are part of you. Your mood is part of who you are. Remember, every challenge is an opportunity for growth.

(M. Callye Burk-Holmes is the daughter of Robert and

Winifred Carter)

    Every November our family comes from different parts of the country to come together in Connecticut for the most fulfilling, fun times. Brothers and sisters, their children, and mom and dad come together and reflect back on our growing up years. We recall when we were youngsters and dad would ask a question trying to get a straight answer from us. Dad's famous saying "Come clean or come smellin' like soap," would assure a very precise answer to whatever question he would be asking.

At those gatherings, we sisters and brothers would reflect on the "chicken and rice" fights across the kitchen table when mom and dad weren't looking. Then too, sisters almost always remember that favorite suit or skirt, or sweater that disappeared from the closet because younger sister Sandra just happened to borrow it without asking. Of course, that wasn't known until she is spotted getting off the school bus. And what about those military haircuts that dad would give Reggie and Tony through high school??? Today, the shaved head is the style!! Those family gatherings are important, because they remind us of who we are as a family. They help us to see where we come from so that we can know where we are going. Mom and dad, and those family incidents, play a serious role in who we will be throughout our entire lives. Each lesson, each scolding, each hug and each smile make us who we are today. We must all give thanks to our Moms and Dads. Have you told them you love them today.

    Robert and Winifred Carter are proud to announce the birth of two granddaughters. Their oldest daughter, Sandra and husband Steven Brown, were the proud parents of Sabrina Joy Brown (9 Pounds 6 oz., born December 19, 1994. The Carter's oldest son Reginald and wife Helen, from Massachusetts, were the parents of a daughter, Pearl Simone Carter. Baby Pearl weighed 9 pounds and 4 oz. Robert and Winifred also have 5 grandsons.

    The oldest grandson, Daron Anthony Burk, of Columbia, SC, has been employed by UPS for about 5 years. (Daron is the son of M. Callye Burk). Over the Labor-Day holiday, Daron received word that he has been hired by Coke-a-Cola and began his new job in September, 1995.

M. Callye Burk-Holmes, (the eldest daughter of Robert and Winifred), now living in Oxford, Alabama, has been appointed Chairman of Programs for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Calhoun County (Alabama). Since accepting the Chair, Callye has developed an entrepreneurial program for youth from single parent homes, substance abuse users and border-line gang members in the county that offers alternative career choices. The first program developed by Callye is in conjunction with Jacksonville State University     Communications Department. The youth will attend workshops receiving pertinent instruction and participation in a television/video workshop which will motivate them towards continuing their education. Workshops in Cosmetology, Photography, and Landscaping will begin this fall. Plans to offer these workshops on an on-going basis are being developed. Between singing jazz with members from the Fort McClellan Army Band, Callye serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Calhoun County, the Olympic Task Force, the Small Business Council, Business After Hours Committee for Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce and Business Expo Committee. Callye has recently accepted a position at WJSU TV-40 of Anniston, Alabama, as Producer in the News Department.

    On November 15, a faulty fireplace in one of the apartments of the Moonraker Bay Apartment complex caused a fire that gutted eight apartments and left eight others with heavy smoke damage. One of the apartments that was completely destroyed was inhabited by Arcolia "Teck" Myers, and her son Darious. The fire started in an apartment above theirs, but they were one of the unfortunate families that lost everything. The Red Cross was called in to assist affected families in relocating. A local newspaper reported that "since most [victims] didn't have even basic hygiene necessities, [the Red Cross] handed small plastic bags with soap, washcloths, toothpaste, deodorant and other necessities." This will probably be a very difficult holiday season for "Teck" and her family. Persons who wish to assist the family, should send contributions to Essie Bradley, 4521 Legend Hollow Lane, Powder Springs, GA 30073.

    Adolphus Oxford, Sr, departed this life on October 6, 1995 at HCA Palmyra Park Medical Center, Albany, following a long illness. Adolphus "Flick", was the son of the late "Dock" and Annie Mae Oxford. His wife of 60 years was Annie Lee Oxford. The couple had eleven children. One child, Annie Bell Oxford preceded him in death.

