Ellerbe Councilman reflects on legacy and progress

HAMLET— Ellerbe Town Councilman Jeremy McKenzie was a guest speaker at the Hamlet Senior Center’s Black History Month program.

“He’s definitely not a stranger to any of us, right? If you don’t know him, he’s not hard to get to know. He’s very friendly, personal and charismatic and he’s got a good heart on him,” said Hamlet Senior Center Director Amanda Kempen as she introduced McKenzie to the attendees.

“I do believe that God has given us grace and his mercy for us to be here, despite everything going on in the world. We can still give Him his due grace,” McKenzie said in his opening speech.

He proceeded to thank God for his accomplishments. “I’m not a stranger to the senior center. I’ve been here several times for different events. As you can see, my bio is right in front of your faces. It doesn’t seem like a whole lot, but I thank God because he has given me talents and gifts to be an asset to the community. This year, I’ll be celebrating 10 years in public office.”

McKenzie also recognized Black individuals who paved the way for future generations, including Dr. Fred McQueen, former president of the Richmond County chapter of the NAACP and recipient of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine in 2016; attorney and former Hamlet City Council member Derek Crawford; Dr. Wendell Wells, a medical doctor and Navy pilot; and current council member Maurice Stuart II.

“We thank God for those individuals who have paved the way and made contributions to this place where it’s supposed to be today,” McKenzie said.

He also reflected on J.C. Watkins’ legacy, noting his historic role as the first African American city councilman and county commissioner in Richmond County. “He paved the way for a lot of Black elected officials because back in the ’50s and ’60s, there were none here.”

McKenzie shared how mentorship and guidance from his parents shaped his life. “None of us stands alone on our own. We all stand on the shoulders of someone who came before us, someone who laid the foundation, set the example, taught us, mentored us, led us and loved us. I am reminded of my parents, who laid a solid foundation for me and my siblings not only through their old-school upbringing but also their military background. Because of my parents, I never served a day in jail.”

He emphasized that everyone has someone who has inspired them and helped shape their character. “We all have people whose shoulders we stand on. Those who had made a difference in our life, who’ve helped us strengthen our faith and those who are examples for us to follow.”

McKenzie also highlighted the importance of teaching younger generations about history. “It is time for us to teach our young people the legacy and history, when we were brought involuntarily here on the slave ships from Africa, then was enslavery, followed by the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863, then you have reconstruction, coming into Jim Crow, segregation days. Then you’re coming through the time of the 70s and 80s where crack and cocaine hit the streets. And in the 90s, you’re dealing with a lot of wars with the Persian Gulf, Cold War, and then some years later, we had 9/11. Then a lot of us witnessed the election of our first Black president in the United States in 2008. So we as a people, we have come a long way.”

The Black History Month celebrations at Hamlet Senior Center will continue throughout February with additional guest speakers:

• Friday, Feb. 14 – Pastor Edwardo Ash from the Church of Freedom Ministries in Raeford at 1 p.m.

• Monday, Feb. 17 – D.M. Mason, leading pastor of Diggs Memorial United Holy Church at 12:30 p.m.

• Friday, Feb. 21 – Laura Hardy, CEO of Hardy Group Insurance at 12:30 p.m.

• Monday, Feb. 24 – Esco Latimer, retired U.S. Marine veteran at 12:30 p.m.

• Friday, Feb. 28 – Mary Ann and Judah, Praise Dancers of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church at 12:30 p.m.