Browsing: Religion

       In a statement, the town said, “Cole’s legacy of service, compassion, and commitment to progress will forever be etched in the heart of Eatonville. We honor his life, leadership, and the indelible impact he made on generations past, present, and future.”  Cole was an outspoken supporter for preserving the town’s history, including at the site of the former Hungerford School, the area’s first school for Black students.

       David Jolly lived up to his reputation of going far and wide to make his case to Floridians. He drove from South Florida to St. Augustine to meet with members of the Florida General Baptist Convention. He was the first gubernatorial candidate to address the group in a forum, offering answers on spiraling healthcare costs, education funding, gun violence, restoring the autonomy of state universities, and Black history in the public school curriculum.

     Dr. Richard Beckford, the pioneering Director of Bands at Florida Memorial University who established the institution’s ROAR Marching Band, has died following complications from a longstanding illness. The university announced his passing Dec. 26, sparking a wave of tributes from the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) band community honoring his legacy of musical precision, show design, and student mentorship.

Graveside Service Information Beloved  Dr. Margaret Weaver,  Friday, December 26, 2025 at 1 p.m., at Sunset Memorial Gardens  Graniteville, SC Officiating Rev. William Wright, Cousin  A Memorial Service will be held at a later date at  Antioch Baptist Church North  Rev. Kenneth L. Alexander, Pastor Date and time to be announced.