    Adolphus, a deacon in the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, left many relatives to mourn his passing. He left seven daughters, Cessie Reid and Annette Threats, of Dawson, GA; Evelyn Anderson, Brockton, MA; Martha Harden, Newark, NJ; Josie Bakon, Stoughton, MA; Deloris Ogbonna, Lanham, MD; and Marilyn Elliot, Dorchester, MA; three sons, Deacon Adolphus Oxford, Jr., and Deacon Otis Oxford, of Dawson, GA; and Willie James Oxford, Salinas, CA; one brother, Johnnie "Duke" Oxford, and one sister, Essie Belle Leary, both of Lexington, NY. He also leaves 22 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.

    The funeral services were held at Macedonia Baptist Church in Parrott, GA. Rev. Melvin McCluster officiated. Interment was in the church cemetery.

    Jimmy L. Iverson, son of Jessie Mae Iverson and grandson of the late Jess Oxford, graduated from Fayetteville Technical Community College on August 22, 1995 with an Associates degree in Applied Science in Horticulture Business Technology. Jimmy is using his training in his lawn care and landscape business (Bell Maintenance, Inc.). Jimmy and his partner, Byrd Painting Co. were awarded a five year government with Pope Air Force Base for grounds maintenance.

    Shawana D. Iverson, daughter of Jimmy Iverson has just entered her third year at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte. Her major is Social Work.

    Kimmetrice Oxford, daughter of Marilyn Oxford and granddaughter of Annie Lee and the late Adolphus Oxford, Sr., will be graduating from Needham High School on June 5, 1996.

    Cynthia Carter-Bulger has been appointed to the South Georgia Technical Institute (SGTI) Board of Directors, for a three-year term. The SGTI Board of Directors consists of business and community leaders representing five county service areas. The Board interprets State Board policy and keeps the school informed of local industry and community needs for programs and services to be provided by the school. In addition, the Board develops and implements local policies to carry out the intent and purpose of State Board policies.

    Demetrius M. Smith, son of Cynthia Carter-Bulger, is a graduate student at the University of Georgia at Athens. Demetrius is employed as a graduate resident, and is pursuing a Master of Student Personnel Degree. His mother reports that "Demetrius is a true role model, high achiever, and puts forth his best efforts in the classroom. He is highly concerned about motivating younger family members to continue learning, and not be concerned more about current fads than grades!"

    In November, Mrs. Beulah McCloud sent a contribution of $50 to the Oxford Scholarship Fund. Mrs. McCloud lives in Cincinnati, Ohio. She is the granddaughter of Mance Oxford's sister--"Aunt Hun." Persons who wish to contribute to the scholarship fund should make checks payable to the "Oxford Scholarship." Send to: Monroe Fordham, 49 Calvert Blvd., Tonawanda, NY 14150.

    This is to announce that the Mance and Sarah Ann Oxford Scholarship for 1996 is now open for applications. The scholarship awards, in the amount of $500 each will be made in July, 1996. 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, and listing the college or trade school that you plan to attend.

4. A copy of your high school transcript.

5. The application deadline is June 1, 1996.

Mance & Sarah Ann Oxford Scholarship

49 Calvert Blvd.

Tonawanda, NY 14150

    As we prepare for the Christmas season and our local family get-togethers, let us not forget to give honor, praise and thanksgiving to the God who "brought us over" and planted our family on the road to prosperity. Let us reflect on the reason for celebrating the season. When we bless the table on Christmas day, ask everyone present to thank God for at least one thing--even the little children. On behalf of my family, I want to wish all of you a very merry Christmas, and a happy and prosperous new year.

    One of our objectives in doing the Oxford Family Newsletter is to offer encouragement and inspiration to members of our extended family. Life is hard in today's world, and families need all the support and assistance they can get in their efforts to raise their children and to cope. If you know of relatives that are not on our mailing list or who have moved, send us a list of their addresses and phone numbers.

The next issue of the Oxford Family Newsletter, will be prepared in the spring, 1996. We invite everyone to share news and information on events pertaining to your particular family. Send your news items to:

Monroe Fordham

49 Calvert Blvd.

Tonawanda, NY 14150

716-694-5096

    Life on a farm in pre-WWII southwest Georgia was hard--especially for black families. The work schedule was demanding and the economic rewards were barely enough to keep families alive. But our forebearers preservered and not only survived the hardships, but built a legacy that should inspire future generations to courageously confront any obstacle that the world can throw at us.

    Early springtime on the farm was a time for burning the fields, plowing, planting, and constantly weeding the young crops. It was a time for cleaning out barns and spreading manure over the fields. It was a time for doing repairs to farm buildings and equipment. There was always work to do--as soon as the fields were hoed and weeded, it was time to start over and weed the same fields again.

    The summers were especially hard. Late July thru September were months for "shaking and stacking" peanuts, and picking cotton. The days were long, the sun was hot, and shaking peanuts and picking cotton was back-breaking stoop labor. And the summer nights didn't bring much respite. The nights were hot and humid, and the doors and windows of farmhouses had no screens to keep out the hordes of mosquitoes and biting black flies. The flying tormentors made life miserable for humans and farm animals alike. The workday was usually from sun-up to sun-down, Monday thru Friday, with a three hour rest period in the middle of the day. Most farmers worked a half-day on Saturday.

Saturday afternoons and evenings were usually spent in town. Black farmers usually went to town on Saturdays to buy supplies and staple food items on credit from one of the "company" stores. Saturday afternoons in town were times for important social gatherings. Young men and young women would often spend the time courting. Children played games, or walked back and forth from one end of the main street to the other, or just sat on the freight platform by the highway and counted the cars that went by. Older people would socialize in various activities. Pick-up baseball teams from nearby towns would come to play our home team on make-shift ball fields in nearby cow-pastures. Saturdays-in-town were the only opportunities for large social get-togethers other than through the church.

    The pre-1960s South was a dangerous and hostile place for a black man/woman. Even if he/she was careful and stayed in their prescribed "place," they were not necessarily safe. White men could rape or abuse young black girls and women (even married women) without any fear of punishment. White merchants could openly cheat black customers without fear of even being challenged. Whites could take advantage of blacks in almost any way, and blacks could expect no justice, or even expressions of concern, if they complained. The weekend sheriff could brutalize young black men with night sticks or billy clubs, or even kill them, on a whim. The lives of every single black southerner, every single one, was touched directly and substantially in some way by the demeaning and dehumanizing practices of "the southern way of life."

    Black farm families spent most of the day on Sunday in church. Macedonia (in Parrott) usually shared a minister with several other churches, and generally the minister preached at Macedonia on the first Sunday. On the other Sundays, Deacons or lay persons would conduct religious services. The church was an important institution in the life of black farmers. It was the spiritual coping mechanism that made the hard life bearable.

    No matter how brutal and oppressive the racism and discrimination, or how physically draining the work schedule became, black farmers always maintained a faith that their omnipotent God was leading them to a better day. Life was tough, but through it all they put their trust in God and continued to lift up his name. No matter how many setbacks they experienced or how bleak their circumstances, upon waking up each morning, they thanked God for another day. No matter how skimpy the food might be, they always blessed the table and thanked God for what they had. During times of drought they prayed for rain. They prayed for relief during hard economic times. They prayed for protection in a violent and savage land.     They prayed for better times for their children. They even prayed for their unborn descendants.

    And here we are, our generation is living proof that God answers prayer. We climbed on the backs of our parents and moved up. We encouraged our children and helped them to take advantage of opportunities that were not even imagined by our ancestors. Our family is indeed "Climbing Jacob's Ladder." We owe a great debt to our forebearers and to their descendants--even to those yet unborn. More importantly, we should continually give credit and thanks to the God that brought us over.

    We demean our family legacy when we don't take full advantage of the opportunities that are open to us. We demean that legacy when we fail to nurture and help our children. We demean that legacy when we don't try to avoid the snares of the "modern" world. We have a special responsibility to try to keep our family's spiritual legacy alive and pass it on to our children. Our family should adopt as its motto, the words of the late poet--Robert Frost:

    Johnny Albert Hall died on August 13, 1995 at Putney Memorial Hospital in Albany, GA, following an automobile accident. John Albert was the husband of Gloria Jean Oxford Hall (oldest daughter of of the late John L. "J-Bird" Oxford). The funeral services were held at Macedonia Baptist Church, Parrott, GA. John Albert left a wife and four young children. He was 34 years old.

    Shandra Bradley (daughter of McKinley & Essie Bradley) plans to transfer to Kennesaw State College or Georgia State College. Shandra a computer science major, is a former recipient of the Oxford Scholarship. The Bradley's son, Oshey Demetrious, is a high school senior and will graduate in 1996.

    Cynthia Ann Fordham and Charles Woods were united in marriage on July 8, 1995. The ceremony was held at Friendship Baptist Church, Lansing, Michigan. Rev. Clyde Carnagie was the officiating minister. (Cynthia is the daughter of Monroe and Freddie Mae Fordham, and the granddaughter of the late Arie D. Fordham Jackson). In addition to their friends, local relatives, and members of their church families; out-of-town relatives of both Cynthia and Charles were in attendance. Charles' mother, his sister, brother, and some nieces and nephews came from Columbus, Georgia. Cynthia's parents, her sister, and neice came from Buffalo, New York. Her uncles--Lawrence and Mancefield Fordham, her aunts--Mrs. Vera Thomas, and Mrs. Evelyn Williams, and cousins Ivy Williams, Nivea Fordham, and Andrea Fordham came from Orlando, Florida. Her Aunt Mrs. Willie Ethel Dyer (Kansas City, KS.), and Cousin Mrs. Harla Mason (Atlanta, GA) also attended. Cynthia and Charles will live in Lansing, MI.

    Following the wedding, the couple spent several days on Mackinaw Island in Upper Michigan. They then drove to Charles' family reunion in Clearwater, FLA., and visited Disney World and Sea World. While in Orlando the couple attended a dinner given in their honor at the home of Cynthia's aunt and uncle--Evelyn and Russell Williams. Others attending the dinner included Ivy Williams; Vera Thomas, Rosemary Oxford Rucker, Tammy Fordham and her son Marcus.

Sister

There aren't many things that possess

true beauty.

Your dream bursting into life on this day

through your eyes

and your bright smile

The harp's chord

Eyes meeting again

for the first time

Trading dad's hand for another,

the last letting

go

after

the

long

walk

together

Clinking silver

engaging the new couple

to a

kiss

As you float through familiar faces,

envying and in awe

of you

on your day

In perfect white

unblemished

holding the marriage of

fate and the future

in your

hands

My Faith Is Renewed.

Pam Fordham

    The next Oxford Family Newsletter is scheduled for January, 1996. Please send your news items, announcements, and other information you wish to share with the family to:

Monroe Fordham

49 Calvert Blvd.

Tonawanda, NY 14150

716-694-5096

    Having problems with your children or spouse? Trying to cope with disappointments, failures, or personal setbacks? Friends and loved ones let you down? Up against the wall and don't know where to turn for help? Feeling incomplete and unfulfilled in spite of your worldly achievements and material assets?

If the trials and tribulations of life are getting you down, you need to seek relief from a source that's been tried and tested. When you need direction and a helping hand, turn to the one who stood by our ancestors during the dark and seemingly hopeless days under slavery and the sharecropping system. Turn to the one who overcame the world and conquered death! Turn to the one who offers inner peace, hope, and tranquillity to those who love him and who place their trust in him! Turn to the one who has the power to enable us to handle the heaviest burdens that life can place on us! Turn to the one who gave up his life and reclaimed it so that imperfect vessels like you and me could have access to salvation. If you are frustrated, unfulfilled, disillusioned, disappointed, discouraged, and don't know where to turn, turn to Jesus!!

Monroe Fordham

    Two of Annie Lee Oxford's daughters were married on April 15. Josie Garrett was married to Frank Baker. The wedding took place in Boston, Massachusetts. Another daughter, Annett Oxford was married to Alexander Streath. Annett's wedding took place in Dawson, Georgia.

Otis Oxford, (Annie Lee's son), and Otis' wife went to Boston for the wedding of his sister--Josie. While in the northeast, Otis drove to Hartford where he visited L`Overture Carter and Aunt Martha Oxford. Otis also went to Newark, New Jersey and visited his uncle Johnny ("Duke") Oxford. From Newark, Otis drove to Virginia and visited another sister.

    Cynthia Ann Fordham, daughter of Monroe and Freddie Fordham, has announced that she plans to be married to Charles Woods on July 8, 1995. The wedding is scheduled to take place in Lansing, Michigan. Charles is a native of Columbus, Georgia. He currently lives in Lansing. Cynthia is an elementary school teacher in the Lansing Public School system.

    Pamela Fordham, the youngest daughter of Monroe and Freddie Fordham, was recently awarded a Masters Degree in English, from Buffalo State College. The graduation ceremonies were held on May 19, 1995. Pam is a high school English teacher in the Buffalo Public Schools.

    Reggie and Naomi Carter attended Macedonia Baptist Church, Parrott, Georgia on Sunday, April 2, 1995. They attended Macedonia's Youth Day program. The young people orchestrated the entire program including devotional service, ushers, and gospel singing.

    SFC Reginald Carter, Jr. was scheduled to return from Saudi Arabia on May 2, 1995 after a three-year tour of duty. He will be stationed at Ft. Stewart, Near Savannah, Georgia. October `95 will mark Reggie's 20th year of dedicated service to the United States Army. His wife Jessie, and children Trez' and Casey, along with family members are slated to welcome him home.

    Maj. Calvin Carter, stationed in Stuttgart, Germany, is back in the United States for a 12 week human resources training program at Norfolk, Virginia.

    Demetrius M. Smith will receive a second Bachelor's Degree (this one in History) from Valdosta State University on June 10, 1995. Demetrius has been accepted as a graduate resident at the University of Georgia in Athens, for the Fall `95, to pursue a Masters Degree in Student Personnel in Higher Education. His goal is to eventually pursue a Ph.D. Degree. Demetrius is the son of Cynthia Carter-Bulger, and the grandson of Reggie and Naomi Carter.

    SFC James A. Bulger, Jr. (husband of Cynthia Carter-Bulger) was recently promoted in rank in the United States Army. He was transferred from Naples, Florida to SW Atlanta, Georgia as Army Recruiting Station Commander. If there are cousins interested in careers in the Army, give James a call at (404) 349-5030.

    Cynthia Carter-Bulger was a distinguished participant during the 1995 2nd Annual Congressional Delegation sponsored by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce in Atlanta, Georgia. Keynote Speaker was the Honorable Newt Gingrich, U.S. Speaker of the House. An active member of Leadership Georgia's Class of `95, Cynthia believes there are leaders and there are followers--she is a dynamic leader.

    This is to announce that the Mance and Sarah Ann Oxford Scholarship for 1995 is now open for applications. The scholarship awards, in the amount of $500 each will be made in July, 1995. 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.

Eligibility Requirements

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.

Procedure For Applying

(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, and listing the college or trade school that you plan to attend.

4. A copy of your high school transcript.

5. The application deadline is July 1, 1995.

Mance & Sarah Ann Oxford Scholarship

49 Calvert Blvd.

Tonawanda, NY 1415

    The next issue of the Oxford Family Newsletter will be published in the fall of the year. Send in news about students (college and/or grade school), family activities, awards and achievements, or any other information that you wish to share with the family. If you know of relatives or friends that are not currently receiving the newsletter and who wish to receive it, send me their names and addresses. I hope you have a good summer. Monroe.

Send News Items to:

Monroe Fordham

49 Calvert Blvd.

Tonawanda, N.Y. 14150

(716) 694-5096